Our Mobile App Development Process
It’s 2024. Poor mobile app experiences are no longer excusable.
In today's digital age, mobile apps are the cornerstone of innovation, driving business growth and connecting us in ways we never thought possible. So why is mobile app development still an afterthought for so many B2C product teams?
Let’s explore why a mobile-first development process could be pivotal for your user experience, and what our process looks like at Glasshouse Venture Studio.
So, what is mobile app development?
At its core, mobile app development is the process of creating software applications that run on mobile devices. But it’s more than just coding - it’s about turning your visionary ideas into reality, engaging users with intuitive designs, and delivering value that keeps them coming back.
Why mobile?
In the palm of our hands lies the power to access the world. From startups to established companies, mobile apps offer a direct channel to track, engage and retain your audience.
What are the stages of a mobile app’s development, from its initial strategy to its launch on the App Store?
Strategy and user research
Whether you just have an idea, or you’re already running a successful product company, every team needs to ask themselves these questions:
What problem are you solving?
Who is your audience?
If this isn’t initially clear, go and speak to your target market! What problems are they facing, and what are the pain-points with current solutions?
Your journey starts here. Every stage of the mobile app development process, from designing features, to selecting a tech stack, is informed by these responses. This is often where the benefits a mobile app can potentially offer a user in comparison to web become apparent.
Designing the user interface
This is where your app begins to take shape. User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design is not just about looks; it’s about creating an intuitive, seamless experience for your users that addresses their wants and needs. The choice of features, and designing of those features, will depend on the insights from your user research.
Development and your tech stack
This is where the magic happens. Whether you’re building a mobile app for iOS, Android or a cross-platform solution, this phase turns your design into a functional app.
If you’re interested, we created a great post on the tech stack we use at Glasshouse Venture Studios to drive growth for our clients here.
Test, test, test
Essential to any development process, the testing phase ensures your mobile app is robust, secure, and ready for the real world. Who knows if you’ll go viral overnight and receive an influx of new users? It’s vital to ensure your app is built to scale.
It doesn’t stop at launch!
Launching on the App Store or Play Store may seem like the moment of truth. In reality, it’s just the beginning. Regular updates and maintenance keep your app at the forefront of innovation and user satisfaction.
It’s also vital to ensure appropriate user attribution and analytics platforms are integrated to track user behaviour and platform metrics. We typically use Appsflyer and Amplitude for this purpose. Check out our guide on growth platforms here.
By measuring both quantitative and qualitative data on your users you can further improve the user experience. Chase those five-star reviews.
What separates the winners from the losers?
It’s great to have this framework to kick-start your mobile app development process, however you need the right team to support you to make your vision a reality.
At Glasshouse Venture Studio, we believe in creating more than just apps. We craft digital experiences that resonate with and engage users. Our holistic approach, from initial strategy to launch and beyond, ensures your app not only meets, but exceeds, expectations.
Ever feel like agencies don't value your vision as much as you do? That’s not us. We’re here for the whole journey.
So, with your idea and our expertise, let’s build the future. Send us a message or set up a time to chat here.