You have an idea for an app, but before you start building, it is important to consider all the details in the development process. You would not build your dream home without an architect’s blueprint, and this holds true as it relates to mobile apps and software. It is very important your team understands every variable of your app concept. Your blueprint is the software requirements specification document which brings your idea to life on paper, without limitations, as you work towards the perfect build.
What Is the Purpose?
Your development team needs to understand and share your idea and goals beyond the start and finish lines. What is the end line goal? Define success in terms of your mobile app. It is also important to decide the placement of your app as an android or apple product. Google Play and IOS are very different programming languages, however, React Native is a common language for both platforms. It contains different tools but allows you to create the app for both platforms without starting over. Your idea may require a build on both platforms.
Build Out Different Use Cases
Consider every audience and user of the app, including both the behind the scenes and frontend operators. Keep in mind the features that admin users would need in order to manage the app effectively. Are there any other components that may be necessary for other administration purposes? How will your support team solve challenges that arise with functionality within the app? Consider a subscription-based app and what roles the accounting department would need to carry out a subscription plan. The users and beneficiaries of the app may need log in credentials, post capabilities, or other tools for gaming depending on your goals. You will need to discover and determine the different roles and responsibilities of everybody within the app.
Wire-Framing
Once we have identified the use case, we build out a map from the log-in page. This sitemap breaks down the processes of the app in a web-like format. This is a visual prototype that shows the app processes. This prototype has limitations to functionality as it lists primarily main idea concepts. From this point, the prototype is built out further on a device to allow more visual representation of the final product.
Functionality of The App
What will be necessary for the app to come to life? Many functionalities may utilize components on the device such as the microphone, camera, or GPS. Depending on how much use of the phone mechanisms will be needed, you can use API access.
Other Software Components
Some components of the software will not stem from the functions on the device. There may be other considerations that will not be native to the device and will need to be built out or create. This includes the hosting of the application.
Vision
All these steps are working towards your vision for your app. The theoretical aspects of the conversation could continue for months and may be revised over time. It is time to develop what you consider a successful first release; determine the MVP without short-changing the future of the product. It is important to not limit the process in the early stages and to keep in mind the long-term goals. The initial release will be based off the current resources available, but the core of the app is the true determinant of the success. New functionalities and design may be developed over time into a bigger vision.
Things to Consider
At each step of the build, there is an approval process to maintain the vision of the final application. Your best interest during the building process is not to take the low-cost approach (unlike websites). When using a template, the creator has little to no true ownership over the code and design. It is better to invest more into a true build up and full control over every aspect of the application. It is important to have patience for growth within the app and continually keep your long-term goals in mind. The app can be continually developed and grow over time, and a perfect build can take time and trial.
