A Complete Guide to Mobile App Development Process: 2024

We are presently living in a world where people are using mobile apps to facilitate their day-to-day life. Nowadays, people use apps for almost everything, be it for online shopping or entertainment purposes or be it to receive scoops of news information. Mobile apps are even used for communication and education, providing services to people, and generating scaling profits for businesses. It’s easy to notice without saying that using a mobile application has almost become a trend in today’s time. But before the businesses turn to utilize this trend, here’s our quick mobile app development guide.

What is Mobile App Development?

Mobile app development is a collection of various procedures for developing an application for a wireless smartphone or any other portable device that aims to perform any particular set of tasks seamlessly. It involves a set of steps, such as coming up with ideas, designing, testing, optimizing, and deploying a mobile-based application for performing specific tasks.

How a mobile app is made depends on the business’s aims, the technologies selected, expected outcomes, the aim of the app, and many other factors. Nevertheless, every business needs to follow a basic process to be successful. Our blog highlights the right approach to mobile app development and other relevant methods. Let’s start with the systems on which smartphone apps run.

Platforms Mobile Apps are Designed for

Platforms Mobile Apps are Designed for Mobile applications, or simply apps, that are meant to operate on specific devices such as smartphones, tablets, wearables, and so on, which are supported by different Operating Systems.

Different platforms, such as Android, iOS, Blackberry, Linux, Bada, Symbian, etc., have been developed to support apps. However, Android and iOS are the most popular operating systems worldwide. Here is the stat that displays the market share of operating systems from April 2023 to April 2024.

Source: (StatCounter)

Types of Mobile Apps Based On Distinctive Development Process

Mobile apps can be broadly classified depending on the development process. Some apps are designed for entertainment, gaming, productivity, and e-commerce.

In the beginning, mobile apps were built to perform singular functions. However, changes arrived with time, and currently, users are provided with apps that serve multiple functionality features.

Several categories of apps serve significant functions when paired with different devices. There are two broad categories of mobile apps, specifically Native apps and web apps. People prefer these apps for different reasons. The other categories of apps include Hybrid apps, cross-platform apps, and progressive apps.

Amongst these, Native apps are developed using a distinctive code base to run on iOS and Android devices. Web apps look and work just like mobile apps but are more compatible and used on web browsers. Hybrid apps are Apps that work on multiple devices and are built with a common code. Application development has to select which categories to rely on. Let’s learn how to identify a mobile application that better fits the business objectives.

Here Are a Few Things That Go with the Way an App Is Developed:

Developing a mobile app on one of the many platforms makes it challenging to select a platform that attains all the goals. However, we will select the app while considering the company’s goals. The following are some points that line up with the created app.

Ideation

It is the very first step in the web development process. Ideating refers to the generation of innovative ideas for how an app will be, the purpose of app creation and the target audience of the app.

Understanding Audience

Studying the audience’s preferences, convenience requirements, and future expectations can be very helpful in developing a mobile app.

User-Friendly Features

While developing a mobile app, great emphasis must be placed on its functional features and also on its appearance and design.

Planning

Plan how long the app will take to make, what resources will be used, and what technologies will be used.

Mobile App Overview

Considering the mobile app’s security features, control, pros, and cons is worthwhile.

These tips and ideas will help you pick your business’s most befitting app development needs.

Broad Approaches in Mobile App Development

Even now, mobile apps can remarkably run businesses in portable ways. So here are some suitable approaches to initiate the mobile app development process.

Value Proportion

The initial stage for a firm is to plan a value before developing an app. Defining the objectives a firm seeks to achieve with an app is vital. It might sound like a cumbersome task to compete with other businesses that offer services through apps, but it is possible to achieve. A business idea executed with a unique value offering and the finest strategies isn’t impossible to achieve.

The value proposition is like a choice that draws people to a business when they have several options. That’s why it needs to be clearer and better than other options.  In addition, it needs to be done well. It even needs to look better, with catchy phrases, a brand name, a logo, and a style that matches the theme of the business app.

Here Are Two App Examples That Flaunt Their Business Motives and Services in the Best Possible Way:

Pinterest

Different types of people can get the most out of social media apps by using them effectively and getting the most out of them. Pinterest sets high standards for fashion, food, and home decor, and a lot more is there to explore. While it was originally aimed at a female audience, it has now opened its doors to everyone. The business app offers appealing demographics, lets users create pins for sharing relevant content, and has many other useful features.

Uber

Uber wants to make things as easy as possible for its customers by letting them book rides with a tap on their smartphones.  It lets people pay for cab rides using any online payment method, allowing a cashless transaction facility to its app users. It also lets users keep track of their location during rides, get referral bonuses, use promo coupon codes, and do a lot more.

Market Analysis

Businesses ought to be aware of their competitors. It is necessary to consider current business models, market trends, user requests, and future business evaluations. Prior to implementing the app idea, they must thoroughly understand the market. In addition, they must assess the practicality, advantages, challenges, and shortcomings of the business concept. Market research will be useful prior to making huge financial investments . It makes a company aware of the dangers, possibilities, and business competitors.

Set End Goals For The App

Following the business app idea and app industry, the mobile app development technique must include organizing, planning, and identifying the business’s final objectives. It comprises factors like exactly who will use the app, how the business will earn revenue, and what features must be included in the app to fulfill the app goal.

In terms of mobile app development, it is necessary to determine what sort of mobile application needs to be produced and which technologies will be utilized, the app’s workflow, and the features that will be integrated into the app. They must consider the fundamental attributes that make the app stand-out in the most unique way in customers eyes before the app’s final delivery.

Prepare for UI/UX

The design of a mobile app consists of two distinct yet interconnected concepts: user interface and user experience. User experience refers to providing a meaningful experience for consumers via an app and demands dependability, design, functionality, and branding.

A good design strengthens the relationship between the business and the users. Consumers remain captivated due to the eye-catching design, resulting in business sustainability. Simultaneously, user interface design is a series of exercises that will shed light on the style and appearance of a mobile app. Consumers must find it easy to use. The positioning of buttons, color, theme, screens, and screen sections all play an active role in complementing a mobile app’s user interface.

Prepare a user flow for the app, a list of functionalities, individual screens, and anything else that defines how customers will use the mobile application and how the business will profit.

Then, create a mobile app wireframe that illustrates the entire flow and functions of the app. These mobile app wireframes aid in the development of a design by providing a reference base for the final design. They contribute to helping designers eliminate errors and misaligned designs, henceforth improving the accuracy of the final design.

Lastly, a prototype can be created using tools that can be converted into clickable actions.

Start Developing

The last stage requires mandatory decisions. First, select the finest architecture and technology for mobile app development. The typical mobile app structure includes frontend development, backend development, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

The backend contains user data. It is the developed component that is connected to the backend database. Though a database is not needed for every aspect of the app development, it is still a crucial component.

The mobile backend stores, develops, and processes data. It also manages app registration, messaging, cloud storage, and other related functions.

API interfaces follow standards that connect the front end and back end of mobile applications. It is a software bridge that enables users to interact with other apps. It stores massive amounts of data in a functional structure on a mobile device. It provides simple integration and rapid delivery of mobile apps.

The front end refers to the visible section of the application that is accessible to users. The mobile app frontend encompasses the configuration, structure, content, and functionality of the mobile app.

Its main focus is on the mobile application’s ability to respond and function well across various device sizes. It must exhibit stability across all sizes.

Choosing the app type and technology, as well as developing the full-fledged app, is a challenging task. Furthermore, for an individual who has no technical expertise, the situation becomes increasingly complicated.

It is better to entrust the duty of ideation, designing and development, and testing to a mobile app development service company that assists and manages the entire process of app development. This takes off all the burden of the app development process from your shoulders.

Test and Optimize

The final step is to evaluate the mobile app’s functionality. If necessary, make modifications and retest. Ensure that the app satisfies all the objectives. Various types of testing, including design testing, function testing, security testing, and others, must be carried out at different stages of the development process. The final quality assurance testing is conducted to uphold the mobile app’s standard attributes. Here are some examples of imperative testing.

Testing for Function

The purpose of functional testing is to make sure that all of the app’s requirements are met. It checks the app’s usefulness so that users who use it in different ways can feel like they have something in common.

Testing for Performance

Testing for performance ensures that the goals are met in the best way possible. An app’s performance stays steady and consistent even when unusual things happen and needs a performance check.

Design Testing

The goal of mobile design is to make sure that the app works well. It has to be a user-friendly interface that renders all the intended connotations as clearly as possible.

Security Testing

The slightest error in mobile app development. Making an app can cause big security problems. Before the app is released, it needs to be checked for any security issues that could lead to a data leak, hacker attack, or the exposure of private data.

Business Use Case for Mobile App Development

In today’s world, mobile app development is a success. As of April 2024, 5.44 billion internet users worldwide, with 67.1% of them using mobile devices. The figure above is intended to demonstrate that mobile app development is Hobson’s Choice for business expansion. Here are some of the elements that affect a business.

Creates Effective Values

Mobile apps are the most effective way to convert viewers into potential consumers. Mobile apps are valued for their convenience over alternatives. With such a large popularity in the mobile app industry, businesses can use it to acquire a customer base. They offer an app that links users and suppliers effortlessly. An app connects users and providers successfully.

Retain Customers

Apps generally have a large number of users, which gives businesses access to many potential customers. Therefore, they present numerous means to retain customers who use their apps.

The app can be made interactive for a better user experience. Rewards can be offered in the form of discounts, promo codes, and app referral benefits so that app users interact more with the app. Such a strategy also works to attract a loyal customer base.

Ensure Personalization

Businesses can prioritize consumers by offering services such as dedicated customer care, personalized recommendations, instant notifications, and multiple payment options. Moreover, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has transformed the mobile app development process.

New technologies are simplifying how businesses connect with their audience and promptly address their demands. Businesses can compile data on previous orders, locations, and product search history to enhance the customer experience as a whole.

Enhanced Brand Recognition

Mobile applications specialize in making a brand appear exceptional. It can demonstrate use cases such as making it two-way communicative, assisting users in their app-related tasks, and creating an intuitive design – all of which work together to keep customers loyal to the business. As customers continue to use the app, the brand will become more widely recognized and acknowledged.

Things to Consider When Developing Mobile Apps

We have become familiar with a lot of what to do when making a mobile app. Let’s explore things you shouldn’t do. Although mobile apps are a direct marketing channel, firms frequently underutilize them. Firms are more in the favor of exerting extra efforts on television ads, print advertisements, email marketing, and social media ads.

Before choosing one or more app development companies or freelancers, estimate the cost of developing a mobile app. You must also conduct enough research and compare the average mobile app development cost.

For differentiating a business from its competitors, your app idea needs to stand out from the rest. It must also bring value to the user’s life and perform appropriate functions to enhance the user’s experience. This is why businesses should never design apps solely for their own benefit.

Summing Up

Making mobile apps is a never ending process. From the thought to planning, carrying out, and testing, there are a lot of things to think about. Even after the app has been released, it needs to be updated with added functional features. You can achieve this by optimizing and stabilizing the app. It’s crucial to develop an app that maintains user engagement. Therefore, you must adhere to the previously mentioned guidelines when developing a mobile app.

Pinal Goda

Pinal is a React Native Developer working with Gtech Web Infotech Pvt. Ltd., a leading mobile app development company in India. Being capable of building cross-platform applications that are highly proficient and offer intuitive user experience is her forte.