Mobile app development is the process of creating software that works seamlessly on various platforms such as smartphones and digital assistants. The software can be easily installed on the device and accessed through a web browser.
App stores and in-app advertising have produced $693 billion in income for mobile apps in 2021. Furthermore, by 2022, the enterprise mobility market is expected to be valued at $510.39 billion.
Are you trying to build your own Android or iOS mobile app? If you are interested in the app development process but don’t know where to begin, this article is for you!
Things to consider before you go ahead with the app development
Research, Strategy & Vision
The first step in the mobile app development lifecycle is defining a strategy for developing an app that will be successful. This step also impacts the overall mobility strategy. During this stage, you will:
- Recognize the app’s users.
- Investigate the competitors.
- Set the app’s mission and targets.
- Choose a platform for your application development.
You probably already have a few good app ideas for your business. But before you can start building apps, you should do a deep dive into your target audience and competitors.
Observation And Preparation
Before you start working on your app, identify the requirements and schedule for each step of the development process. This will help minimize the time and resources required to complete the app.
- What issue (or issues) would your app address for your customers?
- What characteristics and features will it have?
- What is the main draw of your app?
This is the stage where you determine the main objectives of your mobile app. It also helps determine how your app will perform in terms of its overall strategy.
Wireframes, Storyboards, And UI/UX
Before beginning the storyboarding process, you should have a good idea of what the app will look like. You should also have a rough sketch of the app’s features and functionalities.
Wireframing is a process that involves identifying the ideas for an app and then creating a plan for how those ideas will be integrated into a functional app. Keep the following tips in mind while you visualize:
- Look for ways to include your brand.
- Concentrate on user engagement.
- Consider how consumers interact with a mobile app vs a mobile website.
The goal of a mobile app’s design and framework is to deliver a seamless and effortless user experience. The success of an app is determined by how well its users are adopting all its features.
Building Your App
Strategy is still an important component of the mobile app development process at this stage. Before you begin any development/programming activities, you must:
- Define the technological architecture
- Select a software system
- Establish developmental milestones
Developing an app is a very complex process. Most of the time, you will need to set up the necessary server and storage solutions if you aren’t using a mobile app development platform. Back-end/server technologies, API(s), and the mobile app front-end are all essential components of a typical mobile app project.
When you are ready to start with your development process, you need to narrow down which mobile operating systems will work best for your app. Developing apps for multiple platforms is very important to ensure that your app is optimized for each platform.
Testing
After creating an app concept, you’re now ready to test it in various real-world scenarios. This step is very important to ensure that the app is built to the standards you’ve set.
Go back to the original drawings and planning documents and check every feature that was included in the final product.
It’s also a good idea to observe other app users as they test the app to gather more details about their experience. You may also want to use an online testing tool that provides real-time feedback and analytics.
Your app should be working properly in all scenarios. This is the most crucial step in developing a successful app.
Implementation And Assistance
The launch of an app necessitates the preparation of metadata, which includes:
- Name of the app
- Description
- Category
- Keywords
- Icon
- Screenshots from the app store
After your app is released in the App Stores, it is important to monitor its usage and track its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Involving users in developing the app and regularly updating it with new features and fixes will help keep them engaged. Mobile app updates are usually carried out in the same manner as web app updates, which means they require the same review and approval process as the initial submission.
Conclusion
Developing a mobile app is an ongoing process that will continue after the app has been launched. Despite all the pros of app development, it can still be very challenging to get started. Understanding the various phases of the app development lifecycle will help you make the right decisions. You will receive user feedback and build new functionality as you go along. Be prepared for the complexities of mobile app development projects and leverage the availability of cloud and network to better user experience.
