While building an online business, most people think they need some extensive coding knowledge, in order to learn how to develop an app. However, this is not the case. App development is not rocket science. All you need to do is research your app idea. Learn the different stages of development. Study what functionalities are required in your product. Identify its purpose, how it generates revenue, and most importantly how to choose your tech team. There are tons of other aspects which are required to build a successful app. But before we answer how to develop a mobile app. Let’s dive deep into details and focus on some key areas you need to identify before initiating your product development cycle.
Key Considerations: Before we Learn How to Develop an app
- Identify your OS/ Platform
Currently, iOS and Android are the two most popular operating systems. Would your app be native, meaning it would be developed specifically for a particular operating system? Or a cross-platform app that works for both iOS and Android.Still confused about which operating system will be suitable for your mobile app? This iOS vs Android guide will help you conclude your decisions.
- Know your Target Market
Identify your target persona and make sure you know what they look like. Understand who your target users are, what they want, how they behave, and what platforms and mobile devices they use. Here's where your app marketing can help. Your app should be tailored to your target audience so they will enjoy using it and continue to do so.
- Scope of Work
Think about whether your app solves an existing problem. Consider how it can help. If it's specific to your organization, assume how it can benefit it. Think about how a digital solution strategy can benefit your company. You can preview your app's future roadmap. Be sure your team and you agree on your top priorities for the app. As a result, you'll know where to start.
- Learn About the Competition
Check if your idea has already been developed. You should make sure that your app strategy is unique and user-friendly for your target audience. If you are developing an app for a business, check out your competition to understand how your app will compete with others in the market.
- Design and Security
The UI/UX design of the app is the main selling point of your app. Always remember, User-friendly design + Good app concept = More downloads. The other important aspect is security. The more secure your app is, the more users will trust your product with their data. Once you have covered all the above parameters it’s time to understand how to create an app.Are you worried about your app's security? This guide will help you ask important questions to your app developer about the app's security.
How to Develop an app: Step-by-Step Process
In spite of the temptation to start building right away, there are a few steps you should take before you get started. Do not skip over these steps; they are crucial to the success of your app.
- Conduct Market Research
The next step is to determine if there is a market need for your app once you have determined your goals. You need to validate your app idea before moving forward, even if it sounds good in theory. Your time, money, and resources might be wasted if you do not conduct market research before creating an app.
- Create a survey
- Organize interviews
- Participate in a focus group
- Competitor research
Using your current customers as a resource for this research is possible if your app is an extension of your current business. The app needs to be tailored to your target audience if it is a completely new idea. Are you having a digital product idea but don’t know how to develop a mobile app? Don’t worry, team Applify can help with all your product requirements. Feel free to get in touch with us.
- Outline Features & Functionality
Consider the core functionality of your app. Those are the features that should be prioritized. Adding unnecessary features to an app is a common temptation. There are, however, some features that take away from the primary purpose of your app. It also adds to the development timeline and cost of each feature add-on.Among the most popular features of apps are:
- Push notifications
- Community wall
- GPS capabilities
- Surveys and questionnaires
- Booking capabilities
- Calendar integrations
- Ecommerce carts
- Menu ordering system
In these early stages of development, simplicity is key. It is possible to skip the GPS feature if your app's primary function does not require the user's exact location.These many features can create chaos and hassle. To avoid this you can simply go for prototype app development initially.
- Create a Wireframe
Your mobile app's wireframe is essentially its rough layout. Your app's graphic design doesn't have to be too formal, and it doesn't need to be too formal either. You can make a wireframe on a piece of paper, or a whiteboard, or use a digital wireframing tool. A wireframe helps your team understand how you envision the app working.
- Finalize your UI/UX Design
There are various elements in the design process. From UI/UX to theme, font, color, etc. The main appearance of your app will be made here. It is important for you to develop a clickable prototype in order to validate your concept. Once your app appearance is ready. It is almost ready for the development part.Are you new to the design world? Our app design agency can help you build an appealing design.
- Development
You must consider both the front end as well as the back end when beginning to code. Front-end development refers to the "face" of the application. Where the user will interact with your app. On the other hand backend development involves the code that dictates how the app works.Assume you are in charge of managing a group of developers, some of whom are working on the front end and others on the back end. To ensure a cohesive final product, you will need to coordinate work processes. Coding that is effective, adaptable, and flexible can be made possible by employing an Agile project management methodology.In addition, assign your group to code in a test environment. To ensure a successful final application, it is essential to set up a suitable test environment to examine the software's operation. The database server, front-end environment, operating system, and network are all aspects of the test environment to take into account. To ensure precise test data, you can also designate a bug-reporting tool.Looking to hire the right mobile app development team for your mobile app project? Our mobile app development company in Dubai blends expertise with your vision to create marvelous mobile apps for your business.
- Testing
Despite the fact that it's enticing to skirt thorough testing when the task is on a strict spending plan, quality confirmation (QA) is one of the critical pieces in fostering a fruitful application. It is essential to carry out quality assurance throughout the entire process of app development because the industry is so competitive. Your team will be able to quickly identify any bugs and make adjustments to the app before it is made available to customers.
- Get User Feedback
Before the app is launched, it should pass inspection by a test group user after rigorous testing. Even though the development team should have prioritized features based on customer requirements, outsiders can provide valuable user feedback to ensure that the app is ready for a wide range of users with varying levels of experience.Your development team should be able to determine what the users want and whether the app meets their expectations by testing it with a variety of users. Before the app goes live, it should assist the team in adjusting key features to better accommodate a diverse user base.It's a good idea to keep getting feedback after the app goes live so you can make any necessary updates or changes. The analytical study is one way to get feedback after the app is released. It can assist your development team in comprehending customer behavior and determining any confusing areas that need to be modified. The team can also use this kind of insight to make changes to the application before it goes on the market.
- Launch the App
The release to the app store comes last. The app store where you're applying has a significant impact on the rules your app must adhere to. The requirements for apps submitted to various app stores vary. iOS and Android both have their own set of rules which you need to consider while deploying them.
- Maintenance
This stage should begin at the same time as release and progress in tandem. Maintenance is the process of monitoring the state of your app, fixing any bugs that may exist, and ensuring that the app continues to function as planned. Updating your software to support new OS versions or devices is also part of maintenance.Have a mobile app that requires maintenance? This guide on the cost of mobile app maintenance in 2023 is all you need.
Conclusion
We hope reading this article has given you a vision of your query about “how to develop an app”. Building an app takes tons of effort, time, and money. However, with the right strategy, you can achieve wonderful results. It is important to think about other aspects like marketing your app. Upscaling its functionality with time and using the right engagement approach. Additionally, their tons of app development benefits like, you can provide 24*7 support to your consumer. You study your market better and on top of that your business can deliver future-ready services in the current business area.
