The time is now when it comes to mobile app development. Ecommerce and mobile usage has boomed in the last few years, and users are only growing more accustomed to the ease of access the virtual world provides. Before you dive head first, there are a few steps to take to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success. You’ll need to thoroughly prepare yourself via a list of questions.
This list will help you consider important components of custom software development, such as if you’ll hire a UX designer or consider API (Application Programming Interface) integrations. Once you have your answers, you’ll be more prepared to turn your concept into a reality.
Important Questions for Mobile App Creation
Who will your mobile app development project target?
Defining your audience is an important factor when it comes to your mobile app development. Once you’ve determined who your target user base is, you can use this information to collect relevant data on how to make your app more intuitive, marketable, and user-friendly. This information will affect your overall design, including if you decide to hire a UX designer to assist in improving UI/UX for your target audience. You should keep your user base in mind during the remainder of your conceptualizing process.
What problem will your mobile app development project solve?
Why is your application necessary? What process will it help improve, or what problem will it alleviate? Understanding why your application is necessary will help you identify its best selling points and what points of development you should pay special attention to.
Do you have a deadline? Is it attainable?
Is your application’s release date tied to any other dates? Or is your deadline flexible? You’ll need to use this date to set up milestones and attainable goals for your application’s development and any additions you would like to make, such as API integrations. Different API integrations will take more or less time than others, so keep your deadlines in mind and be sure to check in frequently to track progress.
What risks are associated with development?
Your team should take the time to create a “risk register” very early on. This will help you stay mindful of any external and internal risk factors that may affect your custom software development process.
What is/are the goal(s) of your app?
Aside from having a target audience and identifying a problem your app will help resolve, you should have specific goals for your app. Common goals include:
- Creating new streams of revenue
- Offering better service within the niche
- Enhancing one of your current products or your current client base’s experience with a new product
What sets your app apart from current solutions in the field?
A great way to find an answer to this question is by carefully examining your competitors. Familiarize yourself with what they are offering, identify any pain points, and use those to your advantage. Knowing their weaknesses can help you determine where you want your application to excel.
How will your app be appealing?
This is where excellent design work shines. You should think about hiring a UX designer to create the most optimal UI/UX design for your product. Even if you’ve spent time innovating a high-end solution, poor execution will ruin your product. No one wants to use a difficult app, and users will often abandon an application entirely after a single bad experience. Staying on top of the best UI/UX design methods for your specific product will help avoid this kind of loss early on. Beyond that, you’ll have higher success growing and retaining your user base if you use custom software development methods to produce a product that is appealing to them.
What is your budget?
A budget should be established very early on. This will help you know what your current project limitations are, although you can always plan to update and expand your product at a later date (once additional funding becomes available). Knowing what you have to work with now will help you plan for the future.
Who are your stakeholders?
Your stakeholders are all parties invested in the development of your project. Know who these people are, and develop a clear line of communication with them throughout the entirety of your mobile app development.
How will your app earn money?
On the topic of funds, you should factor in how you will monetize your product. Figure out which monetization strategy seems like the best fit for your product and discuss with your stakeholders to come to an agreement. Remember: you can adjust your strategy later on, although it may cost additional time and money.
Moving Beyond the Concept
If you need help working out your application’s idea, or if you’re ready to move on from the conceptualizing stage, our tech professionals at 245TECH are prepared to help you see your project through. Call us today at (865) 465-4040 or send us a message.
