Phase 1: Brainstorming and research (2-3 weeks) (mobile app)
If you’ve ever worked in software development, you’ll recognise the steps required in creating an app. There are a lot of ideas out there, but coming up with the “perfect” one is crucial. (mobile app)
We recommend looking through the app stores to see if there are any other apps that are similar. Simply type a few keywords into the Google Play Store or the iOS App Store to see what comes up.
Don’t be shocked if similar mobile apps are being promoted. Before you get started, now is the greatest time to add distinctive features and your brand’s own customised spin.
Look to your app developers for assistance in ensuring the idea is sound; they’re eager to provide their knowledge and insight. After you’ve solidified your concept, you’ll go on to Phase 2.
Phase 2: Design and Specifications (2-4 weeks) (mobile app)
When it comes to apps, design is crucial. It can take a little longer to acquire the correct appearance and feel, or it can take a little longer to get the details right. You, as the decision-maker, will collaborate with your team to achieve the following goals:
Determine the app’s precise responsibilities. What are the prerequisites?
Determine how the app will interact with a current or future website. Will it be a clone of the website or will it be fully functional and advertised as a stand-alone app?
Discuss the users’ needs and how the app will address any navigational or operational challenges that may arise. Nothing is more irritating than a malfunctioning app. Users will uninstall an app that makes promises but fails to deliver.
Create a design for the app as well as documentation for each functionality. Discuss any potential modifications or revisions to ensure that the design meets all of your demands for the time being.
Make a decision about whether or not you want to add further features in the future. If you prepare ahead, you can save both time and money.
The Specifications and Design process, in our experience, can take up to four weeks. It can happen much more fast if the software is simple in nature.
Phase 3: App Architecture and Development (3-6 months)
It takes time to plan any form of software application. Schedule each project job to identify where you may save time and money by being more efficient. Some activities can be completed ahead of time, but others must be completed in a sequential manner, as with any large project.
You can, for example, use the app’s icon across the project. In the meanwhile, use a “dummy” icon – the appearance of an app can vary over time as the architecture evolves. To stay on budget and complete the app effectively, you’ll need to create an overview and a precise strategy.
The construction of the architecture can begin once the plan has been designed and agreed. The user interface (UI), user experience (UX), frontend, and backend are all part of the framework. This is the most technical phase of the process, especially if the app requires integration with other technologies.
The user interface (UI) and user experience (UX)
Graphic designers are in charge of making the user’s experience visually appealing. Your app must stand out in a sea of hundreds, if not thousands, of similar apps. It’s just as essential how it looks as it is how it feels. You’ll increase customer satisfaction and user loyalty by making your app appealing to the eye and simple to use.
Provide your graphic designers with user research as well as your personal preferences early on in the process. Although your preferences may differ from those of your target audience, they are still significant; you should be proud of your project and anxious to see where it goes. Your design team can advise you on why your project should pursue or avoid particular directions based on their first-hand knowledge.
The User Interface (UI)
When consumers use and navigate your app, they will see the frontend. You’ll need to know about cross-browser compatibility to make things go smoothly. In the past, an HTML file with a CSS stylesheet and a JavaScript file was sufficient. Frontend developers now need to be aware of browser idiosyncrasies and how to work around them. Consider all of the different screen sizes and browser kinds; you can see how creating the frontend isn’t as simple as it may appear.
The Server-Side
The coding and technical functionality that makes your app work is called the backend. Programming takes the most time because it is extremely intricate and must be thoroughly checked for flaws and errors throughout the process.
Consider erecting a structure on a foundation of defective timber. Small flaws will appear and morph into larger difficulties before long, causing the structure to crumble. Similarly, if one element of your app’s codebase is broken, any future development will be built on a shaky foundation.
You can use more than one developer at this point if you need to speed up the project. Adding new IT personnel late in the project, on the other hand, may accidentally slow you down as they get up to speed. Inquire with your team about the best approach to staff your backend development team.
Phase 4: Testing and finalising (3-6 weeks)
This is the stage where you test each component in all directions from beginning to end. Even if your team is reviewing the UI, UX, frontend, and backend as they develop them, problems may arise that aren’t visible until all of the elements have been assembled and tested. All features should be tested using test exercises. They should point out any weak spots or flaws so that corrections can be made.
You can learn if the software can handle several users at the same time through Alpha and Beta testing. Before the app is released, load and performance testing will ensure that it is error-free. To reflect your users’ experiences, make sure the testing takes place on a variety of devices and browsers.
Source: mobile app
