What are the common challenges for Mobile App Development?

There are numerous mobile applications in the app stores providing smartphone users with means of performing some of their daily activities, with each category presenting the user with a variety of options. Don’t let the sea of apps in your platform’s store fool you though, the process of mobile app development is not easy.

Mobile app developers have to overcome a series of challenges before their application is ready for the app store. These challenges could range from financial to technical — the screen real estate is particularly challenging as gadgets come with different screen sizes, compliance and so on. Some of the most common challenges developers face during mobile application development are:

Funding

Funding is one of the most common issues developers face out there. You have an idea for a killer app, how do you get the funds to develop it? Mobile development could cost between $3000 and $150,000; this is a lot of money. However, it does not mean that you give up your dream. Approach the right people and present your idea to them. You can start with friends and family, then proceed to banks and venture capitalists if that’s not enough. Crowdfunding is also a good place to start.

Getting the Attention of Your Target Audience

If your app is going to be a success, people have to notice it so that they can download it. The competition in the mobile app market is cutthroat, if people don’t notice your application, it will get lost in the midst. Take a good look at the successful apps in your niche to get an idea of how to get the attention of your target market. The best way to create an app that gets noticed is to provide a wholesome experience for your users. Incorporate an intuitive design, usable features, and graphics while creating your app.

Creating an Interactive App

Developing an interactive app is just as crucial as having an interactive design. Today’s smartphones come with a lot of sensing capabilities, so take advantage of that, these high-tech sensors present immense opportunities for developers. However, developing interactions is one of the hardest steps of the design phase of your application.

When designing your app, don’t let interactions be an afterthought. Think of them in advance. Let the app respond to the environment, direction, and position by including more tangible interactions like flipping, shaking, and tilting into play. Consider using overlays to display more info, use various click options and make good use of buttons. Don’t restrict yourself to gestures like swipe and tap. Shoot for a comprehensive application experience.

Dealing With Device Screen Sizes

In the process of mobile app development, dealing with different device screen sizes has got to be one of the most challenging technical aspects of developing an app. The number of devices on major platforms — Android, IOS, and Windows — is incredibly high. All these devices come with different display sizes, pixel intensity, embedded technology, and OS requirements. The challenge presents itself in the form of being able to create an app that runs on all platforms and as many devices as possible.

Remember that you can’t build an app just for the biggest devices, or platforms. Be prepared to deal with these limitations at all times. Bugs will need to be fixed. Don’t forget to keep your app as simple — and clear — as possible. Also, don’t make the users think too much, create a self-explanatory design.