Stages of mobile application development

In this article, we will talk about the stages of developing a mobile application. The use of additional tools helps the organization to automate processes, simplify the work of employees, partners, attract new customers and increase sales. Before you start work, you need to figure out the goals of creation, calculate the budget and choose a contractor. The development of a mobile application takes place in 8 stages. This is a labor intensive process. It is important that the items are in the correct order.

Market analysis

Before developing a mobile application, we set goals. After that, the collection of analytics begins.

Includes:

 

1. Studying competitors.
2. Analysis of behavioral factors of buyers.
3. Study of already existing programs of similar subjects.

 

This will help make the service convenient and understandable for the user.

Preparation of terms of reference

After the market is analyzed and the requirements of users are clear to developers, specialists proceed to the main stage of developing a mobile application. This is the preparation of technical specifications for staff.

Thanks to the technical specification, there is an understanding of what service the customer wants to receive, and phased implementation begins.

Prescribed:

 

1. general requirements.

• compatibility with operating systems (windows, IOS, android);
• scalability.

1. Functional requirements.

• data format;
• user roles (types of access);
• additional functions;
• composition of the system;
• interface features.

1. non-functional requirements.

• work speed;
• system security;
• specifications.

1. Functionality requirements (which sections and subsections are included, what is included in the sitemap).
2. User stories (User Story) - describe the behavior of users (what they do in the first place).
3. User Journey Map. Allows you to visualize how the characters will use the application in each of the user stories.

Prototyping

Each of the stages of mobile application development is important, it should not be skipped, for example, prototyping. It is impossible to immediately proceed to the design, as the customer must understand how the program will work.

The layout can be of two types:

 

1. static.
2. Interactive (there are action and transition buttons).

This is UX design. The goal is to increase user satisfaction. Complex processes are adapted for simple and convenient use without errors.

The logic of work and what actions the user will perform (where to go, which buttons to press) are thought out.

At the stage, it is possible to make changes, focusing on the benefit for the consumer, to revise some functions.

After the changes are made and the prototype is approved, it is transferred to designers and programmers for further work.

Design

UI design is about appearance. The stages of mobile application design development include:

• creation of interface elements (icons, notifications, buttons);
• selection of fonts;
• visual development; this is a new design, or the use of the corporate identity of the organization.

Software part

Programming consists of two parts:

1. Frontend. The client part (interface, logic) is being developed.

You can choose different approaches, here are a few of them:

native development. Programs are written for a specific platform. The stages of developing a mobile application for android, IOS, Linux do not have significant differences. The programming language that is used to write such programs is supported by only one platform.

Advantages of the native approach:

 

• familiar to the user, intuitive;
• have high performance;
• receive support from operating system stores (for example, the application can be easily downloaded from the Play Market or the App Store);
• developers have access to OS features;

Disadvantage of the native approach: For simple services, the option will be too expensive.

Cross-platform development. An application is written using a shared development kit (SDK).

Pros:

• low costs;
• quick result;
• one code is used for all platforms.

Minuses:

• when OS updates are released, they are more difficult to adapt than with the native approach;
• poor performance;
• long adaptation to different platforms.

1. Backend. After choosing a platform, the developer proceeds to create the server part.

All data (on the balance of goods, stock in the warehouse, etc.) is stored on the server. The server must communicate with the external interface.

Testing

One of the important steps in developing a mobile application is testing. It is necessary in order to find errors and study the work: convenience, understandability for the user.

Verification is carried out:

 

• With the help of programs.
• Manually. Testers work - people who open the application (each section, products, place an order, put products in the basket).

Development and promotion

After the experts have eliminated the shortcomings, the application is ready to go. But in order for users to know about it and start actively downloading it, it is necessary to take a number of measures to promote the product.

Promotion channels:

 

1. Community of early users. Information is reported on sites to promote startups.
2. Publication in stores (operating system stores - Google Play Market, App Store).
3. Use of advertising channels. A marketing strategy is being developed based on the experience of competitors. Advertising is set up, traffic is purchased. Top advertisers, effective advertising campaigns, popular ad networks are tracked.
4. Localization. The application must be available in different languages, which will lead to additional traffic.
5. Other promotion methods. Any methods of promotion are carried out based on the specifics of the customer's business.

Platform Maintenance

For smooth operation, you need to constantly provide technical support.

It performs the functions:

1. Collects feedback from users, solves problems that arise.
2. Checks the functionality of the program.
3. Releases an update for new devices and operating system versions.

The article provides step-by-step instructions on how to develop a mobile application from scratch. If you know programming languages ​​or you already had experience in creating services, this will help you structure your knowledge and put it into practice. If you are the owner of the site, you want to get an additional tool for promotion - contact an IT company. First of all, you need to focus on work experience, reviews, successful cases. Our team will create a project of any complexity. The stages of developing a mobile application will be completed on time, with detailed feedback and prompt changes.