Uber, AirBnB, WhatsApp…. Modern business revolves around mobile apps.
Here’s how to build an app if you aren’t a software developer
Step 1: Create an overview of what your app will do and who will use it
The first step in building an app is to write a one-page summary of what the app does, who would use it and how it will make money. Note what operating systems (IOS (Apple) or Android) you would like it to run on.
Remember that an app should only have one core functionality.
Don’t worry about financial models or go into detail about layout or specific screens for now.
The limited amount of space forces you to spend a lot of time being as concise as possible — this makes you think harder about what it is that you’d like to do.
Being a shorter document also improves the chances that someone will actually read it.
Step 2: Scope how your app will work
Now that you have an overview of what your app does and who will use it, it is time to go into more detail about functionality and layout.
Plan and map all the app screens (pages) and document what will happen on each of them.
Make notes on how the app should look and feel (animations and user experience) and create a list of apps with characteristics that you like for the development team to use for inspiration.
This scope will adapt and change as you engage with software developers or friends, family and general app users who will all have an opinion.
Step 3: Find a developer that works for you
There are a lot of app developers out there and it is very difficult to determine which ones are good, which ones are bad and which ones can do what you want them to do.
Start by Googling software developers in your area. When you find one that looks promising and has done something similar to what you’re looking for go ahead and setup a meeting with them.
Meeting them in person is a great way to get a feel for whether they are your people — a skype call will work but sometimes it’s not always sufficient.
Find a developer that communicates well. This is very important. Being unable to communicate clearly with your development team will make it impossible to explain your vision to them. In addition, your developers won’t be able inform you of any issues or uncertainties they have.
Once you have a developer, run through your overview and spec with them. A good developer will make suggestions.
Step 3: Costing
Based on your overview and the spec you drafted in steps 1 and 2, the developer will quote you on a cost and will give you a time-line.
Building an app can cost anywhere from around R150,000 upwards…
The factors that influence costs are app build complexity, the number of pages and how they interact, graphics and animations, the number of databases needed and how long they have to build it.
Step 4: Development
When you’re happy with the developer and the price, development can start.
During development be sure to contact the developers every few weeks to check in (if they don’t contact you first). Find out if they have any questions or if there is anything that they are unsure about — after all it is your vision.
Don’t be alarmed if development appears to be going slower than you expected. Often laying the foundations takes longer than you may expect.
Tip: Do not add additional functions while the developer is building (“scope creep”). Sometimes this is unavoidable but most of the time it will frustrate the developer and the additional features will delay the launch of the app and could drive up the cost. Spending time scoping the app in the beginning will help you avoid the need for scope creep.
Did these steps help you build an app? Or are you having trouble finding a developer? Please let me know by contacting me or by tweeting @CraigRivett