The custom mobile app development market is one of the fastest-growing segments. It offers wide scope to many technology solutions providers to grow and expand their businesses. The increasing use of smartphones and the internet fuels the growth of custom apps.
- The mobile app market stood at US$ 170 Bn in 2021 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 25.7% from 2022 to 2027.
- The mobile app development market is booming, with 88% of mobile usage spent on apps.
(MMR Research/ Buildfire)
Customised apps are specific to the business and the purpose it serves. There are generic apps available as well. However, if they do not meet the requirement of an enterprise’s target customer, it becomes a waste of money and resources. The biggest advantage of custom-made apps is that they cater to the specific needs of the target customer, hence ensuring better ROIs in the long run. Moreover, they are scalable and can be customised to achieve a specific business goal as well.
To ensure the optimisation and incorporate best practices, service providers should focus on all major stages in app development. This article will give you a walkthrough of the main stages in mobile app development and what each entails.
Pre Design
The start of the project begins with a detailed client brief and expectations.
The client also shares competitor information and suggests on the sectors and user profiles to consider. The pre-design will factor in an implementation strategy, outline the technologies and tools to be used, and outline the phases in the app’s development lifecycle and timelines.
The focus is on:
- Detailed meetings with the client across cross-functional departments
- Project Objectives
- Project Requirement Research
- Competitor surveys
The deliverables of the Pre Design stage will focus on:
- Roadmap of the mobile app development lifecycle
- Creative Vision
- Functionality and Features of the App
- Expected Returns
- Technology considerations as per the requirements
- Content Audit for short and long term plans
Design
All the inputs and research work is collated and studied. In this stage, the blueprint is readied, and the spotlight stays on UI and UX features. This stage normally witnesses a few iterations before the final recommended design.
Other steps involved within this stage include:
- Blueprint
- Design elements
- Prototyping
- Testing
The deliverables at the end of the design stage will broadly encompass:
- UX wireframe
- Designs to suit all screens
- Interactive Prototype
- Android and iOS versions
Development
This stage is action packed where the developing team starts to build the app.The development happens in small phases and functionalities are built and tested before proceeding to the next stage. The technical team addresses this break up as development sprints. Once all the functionalities are addressed part-wise, the developing team releases the build for Quality Analysis review and testing.
This stage focuses on:
- Development Sprints
- App Development
- Quality Analysis
- UAT – User Acceptance Testing
The deliverables here would encompass:
- The final version of the app
- Handover to the client
Support
The app development process is over and after testing, it is handed over to the client for the launch. The role of the app development transitions to a supportive and consultative one. The support team will keep a check for bugs and updates as required.
The support stage broadly encompasses
- Release Feedback
- Testing for bugs
- Support for updates
- Report of recommendations
The deliverables here are complete, and the mobile app development company can build a relationship with the client in a consultative role.
Wrapping Up
Today’s business demands that it be omnipresent and be where the customer needs them. A mobile app is a great tool for staying connected with customers and fulfilling their on-demand requirements. A mobile-first strategy helps enterprises to boost sales, build brand loyalty and awareness and stay competitive.
With mobile app development, businesses can
- Capture Customer Insights
- Build awareness
- Offer Better Customer Service
- Have better Customer Engagement
- Personalised Services
- Boost Sales and Revenues.
Customising an app allows companies to have multi- channel marketing and promotion, a must have feature in today’s times. Moreover, connecting with the right customer is crucial for targeted sales and mobile apps offer a way out. They cater to the specific demographics and audience profile. Apps are built keeping the preferences of the specific target audience in mind. The smartphone market will continue to grow and the app outreach cannot be ignored. Enterprises can partner with a specialised custom app development company to build a versatile and scalable app that meets their requirements.
Jennifer is a fun-loving girl with more interest developed in writing. She loves to cook and read books in free time. Her hobby of reading books at a young age motivated her to start writing blog posts, and here she is, with numerous articles written. Other than cooking, reading, and writing, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors.