Key Steps to Designing and Building a Mobile App

The mobile app market is expanding at a fast pace and is becoming more competitive. You need to be particular about the approach for mobile application development to ensure visibility of the app. A systematic approach needs to be followed for app development and this article will provide you the best ideas for step-to-step app development.

In this article, we have discussed the key steps required to design and develop mobile applications.

Introduction

Each day thousands of apps are being published to the app stores related to games, social networks, and e-commerce apps. The methodologies for app development are different for every app and the process is always evolving. The design and development phases can be as difficult or easy based on the approach your business adopts.

We are simplifying the mobile app development process into 3 following things –

1. Simplify the concept as much as possible and set your goals.
2. Ensure proper design and structure of the app.
3. Follow a swifter app development path.

So, let’s start!

What is Mobile App Development?

The mobile applications are developed specially for the mobile platform typically either Android or iOS which has the largest user base. The iOS platform is used by the iPhone, iPad, and all other Apple products. Objective-C and Swift programming languages are preferred for iPhone application development.

There is also an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) called Xcode which can run only on a MAC. Android apps are developed with Java programming language and IDEs such as Android Studio & Android Application DevelopmentKit are also used. Both platforms offer similar development tools and require the same technical effort to design. But the selection of a platform is based on preference and the demand for the app.

What are the Steps to Build A Successful Mobile App?

• Market Research

This is arguably the most important thing to do before getting started. Start with searching the app stores, not just Apple but also Google Play, and look for the best ideas.

• Talk with the Potential Customers

Take honest feedback from the family and friends. Are you planning to sell your app? Collect details about the apps they use now?

• Consider the Business Model

Think about the ways the app will make money. Around 90% of revenue will be earned in the app stores that come through in-app purchases. Think about the proposition of how the app will fit into the model.

• Define the Value Proposition

Ask yourself and the people that ‘how unique is the app and what it offers’? The simpler it is to navigate and use, the easier it will be for your audience to understand. The more unique the app is, it is more likely that the customers seek it out after launch.

• Assemble Your Team

The design is more complex and the user experience is just as important than the way it looks. Review the code written by the developer and determine the skill set of a potential developer. Hire experienced developers and Project Managers for the work.

• Set a Budget

Make a realistic budget and allocate as much as 30% of the total for contingencies. Set aside money to work on iterations of the app.

• Market the App

It is important in the first place to have the right app for the target market. The app stores will have twice as many apps as they did a few months ago. Look to build advocates with that audience. The app development process might seem daunting from a standpoint of just starting to think about your app. Polish your idea, set straight the goals, create prototypes and publish it in the stores. A great mobile app can help grow your business exponentially. An efficient mobile app will enhance the mobile marketing strategy and increase brand awareness.

Conclusion

After going through the above article, we have understood that a software developer is needed at every stage of the process to build a mobile application. The growth of the business through mobile applications shouldn’t be expensive if the design and development are done efficiently. A mobile app building platform is best used to develop a mobile app and present it to the audience for use.