In part one, we walked you through the beginning stages of mobile application development. Now, in the final stretch, the process will come to a successful end.
The Pretty Picture:
These are the skins for the mobile apps. At this stage, develop a high-resolution version of the designs from wireframes.
Follow platform standards so your app feels native and clear to users. Use Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines and Google’s Material Design, export assets at iOS @2x/@3x and Android mdpi through xxxhdpi. Check safe areas and cutouts, meet accessible color contrast, and keep touch targets 44 pt on iOS and 48 dp on Android.
Lucid Chart is another tool that allows you to develop diagrams and has a full range of icons that you can use when developing buttons to screen swipes.
Testing, Testing and more Testing:
Now that the design is done and the backend is set up, you can start to test the functionality. A recommendation is to have Alpha and Beta test groups. The Alpha testing is always done in-house. Review for bugs, text issues, server and database problems. Once the Alpha test is complete, you can release for Beta testing. This would include the client and any other people designated in this group.
Framer and Solidify are test platforms to consider that allow you to import your design skins.
Revise and Release
Taking feedback from Alpha and Beta test groups, you can polish your app and anything in the backend. Each type of operating system has its own unique processes for testing in live environments. Apple iOS will require a platform such as Test Flight. Android can test its functionality in a live environment with no need for a specialized testing platform.
Use TestFlight in App Store Connect to share iOS builds, including public links for up to 10,000 testers. In Google Play Console, run internal, closed, or open testing tracks before release. Use staged rollouts and monitor crashes and ratings to manage risk.
Marketing:
This is a step that usually is pushed aside and not thought out until the app is in the app store. You need to develop a marketing strategy to get the word out on your app and to attract users. Upon the key stakeholders approving the final app revision, you can begin the process to release your application to the public. Android has a very simple process that allows you to instantly add your app to the Google Play store. Apple iOS will review your app but is more complicated so, there is no set time frame for them to approve.
As you can see, understanding the key points to launching a mobile application will help you put together a plan to reach your objectives and stay on the right track throughout the process.
