One of the ways to enhance the productivity of a business these days is by presenting the services and products of the business through a mobile app be it Android, iOS, or some other. So what does a business require from that app? Profit, what else? Another question that comes to mind while choosing a specific app development team is the app development cost that the business will have to endure. Mobile app development cost, among other factors, plays an important role. If stats are to be believed there are more than 3 billion users worldwide as of today. Many of these users are having not only one mobile but more than one mobile – one for personal and one for office use. These mobiles have different types of apps installed that range from games, education, business, movies, and music apps (though there can be more categories as well). Let’s see how much of the amount does a business spends on getting a mobile app developed.
With the new year already in with different and upcoming new technologies for developing mobile apps, many of the businesses would be looking for a formula to calculate the mobile app development cost in 2020. However, there is no such formula when it comes to mobile app development. But just for the convenience of the users, the following formula might hold good to calculate how much does it cost to make an app.
Cost of Mobile App Development =
(App Features * Time Taken) * Rate per Hour
STEPS INVOLVED
To begin with, let’s see the steps involved in the development of a mobile app.
Step I: Get a quote from various mobile app development teams and compare them. See who is offering more features at a reasonable price
Step II: Select the platform(s) you want your mobile app to be available on. It may be an Android, iOS, Windows, or even all. This will add to the development cost though.
Step III: Specify the functionality you want your app to perform.
Step IV: Specify the features according to Priority. This will reflect your business requirements.
Step V: Last, but most important of all, ask the developers to include features that a business app must have such as authentication and authorization.
COST ESTIMATION
Having seen the steps, let’s start with each of the steps in detail.
The Platform: Considering that you want your app to be available for Android, iOS, or both, certain facts need serious thinking. The business needs to know which OS would benefit them more. Just saying iOS or Android does not fulfil the needs.
Benefits
iOS: Astonishing but true. iOS cost less than Android as far as their development is concerned. iOS apps find their market with the upper class. Thus even paid apps are not a problem in the case of the iOS platform. Apps on iOS are easier to use for novice users even. Because of strict guidelines for app quality, an iOS app finds more users than an Android app.
Android: In Asia, Android has a bigger market than iOS. It has lower download costs as compared to iOS. Android has low maintenance costs as it is not supposed to be regularly refreshed like iOS. Unlike iOS, Android doesn’t have strict guidelines for quality and as such developers are at ease while developing the Android apps.
Disadvantages
iOS: iOS has a high cost of hosting that can go up to $200. The number of iOS users in the Asia-Pacific region is quite limited as such. Also, one of its benefits is its disadvantage i.e. strict guidelines for app quality. Due to these strict guidelines, developers turn to Android or Windows.
Android: Well this is not a platform where you can easily sell your paid apps. Users of this platform like to download free apps more. As far as the development of an Android app is concerned, it takes a bit more time than an iOS app.
Mobile App Type: While the Platform for which the app is developed matters, the type of the application also does. These days, mobile users prefer to have a mobile app rather than web apps. Here too, the mobile apps can be classified into Native and Hybrid apps. Native apps are built for a single operating system such as Android or iOS, but the Hybrid apps can function on both the platforms. Though Hybrid apps are being considered the future of mobile apps, they are still in their infancy and Native apps are more preferred than Hybrid apps.
Development Location: This also affects the cost of the mobile app. If the mobile app is being developed in-house, then the cost is bound to decrease. In the case of outsourced mobile app development, the cost will certainly go up as extra money will have to be paid to the developers.
Features: The cost of the app will go up as more and more features are being added to the app. This is because the developers have to put in the number of hours to achieve the desired end-result. A user login-enabled app adds 20 man-hours, 24-hours for a push-notification feature, navigation bar adds up to 40 man-hours,64-104 hours for media content sharing,24 for Geolocation features, in-app messaging takes around 60 hours, while database connectivity takes around 18 hours. This beside the time taken for architecture development, environment setup, design, bug fixes, project management and documentation which collectively take up around 500+ hours. Further, the cost of the app will also rise if your app falls between one of the simple, moderate, and complex types of apps. The simple type of apps just have the core features, moderate have features such as payment gateways, API integration, and backend-server support. Complex apps on the other hand have a good UI, multi-language support, Real-time features through the use of the database, and custom animations as well. What method must be used to calculate which features to include and which not to? The answer is brought to you by a technique called MoSCoW which categorises features into
features that must be present,
important features that should be present
the not so important features but can be considered in a later version
the not required features.
All features can be categorized as thus when you go to the developers.
Cost Charged by App Developers: Another factor that counts in when calculating the cost of a mobile app is the hourly rate charged by mobile app developers. However, this can differ from place to place and from developer to developer as well. Countries like the US and Canada have rates that range from $50 to $250 while the rates in India will vary from $10 to $80 per hour. As such the place from where the app is getting developed also matters a lot.
Let’s Conclude
Having said a lot about the factors that affect the cost of mobile app development, one thing is for sure – there are no fixed criteria to answer this question. This is because each mobile app has a unique business aim to solve problems, and is aimed at specific users.
In addition, various applications require a specific amount of space on mobile devices, use different third-party integration, and provide access to diverse amounts of information. To get a fair idea of the cost it would be better to ask some experts on this who has the technical as well as the commercial know-how about the matter.
React Native has established itself as a prime choice of startups and establishments looking for a mode to enter the app domain in a cost and time-efficient manner. And with this establishment, the focus has once again shifted on the incorporation of the platform in the app development process, especially when entrepreneurs are looking to build cross-platform applications. Increasing with this full-grown demand for React Native app development is the pressure on React Native developers to develop high-performing offline first apps that can be scaled whenever required. This, in turn, has led them to look back at the technology stack and choice of platform to build React Native applications off of. Especially the backbone of the application – React Native database. In this article, we are going to look into names that are fit for React Native app development today and are worthy of being in the list of top React Native databases for 2020. Let us start in a full disclosure mode, though.Let’s highlight the factors we looked into when curating the list of the top react native databases for 2020 and for some more years to come.
Table Of Content:
Factors to Consider When Choosing React Native Databases for Your Project
The Best React Native Databases for App Development
Realm
Firebase
SQLite
PouchDB
Async Storage
Watermelon DB
Vasern
BerkeleyDB
Factors to Consider When Choosing React Native Databases for Your Project
Complexity of the Data
A key-value storage is default option for a number of server-side and client-side scripting languages. Mainly, both – values and keys – have to be serialized in strings, either by a React Native developer or through the library itself. Now although necessary, serialization can bring serious halts and issues in how your application performs, especially when it operates in a limited resources environment of smartphones.
So, ideally a react native development company chooses a database which helps you store more complex data compared to the key-value pairs like full documents and objects and comes with complex data types.
Number of Line of Codes
If you take more than 20 lines of code to write a simple CRUD operations, any advanced database should be your last choice. Because, not only an advanced DB would make coding complicated but it would even affect the database performance heavily and the overall React Native app development cost. Additionally, processing of so many code lines would slow down the application greatly.
So do not make use of a database that comes with advanced functionality if it carries the chances to lower your app’s user experience and delay the release speed.
Synching of the Offline Data
If you are developing a low complexity application which does not offer multiple-user collaboration, you can use a simple database that would work well with a simplified synchronization functionality. These app types can sync with server whenever an internet connection is established.
With collaboration being the primal feature of an application, syncing functionality demands the database to be complex. Applications like Trello, which cannot show different versions of a document or project, however, requires a react native app development company to achieve perfect synching even when the network conditions are patchy.
Handling Data Conflicts and Concurrency
The more collaboration related features you add inside your application, the more would be the possibility of data conflicts.
You should look for databases, which share the conflict-handling policies on website or the repository pages. Dig into the database documents to get aware of how they handle syncing and conflicts or look into the trade-offs that are made and the effect it would make on the application.
Memory Management
Inefficient database memory handling practices can lead to app crashes.
Compaction is one of the proactive processes of memory management in which the documents or data that are not going to be of use are deleted from the memory.
The process is like the ‘garbage collection’ part of programming, which ensures there is free memory available at any given point in time.
On the basis of these five factors we have identified the local React Native database options which would be best suited for your react native application development process.
The Realm database has been brought into existence for development of real-time and offline applications which run on both wearable and mobile devices. The database has proved to be equally beneficial when you create React Native mobile apps for iOS and Android. It is not built on ORM or on top of SQLite, so it comes with own database engine and does not rely on the key value stores.
This is one of the reasons why React native developers use Realm as one of the chosen local react native database options to handle large data or for the development of high performance applications.
While there are other databases for simple apps, the combination of Realm and React native is best suited for large sized apps.
Benefits of Realm and React Native:
Realm Sync – the sync services operate in the background and records, saves all the user interactions and the service requests locally.
Offline friendliness through Redux Offline – for those looking for a solution to implement offline-first architecture through Realm for React native apps, Redux offline can be a great option.
Security – It uses multiple encryption standard for every different mobile platform.
Pricing:The Realm is a local database in react native app that is completely open-source and free. The pro version, though comes with a cost. But if you purchase the platform for creating react native apps it would cost $1750 per month.
Firebase
Firebase supports the real-time NoSQL database for the development of react native applications. It is chosen mainly for its offline data change and data synchronization practices. The reason why Firebase for Startups is such an in thing is because it is completely capable of handling the requirements of the M and C of the MVC needed for react native based applications.
Benefits of Firebase for React Native App Development
Real-time syncing of data – with Firebase for React Native, the data is synced in real time for all clients, at the same time. This becomes very important for when an app goes offline unannounced because of the unavailability of internet connection.
Low setup efforts – Firebase offers a cross-platform API which calls for minimal setup when it is being used inside an application. Additionally, you won’t need an application server for accessing the data as it can directly be accessed through a mobile phone.
Offline persistence – the combination of Firebase and React Native gives the developers an ability to develop real-time apps with offline persistence capabilities. This consists of marking users’ presence online or offline and storing timestamp whenever users get disconnected.
Firebase is free to upto 1GB data storage. However, it does offer a $25 for 2.5 GB data storage minimal price in addition to a pay as you use package.
SQLite
It was designed to offer local storage to mobile applications. The prominence of the word Lite in the database name implies that it is a lightweight library and that it requires minimal setup. It can also be directly integrated within the mobile application for directly accessing the database.
Benefits of SQLite for React Native based Application Development
ACID compliance – it is an ACID compliant database which implements SQL standards with some omissions. The architecture of the library is file-based and there are some tools that can handle all the data types with simplicity and ease.
Offline persistence – In order to enable the offline persistence via SQLite, developers can use a react-native-SQLite-storage plugin for managing data within application.
Pricing:
SQLite, being in the public domain is free to use and open source. However, if you want to obtain license for copyright infringement, you would have to pay one time fees of $6000.
PouchDB
PouchDB is an open source Javascript database that stores data in JSON format and enables developers to take advantage of using React Native in the easiest manner: by developing, reading, updating, querying, and deleting queries with a single JavaScript API. The database is compatible with MySQL, CouchDB, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB.
Benefits of PouchDB for React Native App Development
Because the PouchDB stays inside a browser, the need to perform queries over network is not there. This, as a whole, leads to faster queries’ execution.
Developers can sync data with any supported server and thus can run the applications both offline and online.
Async Storage
Async storage is a local storage system that gives developers the capability to store data locally and persist data between the app reboots. The database comes in-built with React native so it can be used without any additional deployment.
Benefit of Async Storage for React Native Apps:
It comes in handy when you have to save the data which the app need to use even after the user has closed the app or the device.
Watermelon DB
Built on SQLite, it is a high-performance reactive database for React Native which comes with the potential of scaling hundreds to thousands of records without losing its speed. The database has been well optimized for building complex applications in React Native with a focus on real-world performance.
Benefits of Watermelon DB for React Native App Development:
In addition to scaling over 100 – 10000 records, Watermelon DB also supports developers to take full advantage of using react native through:
Offline first system
Static typing with Flow
Building apps on SQLite foundation
Vasern
It is one of the most lightweight, fast, and open-source databases for app development using react native. The Vasern API is used not just for local data storage but also for cloud storage and syncing across the app’s clients. Vasern’s design and structures are inspired by various open source databases.
The Benefits of this Inspiration from Multiple Open Source Database Include:
It is open source
Developer friendly end-to-end database syncing
Focus on consistency and performance
Fast operation
BerkeleyDB
Berkeley DB is an open source, high performance backend for React Native which allows developers to handle data in multiple ways. It offers an API for multiple languages which includes iOS and Android.
It can handle data in multiple ways: a relational way like how SQLite does or through the Key/Value pair data as byte arrays and supports multiple data items for a single key.
While these are the top React native databases of the current and the speculated time there are a number of other backend tools that developers and react native app development companies use to create their application.
The answer to which is the best database tool ultimately depends on your project type. Get in touch with our consultants to discuss which react native database would best suit your project.
Product Market Fit – the term coined by Marc Andreessen and popularized by Sean Ellis is a marketing concept that has grown to be applied by a number of startups, globally.
The most no-nonsense way to understand its meaning is that if a product is being liked by a market which is demanding the product heavily, the product’s parent company has achieved a product market fit.
While the definition paints a picture of nothing less than a utopia, the reality is that there are very limited ways to achieve this utopia. And the ways come packed with confusions.
The three confusion-clouded ways that help entrepreneurs reach the product market fit are: Proof Of Concept, Prototype, and Minimum Viable Product.
The major confusion that surrounds these three app viability check strategies is what separates them from each other and which one would get them closest to achieving the product market fit utopia before their competitors act on the idea.
The intent of this article is to solve the confusion and help you decide which strategy to go with to achieve a product market fit in your app industry.
But before you even get to the point of making a decision between POC vs. MVP vs. Prototype, there are a few things that you should keep into consideration:
Who is your target audience?
What are you trying to validate?
POC vs. MVP vs. Prototype: The Concept
POC (Proof of Concept)
What is POC? As the name denotes, POC (Proof of Concept) is an approach which businesses use to validate the idea or the feasibility of the concept. The stage comes into existence way before the mobile app development process starts. Here a small project is implemented for verifying if a concept can be implemented on the technical capability and business model grounds.
A mobile app POC is not usually shown to the public or the customers for the main idea behind it is to simply check if the idea is workable or not.
Proof of Concept(POC) Features:
Showcases feasibility & Confirm Idea’s Potential
Developing a POC is a cost and time-effective way to validate features
Highlights risks and errors at a very early stage
Gives a clear yes/no right at the beginning of the project
Prototype
What is Mobile app prototype? Prototype focuses entirely on showing how an app will flow from one screen to another and how it’d look to the end users. Building a mobile app prototype is one of the most important processes of app development for it uses tools to help with understanding how the app flows, what would be its usability, and what all features must be added in the application. Although it is not a standalone system in itself, the benefits of mobile app prototyping can be seen in the fact that it helps in getting a clear idea of how the app will look and function.
Prototype Features:
Gets an early feedback on the application
Helps in identifying mistakes in the design and development phases
Simplification of complex ideas into understandable format
Application’s flow is validated by the business users
Beneficial in getting seed funding
Minimum Viable Product
What is Minimum Viable Product? MVP is a functional app that comes loaded with the prime features that best represent the application. It is a standalone application version containing mobile app MVP functionalities that can be sent to the users for them to play around and gauge the experience that they’ll get out of the full version of the application.
The MVP development process helps in verifying the app feasibility, teams’ assumptions about the application, and its probable usability along with the market demand. When you build a minimum viable product, it ultimately helps in developing an application which is prepared to gather the end-user feedback.
MVP Features
Greater development readiness
Creation of higher value for users through continuous feedback
Attracts high retention through small investment
Helps in prevention of time and money wastage.
POC vs MVP vs. Prototype: How to Choose The Best Approach?
If there is one thing that the comparison table and the definitions shows, it is that the question: which is the best strategy out of the three, in itself is wrong.
In order to truly achieve a product fit, entrepreneurs cannot choose between the strategies. They will have to either choose one of the strategies, depending on the stage of their application or would have to see them as steps.
Let us explain both the points in detail.
Scenario 1: When you are yet to enter the idea validation stage
When you haven’t started with the development of either of the strategies, you are at a stage, which we deem ideal. A stage where you have the time to chart the app validation lifecycle.
The benefits of investing in the lifecycle that starts from POC then reaches Prototype before getting to the MVP stage are manifold.
Rightful Testing of the Concept: The point of developing an application starting with the POC stage and then moving to prototype and MVP is to help check the viability of the idea. It helps entrepreneurs adjust their initial idea on the basis of how their audience reacts.
Speedy Development: When you go with this approach, your partnered mobile app development agency work with limited features – one which have been market tested. Meaning, there is a lot to profit from in a very little time.
Low Investment Risk: When you develop an application that has been tested at three stages, you give the investors an assurance that it is risk free. This, in turn, translates to greater investments.
Scenario 2: When you have entered the idea validation stage
When you have already entered the idea validation phase, the probability is very less for you to follow a step-by-step process in order to reach product market fit phase. Under this scenario, you will have to make a choice between POC vs Prototype vs MVP.
And the choice will be dependent on several factors – ones that are enough to be converted into IFTTT scenarios.
Here are some scenarios to help you make the choice –
Choose MVP When:
When you have to show the customers a working app
When you have to make money out of the application
When you need a bug-free app ready to be used by the world
When you need higher retention at low cost
When you wish to know the market perception to improvise the application
Choose POC When:
When you need seed-stage funding
When you have to check if the idea works, technically
When you are aiming to share internal knowledge among team
When you want to assess project or the features’ success
Choose Prototype When:
When you want a visualization of how the app would function
When you have limited money and time but you want to show the application to stakeholders
When there is very limited technical availability
When you need an instant look and feel of the application
FAQs About POC vs. MVP vs. Prototype
Q. What is the difference between MVP and Prototype?
The primal difference that stands between the goal of a prototype and an MVP is that the latter is a ready to publish publicly version of an application, while the former is more of a version that is there to test the idea within the internal stakeholders of a company.
Q. What is the difference between a Prototype and a Proof of Concept?
POC vs Prototype is a comparison of two very different concepts. While POC is merely a set of documents or basic level software used to check the workability of an idea, Prototype is the clickable version software that give stakeholders peek into how the user would move inside an application.
Q. When to consider building a MVP app?
There are different instances where the MVP development method makes more sense compared to creation of POC or Prototype:
When you have to show the customers a working application
When you have to make money out of your app
When you need a bug-free app ready to be used by the world
When you need higher retention at low cost
When you wish to know the market perception to improvise the application
Q. What is the difference between MVP and POC?
POC vs MVP is a comparison between a concept and an application that is ready to be published in the stores. While the intent between both the concept is the same – to validate an app idea, the stages in which they make an appearance are very different.
A POC is the first stage of idea validation – stage where a small project is implemented for verifying if a concept can be implemented on the technical capability and business model grounds.
MVP, on the other hand, is a functional app that comes loaded with the prime features that best represent the application.
In the mobile app sector, every effort you take to make your application disruptive and innovative ultimately boils down to its design.
There is a lot that rides on the all-encompassing term “mobile app design”. It single-handedly decides whether users would spend any time in the application and if at all your months long efforts would result into a profitable solution that the world would interact with.
For a process that the entire soon to be $311,249 million industry is dependent on, there are a number of things that a design-centric mobile app development company has to consider:
These considerations, in turn, come with a cost. The cost of app design.
While lower than the engineering cost, the mobile app design cost nonetheless hold a good portion in the detailing of the overall mobile app cost.
In this article, we are going to look into the elements that make up for the mobile app design cost in detail.
Table Of Content:
The Importance of App Design in Mobile App Development Process
Phases of App Design Process
How Much Does it Cost to Design a Mobile App?
How to Optimize the Mobile App Design Cost
FAQs About Mobile App Design Cost
The Importance of App Design in Mobile App Development Process
Every design element is devised to solve specific issues. It doesn’t matter whether you are developing an application from scratch or redesigning an app, the end goal of every single process of your designing efforts should remain the same – solving an issue in the most minimal manner as possible.
A well-crafted mobile application UI and UX design usually provides the following benefits:
Simplifies the interaction with the interface
Converts users into consumers
Enables users to reach their objective faster
Streamlines the development part of the application
Phases of App Design Process
Idea Evaluation
This part of the mobile app design process deals with understanding the project to its entirety – what issues does the customers face and how would the app solve those issues for them. One method through which the idea can be evaluated is through the creation of a lean model canvas.
Problem: This part of the model defines the issues which the app solves.
Customer Segments: This is where you enter the details of your prospective users and create a segmentation.
USP: This is where you will have to fill in the details of what your application does best and most uniquely compared to the competitors.
Solutions: Here the probable solutions that the app can offer to the best of problem, customer type, and USP combination are identified.
Channels: this is where you should enlist the platforms where your users will be present
Revenue Streams: The goal of this section is to create a business model that seems to be an answer to your question around how much money you can earn money through an app.
Expense structure: Here, the expenses you will have to incur to develop the application are enlisted.
Key Metrics: These are the KPIs you will measure your app’s success against.
Unfair Advantage: This is the detail of advantages that your app has but not your competitors – a disruptive technology, financial aid, partnership, or something else.
Market Research
Analysis of the market your application is a three tier process – competitive research, market trends analysis, and customer analysis.
We start the market research process by first analyzing the competitors – not to copy them but to find out the opportunities in the market. Doing this gives a benchmark that we have to cross, on the features and design grounds.
Next, we study the market and find out what is in trend and what elements are users interacting with most.
Deliverables: Use case, user stories, and behavioral sciences
Tools: A/B tests, user persona, interviews
Mind map
This part of the mobile app design process takes you back to the lean model canvas components. It takes into account all the different requirements of your application to help you visualize the logical structure or connection between the main parts of the app.
When we create mind maps, we place the goal of the app at the center and create segments of the goal around it. Then, we create requirements/features for all these segments
User Persona
The next step of our mobile app design process is the creation of user persona. This section of the design details who you are designing the app for.
Ideally, the user persona portrait should be made of:
Their demographics
The social stature
Their behavioral model
This part of the mobile app design process have helped our development team numerous times to gather an understanding of who they are developing the app for and what all they would appreciate/ not appreciate.
User Journey Mapping
Once you have identified who your users are, you will have to gather the understanding of how will they use the application. This is where the user journey mapping element of the app design comes into the picture.
This app design deliverable deals with the creation of how users would move inside the app – the features they would interact with, where it would lead them, and the steps they would take if they hit a wall.
Prototype
The next part of the process is app prototype. Here, we structure the ideas into delightful experiences for users who would interact with the application. At this stage, it is ensured that the flow between features and screens should be so natural that users should not even notice.
In order to create an ideal prototype, it is very important that iterations are made until the flow is nailed on the basis of the feedback. The level of iterations is what defines the app prototype cost.
At Anteelo, our teams work on the prototypes collectively. Everyone: Developers, Business Analysts, and Clients work together to create an application which everyone can agree on. This, in turn, helps in identifying issues and confusions that could occur at the development stage.
User Interface design is all about telling a story of how the user would feel as they move from one screen to another.
This is where the look and feel of the app is created – its colours, shapes, typography, elements, etc. Our mobile app developers do not just look into what the users will see when they use the app but also what they would feel. Thus, we concentrate our efforts on not just static design but also animated versions. User interface design primarily encompasses three elements – Logo, App Icons, and Screens. These are the elements which then get added into the numeric value of mobile app design cost.
Deliverables: App logo, app icons, screenshots for the stores, and animations.
How Much Does it Cost to Design a Mobile App?
With the need and stages of mobile app design part covered, let’s talk about the monetary part of mobile app design, a.k.a The App Designing Cost Breakdown.
The cost of app design is majorly dependent on three factors – Complexity of the app, the country wise app design cost, and the platforms on which it would be made live on. Let us dissect every part of what goes into app design cost in detail.
A. Cost of Mobile App Design on the Basis of Platforms
Platforms like Android and iOS differ in how they look and operate. While on one side, Android application has to be matched with different resolutions and formats, the same is not the case with iOS for everything is finalized. This is the reason why Android app design is more expensive than iOS app design cost.
Although the app design cost might not vary greatly between iOS and Android apps, there are some points’ difference.
There was a time when iOS app UI and UX designers used to charge because of the stringent store guidelines, the situation has changed. Google too has come strives ahead to ensure high quality in terms of what goes into the store and thus, they too have started following a stringent approval process.
So the comparison between iOS and Android application design cost has come down to the number of platforms and the device type.
Let us look at it from iOS App Design Cost front first:
iPhone only – The entry models doesn’t require designers to create images specifically for retina display. So, the approximate designing cost falls in the range of $3,000 to $10,000.
iPhone 6 Plus and ahead – Designing apps for iPhone 6 and ahead adds 25% to the cost. These devices come with retina display which call for high resolution files, which in turn, comes with an attached cost.
iPad – iPad app design adds 50% to the cost. They don’t just require high resolution but also product designing solution to meet the speed and size of the iPads.
Now talking of Android app design cost:
The Android devices are constantly changing and changing with them are the rules of designing in the Google Material Design process. The Android app designers constantly have to adapt to new frameworks and design ideologies to keep up with the changes, which comes attached with a cost.
Additionally, since the number of platforms that a designer has to work on is much greater than iOS, the Android app design cost automatically increases.
B. Mobile App Design Cost by App Complexity
Whether we talk about the mobile app design cost or the cost of mobile app development, there are three complexity levels that are considered when the app design cost estimate has to be drawn.
Simple Apps:
These are the applications which are maximum 3 screens long and use next to zero animations and interactive design elements. Apps like Calculators and Alarm fall under this category. These apps usually are not designed to meet the requirement of individual platforms for they look alike on all screens.
Medium Complexity Apps:
These apps are the one which make use of multiple interactive elements and animations along with several screens. They are usually designed individually for Android and iOS platforms and are made to meet the native look and feel of the platform and heavily relies on Human Interface design guidelines and Google Material design principles.
Most of the apps that you use on an everyday basis like WhatsApp and Uber etc are examples of what a medium complexity app looks like.
High Complexity Apps:
These are the applications which are highly dependent on designs to serve their purpose. Here, a lot of animations and transitions are used to help users move from one screen to another and ultimately convert into a regular user.
These apps make use of a huge number of screens and usually work on multiple screens – all demanding a device centric native UI design.
c. Mobile App Design Cost by Country
The work performed keeping the same quality intact might vary greatly between a designer in the USA and a designer in India.
For example, a USA based UI/User Experience designer might charge $200 per hour, while an eastern nation design might charge around $80 – $100 on average per hour.
How to Optimize the Mobile App Design Cost
There are a number of proven strategies we use for our startup clients, who are particular about quality but work with limited budget.
Work around a strategy – a set strategy can be a great way to cut back the app design cost.
Concentrate on the must-have features – we always recommend our clients to work on the must-have feature set of the application to start with instead of designing a full-fledged application which could be kept for the phase two of the project.
Use templates – while not ideal, using templates can be a great way to cut back high app designing cost for very minimal efforts are required from the designers’ end.
From standing in long queues just to send a parcel to doing so with a click on our smartphone’s screen. And from the operators’ point of view, they are saved from the pain of monitoring all the logistics and transportation operations – all the time.
It’s all a result of the fusion of the transportation and logistics industry with the mobile app development domain.
But how?
How do these mobile applications perform a multitude of tasks single-handedly and efficiently? What features make them so great?
Well, this is something that we will discuss here.
Don’t get anxious, since I know what you are here for – the most-awaited answer to “how much does it cost to develop an on-demand logistics ( or management) app?” But before we dive straight into the answer, how about a little detour?
Let’s back up to gain a little perspective on the current condition of the market and analyze how beneficial it is going to be for you if you blend in on-demand with logistics app development.
Table of Content
Transport and logistics industry market statistics
Top players of the Logistics market
Types of mobile apps for logistics companies
Logistics mobile apps in the news
Benefits of Having an app like Uber Freight
Must-have features of an app like DHL
Technology stack used for logistics app
What does the Logistics app development cost?
Future of Logistics app development
Transport and logistics industry market statistics
“It’s all about numbers”
I have always found numbers to be the most convincing factor in business. And the logistics domain possesses some promising ones as well.
According to MarketWatch, the global logistics market is predicted to grow by $287.1 million between the years 2020 to 2024. This is equivalent to the increasing CAGR of 5%. In fact, the year-over-year growth rate for 2020 is projected at 4.13% by the end of the forecast period. Moreover, this CAGR is considered to be the highest during the 2019-2023.
In fact, a report by Transparency Market Research, it was mentioned that the logistics industry is expected to be worth $15.5 trillion by the year 2023 – something that paints the future of on-demand logistics app development in a positive light.
Moreover, upon analyzing the transport and logistics industry stats, we found that logistics/trucking holds the highest market share of 35%.
Top players of the Logistics market
Types of mobile apps for logistics companies
1. Fleet Management
This type of logistics application caters for recording the data and information related to vehicles and fleets. As a result, these apps must help in organizing, managing and coordinating vehicles from the central information system in order to keep the overall fleet operation hassle-free and running. Applications like these are also known to reduce costs, boost performance while providing compliance with government regulations.
2. Logistics on-demand
Applications that fall under this category are all about goods delivery as per the users’ requirements. These apps not only fulfill users’ needs instantly but also help in building connections.
3. Warehouse mobile apps
Warehouse mobile apps are designed to store a huge amount of data related to the products stored in the warehouse. It does it in such a simplified way as to make it easy to access any data any time.
4. Tracking and forwarding applications
These applications target to deliver information related to real-time concerning routes and delivery of the goods and products. This means that it also displays drivers’ location which is a rather prominent feature.
Logistics mobile apps in the news
Airbnb has expanded its reach to warehousing by introducing the “Flexe” app. In May 2019, the application raised $43 million in fundings in order to help online retailers take on Amazon.
Uber announced in Sept’2019 that it will spend $200 million to expand its Uber Freight trucking venture – Another reason to believe this is a growing field.
In January 2020, a Kenyan logistics startup called ‘Sendy’ with an on-demand platform raised around $20 million in a funding round backed by Toyota.
Benefits of Having an app like Uber Freight
Knowing why one should even invest in logistics mobile apps is as important as it is for a business to know the cost of logistic mobile app development. Let’s shed some light on the benefits first.
1. Vehicle tracking
Accuracy plays a pivotal role in determining the quality of the services – delivering goods at the right places and time. In this case, geolocation poses as one of the important features of the logistics app. The admin or users would be able to track the real-time location of the vehicle while simultaneously notifying the customer as well. In the case of emergencies, GPS could also be used.
2. Fleet and warehouse management
Effective management of fleets and warehouses is an ideal way to prosperity for any business operating in this domain. It can help with improved productivity and functioning. Such applications can store data way more effectively than the manual process, with low chances of data loss or misplacement. All in all, developing a transport and logistics app will eliminate inaccuracies and errors that come with manual processes.
3. Easy online booking
Since everything is on mobile now, providing your customers with the facility to do everything on their tiny screen what they used to do on their desktop/laptop is the need of the hour. Booking cargo or a parcel is something that can be done online with the help of on-demand logistics app development.
4. No paperwork
As pointed out before in the second point, managing and handling the paperwork is such a pain, especially, in the transportation and logistics business. Having a dedicated mobile application for this purpose solves this issue entirely and streamlines everything.
5. Helps in confirming the whole process
Probably one of the prominent uses of such applications is the real-time confirmation of the delivery process. While using an on-demand delivery app, the company and the customers, both can confirm if the product was delivered on time or delivered at all.
6. Promotes professionalism
If something that should matter the most to a company is its brand image. Having an on-demand logistics app not only facilitates your users but builds their trust in your company.
Must-have features of an app like DHL
There are three panels that need to be designed and developed in the logistics app development. Let’s look at each one of them while discussing the must-have features.
Note: These three panels are essentially three applications, which when combined work as one whole product. Consequently, it is a prominent factor when it comes to calculating transportation and logistics app development costs.
User Panel
Customer registration – Registration can be done in two ways – A. By creating a new account altogether and B. By registering with existing social media accounts. Giving this option to the users will impart a good impression.
Vehicle selection – It is an important feature to integrate into the on-demand logistics apps. This helps users in selecting the vehicle as per their requirements, i.e., be it a van, truck, trailer, container truck, and so on.
Scheduling and managing booking – Here users will be able to book a vehicle to avail of services immediately and can also pre-book by mentioning the date, time and location of pick-up.
Multiple payment gateways – The more options you give, the better experience you are likely to provide your users. This is also true in this instance. Providing users the choice to pay for the services via Credit/Debit card, online wallets, etc. will encourage them to use your app more often.
Tracking shipment – Rather a crucial feature, tracking facility is something your users are already expecting from your app. So, make sure to implement it in your end product.
Drop-off location – Always allow users to enter the drop-off location of their parcel either manually or with the help of GPS.
Real-time alerts – Push notifications are a great way to inform users about useful and important information while engaging them on your application.
Estimate fare charges – It is important for users to know beforehand the value they are expected to pay for the services. In this case, employing an in-build fare calculator will prove immensely useful. It will calculate the cost of services based on the size and weight of the package.
Access to history – This feature will allow users to revisit their previous transactions and invoices to keep everything on track and record.
Ratings and reviews – It would help customers if they find this feature in your app. This way, users can rate and review the services and give feedback that can help other users.
Driver/Dispatcher Panel
Login/Register – Like users, drivers can also signup using existing email IDs or social media accounts.
Manage requests –This feature allows drivers/dispatchers to accept or reject any request or order based on their preferences.
Make available or busy –Just like a DND feature, this will help the drivers or dispatchers show their availability/ unavailability for services using many options like marking self available, etc.
Consignment details – Getting insights of the consignment to be delivered is a crucial element that would help your app become popular if you employ.
Manage profile – Probably one of the most basic features is to enable the drivers to update the information on their profiles.
Navigation –This is a crucial feature for the driver/distributor side of the logistic application. It gives information regarding the best route to the customers’ addresses to facilitate on-time delivery.
Mark delivery –Allowing the dispatcher this feature will enable them to send alerts to both the parties (customer and admin) regarding the delivery of the parcel.
Freight/shipping details –All the details related to freight (weight of goods, fuel consumption, distance covered, toll charges) and shipping (name, address, contact number, destination) all can be accessed by the dispatcher/driver via this feature easily.
Access to history – It would be best to offer this feature since it will help them revisit past transactions and invoices.
Admin Panel
Dashboard –It displays every critical information related to the users and drivers. The admin is able to also see pending and completed orders with real-time data.
Fleet/Vehicle management –With this feature, it will become possible for the admin to introduce new vehicles for the shipment and even update the existing ones details with image, etc.
Manage invoices and payments –With this invoice management feature, the admin will be able to generate and update invoices. Moreover, admin can also manage payments, i.e, approve the payments received by the drivers and analyze other similar transactions.
Drivers monitoring –This feature helps in managing and assigning tasks to the drivers/dispatchers and monitor their on-road time, activities, and pending requests.
MS features –Under this feature, all the user queries related to the services or drivers, and any improvements required by the users are recorded and handled by the admin.
Additional features
Get a quote –According to the available deals and services, customers can request a quote from the service provider in order to get an idea for the cost and time of the services.
In-app Chat –This might be an additional feature but it is a crucial one as well. This will facilitate your users since they will not have to seek another resort for the purpose of contacting the service provider.
Chat support –Chatbots now play a huge role in the B2B and B2C sectors. Most of the applications providing any kind of service or products are equipped with chatbot app development. This is something that we at Anteelo highly recommend.
Multilingual Support –Popularly known as a practice related to the localization of mobile applications, providing multilingual support can boost the popularity of your application globally.
Link and upload documents –For dispatchers, this feature will be a big hit since they will be able to upload important documents related to shipping such as insurance documents, etc.
Note: All these additional features incur higher logistics app development costs.
Technology stack used for logistics app
One of the challenges of developing a logistics mobile app is determining which tools are essential and will render impeccable results, something which an on-demand app development company like Anteelo knows best.
Starting from the top, in order to create a robust Frontend development, many mobile app developers prefer to use Swift, Java, CSS, Bootstrap as their programming languages. Whereas, for the backend development languages like JavaScript, Ruby, AngularJS, and Python with their impeccable mobile development frameworks are used.
As for the database, HBase, Mail Chip Integration and MongoDb are used, while Azure, Google, and similar technologies are used for Cloud facility. Speaking of Application and data, development tools such as jQuery, Groovy, and AngularJS are employed.
Now that we are done with getting familiarized with crucial aspects surrounding the logistics industry and app development, let’s get down to business – getting the answer to the cost to build logistic apps.
What does the Logistics app development cost?
As I had mentioned above, the ultimate cost of app development relies on the factors related to the on-demand logistics app development process of the application.
Along with an answer in digits, we will encounter a detained account of the factors contributing to the final cost.
Backend and frontend development
The choices you make for Backend and frontend development will play a pivotal role in determining the cost of your logistics application. To be more specific, it all depends on your choice of frameworks, tools, and technologies.
You can either go with Monolithic or Microservices. However, let me put it out there that the cost of frameworks for microservices tends to be higher than monolithic. Nevertheless, it is all worth it since it is more efficacious in providing highly scalable logistics applications.
Choice of the tech stack
You might already know that the tech stack you choose for development is going to affect the cost. Speaking of programming languages, hiring developers for some languages like Swift, Golang, and R is quite expensive. Similarly, those languages that are new will have fewer libraries and frameworks, adding to the overall tasks of the development.
Type of application
Since it is an on-demand application, the development cost for it also tends to be higher than any other category, say social media, m-commerce, etc. It is because this single application consists of three whole separate panels, which require a number of resources equal to three applications. So, evidently an on-demand logistics app is going to cost more than other non-on-demand applications.
Platform (Android or iOS)
The choice of platform you choose would fall either for Android or iOS. Strictly speaking, developing for the Android platform can be a little more costly as compared to iOS due to the amount of fragmentation Android is subjected to.
There is a third option available now – cross-platform app development. By choosing this, your application will be able to work incredible on both the platforms rending performance falling no shorter than a native app. Plus, it is cost-effective as compared to developing the app separately for both platforms.
Development Team Size
There is no need to tell you that the cost of development will be lower when you choose a team of freelancer developers as compared to an established on demand mobile app development company.
However, established companies have an edge over freelance developers – the assurance of the prolific quality of mobility and digital solutions.
Location of the company
The location plays a pivotal role in deciding the ultimate cost of logistics app development. It is an established fact that the hourly rates of development tend to get higher when moving from east to west.
In light of the above statement, there are few countries such as India that are home to some prestigious and insanely efficient mobile app development companies that offer their services at reasonable prices.
Now comes the most-awaited part. The estimated cost of logistics mobile app development can range between USD 70k to USD 80k.
Future of Logistics app development
All the current statistics and predictions on logistics app development only paint a positive picture of the future of on-demand logistics app development. Since the advent of mobile app development in the logistics industry, things have become smooth-sailing and processes have become streamlined.
In fact, the next big thing for this industry is the extension of AI into it, as per the AI technology trends. We can expect AI-induced logistics applications that will further facilitate the logistics and warehouse management while being equally helpful in transportation. Another next-gen tech that will disrupt the logistics domain is none other than IoT.
Going forward, the emergence of numerous types of on-demand logistics applications will eventually make the logistics industry prosperous. If there was ever the right time to invest in the logistics app development, it is Now. So, with the estimated cost to build the logistic app, it would become easier to make a firm and well-contemplated decision.
“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
There was a time when adding too many elements into the mobile app was a norm. But, with time, user behavior has changed.
Users have started inclining towards minimal interactions and elements; hoping to interact with limited things while enjoying the same level of services.
This changed need in turn has made it imperative for app designers and UI UX design agencies to incorporate the concept of minimal app design and build engaging designs with limited elements.
In this article, we will talk about the much talked about designing concept starting with the simplified definition to what is minimalism.
What is Minimalism?
Minimalism in app design, as depicted from the name, is described as a process that operates on the ‘less is more’ principle. Here, the least possible elements are added to your app design, such that it forms the most atomic form of the application. Meaning, you cannot achieve the core functionality of the application on removing elements further.
The concept has gained a huge momentum in the UI/UX design world because of the number of benefits it offers.
What Should Minimal UI Design Look Like?
Minimalist web and mobile UI UX app design should be brief, clear, and consistent. The communication of the program’s segments should be pointed toward solving the customer’s problem, be it texting, online shopping or something else, which infers user convenience.
Generally, minimalism powers UI/UX professionals to track down a legitimate method to say more with fewer means. To accomplish such an outcome, you need to follow certain minimalist UI design principles. They’re direct, simple, and consistent.
Benefits of Minimal Design in App Design Process
Delivers a polished message
When multiple elements are added to a screen, it is likely to confuse users and make it hard for them to understand the core value you wish to deliver. But, on the flip side, minimalism, when added to the mobile app interface makes it nearly impossible for users to not be able to understand what message you wish to deliver.
Fast load of app screens
Naturally, when unnecessary components are eliminated, an application turns out to be quicker. This brings the advantage of minimum to zero instances of application crashes. When the performance of an application is improved, the experience improves, eventually expanding the timeframe of usability of applications on consumer’s devices.
Eases navigation process
Another reason why minimalist web and mobile app design is going viral is that it enhances app navigation.
Users interact with less elements on a screen. So, there’s less chances of them finding an alternate navigation path and get distracted.
Requires less maintenance
Since the time, effort, and cost required for app maintenance varies with the no. of elements available on the screen, the value gets lowered in the case of minimalist UX design.
Enhances brand value
Last but not least, a minimalist app design helps brands increase their app stickiness. Through the design concept, users are able to stick to the interface for long, and all the while, their interest keeps spiking.
Concise call to action
On account of the moderate plan technique, any accentuation will be striking. The conciseness and simplicity of the interface permit you to take the user’s attention to what you truly need them to see.
Need your users to utilize your application for any reason? Or do you need them to subscribe to your top video? Whatever be your activity, its call would project itself delightfully onto the application.
Knowing the benefits of using minimal UI design, I am sure you would be keen to get started with the implementation of it in your app design.
But, wait!
Before asking your hired mobile app design and development company to follow the Minimal Design approach, it will be useful to get a head start by looking into how different apps are leveraging advantages from it.
Popular Apps Using Minimal Design Concept
Google Calendar
Google calendar uses the grid layout to show all the information in a simplified and organized style. Also, an analogous color scheme is opted to give a fresh and positive look to the interface.
Instagram
Instagram embraces the concept of white space and added the simplest form of icons to give a pleasant feel to the target user base.
Airbnb
In Airbnb, a single typography is being used to make the app interface look clutter-less. Also, icons are used smartly to define a purpose.
Medium
The typography, photos, and every element are used in a grid format in the Medium application.
Lyft
Lyft is an apt example of how to add an analogous color scheme into your app design plan to bring out the best outcomes without investing heavily in terms of app design cost.
With this covered, let’s dive deeper into the technicalities of Minimal designing – starting with the core features of Minimalism design concept to keep an eye on.
Characteristics of Minimal App Design
1. Simplicity
A minimal app design uses less and not complicated elements, which gives a simple and clean look to the application.
2. Clarity
It not only looks simple, but also simplifies the process of getting an understanding of the core app purpose.
3. Functionality of each element
Every element on the app screen performs some action, and not just makes the app look attractive.
4. Expressive visual hierarchy
The elements in the case of minimal app design are placed such that they showcase a visual hierarchical structure.
5. Higher attention ratio to proportions and composition
The UI/UX design is created by keeping The Golden Ratio into consideration.
While these are the traits that an application designing through Minimal design approach shows, let’s turn towards the elements it compose of.
Elements of Minimal Design to Watch Out for While App Development
Color scheme
One of the primitive elements of minimal design is the color scheme.
The type and quantity of colors you pick for your app’s interface leaves a major impact on the target user base, on the emotional front. If your application has too bold or too many colors at the same place, the app might seem cluttered and confusing. While, on the flip side, calm colors or a single color on the interface might make the app appear boring and affect user retention rate.
In such a scenario, the two ways you can build engaging app interface are:-
Use Monochromatic Colors Scheme – Multiple colors are created from changing the hue brightness and saturation of the same color; making it easy on the eyes.
Opt Analogous Colors Scheme – Three adjacent colors on the color wheel are used to create different aspects of the application.
Typography
Another element that gives a different aspect to minimal designs is Typography. Defined as the technique of representing written words, it improves communication between users and the app interface.
If picked wisely, it can bring more eyeballs on your app screen. While, on the other side, it can give a disorganized and negative feel to the users, especially when going with multiple typography fonts.
In such a scenario, having knowledge of the best typography tools as well as the idea of how many typography one should consider for building a sophisticated look is necessary.
White Space
When talking about implementing minimal design in apps world, another element that designers and developers need to focus upon is the white space. Considered as the space between text lines, it gives a clear and clutterless impression to the app interface; making users feel positive about interacting with the page.
Icons
Iconography is a visual language used to address functionality and content. A good icon is simple with visual components that are easy to spot and comprehend. Since bar symbols fill in as navigation to different sections of the application, it’s essential to indicate which section is active by highlighting the icon.
Enhancement
Enhancement is yet another mobile app UI design tool element that builds up minimalistic design in the mobile app world. That means, the way you bring more focus on a particular image or text while multiple being present on the page.
Now as to what exactly Minimal design in app means and which and how apps are introducing it into their app design, let’s look into some tips and practices you can consider to create minimalistic interfaces of your application.
Best Practices to Build Minimal Design for Your App Effortlessly
Go for flat design
Following Flat Design in your app design is the foremost method to introduce minimal design in your application.
A Flat design, unlike other designing styles, focuses on using limited 2D elements and avoiding shadows, textures, or gradients. This makes it easier for the designed images and other visual elements to look neat, take less space, and enhance usability in the interface.
Make a grid layout
Another factor that every UI/UX app designer must consider while creating minimal app UI designs is Grid layout.
The layout not just adds convenience to the app interface, but also highlights the visual elements. It also serves designers with an ease of maintaining the same feel throughout the page in case of responsive design.
Remove extra elements
One of the best practices for minimalist design is to ensure that no unnecessary element is added to the screen. Meaning, only those elements are introduced to a screen that serves a purpose there.
Now, when it comes to deciding which elements to keep in the design and which one to remove, here are the two tips to keep an eye on:-
Do not add images unless they aid in making your message clear to others.
Use simple and limited words to communicate, such that meaningful information is being served to the audience.
Do not oversimplify design elements
Simplicity leads to minimalism. However, this does not mean that you have to oversimplify your app design.
This is because an over-simplified user interface can make it difficult for users to understand the purpose of your application. Also, it can break the navigation flow, which can further result in lower app engagement and retention rate.
So, it is a must for UI/UX designers to ensure that they keep a balance between simplicity and minimalism while designing their mobile application.
Employ negative space
Negative space, i.e., the white space created due to removal of extra elements from the interface, is the backbone of the minimal design.
This element, when employed smartly, plays a crucial role in preventing distraction, increasing engagement, and delivering the right message to customers. However, this is possible only when you focus on the following requisites:-
Content to be on the left side.
Focus on Hierarchy of elements.
Interaction made simple, without compromising on information.
Variations in negative space maintained for different resolutions.
Pick the right icons
Icons, when employed wisely, help designers cut down the need for content, enhance the visual appearance of the application, and add to the accessibility.
So, designing the right app icons and implementing them at the right places in your app design is also an effective way to get higher profits.
Write crisp content
As already shared in the ‘Negative space’ pointer, writing simple and succinct text copy improves the app metrics. An extension of it would be to express your thoughts with limited yet meaningful and catchy words.
Go for bold typography
Typography in app UI design, just like icons and other visual elements, also helps in enjoying minimalism in app design. Especially in the form of bold typography.
The bold typography shifts users’ attention to the focused words and helps in crafting a high visual experience. So, do not forget to introduce them into your app design plan.
Embrace the idea of contrast
Using contrast elements helps designers create a visual hierarchy and bring attention on particular design elements. So, it is again a good practice to invest your time and effort into building a contrast interface.
When talking about embracing the power of contrast, it is good to introduce black, white, or dark backgrounds with bright and colored typography and pictures. It is important to note here that if you are thinking of incorporating dark mode design theme, the contrast rules would be entirely different.
Use limited colors
Using too many colors on the same app screen leaves a negative impact on users. So, to ensure that your design imparts a positive vibe and engages a wider audience, use limited colors. The best way of which is to use different shades of the same color.
Likewise, using bright colors alongside soothing and complementary hues, simple typography, and less-complicated animations can also help you achieve minimalism in app design.
Focus on concise and intuitive navigation
When it comes to working upon the navigation element, many designers often turn towards techniques like hiding some part of the navigation. This might help to keep the design minimal but reduces the discoverability of menu elements. This makes users confused somewhere in their journey and fail to experience the kind of user experience you wish to offer after ux reviewing process.
So, it is necessary to go with the philosophy, “measure thrice, cut once” while designing your app navigation.
Embrace functional animation
Another factor to watch out for while ensuring minimal design in the app is to embrace the idea of functional animation.
This element of motion design is added to the user interface as a part of any functionality. And is focused on improving discoverability and delivering a meaningful purpose, without asking for more space.
Follow operating system design guidelines
Both Apple and Google have set rules around the type of design that a standard application should have. Considering those design guidelines while introducing minimalism in your application can also be an effective way to ensure higher success rate.
Ditch some rules
Last but not the least, bending some rules of minimalism design is also a good practice. This is so because when you break some rules, you get the freedom to experiment with your design and add creativity to it, aiding in bringing more eyeballs on your app page.
10 Quick & Actionable UI UX Tips for Mobile App Design
Blur effects
The blur effect emerges as a logical answer for a minimal product design UI, permitting a specific measure of play with the layers and hierarchy of the interface. Blur makes it simpler to make layers of data in the UI. This likewise offers minimal designers an ideal chance to explore different overlay solutions.
One app, one typeface
More typefaces seldom bring about better client experience. Actually, blending several different fonts can make your application appear to be fragmented. Decreasing the quantity of font styles on a screen can uncover the power of typography. One of the mobile app design tips is that when designing an application consider how you might make the typography amazing by playing with weight, style and size.
Simple background
Web designers some of the time create complex background themes, like those including photograph pictures. However mobile app design service providers have long deserted such a training in favour of simple and monotonicity. Very bright background under restricted space confounds the way toward exploring the application and slows down the loading stage, which isn’t acceptable.
Simple navigation
There are no intricate patterns of features, pages, or functionalities however just conveniently arranges experiences. Thus, through this clients will get to explore from one module onto the next flawlessly and complete things quicker than they would otherwise.
Declutter UI
It is wise to keep best app UI design mess free. Clarity is a significant attribute of a mobile design. An excessive amount of design components like buttons, text, images, etc. can make any mobile application complicated and incapable to utilize. Keep it basic and minimal, or else you will not be able to convey the message to the user in a clear and concise way.
Accessibility
With organizations taking measures to make products accessible for everybody, minimal designers need to have sympathy and provide different experiences to various individuals through the similar mobile plan. A well planned item ought to be accessible to various users like users with low vision, any sort of visual deficiency, motor and hearing impairments. With comprehensive app design features, individuals with disabilities can explore and interact with your product.
Thumb zone
With each new mobile release, the screen size has expanded, holding the gadget with one hand and browsing the application is getting troublesome. Thus, the mobile application design ought not be aesthetically planned but additionally should focus on the movement of the fingers and thumb.
Remember all zones when mobile application design is being made. Wider the phone, more hard for the user to hold the phone with one hand and tapping on targets if they are out of reach zone.
Set expectations
Numerous associations with a webpage or application have outcomes: clicking a button can mean spending cash, erasing a website, or making a disapproving remark. What’s more, is that with clicking a button there are ramifications, there’s additionally anxiety.
Thus make sure to tell users what will happen after they click that button before they do it. You can do this through a nice design plan.
No extra details
All components of the minimal design play out specific functions: a circumstance where each UI detail fills a particular need. It implies you can securely dispose of application segments with no direct undertakings. They’re unnecessary.
This additionally applies to the content, i.e. decrease the quantity of words utilized and communicate as briefly as possible.
Intuitive app interface
The entire issue boils down to the last important point that is the making of an easy to use interface.
Eventually, no one needs to feel dull and moronic, and unplanned usability would provide the user with simply unwanted impressions. In this manner, your application interface ought to be intuitive, working on all devices in a comparable coherent manner. What’s more, is that accomplishing responsiveness in planning minimal applications isn’t so difficult.
Conclusion
Minimal app design has been a popular approach for some years now and is likely to be one of the UI/UX trends as well. So, it is advisable for everyone who wishes to enter into the UX/UI domain or are getting their application designed to focus on this concept and elevate the chances of success. Something for which you can refer to the rules and practices shared in this article. Or simply, connect with our UI/UX design company in USA.
User privacy concerns and lengthy checkout processes often partake the accusation for high shopping cart abandonment rate of m-commerce apps. Whereas, the metrics on users consideration at different stages of virtual shopping, often skips the bare eye. In this read we will narrow down upon- What are the main reasons and how can m-commerce apps lower their cart abandonment rate?
Imagine you are at a shopping store. You pick all the stuff that you intend to buy, place it in your cart when suddenly your phone starts buzzing. It’s a call from your longtime friend. You lose focus from shopping, or rather forget about the shopping bucket altogether before you leave the store.
We all know that is very unlikely to happen in a brick and mortar store.
But for virtual shopping carts on mobile and web, this scenario is recurring, common and obvious.
Even the slightest of interruption from calls, messages, notifications, or environment can make your buyers leave the cart without making an actual purchase.
Marketers must know that there is a reason for every cart abandoned!
What are the major shopping cart abandonment reasons? In an empirical study by Research Gate, we find the following cognitive and behavioral reasons for high shopping cart abandonment rate in 2019:
Fact: MasterCard and University of Oxford came together to hold a study in 2017 that reveals a drop in one-third of purchases is due to users forgetting their passwords. This leads to a common user preference of biometrics over passwords.
Statista Shopping Cart Abandonment Statistics:
Shopping cart abandonment is the pain in the foot of every m-commerce or online retail store today. For vigilant marketers, they bring meaningful learnings about user behavior. You can try and turn your cart abandonment into key insights to restabilize all that is wrong with your marketing plan.
Let us look at the shopping cart abandonment Statistics 2019, to see if there is a silver lining to this problem- A technique for every m-commerce app that needs shopping cart abandonment optimization.
So how to fix cart abandonment? One thing that is fairly evident is that a good conversion rate optimization approach can sustain and re-engage your audience to lower your cart abandonment rate.
How to convert abandoned carts? The Conversion rate Optimisation Approach
What if you choose to do nothing about the high cart abandonment rate?
You miss a lot of revenue and fail in conversions as your users continue to jump off the ship. On an average rate of cart abandonment is 68% for ecommerce retailers.
Everyone is looking for a quick fix to develop a customer base that keeps returning for more. The quest to recapture the lost value has become the food for thought, for many bloggers, marketers, entrepreneurs, and agencies.
We all are users at some point in our day.
Think like one! One technique to reduce shopping cart abandonment is to get the knack of your customer’s mind is to step in their shoes and generate your own perspective. What makes you snap back before you enter your cart details?
Make a list of these points just like we did to arrive at the main causes for effective abandonment cart strategy. While we took a generalists approach, you need the one specific to your business needs.
Many think of their mobile apps as currency vending machines, which they are not. Your mobile app is a platform that brings you an opportunity to develop a relationship with your customer, promote loyalty and leave a lasting impression in your heads.
1. Guest Checkout
Save your shoppers from new account fatigue. Allow them to make a purchase without creating and signing in to their user accounts.
Remember all those times when a paywall or overbearing request kept you from accessing the products on an app. Enabling guest checkout will let your customers browse through the products and share their details only when they are ready.
Understand and accept that the user wants to compare, assess and evaluate the value you offer against the purchase. Encourage users to sign up and log in once they ensure that you offer the maximum value.
In fact, the e-commerce market leaders like Amazon, Walmart, and others are already doing it. They all have a one-step checkout implementation option on their mobile apps.
2. Device optimization
With smartphones taking over the internet, another thing you will like to consider is the device your customers are using to access your website. Users spend about 15 hours a week on their smartphone browsing products on different m-commerce applications. Once the users set their eyes on a product about 45% switch to their laptops or tablets to make the purchase.
Make the mobile-responsive design your first priority. This approach is a great value add to your competitive growth. Optimize your website for mobile shoppers.
Come to think of it from a users point of view. A user who comes to your site has already been there through a smartphone.
Mobile shopping cart abandonment rates are high pertaining to casual browsers. Carts abandoned on mobiles are reopened on websites. So if you let them save the products that they like, you can seal the deal. Later they will come to your site with their visa and keyboards.
3. Add to Smart Wish List
We all have a long list of items that we want to purchase. A wish list lets your user bundle all on that list. With emerging technologies, Smart Wish List can make you stand out and nurture your audience.
The basket works and that is why the cart format has stuck. But very few have the Wish List feature.
Taking an example of an m-commerce app that deals in clothes. Suppose a user really likes a scarf but can’t find a matching pullover with it. Wishlist helps your customers to make a bundle of items in their own time.
Another scenario can be that you are out of stock and running low on the inventory of the pullover. The user can simply add it to the wish list. Once the stock is in the inventory the user gets automatically notified.
Wish least can also help manufacturers make pre-launch bookings, like on new gadgets before the price is disclosed. This brings a lot of customer feedback to the retailers and manufacturers to devise combos, offers, and discounts on selective merchandise. These are all part of the Shopping cart page best practices.
Now make the wish list feature smart. Add options to categorize the wish list for birthdays, anniversaries, paydays and others. Allow users to share the wish lists with each other.
A little push can add the right spices and increase sales revenue. Add a ‘buy before’ criteria to the wish list to bring a sense of urgency. Suppose an expiry time of 60 days can bring the shoppers back before their itinerary disappears into the black hole forever.
4. Quick sign-ups
It’s good if you are not forcing user registration. But it does more harm if you do not remind your shoppers to log in before they go. Keeping it simple and subtle, can capture the user’s attention.
‘Sign up with Google’ is a simple yet strong call to action. Users recognize google in a blink. It is secure, familiar and ideal. Give users the perception of choice, with a quick sign up.
This also tells you about when, where and how users prefer to communicate with you. So strive to secure your m-commerce app using best practices of network encryption.
Communicate with your customers to re-stimulate their interest. One of the wise old tricks of marketing is direct communication with your user. Workaround a great email reminder campaign. Being too zealous won’t put you at the right foot here, like bombarding the inboxes with a streak of reminders. By rule of thumb, here is a list of what a good reminder email encloses:
Vibrant images of the product- To remind the buyer
A strong call to action- To stimulate decision making
Brief service guarantee or refund policy- To alleviate any concerns
Another alternative you have is of smart push notifications. If you make good offers the ones that bring a sense of cost incentive to the users, you will hit the jackpot.
6. Short-lived discounts
Cutting down prices may critically affect your bottom line. But it’s a good bait to drive in the shoppers waiting on the fence.
A study of the effect on price discounts and bonus packs on online impulse buying speaks of the impact on users. Percentage discounts make the best detours for items bought for pleasure, while combos and bonus packs work best for utilitarian items.
Time-bound discount offers on items with elastic prices can show your intent that you value your customers. And to a customer that is a great feeling.
7. Brand Familiarity is not a myth
Google Trusted Store badge is one heck of a tag that ensures certainty, reliability and trust factor through visual representations.
A name that your buyer has not heard before is bound to add skepticism about your credibility and offerings. Promote your brand to raise familiarity with your audience. Showing up in google search or social media advertisements will not bring you great returns.
8. Eliminate surprise costs
High shipping costs and taxes often switch off the buying intent in customers. Free shipping on orders above a certain value is not a new idea but the one that makes magic happen. Disclose the additional costs early in the buying funnel.
A Forrester study confirms that surprise costs make 44 percent of online shoppers drift away and uninstall the apps.
Make a serious attempt to reduce all potential barriers between you and the wallet of your users. An active, persistent approach to curb the checkout leaks, navigation and performance issues are a few other things to spot.
Ecommerce shopping cart abandonment solutions are easy to implement if you understand their customers. Implementing the Techniques to Reduce Shopping Cart Abandonment as discussed above will soon make the bounce rates wind down and conversions ramp up.
Application development can be a little overwhelming for some people since it involves so many decisions and choices. If it’s your first time then we sure can understand the questions you might be asking yourself. With technology advancing so rapidly apps have to be developed in a way that it matches the latest technological trends.
Going for application development will be the best decision for your business especially if you are a startup. Startups need to gather an audience and convert them into becoming their regular customers. This can be achieved with the help of mobile apps as it will give the audience a platform to engage, interact and gather information about the startup.
An app must be developed in a way that there is no waste in the application development process, every opportunity is explored and the end result is worth all the effort and costs. To make this happen, we are writing this blog about things to consider when developing mobile apps for startups.
Let us begin with why should you get an app for your startup.
Why build a great mobile app for your business?
The fact that by 2020, there will be 20 billion mobile devices makes building an app that can profit your business is very important. Majority of the mobile users are preferring mobile apps to get things done and apps are more of a lifestyle than just a technological solution.
Here are some compelling reasons why businesses should have an app.
Additional sales
With a mobile app in your customer’s pocket, you have a lot of things to use to increase your sales. The simplicity and convenience of using an app to buy a product encourage users to buy repeatedly. When compared to websites, apps have more accessibility and people can make a purchase on the go. Another way to gain revenue is by showing ads on the apps. You can also charge users for your app. If the app is worth paying for, customers will buy it.
Reduces marketing cost
Marketing costs are huge and not every startup can afford it. With apps, you get a free marketing tool which reduces the cost of marketing, unlike traditional marketing. Mobile apps are low-cost marketing tools where push notifications can be used to market new products, inform about offers and re-invite users to increase the activity of the app. Not to forget that it takes less time, low cost and reaches a large audience at the same time.
Customer experience
A business runs because of its customers and impressing them is the biggest job. Mobile apps are no doubt a great way of enhancing the customer experience. Websites are great to reach a larger audience but it cannot give the same feel as an app. Apps are deliberately designed such that it fits small screens while giving visual satisfaction to users. Apps have quick access to the device features like calling, camera, GPS, etc. which makes them more likable.
Edge over competitors
Even though most companies have got an app, there still might be a chance for you to flourish. There are two possibilities that make your chance to succeed with an app possible. First, there might be companies in your niche that haven’t gone mobile which gives an edge. Second, even if some businesses have, they might not a great app. A poorly developed app is of no good use and you get a chance there.
Broader Reach
There is a population that only operates its business through mobile apps. If you don’t have an app, you are missing out on that particular population. A large number of users prefer a mobile app over the website as seen in the statistics above. To know what percentage of your users are mobile-driven, check out the percentage of website visitors that access it through mobile phones. Also, younger users are more likely to use mobile apps as compared to adults.
Feedback from customers
If a business doesn’t meet the needs of its customers, it’s hampering its own growth. Most businesses take the smart route and consider the customer feedback a serious benefit. With feedback from your customers, you can reshape the business or make necessary changes. A great way to gather feedback is through reviews from the app store or from the in-app feedback section. You can also run in-app surveys from time to time.
Stickiness
Mobile apps are a strategy to get into the customer’s pocket. The convenience it brings for the users is very much appreciated by them. Having an app in their pockets and being able to access it anytime and anywhere creates stickiness with your brand. Unlike websites, apps are always a click or a tap away and that encourages repeated interaction with the business. There are also high chances that mobile apps can bring your business a great percentage of loyal customers.
Now that we have seen why you should get an app for your startup, here are some tips for creating an app that is profitable.
What are the main points to consider when developing a mobile application?
It’s easier to decide to get an app than actually planning to build a good one. Mobile app development is a process that needs proper consideration. It requires one to look into tips for bringing success to app business, implement them, and much more. In this section, we will state some things to consider when developing mobile apps.
Solidify the app idea
One of the mobile application development tips for beginners is the app ideation. Before you even think about the application development process, make sure your app idea is great. The entire base of the app is the ideation and you need to make sure you have everything it takes to make the app a success. You have to ask yourself whether the app idea is strong enough to survive the cut-throat competition or not. The app should also have an edge over the competition and should be able to solve problems on a business level.
Define your elevator pitch
One of the things to consider when developing mobile apps is the elevator pitch. You get a short time to present your business in front of investors and that’s why having a perfect elevator pitch is important. This also helps in finding the clarity in your app idea and business model. You should be prompt about your business, the problems it is going to solve, the funding it will need and the audience it’s going to target.
Identify the target audience
People think that the entire app using population is their target audience since they all can use an app. But there is a huge difference between someone who can use an app and someone who wants to use an app. Defining your target audience will bring more traction to the business. Knowing your target audience helps in building an app as per their liking. An app that satisfies the customer needs is going to become successful.
Consider the app platform
Factors in developing mobile applications also include the app platform. It is actually one of the most important things to consider when developing mobile apps. In the world of mobile apps, iOS and Android have become the top platforms for application development. There is an ongoing debate between Android vs iOS for startups and it isn’t going to end any time soon. Some find iOS to be the right platform for them and some find Android is the way to go. Both platforms are great in reality and have their pros and cons. iOS uses the Swift or Objective-C language whereas Android uses Java or Kotlin.
However, there is an option to select both platforms at the same time. Cross-platform apps are developed to be accessible on multiple platforms. The cross-platform frameworks that we use today are Ionic, Xamarin, etc. A simpler name for cross-platform apps is hybrid apps.
App store optimization
So far you have seen many things to think about when building an app. App Store and Play Store optimization are other crucial factors for consideration. Your app store page is a way of creating a good impression in front of users. 60% of apps are found through organic search and they are directed to the app store page of your app. You need to make the app look as appealing as possible while following the app store optimization guidelines.
Monetization options
One of the things to keep in mind while developing a mobile app is the way of monetization. As good as earning money off of the app directly is, there are other ways to earn money from the app.
If your app is good enough then you can earn from different ways using your app. You can earn money directly from your app in the following ways:
Freemium apps: These apps are the most common types of apps. The apps can be download for free, however, to access some features users have to buy it from the app.
Paid apps: The paid apps have to be bought by the users in order to use them. But for this to work, the marketing of the app needs to be strong so that the true value and unique features of the app are displayed.
In-app purchases: Apps can have special features that the users can pay for. These features are only accessible to those who have made the in-app purchases.
Subscription: Subscription is a way of earning on a regular basis. Users can subscribe to an app on a monthly basis and enjoy the best version of the app. Most apps have freemium for the simple version and subscription for a premium version of the app.
In-app ads: Earning revenue from the ads is quite common these days. There are no barriers for users since watching ads don’t cost anything. The app can have a section to display ads or can add video ads to the app. However, user experience should not be compromised with when going for in-app ads.
Sponsorships: This method of earning money is possible when you have generated a good user base. You can partner with some brands and advertise their products on the app. There is a two-way benefit in sponsorship for you. First, the brands will pay you for the user actions and second, users will increase the in-app engagement.
App security measures
If your app is not secure then your app is not for the users. With so much advancement in technology, there comes a great risk of security breach and hacking. This is why you need to make sure you follow security practices for a hack-proof app to protect your users’ data. Most users are naive with the concept of hacking and need an app they don’t have to worry about.
Marketing strategies for pre-launch and post-launch
The marketing strategy of the app is one of the things to consider when developing mobile apps. Before the app is launched, proper awareness should be created about the app. This will help in boosting the app downloads once the app is launched. The pre-launch is as important as post-launch and the marketing strategies for both should be ready.
This was our take on tips for mobile application development. Have an app idea? Contact our team of developers today.
There is a very famous saying in the marketing world that the first thing that subconsciously connects your brand to the customers is your business name.
And now with the world moving to mobile, the saying that once majorly revolved around brick and mortar business has moved to the mobile domain as well – making it completely unignorable for mobile app entrepreneurs to not pay attention to their Mobile App name.
Now the importance of giving a lot of time in deciding how to name an app was as true some two-three years back as it is today – something that made us curate an article around tips for naming your mobile application, two years back.
But with the changing time, there are a few things like example – Camel Case – that has come into prominence. Something that has made us relook at the whole mobile app naming process yet again.
Only this time, we are looking at it from a different and more personal level – How we help our partners know the steps to find an app name.
While on the journey of finding how to name an app, it does help to know what name type, word, and character count are working in the industry, let us nonetheless share the tips that we share and operate on when trying to finalize a mobile app name for our clients.
But before we move on to the tips that might help you name your mobile application better, let us first touch the basics with what all things you need to keep into consideration when starting with the brainstorming session of how to come up with the right name for your app.
A look back at the factors to be considered when answering how to name your app
A. Aim for Zero Confusion
If you don’t want what happened in the Surf Excel row where a user accidentally tweeted a backlash on MS Excel’s Twitter thinking it’s Surf Excel, it would be better to stay away from keeping names that sound too similar to other apps or brand’s name. In fact, when you try to find the answer to how famous app names were created, there is a high probability that you will come across to the point that they didn’t copy. While both Play Store and App Store are pretty slow and ignorant when it comes to verifying the similarity in names, it is only right to not take a shortcut and take advantage of the name of famous brands by piling on to their brand image.
B. Create Familiarity
In case yours is a case of an existing chain of business, with one business going mobile, it is recommended that you aim for creating a sense of familiarity. So, for you the ideas to choose the right name for the app should help you ensure that there is some familiarity in the name of your app and your parent company, simply to present your app as an extension of the brand. When we talk about familiarity, there is one other way to look at it – seeing that the app name is the best representation of the app’s aim. So, look into both the points when looking to create familiarity.
C. Understand the Stores’ Difference
When finding the answer to How to Name an App, it helps to understand the difference between the required characters limit accepted by the App Store and Play Store. While both the stores come with a character limit of 50 characters, an optimal amount in case of App Store is 23 character while in case of Play Store is 30 characters. Knowing the scope of innovation you can work around helps in leveling your field of search for the right app name brainstorming ideas.
D. Global Appeal
One of the most important things that brands generally ignore when deciding on the apps’ name is looking at it from a global perspective. Assuming that your business will not be restricted to any one geographical location, it helps to go with a name that when translates to another language is something that is culturally appropriate in the geographical location.
Well, here were the four most commonly ignored but must consider factors that you must, at all cost attend to, at the end of the day when you pick a name for an app. Now with that attended to, let us now look at how we go about naming the application for our clients’ apps.
How Do We answer How to Name an App?
A. Look at the Top Apps in the Category
We start by looking at the top apps in the category in which our clients’ app would function. The aim of this is to get the idea of what elements are the competitors choosing – is it emotions of the users they are after or are they ensuring that the app category name is mentioned somewhere when they choose an app name? Doing this gives us a head start in terms of what line we should also brainstorm in.
B. Easy to Pronounce
The second thing that we look after when deciding on how to name an app is if it is easy for the world to pronounce, especially for the user demographic who would be interacting with the application. What happens is that sometimes brands use a foreign word like suppose French or Japanese (commonly) to name their application.But, they forget a crucial thing that the internet is filled with questions asking how to pronounce French, Italian, or Japanese words – meaning, not a lot of people understand the right pronunciation. And, in the fear of being seen as a noob, they refrain from taking it altogether.
C. Talks About the Main App’s Feature
In line with the relevancy factor that we discussed above, we try to ensure that the app’s name is in line with the functionality that the application comes with – as much as possible when looking to answer the question of how to pick the perfect app name for you.After all, keeping the users confused as to what the application does, while seems like a titillating idea can backfire real quick, knowing that the patience of users who are given with n number of options is very low. So, like WhatsApp which has the word App in it or even Candy Crush, the name that tells that the users would have to crush candies, we try to include the features of our clients’ app in the name as well.
D. A Name that Users Search
Ever since we have gotten our hands on the statistics that more than half of the searches happen out of the Play and App Store, we have been taking advantage of the occurrence that people search for applications on the SERPs and then on the stores. One way we achieve that is through search engine traffic suggestions. Our team of SEO experts looks at the terms that people are using to search for the category your app is looking to master and then work it around in a way that it is present in the application’s name.
E. Match With a Domain Name
One thing that is easily missable by you as an entrepreneur is you not thinking beyond the naming your next app or startup. You might forget that mobile apps, most often than not, comes with the plan of expansion into a website as well. Now, imagine you have got a brilliant name that is just perfect and your prospective users are also in love with it but when you search it online, you find that it is already taken by a website online. Disappointing, isn’t it? Well, that is why we make sure that the name we are searching for the application is available in the website domain world as well.
F. Mix Words
Mixing words and then showing them in camel case is not just something that WhatsApp loves but we do too. Along with being an extremely fun thing to do, mixing two words together to form single flow word that describes not just the essence of the app but also the creative side of the application – can come in very handy to show a brand image as well.
So here were the six approaches that we have followed in over 70+ applications that we have named for our clients across different industries.
But after everything said and done, the crux of the matter when it comes to the Tips on How to Choose a Successful Name for Your App lies in two things – A. The name should be culturally appropriate and easy to remember, pronounce and B. No matter how well you name your app or how much time you put behind it, it is equally important to make sure that the experience you give to the users the moment they enter the app is something that is very similar to the emotion that they felt when they read the name – pure bliss.
Both the things, while being equally challenging are also the things that we are prepared to help you with. So, get in touch with our team of mobile app developers and marketers today.
All the different app development processes take their individual development time.
Although research stages take up around 2 to 3 weeks of development time, when done right, they can not just save time on a later stage but also aid the smooth sailing of processes.
Factors that slow down the mobile app development timeline are changes made mid-project inexperienced developers and use of complex technologies
RFPs, MVPs, and Cross-platform development tend to speed up the app development process.
There is no doubt about the fact that with 350 billion app downloads worldwide, businesses are looking to get the same attention. It’s very normal for a business to inquire about the app development process and the mobile app development cost.
Usually, businesses and clients are interested in knowing how long does it take to create an app, the cost of app development, and all the efforts involved. As soon as they learn the benefits of having a mobile application for their business, they wish to get on with it. Hence, the question how long does it take to develop an app.
{Also read our article on – How much Does it Cost to Develop an App Like Careem & Uber}
Now, usually, the average time to develop an app looks like the below image. But there is no definite time as it depend on person to person and company to company
But there is no definitive-ness. And thus this article.
In this blog, we will not only look at the mobile app development process, factors affecting the average time to build an app but also will determine how long it takes to mobile app development.
Key Stages of The Mobile App Development Process
The app development process has different stages and all of these stages require different time slots. From the planning process until the launch of the application, the entire process is interdependent on each other and requires proper attendance. It is quite obvious that apps with different sizes and different features have different app development time.
Each development stage is discussed below to answer the question ‘how much time does it take to build an app?’
This is one of the main documents that entrepreneurs and app developers often miss out on. Ideally, the better the brief the lesser time it would take to understand the software project and the requirements. In fact, this one step can have a HUGE impact on the time required to develop an app.
There are some things that you have to include in the brief which you are working with such as the company information. But to help give your app development agency a detailed understanding of the project and the mobile app development services they will have to deploy.
The outcome of this stage is usually: The Brief of an App Development Before we look into the different design and development related phases, let us first look into the time it takes to set the basis of all the design and development processes that follow.
Project
Project goals and the success metrics
RFP
NDA
The budget range
Delivery date
Stage 1: Forming ideas and research
It’s easy to get great ideas but it’s not necessary that everyone will agree to it being great. The idea formation and research part very much affect how long it takes to build an app. This stage involves starting with an idea and then researching it for more improvements.
Even if the idea of the app seems right, a test must be run to keep things as real as possible. This can prove to be a very important step taken in the initial stage. Testing application ideas also ensure that when the app is launched in the market, the users are going to love it.
Another thing that this stage involves is targeting the right audience. It is in this initial stage that the right audience is targeted for the app. Defining the target audience not only helps in boosting the app after its launch but also in shaping the app in the right direction.
Different apps have different size and ages of the target audience. For instance, Facebook has all ages of people on its platform whereas Tinder has a younger target audience. Targeting has made these apps so successful therefore is suggested that proper targeting and research should be done.
Analyzing the competitiveness of the market and the app is also necessary. During the research about the app, one should also gather information about the competitors and potential threats. This will prepare the app owners for any difficulties after the app launch.
The entire research takes several weeks. By the end of the research, you should know all the strengths and weaknesses of the competitors, the app strategies and defined target audience.
By the end of this stage, you should get these outcomes:
Minimum Viable Product
User Stories
App Prototypes
Stage 2: Planning it all out
The next stage is the planning stage. Once you know all about your market, its time to plan out the app development process. The planning stage involves decisions regarding the configuration of the app. These decisions include making a choice between iOS and Android, native or hybrid, cross-platform or not, web-based app or mobile app, etc.
Once these plans are made, its time to add on the features. Now the features of an app should be such that neither does it complicate the app nor slows it down. There are many basic features that an app should have such as search bar, social media sharing buttons, profile building, login option, etc. These features make a basic app much convenient for users.
As the app size increases, the features are more and more directed towards the type of app. For instance, any e-commerce app will have the ‘Add to cart’ feature. Similarly, social media apps have the option of media sharing and various other features for engagement on the app.
All these planning is quite complex and will require a month or so.
Stage 3: Design Sprints and Idea Validation
Design sprints processes are being used for testing different aspects of an application. It takes around a week to complete the whole design sprint. The idea of the stage is to test different aspects of the idea and get them validated by a pool of prospective users.
Design Sprint helps businesses understand if users value a feature, how they use it, when they would be using it, how easy or difficult do they think it is to navigate the application, etc.
Stage 4: Development stage
In the development stage, there are three elements that need to be built: the UI, Front End and Back End. Once all the planning is done, the developers and designers will work their magic and start building the app. So how long does it take to build an app? Well, the development and designing stage takes about six weeks.
The UI of an app is taken care of by graphic designers. This gives the apps an appearance to enhance the user experience. UI is important for any app to flourish in the market because the users seem to like visually appealing apps more.
The Frontend and the Backend are also very important components of the app development process. The Front End is what users see and how they act in an app but nothing will make sense until the Back End is developed. The Backend connects the UI with the system and allows the proper functioning of the app. So, how to make a mobile app without either of these? Well, you cannot.
Let us deep dive a little to know what both the engineering processes consist of:
Picking the best development team is never simple, even when you have the best team you are in constant search of more. To help you with the hunt, you can either look for them locally, which is quite difficult or outsource the task to either app development companies or to freelancers that will turn into a team under your influence. Or if you want, you can opt for companies in your area like mobile app development company in USA if you live in the US or any other area where you reside.
Obviously, the most ideal alternative is to find a current development team with demonstrated experience in the industry and direct all the requirements to them. There are a few reasons behind that:
Having a team means that they know each other and are strong as a group.
As the developers know each other thus, their work timings and pace are similar minimizing any sort of delays.
Having a strong team with a project manager will help you to place all your requests to an individual (project lead/manager).
Another incredible benefit of selecting a ready to work development team is that, they will give you the end result and will handle all the application development stages themselves. In addition, proficient groups can provide you with a good understanding of the process of developing apps, guide on improving the work process, and assist you with picking a native or a hybrid app, based on your objectives.
Stage 6: Testing
What does it take to run an app? To know whether the app is even going to run after the development is finished, we need to do test runs. We cannot deny the fact that the app will have some or the other bugs that need to be fixed before the final launch. These bugs can be identified with the help of tests.
There are many ways to test a mobile app’s performance and functioning. We, at Anteelo, have our own strategies for testing mobile apps. The quality assurance tests are run so that users don’t find any issues when they first use the app making the app more likable.
Alpha and Beta testing are done on the app to make the app error-free. After the testing, the app is launched. Post-launch whatever feedback is gathered from the users, the necessary changes are made.
Stage 7: Deployment on Stores
The time that it takes to deploy the app can be divided in two sections: submission & review. When you submit an application, either on the Apple App Store or on the Google Play Store, there are some guidelines you will have to follow, such as:
Screenshots
App Descriptions
Icons
Video or Image demonstration
App Store Optimization
The time stores take for deploying your applications.
When you compare the time it takes to launch apps on App Store compared to publishing them on Play Store, Apple follows a very detailed reviewing process – which increases the launch time to some extent. On the other hand, Google makes use of algorithms for pre-analyzing your apps, thus lowering the app launch time.
What Slows Down The App Development Process?
As seen in the section before, the app development process usually takes about 2-3 months. But there are some things that delay the overall process and the answer of how long it takes to create a mobile app.
Mid-project changes
Developing apps is a continuous process where all the stages are connected to each other in some ways. If there are sudden changes in the plan in the middle then the process is bound to get slower. These mid-project changes can also affect the app’s performance since too many changes in an already built code base can do that to the app.
Unexperienced developers
What does it take to build an app that is successful? Great ideas, proper budget and a good developer, for sure. Often business especially start-ups make the mistake of hiring developers that aren’t up to the mark with the work. This results in slowing down the process as well as a poor app for the business. Our team of app developers is highly skilled with good experience at hand which has allowed us to launch high performing apps one after another. We also have helped our clients with their app ideas so that they get the best outcome for their business.
Complex technologies
Technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, VR, AR, etc. cause the slow down of the mobile app development process. There’s no doubt that these technologies make the app a better experience but everything good comes at a price. And the price of using the latest technology is that they might slow down the app development process.
The reason why this happens is that the technologies are a bit complex and takes time to fit in the app.
Industry-wise difference
The industry for which the app is being built also plays an important role in the average app development time. The answer to the question of how long does it take to make a social media app is 1-2 month(s). Whereas on-demand apps take more time to be developed. Therefore, the industry is another factor that affects the time required to make an app.
How to Speed Up The Time of Application Development?
With the fast growth of mobile apps, one cannot afford to slow down in the development process. Businesses, be it startups or enterprises, are looking for mobile app developers who can develop apps faster without compromising the quality of the app.
There are no problems without solutions and the same goes with time required to develop an app. When it comes to startups, then gathering a massive crowd is a survival goal and for that mobile apps are the solution.
By now we know how to create an app and what does it take to make an app? We have also known what factors affect the time to make an app. It’s time to see how we can reduce the time of application development.
MVPs or prototypes are a great way to save time. They can be built easily and resemble the original idea of the application. Once the MVPs are out in public, the actual app can be built by adding features and making improvements. Many businesses like Airbnb, MailChimp, etc. started as MVPs before the actual implementation.
Go for cross-platform
Android vs iOS is the biggest debate of all times and sometimes people get so confused that they don’t know which to choose. The timeline and cost of app development of both the platforms individually are relatively high. But cross-platform app development is a solution for this. With tools like Xamarin and PhoneGap, great multi-platform apps can be built which take less time.
Hire a professional developer
A professional app developer for your app is the best you can do. Not only will the app have amazing UI/UX design but also will take less time to develop. In fact, the hours will only lower if you choose to outsource. Being one of the top reasons why you should outsource, when you choose a professional app development company off-shore, you’ll not just get a good experience but will basically make your work easier. Appinventiv is also a professional app development company that has developed several successful apps for clients.
Agile development
There are numerous app development organizations that follow agile development as it accelerates the development cycle. The main purpose behind agile app development is that the organizations can’t face the challenge of starting all over again. It has a flexible and adaptable programming structure that is ideal for open-ended communication between app owners and developers. To put it plainly, it speeds up the development process and guarantees that the application is developed on time.
White label solutions
White label solutions are products that were produced by one company and then is rebranded and made to look like other company’s. This will save a lot of time since there will be no need to build anything from scratch. However, this will not result in a good application especially not the one that generates huge traffic or sales.
Automated testing
Automated testing, although it sounds a quite obvious thing but this is ignored by many. This type of testing is one of the significant periods of development that reduces the mobile app development cycle. The best thing about automated testing is that it can run a whole set of tests all at once. This decreases the time spent on manual testing and helps in improving the security of the application. Automated testing involves several testing methods that are applied to save time. As the testing process becomes quicker, the development process also aces its speed. Executing more than one testing strategy can offer error free code.
This was our take on the mobile app development process timelines and some ways to reduce app development timeframe. Feel free to contact our app developers at Anteelo for any further queries on how to reduce yours.
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