In the span of a decade, mobile applications have gone from a novelty to a must-have business tool; one that’s essential for success in today’s digital world. Consumers have come to expect mobile applications, whether they’re dealing with a restaurant, retail store, municipality or even a non-profit organization.
The ever-essential nature of mobile applications was fueled on further by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID prompted a fundamental shift in the ways in which we connect and communicate. Most would agree that these Digital Transformations were spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic, with mobile app development leading the pack. But many are dismayed to find that you cannot simply churn out a mobile application on a DIY platform and expect to see good results. In fact, a shoddy mobile app can do more harm than good by delivering a negative user experience (UX) that taints the user’s impression of your organization. This is just one of the many challenges of building a mobile app. Fortunately, though, you can manage and largely avoid the challenges of building a mobile app with a bit of awareness.
Challenge: Lack of a Business Requirements Document
Software and mobile app development is highly multi-faceted and as such, you need a comprehensive game plan. Enter: the business requirements document. This essential document serves as a complete guide for your development project, guiding the way when it comes to the client’s needs and the user’s needs and expectations, amongst other things.
A business requirements document also helps to prevent issues such as higher than expected costs and scope creep, while simultaneously ensuring that their expectations align with the development team’s progress on the mobile app development project.
Challenge: Poor Engagement Because You Don’t Know Your Mobile App Users
If you don’t know your users and their needs, you could find yourself in a position whereby you’ve built an app that just fails to resonate and engage with your users. This translates into a negative user experience which reflects poorly upon your organization.
The solution? A solid UI/UX phase is critical for avoiding this mobile app development challenge. Get to know your users, their objectives when engaging with your app and their end game. The mobile app development process should include a thorough investigation into user demographics, user stories, user paths and user testing. By investing time and energy into the UI/UX development phase, you’ll maximize your chances of walking away with an engaging mobile application that achieves your goals and generates a healthy ROI.
Challenge: You’re Trying to Be All Things to All People
It’s easy to find yourself in a scenario where you’re trying to be all things to all people and as a result, your mobile app will lack relevance. This is a key driver behind the phenomenon known as scope creep and other negative mobile app development process.
The mobile app development process must be driven by your business and its unique needs and objectives. At the end of the day, your app should serve to solve a problem or to overcome a challenge, whether it’s a quick and easy-to-use food ordering app for your pizza shop, a garment measuring app or an enterprise messaging app for a highly-regulated industry such as the financial sector.
Developing a Mobile App Without the Challenges
7T specializes in all aspects of Digital Transformation, providing clients with the innovative technology they need to succeed. We apply our core philosophy of “Business First, Technology Follows” to Digital Transformation development projects, working extensively with clients to understand their true business challenges and expected impact of the project. Then, we develop enterprise software, mobile apps, process automations and cloud solutions that generate a healthy ROI.
The 7T mobile development team has over 100 apps under our belt, translating into valuable expertise in many different industries. We will make sure your app is a success, serving as a valuable business tool that drives your business toward unparalleled success. Contact us today to discuss your company’s mobile app development needs.
