Creating a full-fledged web app can be a bit of a process. It can seem like a long runway to take a vague or simple concept and turn it into a functioning web application. However, with structured planning, this runway can easily become a series of actionable steps to a conception.
But, where do you start? What steps should you take? What needs to happen before true development even begins? These are all valid questions to begin the process. Check out below, where we have put together a general guide to the journey from the concept of a web app to a functioning end product.
The Steps of Web App Development
Let’s break down the steps of creating a web app from beginning to end. Not only will this make it easier to understand the process, but it also offers progress points to follow.
1. Inception and Generating the Core Idea
Obviously, before any app is created, first comes the idea for the app. While a general idea is a good foundation for starting the process, it goes further than that. A good idea for a web app focuses on actually solving a problem, rather than just adding some flashy feature.
Some developers or creators tend to fall into the trap of creating just a “cool” app over practicality and problem-solving. This can put the app into a realm of being flashy, but no one really needs it. So, here are some questions to consider in the idea phase:
- Who is the target user? – Get specific and define who would use the app.
- What pain points or problems does it resolve? – Define the frustration or inefficiency that the app addresses.
- Are others discussing the same problem? – Check forums like Reddit, Quora, or StackOverflow to see any similar discussions taking place. This can be a good place to find ideas for what to include.
- What features would users want? – This kind of information can also be found in forums. However, talking to potential users and conducting surveys can also be a wealth of information.
2. Purpose and Scope
Now that we have a common idea for the app, it’s time to narrow down the purpose and scope of its use. This includes writing up a simple mission statement and delineating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to clearly define the goals and purposes of creating the app. These don’t need to be complex. For instance, an “app that allows social media influencers to upload their content to all their platform pages at once.” As a note: this is only an example.
The mission statement and MVP offer a common idea or concept to fall back on when creating features. In short, does the feature contribute to the mission statement/MVP or solve the problem being targeted? If not, maybe it doesn’t need to be included. This also helps to avoid feature overload or bloat. Moreover, setting these goals and statements allows you to start sketching out or forming general user flows and functions.
3. Market Evaluation and Competitor Analysis
Next, comes the points of evaluating the current market and analyzing competitor products. This helps to determine what is currently out there, what works and what doesn’t, and what is missing.
Moreover, you can determine the Unique Value Proposition (UVP) of your app. In other words, what does your app do that others don’t? The better the app stands out and outperforms current offerings, the more likely it is to attract users.
4. Planning Architecture and Framework
So, we have an idea of what the app will be, its functions, and its purposes. It’s time to start planning to build it. This means considering current frameworks and architectures that can accommodate what is needed. It also involves laying out key user functions and abilities, as this can play a role in the build framework.
Start creating simple wireframes or flow charts of the app to decide how each function will occur. Focus on a concise build with clarity, simplicity, and optimization in mind.
5. Prototype and Test
We’ve reached the point where it’s time to start mapping out the build and modeling some types of functions. A good place to start is building a clickable UI prototype through platforms like Figma or Sketch to see how the app will flow. This can be tested with users to see if there is anything that needs to be improved in the actual build. Make multiple iterations with small changes at a time to come to a relatively final layout.
6. Making the App a Reality
The app is plotted out, a UI has been mapped, and now, we’re ready to start building the app. However, create a solid development roadmap that establishes clear goals and timelines. This helps to avoid trying to build everything or too much at once.
Instead, break the project into phases and code small functional parts at a time from beginning to end. Not only does this ensure everything gets the proper attention, but it also allows each release to receive any needed corrections. This helps to avoid having to hunt down where a specific error or problem is when development is long past building that portion of the app.
Additionally, continue to test, test, and test again. This roots out errors early so they can be fixed rapidly before moving on. Once there is a general final product, then comes a beta test phase. In the beta test, users will be able to try out the app, and see where it shines, or where there are issues. These can be fixed regularly until the final product is flawless and able to become a final release.
We hope the above helps you to understand the runway of developing an app, and good luck in creating yours!
Should You Hire a Web App Development Company?
If the above seems quite complicated or time-consuming, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Not every company has the right staff or time to commit to building a full web app. In these cases, it can be a good idea to hire a web app development company to build out your idea.
This way, you can work with professionals to establish what the goal of the app is and have them build a flawless end product. All you have to do is come up with the idea and the general scope of what you want to accomplish, and they can do the heavy lifting of development.
Graphem Solutions for Your Web App Development Needs
If you are searching for a web app development company, Graphem Solutions is here to help. Our team of developers offers years of experience in building incredible apps while staying on top of the latest web development trends.
We will work closely with you to understand the goals and scope of your project and then build it to your specifications. As we create iterations, we will stay in communication to make any changes as necessary throughout the development process. The end result? A web app that fulfills every feature and handles the problem you are targeting.
To learn more about our web app development services, you can fill out our online contact form or call us at 1-800-590-0175. We look forward to helping you take your app from an idea to a functioning product!
