Successful mobile apps don’t just happen. They need good strategizing by experts and a highly systematic approach. To create a successful mobile app, it’s important to understand the development lifecycle, which does not begin and end with coding. And, you need to partner with a custom mobile app development company that has the required experience and expertise to provide critical inputs through the entire process.

Critical Steps in Custom Mobile App Development

Ideation

You’re in a great place if you already have an idea for your custom mobile app. Mostly, that’s not the case. Begin with a planned brainstorming session, focused on identifying problems to be solved.

Many make the mistake of beginning the process by proposing app ideas or features. That’s like putting the cart before the horse! Identifying problems or inefficiencies, thinking of better ways to achieve something and focusing on tangible benefits - like cost optimization, productivity enhancements, new revenue sources or better customer engagement - would be a good starting point.

Research

Conduct a thorough study of your:

  • Business operations

  • Industry

  • Target audience

  • Competitors

At this stage, you can check out existing apps. Be systematic and make a list of features present, what you loved about these apps and their shortcomings.

Goals

Ironically, this is probably the most important step and one that is missed by most companies seeking a custom mobile app. Without clearly defined objectives, the design and development processes will suffer terribly, and you’ll never be able to measure the value created by the mobile app.

It’s also important to prioritize the objectives. This will help you make trade-offs when you negotiate the budget with a custom mobile app development company.

Idea to Action

Hang on! You’re still not ready for coding to commence. But, now’s the right time to identify a reputed custom mobile app development company. Share your app idea and goals; and ask for their inputs, which would play a critical role in converting your idea into a functioning technology product.

Consider whether your custom mobile app needs to integrate with your legacy systems or existing ERP solutions.

This stage comprises of two important steps:

Information Architecture: Finalizing the features and functionalities of your app and deciding how the data, functions and outcomes will be organized.

Wireframes: The custom mobile app development company will create screens, assigning the predetermined data and functions. Workflows would also be created to identify the connections between screens, determining how a user navigates the app or how data flows. If you want any changes in the features or flow of information, this is the time to ask for it.

Plan

At this stage the custom mobile app development company will give you a plan, with milestones and timelines. The company will inform you of any reusable modules that can be deployed, as this will lower costs and expedite the process.

UI/UX Design

The custom mobile app development company will now begin with designing the user interface. The quality of work done at this stage influences the look and feel of your app and the impact it will make on the minds of users. Best practices should be followed by mobile app designers, with an aim of keeping the UI simple and consistent through each screen.

Some important tips for this stage are:

 

  • Follow your brand guidelines

  • Focus on user experience

  • Keep in mind the small screen size

  • Identify the shortest route to task completion

     

Development

Now the programming and coding begins. The actual screens of your custom mobile app will be created at this stage. There’s nothing much for you to do, except wait. Do keep communicating with the development team and getting regular updates on progress.

Testing

You’re going to get very busy now! The custom mobile app is ready, and you need to rigorously test every aspect of it. Step into the shoes of the target audience when you test your app. Think about the graphics and the ease of use. Compare the app to the wireframes, workflows and UI designs; and try to identify any missing feature or technical glitch.

Ask some of your team members to use the app and give you their objective opinion. Be sure to test the app on different devices and note how the images, text and user experience change.

After thorough testing and incorporating all changes, your custom mobile app is finally really to be launched.

Author's Bio: 

Develop high-quality mobile app with HokuApps the leading custom mobile app development company in Singapore. We provide custom app solutions for your business. Whether you need a custom, native iOS, Android, Windows app or prefer a cross-platform hybrid app, We are here to help you. get a demo from us.