Not being aware about the different stages of software development by a startup, who is just initiating to launch her digital presence, is a very common and genuine fact. But every business owner should be enlightened about it to ensure that his or her development team follows the correct process and cost aligned to every stage can be evaluated and justified stage on stage.
At Yugasa Software Labs we make sure that the evaluation is done rightly and client understands what they are paying for at which stage. Let’s understand the process that needs to be considered during the Application development lifecycle:
1. Project analysis
One should analyze data thoroughly to draw the strategy of developing mobile application.
Setting a goal and dividing the path into milestones is the first prerequisite. Setting timelines for each milestone and achieving them within time frame is of foremost importance. Towards this objective, concept understanding is very important. Once the whole concept of Application is clear then the development can be divided into phases and each phase need to own dedicated skill set. Another factor important at this stage is the choice of Application platform.
There are broadly two types of platforms and devices Android and iOS. Both need different skill sets for development and hence, pricing also differs.
2. Prototyping
After understanding and validating concept, we move from designing on paper to real User Experience (UX) designs. Feasibility test is conducted at this stage for the whole Application concept. This would help you to visualize the Application skeleton and map if we are on right track. Here we have to take care of following three things:
a) Multi-screens – more the number of screens, higher will be the cost.
b) Different interfaces for different screen sizes
c) Native, web or hybrid Application.
Yugasa Software Labs specialize in working closely with the client to remove any room for misunderstanding regarding Application development.
3. Visual (UI) designs
So, how does one start while looking for a custom application design? It’s like a journey, which needs to be planned and it is termed as concept development and project design. Here, all the screens are provided and content organized along with color scheme for the client. Visual designs show working of the Application when one moves from screen to screen. Wireframes are created at this stage that helps in understanding designed Application. This interactive wireframe is known as prototype or in simple words it is interactive representation.
At Yugasa Software Labs we submit final design with logo, preferred color combination, images and icons wrapped in PSD files.
4. Development
Once all the screens and work flows are frozen actual development or coding starts with database design and gradually move to milestone based development. The milestone defined should be mapped with clear cut project plan with weekly review meetings.
5. Abstract Behaviour
Software development is all about working on intangible and abstract job. If one says that his logo is of Red color, then everyone listening this will think his own Red color and this is sure that none of these participants would think of the same Red color which the business owner is talking about. The key to this problem is sharing work progress regularly, share the workable product builds, have retrospective meetings and communicate more frequently.
6. Appropriate Tools
Use standard tools to keep good track of progress. Some of the well established tools are:
Project management Tools: Clickup, Jira, Basecamp, Google Sheets.
Code Versioning: GIT and BIT Bucket
Communication tools: eMails, Slack, Google Hangouts, Skype, Zoom, MS Teams
Customer has all rights to seek update from vendor partner at each and every stage of Application development.
