Tag: app development
How Long Will It Take to Build My App?
“How long will it take to build my app?” is often one of the first questions a software visionary wants to know. In short, there is no definite answer to this question. It depends on a number of factors, but put simply, an app can take anywhere from a month to several years to develop and will largely be determined by several factors.
The factors that influence how long it will take to build an app that are discussed in this article include
Factor #1: Scope of the Project
The size, complexity, and features of an app as determined by its MVP all contribute to how long an app will take to build. If an app solves only one problem, it may be able to be built within a month or so. If it solves several problems, it may take 3-6 months, and if it’s a larger app that solves a number of problems, it could take several years. It all breaks down to the time involved to develop the app.
Factor #2: Resources Available
The amount of developers, designers, and other staff available to work on a project will also influence how long an app takes to build. If a product owner wants an app completed in a more timely manner, they can often add more developers to work on a project, but those extra developers are likely to add to the cost of the project as well.
Factor #3: Technology Used
Some programming languages are more complex, require more logic, and take more lines of code to develop with. For example, programming languages such as C++, Java, and Python are considered more complex and take longer to develop compared to languages like HTML and CSS, which are generally much simpler and more straightforward.
Factor #4: Experience of the Team
The experience and expertise of the development team who are working on a project also impacts the amount of time an app takes to build.
Factor #5: Quality Standards
The quality standards that are set up for each app can also influence the timeline of an app. Some apps may require more time to ensure that they meet required standards.
The time it takes to build an app often directly correlates with the app’s cost. We hope you’ll check out “How Much Does a Custom App Cost” as part of your research, and if Matraex can answer any questions for you, please let us know. You can contact us, call us, leave us a message on our website, or on our Google Business Profile. We would like to be your go-to resource for answers to your app development questions.
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I Have an Idea for an App. Now What?
Many business owners, organizations, or institutions have been there. They realize that the software they’ve been using doesn’t perform in a way that will allow them to scale their operations, is costing them too much money, doesn’t provide needed security, nor does it enhance the customer and client experience as much as they need. In addition, there isn’t a SaaS solution readily available that does what they need for it to do.
When you fit that description and have an idea of what you need, it may be time to consider designing a custom app. So, what comes next? How are you going to take your vision from thought to reality? We will take you through the basic steps you’re likely to experience with an app developer to get your vision started. Keep in mind that the app development company you choose may have additional steps or do something a little differently, but this outline may give you a good idea of what to expect, no matter where you choose to go.
The following steps are discussed in this article:
Step 1: Meet and discuss your app idea.
The first step to developing a custom app may be for the app visionary to meet with a sales representative or developer from an app development company. This may be conducted in an informal setting over coffee or on Zoom. The company representative may ask for details about the app idea, screen the app visionary to discern if they have the finances to pay for an app, and give a range of costs. This may also be a great time for the visionary to ask the developer questions they might have to determine if they are the right fit for their app vision.
If those things check out for both the visionary and the app development company, the app representative may direct the visionary to determine, as well as they can, what features would need to be in the initial release of the app including any style preferences they may have and to start an MVP. For a list of possible app features to help you do this, you can use our App Feature Questionnaire. This questionnaire could be handy regardless of who you choose to develop your app.
Step 2: Sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Somewhere early in the process, the web development company that the product owner chooses and the product owner are likely to sign a non-disclosure agreement. This agreement protects both the visionary and the development company. It may state that the development company cannot disclose anything about the code and specifics of the app with others, while, at the same time, it may protect the development company from having its development practices disclosed to others by the visionary.
Step 3: Discovery Meeting #1
Once the app visionary informally meets with a company sales representative or app designer to discuss the project, a non-disclosure agreement is signed, and the visionary begins work on an MVP, the next step is often to meet again and iron out the essential features of the app. Generally, the more specific the visionary can be about what features and functionality they wish the app to have, the less expensive the app will be since apps are often priced by the amount of time they take to develop. During that meeting, how often the visionary and app developer may meet to discuss the project may also be discussed. They may also agree on a time for the next meeting.
Step 4: Follow-up Email
After the first discovery meeting, the app developer may send a follow-up email to the visionary. This email will most likely provide details of the discovery meeting in writing and is used as a way to verify that both the app development company and the visionary are on the same page about the initial development process and to ensure that there is no miscommunication or misunderstandings.
Step 5: Discovery Meeting #2
If an app developer has a second discovery meeting, it may be used to clear up any miscommunication that occurred during the first discovery meeting, to discuss the timeline of the project, and to address initial and ongoing costs in detail. The information from this meeting may be used to draw up the app development contract and official partnership between the visionary and the app development company.
Step 6: Begin Work on App
By this time, all of the initial details of the app, timeline, and financial commitment have been discussed and the app developer will draw up a contract so the work can be started. This contract is often sent through email. Once the developer receives the signed contract and the agreed upon initial payment, work begins on the app.
Keep in mind that this is only an outline of what may occur, and that your experience with the professionals you’re considering to develop your app may differ quite a bit from the above scenario. This should help to give you an idea of what to expect, however.
Matraex would like to provide any info regarding app development so you can make an informed decision for your business. If you have any questions about app development that we can help you with, please contact us, ask us a question on our Google business platform, or give us a call at (208) 344-1115. We look forward to answering your questions.
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What Should I Ask an App Developer before Selecting One?
Creating a custom desktop or mobile app is exciting! With your app, you’ll acquire the functionality you’ve been needing and scale your operations like never before.
Creating an app, however, can be costly and time consuming. There’s also many things that can potentially go awry during a project. Asking the right questions when talking with potential web development partners can help you choose the right developer for you. Below are some questions to consider asking a prospective software developer prior to working with them.
Questions in this article are broken into several sections:
What may I want to keep in mind while talking with developers?
Your app cannot be developed overnight; it is often a long-term commitment. You can often use discussions with potential web developer partners to not only get answers to important questions but also to determine if the developer or development company will be a good fit in other ways. Is the app developer you’re considering someone you will be able to work closely with for months? Do you get along? These may also be things to think about when choosing a software developer.
What initial questions can I ask an app development company?
- Do your developers work from the same location?
- Do you work as a team or as individuals?
- Do you hire offshore or nearshore developers.
Knowing the answers to these questions can give you insight into the cost of your project as well as how easy or difficult it will be to collaborate with those developing your app. Will there be communication or time barriers to work through? For info on the different types of developers, you can read “What Are the Different Types of App Development Companies?”
- What type of education/experience do the members of your team have?
- Where did they get their experience from?
- Are other members of your team cross-trained to work on or complete an app if my primary developer is absent?
- Do you have the resources needed to scale my app?
These types of questions can help you discern if an app company you are considering has the expertise to take your app idea from concept to reality. Proper education in coding can be important, but there’s something to say about the experience of working through difficult coding problems. By asking these questions, you can find the right mix of education and experience for your needs, determine their ability to complete the initial stages of your app, and increase its functionality as time passes.
- Have you created any apps that are similar to mine?
While every app is unique in its own way as envisioned by the product owner, certain aspects of your app may be similar to other apps. Knowing that your app developer has worked on similar projects may show that they have a certain level of expertise that will lend itself to your project and the functionality that you need from your app’s design.
- Do you have reviews or references from previous clients who have worked with you?
While it is not necessary for an app developer to have good references of their work, and newer app developers may not have such references, references can lend a certain amount of credibility to the quality of a developer’s work.
What questions can I ask about the app development process?
- Will I have regularly scheduled meetings with the developer to demo my app’s features and discuss its progress? How will those meetings be conducted?
Collaboration between the app’s visionary and the developer is often necessary so both the visionary and the developer can make sure that the app development stays on track without much loss of time. It also helps to prevent common problems that can occur while developing an app. Knowing how often and by what means these meetings will be conducted will help you decide whether their communication style will meet your needs.
- How do you manage scope creep?
Scope creep is when a project’s scope, price, and time for completion “creeps” higher and the project becomes much larger than originally intended. While scope creep isn’t necessarily a bad thing, knowing how a developer monitors scope creep and discusses it with the product owner may increase your peace of mind, particularly if your app has budget or time constraints.
- Can you give an example of a project that didn’t go as expected and how you addressed the problem?
App development tends to have many uncertainties, and developers may not know all of the problems they’re going to have until they actually encounter them. Also, app abandonment by inexperienced developers sometimes occurs. Knowing how the developers are likely to handle problems should they arise may make you aware of what will happen if such problems occur and help to give you the reassurance that your app’s development is in good hands.
What can I ask regarding my project once it’s completed?
- Will I own the code upon completion of my app?
- How is the ownership of my app……things like logins, keys, code, and logins for 3rd party services….. be transferred from the app developer to me upon completion or cancellation of the development effort?
Questions of this nature arise from bad experiences that app visionaries sometimes have. Sometimes, a developer will abandon an app project or the product owner must leave the project, and then they have extreme difficulty acquiring the work the developer put into the project. Knowing the app developer’s procedures for transfer of the app should something occur may give you peace of mind.
- How will you determine the security of my app?
- Do you perform penetration tests?
Hackers have become sophisticated and cybersecurity has become a real concern for many apps, not to mention that apps often handle sensitive user information. Knowing what procedures your app developers have in place to keep such information secure may be a good idea. Understanding the possible need for 3rd party testing and how it will affect the development effort of your app can allow you to plan for the future.
- What type of app maintenance plan or agreement do you have?
After an app is completed, who is going to maintain it? Does your developer have something in place, or will you need to find such services elsewhere? How much does maintaining the app cost and should developers be expected to take care of bugs found after launch indefinitely? These types of questions may not be important immediately, but it is likely to matter down the road.
We hope that these questions will help you discuss important topics with app developers with confidence so you can get the answers you need to find the developer that will be a good fit and meet your needs. If you have any other questions that are not covered in our blog, contact Matraex or give us a ring at (208) 344-1115. You can also leave a question on the Matraex Google Page. If you have any questions about finding a developer or app development company, we’d love to help.
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What Are the Different Types of App Development Companies?
When choosing an app development company for your project, there’s quite a few types of companies you can select from. App development can be a costly investment, so you may want to do your research to pick the best app development company for you. We’re going to discuss the different types of app development companies and some pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision when you’re ready to choose a developer for your app development project.
The types of developers we’re going to discuss are as follows:
Keep in mind that these comparisons are how these different companies tend to be and are not absolute. You can also look at this chart for a side-by-side comparison:
Onshore Development
With onshore development, the developers live and work within the United States, though not necessarily in the same location as the product owner. With onshore development, the developer and the product owner live within a few time zones of each other and can usually communicate without time being a major factor. Both the developer and the product owner are often native English speakers so language tends to not be as much of a barrier. Due to these factors, onshore developers are often in higher demand. They also tend to charge a more premium price than development companies who reside in locations outside of the United States, though that will differ from company to company. It is worth noting that some onshore development companies outsource some of their work to offshore or nearshore developers to keep their costs down. If that is a concern, then you may want to ask your prospective developer about their outsourcing practices prior to hiring them. There are two different types of onshore development companies: remote development companies and local development companies.Local Development
Local development companies offer app development in the same locale as the product owner, which can lead to one-on-one, in-person meetings and discussions that might be easier to coordinate. Because of this, local development companies are often in high demand and they may have waiting lists, be difficult to initially talk to, and may be selective in the projects they accept. Because of their high demand and ease in communications to discuss individual projects once a project is taken on, they also tend to charge premium prices for their services.To summarize, local development companies offer the following:
Language Barriers – Language barriers can exist, but there tends to be fewer problems.
Time Disparity – Both product owner and developer are within the same time zone.
Demand – Tends to be in the highest demand.
Availability – Initial contact may be difficult to achieve, they may have a waiting list, and they may be more selective in the projects they take.
Communication Regular one-on-one, in person meetings can be coordinated and scheduled.
Cost – Tends to charge a premium price for their services.
Remote Development
Remote development companies have their business operations within the United States but are not in the same location as the product owner. This can lead to problems with availability, and all meetings would probably need to be conducted over the phone or through an online portal like Zoom, so meetings could sometimes be difficult to coordinate.
To summarize, remote development companies offer the following:
Language Barriers – Language barriers can exist, but there tends to be fewer problems.
Time Disparity – No more than a few hours difference in time.
Demand – They tend to charge a more premium price than offshore and nearshore companies.
Availability – They may be less available to take on projects than offshore or nearshore companies.
Communication – Remote development companies tend to rely on online communication platforms and phone calls and may sometimes have problems with coordinating meetings.
Cost – Tends to charge a more premium price for their services which is often based on demand.
Offshore Development
Offshore developers are developers who are not located in the United States and often reside and conduct operations from countries such as India or China. Offshore developers, in most cases, will be just as qualified as onshore developers, but communication can sometimes be difficult when hiring an offshore developer. There are several reasons for this. Time zones are totally different between the product owner and the developer, so it may be difficult to arrange meetings or meetings can be at unusual times. In many cases, there may also be language or idea barriers. With offshore developers, English is often a second language or their accent might be an obstacle. This language barrier can work both ways; they may not understand you either. Also, their culture may be totally different than what is the norm in the United States which can lead to their not understanding requests. This can sometimes cause unforeseen issues. Offshore developers tend to request a less premium price than a developer who lives and works in the United States, but price is determined by the developer and that is not always the case. There is also less demand for offshore developers most of the time so they tend to be readily available to take on new projects.To summarize, offshore development companies offer the following:
Language Barriers – A mutual language and idea barrier may exist with an offshore developer due to English not being the developers’ native language or a difficult to decipher accent of the developer.
Time Disparity – Often live in totally different time zones, 10-15 hours disparity in time.
Demand – Tends to be in lowest demand so is often easy to acquire.
Availability – Tends to be readily available to take on new projects.
Communication – Meetings may be difficult to arrange and may occur at awkward times.
Cost – Often charges a less premium price for their services.
Nearshore Development
A nearshore developer is a developer who lives and operates from a foreign company but within a few time zones of the product owner. In the United States, nearshore developers usually operate from Mexico or South America. This allows for easier communication since the working hours of the developer and product owner are similar, but there could be significant language barriers between the software developer and the product owner because English may not be the developer’s native language or they may have an accent that is difficult to understand. Nearshore developers tend to charge a less premium price and be in less demand than onshore or local development companies.
To summarize, nearshore development companies offer the following:
Language Barriers – English is usually not the developers’ native language, so definite barriers can exist.
Time Disparity – No more than a few hours’ difference in time.
Availability – Tends to be available to take on new projects.
Communication – Remote development companies tend to rely on online communication platforms and phone calls and may sometimes have problems with coordinating meetings.
Cost – Tends to charge a less premium price than onshore developers.
Demand – Tends to be in less demand than local or remote developers.
Freelancers
Software development freelancers can be located in the local area or found anywhere within the United States. Their availability for meetings with product owners, whether those meetings are in person or via Zoom, can vary depending on the amount of clients the developer has. Their price can also vary widely depending on their knowledge and experience. Freelance developers, due to being single entities and lacking a team, sometimes lack the knowledge to complete a software project as specified, and they may also lack the means to test a product thoroughly before it is launched. Due to these factors, a freelancer may sometimes abandon a project before completion.
Each freelance developer is different so they can fit anywhere within the spectrum of the others. The biggest thing to note, however, is that they may not have the knowledge or skills to complete the job they were hired for.
We hope that this information helps you find the right software developer for your unique project and circumstances. Check out Matraex’s other blogs for answers to other questions you may have. Ones that may be of particular interest to you include “How Much Does a Custom App Cost?” and “What Are Problems that Occur When Developing an App?” Can’t find an answer to your question? Contact us directly or give us a ring at (208) 344-1115. We want to answer all of you app development questions.
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What Is an MVP and Why Should I Consider One?
According to Techopedia, an MVP (minimum viable product) is “a development technique in which a new product or website is developed with sufficient features to satisfy early adopters. The final, complete set of features is only designed and developed after considering feedback from the product’s initial users.”
In other words, an MVP contains 80% of the app’s value with only 20% of the features. It is an initial version of an app that will provide users with what is necessary to perform the primary functions of the app but without the functionality it is likely to acquire later. Many of those later functions will be determined by feedback from the users that the app is intended for.
Questions about MVPs in this article include the following:
What features are usually included in an MVP?
An MPV will have the basic content that is required for a user to navigate through the app including these essential features:
- The ability to gather user data.
- Login/Authentication features.
- Features that enable the users to actually engage with its key functions.
- Revenue generation/checkout capability (when needed).
What is not usually included in an MVP?
Non-essential or expensive content is generally not included in the MVP but will be added later based on demand and the feedback of the app’s users. This can include any of the following:
- Scale support, which consists of different methods of support, determined on the type of support and how in-depth the support is that one needs.
- Value proposition, which, according to Investopedia, is “the value a company promises to deliver to customers should they choose to buy their product.” This tends to be left out because, during the MVP stage of an app, the final value of the app to its users is to be determined.
- Differentors, which are features that set you apart or make you unique from your competition.
- Customized User Flows, that allow users to personalize their app experience but are not necessary for the primary functionality of the app.
- Social integrations, which allow users to interact with you or with each other.
If any of these features are essential for the primary use of the app, they would be included in the MVP. What features are included in the MVP is determined by the unique needs and requirements of the product user who has envisioned the software. The product used also determines what features are necessary to have in the app right away.
What are the reasons to consider an MVP?
There are many reasons to consider launching an app as an MVP. An MVP usually allows a product owner to release the app to the market as quickly as possible while also keeping the cost down. As an MVP, the app stays in a form that can easily be changed. An MVP also allows a product owner to gather user information, to conduct tests with real users before committing to the application’s full development, and to receive feedback from the app’s target market to see what resonates with them. From there, the product owner can see what changes and functionality the users would like to see as the app is further developed.
How do I prepare an MVP?
There are several steps that you can take that will help you create an MVP for your app:
- Create a list of features that you want your app to have.
- Put those features in order from most important to least important.
- Determine which features your app absolutely needs. That would be your MVP.
Can an app that starts as an MVP become successful?
Absolutely! Many well-known or popular apps started as MVPs. If you choose to start your app with one, you’ll be in good company. Apps that started as MVPs include the following:
- Facebook. Mark Zuckerburg initially designed it for his fellow classmates who attended Harvard University. He then expanded it to other universities while adding additional features, and it was eventually released to the public.
- Airbnb. The founders of Airbnb, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, originally created Airbnb to rent out an air mattress in their loft in San Francisco for an upcoming conference. Now, people across the world use it to find and rent accommodations.
- Amazon. When Jeff Bezos started Amazon, it was designed for him to purchase books from distributors and then ship them to customers when he received orders. Now, Amazon sells products worldwide and many merchants use it to conveniently sell their products.
- Uber. Uber originally started as “Uber Cabs” and was created from the difficulty in locating taxis the traditional way. Now, anyone can become an Uber driver and many features are offered. Those features include tracking your drive and cost-estimating.
Do you have other questions that you need answered before going through with an app project? Take a look at our blog for answers to your questions. Particular blogs that may interest you include “What Are Problems that Occur When Developing an App?” and “How Much Does a Custom App Cost?” If you have any questions that have not yet been answered in one of our blogs, contact us, give us a call at (208) 344-1115, or leave a question on our Google Business page. We want to make sure that all of your questions are answered before you start designing your custom app so you get exactly what you’re searching for.
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What Are Problems that Occur When Developing an App?
Taking your vision for a custom desktop or mobile app for your business, organization, or institution and turning it into a reality is exciting! You’ll finally be able to offer your clients, patients, or employees the versatility and functionality that you’ve only dreamt about until now. The software may also allow you to scale your business in a way that, up until now, was totally impossible!
With all of the pros of creating a custom app are cons, of course. Developing an app is expensive and time consuming, and it just isn’t for everyone. In this post, we’ll discuss the biggest problems that our innovative partners experience with their apps, both during the development stage and after the software is launched.
This article is broken into a number of sections:
#1. Scope Creep
There are three main components of any software project: the scope (exactly what is needed to complete the project), the budget, and the timeline for completion. They form a triangle, and when one of those components change, they all must be adjusted. Scope creep occurs when the scope of a software development project changes in a way that the overall size of the project expands without the duration of the project or its cost being discussed; where the entire project has unexpectedly “crept” to a larger size.
What is Scope Creep?
The three main components of a software development project include the scope (exactly what is needed to complete the project), the budget, and the timeline for completion. They form a triangle, and when one of those components change, they all require adjustment. Scope creep occurs when the scope of a software development project changes in a way that the overall size of the project expands without the duration of the project or its cost being discussed; where the entire project has unexpectedly “crept” to a larger size.
How Does Scope Creep Happen?
Scope creep often occurs from a lack of communication between the project owner and the developer. The project owner may request changes to the scope that, to him, seem like simple changes, while, in actuality, it may take additional time and, as discussed in “How Much Does a Custom App Cost,” the time involved in developing an app equates to money spent.
How Should I Feel about Scope Creep?
Whether scope creep is viewed as good or bad often depends on the time and budget allotted to the project. If the increase of the scope benefits both the end user and the product owner and the product owner is able to afford the additional cost and can make allowances for the extra time, scope creep can be beneficial. On the other hand, if the product owner is under budget or has time constraints and cannot afford for the project to get larger, scope creep can cause a problem.
How Can Scope Creep Be Avoided?
Scope Creep can often be avoided by clear communication between the project owner and the developer. It is suggested that the project owner attempt to clearly communicate any changes they wish to make to their apps to the developer while, at the same time, the developer be clear about the time involved in making those changes. If this is done, both the product owner and the developer should walk away with a clear understanding about how the proposed changes will affect the cost and duration of the project.
#2 Unrealistic Expectations
What Are Unrealistic Expectations?
A product owner has an unrealistic expectation about the app they are creating. The software they hoped for cannot be realistically delivered by the programmer.
What Common Unrealistic Expectations Do Visionaries Have?
Most unrealistic expectations can fall under the following categories:
- The technology does not yet exist to bring their vision to life so the developer cannot create it.
- The visionary lacks the budget needed to create the app they want.
- Whether the project is big or small, it cannot be completed within the timeframe which the visionary wants it by.
How Do You Avoid Unrealistic Expectations?
Unrealistic expectations can often be avoided through collaboration and communication of the product owner with the software development team. Together, they set expectations for the software that meet the needs of the product owner and end user within their time frame and budget. This collaboration is not a one-time occurrence, either. As the project develops, we recommend that the innovator regularly checks on the status of their project. In that manner, their expectations can be continuously reviewed and modified, as needed, to make certain that their needs continue to be met.
#3. Wanting the Project to be “Perfect” Prior to Launch
What Is a “Perfect” App?
A “Perfect” app might also be described as “Polished”, and would occur when any of the following scenarios occur:
- When a developed app is free of possible bugs or problems.
- When an app has all of the features and functionality that the product owner feels the end user will need.
- When an app’s design is exactly how the owner wants it to look.
What Are Pros of Launching an App Before It Is Polished?
There are many possible benefits of launching an app early:
- All of the tweeks, changes, and revisions to the app that the product owner performs prior to the app’s release could potentially cost more money and time than it might cost to release it earlier and see how it is received by the user.
- The product owner will receive user feedback sooner. The visionary can then create a final product according to the needs of the user vs what the product owner guesses the user may need.
- There is less waste. The product owner can build features into the app as requested by the user vs adding functionality that the user is not interested in.
What Are Pros of Waiting to Launch until the App Is Polished?
There are several reasons why waiting might be the best recourse in some cases:
- If the product owner is certain that the functionality they intend is exactly what the end user needs.
- When the end user has a low tolerance or no tolerance for changes.
- When the user has certain expectations of what the app should entail that must be met before they will use the app at all.
#4 The Product Owner Does Not Have Enough Time to Commit to the Project
Why Must the Visionary Make a Time Commitment?
A software project relies on the vision and valuable feedback of the visionary for the project’s success. As the developers create and implement the project owner’s vision, only the visionary can discern whether their vision has been met or if the project needs to be modified, altered, or change direction to fulfill that vision.
How Much Time Commitment Is Involved?
How much time is needed from the product owner to develop their app depends on the details of the individual project. In some cases, the visionary may need to make a daily or weekly commitment. In other cases, the commitment may only be once a month. To gauge the amount of time a project owner needs to commit to their software project, they may consider how much time they may need to talk to and collaborate with the developer that would allow them to proceed with the project without having to reverse direction and redo large portions of the work if a misunderstanding occurs. In addition to specific meetings to be determined by the software developer and product owner, the developer may also need to ask occasional questions or need clarification from the visionary now and then to move the project forward. Therefore, the product owner may need to be accessible and willing to answer questions in a timely manner so their project is not delayed.
#5 App Problems After Launch
What Types of Problems Occur with Newly Launched Apps and Why?
People are creative, and the end user of an app may find new uses for the app that were not initially intended. This can cause a bug to develop in the app, where the app doesn’t act exactly as it was intended due to the unexpected actions of the users. There’s also a chance that the newly launched app can crash and not function at all, or another problem could develop with the app that we can’t foresee ahead of time. If the product owner and the program developer continue to communicate through the process of finding issues with a newly launched app, they can determine together the best ways to work through the problems while continuing to meet the product owner’s vision.
Now that you know the most common problems that visionaries have when developing a custom desktop or mobile app, you can approach software companies with the right questions to ask so you can find the company that is the best fit for you. If you live in the Boise, Idaho area, check out our article about the top software development companies in the area, and feel free to contact Matraex or call us at (208) 344-1115 with any other software questions you may have. You can even post a question on our Google Business Page. We want to help you hire the software company that is most suitable for you that can take your software vision and turn it into a reality.
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What Should I Do if My App Has a Bug or Crashes?
In this blog, we will go through the intricacies of the above question. We will define what a bug and a crash is, and then we will go through the initial steps a product owner can consider doing to try to solve the problem. Once we go through the preliminary methods of solving a problem, we will go into detail on the types of details to provide your app developer or IT specialist to get the problem resolved as quickly as possible with the least amount of back and forth and time wasted.
Questions that are addressed in this article include the following:
What is the difference between a bug and a crash?
A bug is when a feature of an app does not work as designed. There are many types of bugs that will be discussed in a future blog, but a few common types of bugs include the following:
- A field of a form not saving properly.
- A shopping cart not updating as new items are added.
- Push notifications not going through as intended.
- The design or layout of the app not looking as intended.
These are only a few of the many bugs that can exist, and bugs can vary widely depending on the purpose and functionality of the app. In some cases, an app could be working as it was designed, but there is a misunderstanding between the developer and the product owner on how certain aspects of the app should function, so the product owner initially considers it to be a bug. If the two groups collaborate regularly and the product owner points out things that appear to be amiss with the app, those issues will be discovered and worked out.
What people often refer to as a crash is also a type of bug. What people think of as a crash causes an app to go down completely or does not allow the user to proceed further. This type of bug can possibly be discovered when the product owner or end user visits an app and it doesn’t open at all. A crash can also sometimes be caused when a user fills out a certain field or taps a certain button on the app and it stops working, not allowing the user to do anything on the app afterward.
What are some things to try if I have a problem with my app?
When a product owner realizes that there appears to be a problem with an app, there are certain things that can be tried before getting the software developer or IT specialist involved. A bug or crash can be caused by a fault in the software itself, but it can also be caused by external factors not directly related to the app. It may be a good idea to try to eliminate other possible causes of the app malfunctioning before getting others involved:
- Refresh the app.
- If unable to refresh the app or if that doesn’t work, you can close and restart the app.
- Restart the computer or phone. Sometimes a bug exists, but it’s in the device and not the app.
- Restart the internet. This may work if a crash is actually a connectivity issue.
- For a possible crash, make sure your bills are paid to your internet service provider and to the developer. This sounds silly, but “errors” caused for this reason sometimes happen.
- If your app has a security certificate, make sure that it hasn’t expired.
- If it’s a web app, make sure that the URL you are using is correct. Inputting “http” instead of “https” can often make a difference.
If you try these different things and the problem still exists, it may be time for the app owner to report the issue to their app developer or IT specialist.
What types of info can I provide that will help my app developer or IT specialist fix the problem?
When an app owner has ruled out other possible causes of an app’s problems, it may be time to get the app developer or IT specialist involved to fix the problem. If that’s the case, the developer or specialist may want specific info to help them diagnose the issue and come up with a solution. To avoid what may seem like an endless amount of back-and-forth with them, you can gather much of the info they may need prior to writing that email or making that call:
- Provide details on exactly what’s occurring.
- Give the date and time in which the error occurred including the time zone.
- If possible, take a screenshot of the issue including any error message you received. If the issue website-based, include the web address (URL) in the screenshot.
- Inform them of the device you were using, its operating system, and the type of browser you were using (if applicable) when the problem occurred.
- Give the pathway you took to get to the error. The pathway is every step you took prior to finding the bug.
- If a user was having the problem, let the specialist know if you were able to duplicate the error. If the error appears to be happening with just one user or a group of users, acquire the above information regarding their systems, internet, and devices so the problem can be localized.
By supplying this type of information, your developer or IT specialist should have what they need to be able to find the problem that is occurring with the app and determine the best way to correct it.
To find out other problems that can occur when developing an app, visit our blog, “What Are Problems that Occur When Developing an App?”. You can also contact us, give us a call at (208) 344-1115, or place a question on our Google Business Page. We’d love to help with any questions you have about apps or app development so you are always informed and make the right decisions concerning app development.
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How Much Does a Custom App Cost?
The first question that most businesses have when they consider creating custom software for their business is “How much is an app going to cost?” That’s a very important question, but it’s not an easy one to answer. The cost of an app can easily range in price from $50k to over a million dollars!
Why such a disparity in price? Since an app is not a tangible product, pricing is typically based on the time spent on the project. Like a custom-built swimming pool or a brand-new house, an app can come with many different features. The more features, the more it will cost due to the time involved. Because of how expensive apps cost, the product owner often creates an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) first. They will then add extra features from there depending on the user experience that a business wants the app to provide. An MVP can often be created for less than $100K. Whether your app is created onshore or offshore will also play a role in determining its price.
What affects the price of an app?
Let’s run down the most common options that could affect the price of your custom business app. For a worksheet that breaks down most of the options your particular software can have, take a look at our app feature questionnaire and determine which options your business app will require to make it look and function according to your needs.
- Size of the App. The larger and more complex the app, the longer it will take to build. Factors that can determine the size of the app include the type of registration your app will have, how many types of users will have access to it, how long the workflow is, and how many features it will have.
- Customizability. If the app has the same settings regardless of the user, it will be less expensive than having multiple settings for different users. The more customization the app provides, the more expensive it becomes.
- Administrative Control. If an app is used primarily by employees or in a situation that requires very little oversight, the app will be less expensive. An app that requires the product owner to delegate oversight capability to others, such as a medical app that collects sensitive info, will be more expensive.
Other factors that need to be considered when planning an app include chat/communication features, notifications that the app provides its users, and whether or not the user can pay for items using the app.
There’s much to consider when designing an app.
Designing a custom software is an important decision, and we understand that you may have a lot of questions. We hope to help you figure out if designing an app is the right move for your business and who to trust your business to. Check out Matraex’s other informative blogs. If you have any additional questions, we’d love to answer them for you. Contact us or call us at (208) 344-1115, and we’ll help you with any app-related questions you may have. You can also leave your question on our Google Business Page. Your question may even become a new blog!
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Does Your Business Need a Mobile App?
Mobile apps have increasingly become an integral part of the digital landscape. For many businesses, they are an indispensable asset and for others, the question still remains: “Should my business be utilizing a mobile app?” This article discusses a few things to consider before jumping into the world of app development and will give a better understanding of things to consider when deciding if an application is necessary for your business.
- Your audience
- The value of your app
- Your competitors
- Long term app support
- Current website
Your Audience
Consider who your audience and ideal customers are. Here is a great article from HubSpot that breaks down exactly how to figure out who your target audience is.
The Value of Your Mobile App
An app should add inherent value to both a business and its customers. Here are a few ways an app can add value:
- New Revenue
- Selling goods and services
- Process payments, track orders, and manage inventory
- Sell a new product
- Offer follow-up goods
- Build Relationships
- Connect to your customers through push notifications about new products, services, special offers, and events.
- Collect customer feedback and build relationships
- Better customer service
- Reduce Expenses
- Can help save time
- Answer questions
- Automate processes
Long Term App Support
Apps require maintenance of follow-up features and updates. Once an app is developed, there may be bug fixes to keep up with along with improving basic functionality of the app as time goes on. Consider the time commitment and cost associated with keeping an app updated.
Current Website
When deciding if you need a mobile app, consider whether you are able to accomplish what you need by adding small changes to your website. A well optimized website can provide many of the same functions as a mobile application. If you already have a website, think about the additional benefits a mobile app will provide and ask yourself the question, “Should my business be utilizing a mobile app?”
All in all, developing an app can be a very positive addition to your business when it adds value and helps you connect with your consumers. If you are interested in looking at the next steps, talking with a professional app development company is a great place to start in order to assess your business needs and determine if an app is right for you.
How App Development is Done
Application development UI illustration in flat design. Mobile app building concept banner with industrial crane and team of workers developing and constructing applications. App development company.
There is a constant need for apps to help employees and everyday people complete tasks. Developing an app of your own can be both helpful for the general workforce and lucrative for yourself. The following is a step by step approach for how app development is done.
1. Brainstorm
The first step in developing an app is to decide which kind you should make. Take note of the different tasks you do at work or at home and see if any of them can be automated. Write down all the ideas that come to mind, even the bad ones. In my experience, bad ideas that don’t get ignored lead to good ideas, so write them down. Take a look at other apps on the market and determine if they are lacking anything, or if there are ways they could be better. All of this will help you pinpoint what sort of app you should develop.
2. The Design Document
Once you know what kind of app you want to build, the next step is to put it into words in the form of the design document. The purpose of this document is to keep the development project on track. The design document outlines all of the features and abilities you want your app to have. For more information on writing a design document click here.
3. The Prototype
Now you’re ready to actually build the app. You’ll start by creating the prototype. This will be a rudimentary version of your app. At this point, the main concern is to get all of the functionality in place. The prototype doesn’t need to be beautiful, the art and design of the app (while important) will be one of the last things to work on.
4. Testing the App
There will be a plethora of bugs to work out. The bugs come from mistakes in the code, weird usage the app’s design didn’t account for and other reasons. Testing will help you find the mistakes so you can fix them before your end users find them. Try to throw every conceivable scenario at your app to make sure it can handle them properly. When you’re working so close to an app, it can be hard to step back and spot problems that fresh eyes could find. For this reason, you’ll want to have friends and family test your app to further uncover any bugs.
5. Polishing the App
Now that you’ve finish testing and fixed all the bugs you were able to find, you’re ready to polish your prototype into a finished app. This includes choosing attractive color schemes, borders, buttons and art that you want to include in your app, as well as organizing your menus in a way that has a logical flow. Typically a skilled UI designer would work on this part, but that would add significantly to the cost of your app. If a UI designer is not within your budget then at the very least make sure your app is both easy to use and pleasing to look at.
6. Distribution
Now your app is finished and ready for distribution. There’s a few ways you can get your app to the masses. If you designed your app for a particular operating system, there are online digital stores you’ll be able to sell it in. For example, if you designed your app for Android devices, you’d be able to sell it on the Google Play Store or even on your own website. Document your apps features and include tutorials and screenshots. If you distribute and sell the app through your own personal website you’ll need both a server and a decent digital payment system, respectively.
If you have an idea for an app and would like our team of developers to build it for you, contact us by clicking here and get started with a free one hour consultation.