3 Common Mistakes To Avoid During Mobile App Development

1. Packing In Too Many Features
One of the popular mistakes amateur app developers make, is to give in to the temptation of using all of the device’s built-in features in their app. Most of the major smartphones available in the market today come with cool features such as, accelerometer, gyroscope, camera, GPS and so on.
You, as a developer should first understand what you want your app to do, its unique functions and in what particular way you want it to serve your users.
At the very least, first version of your app should initially aim to meet the immediate needs of the user or the company that you are developing the app for. Focus in on the needs of your target audience while in the first stages of creating your app. You can probably think of adding more features in the later versions of your app, by doing this it will make it look like you are constantly updating your app. This itself will make it more popular to your users.
Remember, the user experience has to the most important point to you at this time. Therefore, your app should use features, which work best on that particular mobile device.
 
2. Creating Elaborate and Complicated UIs
The very first version of your app should use an easy-to-operate, intuitive, user interface. The UI should preferably be such that the user learns to use it quickly, without having to refer to the user manual. The UI needs to be simple, to the point and well laid out.
Users prefer apps where every aspect, including each screen, each button and each function is well defined and rendered on screen in such a way as to make their lives simple for them.
One more thing to remember here is to make your UI consistent and homogeneous throughout all the future versions of your app, so that your users need not keep adjusting to different types of UIs in the coming app updates.
 
3.  Adding On Too Many Mobile Platforms
 Developers need to resist the temptation to immediately start developing for several mobile platforms, all at once. Adding on too many features and mobile platforms to your first version will raise your initial costs sky-high. This may also turn counter-productive for you, as it may actually end up reducing the chances of the success of your app in the marketplace.
If you should think of developing an app for multiple platforms such as Apple, Android and BlackBerry, plan out your app development strategies well in advance. Think of a unique app concept that will be most appealing to your audience.
Research the several mobile platforms available to you and choose the right platforms for your app, do not rush in to include all the OS’ at one go. Instead, chalk out realistic, achievable goals for yourself and take it one at a time. Also by releasing a pilot version of your app may help you get the right feedback from your audience.
 
Thanks for reading,
Oli Shotter