9 Steps To Understand the Lifecycle of Mobile App Development
Mobile app development is like a magic box, especially if you can’t code it. You need to know just what it takes to create a mobile app for your business, whether small or medium. A new survey has found that about one in five SMBs has already been created.
Importance of Mobile App Development nowadays
For the last two years, smartphone app use has exploded. With the growing use of new phones, many consumers are using applications to order their favorite food, book tickets, execute financial transactions, listen to music on the go, etc. Today, our world is an electronic realm, where it is no longer a challenge to stay in contact with friends across borders, and as the number of mobile apps continues to grow, so is our opportunity to perform critical tasks. This article deals with some Mobile App Developments in 2020 in detail.
The increasing need for more usable applications, especially among independent and freelance developers, has also resulted in widespread interest in the creation of mobile apps. Since the smartphone app store of an operating system is a level playing field, anybody can build an app that could become the next massive hit.
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The lifecycle of Mobile App Development
For organizations waiting on the fence, smartphone consumption figures say a very convincing story:
- Users of smartphones spend about 90% of their screen time on games.
- The typical user has about 30 applications installed on his smartphone and uses them for around 35 hours a month.
- About half of the time spent viewing new media is accounted for by smartphone applications.
- For Fortune 500 businesses, smartphone applications account for 42% of all mobile revenues.
- Native smartphone applications are favored by 85% of users over a mobile website.
- Mobile app sales hit nearly $60 billion in 2016 in the U.S.
The decision to go forward isn’t one to be made lightly, even with all the facts in support of creating an app. It’s important to consider the mobile product creation process and how the app can align with both your market niche and your marketing targets, with over 1.5 million applications both in Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
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With that said, here’s a look at the lifecycle of software creation and the priorities and problems along the way.
1) Exploration, Market Analysis, and Electronics mobile app development
For your business, you might already have a few good mobile app ideas, and that’s a good place to start. But the first step should be a deep dive into analysis into your own market and target audience, as well as that of your rivals before you transition into the design and development process.
Set up the software development team of representatives from related divisions (executive leadership, marketing and/or distribution, product development, IT, etc.) if you have not already done so, and hammer out the knowledge you gained during the phases of testing and discovery. Educated feedback will pave the way for a smoother process of growth in these early phases.
2) Setting up goals and priorities for smartphone applications
In this world of digital marketing, this is a critical step in your mobile app’s preparation process. You need to figure out how the software can get you thereafter you have decided that an app will advance crucial targets of your mobile marketing scheme. Check out the different job prospects in the world of online marketing.
Deciding on the characteristics and advantages of your software is a balancing act between the total budget for app growth and your in-house capability. Nevertheless, analysis indicates that app architecture can prioritize user interaction over proprietary features when it comes to prioritizing features.
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3)Storyboards and Wireframes
You should have a pretty clear idea at this point about what your app would look like and what characteristics you want to use. You should also have established a work scope that will handle in-house portions of the process and that will be rented out. Now it’s time to start sketching and making a storyboard for your app.
There are several online wireframing resources for your project; at this stage, you aim to build a simple vision of how your thoughts and suggested features can merge into a working app.
- Seek ways for the brand to be integrated.
- Concentrate on the customer interface.
- Remember the variations in how a smartphone app is used by users or a mobile website.
4)Defining Your Smartphone App Backend
Wireframes and storyboards will act as a roadmap for your app-think APIs, data diagrams, servers, data aggregation, and push update systems for the backend frameworks you need to support. In certain cases, SMEs find it rational to use a mobile backend as a service (BaaS) platform.
5)Finalize your prototype and test your wireframe
During the backend planning phase, you can lock down any modifications found in your wireframe. When the wireframe and storyboard have been settled upon by the team, it’s time to create an immersive prototype.
Prototyping is a vital software creation because it provides you with a chance to truly test design ideas, collect feedback, and find dead links and weaknesses in your mobile app’s flow and usability. There are many good prototyping online resources available.
It’s a good idea to help people to understand and assess your prototype who are not members of your mobile app team. Observe them when they connect with the app and ask for truthful reviews on the overall quality and ease of use of the app. To compensate for any shortcomings found during this stage, adapt the User Interface (UI/UX).
You aim to finalize the definition of app design and create a prototype of high fidelity that will lead you through the actual phase of app creation.
6)The creation of the Software
Developing the app means several steps and processes. If you are not sure about using an app development platform or mobile BaaS provider, your developer must have to set up the actual storage solutions, databases, APIs, and servers for the backend of your app.
It’s important to set up developer accounts for the app stores you plan to use to distribute your app if you don’t already have them; this step can take several days to complete and is easy to overlook. It’s also important to read through the app store guidelines so that your app isn’t rejected during the review process.
Now you’re about to step onto the stage of scripting and coding. Be sure to have a signed non-disclosure agreement and set a timetable for deliverables if you have recruited outside talent to create the app. If you are not satisfied with the skills of your programmer after the project begins, bear in mind the “hire slow, fire fast” rule and find yourself an easy out.
The app “skins,” or actual screens used in your mobile app, will be generated by your designer at this point. These high-resolution illustrations of your wireframes reflect the functionality that your users will ultimately use to communicate with your app, so make sure that all the suggestions and input gained during the earlier testing process are integrated into your designs. After all, you’re designing an experience that your clients and target audience will surely enjoy.
7) Test Repeatedly
This is an amazing moment in the life cycle of app growth. Finally, with exciting visuals and ideally positioned text, you have a full app design. Now, you need to test your app to root out and fix any technological defects.
Go back to the original documentation of design and preparation and go over every feature; don’t presume that in the final concept anything works only because during the implementation process it worked.
Again, it’s a smart idea to watch other customers when they try the software, because you have been interested in app creation since the early days, they might have concerns and observations that aren’t apparent to you. You may also want to use one of the online smartphone UX testing platforms that offer you reviews and analytics in real-time; some are working on a cost-effective freemium platform for SMEs. Make sure to test the images, animations, and user interface for cross-platform compatibility.
If you’re sure that your software functions properly in all situations, it’s time to make the final arrangements to introduce your mobile phone app.
8)Preparation for Release
The actions you take to prepare for the launch of your app can have the biggest impact on its eventual success, and one of the most relevant is having your marketing department engaged early in the process. Marketing can assist you with keyword analysis, which is vital for the enhancement of SEO and app store (ASO), all of which are crucial to discoverability.
When you plan to apply your smartphone app to the different markets for sale, the competition and keyword analysis can influence your choices for app names and descriptions. At this point, you would also want to get high-quality snapshots of your app and maybe even a teaser poster and/or demo.
To help and market your app, you’ll also need a website, or at least a landing page. This is important for branding and recognition, but also for search and discoverability; in its search results algorithm, Google’s App Indexing API uses content between the app and the web page of your app.
The main components of the landing page or website of your app should include:
- The Name and Icon of Your App
- Logos and names of the shops where you can download the app
- Snapshots and video marketing
- A (pre-launch) mailing list/subscription form and download links (post-launch)
- Communication and service information
- Links to your pages on social media
- A Kit for the Press
- Testimonials and feedback of consumers (post-launch)
Aside from Apple’s App Store and Google Play, now there is also scope to explore new app markets to sell the app. For any pre-release reviews, now we can upload the product to PreApps, an app platform that links developers with early adopters.
9) Official publication of Mobile App Development
Your final release date should be the culmination of the app promotion activities to date. It’s time to build some hype with newsletters and posts from prominent blogs and journalists—and to make an announcement to anyone who expressed interest in your app before it was launched. Promote your release with an email blast and mentions (links) on all your social media pages. The idea is to create downloads and reviews and develop popularity.
It’s not good to rely on your shoulders until your app has been released; you want to keep your new customers active. It’s a perfect time to use push alerts to reveal a new deal or sale so consumers can launch the app. Consider providing rewards such as a one-time discount or a free product or service to consumers who use the app. Note that selling your app is an evolving operation, and your release date activities are only the starting.
It’s important to have a transparent feedback channel and be open to the complaints and suggestions of your users; timely upgrading or repairing will work well to keep your customers. Pay attention to your research and monitor those KPIs that determine the effectiveness of your marketing goals.
After understanding the key processes and procedures in the lifecycle of mobile app development, you will be effectively keen to implement an app with the features and functionality you need, which you can manage conveniently on a cost and schedule.
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Emerging patterns for Mobile App Development in 2020
For 2020, there are quite a few fascinating developments in mobile app growth that mobile app development companies can hold a watch for. 2020 has a lot in store, not just for users but also for developers, from brand innovations to original models finding their roots and a spurt of new programming languages.
1)Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence will continue to expand
Machine learning is not anything new, and in the coming years, more industries will begin to implement it. The International Data Company predicts that by 2020, the AI industry will cross $40 billion, while IDC claims global investment in machine learning and computational systems in 2022 will reach $77.6 billion!
2)Chatbots are going to find common use
The new developments in mobile applications show that in the mobile app environment, Chatbots can take over many separate contact lines. The need for real-time connectivity between service providers and consumers is due to part of this increased chatbot acceptance. This technology circumvents the need for human-to-human contact.
3)Technology Blockchain would be progressively embraced
In recent years, blockchain technology has been further strengthened. This development is expected to continue in the coming years as well. Global financial institutions and investors, especially when it comes to their investments, have already gained tremendous benefits from this technology. Transparency Market Research predicts that by 2024, the blockchain technology market will cross $20 billion. This means that in 2020 and beyond, smartphone apps will gradually build on this mobile device technology.
4)On-Demand Mobile App Development
On-demand solutions serve as mediators between providers and clients with various services. In 2020, the app landscape will get more exciting as more and more vendors sell on-demand applications on the market. Uber and Taxify are several businesses that have gained a lot of attention from on-demand software providers lately. In 2017, the on-demand app industry hit $106.83 million, Appinventiv reports. This will only grow by 2020 and beyond as per Tech experts.
5)Instant Applications will multiply
User-friendly and memory-efficient services are surely known by smartphone apps. Native smartphone applications that are more user-friendly, smaller in scale, and more accessible than conventional apps are instant apps. This is because there is no need to update instant applications. Much as the name suggests, without the need to import a particular app, these programs are available and accessible.
Instant applications will undoubtedly proliferate more widely in 2020. As a result, it will potentially reduce or even remove the waiting time needed for the installation of software.
6)Enterprise Mobile Apps Will Get a New Lease of Life
It’s no longer a mystery that more and more developers are moving closer towards creating smartphone applications for businesses. One important explanation for this is that such applications make it possible to keep large teams together, as well as track key metrics and KPIs that are now important to some degree by virtually every small and large company.
43% of corporate software developers receive more than $10,000 a month. Enterprise app stores are now trying to become the next big trend, as a huge incentive for emerging entrepreneurs would be present for further B2B engagement.
7)Greater adoption can be there in virtual reality and augmented reality
Augmented reality and augmented reality are here to stay, and the introduction and diffusion of these technologies will be more common in 2020. Mobile app trends indicate that not only are AR and VR technology improving high-quality gaming applications but they are also being taken up for several other use cases.
You can expect mobile app developers to create more stunning mobile experiences in AR and VR in 2020, and the party is only just getting started with better and more compatible hardware entering the market.
8)Increased Wearable Apps supremacy
All around the world, wearable technology is seeing growing acceptance. The number of wearable devices will surely exceed 929 million by 2021, according to estimates. You should expect an essential part of daily life to quickly become portable gadgets and applications.
App makers are likely to continue to create applications for wearable devices. 2020 aims to bring more smart gadgets with ever more specialized applications and technologies to the market. This will range from exercise bands to watches and movement trackers.
9)Mobile App Development will flourish more mobile payment services
In 2020, the demand for mobile wallet applications and payment gateways saw a huge rise in prices and demand. This trend will continue in 2021. The favorite thing for mobile phone users is the frictionless payment methods that mobile wallet apps enhance. All types of apps are now integrating payment gateways, which are fundamentally changing the way consumers buy.
Mobile app development includes services such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal One Touch, Venmo, and Square Cash, etc.
10) High-quality UX to be the day’s standard
Smartphone consumers today want their applications to be more adaptive and have more specific content suited to their own preferences and dislikes. Developers will have to concentrate more on addressing burning consumer questions in the coming year. It includes questions such as whether the software is sufficiently protected or whether too many user permissions are required, etc.
11)Mobile App Development will create Platforms for cloud computing that will continue to expand
Here, no surprises. Everyone has learned the usage of cloud technologies, and how they can continue to transform our collective lives. Today, cloud computing provides a strong working case for both large-scale companies and small mom-and-dad joints. More development of cloud apps will be there in 2021 and new industries will gradually embrace cloud technology.
OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox are just the tip of the iceberg. We should expect new strong applications in 2020. They can operate directly on the cloud and take up limited space in the capacity of cell phones. Data sharing will also become more popular to operate on a mobile or laptop.
12) IoT opens up even more exciting options
IoT, or the Internet of Things, is now well known, and it is quite clear that more than 5 billion users will use IoT-driven technologies in some way or another within the next five years. Today, wireless smart technology, heating systems, smart bulbs, dimmable streetlights, etc. are available in IoT.
In the coming year, there will be more publications on mobile app development. This enables more customized user interfaces across a range of platforms.
13) Improvement of Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) Development
Accelerated mobile pages (AMP) is an open-source strategy to enhance the quality of web pages on mobile devices. The Accelerated Mobile Pages technology makes it possible for versatile pages to activate quite rapidly on smartphones and tablets. You can predict developers of mobile apps to make greater use of this technology in 2021. As a result, it will allow faster load times on mobile devices.
14)m-Commerce- the next big chance
The use of m-Commerce apps is also predicted to increase in the future such as Amazon and eBay blossom. With more mobile app development technology like NFC, fingerprint recognition, etc., ready acceptance will also be found by using a mobile phone to pay for transactions, among others. Developers will also have the chance to create m-Commerce apps that can provide the consumer with additional functionality.
15)Location-based Wi-Fi Services Will Become Commonplace
Mobile location services are now beginning to blur the boundaries, particularly in the retail sector, between online and offline marketing. The technique has already been embedded into iBeacon by Apple, and Android followed suit in 2016.
Wi-Fi will be used for more than just internet access in the following years. As a result of which, more and more public hotspots will also double as base stations for locations. By developing applications that take advantage of such destination Wi-Fi services, app developers are also supposed to follow suit.
