Mobile apps are now easier than ever to make, and there are tons of app-building programs which make the app creation process simple — simple, that is, once you have a vision for the app and have created a methodical workflow to take your app from idea to reality.
Creating a workflow before you start on the actual app creation process is key since it’s likely that a diverse set of people will be involved in creating your app, from content writers to coders and those responsible for securing imagery.
Whether your app is created to augment a website, draw in new audiences, or generate profit, here is a tried and tested workflow solution you can use:
- Set a goal
Pull out a pen and paper or turn over that restaurant napkin and answer a few simple questions:
- What do you want the app to do?
- How will it stand out and be appealing?
- What problem will it solve?
- How will it be marketed?
- Sketch our your ideas
Keep that pen and paper handy for a sec. Once you’ve determined what it is you want your app to do, the next step is to brainstorm ideas for your app. Try to answer:
- What the layout will roughly look like
- How you will test it
- If you will engage in A/B testing
- How you will collect data
- What metrics will determine which page performs best
- See what the competition is up to
It’s likely your app will be thrust into a highly competitive market, and you’ll need to work hard to make sure yours has appeal that others don’t. Examine the competition in detail, read reviews, download them for yourself, and find out what others are doing well and what gaps you can fill. Use user reviews to your advantage: are the other apps glitchy, privacy invading, crash prone, too complicated, or not functional enough?
- Wireframe
Wireframe is app world speak for technical storyboarding. This is when you take your original idea sketch and give it more clarity and functionality. As this will become the basis for your app, treat this step with caution and informed insight. There are plenty of wireframing tools out there to choose from.
- Define the app’s back end
Things get more technical as you define your server, API, and data diagrams. Back end service providers will be able to provide hosting services and create a model.
- Get critical feedback
Show your demo to anyone willing to give constructive criticism. Watch how they navigate and see if any snafus develop.
- Build your app
You’re now positioned to actually create an app and open accounts so you can place your app in app stores. As with the other steps, there are good DIY app building platforms you can use to refine functionality and run tests. Keeping feedback from testers and your original goals in mind, focus on the look and UX/UI that will appeal to your customers.
- Test, modify, adjust, and test again
Additional rounds of testing are critical to a successful app launch. In addition to user testing, there are app testing platforms which let you easily adjust links and navigation tools. Be sure to go back to some of your original app testers to show them the refined design. Beta testing will further refine your app with a wider audience.
- Release your app!
With the right workflow management process in place, you’re ready to release your app. Both iOS and Android have different ways to market your app, and you’ll need to learn the rules for both. Marketing is a must, especially if you are charging to download your app.
App creation is easier than ever — but before you start, make sure your team is using a workflow management solution that clearly assigns tasks and has built-in flexibility for timeline creation and communication.
Serious workflow demands will be better handled by a sophisticated tool like ProWorkflow. For a custom quote, or to learn more about its features, call or write ProWorkflow today.
Sidebar: The ideal workflow management tool for app creation
With tons of workflow management tools on the market, you’ll need to carefully choose one that meets your app creation goals. Key features to look for include:
- Easy task assignment and reassignment capabilities
- Clear communication channels
- The ability to create flexible task types
- Easy contact management
- Resource management tools that let you allocate tasks and view workloads
- Easy file sharing
- Seamless collaboration with stakeholders
