How to build an APP

May take days or weeks

Tools and Supplies needed

Wireframe

Back-end Structure

Testing Apps

Down to business

Since the inception of Smartphones, Applications have been at the heart of the technology. Applications are highly necessary and vital for the operation of the phone. There are many uses for apps but it all depends on the needs and preferences of an individual user.

Therefore we did an extensive research of how to make an application. The good thing is anyone can make their own app and it is very cheap.

Experts say that you should clearly define the purpose of creating the App. The designer should at least have in mind what they intend to accomplish.

1. Fundamental questions to ask

What do you want the app to do?

How will it appeal to users?

What problem do you intend the app to solve?

How will it simplify life for people?

How will you market the app?

If you intend the app for commercial use, these are the options you should consider. Do you intend to put it up for free and offer ads to generate income for it? You should also consider if you are going to offer the app as a paid download. Offering in app purchases is also an option that can work for your app.

It is highly advisable that you should research on the kind of competition your app is going to face. Study the market and see what your competitors are doing. Read their reviews and see what the users want in an app. Cut out your niche and pursue it.

It is also very important to note the audience you are targeting to reach with the app. Therefore due diligent research is in order so as to know the right demographics of the audience. In the same vein knowing the target audience gives helps you pick the right advertising and marketing methods.

You need to determine the design for your app. Experts say that you should have the target audience in mind when making the designs because a good visual appeal will attract the customers.

2. Creating a wireframe

Wireframing is the process of creating a mockup or a prototype of your app. There are a couple of prototyping tools online. Good examples are balsamiq, moqups, hotgloo, pidoco.com, visio.microsoft.com, gliffy.com and many others.

Wireframing allows you to drag and drop all your placeholders and representative graphics into place. It also enables you to add button functionality so that you can click through your app review.

Having done that, create a storyboard for your app in order to build a roadmap that will assist you to know the connection between each screens. Also it will give perspective on how the user can navigate through the app.

3. Define the Back End of the app

The wireframes and storyboard become the foundation of the back-end structure. You should draw a sketch of your servers, APIs and Data Diagrams which will act as a reference for the developer. The goal is to have a self-explanatory diagram for people joining in to study. It is advisable to modify your wireframes and storyboard according to any technical limitations.

4. Test the prototype

Give the app to different people such as friends and family and hear their feedback. Let them give you honest reactions about the app after using it.

These should help you finalize the app’s structure and foundation because once you start designing it, it will be much harder to change things.

5. Build the back end of your mobile app

At this stage, the developer will have to set up servers, databases, APIs and storage solutions.

Remember to sign up for developer accounts and app marketplaces you are developing for. It may take some days for you to get approval for your account depending on the platform.

6. Design the App skins

Skins are the individual screens needed for the app. The designer’s job is to come up with high-resolution versions of the previous wireframes.

Consider the feedback that you got from the prototype testers. It should help you build a perfect UI-User Interface.

7. Test the App

You should now test the actual app once the design skins are done. This will indicate to you the way the app will look and really feel.

You can test your app through the Solidify and Framer Apps. These apps allow you to import your app designs and add links where needed to test the flow from screen to screen

8. Polish the App

Having tested the App you should use the feedback to polish the App idea. Look at the finishing that needs to be done on the App.

9. The final step

It is easy to install your app file on a device to test its functionality for Android but on IOS you require a platform like Testflight to test the app.

Android will not review newly submitted apps immediately. It may take time before they review it but you will still be able to add your app on Google Play.

On the contrary, IOS reserves the right to review and approve new apps before adding them to the Apple Appstore. There is no specific timeframe but it will not exceed a week.