Mobile App 101

So you woke up with a brilliant app idea in your mind and think how to create an app of your dream. It’s going to be the next big thing, you’re sure of it. But how do you actually create an App? Here’s a simple 10 step guide for new users by Rainmaker Labs, leading Mobile App Developer in Singapore.

1. Define your App

Clearly define and write down the crux of your App, here are some things to consider.

1. Core Functionality of the App
2. What target audience it should appeal to
3. Does it solve a problem for the demographic
4. Or does it enhance their life

Having a clear end state in mind helps you focus your effort in creating the app. It prevents distractions and gives you visible milestones to achieve. At this point, it is also prudent to decide on what platform you want it on, iOS, Android or both.

2. Information Research

There are various points to research on, namely:

• Finding similar Apps
• Finding design inspiration for your App
• Finding technical requirement and information for your App

There are over a million mobile apps in the market, so your revolutionary idea might not be that innovative after all. But worry not, that is what research is for. No two ideas are ever exactly the same. Adapt key features that are well received and don’t repeat mistakes made by competitors.

Design inspiration should ultimately come from yourself but there’s no harm in mimicking some concepts.

This is also the prime time to review the technical aspect of your idea. Find out if your app is actually achievable from a technical perspective. More often than not, there are different ways to go about building one functionality so don’t give up hope yet!

3. Sketch & Wireframe

This is where you breathe life into your concept. Sketch out your ideas then build it into a wireframe. There are plenty of sites for you to build a wireframe, with the most frequently used being Balsamiq, JustinMind and Moqups. Build a concept map that will help designers, developers and testers understand your ideas. The logic flow, UI/UX layout and button functionality should be decided here.

4. Lay down Backend Foundation

List out your APIs, Data Flow Diagrams and servers. Your mobile developers can then refer to it and it soon becomes a self-explanatory diagram for new people joining your project.

Remember the technical problems you found in step 2? This is the step where you want to modify your wireframes to fit the limitations.

5. Prototype Testing

With the wireframe and backend laid out. It’s time for testers to abuse your prototype. Have family, friends, and experts help you review your prototype. Ask them to identify flaws, improve upon the logic flow and most importantly, provide honest feedback. Monitor how they use the app and use this chance to further improve upon your design and layout. This is also where you should try to make User Experience as smooth and unobtrusive as possible.

6. Backend Building

If you only asked yourself how to create an app, you need to understand what is under the hood. After your app has a solid concept and definition, backend becomes a priority. Your developers will have to set up APIs, Database Schema, Data Storage solutions and Servers, along with any other core requirements.

7. Build the Frontend

Develop the skin of your mobile app. The skin is the front end of your app. This is what users will see, so your designers must be both familiar with the logic flow of your app and have read through all the comments of the previous prototype testers. Using it to guide their design for a flawless UI/UX design. This stage is where your app becomes fully usable. With all the graphic, text, and features done.

8. Test & Fix

Now that you have both the backend and frontend, it’s time to test it again. Once more for user friendliness and optimization of app flow. This time, with the added task of testing for bugs and dead links. Give it to your trusted testers and let them break your app again. Remember to fix it after they break it.

9. Revise and Refine

When you have user feedback on how to improve your app, you can use them to further polish it. Both front and backend can still be changed and enhanced before release. The next step is the final one, so this stage should be where you craft your mobile app into a masterpiece.

10. Release the App

Different platform have different policies when it comes to releasing apps. Be sure to check what platform you’re releasing on and follow their policy. Once you’ve released it on the app store of your choice however, it’s time to market your app, check out our 7 essential tips to market your app!