Mobile App Development
Mobile application development has been trending upward for years. This subcategory of software development specifically refers to applications that run on mobile devices. Mobile apps are built for different operating systems, like iOS and Android. By leveraging the built-in features of smartphones, apps offer an enhanced user experience compared to mobile web browsing. More than 78% of people worldwide own a smartphone. What are people doing on these devices? They’re using apps. These apps fall into a wide range of categories, including gaming apps, music apps, calendars, communication apps, and more. I’m sure you’re familiar with some of the world’s most popular apps like WhatsApp, Spotify, HeadSpace, Facebook, and Instagram.
Key Components:
- App development is similar to other software development, including web apps. But the biggest difference between app development and traditional software development is the ability for mobile apps to use native features on a device.
- Before you start any software development, you must first brainstorm your ideas. Some of you might already have a basic idea or concept. Others might be starting from scratch. Here are some helpful starter questions that you should be asking yourself: What do you want your mobile app to accomplish? What are your app goals? What problem (or problems) will your app solve for customers? What features will your app include? How much money are you willing to invest? How will you develop the app? (In-house team, agency, app builder, etc.) It’s easy to get carried away during the brainstorming process. But it’s really important to stick to the app’s core features. Forget about unnecessary add-ons or “nice-to-haves” that deviate from the app’s primary function.
- Once your idea is finalized, you need to look at similar apps that already exist. It’s rare to have a completely new concept with zero competition.
- The mobile app design process is another crucial part of the process. Start thinking about how your app will look and feel. Start drawing some sketches and create wireframes to see how the app will work. Focusing on the user experience must be a top priority. You need to make sure the user interface is seamless and easy to navigate.
- Before your app goes live, you need to make sure that it actually works. App testing is when you’ll find bugs, glitches, and anything else that needs to be cleaned up before it gets put in the hands of your customers.