Six tech skills to learn in 2015

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In the field of science and technology, no one can rest on their laurels. Science and technology are developing so rapidly that the skills you mastered last year may be outdated this year. According to a study in the book "Research in Labor Economics", the information elimination rate in the field of science and technology is 30% per year, which means that nearly 1/3 of the relevant technical knowledge in the previous year will be eliminated this year.

But don't panic, in the face of the lightning pace of technological updates, keep up with emerging technologies and development trends, and learn the skills you need to keep ahead. Whether for individuals or organizations, continuous learning is the key to maintaining a sustained competitive advantage.

On that note, here are six tech skills that are not only cool to know in 2015, but essential:

1. Programming

Coding is the number one skill in demand around the world today. Although programming and computer science remain marginalized in the education system below college, it is clear that the ability to program has become as important as basic literacy skills such as reading and math. Fortunately, no matter your age or technical level, there are ways to get started with programming technology, and many of them are free. For example, you can teach yourself programming through online programming learning websites or related courses on MOOCs.

2. Big Data

According to Forbes, big data will continue to grow in 2015, thanks in part to the rise of the Internet of Things, which embeds technology into almost everything. As more and more data is generated, how to collect and analyze this data becomes critical, especially when it comes to customer preferences and business processes. No matter what industry you are in, if you ignore big data, you will miss many key marketing and decision-making opportunities. In 2015, it is imperative to learn the concepts, technologies and transactions of big data.

3. Cloud computing

TechRadar reported this month that 2015 will be the year that cloud computing becomes the "new normal." Mark Barrenechea, CEO of OpenText, wrote that up to 90% of costs can be cut by digitizing information-intensive processes. Barrenechea predicts that by the end of this year, we will see "a hybrid world where some information and applications are placed in the cloud and the rest are located on the client." Learning to take advantage of the cloud's flexible capabilities can improve many areas, such as data security and collaboration. You can learn cloud computing knowledge and skills through some online courses.

4. Mobile

As the Six Dimensions website points out, "If you don't have a mobile strategy, you don't have a future strategy." This is especially true in 2015, when The Guardian predicts that more and more businesses will learn how to make their revenue-generating processes "mobile." According to Forbes, 2015 is also a big year for the convergence of mobile and cloud computing. This means more centrally coordinated applications will be used across multiple devices. In 2015, it is necessary to learn about mobile technology and mobile applications.

5. Data Visualization

Data is growing exponentially, which means that any information you want to communicate online must be presented in increasingly creative ways. This is where data visualization comes into play. Data visualization uses graphical means to communicate information clearly and effectively. Creative BLOQ points out that data visualization can reveal details that ordinary data cannot. Fortunately, you don't have to be a web designer or developer to create eye-catching infographics. There are many free data visualization tools that you can use to enhance your data visualization.

6. UX Design Skills

User experience (UX) designers consider the ease of use, efficiency of use, and general experience of a system interface (such as a website or application) for end users. Smashing Magazine points out that given the importance of user experience, there are now more and more ways for users to access websites, including mobile devices and various apps. The more complex the system, the more sophisticated planning and construction it requires. Not only professional designers can benefit from learning UX design, but anyone can.

These six technology trends are reshaping the way companies in every industry operate internally and communicate with customers. By learning these six skills, you won’t have to worry about being left behind—at least not this year.