Mobile App Development: creating engaging user experiences

Ever wondered what's the best career to aim for these days? The truth is that there's no right answer, but we are sure that mobile app development is on the list.

Chances are that when you get out of bed the first thing you do is open an app of your choice, be it WhatsApp, Twitter or Facebook.

Apps are taking over our daily lives and it's time you learn how to benefit from this by creating your own platforms.

Are you joining this new movement?

What is mobile app development?

First of all, let's define what exactly mobile app development is.

It's the process by which programs are developed for all types of mobile devices such as phones and tablets through their iOs and Android operating systems. We can say that the foundation of the sector is the development of programmes, with the difference that in this case we are working only for mobile devices.

These two systems dominate practically the entire market and each has different requirements that the developer must take into account before starting to code.

Therefore, in order to create a successful platform, it is imperative to have the right tools that meet the latest market standards.

Read on so you can develop mobile apps like an expert.

5 Types of mobile apps

The success of phones lies not in the devices themselves, but in what you can do with them.

If you go back in time, these devices were only used to call other people and receive messages. Then they advanced and incorporated low-resolution cameras along with basic games to entertain the user during their free time.

That's why we say that someone without a phone is an endangered species.

Let's now look at the types of mobile apps that exist today:

1. Native apps

Let's start with native apps. They are characterised by the fact that to develop them we need integrated development environments (IDE) together with several languages depending on the market we are working in. 

We also love the fact that you can customise several functions, but you will have to pay to enjoy all their features. 

2. Hybrid apps

In second place we have hybrid apps. They work in the same way as native apps, with the difference that they are developed in html and css languages, although they are much more cost-effective than the previous option and take less time to create.

However, they have a very important disadvantage and that is that they offer you fewer functions than native apps, so in the end you will have to choose what’s best for you.

3. Progressive apps

Now it's time for progressive apps. These are apps that behave and look like a mobile site, but are not. 

They are usually developed on very specific platforms such as Facebook React, being able to customise various functions to help the user. 

4. Encapsulated apps

Meanwhile, encapsulated apps run inside a container application, the clearest example being Microsoft Power App's drag-and-drop option.

This gives you the possibility to work without advanced knowledge of the subject. Even so, you should take into account that it usually presents many inconveniences when working, so you should think carefully before making a choice. 

5. Frames and libraries

There are also frameworks and library applications, which are code that was written by someone else and that you can reuse in your platform. 

How much does it cost to develop an app?

Do you want to earn some extra money and you don't know how? Well, developing an app can be a very good idea, because it's an industry with a lot of potential in the medium and long term. 

Let's take a look at the costs involved in creating your company's first app. Grab a pencil and paper: 

1. Apps without code

Let's start with codeless apps. These can be developed without the need for great knowledge in the world of programming because you have a platform that facilitates the work.

In this case the app must have the basic functions, because if you want to add something additional you will have to add lines of code and that's where the complications come in.

The good news is that nowadays there are several tools that will become your ally. Some of them are: Appery.io, GoodBarber and Appy Pie. They are 100% free and will help you solve the basics of your organisation.

2. Business apps

Enterprise apps are another type of mobile app and are characterised by requiring a little more knowledge without being an expert in the area.

Mendix, Honey Code and Microsoft Power Suite provide the perfect platform for you to drag and drop the elements you want to configure.

Plus, if that wasn't enough, it connects you to a big data source so you can manage all the content you are developing. This can be done for as little as $50 a month, so organize your budget and get started.

3. Website optimised for mobile devices

Now we are much more advanced, because if you want to create a responsive website for mobile devices you will need great skills in this area. 

There are platforms that give you the graphical interface, but you will still have to create code and link to databases to manage user information. 

4. Complex apps

Finally we have the complex apps, which are in charge of solving very specific problems in organisations. 

It's true that a small business doesn't need such an extensive platform, but when it comes to a large corporation the needs change. 

In this case we are talking about needs such as artificial intelligence, automation, interactive games and facial recognition. 

The step-by-step guide to creating an app from scratch

Are you ready to create that app that will take your business to a new level of performance? Well, it's time for you to find out which are the steps you need to follow to build a mobile platform from scratch. 

Are you ready to see it? 

1. The right questions

Before starting to work, it's essential to ask yourself the right questions to get off to the best possible start. 

Creating an app requires many processes that are linked one after the other to achieve the goal, so the ideal thing is to ask yourself questions such as: 

1. What are my goals with the app?

2. What problems does it solve for the market?

3. Are there other alternatives today?

4. How many developers do I need on my team?

Answer each one separately and then you will be closer to getting started. 

2. Choose your team

Creating an app requires a lot of constant work, so there's nothing better than having a competent team.

Yes, you may be the one in the spotlight, but we can't forget that there are professionals behind you without whom we would never achieve results.

Here it's not so much the quantity that matters, as you can work with 1 or 100 individuals, but the profile of the people you need. Write it down on a sheet of paper and you will see how everything starts to work.

3. Answer how the app will solve the problem

This is one of the most important steps. At the end of the day, the purpose of an app is to solve a problem you saw in the market and for this there's nothing better than making a sketch.

So, let creativity enter your mind and put down on paper all the ideas and projects that come to your mind. Make sure to list them from highest to lowest and then discuss with your team what the needs are to be focused on.

4. Roadmap

OK, you're well on your way, so it's time to create the product roadmap. 

It will be your GPS on the road, marking the point on the map where you will arrive and the pavement you need to follow to get there as quickly as possible. 

5. The right tools

If you are going to fix your car what's the first thing you need? The right tools, be it a screwdriver, spanners and other materials. 

Well, when it comes to creating an app, you'll also need equipment and the best of all is that you can work with programming environments that make the whole process easier. 

6. Get started now

Now you have everything you need to create your app, so it's time to get started. 

Put on your overalls and follow the recommendations we have given you so far. However, on many occasions we've reached this point with a lot of doubts, but there's a method that has been very helpful along the way. 

This is the DevOps method, an option that is built around the following aspects:

• Automate everything you can

• Lean on the cloud to back up information.

• Never leave open source software behind

• Constant communication

• Check for problems

How to learn how to create an app

To create an app you need to learn the basic skills and there is a method for that too. 

Stay with us and see how you can become a professional mobile app developer: 

1. Set a goal

You won't get out of your comfort zone until you have a strong enough motive. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is to define what you want to achieve by learning this subject. 

It could be to create just one app, or it could be to start a company that provides answers to several clients all over the country. And what are you looking for?

2. Start studying now

Once you know what you want to achieve it's time to get down to work and there's nothing better than to start studying. To do this, take several courses and keep up to date with any new developments in the market.

The truth is that this is an industry that, being technological, is in constant movement, so you need to stay alert so that you don't become anachronistic in less time than you think.

The good news is that nowadays there are alternatives for everyone, from free, paid, classroom and remote courses, so you just have to choose the ideal one for you.

3. Select the operating system 

Last but not least is the operating system. Surely you remember that at the beginning of the article we talked about how each system has its own requirements, so it's important that you define in which environment you will be programming. 

Nowadays we find developers who specialise in Android or iOS. Take this example and check which one fits your standards. 

Reasons to create an app

Still not convinced that you need to develop an app? Maybe it's time to read the following text. 

More than 60% of internet traffic comes from mobile devices, and the most interesting thing is that there are studies that show that this number will increase in the coming years. 

Many people have two or even three mobile phones, in most cases for work-related reasons. In this sense, creating an app is an excellent option to bet on the future. 

The development of mobile applications is an industry that is growing by leaps and bounds and its demand seems to have no limits. Therefore, if you dream of having a promising working future, it's time to take a good look at it. 

Today we wanted to shed some light on what is happening in the sector and all the steps you need to take to become an app developer. There are no more excuses, you have the information you need, so it's just a matter of setting a goal and getting started. 

Define if you just need a platform for your company or if you want to help hundreds of customers to improve their quality of life. From here the landscape will gradually open up. 

Are you ready to create your first app? Leave us your impressions in the comments.