In the process of developing a mobile application, there are a number of factors to keep in mind. From cost to design, this article from Number9 will cover all of the bases. From backend to design, we’ll also cover testing and more. As you read these tips provided by Number9, you should be able to make an informed decision on your mobile application development project. Make sure to follow these tips to ensure a successful mobile application.
Design
There are some things that you should do before beginning your mobile app development. First, make sure to have a talented team on hand like that of Number9. Include mobile developers, mobile app & web designers, and product managers, so that your app can benefit from their skills and knowledge. It’s important to remember that the UI and UX of your mobile app are important to your users’ experience. Poor UI and UX can turn your app’s users off and prevent them from using it.
Next, you should figure out the platform that you’re building for your mobile app. The platform should be decided beforehand, as it will determine the entire framework of your mobile app. Once you know your platform, you can begin planning for your app’s architecture. The architecture is the backbone of your app, so it is crucial to take your time on this step. Make sure to hire a product copywriter for your project if necessary. These professionals can help you create a brand language and text for errors that might be present in your mobile app.
Do a SWOT analysis of your market. Your target users’ behavior and preferences are the most important factors in determining which features will work for them. If your app’s design doesn’t meet their expectations, it might be time to make changes. The more feedback you get, the better. This is also a time for you to refine your app’s features. Lastly, make sure you have a good understanding of your audience. After all, they’ll be using the app more than anyone else.
First, make sure your app addresses a specific need. If you don’t have an audience for your app, you’re not likely to get many downloads or installs. And even if your app does, your users won’t use it if it doesn’t address their needs. Studies have shown that 80 percent of mobile apps are abandoned after their first use, primarily due to their poor strategy. You don’t want to be one of those 80 percent.
Related Blog: “Enhance Your Mobile Application Skills During Your Lunch Break!“
Backend
First of all, backend development is no different than any other type of software development. Usually, backend developers are part of a team, and the size of this team depends on the overall project size and deadline. If the project is small, you should hire a single backend developer to start, and add more as you grow. Also, if you need security for your app, you need to make sure the backend is built with the highest level of security. In addition, you should choose a framework or programming language that can handle the highest level of load.
Don’t be intimidated by the term “backend”. It can refer to a whole network of cooperating machines or apps. Backends are important for any mobile application, as they let users interact with the app and send data to it. But you shouldn’t think of it that way! Use examples to make sure you understand the concept. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut if you don’t understand the term “backend.”
If you have a small budget, you can also use a service to host your app. There are a lot of options for app hosting services, so be sure to find the one that best suits your needs. In case you don’t want to develop your own backend, consider using MBaaS (mobile backend as a service) instead. MBaaS provides all of the features and functionality you need in an application – data storage, authorization, push notifications, and more.
If you don’t have any experience developing backends, check out Shopify or other services. Shopify, for instance, provides a ready-to-use backend for mobile applications and has an admin panel for managing products, stocks, and shipments. You’ll save time and money on backend implementation by using a Shopify platform. Shopify platforms cost a monthly fee, but they’re significantly cheaper than creating a backend from scratch.
Testing
While there are many myths about application testing, there are several best practices for testing mobile apps. You should know the product’s architecture, its presentation, business, and data levels, and the number of concurrent active users for every device and OS. It is a common mistake to test everything at once; instead, focus on multiple packet scenarios and duplicate functionality from each one. This way, you’ll ensure that no feature is missed or broken.
One of the most difficult parts of mobile application testing is testing on different platforms. Different devices have different data transfer speeds. You need to test if your app works well across different networks. Additionally, you need to test it across various network providers and connectivity across multiple geographies. Another challenge that arises while testing mobile apps is the constant changes to the mobile OS. Android and iOS users are more likely to upgrade their devices.
Performance testing is an essential part of any mobile app development process. Stress testing tests evaluate your app’s responsiveness under varying conditions. A performance test helps you determine how your app responds under real-life conditions. You can also perform load profiles to ensure the app can withstand spikes in traffic. The goal of performance testing is to ensure that your app runs smoothly on any device. This way, you won’t have to worry about your application crashing or causing your users to experience a frustrating user experience.
The most important part of mobile app development is testing. Apps that crash or run poorly are not successful, and 71% of users will uninstall them. In addition to that, 71% of downloaded apps will be abandoned or unused within 24 hours. Another common problem that causes users to uninstall apps is the lack of useful functionality. Lastly, apps that take too long to load or don’t offer what they expect are left out in the trash.
It’s important to test your app frequently. If it crashes, freezes, or loads slowly, users will uninstall them. A poorly tested app will also get bad reviews on the app store. It can be incredibly time-consuming and costly to fix errors after the app is ready for users to download it. With proper testing, these problems will be lessened and your app will receive more positive reviews.
Cost
Mobile app development is a highly complex job, and the cost of developing your app will depend on the features you want in your application. This can include the use of VR/AR and AI/ML technologies, social media integration, and the complexity of the user interface. Simple apps usually cost less than complex ones, and apps without databases will be cheaper to develop. However, features such as authentication, payment, and location tend to increase the cost. To keep costs low, consider developing a cross-platform application. The development of separate apps for each platform will add significantly to the total cost.
App development can be expensive if you want the functionality of a website, but it’s worth the investment to keep your costs down. Some sources recommend budgeting 20% of your total project cost for maintenance. Regardless of whether you decide to maintain the app yourself, you’ll probably need to invest in updates from time to time. These updates will help your app remain competitive and increase revenue. The process of maintaining your app after launch will take up another 15% to 20% of the cost of the project.
The complexity of your application depends on its purpose. Semi-complex applications are relatively simple, while complex ones have complicated UIs and a more complex backend. Creating a social networking app, for example, might cost $50,000 to $200,000.
The cost of app development varies by geography. App developers in developing countries generally charge lower rates because their taxes are low. Western European countries and the USA have high taxes, which reduce their demand. Using a fixed-price model can also help you lock in the cost and timeline of your mobile application development project. But make sure you create a comprehensive development plan. Despite the high costs, mobile app developers can produce some brilliant outcomes at a lower price.
You can also use dynamic and static applications. If you are looking to build an enterprise app, you should focus on developing a business app that will be compatible with both iOS and Android devices. You should also determine which platform your app will be marketed in first, as this will affect the cost and success of your mobile app. It is imperative to understand your target audience and the features that are most important to your app’s success. If you have no idea about what your app needs, talk to a developer to get an idea of what is involved.