Chris Elsner

OVERCLOCKD

MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT

CHRIS ELSNER 1

MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT

This document provides some basic information on the process of creating a mobile application. This includes

an overview of the development cycle and estimated time required, drafting a specification document, step by

step guide for developing an app, a few additional resources, and references used to compile this information.

Table of Contents Time Requirements ............................................................................................................................................... 2

Creating Specification Document ......................................................................................................................... 3

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 3

General Description .......................................................................................................................................... 3

Specific Requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 3

Risks / Concerns ................................................................................................................................................ 3

Appendix ........................................................................................................................................................... 3

Steps for Developing Mobile Application ............................................................................................................. 4

Defining Questions: .......................................................................................................................................... 4

Rough Sketch: ................................................................................................................................................... 4

Research: .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

Wireframes and Storyboard: ............................................................................................................................ 4

Define Back-End ................................................................................................................................................ 5

Test Prototype .................................................................................................................................................. 5

Build Backend of App ........................................................................................................................................ 5

Skin the App ...................................................................................................................................................... 5

Test Again ......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Refine ................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Cross Platform / Live test .................................................................................................................................. 5

Release! ............................................................................................................................................................ 5

Other resources: ................................................................................................................................................... 6

App Development Tools / Platforms: ............................................................................................................... 6

App Development Cost Calculators: ................................................................................................................. 6

References ............................................................................................................................................................ 6

CHRIS ELSNER 2

MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT

Time Requirements

The above infographic was put together by Kinvey, AYTM, and Visual.ly. They surveyed 100 mobile designers

and averaged the results to come up with the 18 week time frame. It’s important to note that a prototype

could be developed quicker than 18 weeks, that plug and play technologies may considerably reduce time

constraints, but that complexity and manpower can make the process much longer.

The above chart implicitly assumes that the app is being created by an experienced and fully staffed

development team. Smaller or less experienced teams would likely take longer to complete the same tasks.

For example, using Kinvey’s cost calculator, a basic multiplatform app with some outside data/API integration

was estimated to take their team of five 141 person days compared with a DIY team of six taking 437 person

days. Naturally, their figures might be a bit inflated – but it still demonstrates a key factor to be considered.

Enterprise level business applications can take much longer to develop – around 1 year – because they are

typically more complex, are required to integrate with outside systems, have more robust user management

systems, and require additional security considerations.

Figure 1: http://www.kinvey.com/blog/2086/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-mobile-app

CHRIS ELSNER 3

MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT

Creating Specification Document In order to get a bid for the development of a mobile application or figure out what will really be needed, a

good starting point is the creation of a Specification Document for the app. Below is a basic overview of some

of the topics which should be included. It may not be possible to provide in-depth details on specific

requirements and a possible follow-up step may be creating a separate technical requirements document in

conjunction with an application developer.

Introduction Needs to provide overview of goals of application, the scope of what it will do, any key definitions, which

technologies / platforms will be used, who will be responsible for graphical design, proposed timeline, and

budget for development. Should further include outline of the rest of the document.

General Description This section should include a more in depth overview of the application and what it will do. Including:

information about the specific functions the app will need to complete; user stories and characteristics (ex.

demographic group A will use the app to achieve Z outcome); any internal or external constraints that will need

to be addressed; underlying assumptions on how the app will work or dependencies on outside systems; and

proposed milestones to be achieved throughout the development process.

Specific Requirements Should outline specific software requirements in detail sufficient to enable developers to create the

application. This may include:

Specific platforms or devices that the app will run on,

Requisite APIs which will need to be integrated,

External data sources / services,

Specific technologies to be utilized,

Potential points of integration (ex. social media),

Desired data collection/reporting,

In app purchase functionality or financial interaction,

Geo-location requirements,

When/how push notifications will be utilized.

Risks / Concerns Outline any clearly identifiable risks to the app or development. This should include any known challenges that

will need to be overcome; competitors to keep an eye on; specific limitations of dependent systems or

structures; known unknowns; and/or uncertainties about technology being utilized.

Appendix Possible items to include: initial sketches of application layout / navigation; wireframes of app pages; flow chart

of app navigation; diagram of backend data/system structure; detailed development timeline; in depth user

case studies; and/or summary research of additional relevant topics.

CHRIS ELSNER 4

MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT

Steps for Developing Mobile Application

Defining Questions: 1. What platforms will app run on?

a. iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, Blackberry

b. Android devices can vary depending on manufacturer

2. What is the application going to do?

3. What is its core appeal?

4. What business needs does the app address as opposed to customer needs?

5. What concrete problem is it going to solve or what is it going to make better?

6. What level of security is needed?

a. Apps often work on unsecured phones and/or unsecured networks (open wi-fi)

b. How do you segregate personal phone data and secure app data?

7. What are the clearly defined goals of the app?

8. What are the goals the organization wants to achieve through the app?

Rough Sketch: 1. Roughly sketch out your app for initial brainstorming.

2. What will the basic layout look like?

3. How will basic navigation work?

a. Will context for use create any limitations (ex. will the app need to work offline)?

4. What sort of push notification functionality will be needed? How will it be controlled?

a. Can include syncing so app can work in offline mode, then push activity when connected.

Research: 1. Are there other apps doing the same thing?

2. Other designs which can inspire / inform yours?

a. Compare with other top applications on each platform to get a sense of what’s possible

b. Look at online design sharing sites for inspiration (https://dribbble.com/)

3. What are the technical requirements?

a. Are goals technically feasible?

b. Are there any blockers (legal or technical) which will get in the way?

c. Can you get an expert opinion?

4. What features are essential to create a minimally viable product?

5. How will you market the app and/or monetize it?

a. Charge to download or include ads?

Wireframes and Storyboard: 1. Wireframe the app to create a basic mockup or prototype. Tools to help:

a. http://www.balsamiq.com/

b. http://www.moqups.com/

c. http://www.hotgloo.com/

2. Create storyboard of app to build roadmap of functionality:

a. How do the various screens components connect?

b. How do users navigate

CHRIS ELSNER 5

MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT

Define Back-End 1. What is required for back-end structure?

2. Sketch out servers, APIs, and data diagrams (as reference for developer)

3. Revise wireframe/storyboard

4. How will connectivity issues be addressed?

a. Mobile app will use variety of networks at varying speeds

b. Will app require access to secure network/VPN?

Test Prototype 1. Have people try and use prototype app to identify:

a. Dead ends / broken links

b. Errors encountered

c. Unclear navigation

d. General understanding of layout

Build Backend of App 1. Developer will need to set up servers, DBs, APIs, and storage solution

2. Sign up for developer accounts in app marketplaces

3. Develop plan for how application will be managed going forward

a. How will new OS versions be accommodated?

b. How will admins manage app and data?

c. How will users manage app? What can they control?

Skin the App 1. Develop high resolution versions of previously iterated wireframes

2. Incorporate User Feedback from testing

Test Again 1. App should look and feel close to finished product, and therefore needs another round of testing.

2. Can test flow with some additional tools:

a. http://www.solidifyapp.com/

b. http://www.framerjs.com/

Refine 1. Collect feedback from latest testing round

2. Refine app based upon feedback

3. Change layout / back-end as necessary

Cross Platform / Live test 1. Make sure app is working as expected on multiple devices / platforms

2. Will vary from iOS to Android

Release! 1. Make apps publicly available in app store(s)

2. Start planning or implementing further revisions and future release timetable

CHRIS ELSNER 6

MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT

Other resources:

App Development Tools / Platforms: http://appindex.com/blog/ten-best-cross-platform-development-mobile-enterprises/ - Top 10 list of

mobile cross-platform development tools, site also has many other app related resources.

http://www.appcelerator.com/titanium/ - Mobile application development environment based on

JavaScript.

App Development Cost Calculators: http://www.kinvey.com/app-cost-estimator - Provides many app options, outputs time and money

requirements.

https://www.otreva.com/calculator/

http://howmuchtomakeanapp.com/estimator

References

All Business Experts, 12 Step Guide to Mobile App Development

http://experts.allbusiness.com/12-step-guide-to-building-your-first-mobile-app/

App Maker Blog, How Long Does It Take To Make An App?

http://www.appmakr.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-an-app/

Inside BlackBerry Business Blog, Top Five Unique Requirements of Mobile App Development

http://bizblog.blackberry.com/2014/07/top-requirements-app-dev

Kinvey, How Long Does it Take to Build a Mobile App?

http://www.kinvey.com/blog/2086/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-mobile-app

Mashable, 10 Things to Plan for When Developing a Mobile App

http://mashable.com/2012/02/24/mobile-app-planning/

Quora, How long does it take to design and develop iPhone app like Path, Airbnb, and Square?

http://www.quora.com/How-long-does-it-take-to-design-and-develop-a-well-designed-iPhone-app-like-Path-

Airbnb-and-Square

Readwrite, How Long Does It Take To Build a Native Mobile App?

http://readwrite.com/2013/01/09/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-native-mobile-app-infographic

Tech Target, Mobile apps development: Defining requirements is a whole new ballgame

http://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/feature/Mobile-apps-development-Defining-requirements-is-a-

whole-new-ballgame