Notifications are more than just news tickers

The best-known form of notification is the classic push message, which every news app now offers. A corresponding message is sent to the user of the specific application via a server. Although this is a simple pop-up for the user, there is complex programming behind it, especially if the notifications can be divided into different topics or languages that can be subscribed to or switched off independently of each other.

These so-called silent notifications do not trigger a pop-up, sound or other message for the user, but are sent to the app in the background. If the app is not being actively used, it can be “woken up” and provided with new content without the user having to be explicitly informed. For example, the app is informed by the server that there are new updates, updated data is sent to the app or other information is transmitted that is necessary for the app to function. In the case of an app for employees, this could be, for example, the updating of intranet messages, which are then displayed when the app is opened.

Local notifications are pre-programmed in the respective app and are triggered by a timer without requiring a connection to a server. It is information that alerts the user to something that happens during the course of use: For example, a “We miss you” if the app has not been opened for a week. Duolingo is one of the apps with such messages if you have neglected your lessons for a few days. Many free-to-play games also use this type of notification. They ensure that the game is either brought back to the user’s memory or to inform them that the virtually planted pumpkin can now be harvested.

Just walked through the door at home? The app knows and reminds you of your to-dos. Just near your favorite store and you have the app on your phone? A discount notification might pop up. The notification is triggered based on your location. A distinction is made between location-based and geo-location-based notifications.

Location-based means nothing other than that people within a certain radius are informed with a message. FourSquare is one of the best-known examples. Starbucks also uses this type of notification to draw attention to promotions and specials in the vicinity. The recipients are selected according to their IP address or place of residence. The trigger lies with the sender.

Geo-location based notifications, on the other hand, are completely different. Just turned into the street of a newly opened Starbucks? The app will let you know. Strolling down the shopping street just ten minutes away from your next favorite store? A pop-up could alert you. These notifications are triggered by your phone’s GPS or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals. The user moves into the corresponding radius of the transmitter and triggers the trigger – a virtual tripwire, so to speak. The trigger is therefore not the transmitter, but the receiver itself.

A few more examples of location-based notifications can be found here.

Websites now also offer the option of push notifications. They are linked to the use of a specific page and can either be accepted or rejected by the user. This type of notification is now permitted by all common systems, such as Android, Mac or Windows – only iOS devices such as the iPhone do not allow this. (What are Progressive WebApps? Find out more here).

Notifications therefore offer various ways of encouraging users to use the app regularly. However, as with the app itself, the fish has to like the worm, not the angler – and too many push notifications can lead to the user uninstalling the app or switching off the messages. Therefore, the question of possible (or necessary) push notifications should always be considered when designing an app. More on this soon in our next blog article on the topic of notifications.