Advancing of a mobile application can be very expensive to undertake. You need to put into consideration the type of devices and number of platforms the app will be running on. It is also critical that you consider details such as the storage, size of screen, security and performance just to name a few. Additionally, you must negotiate the languages that you shall use for coding, the type of technologies that come with each platform and the software developer’s kits. Given that you have to put all the above factors into consideration, it doesn’t come as a surprise that development of mobile applications is an expensive business.
Below are four tips that organisations can use to reduce the cost of development of mobile applications.
Design the APP first, then build later
When developing a mobile app it is important that you have an exact plan for it before you jot down any code. You can achieve this by sketching out the workflow of the app in the initial design process. Sketching out the workflow will help you sort out application’s first design and bring out its requirements. Sketching is a cheap way to achieve this goal.
As part of the interactive process, produce as many sketches as you need and go through the various design options with the app’s shareholders as part of a bilateral process. This will ensure that the cost of the application’s development are kept at the bare minimum. Rule out dead ends by giving directions on the way forward. At this point, there is no need to develop a representation of high fidelity.
For the app developers that are intimidated by free hand drawing, there are some device templates that provide structures to work from. An example of such a device is interface Sketch. This device has sketch templates that are downloadable at absolutely no cost. They can be used on both mobile and desktop platforms. Developers should ensure that they have a reliable Network Support company. A good example of this is the TNSC IT support.
Concentrate on the important Issues
Most times people that are amateurs in development of mobile applications try to copy software for desktop or stuff their apps with features that they may think are cool but have hardly anything to do with the application’s main goal.
When developing a mobile application, reduce on functionality, and in cooperate only those features that are in alignment with the app’s major objectives. The simpler the app, the cheaper it will cost for the app to be developed. It’s best to develop an app that has less features but functions well instead of one that has lots of features but is inferior.
The minimum viable product (MVP) can be contemplated upon by the developer. Though MVP products have limited functionality, they have enough to meet the application’s main objective. Apps that are produced subsequently can be added more features by their developers. By doing this, it will enable the app developer to save money. To avoid “feature bloat”, companies should be fully aware of how people will use the app as this can destroy any efforts in development.
Think cross-platform development
A mobile application should be useable on a number of device types and mobile platforms while reducing the cost of advancement that are required to carry out all the different versions. The first thing that needs to be done is for the developer to figure out which device the application will support that is either Android, iOS or Windows. After this you can decide whether to produce an original, HTML5 web-based app or hybrid. Original apps usually perform as they have great functionality and efficiency as compared to web based apps and hybrids. These native apps are also the most expensive to build and maintain. The cheapest to develop are web apps as they can function on any device that has HTML5 browser but they are the least performing of all the three varieties.
When developing a web app, cross-platform development is given. Irrespective of the building tools being used, merge a design that is responsive into the app. Despite of cross-platform frameworks mostly being linked to hybrid apps, some frameworks back native development.
Avoid Reinventing the Wheel
Qualified developers are not the only ones developing applications these days. It is now very easy to find templates that are prebuilt, integration adapters and third- party plug – ins for back- ended systems. These tools can be used to help reduce the process of development and therefore lower the total cost of ownership.
Existing technologies can be used as a bargaining chip. This can be extremely useful when it comes to test automation. By testing a framework, you are able to bring about a better product and at the same time save time and money. The best thing about this is that open source solutions such as Appium can be discovered. In most cases it provides test automation framework for hybrid, native and mobile web apps. It is supported by Android, iOS, and Windows platforms.
Cheap apps don’t have to be cheap
It is important to note that various tools, services and components that are available out there come with licensing and subscription fees. This costs can quickly pile up and bring about a higher TCO in the long run. Open source mobile application development products also come with some costs that are hidden.
Conclusion
Ensure you carry out a cost analysis before making any decisions on development technology. You should not however be afraid of using them. Using the right technologies in developing a mobile application can substantially reduce the cost of development. Lastly, make sure you take the users’ needs into considerations. The success of an app lies on the user’s perception.
Paul Evans is a prominent technology writer at Jetbox™, Inc., specializing in innovative software toolsets designed to streamline the deployment and maintenance of PLM applications. With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, Paul provides deep insights into Jetbox’s groundbreaking products like the iC5™ Turbo and iC5™ Designer toolsets.
