The mobile app development process

In many ways developing a mobile app is no different to developing any other sort of software application. We start with what you want it to do; we discuss this with you in detail and write it down (this is our 'Functional Specification'). This will include some design mockups so that you can get a good idea of what it will look like. Once this is completed and agreed we start development, keeping in touch with you as we go along, and before long there will be a trial version for you to try out on an actual device. With your feedback we polish and fine tune, and eventually arrive at the finished article, ready for submission to the relevant app store.

There are, however, several aspects of mobile app development that are different to any other.

• Many mobile apps need data from the Internet in order to work. This can be anything from an RSS feed from your website (as with our Telford's app) to a fully secure, two-way interaction with your own back-office systems, as with our 'My Samarind' app. For shopping and other e-commerce type apps the latter will almost certainly be required. This means that the development must involve your web team too, which may or may not be Samarind. If it's not, no problem - we're used to working alongside other developers and we're happy to co-ordinate the project for you.
• Although the iPhone and Android devices are very similar there are differences in the interface and what each one can do. While the finished apps will do pretty much the same thing there will be variations in look, feel and operation, and it's important to be aware of what these are likely to be. What we're aiming for is 'best practice' on both platforms, so that each one feels genuinely made for its device. We'll help you through this process.
• While it's possible to get an app developed and working fairly quickly, getting it polished and beautiful can take ages. If you're happy with the standard 'out of the box' look-and-feel that's fine, but more often than not we want to replace the normal buttons with prettier ones, and have everything coloured and styled to match your brand, and so on. This all takes time and we will need to agree how much time to spend on this before we start the project.

Having said all that, app developers really enjoy their work and you can be assured that we'll get your app developed as quickly and as effectively as possible.

We look forward to helping you with your app - please contact us to find out more.