More than half of the population has played the game on Nokia 610 called ‘ Snakes. ‘ Even the good players really didn’t last more than 10 minutes. It was fun. It was addictive. Believe it or not, it was probably the first inbuilt mobile application ever created. After that, Apple developed built in games – Solitaire & Bricks for their I-Pods but that was it.
Cut back to 1983, Steve Jobs created an app store on which developers could upload their new software via phone lines. For that idea to take shape, Apple launched I-Pods and I-Tunes store.
These were more or less the first app ideas which laid the groundwork for an application trend which doesn’t seem to have an end date. Mobile apps have changed the way we experience computing. There are millions of apps already being used and their usage, off the charts but even after that much supply, the want for more is just seeing growth.
In light of how new trends grow, with it comes the rumors that goes around with it. As they grow, people actually start to believe those myths instead of using a better judgments.
Living in a digital era, a developer will come across all kinds of myths related to the process but the bottom line is to debunk them.
App development is inexpensive
People would like to believe that making a mobile application is probably a cheaper and less draining process than that of creating a website. The tiny appearance of mobiles can be deceiving but anyone smart enough would know that there is a lot of hard work, technical thinking and modern software which goes into making an application. A whole team is specially set aside to see through the process. And it is definitely cannot be called inexpensive.
The technical an app, the better
People undermine simplicity. They think that higher level of app architecture and concepts will result in a better application. But the important part of any application being successful is that it should be ‘ easy to use.’ Developers should realize that the making it more technical would only drive the consumer away as they won’t be able to navigate their way through the application and it is a much more time and energy consuming process.
The model that one must strive to follow is : SIMPLICITY > COMPLEXITY
Put yourself in one box
When developing an application, by putting oneself in a box won’t do you or your app any good. If you a creating an application for iOS users, it doesn’t mean that you only have to use the features provided by Apple. Or don’t think any less of the features provided by Apple for creating an app. You can either choose to use all kinds of technology or create a successful app using only a few features. By just realizing what the application needs and how you can cater to that need is enough.
Porting is not a big deal
Converting an app which was developed for iOS software to an Android one is no piece of cake. One has to rewrite an entire code in a different language which is compatible with the software it is being created for. Porting the application with the aim to create it’s success equally in another software is almost same as developing an entirely new application.
Bug-free apps exists
Every mobile users feels annoyed when there are continuous updates coming for applications every other day. But that is necessary too. There is a slim chance that an app which has been successfully launched doesn’t have even a single error. By stressing on one area i.e. not creating any errors would only result in wastage of time. Rather focusing on developing an app that is functional would actual help it to go further in use. Every software is progressing and changing through time and to keep up with that, regular changes are being made.
Application for all operating systems
There are many applications in use which were at first developed for only one operating system and as there demand grew, people developed it for other systems too. Depending on the market, targeting its usage and needs of people, one should expand their reach. By going all out, preparing for each system, would be beneficial in the long-long run but won’t be able to fetch desired results immediately.
Launching an application is enough
Just developing an application and launching it for public use is only half the battle. One must see it through it’s growth. Prepare marketing strategies for widening its reach, continuously keep it updated with new features which other applications are using, fix the issues which arise once the application is launched. There are numerous steps which must be followed for the success of application even after it’s in the market.
Budgeting the application
A huge mistake which a developer makes is that they set their budget according to what the application cost might be till the stages of programming, obtaining the software and launching. But we all know that it doesn’t end their. When the application is in use, there are always overhead expenses and developing marketing strategies for it which also costs a chunk of money. So, budgeting should be done considering all these factors.
More functions result in better application
If the more functions you provide have actually serve a clearly defined purpose, then adding more functions actually is useful. Otherwise it just ends up in complicating its usage even more and that might drive the user away. Again, by following ‘less is more’ strategy does wonders for the success of an application.
Developing an application is just requires 3 long comprehensive steps.
Pre Development – Development – Post Launch
What Works ?
What customers want <- Creativity -> What technology offers
By just bridging the gap between these two aspects, setting realistic expectations and not getting shrouded in the numerous myths floating around, one can easily develop a successful mobile application.