5 Things To Consider Before Developing a Mobile Application

Mobile application development is a revolutionary trend that businesses cannot afford to ignore. In today’s digital world, it seems that everywhere you turn, everyone has a mobile device and is plugged in at all times. Advances in technology have made it possible to check emails, browse a website or connect to a mobile app, all from the convenience of a smartphone.

With the increased usage of mobile devices, many businesses are looking to create a mobile application, which is a software application specifically developed for a tablet or smartphone. Developing your own mobile application can set you apart from your competitors and transform your business process. Before starting the mobile app development process, here are 5 tips that you “must consider” before its inception:

1. Determine your audience and which device you are developing for.

Are you designing for an Android or an iPhone? Who will be using your mobile app? Determining which platform you are developing for is a pertinent first step in mobile app design since these devices use different languages and target different users. If your goal is to promote your business, the Android application is probably your best bet. If you’re looking for monetary gain, the iPhone apps have proven to be more of a lucrative option.

2. Examine where and how your mobile app will be used.

Once you’ve determined which device you’re developing for, you will want to focus on where your application will be used and how people will use it, according to Mashable. Understanding where and how your mobile application will be used will help to optimize its design. For instance, if the purpose of your mobile app is to sell products or services, you will need to design a shopping cart function that is easy to see and access. If you’re creating an application with a call to action, make sure that the incentive is clear and that you have a form to capture leads.

3. Follow existing user interface guidelines.

To ensure your mobile application is as robust and enhanced as possible, it is best to be consistent with existing user interface (UI) conventions for the interface selected. Each mobile platform has their own UI guidelines that you should consider when you are developing your mobile app. For example, following Apple’s iPhone Human Interface Guidelines will ensure that your data is displayed correctly, while also showing consistency with other applications of its kind.

4. Be cognizant of screen size and resolution. 

Screen sizes and resolutions vary depending on the mobile device or platform, so it is important to make sure that all graphics and visual elements are scalable. Not taking this into account will cause for your application to not consistently display across different smartphones and tablets.

5. Commit to maintaining your app.

In order for your mobile app to be successful, you will need to commit to continually improving, updating and building it out has be made. This will ultimately help its functionality and allow the app developer to gauge what’s working and what isn’t. Furthermore, continual updates shows your end-users that the application isn’t just a static entity and prevents them from moving onto another option. Be sure to establish a continued application update cycle based on user feedback and experience.

Many companies understand the importance of developing their own mobile app to benefit their business, but they may not have the time, money, or resources to build it in-house. Fortunately, outsourcing mobile application development is a viable and cost-effective solution. Be sure to visit our website to learn more about our mobile application development expertise if you are interested in building an app for your business.

Photo credit: Wolf Gang