Smartphones have completely transformed the way we work, play, and communicate. A quick glance of the app stores of the principal mobile platforms will reveal that there are apps that can deliver solutions to virtually every requirement that can be imagined. Encouraged by the success of mobile apps in changing our personal lives, businesses too are looking to deploying mobile apps that boost efficiency and profitability by making life easier for both customers and employees.
However, app development for the contemporary business is not without its challenges. Developers need to take into account multiple factors such as environments that are widely-distributed, multiple technologies, hybrid computing and network infrastructure combining the latest with legacy systems, and a rapidly-changing device feature set. Since it is quite easy to make mistakes that can seriously affect app performance, security, and resultant popularity, here are some practical tips for success:
Focus on the UX
Developers need to appreciate that mobile devices deliver a completely different user experience compared to traditional desktops or laptops. It is not advisable to try and port existing PC applications to the portable device platform because of multiple reasons like different screen sizes, lesser processing power, and an input mechanism that is radically different. An app interface that simply tries to imitate the desktop interface will invariably fail due to the user experience being unacceptable. The success of mobile apps depends on how well it is optimized for users on portable devices, observes the CEO of one of the most reputed iOS app development companies in Mumbai.
Use Sensors for Optimizing Usability
Many of the contemporary features of smartphones like 3G/4G, LTE, GPS, rear and front cameras, accelerometers, proximity sensors, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, etc. can be taken advantage of by mobile app developers for advanced app functionality. The ability to click photos and upload it straightaway on social media, to order and pay for products online, to use a compass for orientation and positioning, the ability to communicate location coordinates through GPS, etc. can form the basis of many value-added features.
Integrating Third-Party Apps for More Functionality
In a similar fashion to harnessing the power of device features, app developers should also try and leverage as much as possible on third-party apps that can be integrated into the enterprise app. Many business apps have benefited enormously from being able to mesh information regarding maps, traffic, social media feeds, etc. for improving the utility and performance of the developed apps.
Conclusion
The entire motive behind developing a mobile app is to make access to products, services or information easy with the cellphone always being at hand for most people. The philosophy behind enterprise app development should be that of empowering users to do more and make their life easier. Task optimization or time-saving can mean the difference between something done well or not done at all. Real-time feedback on vital aspects like customer reaction, inventory, logistics, etc. can make a business agile and responsive enough to be able to grab the pole position.
