Perficient Research Reveals Key Insights into Consumer Preferences for Connected Products
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, connected products are reshaping industries—from smart home devices to advanced in-store technologies. However, a new study by Perficient, a leading global digital consultancy, reveals that manufacturers may be underestimating users’ concerns about privacy and ecosystem integration, creating a gap between consumer expectations and product strategies. This research provides critical insights for businesses looking to enhance their connected product offerings and build stronger customer loyalty.
Bridging the Gap Between Manufacturers and Users
As connectivity becomes a cornerstone of modern products, companies are racing to innovate and capture market share. Yet, while manufacturers focus on features and functionality, consumers and business users are grappling with concerns about data privacy, trust, and how well these products integrate into broader ecosystems. Perficient’s comprehensive survey of over 1,300 respondents across multiple industries highlights key discrepancies between what users value and how manufacturers perceive those priorities.
“Manufacturers need to shift from a product-centric approach to a solutions-driven strategy,” said Kevin Espinosa, Manufacturing Industry Leader at Perficient. “Understanding customer needs and addressing their concerns is essential to building trust and increasing adoption.”
The study underscores the importance of aligning product development with user sentiment to create effective connected product strategies that drive revenue growth and foster brand loyalty.
Trust and Privacy: The Top Priorities for Consumers
One of the most striking findings from Perficient’s research is the disparity in how manufacturers and consumers view trust as a factor influencing purchasing decisions. While consumers ranked trust as the top consideration when buying connected products, manufacturers placed it among the lowest priorities.
Additionally, data privacy emerged as a significant concern for users. Only 19% of consumers reported feeling “very aware” of the data collected by connected products, highlighting a lack of transparency that could hinder adoption. Despite these concerns, end-user responses regarding the benefits and potential features of connected products were overwhelmingly positive, indicating an opportunity for manufacturers to address privacy issues while capitalizing on user enthusiasm.
“The goal of our research was to identify where users and manufacturers align or disagree on priorities,” said Jim Hertzfeld, Area Vice President at Perficient. “What we found were discrepancies in trust levels and ecosystem integration that manufacturers must address to improve adoption and loyalty.”
The Importance of Ecosystem Integration
Another key insight from the study is the growing demand for seamless integration into broader connected ecosystems. Consumers expect their devices to work harmoniously within their existing setups, whether in smart homes, workplaces, or industrial environments. Unfortunately, many manufacturers are falling short in delivering this level of interoperability.
By prioritizing ecosystem compatibility, manufacturers can enhance the user experience and differentiate their products in a crowded marketplace. This includes improving user interfaces, streamlining connectivity, and ensuring compatibility with popular platforms and devices.
Strategic Recommendations for Manufacturers
Based on the findings, Perficient outlines several actionable steps for manufacturers to refine their connected product strategies:
- Assess Data Collection Practices: Transparency is crucial. Manufacturers should clearly communicate what data is being collected, how it’s used, and how it’s protected. Implementing robust privacy measures can help build trust and alleviate user concerns.
- Enhance User Experience: Focus on creating intuitive interfaces and seamless interactions. A positive user experience is a key driver of adoption and loyalty.
- Explore New Revenue Streams: Subscription-based models and value-added services can provide ongoing engagement and open up additional revenue opportunities.
- Leverage Data for Insights: Use data analytics to better understand customer needs and preferences. This enables manufacturers to tailor their offerings and address pain points effectively.
- Features and Benefits**: Highlight the practical benefits of connected products, such as convenience, efficiency, and cost savings, to appeal to both consumer and commercial users.
Driving Adoption and Loyalty Through Consumer-Centric Strategies
Perficient’s research makes it clear that success in the connected product space hinges on understanding and addressing user needs. By adopting a solutions-driven approach, manufacturers can bridge the gap between consumer expectations and product capabilities.
For example, improving data transparency and implementing stronger privacy safeguards can help build trust, while enhancing ecosystem integration ensures that products meet the demands of modern users. These efforts not only increase adoption but also foster long-term loyalty, giving manufacturers a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market.
About Perficient’s Connected Products Research Study
To uncover these insights, Perficient conducted three surveys targeting different audiences:
- Consumers: Individuals aged 18+ in North America who own and use connected products.
- Business Users: Professionals using connected products at companies with 501+ employees.
- Manufacturers: Professionals working at connected product manufacturing companies with 501+ employees.
A total of 1,307 respondents across 23 industries, nine divisions, and five functions participated in the study, providing a diverse and comprehensive dataset.
Partnering with Perficient for Success
With decades of experience helping organizations navigate digital transformation, Perficient offers unparalleled expertise in developing smart strategies and implementing the right technologies to accelerate time-to-market and deliver exceptional consumer experiences.
To learn more about Perficient’s research findings and how they can inform your connected product strategy, visit Perficient.com or follow them on social media.
In a world where connectivity is no longer optional, Perficient’s research serves as a roadmap for manufacturers seeking to create products that resonate with users, address their concerns, and unlock new opportunities for growth. By prioritizing trust, privacy, and ecosystem integration, companies can position themselves as leaders in the connected product revolution.
