How Do I Brief an App Development Agency?

Right, let's dive into what really makes your app stand out. Your Unique Selling Points (USPs) are essentially what set your app apart from the sea of apps out there. It's like having that special sparkle that makes people choose your app over others. Think about what you do better than the competition, and why users would be drawn to your product. 

Start by identifying the core benefits your app offers. Maybe your app provides a completely new way of solving a common problem, or perhaps it offers the same solution but with a much-improved user experience. For example, does your app have a slick, intuitive interface that competitors' apps lack? Or perhaps it integrates with existing tools in a way that's seamless and time-saving? 

Remember, these aren't just features—they are specific aspects of your app that solve problems or deliver value in a unique way. You might want to ask yourself questions like: What pain points does my app alleviate? What needs does it fulfil that others don't? Let's say your app includes a feature that uses AI to predict user preferences—this should be highlighted as a USP because it's a game-changer. 

It's also critical to leverage customer feedback. If your beta testers or early adopters are raving about a particular feature, you know you're on the right track. Consider it a thumbs-up from your audience; they’re telling you what they appreciate the most about your app. 

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of a good story. If there's a compelling narrative behind why you built this app—maybe it was inspired by a personal experience or a gap you noticed in the market—include it. People love stories, and they connect with them on an emotional level, which can be a powerful differentiator. 

We know design can feel like a minefield. It's like determining whether to paint your office walls calming blue or passionate red. But fear not! Your brief should offer a clear picture of your vision. Do you prefer a fresh and minimalist approach, or something more whimsical and colourful? Be detailed—include preferences for colour schemes, typography, and overall aesthetics. Your app's design will be a reflection of your brand, after all. 

Consider sharing any existing materials, like brand guidelines or style guides, to ensure consistency. If you’ve got examples of apps you love (or even hate), your app development agency will find these super helpful. It’s like showing your barber a photo of the haircut you want—no awkward misunderstandings! 

And don’t forget about navigation; how do you want users to move through your app? Think of your app like a well-laid-out shop: customers shouldn’t get lost finding what they need. Clearly define your preferences in layout and user flow to make sure your app is as user-friendly as possible.

When detailing your technical requirements, clarity is paramount. A comprehensive brief should cover all the detailed aspects that will ensure the app functions as you intend it to. This is where you outline system requirements, use cases, and third-party integrations if you need any. 

System Requirements: Here, specify the platforms your app will operate on: iOS, Android, or both. Do you need compatibility with older versions of these operating systems? What about support for different devices, such as tablets? It's crucial to be explicit so as to avoid any ambiguity later on. 

Use Cases: Use cases are essentially scenarios that describe how users will interact with your app. They help in understanding the app's flow and functionality from a user's perspective. For example, if you’re creating a retail app, one use case might be a user browsing products and adding items to a shopping cart. These scenarios guide developers in aligning the app’s features with user expectations. 

Third-Party Integrations: A lot of apps today aren’t standalone entities but rather, they integrate with various third-party services. Maybe you need to integrate a payment gateway like Stripe or PayPal, or perhaps social media shares through Facebook and Instagram. Communicate these needs clearly to ensure seamless functionality and a better user experience. 

There are also non-functional requirements that you shouldn't overlook: 

• Performance: Your app should be able to handle a specified number of users or transactions without crashes or performance issues. State these expectations clearly.
• Security: Outline any specific security protocols required to protect user data. This could include encryption standards, GDPR compliance, or other industry-specific regulations.
• Scalability: If you expect your user base to grow, mention the need for scalable infrastructure. You don't want to have a massive rehaul six months down the line just because your app needs to handle more users.

Finally, if you want to track user engagement and behaviour, mention any analytics tools you prefer, such as Google Analytics or Flurry. This will aid in gathering insights post-launch and refining app functionalities as needed. 

By clearly outlining your technical requirements, you are setting a strong foundation for your app’s development. This ensures that everyone involved understands the project's scope and can work towards delivering a product that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

Post-launch support is like a trusty safety net for your app. Yes, you’ve crossed the finish line, but now the real game begins. Users will discover bugs, some features may not work as anticipated, or you might realise the app needs a tweak after all that real-world use. Trust us, planning for this stage makes all the difference. 

First off, think about your dream support scenario. Consider questions like, do you need a dedicated team ready to fix issues at the drop of a hat, or can you afford to wait a week? Frequent updates, bug fixes, and user support are all essential, so be explicit about what you expect.

Next, communication lines are crucial. Make sure to outline how you’d prefer to handle ongoing collaboration. Are regular check-ins necessary, or will a monthly report do? Clear lines of communication can prevent small issues from ballooning into big problems. We often find that a quick chat can save a lot of back-and-forth later on! 

Plans are nothing; planning is everything.Dwight D. Eisenhower

Your app's success hinges on these ongoing tweaks and updates, so make room for flexibility in your brief. If the app’s purpose evolves, or if users are clamouring for a new feature you didn’t initially consider, you’ll want to be able to pivot easily. Flexibility is a part of the process, and addressing this up front sets a positive tone for the partnership. 

Finally, budgeting for this phase is essential. Post-launch support isn’t a 'nice-to-have' but rather a necessity. Whether it’s a monthly retainer or a pay-per-issue arrangement, define this aspect clearly in your brief. Think of it like maintaining a car; if you don’t service it regularly, it’s bound to leave you stranded sooner or later. 

By clearly outlining your post-launch support needs, you're not just ensuring your app remains smooth and polished, but also fostering a robust partnership with your chosen app development agency. This forward-thinking approach can save a lot of headaches and keep your app on track for success.

Briefing an app development agency like Glance can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By clearly defining your app’s purpose, understanding your target audience, and outlining key features and functionalities, you set the stage for a successful project. Remember, clarity and communication are your best friends here.

Your brief serves as more than just a document; it’s the foundation for building something truly remarkable. It’s a chance to share your vision and ensure everyone is on the same page, from your internal team to the app developers you’ll be working with. 

Don’t forget to highlight what sets your app apart with your unique selling points, and be specific about design preferences and technical requirements. This helps prevent any misunderstandings and keeps the development process smooth and efficient. Whether you need post-launch support or not, specifying this in your brief ensures that there are no surprises later on. 

Follow these guidelines, and you’ll walk away with a comprehensive, well-structured brief that paves the way for a successful app development journey. And of course, should you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Glance. We’re here to make the process as easy and enjoyable as possible. Happy brief-writing!