Things to Keep in Mind Before Developing a Mobile App

Like any other business process, mobile application development should be strategized and must solve the needs of the end-users.

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That said, before you make up your mind about creating a mobile application, you should gauge the development results. If you're to do this effectively, there are a few aspects worth considering. This guide explores a few you'll find valuable.

1. Figure Out the Target Audience for Your App

Before you start your mobile app development, you've got to figure out the people you intend to reach based on the objective of your application. It's important to understand that mobile operating systems like iOS, Android, and Windows vary in popularity depending on the location. Based on a recent study, IOS users spend two times more on in-app purchases than Android users. 

Such information is valuable if your company is looking to maximize the return on investment when developing mobile applications. This is because they can decide whether they wish to market to an audience that's inclined to free apps (Android users) or are likely to purchase their app (IOS) users.

2. Maintain a Consistent Design in Your Application

When working on the concept for your application, you have to understand that most people are inclined to consistency over variation. The advantage of developing a consistent application is that it's appealing and convincing. If you're to attain application design consistency, you've got to focus on different aspects such as external consistency, functional consistency, and visual consistency. 

1. External Consistency – This means that your application design should not change on the changing platform (i.e. Android or iOS).
2. Functional Consistency – This means that the different elements of your app user interaction should be the same on the different pages of your application.
3. Visual Consistency – This means that your application typography, labels, icons, and buttons should coordinate with each other in the application.

3. Concept Proof Your Idea

Before you can begin to work on your application, you need to consider concept-proofing your idea. First, you've got to ask yourself whether or not your application solves a problem to the challenge people face. If you've got a mobile application concept that already exists, there's no need to pursue an app that has been developed.

4. Have a Clutter-Free Interface

As you plan to develop your mobile app, remember that its design plays a vital role in its success. If your application has a user-friendly interface, then most people will most likely download it. So, when designing your application, you shouldn't flood your screen with images, buttons, and icons until it looks cluttered. To effectively declutter your interface, there are aspects you should consider like;

1. Settle on a menial color scheme
2. Use high-quality images that are optimized to fit the screen
3. Employ minimal interface elements

5. Work on Applications That Run on Different Platforms

Today, there are two dominant platforms (Android and IOS), and it's possible to develop an app that runs on both platforms. That said, a cross-platform framework is a key to launching your app on iOS and Android. Therefore, when developing your mobile application, It should run on both operating systems simultaneously. You can find android developers for hire on the Internet quite easily. 

6. Maintain a Simple Navigation

Your mobile application should never have different applications dumped at one point. That's why you should have a step-by-step procedure on ways you expect your users to navigate your application. It's also advisable to consider using known navigation icons or text-based navigations that most people can relate to. If you plan on introducing a pop-up menu, you've got to keep it plain and straightforward.

7. Your App Needs to Conform to App Store Guidelines

Every application store comes with guidelines that applications have to conform to. If the app your planning to design steals user data or has issues loading won't be accepted. Most mobile application users have expectations on applications that suit their needs.

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They primarily demand apps that are easy to download and offer a great user experience. Applications that violate a marketplace user experience guideline or are faulty may be removed from the marketplace or won't rank well.

It can be an exciting experience to start mobile application development. But, you need to understand that competition is fierce. That's why before you consider designing your application, ensure that you take time to research your project. The mobile application development process is more of a strategic call than a technical one. 

Therefore, it has to be nurtured in a way that's inclined to your company's values and objectives. With the few tips highlighted in this guide, you should be on your way to developing an application that best caters to your organization's needs.

Marvin Fry

Update 11 March 2021