At Cognitive X Solutions we've built multiple mobiles apps over the last few years. Here are some mobile application development mistakes than can easily be avoided.
Don't check the market for existing apps.
Building an application takes time and a budget. Make sure the application doesn't already exist, and that there is a need for it. Maybe there's an application that does 90% of what you need.
Don't create a prototype.
Before you write a single line of code you should create a prototype for your app. A prototype allows you to share with stakeholders and solicit feedback. At this point, you are looking to generate interest and buy-in for your new app.
Keep user experience as an afterthought.
UI/UX design is essential to the success of your application. If you build it, they will come doesn't apply to mobile apps. There is no better way to alienate your users by providing them with a non-native and non-intuitive user experience.
Don't build native IOS and Android apps.
A smartphone is like a small personal computer in the palm of your hand. Although very powerful, smartphones don't have the horsepower of a PC. Which means, as a developer, you need to use its resources much more wisely. Building native apps gives the application direct access to the core libraries of each system. When considering the User Experience, it is best to keep the experience consistent on each platform.
Don't test on as many devices as possible.
There are thousands of mobile devices out there with varying screen sizes and resolutions, differing user experience, operating systems, and OS versions. It is physically improbable to test on all those iterations. We recommend using a mobile app testing system to test on the most popular devices.
Don't consider delays caused by application review process.
Expect up to ten business days before your mobile app will be released to the public. Both Android and Apple have lists of items that the developer must address before the app made available.
Don't monitor usage.
Even with the best planning, testing and prototyping it is sometimes difficult to predict how users will use your app. Incorporating insights in your code allows you to collect information about user behavior and make critical adjustments of your application.
Don't release new features often.
Regularly releasing new features is a great way to fix bugs but also keep your users interested. With the operating systems evolving at a rapid pace it's also recommended to revisit your application on occasion to avoid compatibility issues when new features and restrictions arise.
At Cognitive X Solutions, we help our clients build innovative applications that solve real business problems. Contact us today to leverage our experience with mobile app development.