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Mobile App Development Process

Mobile App Development Process: Step-by-step Guide

By Subodh Dharmwan / October 26, 2022

May 4, 2023
Mobile App Development Process: Step-by-step Guide

Can you imagine your everyday life without smartphones and mobile apps? It’s a straight no! That is why the mobile app development process has become a key aspect to keep business intact. In the end, the market needs to produce what consumers are consuming. There’s no other way.  

No matter to which industry domain one belongs or how long you’ve been in the market. During this technological era, if there’s any way to flourish your business that’s introducing a successful app for the users.  

Earlier tasks in a virtual environment or the possibility of an online dominant market was a challenge. But today, those things are not just a rare possibility but also a reality. Businesses today use mobile apps to reach audiences and customers. They choose online market as their primary platform for connecting with clients. 

Mega successful online shopping giants like amazon, Myntra, or Zomato do not even have an offline store or outlet. Their sole point of focus is mobile apps, users prefer these applications due to many factors.  

One of the prime reasons for the popularity and user dependency of popular mobile apps goes to the mobile app development process. It’s important to know how ideation turned into an actual smooth-running app. If you are planning to start your mobile application for your business or you’re a newbie. There are some notable points anyone must go through.  

This list not only just helps you to execute your business but also streamlines your work and allows you to have a much clearer picture. Developers must consider more than "how to produce an app" while assessing on how to create a marketable app. Whether the app is for iOS or Android platform. Considering the technical aspects of creating an application is also important.  

Finding the ideal balance of usability, relevancy, and appealing features is a skill that a mobile app developer must understand to design an app. To support mobile app developers and create successful and competitive applications. 

Mobile App Development Process in 10 steps

Let us discuss in detail the development of mobile apps in the following 10 steps:  

Mobile App Development Process
[embedimage]

Step 1: Work on an idea

To start, anyone who’s willing to achieve a successful application for their business must evaluate and decide what is the basic idea of the mobile app. Now the next question arises – how to form an idea? 

Having an objective is important, you must be aware of the real issues one is facing. Now, what happens when we’ve identified the problem? The next step involves resolving the problem. 

Almost every business idea creation is a solution to a problem. So, identify and form an idea once you know the problem and how to solve it. Then start working on the idea of how to turn an idea into an actual reality. 

Then the next steps involve thorough market research of the targeted audience. Identify your audience and plan how your app can provide either direct or simple resolution. 

Gain Clarity – Post finalizing the idea and identifying the targeted audience it’s time to gain some clarity. Start with the planning of designing the app along with the highlights of including all the important features.  

Tip: Decide on your monetization approach and change your design to include monetization elements. 

Whether you are creating apps for iOS or Android, if you anticipate having a large user base, you can include advertisements while providing the programme for free.  

Also, read: 8 Reasons Why your Website Needs a Mobile Application

Step 2: Start planning

As soon as the ideation process finishes. The next phase involves looking for the elements. All the various factors are considered at the of actual planning. Your idea might be new but when you start searching for products of the same idea.

Then you’ll find many different versions. Still, do not get disheartened instead look for all the miss out the earlier launched apps have and find your uniqueness.   

Ensure that your app is compatible with a range of manufacturers, models, and mobile operating systems (OS). 

To enhance your mobile app development process, make sure to keep the following points in mind:  

  • Identify and analyse your competition in the market.
  • The application must be based on the requirement planned.
  • Elaborate planning on the specifications of the app.
  • And finally, the monetization of the app

Several forums welcome great ideas or concepts. Be definitive of your planning and go on to submit your idea.  

Also, read: How to Conduct Mobile App Market Research as a First-Time Entrepreneur

Step 3: Changing the equation with designs  

There’s a huge dependency design play in the mobile app development process and mobile application success. You must emphasize elements like touch motions, colours, adherence to OS design standards, app layouts, and UI designs. 

A smart, user-friendly, and simple mobile app will always be more popular with users. Start by preparing a mobile app prototype wireframe to understand how your mobile application will look like. Tools like Balsamig or Hotgloo will help you to design a prototype. 

Additionally, you can add fully functional buttons with icon-clicking functionality using tools. This stage aids in your understanding of how the navigation of the mobile app connects to various screens. 

Also, read: How to Create a Mobile App Wireframe in 10 Steps?

Step 4: Build the app

There’s a huge difference between the vision we plan, and the result delivered at the end. So, whenever you’re commencing your mobile app development process keep in mind that your execution does fulfil the actual planning.

The chances of attaining a different result compared to the actual plan are way less. Still, whatever might be the outcome, the next steps involve making sure there is enough visibility. 

To commence with, help to choose the type of app platform the application needs to be made in. Here are the key mobile app development processes: 

  • Native apps: These applications are platform specific. Even though they provide the finest user experience, creating them requires more set of skills.  
  • Web apps/single-page web apps: A web app implementation known as a SPA (single-page application) loads just one web page and uses JavaScript APIs to alter the body content of that page. 
  • Hybrid apps:  Hybrid apps are online apps that have been housed in native app frameworks. After being downloaded from an app store and installed locally. The shell can connect to any features the mobile platform offers using a browser that is included within the programme. 

Also, read: The Complete Mobile App Development Checklist for Small businesses

Step 5: Forming a Prototype

Create a working prototype that is more similar to the finished product in terms of design and functionality. This should be done before you build and launch the actual app in the app store.

The prototype can be used to define the APIs, databases, and storage space, as well as to procure any necessary licenses. This helps you present your concept to investors and potential customers. 

Have an App Idea?

Send us your requirements, we will help you to build customized mobile apps according to your requirements.

Step 6: Analytics  

It's a good idea to incorporate an analytics layer into your mobile app, and your options include Google Analytics, Localytics, Flurry, Preemptive, and Mixpanel. Once your app is out, you can use this to keep an eye on how it is doing. 

Also, read: Top tips to Build Secure Mobile Apps

Step 7: The testing environment

Do you know what can be the reason for major unsuccessfulness? It’s launching an application without a beta test to prove the environment.  

You may improve your app and gain visibility in app stores by doing a stringent beta test to gather input from your target consumers. 

Launching a mobile app without a beta test can prove disastrous. You have no idea how the mobile app you developed will perform in an actual environment with multiple users. A strict beta test will help you get feedback from your target users. This helps you earn visibility in app stores, and fix what needs to be fixed in your app. But there are a few points to keep in mind as you conduct a beta test, such as: 

  • Defining your target audience: This will help you find the right testers, which results in a relevant market analysis 
  • Spot and eliminate bugs: Even the beta version of your app must be flawless because you will be introducing it to your audience. So, try to eliminate all bugs in the initial testing phase 

Adopt the trial and testing method with your known ones. Make sure you access your mobile application to as many people to gain awareness of the flaws. A healthy criticism will help you to improve your overall mobile app development process. It will also spare you the discomfort of having to make expensive adjustments after launch. 

Step 8: Releasing your application 

After weeks of ideation, planning, and execution, followed by testing it's now time to release your application in the market. Step-by-step, now you’ve reached the point to offer your mobile app to a wider audience.  

Releasing an application can be done on any platform – Android or iOS. You can also release your application on both platforms as well. Now the app release process is different on both platforms. Both do require an account for app publishing, if you don’t have one you can simply sign in for a new one.  

Google Play helps you to launch your mobile application for Android version instantly and review it later. However, for iOS, at first, your app will be reviewed, and then post-approval it will be published. But this can also take at least two weeks or more when there are no changes required.  

Also, read: Build and publish an Android app on the Google Play Store

Step 9: Tracking your app performance 

Never wrap up your mobile app development process assuming that your app is launched. Once consumers start using it, keep constant track of the performance. The bugs, analytics, and simple step-by-step tasks take account of all the errors.  It’s not necessary that all the errors and bugs can be fixed during the trial phase. 

Several minor or major faults can surface after launching your application.  

Remember - Complacent isn’t achievable yet! 

Step 10: Updates are important 

Keep a track of metrics and data collected for fixing your app bugs. Conduct timely upgrades, and make sure you keep adding new features and functionalities. To make it more enticing to your users. 

Also, read: How custom mobile app development can empower your business growth?

Conclusion

Developing a mobile application can seem like an enormous bunch of tasks. However, if appropriately managed app development can be successfully achieved. To conduct a deep analysis step-by-step and following all the important guidelines are essential.

The most important takeaway from the above-mentioned points is performing one task at a time and following the correct order. Avoid performing all tasks at once or neglecting any step. All steps are crucially important for a successful mobile app development process.

Mobile applications are a brand's digital extension and give customers a fun opportunity to access your platform. if your mobile app is well-made then it’ll help to generate revenue & will go up. Your customers will also start to trust you more if your mobile app is well-developed.  

Also, watch our video on Mobile Application Development Best Practices

https://youtu.be/Oyo49Vcgzs8

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do you mean by the mobile app development process? 

The mobile app development process includes creating applications for mobile devices and implementing backend services, like, data access through an API. Testing the application is also an important part of the process.  

Q. What are the popular mobile application testing tools? 

Several testing tools are depending on the area of focus such as: 
* For functionality testing, one can opt for Selendroid, Robotium, and Ranorex. 
* For the purpose of usability testing: User Zoom, Reflector, Loop. 
* For app interface testing: FitNesse, LoadUI, Coded UI. 
* For performance testing: NeoLoad, Apteligent, New Relic. 

Q. How difficult is it to develop a mobile application? 

The difficulty of a mobile app development process determines how it will be created. The final product that you envision is what ultimately determines how much it will cost to develop an app.  
One should consider an app development company, which can help you to specify the design and development objectives for your app. Consequently, the complexity of app creation also depends on its features and functionalities. 

Q. What is certification testing? 

Certification testing is a means of evaluating software quality and lowering the possibility of operational software failure. It helps to improve the overall app development process.

Q. How to keep your mobile app relevant for consumers? 

* Monitoring the performance of your mobile application.  
* Keeping an updated user interface. 
* Your application should always have the latest software. 
* New features add on. 

 

[sc name="Mobile App Development"] [add_newsletter] [add_related_page_diff_contents blog_cat = "mobile-development"]

Can you imagine your everyday life without smartphones and mobile apps? It’s a straight no! That is why the mobile app development process has become a key aspect to keep business intact. In the end, the market needs to produce what consumers are consuming. There’s no other way.  

No matter to which industry domain one belongs or how long you’ve been in the market. During this technological era, if there’s any way to flourish your business that’s introducing a successful app for the users.  

Earlier tasks in a virtual environment or the possibility of an online dominant market was a challenge. But today, those things are not just a rare possibility but also a reality. Businesses today use mobile apps to reach audiences and customers. They choose online market as their primary platform for connecting with clients. 

Mega successful online shopping giants like amazon, Myntra, or Zomato do not even have an offline store or outlet. Their sole point of focus is mobile apps, users prefer these applications due to many factors.  

One of the prime reasons for the popularity and user dependency of popular mobile apps goes to the mobile app development process. It’s important to know how ideation turned into an actual smooth-running app. If you are planning to start your mobile application for your business or you’re a newbie. There are some notable points anyone must go through.  

This list not only just helps you to execute your business but also streamlines your work and allows you to have a much clearer picture. Developers must consider more than “how to produce an app” while assessing on how to create a marketable app. Whether the app is for iOS or Android platform. Considering the technical aspects of creating an application is also important.  

Finding the ideal balance of usability, relevancy, and appealing features is a skill that a mobile app developer must understand to design an app. To support mobile app developers and create successful and competitive applications. 

Mobile App Development Process in 10 steps

Let us discuss in detail the development of mobile apps in the following 10 steps:  

Mobile App Development Process
Copy Infographic
×

Step 1: Work on an idea

To start, anyone who’s willing to achieve a successful application for their business must evaluate and decide what is the basic idea of the mobile app. Now the next question arises – how to form an idea? 

Having an objective is important, you must be aware of the real issues one is facing. Now, what happens when we’ve identified the problem? The next step involves resolving the problem. 

Almost every business idea creation is a solution to a problem. So, identify and form an idea once you know the problem and how to solve it. Then start working on the idea of how to turn an idea into an actual reality. 

Then the next steps involve thorough market research of the targeted audience. Identify your audience and plan how your app can provide either direct or simple resolution. 

Gain Clarity – Post finalizing the idea and identifying the targeted audience it’s time to gain some clarity. Start with the planning of designing the app along with the highlights of including all the important features.  

Tip: Decide on your monetization approach and change your design to include monetization elements. 

Whether you are creating apps for iOS or Android, if you anticipate having a large user base, you can include advertisements while providing the programme for free.  

Also, read: 8 Reasons Why your Website Needs a Mobile Application

Step 2: Start planning

As soon as the ideation process finishes. The next phase involves looking for the elements. All the various factors are considered at the of actual planning. Your idea might be new but when you start searching for products of the same idea.

Then you’ll find many different versions. Still, do not get disheartened instead look for all the miss out the earlier launched apps have and find your uniqueness.   

Ensure that your app is compatible with a range of manufacturers, models, and mobile operating systems (OS). 

To enhance your mobile app development process, make sure to keep the following points in mind:  

  • Identify and analyse your competition in the market.
  • The application must be based on the requirement planned.
  • Elaborate planning on the specifications of the app.
  • And finally, the monetization of the app

Several forums welcome great ideas or concepts. Be definitive of your planning and go on to submit your idea.  

Also, read: How to Conduct Mobile App Market Research as a First-Time Entrepreneur

Step 3: Changing the equation with designs  

There’s a huge dependency design play in the mobile app development process and mobile application success. You must emphasize elements like touch motions, colours, adherence to OS design standards, app layouts, and UI designs. 

A smart, user-friendly, and simple mobile app will always be more popular with users. Start by preparing a mobile app prototype wireframe to understand how your mobile application will look like. Tools like Balsamig or Hotgloo will help you to design a prototype. 

Additionally, you can add fully functional buttons with icon-clicking functionality using tools. This stage aids in your understanding of how the navigation of the mobile app connects to various screens. 

Also, read: How to Create a Mobile App Wireframe in 10 Steps?

Step 4: Build the app

There’s a huge difference between the vision we plan, and the result delivered at the end. So, whenever you’re commencing your mobile app development process keep in mind that your execution does fulfil the actual planning.

The chances of attaining a different result compared to the actual plan are way less. Still, whatever might be the outcome, the next steps involve making sure there is enough visibility. 

To commence with, help to choose the type of app platform the application needs to be made in. Here are the key mobile app development processes: 

  • Native apps: These applications are platform specific. Even though they provide the finest user experience, creating them requires more set of skills.  
  • Web apps/single-page web apps: A web app implementation known as a SPA (single-page application) loads just one web page and uses JavaScript APIs to alter the body content of that page. 
  • Hybrid apps:  Hybrid apps are online apps that have been housed in native app frameworks. After being downloaded from an app store and installed locally. The shell can connect to any features the mobile platform offers using a browser that is included within the programme. 

Also, read: The Complete Mobile App Development Checklist for Small businesses

Step 5: Forming a Prototype

Create a working prototype that is more similar to the finished product in terms of design and functionality. This should be done before you build and launch the actual app in the app store.

The prototype can be used to define the APIs, databases, and storage space, as well as to procure any necessary licenses. This helps you present your concept to investors and potential customers. 

Have an App Idea?

Send us your requirements, we will help you to build customized mobile apps according to your requirements.

Step 6: Analytics  

It’s a good idea to incorporate an analytics layer into your mobile app, and your options include Google Analytics, Localytics, Flurry, Preemptive, and Mixpanel. Once your app is out, you can use this to keep an eye on how it is doing. 

Also, read: Top tips to Build Secure Mobile Apps

Step 7: The testing environment

Do you know what can be the reason for major unsuccessfulness? It’s launching an application without a beta test to prove the environment.  

You may improve your app and gain visibility in app stores by doing a stringent beta test to gather input from your target consumers. 

Launching a mobile app without a beta test can prove disastrous. You have no idea how the mobile app you developed will perform in an actual environment with multiple users. A strict beta test will help you get feedback from your target users. This helps you earn visibility in app stores, and fix what needs to be fixed in your app. But there are a few points to keep in mind as you conduct a beta test, such as: 

  • Defining your target audience: This will help you find the right testers, which results in a relevant market analysis 
  • Spot and eliminate bugs: Even the beta version of your app must be flawless because you will be introducing it to your audience. So, try to eliminate all bugs in the initial testing phase 

Adopt the trial and testing method with your known ones. Make sure you access your mobile application to as many people to gain awareness of the flaws. A healthy criticism will help you to improve your overall mobile app development process. It will also spare you the discomfort of having to make expensive adjustments after launch. 

Step 8: Releasing your application 

After weeks of ideation, planning, and execution, followed by testing it’s now time to release your application in the market. Step-by-step, now you’ve reached the point to offer your mobile app to a wider audience.  

Releasing an application can be done on any platform – Android or iOS. You can also release your application on both platforms as well. Now the app release process is different on both platforms. Both do require an account for app publishing, if you don’t have one you can simply sign in for a new one.  

Google Play helps you to launch your mobile application for Android version instantly and review it later. However, for iOS, at first, your app will be reviewed, and then post-approval it will be published. But this can also take at least two weeks or more when there are no changes required.  

Also, read: Build and publish an Android app on the Google Play Store

Step 9: Tracking your app performance 

Never wrap up your mobile app development process assuming that your app is launched. Once consumers start using it, keep constant track of the performance. The bugs, analytics, and simple step-by-step tasks take account of all the errors.  It’s not necessary that all the errors and bugs can be fixed during the trial phase. 

Several minor or major faults can surface after launching your application.  

Remember – Complacent isn’t achievable yet! 

Step 10: Updates are important 

Keep a track of metrics and data collected for fixing your app bugs. Conduct timely upgrades, and make sure you keep adding new features and functionalities. To make it more enticing to your users. 

Also, read: How custom mobile app development can empower your business growth?

Conclusion

Developing a mobile application can seem like an enormous bunch of tasks. However, if appropriately managed app development can be successfully achieved. To conduct a deep analysis step-by-step and following all the important guidelines are essential.

The most important takeaway from the above-mentioned points is performing one task at a time and following the correct order. Avoid performing all tasks at once or neglecting any step. All steps are crucially important for a successful mobile app development process.

Mobile applications are a brand’s digital extension and give customers a fun opportunity to access your platform. if your mobile app is well-made then it’ll help to generate revenue & will go up. Your customers will also start to trust you more if your mobile app is well-developed.  

Also, watch our video on Mobile Application Development Best Practices

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do you mean by the mobile app development process? 

The mobile app development process includes creating applications for mobile devices and implementing backend services, like, data access through an API. Testing the application is also an important part of the process.  

Q. What are the popular mobile application testing tools? 

Several testing tools are depending on the area of focus such as: 
* For functionality testing, one can opt for Selendroid, Robotium, and Ranorex. 
* For the purpose of usability testing: User Zoom, Reflector, Loop. 
* For app interface testing: FitNesse, LoadUI, Coded UI. 
* For performance testing: NeoLoad, Apteligent, New Relic. 

Q. How difficult is it to develop a mobile application? 

The difficulty of a mobile app development process determines how it will be created. The final product that you envision is what ultimately determines how much it will cost to develop an app.  
One should consider an app development company, which can help you to specify the design and development objectives for your app. Consequently, the complexity of app creation also depends on its features and functionalities. 

Q. What is certification testing? 

Certification testing is a means of evaluating software quality and lowering the possibility of operational software failure. It helps to improve the overall app development process.

Q. How to keep your mobile app relevant for consumers? 

* Monitoring the performance of your mobile application.  
* Keeping an updated user interface. 
* Your application should always have the latest software. 
* New features add on. 

 

Mobile App Development Services

Do you want to leverage mobile technology for your business? Cynoteck is a one-stop Mobile app Development Services provider. We provide iOS and Android application development services so that you can reach your target audience on any device.



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