Many people have an idea for an app but have no clue how it becomes a finished product in a store. The process is no secret. Development has clear phases, and if you know them, planning time and budget gets easier.
1. Analysis and brief
The first step is not programming but a conversation. We find out what problem the app should solve, who will use it and which features are truly essential. The result is a list of features and a basic plan. This is the place to stay modest. It is better to start with an MVP, a minimal version that does one thing well, than to build a huge system without testing the idea.
2. Design and prototype
Before development we prepare a layout of the screens and how they connect. You can try the prototype on your phone before a single line of code is written. Changes at this stage are cheap, and at a later stage they are often several times more expensive.
3. Development
Then the programming starts. The app is usually developed in smaller parts that you can see and comment on along the way. Alongside the app, a server side is built if needed, for example a user database or connections to your systems.
4. Testing and security
The app is tested on various devices and system versions. We check that it works without errors, that it is fast and that it protects user data. For apps that handle personal data, GDPR has to be kept in mind too.
5. Publishing in the stores
To reach people, you need to publish the app in Google Play and the App Store. You have to create developer accounts (Apple's is paid yearly, Google's is a one-time fee) and prepare a description, screenshots, an icon and a privacy policy. The stores review the app before it goes live. Apple tends to be stricter, so count on the review and leave a time buffer for possible fixes.
6. After launch
Launch is not the end but the beginning. You need to watch how people use the app, fix bugs, add features and update it for new versions of iOS and Android. Include ongoing support in your budget as well.
What affects price and time
- the number of screens and features,
- connections to other systems and payment gateways,
- login and user management,
- one platform or two,
- the amount of design work and animation.
A simple app can be built in a matter of weeks, a more complex one can take several months. You only get an exact estimate after the analysis.
Conclusion
A well prepared project saves money and nerves. If you have an idea for an app and want to know what comes next, write to us. We will help you refine the idea and design a sensible plan. You can read more on the page Mobile app development.