Any development project, mobile apps included, can quickly get out of hand, run over budget, blast past deadlines, and generally cause stress and anxiety. But your app development team can employ a few guidelines to keep development simple, on point, on time, and within budget. Here’s how.
1. Release the App With Only the Basic Features and Functionality
It’s a competitive marketplace out there. Simplify your projects and expand the features and functionality with later updates and new versions.
Despite screams and cries from your team, who insists that the app won’t be worth anything without all of the bells and whistles, the best strategy is to release an app with basic functionality and minimalist features. Not only does this keep the project simple, it also gives you time to work out the bugs before adding the frills. Plus, it’s much easier to generate excitement about upcoming updates and new versions when you have some new features to tout.
2. Build a Code Library to Speed Future App Development Projects
Having a library of the basic codes used to build apps speeds up development considerably. It can take weeks or months for a team of app developers to crank out the basic framework for an app. A code library doesn’t help much to simplify your first app development, but it can considerably simplify, speed up, and cut costs for future developments.
3. Make Use of Available App Development Tools
There are lots of tools available that will speed up various parts of app development. Make use of the tools that are already out there instead of reinventing the wheel every time you need a new cart. Be sure to utilize only tools developed by known and trusted developers!
4. Familiarize Yourself With the Platforms You are Building For
Be sure you’re paying attention to the subtle differences between platforms, operating systems, and devices.
Building for Android, Apple devices, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, etc. requires different guidelines, processes, and procedures. There are various ways to solve this, but all involve knowing the differences among the platforms and adhering to the guidelines for each app store. Failing to do so could prevent your app from being released on that platform at all. You might consider different teams to handle development for different platforms, or releasing different versions separately, such as a release date for Android, a release date for Apple, etc.
5. Don’t Skimp on Beta Testing
It could be tempting to rush through the beta testing to get the app out quickly. This is not advisable. In the long run, rushing the testing process causes more work, delays, and problems than taking your time and fixing issues as they are identified during the beta testing. Get outside testers who are not part of the development team, because developers are notorious for not being able to see the forest for the trees in their own apps. Even if it means delaying a release date, don’t deploy an app that isn’t thoroughly tested and debugged. It not only makes for a hassle, it also can tarnish your reputation as a business.
Take the hassle out of building your business apps. Contact us at Glance today.
