Factors in Developing Mobile Applications: Avoid 3 Assumptions

In the dynamic landscape of mobile app development, success hinges on strategic planning and avoiding common pitfalls. Knowing the right factors is like having a treasure map. In this post, we’ll explore three common mistakes that can trip you up on your quest for a stellar app. These are the factors in developing mobile applications that, when overlooked, can turn your app adventure into a bumpy ride. Let’s navigate through these pitfalls to ensure your mobile app becomes a success story!

In the last decade, major players in the mobile market, such as Apple, Samsung, and Google, developed multiple platforms and devices that revolutionized the industry. As a result, mobile app development is more like changing a tire than building a car. However, for many developers, keeping up with changing demands and tight timelines often means operating under bad assumptions and results in utter failure.

Bad assumptions can ruin everything. Although it might feel safer to rely on previous experience and gut checks, engaging in due diligence beforehand will save you time and money in the long run. While there are good assumptions that can shorten your timeline, the problem is figuring out which to follow.

Factors in Developing Mobile Applications: 3 Common Mistakes To Avoid

Here are a few common dangerous assumptions that management and developers alike tend to make while planning to build an application. Avoiding these will put you ahead of the competition and ensure your projects are more successful.

Assumption:

Your app must be built with a specific technology/toolset.

Reality:

Be flexible. Evaluate your technology stack on a per-project basis instead of having a set platform for all projects. Developers should strive for adaptability, letting the needs of the project determine the tools they will use.

You should begin by evaluating your project and finding out where your team’s expertise is. Let the entire team’s input guide the process, because a good team should have an idea of its strengths and weaknesses.

In addition to clarifying the team’s technological approach, a similar exercise should happen entirely at the project level. It is much easier to figure out what a project looks like if you have unlimited talent, time, and resources, but take those factors in developing mobile applications away and you will find out just how much you need to deliver and when it has to be delivered. Is this a quick one-off, or a logic-heavy enterprise app that needs to be functional and maintained for years to come?

Once these specifics are brought to light, it is essential to strike a balance between them. Only when you know what you need to build and when it needs to be built can you then sit down with your tech team and determine the best path forward. Remember, depending on your needs or the needs of the client, best may or may not be equivalent to shortest. After this, you can plot out some rough timelines for each approach, referencing high level functionality and architecture with a focus on potential time sinks, and make an informed decision.

This comparison should give you a clearer picture of how to form an approach that will adhere to a timeline and budget. Remember that an important takeaway from this exercise is “can we do this?” Don’t be afraid to answer “no, this is impossible.” Sometimes it is.

Assumption:

You know the overall resource cost needed to build your app.

Reality:

You probably do not. There is a general perception that an app doesn’t take long to build (somewhere around 2-4 months). While this may hold true in some cases, this is possibly the most dangerous assumption for both your bottom line and your stress level.

The fact of the matter is that the available tools and knowledge for building apps has come a long way since the days of the first iPhones. While app development has become more streamlined, careful planning and roadmapping will save you a lot of resources.

Research how to build your app before figuring what to build. This effort should include the kind of features, frameworks, interfaces, and back-end/service integrations that will be needed. Ask yourself as many questions as you can think of and elicit from peers. Even seemingly redundant inquiries can produce insights you would otherwise reach.

Should it be a cross-platform app (iOS/Android/Windows)? Should each platform look different? What about other devices or even offline access? How much security does it require? What about a marketing plan? Is this app even something people really want? Questions like these will help you hone in on what is really important to ensure project success.

Once you have finalized the functional requirements, architecture, and integration points, you can start to clarify the level of effort and resources needed to build your app. Formalizing these functional requirements will help speed up the actual implementation process. While it may turn out you will need to make changes along the way, determining these artifacts will reduce risk and potential pitfalls overall.

Assumption:

Everything will go according to plan.

Reality:

As the poet Robert Burns implied, rarely do we ever succeed in following even our best-laid plans. Unforeseen setbacks are a natural part of projects and can be expected. Whether it be last minute requirements changes, faulty code, or a big chunk of functionality that was missed while defining the project, you can assure yourself that something is going to go wrong.

Unfortunately, these setbacks have the potential to completely derail your project. While you can try to exhaustively plan in the beginning phases and try to account for every possible scenario, that significantly increases the level of effort of defining the level of effort, which simply does not scale well. Even then, you are still likely to miss something.

The best thing to do is be ready with contingency plans and remain flexible. Leave little windows of time at regular intervals throughout your project to check that everything is running smoothly and that you do not have to redefine anything. More importantly, don’t be afraid to redefine if you need to.

Does this sound familiar? It should, because regularly redefining your requirements is a core tenet of Agile software development and one of its big strengths. However, just because your project isn’t being run as an Agile project doesn’t mean you can’t reap the benefits of this popular approach.

Navigating Dependencies, Assumptions, Constraints, and Submission

1. Dependencies: Building Blocks of Success

Understanding the dependencies in mobile app development is akin to knowing the ingredients needed for your recipe. These could be third-party libraries, frameworks, or APIs that contribute essential functionalities to your app. Delve into thorough research, choose reliable dependencies, and ensure they align seamlessly with your project goals. Ignoring dependencies can lead to unexpected roadblocks, making it a critical factor in the development process.

2. Assumptions: The Silent Saboteurs

Assumptions in app development are like untested shortcuts that might lead you astray. Acknowledge and challenge assumptions regularly, especially when it comes to user preferences, market trends, and technological aspects. Don’t assume; validate. Rely on user feedback, conduct market research, and stay updated on industry standards to avoid pitfalls associated with false assumptions. Recognizing and addressing assumptions is key to crafting an app that genuinely meets user needs.

3. Constraints: Working within Boundaries

Every project has constraints – whether it’s budget, time, or technological limitations. Embrace these constraints as parameters that guide your development journey. Establish realistic timelines, allocate resources wisely, and prioritize features based on feasibility. By acknowledging and working within constraints, you ensure a more focused and achievable development process, steering clear of unnecessary hurdles.

4. Submission: Crossing the Finish Line

Submitting your mobile app to app stores is a defining moment in your development journey. Pay meticulous attention to platform-specific guidelines, app store requirements, and submission processes. Address any outstanding issues, conduct thorough testing, and ensure compliance with policies to avoid rejections. A smooth submission process is crucial for reaching your audience and establishing a positive reputation in the app marketplace.

Overall, understand that every project is different and should be treated as such. Even if you’ve done this countless times, it is important to be wary of the pitfalls of assuming you know what you want or what you’re doing going in. It’s important to use your previous experience to support your implementation, not as a crutch. Your best bet is to enter every project with a clean slate and balance your assumptions with due diligence in order to mitigate potential risks in a way that won’t derail your team’s progress. Contact us today for any query.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why are dependencies crucial in mobile app development?

A: Dependencies serve as the building blocks of your app, providing essential functionalities through third-party libraries or APIs. Choosing reliable dependencies and understanding their impact ensures a stable and feature-rich app.

Q2: How can I avoid the pitfalls of assumptions in mobile app development?

A: Challenge assumptions by relying on user feedback, conducting market research, and staying updated on industry trends. Regularly validate your assumptions to align your app with user needs and industry standards.

Q3: What role do constraints play in the development process?

A: Constraints, such as budget, time, and technological limitations, guide your development journey. Embrace these boundaries to establish realistic timelines, allocate resources wisely, and prioritize features effectively.

Q4: Why is the submission process critical for mobile apps?

A: The submission process to app stores is the final step in reaching your audience. Ensure compliance with platform-specific guidelines, address any issues, and conduct thorough testing to prevent rejections and establish a positive presence in the app marketplace.

Q5: How can I ensure a smooth app submission process?

A: Pay close attention to platform-specific guidelines, meet app store requirements, and conduct comprehensive testing. Address any outstanding issues before submission to increase the likelihood of a seamless and successful app launch.

Q6: Can I change dependencies midway through development?

A: Changing dependencies midway can be challenging and may introduce unforeseen complications. It’s advisable to carefully select dependencies at the project’s outset and evaluate the impact of changes before implementation.

Q7: Are assumptions always harmful in app development?

A: Assumptions can be detrimental if left untested. While experienced assumptions can provide direction, regular validation through user feedback and market research is crucial to ensure alignment with evolving user needs.

Q8: What steps can I take to minimize constraints in mobile app development?

A: To minimize constraints, plan meticulously, set realistic expectations, and allocate resources effectively. Regularly reassess project timelines and adjust priorities based on feasibility to ensure a smoother development process.