What Does an App Development Project Look Like?

The timeline for developing an app can be a bit like predicting the British weather – it's subject to change. However, having a general idea of how long each stage takes can really help in setting your expectations and planning ahead. Let's break it down. 

Low Complexity Apps: These include apps with basic functionality like a to-do list, a simple game, or a news feed. Typically, building such an app might take around 8-10 weeks. That's just about enough time to get through a season of your favourite TV series. 

Moderate Complexity Apps: Now we're talking apps with additional features like user logins, payment gateways, or real-time chat. These usually take about 3-4 months. It's a bit of a marathon but think of it as training for a half-marathon – steady and consistent efforts make a difference. 

High Complexity Apps: These are your heavyweights. Think of apps with advanced features like AI integration, comprehensive databases, or extensive backend requirements. This could take from 6-12 months. It's like preparing for the Wimbledon final – it requires dedication, expertise, and a lot of patience. 

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.Mark Twain

While these timelines provide a rough guide, it's important to remember the app development journey is full of unique challenges. Features might get added, unexpected bugs might need fixing, and beta testing may reveal improvements that weren't initially planned. In other words, always prepare for a bit of wiggle room.

At Glance, we've walked many businesses through these timelines and we understand that delays can be as frustrating as running out of tea on a Sunday morning. But, with clear communication and a flexible strategy, you can minimise the risks in your project and launch a product everyone is proud of!

Communication is the lifeblood of your app development project; without it, everything falls apart. Imagine trying to build a house without the builders, architects or owners talking to each other. Chaotic, right? 

A good app development agency will keep you in the loop every step of the way. After all, it's your brainchild, and you deserve to know its progress and give your inputs so establishing a robust communication plan right from the start can save you from unwanted surprises and delays. 

Let's break down how communication plays out through the different development phases: 

• Initial Meetings: This is where you discuss your vision, goals, and expectations. These early talks set the tone for your partnership.
• Weekly Updates: You'll get regular updates detailing what work has been completed, what's in progress, and what’s next on the list. It's like getting a sneak peek behind the scenes!
• Frequent Reviews: You'll take part in regular review sessions where you see the latest app features. Your feedback at this stage is crucial to ensure your team are on the right path.
• Milestone Meetings: As your team hits significant milestones, they'll have more in-depth discussions about what's been achieved and the upcoming tasks.
• QA Feedback: During the Quality Assurance phase, communication ramps up. Your app development team will need your input to refine the app and ensure it meets your expectations.

Having a single point of contact, often a project manager, can streamline this process. They'll be your go-to person for updates, questions, and feedback. This not only simplifies communication but also builds a stronger working relationship. You’ll always know who to contact, reducing confusion and improving efficiency. 

In our experience, businesses that keep an open and consistent dialog with their app development team see better results. Remember, you're all working towards a common goal: launching an app that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. So keep those lines of communication open and flowing!

Launch day can feel a bit like sending your kid off to their first day at school – a mix of excitement, pride, and, let’s be honest, a touch of anxiety. But don't panic, we're here to walk you through it.

Firstly, preparation is everything. By launch day, you should have already deployed the web server (API) into a scalable production environment - if relevant. Think of this as laying the tracks before the train sets off. This ensures your app can handle the influx of users without hiccups. 

Next, it's time to publish your app on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. This involves more than just hitting a 'submit' button. You’ll need to meticulously prepare metadata such as your app’s title, a catchy short description, the right category, keywords, and even the launch icon. Don’t forget those app store screenshots and that banner graphic – they’re the shop window to your app! 

Now comes the moment of truth – making the app live. Once submitted, the app stores will review your app. This review process ensures your app meets all guidelines and regulations, which can take a few days. It’s like waiting for exam results – nerve-wracking but essential. 

When your app finally goes live, it’s important to monitor its performance closely. This is where mobile analytics platforms come in handy. Track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as user engagement and retention rates. These metrics will tell you if users are loving your app or if there’s room for improvement. 

If all goes well (fingers crossed!), you’ll see users downloading and engaging with your app. But remember, the journey doesn’t end here. Gather and pay attention to user feedback – it’s the lifeblood of your app’s future updates and improvements. 

Launching an app is a significant milestone, but it’s just the beginning. With thorough preparation, meticulous submission, and continuous monitoring, you’re setting your app up for success right from the start. 

So, your app is live—congratulations! The champagne has been popped, and your team has celebrated this big win. But wait, the journey doesn’t end here. In fact, it's just the beginning. The post-launch support phase is crucial for ensuring your app continues to deliver value and stays relevant among your users. 

After the initial launch, it's important to monitor your app's performance closely. This involves keeping an eye on key performance indicators (KPIs) like app downloads, active users, retention rates, and user feedback. These metrics will give you a snapshot of how well your app is performing and where it might need some tweaks. 

Nobody likes bugs, especially your users. Regular updates and patches are essential for keeping your app running smoothly. You'll also need to roll out new features to meet user needs and stay ahead of your competitors. 

What does post-launch support include? 

• Bug Fixes: Quickly addressing any issues that crop up to keep your users happy.
• New Features: Adding functionalities that users ask for or that you think will enhance the app.
• Performance Monitoring: Regularly checking how the app is doing in real-time, making adjustments as needed.
• User Feedback: Collecting and acting on user reviews and suggestions.
• Market Adaptation: Ensuring your app remains compliant with new regulations and trends in the marketplace.

One thing to remember is that constant improvement is not just a possibility—it’s a necessity. Technology and user expectations evolve rapidly, so your app must do the same to remain competitive. Regular updates not only fix bugs but also introduce new features that can significantly improve your apps user experience. 

Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.Bill Gates

By keeping your app up-to-date, you're showing your users that you care about their experience which helps build trust and loyalty, two ingredients essential for long-term success. And let's face it, a happy user is your best kind of user. Post-launch support might sound like a never-ending task, but look at it this way: it's an ongoing opportunity to make your app even better. 

We've all heard horror stories about apps that seemed like great ideas but ended up buried in the depths of the app store, right? So, what went wrong? Let's look at some common pitfalls you can avoid. 

1. Skipping Steps in the Process: It might be tempting to rush through the initial stages or skip steps to get your app to market faster. However, this can be a one-way ticket to a bug-ridden, non-functional app. Think of it like building a house; you wouldn't skip the foundation, would you? 

2. Ignoring User Experience (UX): A beautifully designed app is fantastic, but if it isn't user-friendly, people won't stick around. Consider how users will navigate your app. If it's confusing or cumbersome, they'll likely abandon it. Remember, people have minimal patience for clunky interfaces. 

3. Poor Communication: Clear and consistent communication with your development team is crucial. Misunderstandings can lead to delays, misaligned expectations, and extra costs. Think of your app as a collaborative project where everyone needs to be on the same page. 

4. Neglecting Quality Assurance (QA): Testing might seem tedious, but it's where you catch the sneaky bugs and usability issues before your users do. Skimping on QA is like baking a cake and serving it without checking if it's cooked. Not the best idea, is it? 

5. Failing to Plan for Post-Launch: Your job isn't done once your app is live. Regular updates, bug fixes, and feature additions will keep your app relevant and engaging. Consider this your app's upkeep, like servicing a car to keep it running smoothly. 

Avoiding these pitfalls helps set a strong foundation for a successful app development journey. Treat these tips as your guidebook, and you'll be better equipped to navigate this complex but rewarding process.

Embarking on an app development journey might seem daunting, but with the right partner, clear goals, and a transparent process, it can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. Whether you're looking to revolutionise your industry or streamline internal processes, understanding the phases, costs, timelines, and common pitfalls can pave the way for a successful project. 

Remember, the success of your app doesn't end at launch; it requires continuous updates, maintenance, and tweaks to stay relevant and bug-free. Open communication and feedback are crucial, not just with your development team but also with your end-users. Their insights can offer valuable guidance on necessary improvements and new features. 

So, take a deep breath, and turn your vision into a digital reality! Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or need further assistance. We’re here to help you every step of the way. 

Here's to your app development success and the amazing journey ahead!