10 commandments of mobile app development

The numbers are incredibly impressive:

  • More than 200 million Americans with smartphones. 
  • 46 percent of people with a smartphone say they can't live without it. 
  • Mobile app store revenue that's expected to top $76 billion by 2017 (according to the CMO Council)*. 

It's no wonder, then, that the job outlook for software developers is booming. Between now and 2024, employment opportunities are expected to grow by a whopping 19 percent (according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics)*.  

Joining the ranks of software developers who create mobile apps can offer ample personal and professional growth—but only if you have the right education, practical experience and knowledge of the "10 Commandments of Mobile App Development." 

Here's a look at what every app developer needs to know in order to succeed in this booming industry:

1. Know your audience

Every successful app serves a specific purpose. Some provide valuable information. Some help people do their jobs better. Some are purely for entertainment purposes.  

All were developed with a specific audience in mind. 

Before you break out and attempt to monetize an app, make sure you know who's likely to use it. 

2. Know your competition

If you're going to invest time, effort, and resources developing an app, you're going to want to make sure it doesn't already exist. And if it does exist, you're going to want to find a way to differentiate your app from what's already out there. Otherwise, your app might never see the light of day. 

3. Get everyday advice

Developers are smart people. But sometimes they forget that their apps will be used by everyday people. Make sure you talk to your would-be end-users. Ask them if your app will work for them. Listen to what they say and incorporate their advice into your design and development. 

4. Plan, plan and plan some more

Before you begin, take some time to plan your project. Outline and storyboard every step of the process. This will help keep you on track and keep you from skipping important steps. It will also help you as you successfully develop your next app. 

5. Keep it simple

Apps need to be intuitive. Make sure to keep it simple or you probably won't find an audience. If necessary, include descriptions and instructions that lead the user through the process. 

6. Go easy on the graphics

A picture might be worth a thousand words. Unfortunately, if your app uses too many graphics, all of those words just might be derogatory. Too many images and too much animation can slow down your app and create a miserable user experience. And at the end of the day, apps are all about the user experience. 

7. Focus on the fingers

Buttons and icons are great—but only if they are easy to use. Apps with controls that are too close together (or apps that are generally too small) won't work well for your users. Focus on creating buttons and icons that fit the users' fingers. 

8. Start with one main application

You have probably heard the old axiom about putting first things first. This is important when it comes to app development. So put the most important features front and center, and then add additional functionality through plug-ins that can be downloaded by the user. This not only simplifies your app, but also helps you monetize it. 

9. Pay attention to platforms

There are iPhones and Droids and countless tablets being used across the country right now. Your goal should be to ensure that your app works the same on every platform. If it doesn't, you're at risk of annoying your users because many people use a variety of platforms and expect the experience to be seamless. 

10. Test, test and then test some more

There is nothing worse for you and your users than going to market with an app that doesn't work. Even a minor flaw your design, functionality, or look can be instantly annoying to users—and kill any chance you had of your app becoming successful. People simply don't purchase or download products that don't work. The best way to protect your investment is to test it, test it, and then test it again. 

Launch Your Career as a Mobile App Developer

If you are ready to join the growing ranks of mobile app developers, connect with ECPI University today to learn more about earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Software Development. Through our accelerated software development program, you could gain the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to launch your career—and perhaps even develop and launch one of the next big apps. Call today—it could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

* https://www.cmocouncil.org/facts-stats-categories.php?view=all&category=mobile-marketing
**http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-6

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