The last decade saw a revolution in how goods and services are consumed and provided. The on-demand economy, fuelled by smartphone apps, has transformed traditional businesses worldwide. Revenue in the application development software market is projected to reach US$179.90bn in 2024 (statista).
The on-demand economy has transformed company models and empowered customers in transportation, food delivery, housing, and freelancing services. This change has relied on mobile app development services to link businesses with consumers in new ways.
So, in this article let’s discuss the rise of the on-demand economy and how mobile apps are disrupting traditional industries.
What is the On-Demand Economy?
In the on-demand economy, often known as the “sharing economy” or “gig economy,” consumers receive goods and services quickly or with minimal wait. Technology, especially smartphone apps, powers this economy’s convenience, accessibility, and immediacy.
In the on-demand economy, on-demand app development revolutionizes business models and empowers immediate satisfaction by providing seamless access to services and products at the touch of a screen. More than 22.4 million people are attracted now by the on-demand economy each year as per the American Community Survey by US Census Bureau (hbr org).
Uber is widely cited as the ultimate on-demand economy model. The taxi industry is being disrupted by smartphone users who can call a transport in minutes. The on-demand economy includes food delivery, lodging, home services, and freelance employment in addition to transportation.
5 Key Characteristics of The On-Demand Economy
Several distinguishing characteristics set the on-demand economy apart from more conventional forms of company organization:
1. Instant Access
The convenience of having access to products and services at the touch of a button is a major selling point of on-demand services. Customers may satisfy their demands with only a few taps on their cellphones, whether it’s for transportation, food, or freelancing work.
2. Adaptability
In the on-demand economy, customers and businesses alike benefit from a high degree of adaptability. Customers may get the help they need whenever they want it, and businesses can set their own schedules and conditions.
3. Direct Exchange of Products or Services Between Users
Numerous on-demand platforms enable users to engage in direct exchanges of products or services between users, eliminating the need for middlemen. Because of this deregulation, more people can participate as independent contractors and more people have access to markets.
4. Systems for Rating and Review
The on-demand economy places a premium on openness and responsibility. Users can rate and review service providers on most platforms according to their experiences. This contributes to the upkeep of high standards and fosters confidence among the community.
5. Dynamic Pricing
On-demand platforms frequently use dynamic pricing models, in which prices change in response to market forces. As a result, providers are motivated to fulfill peak demand and resources are allocated efficiently.
3 Technologies That are Great Enablers of The On-Demand Economy
Over time, technology has created an on-demand economy. API proliferation allows developers to create secure, feature-rich apps on a budget. However, three technological advances are key to the on-demand economy. They are:
1. Mapping APIs
Developers may utilize Mapbox to add real-time navigation and maps to apps. Most on-demand firms utilize maps because customers want real-time order tracking. Traffic updates, directions, and projected arrival times are provided using mapping interfaces.
2. Payment Options
Commerce APIs simplify payments for developers and users. Braintree and Stripe’s simple interfaces allow secure payment. Developers can easily integrate these APIs into projects without transaction security worries.
3. Front-End Frameworks
React, Angular and other front-end frameworks are flexible, configurable, and easy to alter. App developers may provide great client experiences using programming languages’ many interfaces.
Industries being Disrupted by the On-Demand Economy
We learn about new on-demand startups and services every day. The on-demand business concept has swept the globe regardless of industry. However, some industries lead this on-demand transition, such as:
1. Food Delivery
Have you ever ordered meals online? to ‘When was the last time you ordered food online?’ to ‘How many times do you order food online in a month’: meal delivery applications have changed our lives in recent years.
On-demand business concepts revolutionized the food industry. Consumers now expect doorstep delivery of groceries, packaged foods, and cooked dinners. Other food sector trends included on-demand restaurant table booking.
Many organizations have tried on-demand business models in recent years. Most have used the model’s features to succeed, although a handful have closed for various reasons. The online food delivery market worldwide is projected to grow by 9.49% (2024-2029), resulting in a market volume of US$1.92tn in 2029 (statista).
2. Healthcare
Entrepreneurs are also testing on-demand business ideas in healthcare. Many apps help patients get home health care. The on-demand economy has made medical care more affordable and accessible. The global digital health market was valued at over 330 billion U.S. dollars in 2022 (statista).
No more waiting in line or calling to make a doctor’s appointment. Apps are used to arrange appointments, and any firm can easily create one to improve user access. Apps allow medical professionals to visit patients on demand in the on-demand economy. Today, patients can access medical advice via audio/video calls because of the demand economy.
3. Logistics and Freight
When carrying goods, individuals, enterprises, and corporations all seek a reputable service provider. Logistics is more efficient and smooth for all users in the on-demand economy.
Users can schedule door-step pickup, track the courier cargo, and obtain updates on its journey using the smartphone. TruckBuddy, Postmates, GetWagon, Deliv, and others use this on-demand approach.
Logistics enterprises need truck dispatch software in the on-demand market. On-demand freight apps have revolutionized logistics since consumers can track packages from dispatch to delivery.
4. Transportation
Transportation is one of the main industries to adopt on-demand services. For city and out-of-city commuting, we all use apps to book cabs, transit tickets, rail services, etc.
Uber is an on-demand transportation company that requires no introduction. After Uber and Ola’s popularity, several taxi companies have developed apps for users to book cabs with a few taps on their smartphones. Building a taxi app is simpler than expected.
The on-demand economy has also changed bus ticket booking. In the on-demand economy, operators choose a customized bus booking app development solution. Booking a ticket lets passengers choose a seat, compare prices, read operator feedback, and more.
5. Home Services
Finding skilled workers via online or offline directories is obsolete. The on-demand economy delivers professional services to your home with a few smartphone taps. Many apps help users hire plumbers, electricians, gardeners, etc. from a specific place. This is a great, affordable way to launch a local app.
Personal care and beauty services have also been disrupted by the on-demand economy. Users can access beauty and personal care services anytime, anywhere. Today, beauty industry specialists and freelancers can be scheduled via applications.
6. Other Industries
Other industries are starting to feel the impact of the on-demand economy. On-demand education programs are growing prevalent. Today, students can use applications to find on-demand teachers online and offline.
When discussing on-demand economy enterprises, e-commerce is essential. In particular, e-commerce and on-demand have advanced together. On-demand e-commerce apps have changed retail and consumer culture.
It empowers businesses and buyers by allowing them to sell and acquire things anytime, anywhere. Amazon, Flipkart, Walmart, The Home Depot, Snapdeal, PepperFry, LensKart, and others are examples of on-demand e-commerce giants.
Future Outlook
Future development and evolution are expected in the on-demand economy. AI, blockchain, and 5G will improve on-demand platforms’ capabilities and reach. As consumer attitudes evolve toward convenience and personalization, on-demand services may spread to new industries and markets.
The future of the on-demand economy will also be affected by the legislative, market, and social changes. Policymakers must balance innovation and regulation to make the on-demand economy fair, transparent, and sustainable. Businesses must adapt to shifting consumer expectations and competitive pressures to be relevant in a crowded market.
Conclusion
The rise of the on-demand economy changes how goods and services are consumed and provided. The on-demand economy has disrupted sectors, empowered consumers, and created new economic opportunities via mobile apps and digital platforms. Despite its benefits, the on-demand economy faces problems that must be addressed to ensure its long-term viability and inclusion.
As technology advances and customer preferences change, the on-demand economy will transform commerce and jobs. Staying competitive in the on-demand market requires the proper skills, whether you hire mobile app developer in-house or work with an experienced development firm.
