What everyone should know about mobile app development

IT field, especially mobile app development, has become one of the most popular businesses today. Many people want to join this fast-growing industry and mobile app market. We gathered facts that will help you avoid mistakes during the app development process.

Validation of app idea

We all know that without a great idea, there’s no app. But finding “the one” idea may be pretty difficult. Read our article How to Find and Test App Ideas: A Step-by-Step Guide. However, what is important in ideas for an app is that they cannot end up just coming up with the thought but need to continue with deep research of the topic and market fit testing. You should validate your idea and find some proof that it will actually work. Following “the feelings” or intuition is a big risk. Therefore, just like in development, testing is essential.

UX and UI differences

We often see people use UX and UI together like those words mean one thing or at least are synonyms. However, this is not true, as those two definitions have different responsibility fields that are extremely important. 

UX, user experience, defines the functions that must be implemented in the website or app, like buttons and specific instruments. User Experience defines the user’s “journey” with wireframes on the website and what the user will be able to do. 

On the other hand, UI, user interface, is responsible for the visual design concept of the digital product. That means that the beauty of the website, every motion design, images, and colors are UI. 

Types of mobile app development

When you have a great app idea, it seems to be done. However, except for the development, you need to provide deep research for a clear understanding of your idea’s possible realization and technical specifications for a mobile application. And the first step is the determination of the development type.

Today, there are two most popular types of app development: Native and Cross-platform.

Native mobile app development means creating an app (native app) using the recommended development languages for specific operating systems, like Java or Kotlin for Android or Swift for IOS. Such apps usually show high performance on their platform, but such app development costs more to create. Then what is cross-platform development?

Cross-platform mobile app development allows making one bunch of code for every operating system without losing speed and quality. It saves time and money for those who don’t need to concentrate on one specific operating system. The main cross-platform frameworks are Flutter and React Native.

MVP understanding

Well, we hear a lot about MVP. We all understand that it is important for the development cycle. However, not everyone understands the concept of MVP in the right way. MVP is a product with minimum functionality that can be presented to the first users. It is an instrument for getting feedback from potential users. Yes, it should not be the final product, but it still needs to be based on the final product’s value. The reason why MVP development is essential is, again, testing. It lets to test it practically with users and even get investments for a final product, as you must show the value for users to the investor. 

Differences between mobile and desktop apps

Today, we see the rise of mobile apps. However, there are other development possibilities you should consider before choosing a business model for yourself, like desktop apps. The main difference is in the device: mobile apps for phones and desktops are used on computers or laptops. I know, basic info, but it’s better to make sure it’s clear. Desktop apps aren’t very comfortable, but each business has its own needs. Therefore, learn more about the possibilities and provide good research. If you’re not sure where you would like to launch your app, make it cross-platform. From our experience, we recommend using Flutter as the best way to build cross-platform apps.

Marketing strategy for an app

If you still think that development is the final point of app launching, you’re wrong. Any product is nothing without good marketing. Of course, when you have a thin budget, it seems that post-launch activity and mobile app promotion can be missed because development is important, and it’s understandable. However, no matter how qualitative and unique your app is, no one, or at least much fewer users, will know about it because you didn’t speak it to the world and refused good promotion of your app. Remember, marketing is communication between your company and the user. Therefore, you cannot miss a chance to present the need for your app to the user because, let’s be honest, what is the percentage of possibility that he will find it on his own?

There are many specifics in the development process that are important. However, knowing everything is impossible, especially when it’s your first experience. Therefore, it is often easier to work with professionals that will care about your product and become your partners partly. Should you outsource mobile app development? There’s no right answer to that question. What we know for sure is that consulting with experts never hurts but, in fact, can be helpful for making the right decision. Contact us, and we’ll get your back.

Created by
Avgustyna Loiek