Top 5 (Non-AI) Technologies to Learn About in 2024

Information overflow is everywhere, and career development is not exempt from it. Every month promises to deliver on new tools, technologies, features, and practices. For engineers who like to stay up to date with the latest knowledge, keeping up can become impossibly overwhelming. Counterproductively this can create a feeling that it isn't even worth picking up new technologies, after all, it’s easier to stick to what you already know—isn’t that right? This feeling is more prevalent in more tenured engineers.

But we're here to help, here is a curated list—based on our research—of 5 technologies that you might want to check out during 2024 if you aren't planning on doing so already, and what makes this a good time to add them to your bucket list.

1. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

RPA remains a pivotal technology for automating repetitive tasks, offering a straightforward entry point for engineers to create immediate impact in various industries. Its relevance continues to grow, highlighting the demand for professionals skilled in creating and managing bots to streamline business processes​​.

What’s changed?

There is a continuously growing feeling that the implementation of complex digital solutions will no longer be locked behind knowledge that only seasoned engineers have, and RPA does just that, allow business users to explore automation of operational tasks without necessarily learning entire languages. As an engineer, you can only benefit from understanding the tools that are being placed in the hands of users in order to power charge your own skillset but also understand their limitations.

2. Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT's integration into daily and industrial applications makes it a critical skill set. Engineers can learn to connect and manage devices to improve efficiencies and enable new services, building on existing coding skills to work with sensors, data, and network protocols. IoT's applicability in smart homes, cities, and industrial automation presents a broad spectrum of opportunities​​.

What’s changed?

Apple’s release of Vision Pro, along with the concept of spatial computing, is creating a wave of interest among big players in the technology space, and has rekindled conversations around IoT and what new exciting horizons it will be pushed toward in this new era.

3. Business Intelligence (BI)

With the exponential growth of data, BI tools and techniques allow organizations to harness this data for strategic decisions. Learning BI involves understanding data visualization, analysis, and reporting, skills that are highly sought after in today's data-driven world. Tools like Power BI and Tableau offer gateways to entering the BI space, providing critical insights that drive business growth​​.

What’s changed?

BI has undergone significant transformations leading up to 2024, adapting to the rapidly changing technological landscape and evolving business needs. AI-powered features, a new emphasis on data security, and new visualization trends have made it worth checking out with fresh eyes.

4. Next.js and Headless CMS

Replacing cloud computing, we focus on Next.js combined with headless CMS technologies. This duo is defining modern web development practices, offering more flexibility, better performance, and a seamless content management experience. Engineers looking to specialize in front-end development will find learning these technologies rewarding, as they cater to building dynamic, scalable web applications that are fast and SEO-friendly. These skills are particularly relevant for projects requiring rapid development and deployment cycles​​.

What’s changed?
The landscape of Next.js and Headless CMS has seen significant changes, making them even more relevant and powerful for developers and businesses in 2024. Next.js has introduced several updates aimed at improving the developer experience and application performance, as well as a plethora of modern libraries. And the general trends for headless CMS have shifted toward greater flexibility, scalability, and integration capabilities.

5. AI-driven Design in Frontend Development

Sorry, we lied, there IS an AI item in this list, but please hear us out. AI-driven design tools represent a cutting-edge area in frontend development, and engineers who are skeptical about their usefulness and  resist their exploration will fall behind against their counterparts. Tools like Builder.io and Vercel’s platform enable rapid prototyping and user interface design through AI. Learning to integrate AI into the design process can significantly reduce development time, automate repetitive design tasks, and personalize user experiences. This skill is increasingly important as the demand for intuitive, user-centered designs grows across all digital platforms​​.

Each of these technologies presents unique challenges and opportunities for learning and career advancement. There's a rich landscape of skills for engineers to explore in 2024. Diving into these areas not only prepares you for the future but also positions you at the forefront of technological innovation.