Seven Common Mistakes Mobile App Developers Make
Even the most skilled mobile app developer makes mistakes. Mistakes are a part of working. While some mistakes may be small, some may be significant and may cost a lot of time and effort to rectify. Often, it is seen that developers can avoid making mistakes when they are aware of the possibilities. So, to help you develop your app successfully and with the least mistakes, we will cover seven common mistakes app developers make, in this blog. Let's jump right in.
Not taking the time to research
It is a common mistake that developers make. They get so excited about starting development that they don't spend enough time preparing for it. Often this leads to a lot of difficulties down the road. Ideally, you should spend time researching different development platforms. Then, according to the functionalities and features of the app you are developing, you should choose the right platform for the app. Otherwise, it may lead to a lot of rework and a waste of time and money.
Not creating an MVP
While going with app development, it is always better to create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). In the MVP stage, the app will only have essential features. So it will be easier to test and deploy. Then, as the development progresses, you can integrate more features into it. Creating an MVP also reduces the time to market, thus helping you create a richer audience base for your app by publishing earlier. A good way to create an MVP is to focus on just the core concepts of the app and develop those.
Not spending enough time on testing
Testing is something that most developers do. But, to have a successful app, you have to ensure that the testing doesn't just happen on the surface level. Testing must be done extensively, from the beginning of the development process till the end. To avoid mistakes in testing, it is good to create a testing procedure and schedule a time for it. That way, it can be conducted as a routine process during the development.
Not communicating properly
Most mistakes stem from miscommunication. This holds true for mobile app development as well. Effective communication is very important during the development process. It is important for developers to understand that asking questions is not a wrong thing. For developers to get a clear idea about the app they are going to build, they must communicate efficiently with the client. Questions like native app development or hybrid, features of the app, development timeline, milestones, etc., must be discussed and clearly identified before starting development.
Not planning for updates
Some developers work with the mindset that app development is over once the app is launched. This is not true. Most apps require an update at least once a month. About 80% of apps are updated every six months. Updates are important for improving app performance and maintaining compatibility with the latest OS versions. Developers must plan for these updates from the beginning. The best development team will provide support and maintenance to clients for the entire lifetime of the app.
Not prioritizing features
You may be tempted to think that implementing all the latest features in an app will make it the best app out there. But in reality, it will just make your app performance slow and poor. Too many features will cause crashes, errors, and bugs. It will also increase the budget as well as make maintenance a headache. Another factor is, features influence app size, and most of the users will prefer not to install an app if it is heavy in size. Therefore, before adding every feature, think twice. Prioritize the app needs and include only what is necessary!
Not planning budget properly
Cost of development is the main concern for clients who want to build mobile apps. So, developers must keep it as a priority and manage the budget properly. Does the client want to build apps for both android and iOS? If so, suggest hybrid app development to them as that will help to reduce the cost. Is the client confused about which features to prioritize? Perform analysis of competitors and trends so that they can choose the features that are relevant. Set realistic budget expectations and help your client plan their investment well. That will help you gain their trust and understanding.
It is impossible to expect a developer to finish a project without making a single mistake. Mistakes happen. But we can always work towards learning from mistakes, of both ours and others, and making sure that these mistakes won't be repeated again in the future. If you take care of the seven points I have covered in this blog, I can assure you that you won't be making mistakes that cost you a lot!