Successful app development? Here’s how you do it

2. The app development process

Developing a successful app is an iterative process, meaning it’s always possible to return to previous stages to make adjustments based on user feedback, market trends, and technological developments. The success of an application depends on its flexible capacity and ability to adapt to changing circumstances (scalability).

App development begins with an idea and ends with a well-functioning app. By carefully going through each step in the process and continuously learning from feedback and analysis, a product is created that is capable of responding to changing market and user needs and adapting to the organization.

2.1. Conceptualization

The first step in app development is elaborating on an idea. Ask yourself critical questions such as:

• What do you want to achieve with your app?
• How unique is the idea?
• Who is your target audience/who are the users?
• What functionalities should the app have?
• What will the app look like in broad strokes?
• On which devices should the app run?
• How much time and budget is available?

It also helps to conduct thorough market analysis and target audience research beforehand. This way, you gain a clear understanding of your idea and lay the groundwork for the rest of the development process.

2.2. Functional design (UI)

After you have further outlined your idea, it’s time for the functional design and the associated wireframes (simply put, the blueprint). During this step, the UI phase, the focus is on the app’s features. Ask yourself questions such as:

• Which functionalities do you want to incorporate?
• How does the app work exactly?
• What transitions exist between screens and how is navigation handled?
• How is the user-friendliness?
• How does the app respond to intuitive interaction?

A design sprint can help with this (and the following) step. With this development method, you uncover the real question and arrive at the best solution in four or five days. This way, you immediately know if your functional and graphic design meets the expectations of your target audience/users.

2.3. Graphic design (UX)

As soon as you have the functional design outlined, it’s time to bring the visual identity of the app to life (the UX phase). Graphic design focuses on defining aesthetic aspects and the ultimate user experience. Important: reason from the user’s perspective and don’t just think of aesthetic design. For example, consider how users navigate and ensure consistent patterns already familiar to people.

The graphic design consists of:

• Branding (colors, typography, and other visual elements);
• A style guide, outlining the design rules to ensure consistent design across the app;
• Ensuring that the design aligns with the brand identity and is recognizable to users;
• Keeping the design process iterative (gather user feedback and iteratively refine the app based on it).

2.4. App development

After going through the previous steps, it is (finally) time to start building the app for real. In this step, you choose the programming language and the corresponding framework based on your target platform. Choices here include:

• Native (one platform)
• Hybrid (combination of native and web)
• Web (application that runs on a web browser)
• Cross-platform (developing apps for both iOS and Android as well as web using one programming language)

However, before you start building, we advise you to create an MVP (Minimum Viable Product). This is essentially the same app but in a minimal, streamlined form. This way, you can validate and extensively test the app first, without losing much time.

Have you fully developed your idea, but is the actual construction a step too far for you? At LINKIT, we can assist you with this. Our developers are proficient in all programming languages (see Chapter 3 Comparison: high-code vs low-code) and know the ins and outs when it comes to programming applications. This way, you save time and can quickly get started with your application. Get in touch.

2.5. Testing

The success of an app hinges on its actual usage. The testing phase is therefore a crucial step in the development process. During this phase, you ensure that the application is free of bugs, functions smoothly, meets the specified requirements, and is delivered with high quality.

Testing occurs in four ways:

• Functional testing
  • All components, screens, navigation structures, and functionalities are reviewed in this process.
• Technical testing
  • Are potential systems, servers, and databases correctly linked? How are the loading times? Is the coding consistent with the function?
• UATs (User Acceptance Testing)
  • Intended users test the application to see if it meets their requirements. Are all desired features incorporated? Does the app contain bugs? Do all buttons work?
• Security audit
  • The security audit is an analysis of the code, architecture, and design of the app to identify potential security risks and data breaches.

If the above tests reveal missing functionalities or (technical) bugs, you’ll return to step 2.4. (Development) to address them. Once the app runs smoothly, the security is well-tightened, and future users are satisfied, you can proceed to step 2.6., the launch.

2.6. The launch

The launch, that’s what it’s all about. But at the same time, this is also an exciting moment because everything you’ve been working hard on all this time becomes public. The launch therefore requires careful planning and strategy.

• Where do you want to publish the app (for example, on online marketplaces, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store)?
• How do you inform future users that the app is coming?
• When will you launch the app (Friday is often discouraged because of the upcoming weekend and any bugs that may consume your weekend)?
• How will you create buzz? What marketing campaigns are involved?

To maintain control over the launch, we recommend opting for a staged rollout. This means the app is gradually rolled out to a small group of users. This allows any bugs or issues to be addressed early on before the majority of the organization starts using the application.

If everything is working properly, it is important to announce the launch to the organization promptly and reiterate its added value. Of course, you also provide clear documentation and supportive support so that users can quickly get answers to any questions.

2.7. Maintenance and further app development

However, after the launch, the work doesn’t stop because the digital landscape is constantly evolving. Updates to operating systems, new devices, and technological developments require adjustments to your app. These changes increase the likelihood of bugs, non-functioning features, or security issues.

By continuing to collect user feedback and constantly monitoring and adapting the app, you keep your application active and improve the user experience. Additionally, you keep the app engaging for users by regularly adding improvements or new features.