Liubomyr Miller, Author at Devlight Fri, 26 Jul 2024 16:59:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 How to Redesign an App — Complete Guide with Recommendations from Devlight https://devlight.io/blog/how-to-redesign-an-app/ https://devlight.io/blog/how-to-redesign-an-app/#respond Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000 https://devlight.io/?p=12101 Do you wish to advance your mobile application? By implementing a well-planned mobile app redesign, you may improve user experience (UX) and increase engagement.  Users expect mobile apps to have a high degree of functionality and usability because they have become a crucial part of our everyday lives. An app’s poor design can cause annoyance, […]

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Table of contents
What’s an App Redesign? Benefits of Redesigning Your App 6 Reasons for an App Redesign (With Solutions) When the Redesign Is Not a Solution Top 3 Factors to Consider Before Redesigning Your App The 4-Component Process for a Successful App Redesign Top Mistakes of App Redesign Process How Much Does It Cost to Redesign a Mobile App? Final Tips for Conducting Redesign

Do you wish to advance your mobile application? By implementing a well-planned mobile app redesign, you may improve user experience (UX) and increase engagement. 

Users expect mobile apps to have a high degree of functionality and usability because they have become a crucial part of our everyday lives. An app’s poor design can cause annoyance, unfavorable ratings, and ultimately user churn. A well-made app, on the other hand, can improve the user experience and foster loyalty. 

We’ll lead you through the process of a successful mobile app redesign in this tutorial. We tried to cover as many topics as possible, including user research, analysis, and testing, as well as design implementation. You can design a mobile app that is visually appealing, user-friendly and caters to the demands of your target market using the insights and techniques you learn in this guide. This can boost user interaction, boost retention rates, and eventually result in commercial success.

What’s an App Redesign?

Redesigning a mobile application involves making it look and feel better in order to make it more appealing and user-friendly. In other words, it entails assessing the app’s present design and determining areas that should be improved in light of user feedback. A redesigned software should offer a simple and intuitive user interface to entice repeat usage. To increase the performance, engagement, and retention of their software, product managers frequently start a makeover.

The redesign process might result in more functionality and a user-friendly design by bringing new ideas to the table based on user behavior analysis and unbiased feedback. Two equally significant steps are involved in the process of redesigning an app: 

  • UI design 

User interface (UI) design is mostly concerned with the app’s visual elements. Layout, typography, color scheme, and other visual components fall under this category. The aim of a UI designer is to produce an interface that is aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly, and intuitive. 

  • UX design 

When we talk about an app’s total user experience (UX), we mean it. In order to satisfy user needs, a UX designer attempts to create an intuitive, simple-to-use interface. To do this, UX designers carry out user research to comprehend the wants and objectives of the user. They build wireframes and prototypes to test and iterate on their design concepts after analyzing user behavior to determine how the app is utilized.

Benefits of Redesigning Your App

The process of redesigning an app is time-consuming and expensive. It will, however, earn back its cost and effort. Following an application redesign, product owners may benefit from the following:

  • Creating a knowledgeable impression. Trend-following products appear to be enjoyable to use on a regular basis, which makes users admire the designers who created them;
  • Becoming more visible on the market. Mobile apps that are updated regularly form a very compatible offer;
  • Receiving higher conversion rates. Redesign affects not just the rates, but also other user experience (UX) changes, such as recommending the app to a broader audience, natural promotion, and loyalty;
  • Increasing brand recognition. A mobile app’s brand awareness can help set it apart from competing products in stores and establish its credibility with users;
  • Boosting the likelihood of additional investments. Your product makes a statement for you in front of investors. The regular release of new features and upgrades by a program is a strong argument;
  • Becoming proud of your product. Any app makeover starts with swapping out old patterns and concepts for fresh ones. The software, which was released in a manner consistent with the newest design trends, will undoubtedly make you feel proud of the higher quality of services you now provide. And let’s not remember that a feeling of belonging to a bigger mission is what drives motivation.

6 Reasons for an App Redesign (With Solutions)

For a product to succeed, its functionality, intuitiveness, and stability are unquestionably crucial. However, when a user launches your app, the first thing they notice is how the design. The major part of first impressions is influenced by design. And in many circumstances, poor design can easily push a user away from your product. Now that you are aware of the design’s potential, let’s discuss some scenarios in which you might want to think about rebuilding your application:

Outdated Aesthetics

Modernization is a normal stage in the development of any brand because it enables a business to perform at a higher standard. In the context of rapidly evolving trends and user preferences, upgrades are unavoidable. Even the most effective UI will eventually seem old-fashioned despite originally appearing elegant and cutting-edge.

You don’t have to create an interface from scratch or adhere to every new UX/UI design trend, but it makes sense to update the product from time to time to keep up with the market standards. Apply modern design components and color schemes so that the app is both aesthetically pleasing and simple to use.

Negative Customer Reviews

What problems do users of your mobile app bring up? You need to update the design of your apps if you have low app ratings, poor customer evaluations, or reviews from clients who have issues. Even negative feedback brings about benefits. Having any user comments and real-life experience makes it simpler to identify the parts of your app needing fixing and improvement. 

Find the parts of the software that are frustrating consumers, such as the cluttered UI or the confusing navigation. To make it more logical and user-friendly, streamline the design and user experience. To fully understand the “why“ behind how users interact with your app, use session replays and analytic tools. They will help you obtain insights into unique user behavior patterns and identify chances for UX enhancement with the use of touch heatmaps, funnel analytics, crash logs, and event analytics.

Complex Interface

Applications frequently grow overly complex with time, especially when new features are added and the interface gets cluttered. It is particularly relatable for SaaS apps because they are often highly sophisticated and fulfill many different roles.

When Uber added new service options, it seemed that the screen was too small to show all the options at once, leading users to select the incorrect item. The answer to this problem was to ask them where they were going in the first place (include a “Where to?“ area) and only after that to display the price, the route, and other pop-ups. 

Rebranding

Sometimes, it makes no sense to hang onto an outdated perception because the design may not be the only thing that has to be updated; a new look and an effective marketing strategy might give a brand-new vitality. It piques the curiosity of current clients and aids in attracting new ones.

Despite being a popular platform, Airbnb’s brand over time didn’t align with its new product goal. In order for consumers to grasp its essential beliefs and guiding principles, Airbnb chose to develop its distinct brand identity in 2014. They updated the typeface, the logo and even added a new color they named Rausch during the overhaul. As a result, they positioned their product as being clear, approachable, and engaging to their customers with the help of design.

Platform Updates

Keeping your app updated is crucial as mobile platforms and technology develop. A redesign will help ensure that your app is compatible with the newest gadgets and cutting-edge frameworks for developing mobile apps. The solution will be to keep up with the most recent developments in mobile technology and make sure the app is optimized for these platforms. Enhance compatibility and app performance, this may entail altering the design or user experience.

Your Conversion Rate Is Not What It Could Be

Do you follow your drop-off rate? Visitors can easily become irritated by a poor UX design. Whether a visitor becomes a devoted customer depends on the experience they have with the app. The majority of people link poor design to poor service. The halo effect refers to this phenomenon. New trends in user experience develop over time, making even the most fashionable designs appear old. 

When the Redesign Is Not a Solution

Redesigning your application’s UI/UX might be useful if you, as the product owner, know what issues you want to address and what user behavior you want to modify. If you’d like to simply “add amazing animations to make it pop“ and “make the application cool“ rather than turning it into a work of art or transform the design into something truly exceptional, it is preferable to take extra time to investigate and consider exactly what you want to accomplish.

Don’t redesign merely for the sake of redesigning. It is unquestionably not worthwhile to change the appearance and feel of a program if it does not provide the end user with anything novel or beneficial. The redesign is also not a solution if:

  • the cost of redesigning your app is higher than the revenue generated from that investment;
  • most of the functionality will be changed in the near future anyway;
  • there is no configured analytics for key metrics (adjust and collect indicators for 2-3 months and only then proceed to redesign in case there is a need).

And finally, redesign is not a designer’s job, despite how strange that statement may sound. Instead, it is far from just their job. A comprehensive team of experts, including a designer, marketer, business analyst, etc., is needed to rebuild an application or create an interface from scratch completely. Changing some parts of the app’s aesthetics or color design alone probably won’t help you for this reason.

Top 3 Factors to Consider Before Redesigning Your App

It’s important to remember that designing a mobile app for your company has the potential to revolutionize the way you do business completely. A well-executed redesign can raise engagement, enhance user experience, and even generate revenue. 

Prior to starting a mobile app redesign, it’s crucial to examine user behavior and feedback, identify problem areas and opportunities for growth, and develop a comprehensive plan that takes these issues into account. Here are some considerations to make:

  • What objectives does the redesign have? Do you want to update the app’s appearance and feel, boost revenue, or improve user engagement?
  • Who are your intended customers? What are their wants, actions, and objectives? Are there any issues with the present app that need to be fixed?
  • What are the existing app’s advantages and disadvantages? What functions well, and what requires development? What kind of user feedback have you received?

Following our discussion of some important factors, let’s delve further into the main approaches you may choose to conduct redesign. 

Revolutionary vs. Evolutionary Redesign

Regardless of the choice of strategy, you need to address user behavior. Apps can be redesigned using either comprehensive changes or incremental interface improvements. Each of these strategies shows its efficacy in various scenarios:

  • A revolutionary redesign involves rewriting an application from scratch. This strategy is frequently applied when an application’s original design is out-of-date or does not adequately address user needs;
  • Evolutionary redesign involves a number of little adjustments that improve the usability of the program. Instead of creating a whole new interface, it involves making minor changes to an existing one. With this strategy, you can gradually roll out incremental updates without overwhelming people.

Your redesign goals will determine which of these two solutions you choose. The greatest alternative for you may be revolutionary if you’re seeking for a new beginning and want to develop something completely original for your audience. However, evolution may be more successful if you wish to keep things the same while still making improvements along the way.

The 4-Component Process for a Successful App Redesign

When we engage in this kind of cooperation, the redesign process is essentially split into the UX audit and the redesign process itself. Between them is the data analysis that interlinks two parts. Each of those stages is then broken down into smaller levels. They are depicted in the diagram above. After that, go testing and iterating changes logical before launching any kind of app update.

The first and perhaps most crucial pre-stage for you as a product owner would be to establish the purpose for a redesign, even though we just indicated that there are two key steps in the redesign process when improving the UI/UX of the application.

Set the objective. We’ve already spoken about one scenario in which you could want to make changes to the product. However, keep in mind the following elements in order to define the purpose correctly: 

  • Do you have any definite knowledge of UI or UX issues to be fixed? Remember that “I don’t like the look of my product“ is not a sufficient response. 
  • Have you looked at the attrition rate? You may better understand the moment of truth in CJMs — crucial moments when users either become frustrated and quit interacting with your application or choose your brand — by creating a user journey map.
  • Are you aware of what consumers think of your product? Keep an eye on the reviews that users leave for it, solicit feedback, and speak with your users.

Always gather proof to back up each of your decisions throughout this phase. Once you’ve established the objective, keep it in mind and proceed to further auditing.

Step 1: UX Audit

Any application’s primary goal is to address a concern of its intended user base. An app must be functional, with a consistent and intuitive layout and appealing design, in order to rapidly and efficiently achieve this goal. Gather all the data you need to uncover the flaws in your current design by conducting a UX audit.

In plain English, a UX audit helps us to:

  • Determine UX issues based on human factors principles, comprehend how users interact with various product aspects, and determine which features of rival goods they find most beneficial;
  • Identify the target audience’s preferences, needs, and behavior patterns;
  • Set the essential needs that your target market has for your product;
  • Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of your product and gather suggestions for enhancing the design.

The audit’s findings are typically delivered in the form of a report that includes a thorough explanation of the issues within the app. It could be a customer journey map, an empathy map, or report visualizing approaches/methods that suit best the type of audit or query context, as well as results that need to be visualized to serve the base for further discussions. A pre-made manual for enhancing the user experience is the UX audit following, which requires the next steps:

Carry out market analysis 

Market research is the first step in any app design process, including comprehensive makeovers. Your mobile app needs to offer a unique value since you are undoubtedly aiming for the top places of the store charts. Market research helps in focusing and discovering what products or services rivals are offering and how to outperform them.

Heuristic analysis

Ignoring the current interface is quite a big mistake. Instead, analyze the present app design while paying close attention to the user experience. A heuristic analysis is used to pinpoint a product’s typical usability problems so that they may be fixed, hence enhancing user pleasure and experience and enhancing the likelihood of a digital product’s overall success.

In a broad sense, heuristic analysis, which focuses on usability, is an evaluation technique where one or more specialists assess a digital product’s design against a set of predetermined design principles (often referred to as heuristics) and pinpoint any instances in which the product deviates from those principles. Check out our Instagram to see how we conducted the heuristic design analysis of the Sahseh app.

Analyze consumer comments  

Evaluation of user feedback is the third foundational element of app redesign research. This involves compiling reviews across social media, the App Store, and Google Play. Additionally, business owners frequently conduct customer surveys.

Determining design concepts

Practically nothing has changed with the strategy. Wireframing. Prototyping. Make sure the redesign concept accurately captures the new identity if your organization undergoes rebranding.

Step 2: Data Gathering and Analysis

Businesses naturally involve data analysts in redesigning to understand consumer behavior better and produce user-friendly and effective digital experiences. 

Let’s dispel a frequent misunderstanding before we examine how data analysts and UX/UI designers collaborate: data analysts can play a role at the beginning of a product life cycle. You may be wondering how a data analyst may be beneficial before there is a product for which to collect data, but data analysts are also charged with making sure that organizations are in accordance with the legislation regarding the collection of data. 

Creating a user experience that is both legal and data-rich can benefit from the assistance of data analysts. They can also be beneficial by providing information gleaned from comparable goods or experiences. In the end, every position on a development team can be helpful at any stage of the product life cycle.

User Research

To produce something that users would love, designers must first comprehend precisely what people want from their products. Data analysts can close the user-designer gap by researching what features users value and why. It’s crucial that designers understand what users like, dislike, and wish they could have.

Product Design

With knowledge of the users’ priorities, designers can develop, iterate, and enhance products while giving priority to the most pressing problems already in existence. Designers can build user-centric designs that are optimized for usability, engagement, and general satisfaction by using a data-driven approach.

Usability Testing

This process, which takes place after a product or feature is delivered, is comparable to user research. The main goal of usability testing is to gather information on user interactions and behaviors so that it is possible to evaluate a design’s effectiveness and efficiency. Usability testing is one of the numerous methods that designers employ, similar to the scientific approach, to be able to adapt products to satisfy the unique needs of their consumers. 

Step 3: Redesign Itself

After successfully passing all the previous stages, you may proceed to the redesign process itself to organize all the insights into the efficient design solution. Typography, colors, icons, illustrations, element style, and the relationships between them are all included in this. In other cases, it could also include completely redesigning entire screens or even sections of the product, which might mean removing some elements, renaming, or rewriting entire pages, among other things.

Visualizations for all product screens

When redesigning a product, a designer will:

  • Build a dynamic prototype of the application to thoroughly assess the appearance of the application and the logic of interaction between elements;
  • Test the prototype to find flaws and areas for improvement before the application is finally sent to developers;
  • Create a wireframe that presents all the most crucial interface elements and describes how they should interact with one another.

UI Kit

A UI Kit is a collection of all the UI elements that make up the user interface of your product. UI Kit implementation helps to visualize the user’s interaction with the interface.

The use of UI Kits can streamline, unify, and integrate large projects. It is the primary design document of the project, utilized by designers and developers at every step of work on a project, and it enables you to rapidly and effectively produce each subsequent app component based on the sample of the preceding ones.

Step 4: Final Testing and Iterating Changes

The final stage is to extensively test the app before making it available to the public once you’ve made the necessary alterations in light of the findings of the usability testing. Product owners distribute the software to a few users in order to get feedback and spot any problems that still need to be fixed.

It’s crucial to include software developers in this phase’s testing and launch procedures. They can collaborate with the design team to make sure the app is created in accordance with high-fidelity prototypes and satisfies all necessary criteria. This entails performing technical tests to make sure the software is compatible with various hardware and coding frameworks and optimizing it for performance, security, and dependability. 

The effort doesn’t end once the app has launched. Through ongoing testing and user input, it’s critical to keep track of and enhance its performance. Make sure that the software satisfies user needs and offers a satisfying user experience by thoroughly testing and continuously enhancing it. Users may become more engaged and devoted as a result, which will ultimately help the app succeed.

Top Mistakes of App Redesign Process

Here we have created a list of the most important mistakes to avoid during the app redesign process based on our expertise:

No Budget for Development

The ability to more easily adapt design thinking to financial restrictions is made possible by learning the typical expenses associated with creating particular concepts. Budgets shouldn’t be seen as a source of aggravation but rather as a beneficial design restriction.

Slowly, Then Suddenly

Your team needs a lot of time to complete the task successfully. Setting a strict deadline may lead to unneeded pressure and subpar performance. Being realistic and persistent is crucial, even if your website relaunch date is just used for internal planning. Your team needs a lot of time to complete the task successfully. Setting a strict deadline may lead to unneeded pressure and subpar performance.

“I Just Need a Talented Designer“

A collaborative effort creates a remarkable product. Although developers may be the first role that comes to mind, the product team and the finished product can greatly benefit from graphic designers, UX designers, and UX researchers. Important customer insights regarding the intended users can be obtained through UX research. Usability testing is also important to remember. Prototyping and design workshops can enhance team collaboration and foster an agile atmosphere. They are excellent for settling issues as well.

Not Organizing Design Assets Into a Design System

A design system is a set of guidelines for managing design at scale by minimizing duplication and establishing a common visual language and simple style across many pages and channels. Great UX places a strong emphasis on simplicity. Many make the mistaken assumption that people desire all-inclusive, feature-rich apps that can perform any task. However, having too many options can cause indecision. 

Don’t Break What Already Works

Don’t assume that everything needs to be entirely rebuilt right away. Most of the time, you simply need to modify the application’s components that get in the way of reaching the desired results. Users want to feel safe and at ease while navigating, free from the fear of unintentionally performing undesirable actions.

Release for a Limited Audience

An excellent strategy is to personalize the app by limiting the features that are shown to a user to those that are relevant, hence limiting the options. However, don’t assume you know your TA well (that is without assumption basis and subjective experience and expertise, instead define findings/reasons/data to transform them into important actions), conduct research, and you may discover new findings about the people interested in your app you would never guess blindfolded.

Choosing the Wrong Strategy

A strategy’s lack of or improper construction raises questions about the outcome. Laying a foundation is similar to planning. Spend some time creating a detailed plan. An app needs to be designed with your business plan in mind in order to be profitable. Choosing the wrong redesign strategy that does not correlate with the available resources (for instance, revolutionary when you have many features) will make your redesign go wrong from the very beginning.

How Much Does It Cost to Redesign a Mobile App?

In addition to the technology stack you choose, which is one of the most important factors in determining the price of redesigning a mobile app, there are other elements that you must take into account. The numerous variables involved in an app’s complexity, which naturally affect the redesign, involve:

  • the complexity of the UI kit (the kit size, the complexity of construction and interactivity of elements, animations);
  • the chosen strategy;
  • the skill level of the designer;
  • the uniqueness of the mobile application (competitor research or best cases).

Another element is the redesign strategy, whether you choose an evolutionary or revolutionary approach. Selecting the composition of your development and design team also matters. Will you be working with an internal team, independent contractors, a consulting firm, a larger team, or a combination of these? A mobile app’s redesign price is influenced by who works on it and how they work, in addition to the app itself. Even the project participants’ locations must be taken into account.

Additionally, when giving you a cost estimate, software development, design, or mobile consulting companies may choose between two methods: time and material or fixed price. You must also take into consideration this option. The time and material method rarely produces a precise cost; instead, it is based on hourly wages and the length of time needed to rebuild your mobile app. On the other hand, a fixed price proposal will provide you with a cost estimate for the entire project based on the specified scope.

Final Tips for Conducting Redesign

The user experience should be fluid, and they shouldn’t have to struggle to figure out how the product functions. Know your target audience before you begin designing a mobile application. Developing lean personas and customer journey maps and doing user research can help you understand the target market when product redesign. The ideal experience can be made for your audience the better you understand them. Now here are more tips:

  • Before you start designing, you need to form a true vision and desire for your final product. This will help the designer with the relevant options and accordingly optimize costs;
  • Establish clear objectives and KPIs, conduct user research to obtain audience insights, and keep an eye on the market to ensure a seamless and professional redesign;
  • Before launching a major overhaul, do some preparation. Consider the budget and timeframes, consult with stakeholders on the plans, and choose someone to bear the brunt of the process management on your behalf;
  • Carry out analysis of client reviews, coding, testing, and release. Following the rollout, collect user feedback to determine whether you are heading in the correct direction;
  • DON’T hard reset your current design. Many businesses view a makeover as a complete restart. If you intend to radically redesign its appearance, rearrange its structure, or add new screens. You can apply a lot of the lessons you learn from your consumers’ actions and interactions with your current app’s language as you design a new one.

FAQ – How to Redesign an App

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How to Design Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) For a Mobile App https://devlight.io/blog/how-to-design-business-process-model-and-notation-for-a-mobile-app/ https://devlight.io/blog/how-to-design-business-process-model-and-notation-for-a-mobile-app/#respond Wed, 31 May 2023 18:14:51 +0000 https://devlight.io/?p=10746 BPMN can be applied to mobile app development by representing the different stages, activities, decisions, and interactions involved in the app’s workflow. It helps stakeholders understand the flow of information, tasks, and events within the app and can be used to identify potential bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas for improvement. By utilizing BPMN for mobile app […]

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Table of contents
What Is a Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) For a Mobile App Why Is It Important to Design BPMN For a Mobile App Levels of Modeling of BPMN Basic Elements of BPMN How to Design BPMN For a User Story Pro Tips and Best Practices for Designing BPMN Business Process Management Platforms BPMN for User Stories: Example Bottom Line

BPMN can be applied to mobile app development by representing the different stages, activities, decisions, and interactions involved in the app’s workflow. It helps stakeholders understand the flow of information, tasks, and events within the app and can be used to identify potential bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas for improvement.

By utilizing BPMN for mobile app development, teams can visualize and communicate complex processes, ensuring a clear understanding of the app’s functionality and aiding collaboration among developers, designers, and business analysts. It facilitates the documentation and analysis of the mobile app’s business logic, user interactions, data flows, and integrations with other systems.

What Is a Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) For a Mobile App?

BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) is a business process modeling language that is an intermediate link between the formalization/visualization and the implementation of a business process. With the help of modeling, we can describe any business processes which can be executed in various systems management.

BPMN is a fantastic tool for modeling business processes. In comparison to flowcharts, it provides greater insight and is easier to understand. It is also more appropriate in terms of process design and analysis. BPMN enables a company to clearly and consistently record and document business processes, ensuring all stakeholders participate. 

We can say that BPMN is part of two main components:

  • BPM (Business Process Modeling) is the environment where you directly participate in the modeling. Alone or in a team. 
  • BPMS (Business Process Modeling System) is a tool for executing the models you create. 

Why Is It Important to Design Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) For a Mobile App?

Imagine you are driving along the road, and each city has branded road signs in its unique style. It will be difficult to navigate in such a situation, so all road signs are uniform and the same in every city throughout the country. It is the same with the BPMN for a mobile app scheme: it allows the team to understand each other and prevent disputes and conflicts because everyone is guided by clear and uniform road signs.

Everyone, including business analysts who design and enhance business processes, technical developers who implement process changes, business managers who keep track of changes, and even non-technical people like stakeholders who want to know what the future process will look like, can understand BPMN symbols because they are so straightforward. BPMN is a useful tool for communication because it offers a standard, straightforward visual language for describing business processes, preventing misunderstandings between the various stakeholders.

Levels of Modeling of BPMN for a Mobile App

How to design Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) in different approaches? Depending on the purpose of building BPMN diagrams, there are 3 levels of modeling:

Descriptive Modeling

Descriptive modeling is applied to show the successful path of a business process, for example, to agree on it with a business user. The simplest elements of notation are used here, and the diagram itself is deliberately simplified as much as possible.

Analytical Modeling

Analytical modeling fully shows all options for executing a business process, including logical branches and alternatives. How to design Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) in an analytical approach? Such a diagram is usually created for advanced users and business analysts using an extended notation alphabet, including its basic simplest and more complex elements.

Executable Modeling

An executable BPMN simulation is intended to be run in a BPMS engine to create a web application. The whole variety of the alphabet of this notation can be used here, including the addition of special parameters and scripts created by developers.

Basic Elements of BPMN

BPMN uses diagrams with a variety of graphic components to explain the processes. When presented with such a clear visual representation, users can easily comprehend a process’ logic. BPMN was primarily created to produce and read simple and complicated business process diagrams.

For this reason, the BPMN standard organizes the graphic elements into categories; as a result, users who deal with business process diagrams may quickly identify the elements. BPMN elements can be categorized into several different groups. They each stand for a different element of the business process:

Pool 

Defines process boundaries and describes one process on a diagram. A pool also refers to a system or a role. All objects are placed in the lanes of one or more pools, which are frequently found in BPMN diagrams.

Lanes

These are the doers. Lanes are contained in a pool, and several tracks can be within one pool. The lanes indicate the members of the processes in the pool.

Event

Events are symbols that act as triggers, starting a process at a certain starting, intermediate, or endpoint.  An event is an important state in a business process; it affects the further development of business processes.

Here are some common event symbols: 

  • Message: A message is sent or received like an email or SMS. 
  • Link: A process branches off into different duties as part of a wider ecosystem.
  • Error: A problem has arisen and is interfering with workflow. 
  • Timer: Timer symbols can indicate the start of a timer (customers have 30 days to cancel a free trial, or they will be charged a monthly price) or a certain day of the week (the system creates a list of recent free trial receivers on Mondays). 

Activity

Another symbol you need to understand to learn how to design Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is activity. Activities represent a specific task a person or system carries out as rounded rectangles. Process designers can build a variety of activities, such as those that happen only once, repeatedly, or if a certain set of circumstances are met. For example:

  • Task: The specific action that needs to be taken. Because they are so specialized, they cannot be broken down into other tasks. 
  • User action: if a user clicks the Submit button, this is a user action.
  • Transaction: Involves the making of a payment. 
  • Sub-process: A group of supplementary tasks that are categorized together. 
  • Call: A typical procedure applied to different processing areas. 

Gateway

Decision points are represented by diamond-shaped symbols called gateways in a BPMN for a mobile app. They may act as obstacles, deciding which way a process will go next. Gateway symbols include, for instance: 

  • If a stranger knocks on your clubhouse door and you don’t hear the proper secret code, do you let them in or turn them away? That is an exclusive gateway.
  • Event-based: A specific choice needs to be made at this fork in the path. For instance, the system would not generate a list of new users if no new users had joined on the day the list was generated. 
  • Parallel gateways do not wait for a specific circumstance. They could occur simultaneously.

Flow

The individual elements that make up the entire workflow are called flow objects. The events, activities, and gateways are the three basic flow objects in a Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) for a mobile app.

Data

Data symbols only indicate that specific information or data is needed for the current job. They do not always affect how the operation proceeds.



There are much more elements of notation, but the basic ones will suffice for a start.

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How to Design Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) For a User Story

Regardless of the type of diagram you are creating, it is critical to know who it is for and how it will be used. This will enable you to provide enough information to be thorough and useful without exhausting your audience with unnecessary information. 

Squeezing multiple processes into a single BPMN diagram is a common error. For instance, you might be required to record the steps involved in adding a post to a brand’s Instagram account. The process for sharing the same content on Facebook is pretty identical. Should you combine the two or keep to demonstrating how an Instagram post is shared?

You should decide now (to avoid having to redo the work later) based on your audience and how this diagram will be used. Finally, we use BPMN to illustrate User Stories when developing mobile applications. Read how to write User Stories in the previous article.

Step 1. Identify the User Story

So, how to design Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN)? Determine the User Story you want to model first. User Stories are frequently brief, straightforward explanations of a feature or functionality that a user wants to obtain.

Step 2. Break Down the User Story Into Tasks

After you have determined the US, deconstruct it into a sequence of actions that must be carried out in order to accomplish its objective. A logical order should be used to arrange these tasks.

Step 3. Define the Start and End Events

Identify the process’s start event, which signifies the start of the process, and its end event, which signifies the process’ conclusion. Describe the “happy” path that results in the production of an effective result (product). Add missteps, they will make your Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) for a mobile app more detailed and logical.

You will need a start and end icon in each pool if the diagram you’re producing contains more than one to indicate more precisely when the process is started. The title of these event icons can be as general as “start” or as particular as “request received.”

Step 4. Add the Tasks to the Process Diagram

Then add the tasks you chose in Step 2 to the process diagram. For each activity, use the proper BPMN symbols. The actions that are carried out during a process are also called activities. Ask yourself what people do to get from start to finish and put each of those actions to their appropriate lane, in order from left to right. It might be useful to begin drawing arrows between these steps using an online diagramming or BPMN tool.

Step 5. Sequence the Tasks

Put the tasks in the right order so they can be done to accomplish the User Story’s objective. The tasks are connected via BPMN sequence flows.

If the process contains any decision points, include them in the diagram using BPMN’s exclusive or inclusive gateways.

Step 6. Add Decision Points

You must include a gateway anywhere the process splits or has the potential to take several pathways. There should never be more than one arrow originating from a single activity when adding gates.

Events like a message being sent or a specific amount of time passing are also part of the process. Look for areas of your BPMN for a mobile app where these events should be put to define the process better when you examine the activities you’ve added. For instance, there is an event when the invoice is sent between phases like an employee submitting an invoice and management approving that invoice. 

Step 7. Review and Optimize the Process

When you have finished drawing the BPMN diagram for the User Story, check it to make sure it appropriately depicts the workflow. Find strategies to streamline the procedure by getting rid of processes that aren’t necessary and increasing effectiveness.

You may have started adding arrows when you added activities, gateways, and events. Make sure the entire process is finished by adding any last connectors and concluding with an end event icon.

Step 8. Review the BPMN Diagram With the Team

To make sure that everyone understands the process and that it satisfies their needs, share the BPMN diagram with stakeholders. As a last step, review your Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) for a mobile app by making sure that everything is well-aligned, the swimlanes are the proper size, and the information flow is simple to understand. By accessing the object properties, you can add colors and particular forms.

Maintaining consistent simplicity and detailed language is reached by making your BPMN for a mobile app as concise and straightforward as possible. Put the user first, think about the exclusions and other options. Think about applying subprocesses, use evocative headings, and check the whole procedure a few times.

You might need to adjust your plan based on your team’s suggestions. To make things clearer, provide artifacts like groups or annotations. You may ensure that your diagram has enough clarity to be useful by having someone else review your work.

Don’t waste time and resources

App Playbook is the ultimate solution. With a bulletproof sequence of 75 App Building Tasks and real-life cases that have already driven 35M app installs, your app’s success is guaranteed!

Pro Tips and Best Practices for Designing BPMN

Devlight has some tips on how to design Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN):

  • Understand the user story. Before designing a BPMN diagram for a user story, ensure you clearly understand the user story itself. Discuss the requirements with stakeholders and ensure you have a complete picture of the process flow.
  • Document any assumptions or dependencies related to the user story in the BPMN diagram. This helps in capturing the context and clarifies the scope of the process being modeled.
  • Always start the procedure by defining its beginning and conclusion to understand its scope clearly.
  • Before using BPMN to create a more effective solution, you can first map the existing business process to identify any inefficiencies.
  • Take into account potential exceptions or alternative paths in the BPMN diagram. This includes modeling error handling, exceptional conditions, and escalations. Anticipating and addressing exceptions in the design phase can lead to more robust processes.
  • Use subprocesses for complex activities. If a particular activity within the process is complex and involves multiple steps, consider using subprocesses to break it down into more manageable components. This improves readability and makes the diagram easier to understand.
  • The order of the layout should be horizontal. Show associations and data flows vertically.
  • Depending on the level of detail required for each stakeholder’s function, you can design separate versions of the diagram for them.

Business Process Management Platforms

Modern BPMN tools have many advantages, including higher accuracy, increased agility, increased productivity, reduced development times, high reliability, and cost savings. 

Any tool you choose to create a BPMN for a mobile app quickly turns into a crucial, foundational part of a business’s digital architecture. Here are some of the most popular platforms we recommend using to create your BPMN diagram:

Appian

Appian, one of the first suppliers of business modeling services in this market, is widely regarded as a pioneer. Its products are constantly evolving and provide a wide range of features thanks to its low-code, cloud-based application generation platform. 

Appian provides extensive, user-friendly, integrated hyper-automation instruments. You may design, construct, test, and deploy your Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) for a mobile app using the flexible functionality and intuitive design features of Appian Designer. Using low-code capabilities, Appian Portals connects your external end users without the requirement for authentication, enabling you to create safe websites linked to your apps easily.

Bizagi

Bizagi offers low-code automated application systems generation and advanced process redesign through its three products, Bizagi Modeler, Bizagi Studio, and Bizagi Automation. These items come together to make up the Bizagi iBPMS platform. Additionally flexible, Bizagi provides a cloud alternative that enables project teams to tailor user interfaces for various consumer segments and geographical regions.

Blueworks Live by IBM

The Blueworks Live iBPMS platform is a cloud-based set of products for workflow automation and ongoing development. These tools feature performance tracking and low-code creation for business process mapping. How to design Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) via Blueworks Live? The platform uses simulation, RPA, AI, and machine learning across several IBM technologies to expand support for all BPM operations, from process modeling through application production and beyond. 

One of our analysts has also shared his experience: “I am currently using a BPMN drawing tool called Cawemo. What I like about it:

  1. Accessible online
  2. The ease of sharing experiences
  3. Ability to add comments
  4. Easy Drawing
  5. Convenient settings and editing of elements
  6. Nothing extra, just BPMN

Disadvantages, in my opinion:

  1. The commenting feature. It is present but not convenient to work with because there is no interface for this.

I have also been using the Bizagi stationary software. It comes in handy quite well since it helps to automate business processes. However, there is no online version, so it gets hard to share the results of your work with the team.”

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BPMN for User Stories: Example

Now that you know how to design Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), we would like to share our example. Consider this example from Devlight’s team so you don’t start with a blank document.

Login to the application

The user has the ability to enter the application without authorization and access the functions of an unauthorized user. To log in without authorization, the user must confirm that he is at least 18 years old.

The user can log in to the application by entering a Ukrainian phone number and confirming it with OTP. If an active loyalty program card is attached to the user’s phone number, the user will log in to the existing account. If a card is not assigned to the user’s phone number, then an account will be created for the user, and a new loyalty program participant’s card will be assigned to it. If a blocked card is assigned to the user’s phone number, a new loyalty card will be assigned to the user’s phone number and the user will receive a message that his previous card has been blocked.

If the user is authorized to the application for the first time, the user will be credited with bonuses. The number of bonuses depends on how the user logged into the application: by direct or referral link.

Referral program

An authorized user has the opportunity to take advantage of the referral program: invite new users to the application and receive bonuses.

The user sends a link to the application in the App Store or Google Play to contacts.

If the recipient of the referral link logs into the application for the first time after clicking on the referral link, he will be credited with referral program bonuses. Bonuses for authorization in the mobile application and bonuses for the referral program do not add up.

The sender of the referral link will receive bonuses on the condition that the recipient of the link installed the application based on the referral link, logged into the system for the first time and made a purchase online by scanning the loyalty card within 30 days from the moment of the first authorization in the application.

There is no limit on the maximum number of bonuses that can be received under the referral program.

Bottom Line

Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) for a mobile app is a standardized set of diagramming conventions used to describe business processes. It uses symbols and standardized elements to visualize workflow objects and their interconnections. There are several ways you may choose to explain a business process. A graphical diagram, which uses images to convey the various steps in a process, is typically the most helpful. There are other possibilities for pictorial diagrams. However, the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) standard is the one that is most advised.  

The gap between business intention and implementation is closed by BPMN’s provision of sufficient accuracy and clarity in the sequence of business processes. In comparison to words, diagrams are frequently easier to understand. Working collaboratively to create an efficient process that produces high-quality outputs is made simpler by BPMN.

BPMN For a Mobile App: FAQ

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How to Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) For a Mobile App https://devlight.io/blog/how-to-create-a-work-breakdown-structure-wbs-for-a-mobile-app/ https://devlight.io/blog/how-to-create-a-work-breakdown-structure-wbs-for-a-mobile-app/#respond Fri, 19 May 2023 10:25:34 +0000 https://devlight.io/?p=10655 A work breakdown structure (WBS) for a mobile app is a visual, hierarchical, and deliverable-oriented deconstruction of a project. A WBS can combine scope, cost, and deliverables into one tool by segmenting the project into smaller parts. Continue reading to discover more benefits a WBS might offer your company. You’ll learn how to create a […]

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Table of contents
What is a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) For a Mobile App Why Is It Important to Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) How to Create a Work Breakdown Structure Tips When Creating a WBS Template Example Summary

A work breakdown structure (WBS) for a mobile app is a visual, hierarchical, and deliverable-oriented deconstruction of a project. A WBS can combine scope, cost, and deliverables into one tool by segmenting the project into smaller parts. Continue reading to discover more benefits a WBS might offer your company. You’ll learn how to create a work breakdown structure, what to include, and examples of how to use it in real projects.

What is a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) For a Mobile App?

Work can be made more manageable and approachable by using a common productivity strategy called task breaking. The work breakdown structure (WBS) for a mobile app, one of the most significant project management documents, is the tool that applies this technique to projects. It helps to integrate scope, cost, and schedule baselines to guarantee project plans are in sync.

WBS project management terminology that is frequently used includes:

  • Budget: The costs involved with the project, which can be divided into phases or deliverables.
  • Deliverables: The goods, services, or outcomes produced throughout the course of the project. 
  • Milestones: The project’s critical phases are listed in the WBS.
  • Phases: A project’s numerous stages. For example, a phase-based WBS for a mobile app project would be organized around concepts like discovery, design, and launch.

Two Types of WBS

The Work Breakdown Structure is a “deliverable-oriented hierarchical decomposition of the work to be executed by the project team,” according to the PMI Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK). WBS can be divided into two categories: deliverable-based and phase-based. The Elements listed in the first level of the WBS are the primary distinction between the two methodologies. 

  • A deliverable-based work breakdown structure makes it apparent how the project’s deliverables — products, services, or results — relate to its scope —the actual work that needs to be done.

    Each deliverable represents a tangible outcome that is expected to be produced by the project, and the WBS is structured around these deliverables.

  • A phase-based WBS contains the elements that represent common project phases. In a phase-based WBS, the project is divided into distinct phases or stages, such as discovery, design, development, testing, and launch. Each phase is then further broken down into smaller components or tasks, such as developing a project plan, creating design documents, conducting user acceptance testing, and so on.


The purpose of a phase-based WBS is to provide a structured framework for managing the project, with each phase representing a major milestone that must be completed before the project can move on to the next stage. By breaking the project down into phases and tasks, the project team can more easily manage the work, allocate resources, and track progress.

A good WBS simply makes the project easier to manage. Every project is unique, just as every project manager and WBS are unique. What is the best work breakdown structure (WBS)? The one is making your particular project more manageable.

What’s the secret to building an app that acquires millions of installs?

It’s all in App Playbook. Our tried-and-true sequence of 75 tasks has already driven 35M installs, and now it’s your turn to experience the same level of success!

Learn more

Why Is It Important to Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) For a Mobile App?

The work breakdown structure is a useful project management tool for several reasons. Firstly, it divides the endeavor into digestible, bite-sized pieces, making it less intimidating.

Secondly, it offers a road map for the many people and teams engaged in the project. Many projects require multiple teams to work simultaneously, and for the project to be completed, they must all communicate and work together. The many individuals and teams can concentrate on their unique duties and deliverables while also understanding how their part fits into the project as a whole by adopting a WBS.

Finally, any work breakdown structure (WBS) for a mobile app is a great tool for budget resource allocation, milestone identification, and project completion measurement. Project managers can be sure that their projects are correctly funded and that they won’t encounter any delays because of “surprise” deliverables by applying the 100% rule.

How to Create a Work Breakdown Structure for a Mobile App in 6 Steps

Remembering the above-mentioned “100% rule” is crucial to integrate all project components in a task breakdown structure while avoiding excessive complexity. 

Step 1. Identify the Project Deliverables

How to create a work breakdown structure (WBS)? Start by identifying the high-level deliverables for the mobile app project. This could include features, functionality, user interface, user experience, testing, and deployment. Make a note of the broad goal you want to achieve. Include a note about these specifics in your project charter. This will serve as your authoritative guide.

Step 2. Break Down Deliverables Into Smaller Components

Once you have identified the deliverables, break them down into smaller components or work packages. Start by breaking your work into project stages, distinct big deliverables, or smaller tasks, depending on the nature of your project.

Break the large project into increasingly smaller components, but stop before you have a complete list of all the steps that need to be taken. Keep in mind to concentrate more on results than on actions. For example, under the feature deliverable, you could have work packages such as login, registration, user profile, etc. 

Step 3. Define the Work Packages

For each work package, define the tasks that need to be completed to achieve the deliverable. For example, tasks for the login work package could include creating a login screen, integrating with the backend, validating user credentials, etc. Identify all the tasks and subtasks that must be completed for each deliverable. 

How to create a work breakdown structure (WBS) based on deliverables? Create work packages from the tasks. The lowest level of the breakdown, known as work packages, should specify the scope, cost, and owners of each task. Assignments that can be performed within a reporting period should be included in each work package.  

Step 4. Identify Dependencies

Identify the dependencies between the tasks and work packages. This will help you understand the order in which the tasks must be completed and avoid delays or roadblocks. Give each task a time estimate. This can be carried out during the earlier phase. Here, your group can make use of its expertise and knowledge. 

Step 5. Assign Resources

Assign resources to each task and work package. This could include developers, designers, testers, etc. Make sure you have the right resources available at the right time to complete the tasks. 

Step 6. Review and Revise

Review and revise the WBS as needed to ensure it accurately reflects the project scope and requirements. Request a final review of the WBS from your team, and where necessary, fill in the blanks. How to create a work breakdown structure (WBS) that will boost your staff productivity? You should set aside time to create and evaluate the WBS with your team. 

Don’t waste time and resources

App Playbook is the ultimate solution. With a bulletproof sequence of 75 App Building Tasks and real-life cases that have already driven 35M app installs, your app’s success is guaranteed!

Tips When Creating a WBS

To achieve the best outcomes while creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) for a mobile app, you may follow these guidelines:

  • 100 percent rule. Your WBS must only include the work required to accomplish the overarching goal fully and not any more irrelevant activity. Additionally, all labor required to fulfill the major job must be taken into account in any level’s minor tasks.
  • Fully unique. Do not account for any amount of work twice or include a subtask twice. This would be against the 100% rule and would lead to inaccurate calculations when figuring out how much money is needed to finish a project.
  • Results, not activities. Keep in mind to concentrate more on outcomes and deliveries than on actions. For instance, if you were designing a bicycle, the deliverable might be “the braking system,” and the action may be “calibrate the brake pads.”
  • Three levels. A WBS should typically have three different degrees of detail. The scope of your project and the amount of complexity in your WBS are approximately right if the majority of the branches have three levels or less of subdivided detail.
  • Create tasks. Each work package needs to be assigned to a certain group or person. If your WBS is well-made, there won’t be any job overlap, making it easy to understand who is responsible for what.
take your app to the top

The ultimate founder’s checklist of 75 tasks to build, launch & scale your app 3-5x faster systematically. Proven by 35M of app installs!

Learn more

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) For a Mobile App: Template

There are many examples, templates, and software tools available to assist you in creating a work breakdown structure for your project if you need some direction. Check out the WBS template we use to manage different-sized projects equally efficiently.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) For a Mobile App: Example

Using templates and getting inspired by real-life examples is always a great idea. If you need more assistance creating your WBS or require a more thorough and complete WBS, Devlight has prepared a live work breakdown structure (WBS): еxample for you.

How to Create a WBS for a Mobile App: Summary

The visual organization of project deliverables into levels according to dependencies is called a work breakdown structure (WBS) for a mobile app. With your project objective at the top and dependents and sub-dependencies underneath, WBS is your project plan in a visual form. 

The various project management components were discussed in this article, along with instructions on how to design one for your next project and a thorough work breakdown structure (WBS): еxample to get you started. In the end, creating a job breakdown structure isn’t that difficult. In fact, once you get the hang of it, adding a visual hierarchy or project tasks will only help your team and you. 

How to Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): FAQ

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How to Create a Backlog for a Mobile App: Devlight’s Guide https://devlight.io/blog/how-to-create-a-backlog-for-a-mobile-app-devlights-guide/ https://devlight.io/blog/how-to-create-a-backlog-for-a-mobile-app-devlights-guide/#respond Thu, 18 May 2023 08:05:30 +0000 https://devlight.io/?p=10625 Build an effective backlog for a mobile app with Devlight. We discuss how to create a backlog by prioritizing its key features and share our own backlog template. Why Is It Important to Create a Backlog for a Mobile App? A prioritized list of tasks or features that will help you accomplish your product’s objectives […]

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Table of contents
Why Is It Important to Create a Backlog for a Mobile App How to Create a Backlog for a Mobile App in 5 Steps Template Example Tool for Creating a Backlog Common Mistakes Summary

Build an effective backlog for a mobile app with Devlight. We discuss how to create a backlog by prioritizing its key features and share our own backlog template.

Why Is It Important to Create a Backlog for a Mobile App?

A prioritized list of tasks or features that will help you accomplish your product’s objectives and establish team expectations is known as a product backlog. In general, each development product needs to have its own backlog. Similarly to this, a specific project team should be assigned to each product backlog. Developers use the tasks in the product backlog to move as swiftly as possible toward their intended results.

Generally speaking, a backlog for a mobile app is an artifact that collects and organizes all the requirements for a future application. This document describes everything that needs to be implemented in the development process. With the help of the backlog, you will understand the complexity and size of the project and how much needs to be done to estimate the cost and development time roughly. This is the starting point for the development of your app.

What’s the secret to building an app that acquires millions of installs?

It’s all in App Playbook. Our tried-and-true sequence of 75 tasks has already driven 35M installs, and now it’s your turn to experience the same level of success!

Learn more

How to Create a Backlog for a Mobile App in 5 Steps

Each backlog for a mobile app example is more than just a simple to-do list; it is a place where difficult activities are broken down into manageable chunks and assigned to team members. To create a successful product backlog, follow these five stages:

Step 1. Define the Goals and Objectives of the App

Before starting to create a backlog, it is important to understand the goals and objectives of your product. What is your app for, and what problems should it solve? Do some preparatory work: validate your idea, fill trend canvas for better understanding of the environment, find your market and target audience, do a competitor analysis, validate hypotheses about your product, define a unique value proposition, and create a user journey map.

Step 2. Identify the App’s Key Features

Based on the goals and objectives of the program, determine the features that are important for the app’s success. To find features, you can brainstorm with the team. Market research and competitor analysis will also help in finding important features.

It is important to look at the system as a whole and think about combining and integrating features. You should look at your future application from different angles and try on all the user roles. For example, you have an app with ads for renting apartments. It is important to look at the roles and features for a user who wants to rent an apartment and for a landlord or realtor who wants to rent it out. They have different roles and purposes for using the application, and their necessary features will differ.

You can scatter “epics” at the top level. An epic is a large volume of work that can be broken down into several smaller tasks. It helps organize work and build a hierarchy. You break down your work into components without stopping to move toward a large-scale goal.

For example, we are developing a neobank application. You can record the “Registration and onboarding” epic, which will consist of the following:

  • Onboarding;
  • Registration;
  • KYC;
  • Opening the card;
  • Product tips & instructions;
  • Log In categories. 

In turn, the categories will be divided into features. The “Onboarding” category will be divided into:

  • Splash screen;
  • Slides with information on available banking products and services;
  • Additional onboarding slides. 

“Registration” will be divided into the next features:

  • Quick registration (phone + one-time password (OTP));
  • Resend OTP or change number;
  • Set password/login pin;
  • Allowing entry by biometrics; 
  • Phone verification.

Step 3. Prioritize the Features

Sort and prioritize your most essential tasks after your team has listed every item in the product backlog. Put the customer first and think about what features will be most valuable to them to determine what should be given top priority. You also need to allocate features to releases — what will go to MVP or Beta version, and what will go to the next versions.

At Devlight, we use the Kano method of prioritizing when creating the backlog for a mobile app. The Kano model is a coordinate system where the client’s needs are displayed on the horizontal axis, which can be divided into three points:

  • Mandatory or basic features: the user won’t consider your product if you don’t have this feature;
  • Performance features: the more you invest in their development, the higher the level of user satisfaction will be;
  • Exciting features: the users do not expect them, but they excite them.

The idea behind Kano’s core model is that the more time, money, and effort you spend creating, implementing, and improving features from each category, the higher your user satisfaction will be.

The Kano model is useful when you need to prioritize product features based on user-perceived value. Perception is the key word. If the user lives in the desert, they will not be inspired by the raincoat. You need to know your customer well if you want to use the Kano model.

How to create a backlog based on the Kano model? Prepare a Kano questionnaire that users will have to fill in, answering how they feel about each feature. Read more in our article on competitor analysis.

Step 4. Organize the Backlog

Creating a list of product backlog items requires keeping in mind your product plan. These items should include both urgent matters and more abstract concepts. You’ll also need to interact with stakeholders during this stage of product backlog creation to hear their suggestions for product enhancements. You can schedule this discussion as a part of your sprint planning meeting if you’re following the Agile methodology.

How to create a backlog with a properly arranged structure? Organize it the in a way that makes sense for your development team. Usually, the initial organization can be in Google Sheets or Excel. Next, you could use a project management tool like Jira, Trello, or Asana for detailing and presenting.

Step 5. Continuously Review and Update the Backlog

Any backlog for a mobile app example is a living document that should be reviewed and updated regularly. As you develop the app, you may discover new features or tasks that need to be added to the backlog, or you may need to reprioritize the existing backlog based on changing requirements or feedback from users.

Product owners must divide the backlog features into near-term and long-term items as it grows. It also means that estimates from development have been established and that collaboration with design and development has been arranged. 

Though acquiring an approximate estimate from the development team to help prioritize them is a good idea, longer-term items can continue to be a little hazy. The crucial word here is “rough” because estimations will change once the team fully comprehends and starts working on those longer-term things.

The product owner and the development team communicate with each other through the backlog for a mobile app. Due to user feedback, improving estimates, and new needs, the product owner is able to re-prioritize work in the backlog at any moment. However, keep changes to a minimum after work has begun, as too many will disrupt the development team and interfere with productivity and flow.

Don’t waste time and resources

App Playbook is the ultimate solution. With a bulletproof sequence of 75 App Building Tasks and real-life cases that have already driven 35M app installs, your app’s success is guaranteed!

Backlog for Mobile App: Template

A product backlog offers a high-level overview of potential future additions to the product, but its true value lies in its capacity to group, hone, and specify action items. In the end, you’ll be able to concentrate on methodically enhancing the value of your product rather than attempting to sort through the confusion. 

Backlog for a Mobile App Example

Discover our backlog example to access the database of your extensive experience gained by developing 6 Neobank Apps. Also, you receive examples for the following Epics: User profile settings, Notification center, Accounts, Cards, Transactions, Budgeting, Payments, Credit, and Cashback & Loyalty. See how simple it is to communicate, edit, and modify this crucial part of your development process by starting to build your product backlog with Devlight.

Tool for Creating a Backlog for Mobile App

Let’s go through each of these amazing applications in more detail and see how to create a backlog by using convenient tools:

Excel

While not a dedicated project management tool, Excel can be a simple and effective way to create a backlog for your mobile app. You can create a spreadsheet with columns for task description, priority, status, and deadline, and use filters and sorting to manage your backlog.

Google Sheets

Google Sheets is another great option for creating a backlog for a mobile app. You can create a spreadsheet with columns for task name, description, priority, status, deadline, and assignee. You can also use conditional formatting and filters to highlight important tasks or sort tasks by priority or deadline. Google Sheets also allows you to collaborate with others in real-time, making it easy to manage your mobile app backlog with your team.

Jira

Jira Service Management offers a robust framework for grouping, ranking, and tracking work items, which aids in managing backlog for a mobile app. Backlog items can be assigned to specific team members or groups for execution after being sorted and prioritized according to criteria like urgency, complexity, or business value. 

Agile boards and burndown charts, two effective visualization tools offered by Jira Service Management, allow teams to monitor progress and spot potential obstacles in real-time. Many automation capabilities provided by Jira Service Management, like rule-based workflows and automated notifications, can help teams work more efficiently and with less administrative effort.

The most important functions include incident management, problem management, change management, and service request management, all of which can be fully customized to meet the particular requirements of each firm. Further features include a self-service portal, SLA tracking and reporting, automated ticket routing and escalation rules, and a status-tracking system for requests. 

Trello

Trello is a popular project management tool that allows you to create lists of tasks, organize them into boards, and collaborate with others. You can create cards for each task in your mobile app backlog and move them through different stages as they are completed.

Trello’s no-code automation allows you to set up rules that assign members automatically or generate checklists whenever a card is moved into a list. This makes it simple to alter a task’s owner when its status changes or to generate lists of subtasks for the project’s next phase.

Asana

Asana is a versatile project management tool that offers features such as task lists, timelines, and calendars. You can create a backlog for your mobile app and organize tasks into sections such as design, development, testing, and release.

You can maintain a current, ongoing list of all the items of your backlog for a mobile app by maintaining sections or projects in Asana. You may filter tasks in your backlog using custom fields to help you choose what to prioritize next. Moving items to and from the backlog is simple in Asana. Epics, user stories, and features can all be added.

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Backlog for Mobile App: Common Mistakes

The product backlog should be a straightforward yet effective method for documenting and revising specific product decisions and managing the activity of the development team. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to use this tool effectively. Here we discuss which mistakes you should avoid in the beginning to not cause more problems during your future backlog management:

Excluding Functions Mandatory for Management

How to create a backlog that would be easily manageable? It’s crucial that you can integrate all of your data when you establish an app and across some of the other platforms you use for your business. 

Features of connectivity aid in the synchronization of data required for greater consumer insights. Teams, from sales and service to marketing, may work more successfully and dismantle information silos when data is matched. This facilitates decision-making more quickly, increases organizational transparency, and enhances team productivity. Include developing analytics, crash analytics, splash screen, and deep linking into backlog, as these unobvious features are necessary for proper app management.

Creating a Backlog Based on a Single User’s Story

If we take our previous backlog for a mobile app example, you risk losing the target audience by disabling any role in the application. If you create an apartment renting app, it would be a huge mistake to focus just on apartment owners who want to share advertisements and not develop any tenant-oriented features like messaging, saving ads, and filtering the search results.

It will be impossible to prioritize the backlog if the product owner doesn’t have a clear vision of all app’s users. To avoid this, the product owner needs to have a clear vision of the app’s functionality and communicate it to all stakeholders. The team can jointly create and carry out a sprint planning to concentrate on needs and actual commercial value if the product owner requires help.

Forgetting About Different Access Levels

One common mistake that developers often make when creating a mobile app backlog is forgetting to consider the different access levels that users may have. In other words, not all users will have the same level of access to the app’s features and functionality.

For example, a mobile app for a healthcare provider may have different access levels for patients, doctors, and administrative staff. Patients may only have access to certain features such as viewing their medical records and scheduling appointments, while doctors may have access to additional features such as prescribing medication and reviewing lab results. Administrative staff may have access to all features, including the ability to manage patient records and billing.

If these different access levels are not taken into account when creating the mobile app backlog, it can lead to confusion and delays in the development process. Features may be developed that are not necessary or relevant for certain user groups, while critical features may be overlooked for others.

To avoid this mistake, it is important to conduct a thorough analysis of the various user groups that will be using the mobile app and determine their specific access needs. This can be achieved through user interviews, surveys, and other research methods.

Once the different access levels have been identified, they should be clearly defined and incorporated into the mobile app backlog. This will ensure that the development team is aware of the various user needs and can prioritize features accordingly.

Omitting Non-functional Requirements

When creating a mobile app, it is not only essential to consider the functional requirements but also the non-functional requirements. Non-functional requirements are those that define the quality attributes of the mobile app, such as performance, security, usability, and scalability.

However, one common mistake that developers make when creating a mobile app backlog is omitting non-functional requirements. This can result in a mobile app that is technically sound but lacks in quality, performance, or user experience.

For example, if you plan to build a product with the ability to support multiple languages, you should include this in your initial backlog for a mobile app example. Depending on the specific technical specifications of the existing app, some features can be retrofitted or changed to incorporate this option with varied degrees of complexity. Serious technical work will be required if multiple language capabilities were not considered from the beginning.

To avoid this mistake, it is crucial to identify and include non-functional requirements in the mobile app backlog. This can be achieved through discussions with stakeholders, conducting user surveys, and analyzing industry best practices.

Not Taking Into Account Future App Updates

Generally speaking, the backlog serves as a catalog of all efforts and projects connected to a certain product. A feature will not be completed if it is not added to the backlog. This indicates that a wide range of diverse things lives there, including but not limited to:

  • New capabilities;
  • Updated infrastructure;
  • Modifications to current functionality;
  • Corrections for bugs;
  • Debt reduction and refactoring.

App updates are that backlog for a mobile app segment where many developers stumble upon the same mistake. For example, add a notification feature for the users to be reminded of when they need to update an app. If you don’t include update management in the backlog, it is practically impossible to add it later.

Wanting to Do Everything in the First Version

It is natural to want to include all the features and functionality in the first version to create a comprehensive product. However, wanting to do everything in the first version of a mobile app is a common mistake that can have significant risks and consequences.

One of the biggest risks of trying to do everything in the first version of a mobile app is that it can lead to an overly complex and bloated product. This can result in a mobile app that is difficult to use, navigate, and understand, which can ultimately lead to poor user adoption and negative reviews.

Additionally, attempting to do everything in the first version of a mobile app can lead to long development cycles and delayed launches. This can put the mobile app at a disadvantage in the market, as it may miss important opportunities or fail to meet user needs.

To avoid these risks, it is crucial to focus on the essential features and functionality that are critical to the success of the mobile app. This can be achieved by conducting user research, analyzing industry trends, and prioritizing features based on their impact on the user experience and business goals.

It is also important to continuously review and evaluate the features and functionality of the mobile app to ensure that they are still relevant and aligned with user needs and business goals.

How to Create a Backlog for a Mobile App: Summary

A backlog for a mobile app is an effective tool for the product manager because it signals a shift from long-term planning to short-term actions. The abilities you get as a product leader to manage, prioritize, update, and maintain the backlog will help you create excellent products and boost the performance of your business as a whole.

Creating a backlog is quite a creative process. There can be different backlogs, but the form is not important — the content is. So, whatever approach you choose, ensure to include the maximum necessary features. Besides, leave the backlog manageable so that you can adjust it when new perspectives appear.

How to Create a Backlog for a Mobile App: FAQ

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Devlight — A Top App Development Company in Ukraine https://devlight.io/blog/top-app-development-company-in-ukraine/ https://devlight.io/blog/top-app-development-company-in-ukraine/#respond Mon, 08 May 2023 14:42:16 +0000 https://devlight.io/?p=10484 To stay ahead of the competition, leading businesses must constantly adapt to ever-changing circumstances. A top app development company in Ukraine supporting software releases while ensuring flexibility, offering quality, and meeting deadlines — this is your key to success. Numerous reviews claim that Devlight is successful in creating final versions of apps that satisfy all […]

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To stay ahead of the competition, leading businesses must constantly adapt to ever-changing circumstances. A top app development company in Ukraine supporting software releases while ensuring flexibility, offering quality, and meeting deadlines — this is your key to success.

Numerous reviews claim that Devlight is successful in creating final versions of apps that satisfy all specifications and pass quality assurance tests, enabling the client to get ready for the launch. Weekly updates on progress are given by the team as well as regular feedback is provided. We show adaptability and subject-matter knowledge. Read on to find out what makes Devlight so good and how our progress is measured in specific figures provided by the world-known IT rankings.

Consider Hiring Devlight as One of the Most Trusted App Development Companies in Ukraine 

The next step you should take if you’ve already decided to deal with Ukrainian software developers is to choose a trustworthy tech partner. When making a choice, pay close attention to an outsourcing provider’s expertise, experience, client recommendations, and finished projects. Devlight is a fantastic and trustworthy option. What makes us a top app development company in Ukraine?

As a mobile app engineering company, which has been operating since 2016, we create excellent apps for well-known brands in the market. We presently collaborate with the Forbes top 100 companies to establish digital category leaders. Devlight has cases of working with media and market giants — our portfolio of 100+ projects includes collaboration with Sense Bank, Nova Poshta, Visa, Vodafone, Tailor Brands, and Movinga. Let’s proceed to more numbers!

Top Mobile App Developers in Ukraine! According to Clutch

Clutch is your data-driven guide for businesses. For you to choose a top app development company in Ukraine for your upcoming large project, they conduct genuine customer interviews, gather information, and assess the competitive scope of solutions. Their website contains in-depth customer reviews verified by industry authorities. By gathering customer input and examining industry data, Clutch breaks through disorganized market research. It provides organizations with the insights and analyses they need to connect and face obstacles with confidence.

Devlight has been named number one among the top app developers in Ukraine by Clutch.co, an independent research firm based in Washington. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering we have more than 6 years of experience developing mobile apps, 35 million installs, and more than 100 completed projects. Clutch.co is renowned for locating the top software and professional services companies that deliver exceptional outcomes for their clients. 

Clutch.co mapped the capabilities of the best B2B service providers using the Leaders Matrix approach, and Devlight received the highest rankings based on a number of factors, including the company’s experience, market client list, industry recognition, and client reference interviews. What is more, we were also honored to gain third place in Clutch’s Top App Developers in Europe ranking.

GoodFirms: Top Mobile App Development Companies in Ukraine

When it comes to choosing a top app development company in Ukraine, GoodFirms aims to give you the tools you need to make an informed business decision.

They provide you with 60,000+ verified reviews and ratings as a leading B2B review and rating platform to assist you in confidently choosing the correct businesses. Company listings are supported by research to find top-performing businesses. GoogFirms offers game-changing market insights to assist your company in making wise development investments.

Good Firms included us in top 50 of their global ranking (26th position) and granted us with 6th place in Ukrainian ranking, emphasizing our skills in the next areas:

  • iOS App Development;
  • Android App Development;
  • Prototyping & Concept Development;
  • Product Design;
  • Quality Assurance & Automated Testing;
  • Mobile Backend Engineering;
  • App Analytics and Reporting;

Top 100 Mobile App Developers in Ukraine by The Manifest

The Manifest is a digital media company that helps B2B clients find their service provider. They may access industry statistics, how-to guides, and certified profiles of top development businesses worldwide. The Manifest can help you with everything from development to marketing, design, IT, and accountancy by offering the next solutions:

  • Searching through our lists of the best B2B service providers, which is beneficial for businesses;
  • Keeping up with the most recent poll results on the company and consumer objectives, difficulties, and preferences;
  • Joining their free matchmaking service to receive professional assistance in discovering the ideal business.

According to The Manifest, which granted us with a 10th position in their ranking, “Devlight handled mobile app development services for a B2C logistics company. Their team built the app for iOS and Android as well as created a cloud platform for the apps.” The final review says, “Devlight delivered an adequate and elegant solution.”

Among Design Rush’s Best Ukraine Mobile App Developers

What is DesignRush? By grouping professional companies according to their areas of competence, DesignRush is your resource for identifying the top ones according to your specific request. To assist brands in finding the best full-service agencies, web design firms, digital marketing agencies, and top technology companies, they evaluated hundreds of agencies. DesignRush formed clear rankings of companies according to parameters like spheres of influence, locations, and specific requests to help you find your top app development company in Ukraine.

Devlight is honored to be named one of DesignRush’s Top Mobile App Development Companies in Ukraine. Our team of highly qualified experts takes great delight in providing world-class mobile app solutions to clients. Our dedication to quality and user-centric strategy has distinguished us in the sector. To find out more about Devlight’s experience and competence in developing mobile applications, visit our DesignRush profile.

SoftwareWorld: Top 50+ Ukraine-Based Mobile App Development Companies in 2023

SoftwareWorld is a site for software reviews that highlights the greatest software products suitable for a range of sectors and offers thorough reviews by contrasting the top products on the market. The platform compiles unbiased lists of the best software products by category to assist companies in finding the best option.

According to SoftwareWorld’s review, “Devlight has a quality team on the UI and UX side, and they have an entrepreneurial approach. They know that we are a startup, and are willing to take the risk and come up with ideas. Devlight is also flexible, making us feel like this is more than an outsourcing project. I have gotten a sense of commitment from the team.” – Michaël A. Overall, we managed to gain 22nd place in the ranking with a total score of 96/100, which makes us a top app development company in Ukraine!

Top Mobile App Development Companies in Ukraine According to ReVerb

ReVerb was established in 2017 to offer businesses all around the world all-inclusive marketing and development services with a focus on technology. Reverb conducted a thorough research on the mobile application market in Ukraine by taking 1000 companies under analysis. As a result of their study, they singled out Devlight in 2nd place making us a top app development company in Ukraine. 

“The company’s software solutions come with the ultimate stability, performance, and security, providing clients with all the necessary tools to set their businesses up for success.” Devlight boasts of a second place in this ranking, proving that our skills can help you overcome your development obstacles.

Top App Developers in Ukraine by Visual Objects

A ranking website called Visual Objects features portfolios from the best creative companies worldwide. You can consult Visual Objects’ lists to identify the ideal design partner for your business requirements. Your company may view the work of creative companies and plan out new projects with the help of this platform’s recommendations. As an integral part of any hiring process, Visual Objects offers the tools you need to make an informed top app development company in Ukraine selection.

According to the project summary we received from Visual Objects, “Devlight has developed an iOS mobile application for a digital design and custom development company. They’ve created the backend, admin panel, and UI/UX designs, implementing the client’s ideas.” As a positive result of this cooperation, we scored 4.8/5 starts on the platform and obtained 11th position in the ranking.

Bottom Line

We work hard to maintain our reputation for offering our clients top-notch services and to dominate the app development sector. Devlight has a mobile app development school of its own! We started a project where we instructed people in Android coding. Our graduates have a high rate of employment. This is how we support the growth of the talent pool and the IT community of Ukrainian app developers, and this is what makes us a top app development company in Ukraine.

Finally, with more than 13 thousand reviews and thousands of network members, we are among the top contributors on GitHub. We support the growth of the mobile development sector by using open-source technologies, as proven by the 13k stars we have received. Our open-source products were rated as some of the best libraries in the world by GiftHub.

We would like to express our gratitude to the experienced teams from Clutch.co, GoodFirms, The Manifest, ReVerb, DesignRush, and other classifying platforms for their recognition! This is just the beginning for us, a lot more to come. We are even more assured that we are headed in the correct direction because of your incentives.

Devlight is honored to have been chosen by Clutch as the best Ukrainian company for developing mobile applications. This distinction is a result of our team’s commitment to providing world-class mobile app solutions.

Top App Development Company in Ukraine: FAQs

Ukraine has a reputation for producing apps that offer solutions to challenging issues. Many site-reviewing platforms regularly list the best-performing companies and provide additional information on Ukrainian app development businesses. Devlight has been named a top app development company in Ukraine by multiple of them.

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How to Conduct Mobile App Research in 2023 [Market Research Step-by-Step Guide] https://devlight.io/blog/how-to-conduct-mobile-app-research/ https://devlight.io/blog/how-to-conduct-mobile-app-research/#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2023 10:27:55 +0000 https://devlight.io/?p=9526 Mobile app research is essential to the success of your app, and we’ll tell you why. Understanding your target audience, competitors, industry, and current market trends lie at the base of conducting mobile app research. Every attempt to design a mobile app begins with market research because it assists in validating your app concept and […]

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Table of contents
Why Is the Mobile App Research Before Development So Important? What Are the Mobile App Research Types and Kinds? When to Do Mobile App Research? How to Conduct Mobile App Research What Can Go Wrong? Summary

Mobile app research is essential to the success of your app, and we’ll tell you why. Understanding your target audience, competitors, industry, and current market trends lie at the base of conducting mobile app research. Every attempt to design a mobile app begins with market research because it assists in validating your app concept and ensuring your app is meeting demand in the industry.

Data gathering and analysis are necessary for conducting mobile app research. You can sometimes get data from sources that already exist. Other times, you’ll need to carry out original research alone. The majority of the time, market research combines these two methods. Let’s talk about this analysis’s goals, perspectives, and types in detail.

Why Is the Mobile App Research Before Development So Important?

A thorough mobile app market research helps you determine what your customers desire from the product. You’ll be able to think of viable solutions for your business and customers after understanding your customers’ expectations. Gathering crucial information and insights enables you to design and sell your ideas. The research gives you a complete picture of your target market and rivals. 

You can identify new opportunities for your company by comprehensively understanding the market. Regardless of what occurs to the overall economy, it is essential to discover and comprehend approaches to develop your product based on shifting client needs or market trends.

How a Comprehensive Mobile App Development Research Helps to Build Successful Mobile App

Marketing analysis provides important and relevant information about the market situation, helps assess how effectively the company promotes its products, creates the right promotion strategy, and chooses possible directions for business development. 

Mobile app development research is needed whenever a company launches new large-scale projects, upgrades an existing one, or starts from scratch. Entering a new market (geographic or product) also requires details preparation based on analytical data. With solid investments, owners and managers must be fully confident in the effectiveness of investments. Market assessment, competitor analysis, and the study of channels and methods of promotion are carried out in order to guarantee the app’s future success. 

The Goals of Mobile App Research

Each marketing research has its own specific goal and solves a specific business problem. Without a clear goal for the research, you can get empty information and spend extra resources and time. We’ll consider the main goals of marketing research:

  • Having a description of the market

Market description research aims to determine the size (capacity) and growth rates of the market, evaluate the main drivers of the market; identify key market players, describe their positioning and their share (place) in the industry; determine the main market segments and their share in the total market. The information obtained in the course of such research helps the company to form a common understanding of the significance and prospects of the mobile app within the industry.

  • Carrying out market segmentation

The purpose of marketing research on market segmentation is to identify all significant consumer segments in the industry; uncover each segment of special preferences, habits of behavior, and requirements for the product; and assess segments’ size and growth rates. These findings should help the company discover free low-competitive market niches, start developing the mobile app for certain groups of segments, and correctly form the feature set.

  • Assessing customer attitudes, expectations, and loyalty

The mobile app development research also aims to assess the level of customer satisfaction with a particular app or company. In the course of the study, the product’s degree of compliance with users’ expectations in terms of the main characteristics is studied. As a result, the company can understand the key disadvantages of the app (affecting the decrease in satisfaction) and form corrective measures to improve advertising, product, and service.

In general, the research on mobile applications helps you answer the following inquiries:

  • Is there a need for your application in the market?
  • What are the preferences of your target market?
  • What opponents and challenges do you face?
  • Does your mobile app stand out from the competitors in a special way?
  • Do you have a successful business plan for mobile apps?
  • How can you develop a marketing plan that is optimized?

Where to Use the Results of the Mobile App Initial Research

Market research is the basis for further analysis and building a future product development strategy. After completing the assessments, take note of everything you learned, compare it to where you started, and add it to your app. There may be a discrepancy between what you believed to be true and what you learned via study. It’s always preferable to detect errors in the app discovery stage. Then, the goal is to incorporate the results into your app’s creation easily. How do you do that?

Sort your findings into groups based on the topics you’ve looked into. Open a spreadsheet, for instance, and make a tab for each topic you looked at. Be careful to incorporate the following:

  • your target market;
  • competitors;
  • a description of the sector and its developments.

Make sure to incorporate all the information you’ve gathered from outside sources and your initial findings. Comparing these to the notes you made before starting your investigation will help. You may, for instance, contrast the results regarding clients with your own idea of the ideal client. Do you notice any gaps? Remember that anything is subject to change since you’re just starting out with your app development journey. 

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What Are the Mobile App Research Types and Kinds?

Any mobile app idea must pass the market research stage to succeed over the long term. The foundation of the entire process of developing an app is analytic preparation. Without conducting app market research, it will be challenging to comprehend the pain points influencing consumer behavior and current market trends.

When it comes to practice, your company can use various research techniques to verify the viability of its mobile app concept. Here are the most vital of them:

The Primary Mobile App Research

Primary research involves actively collecting relevant data. Typically, primary research will involve focus groups, surveys, interviews with potential customers, and competitive analysis of the current market. Primary research entails proactively gathering pertinent information. For instance, doing thorough demographic surveys to identify your app’s target population and their pain areas is a component of primary research for mobile apps. 

Primary research should also emphasize the most recent technological advances and how current industry trends affect your business model. However, before you develop a mobile app, you need to clearly understand your target market and how your app will answer their problems while still fitting into your business strategy.

The Secondary Mobile App Research

Secondary research is frequently employed by businesses to polish and refine their strategies. These involve studies and reports generated by other sources. For example, you might rely on studies conducted by industry research organizations to understand industry trends and the target audience better. 

The Global Industry Research

Industry research enables businesses and entrepreneurs to evaluate specific products, processes, and services in a given industry in general. Additionally, they employ this research to comprehend a company’s surroundings better. Conducting industry research is also done to analyze the competition, make strategic decisions, and spot market trends. Industry research frequently concentrates on a specific product or product range by analyzing the next criteria:

  • Key players — searching for competing elements like bigger companies in the market. The research examines significant players’ primary products, solutions, and commercial strategies.
  • Growth — examining whether an industry is expanding or contracting. As it demonstrates the amount of money the sector generates and speculates how this can rise, this information is helpful when developing a business plan.
  • Trends — the mobile app development research assesses trends and how they impact companies. 
  • Competitors — identifying the main rivals. Analyzing the tactics of other businesses and figuring out what makes them different enables companies to benchmark their products.

When to Do Mobile App Research?

Generally, the mobile app market research is carried out after idea validation, before the discovery phase. Paul N. Hauge and Peter Jackson, in their book, Do Your Own Market Research, point out three specific situations where market research is really useful:

  • Goal setting. Knowing things like the size of the market or the description of potential customers can help you set sales goals.
  • Solution of problems. Market research will help you understand whether your problems are internal, such as a poor-quality product, or external, such as aggressive competition.
  • Support for company growth. Understanding how and why consumers choose products will help you decide which mobile app to bring to market.

Market research does not always have to be a large and complex project. The relatively new trend of agile market research allows you to research the market regularly and economically. With this approach, you use small, iterative, and evolutionary methods to respond to rapidly changing circumstances and adapt to unknown market territories.

Also, if you are in a startup environment, especially if you are developing an innovative product, you may be interested in customer development. In this methodology, mobile app research is the most “flexible” and closely related to product development.

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How to Conduct Mobile App Research 

Researching the volume of the market is an integral part of market research. In this context, we should mention a few abbreviations: PAM, TAM, SAM, and SOM. They present a way to estimate the market size, which is popular in startups and growing businesses. The method is used by companies who want to understand the prospects for growth — and whether it is worth investing in a project. Here are their meanings:

  • PAM (Potential Available Market) — the entire market volume, considering how it will change over the time you are interested in.
  • TAM (Total Addressable Market) — the indicator includes all potential customers, even those who are already buying from your competitors.
  • SAM (Served/Serviceable Available Market) — share of TAM. SAM shows you how much money is already being spent on solutions like yours. SAM is a market of direct competitors and analogs.
  • SOM (Serviceable & Obtainable Market) — share of SAM. This is the number of sales a company can generate using its available tools.

There are two ways to calculate metrics: top-down and bottom-up. The top-down method uses analytical data, and the calculation starts with the total market volume — TAM. In the bottom-up approach, we use known indicators of the project, and the calculation starts with a realistically achievable market size — SOM. It is better to calculate both the first way and the second. The results will likely vary, but it will help to understand the real state of affairs.

Let’s look at an example – a mobile CRM application.

TAM – The global CRM industry is worth an estimated $148.49 billion.
SAM – The global mobile CRM industry is estimated to be worth around $26.64 billion.
SOM – Let’s imagine this particular mobile CRM application is aimed at companies with around 40-50 field sales reps. The number of companies that employ between 40-50 field reps represents about 5% of the overall SAM. So SOM – $1,33 billion.

1. Assess the Market

One of the most crucial things to think about when creating a mobile app is whether or not there will be adequate demand for it. To accurately assess the likelihood that your app is successful, you must first look at your area’s supply and demand conditions. This mobile app research stage will be quite straightforward if you’re interested in the app business. Search the Google Play and the App Store.

In Google Play, you can view how many downloads various apps have received. Analyze the information critically. 

Consider, assess, and fully grasp the reality of the situation before you. If you’re surprised and dissatisfied by the number of downloads for your topic, keep looking. Are there any competitor programs that perform this task more effectively? Maybe your app can do it better. However, mobile app development research gives life to your ideas.

2. Define the Target Audience

After verifying your mobile app concept, you must focus on locating the people who will benefit from it the most. Being as descriptive as you can when describing your target audience is essential. It is far too general and sweeping to say things like, “My app is fantastic for everyone,” or “My app is for all males.”

You should define the probable users of your application and include crucial demographic details like:

  • Age;
  • Location;
  • Occupation;
  • Marital status;
  • Interests;
  • Values;
  • Lifestyle ;
  • Education level;
  • Income;
  • Key traits.

You also need to be aware of the types of mobile devices your target market wants to utilize. You cannot write a single code line before you know which mobile devices your audience will most likely use. For instance, if your mobile app market research shows that most of your audience uses Android smartphones, you may want to consider developing Android apps and changing your app store optimization strategy to the Google Play Store.

You should also consider your target audience as inclusive rather than exclusive. If those outside your defined audience also enjoy your app, this is great and may result in more pertinent information.

The social media sites your target audience uses should also be a key factor in your study at this time. With this knowledge, your business can make social media accounts more effective for connecting with people who spend most of their time online. Social media profiles offer a useful source of candid client feedback that your company may use to develop a strong and effective marketing plan.

3. Define Your Users’ Problems

Understanding your users is vital before releasing mobile apps. Would you change to a business that offers subpar service? Yes. The same applies to mobile applications and related services. Contacting your potential customers and getting the required information is the easiest way to understand their difficulties.  

Additionally, there is much room for improvement, which is quite helpful. Users may be discussing the issues and theories with competitor apps right now on forums and social media. It is essential to use additional resources to analyze.

4. Know Your Competitors

Conducting a detailed analysis of your competitors is one of the core tasks of mobile app development research. Analyzing rivals is beneficial. You may observe what they do well and what users like, as well as areas where they fall short of the competition. You may improve your app idea, business plan, and app marketing methods by understanding where there is a market opportunity.

Your company can enhance its own app and income-generating predictions by fixing the flaws of your competitors’ goods and services. Even though you may be entering the market later than some big players, rigorous research will help you avoid their mistakes and hasten the development process.

5. Summarize Your Findings

Examine your idea’s strengths, weaknesses, unique possibilities, niches, and any potential threats from competitors or outside forces. Your company should do ongoing mobile market research as you progress through the development process to update learnings and adjust efforts to meet user and market demands.

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Mobile App Research: What Can Go Wrong?

Whether they have received professional training or not, almost everyone thinks they have what it takes to be a market researcher. Curiosity, interest in people, and having a reactive mind are the three main characteristics of a researcher. However, this is not always enough. In light of this, we mention some specific mistakes founders/marketers make when gathering and analyzing market research data:

The Most Common Mobile App Research Mistakes

  • Inadequate Sampling 

Your entire analysis could be inaccurate if you choose the incorrect respondents to your queries. While a poor question pops out, poor sampling is less immediately apparent. Because of this, avoiding this error is of the utmost importance. Make careful to define your sample right away. Make a list of the people you wish to talk to and why. Establish the rules so they can specify who belongs in the audience. Decide if additional analysis or cross-comparison may be necessary by segmenting your audience into smaller groups.

Be specific about the level of quality you require from your survey. This is becoming more crucial as access panels have become more popular, and their use of qualified respondents is frequently assumed. This is true for qualitative and quantitative mobile app research.

  • Vague Questions

Your analysis will be unsusceptible to interpretation if your query is not specific, suggests prejudice, or has an unclear meaning. At best, your conclusions may encounter resistance inside the company. The worst-case scenario is that the wrong decisions are made using this information.

There is frequently ambiguity in the answer blocks. It is relatively simple to write answer choices from your own point of view while omitting certain important ones that responders might consider. Spend time making sure that the phrasing of the answer choices doesn’t cause overlap between some of them, confusing your respondents.

  • Incentives for cost-cutting

The best way to think of incentives is as a form of compensation for time sacrifice. Due to their hectic schedules, people are asked to contribute some of their time to mobile app development research to help you do your job. Yes, they are driven by their interest in the subject matter or by a desire to see us succeed, but these reasons shouldn’t be used as justifications for not respecting people’s time. 

You don’t want the incentives to be severely low or excessively high since we aren’t attempting to sway or skew the research; rather, we want them to be fair and reciprocal. They offer us their time, and we return the favor. Its unjust evaluation of people’s time is one of the main causes of studies getting poor response rates. If you compensate appropriately, you will get greater quality research and higher response rates.

  • Poor reports

Be careful when reporting. Make sure convincing data support all conclusions. Avoid words like “some” and “may” and try to make your points as briefly as possible. Describe your discovery in detail, including who it concerns, what it means, and what may be done. If action is to be taken, accuracy is required. Likewise, don’t exaggerate your conclusions. If you do, the resulting report can be ambiguous.

For instance, avoid generalizing about a particular customer demographic or behavior when describing clients. Don’t equate behaviors with people of the same age or location. Most essential, don’t generalize your conclusions to the entire company or offer broad recommendations outside your purview.

  • Graph-pocalypse

Lastly, avoid stuffing your report with information that makes it difficult to read or comprehend. People frequently mean this when discussing telling stories or developing a narrative. Use evidence, but avoid ruining the project by chronicling every little detail.

Mobile App Development Research: Summary

Regardless of your company plan, attracting customers to your mobile app will be difficult. The mobile app market research helps you study the target audience and their specific needs to develop a reliable strategy. Companies can use market research to understand the demand for, viability, and potential performance of their product. 

Primary or secondary information, which gives distinctive insights into a company’s offering, is used in market research. A crucial part of a company’s research is used in the project discovery phase since it determines the app’s success and future scaling. 

Market Research Step-by-Step Guide: FAQ

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What is a Consumer Trend Canvas for a Mobile App https://devlight.io/blog/build-a-consumer-trend-canvas-for-mobile-app/ https://devlight.io/blog/build-a-consumer-trend-canvas-for-mobile-app/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2023 17:48:47 +0000 https://devlight.io/?p=9413 Consumer Trend Canvas is an easy-to-use analytic tool that allows you to accumulate and discover relevant information on a single “canvas” and is designed to collect business ideas from available “details quickly”: drivers, values, cases, insights, future users, and modern technological solutions. The Consumer Trend Canvas aims to assess the external environment when working on […]

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Table of contents
Why Is It Important to Fill Out a Consumer Trend Canvas Two Main Components of the Consumer Trend Canvas How to Fill Out a Consumer Trend Canvas Features of the Consumer Trends Canvas Summary

Consumer Trend Canvas is an easy-to-use analytic tool that allows you to accumulate and discover relevant information on a single “canvas” and is designed to collect business ideas from available “details quickly”: drivers, values, cases, insights, future users, and modern technological solutions.

The Consumer Trend Canvas aims to assess the external environment when working on an idea. If you do not yet have a product concept of your idea, CTC can act as a form of validation. Our template described hereby will help you create sustainable ideas and business solutions.

Why Is It Important to Fill Out a Consumer Trend Canvas?

Trend Canvas is the new standard when it comes to supporting companies and organizations in dealing with ideas systemically. It is not uncommon for people who bear responsibility in a company or organization to feel under pressure. Is this product really necessary? What drivers and values does the team have and how will they help shape the concept of a product that is really needed and valued by users? Use our consumer trend canvas template to tackle all of those issues during the brainstorming process. 

Here are several key benefits of using the Consumer Trend Canvas Model:

  • Proven model – thousands of companies have used it для роботи у командах, making it a standard tool for the formation of business ideas and strategy. Apart from this, there are now different proven approaches to CTC — choose your  consumer trend canvas template and be sure about the result;
  • Communication – having everyone on the same page is essential in any transformation or innovation process. The CTC is an ideal way to communicate essential information to all stakeholders and team members. It gives everyone a tangible realization of what you are working for and the expected result;
  • Risk reduction – building a startup or innovating an existing business is risky. The CTC helps to understand the risks and prioritize the most dangerous factors to approach validation logically to minimize obstacles;
  • Simple, not simplistic – you don’t need an MBA to pick up the CTC and start to innovate. The critical approach is to make your consumer trend canvas visual, ideate, test, and learn as you innovate and develop a competitive advantage;
  • Speed – given the simplicity and practicality of the CTC, many iterations can be made in a short space of time;
  • Design thinking – the CTC is one of the best tools for leveraging the power of design thinking for creating business ideas.

Two Main Components of the Consumer Trend Canvas

The Consumer Trend Canvas model we use at Devlight is divided into two parts — “Analytics” and “Solutions” and acts as a forecasting constructor to create sustainable ideas and business decisions based on core values, emerging drivers of change, observed insights, existing technologies, and emerging discoveries.

Analytics

This segment of our consumer trend canvas example consists of five blocks:

  • Drivers and values. Factors currently shaping the world’s picture and leading to new needs and behavioral changes:
  • Drivers – What drives you or your team to create this product?
  • Values – What are the values behind your ideas?
  • Insights. What do we know about the external environment and the market?;
  • Technologies. Ideas that can be extracted from existing technologies and their areas of application;
  • Cases. Examples from the practice of companies that are already trying to apply new ideas;
  • Future users. Who will use it, and who will benefit from your idea?

Solution

The data collected in “Analytics” is used at the “Decisions” stage of the consumer trend canvas implementation, divided into two blocks:

  • Competitors — Who are your competitors? How do they implement this idea?;
  • Business ideas — the generation of ideas based on drivers and values, insights, technologies, cases, future users, and trends known or identified during the foresight session.
What’s the secret to building an app that acquires millions of installs?

It’s all in App Playbook. Our tried-and-true sequence of 75 tasks has already driven 35M installs, and now it’s your turn to experience the same level of success!

Learn more

How to Fill Out a Consumer Trend Canvas? 

You can carry out the impact analysis alone or in a team. Both ways are valuable and provide interesting insights. If you work in a team, real dialogue is required — on the one hand, to explain the intuitive statements consciously. On the other hand, to articulate the interpretations precisely so that all team members have approximately the same understanding of the resulting picture. 

Devlight divides the process of working with its consumer trend canvas example into 8 steps. All process steps must be run through completely and in sequence in order to be able to deliver meaningful results.

Step 1. Drivers and Values 

What drivers do you and your team have for product development? Write down 3-5 main ones. What values do you want to create a product based on? How will your product affect users’ lives? This section is about what motivates and encourages you to create your mobile app.

Step 2. Insights

This step will help you sharpen your focus for generating insights. Ask yourself: “What do we know about the external environment and the market?”

“Insights” from a consumer trend canvas refers to the key takeaways and understanding that are gained from analyzing data and information about consumer behavior and preferences. This can include identifying patterns and trends in how consumers interact with products and services, understanding their motivations and needs, and identifying areas for potential growth or improvement.

Step 3. Technology

Answer the questions: How is technology changing, and what is the driver for this process? Which solutions appear in the adjacent dominance?

Technologies are highly important for a consumer trend canvas since they help you translate insights into real actions. You have an idea of the product, but how do you plan to create it, make it work, and bring your ideas to life? Think over programming languages, app-building tools, mobile development frameworks, and technological trends you plan to use. 

Step 4. Cases

Look for inspiration — search for cases of implementation of your idea. What can we learn from them? It is worth considering not only positive cases but also negative ones — they will help you not to repeat their mistakes. Innovation typically happens when previously unconnected information is integrated and used in a fresh, practical context. Businesses should draw inspiration from diverse sectors, viewpoints, geographical locations, and cultural traditions.

Step 5. Future Users

Who are your future users? What benefits will they get from your product? Determination of future users will open the door for you to understand how they interact with a mobile application. The user profile includes demographic, social, and other characteristics, as well as specific goals of the potential user. This pseudo-character helps to determine the base for whom the application is developed and why it is exactly that.

Step 6. Trends 

Analyze which trends dominate the market. How will they affect your product? A trend is the overall course the market takes over a certain period. While no set minimum amount of time is needed for a direction to be termed a trend, the trend becomes more noticeable the longer the direction is maintained. Keep up with the trend analysis, and choose the one that refers to your drivers and values.

Step 7. Сompetitors

Identify major competitors who already have existing products. Conducting a competition study will help you improve your marketing and company plans. Identify your distinctive advantages and potential development constraints. Additionally, a competitive analysis keeps your company proactive rather than reactive. 

Step 8. Business Ideas

The entire process of working with Trend Canvas is focused on the “Business Idea.” Analyze the previous steps — what business ideas did you come up with? What will help you to build your product? Unite all of the insights into a single generative process resulting in a perfected business idea. It should coincide with your company’s values, be innovative, be created considering your competitors’ mistakes/best practices, have an audience, and follow a certain trend.

Don’t waste time and resources

App Playbook is the ultimate solution. With a bulletproof sequence of 75 App Building Tasks and real-life cases that have already driven 35M app installs, your app’s success is guaranteed!

Consumer Trend Canvas Template

Now that you have read about this tool, you are ready to bring your knowledge into practice. Start describing the different needs, expectations, and possible innovative solutions with our consumer trend canvas template!

How to use it?

  1. Print the blank template as big as you can! Try using it to structure an ideation session with your team. Alternatively, use tools like Milo or Figma to create a web version and fill it out in real-time.
  2. Start with the first segment: “Analyze,” — add supporting insights, data, and examples. Keep circling back to re-examine how the segments relate to each other. Insights in one segment may highlight other elements and help you uncover truly novel concepts.
  3. Then turn to another segment: “Solution” will help you identify how to bring the analytical part to life. What means will you use? What would you like to implement?

Congratulations! Your new business ideas will be deeply grounded in consumers’ wants and described in a detailed consumer trend canvas. Therefore, it’s more likely to be successful.

Features of the Consumer Trends Canvas Template 

The CTC is just a tool. It will be as useful as much work you will get out of it. Download a printable blank canvas and start filling it in. Or even better, schedule a session with your team and see what you come up with online. Either way, you decide on what is the best approach, which details are worth your attention, and what results you plan to receive.

Here are the main consumer trend canvas template features:

  • The CTC  is a comprehensive and holistic framework for identifying new business idea and developing innovative products or services. 
  • The consumer trends canvas we use requires the company to describe your concept in eight key parts: drivers&values, insights, technologies, cases, future users, trends, competitors, and the business ideas.

What benefits does CTC offer?

  • It makes processes clearer and helps to look at the situation globally, thanks to the thoughtful placement of blocks;
  • Revealing weaknesses. Take a fresh look at the idea, detail it, and analyze the activity. Perhaps there is something that can be improved;
  • Cuts off excess. The CTC highlights aspects that require attention;
  • Corporate info-matrix. This model is an understandable way of conveying the viewpoint to partners. Our consumer trend canvas example helps to present information in an accessible, concise manner.
take your app to the top

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Learn more

Consumer Trend Canvas: Summary

The consumer trend canvas is an effective communication tool, making it easy to validate the project’s concept (in the context of creating a mobile app or launching a new innovation, for example). Thanks to a simple formalization of the project, all the people involved can easily understand the content of the CTC. The consumer trend canvas template described constitutes a robust conviction tool to convince stakeholders of the performance of the product/service.

Consumer Trend Canvas: FAQ

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How to Conduct Mobile App Competitor Analysis Before Development https://devlight.io/blog/how-to-conduct-mobile-app-competitor-analysis/ https://devlight.io/blog/how-to-conduct-mobile-app-competitor-analysis/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2023 19:34:18 +0000 https://devlight.io/?p=9352 Entering the market with a new product, having conducted no mobile app competitor analysis, is a risk for a company. If any strong players already exist, the whole business plan will probably collapse, and losses will follow. Also, you should not underestimate existing competitors when the business has been operating for a long time. To […]

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Table of contents
Why Is It Important to Conduct the Mobile App Competitor Analysis? How to Do a Mobile App Competitor Analysis in 8 Steps Mobile App Competitive Analysis Template Mobile App Competitive Analysis Example Tools for Mobile App Competitor Analysis Common Mistakes How Does Devlight Help You Perform a Competitor App Analysis Summary

Entering the market with a new product, having conducted no mobile app competitor analysis, is a risk for a company. If any strong players already exist, the whole business plan will probably collapse, and losses will follow. Also, you should not underestimate existing competitors when the business has been operating for a long time. To remain competitive, you need to “run faster” than other companies with a similar product or at least keep up. 

Competitor research takes time and resources, but in the end, it pays off because the company reduces uncertainty, understands how to grow the business better, and makes fewer planning mistakes. Here we talk about how to conduct a detailed competitor analysis leaving no pitfalls and earning a scope of all necessary basics needed to launch the product able to compete.

Why Is It Important to Conduct the Mobile App Competitor Analysis?

Competitor analysis is needed when you take on something new and don’t know how to approach it. Whether you start to promote a product in social networks, make a new mobile app, or expand the set of features for an existing one — first, see how your competitors dealt with similar tasks. You can avoid their mistakes and do better. Even following a quick mobile app competitive analysis template can save you from many errors.

When Should You Do a Mobile App Competitor Analysis?

The purpose of competitor app analysis is to understand the disadvantages and advantages of competitors, their marketing features, and work strategies in order to create or edit existing planning within your business correctly. Competitors are analyzed and evaluated at the launch of new products and regularly to maintain market positions and improve products and services. 

To stay afloat and become a leader, you need to know your opponents in detail. Thus, completing a competitor analysis is necessary whenever you start a new project, add a fresh feature, or scale an existing product. 

What’s the secret to building an app that acquires millions of installs?

It’s all in App Playbook. Our tried-and-true sequence of 75 tasks has already driven 35M installs, and now it’s your turn to experience the same level of success!

Learn more

How to Do a Mobile App Competitor Analysis in 8 Steps

Before proceeding to a comparative analysis of competitors, carry out a number of preliminary works. Firstly, clearly define your competitors. Secondly, define the objectives of the competitive analysis so that you do not analyze “extra” information that will not answer the necessary questions. Thirdly, conduct a survey of consumers in the market to form an understanding of what ideas the target audience has about competitors’ products and assess the level of knowledge and loyalty.

Step 1. Carry Out Market Analysis of an App

At this stage of mobile app competitor analysis, determine the number of players, the rate of market growth, and the dynamics of the emergence of new products in the industry. Conclusions at this stage should be drawn regarding the intensity of competition, the prospects for its tightening, and forecasts of market changes for the next 3 years.

4 main indexes for understanding of the market volume of your products:

1. PAM — potential addressable/available market

2. TAM – total addressable/available market

3. SAM – serviceable available market

4. SOM – serviceable and obtainable market

Step 2. Find Competitor Apps and Profile Current Competition 

The straightest way to identify your competitors is to browse app stores. Searching for apps based on niche or keyword is most relevant. Thus, you should target them in your analysis. 

Making the mobile app competitor analysis, you should draw your attention to the following groups:

  • direct competitors provide products similar to yours;
  • indirect competitors’ products are different from yours but fulfill the same customer need. 

So, your competitors are all the apps that fit into your category, offer similar services, or get ranked in the search results for your specialized keywords. If you run out of ideas concerning which keywords to search, tools described further in the article will come in handy.

Also, don’t forget to do a Google search, read articles like “best apps” or “top apps” and watch videos on YouTube. Analyze how competitors position themselves on the app page. How they demo their app. It is important to analyze the following:

– Appearance of the application icon;

– Description of functionality;

– Application screenshots;

– What features are emphasized (if they are prioritized, we analyze them more deeply because this is the main functionality).

We include here the top competitors, middle-class, and outsiders — this will help to understand what makes the tops the tops and the outsiders fall behind in the market.

App store rankings of your competitors’ apps are also vital in preparing the competitive scope. App rank is the place it occupies in the search results after you enter the thematic keyword or query. Apps are ranked in Apple App Store and Google Play Store based on multiple factors: keywords. Identify what keywords your competitors use to get a better ranking and how high they are in the search results to optimize your marketing strategy.

Step 3. Research the Competitor’s Business Models

This step falls into studying the next indicators:

  • Revenue Model — shows how a startup business will generate revenue and cover operating costs. This model measures the company’s pricing strategy and profitability of product sales.
  • User Acquisition Model — this is a marketing activity aimed at attracting users to an application. The more people know and use the application or service of the company, the higher brand awareness and organic growth of the target audience.
  • Retention Model. User retention is the best way to grow your app. Advertising, attracting new customers, and increasing the number of downloads require large investments. That is why, in the long run, retaining users is much more profitable than attracting new ones.
  • LTV Model. LTV is needed to track the process of attracting customers for a long time, build relationships with them and form growth hypotheses. This is the customer’s value in terms of money that he is expected to bring to the company during his life as a buyer.
  • Loyalty & Awareness Model. Brand loyalty refers to customers who make repeat purchases from your brand, build trust in your brand, and consistently choose your brand over competitors. Study how loyal your competitors’ clients are to know how to make them switch the product already existing on the market for yours.
  • User Exit Model. What makes a user stop using a competitor’s app? Knowing this, you can avoid these mistakes and create an application that users will use repeatedly.

Step 4. Study Competitor’s Unique Value Offering

You will need to find out exactly what it is that makes the competition’s apps appealing to customers. Ideally, your app should include these selling points – and then go one step further with something new that makes it unique and more appealing than others. Be sure to highlight the key features and UVPs.

A unique value proposition (UVP), or unique value offering (UVO), is a concise, straight-to-the-point statement about the benefits you offer customers. In other words, it’s an explanation of what makes you different. The value proposition is usually a block of text (a headline, sub-headline, and one paragraph of text) with a visual (photo, hero image, graphics).

Evaluate your competitor’s current value proposition by checking whether it answers the questions below:

  • What product or service is their company selling?
  • What is the end benefit of using it?
  • Who is their target customer for this product or service?
  • What makes their offering unique and different?

Then, to develop competitive strategies, it is also very important to understand competitors’ technological capabilities, ability to achieve low costs, access to resources, skill levels, and financial capabilities.

Step 5. Feature set & Product analysis

A feature set is a high-level description of the functionalities you want to include in an app. It is an amount of information that proves or suggests that certain features are necessary to solve the user’s problem.

To conduct a brief competitor apps’ product analysis regarding features, read their app descriptions and try the products yourself to see which common ones pop out. Analyze your competitors’ apps and list all the features they use. Compare the features of competitors. This very important stage helps you learn the main user needs and gives you a set of features you should implement.

You can read customer reviews in App Store or Google Play. Analyze the shortcomings of competitors’ applications based on reviews and common mistakes, and determine users’ needs and what they lack. Discover practices that work for competitors can be introduced into your workflow to increase your audience’s engagement level.

You can also rank reviews by important/unimportant categories. Compare reviews with update dates — have the app been improved? Note for yourself how your competitors respond to reviews.

Empathy is very important for a competitive analysis — you need to dive deeply into each mobile app. Read articles on relevant topics to understand the user’s pain points and put yourself in their shoes — how will they use the application? What is important to them?

How to analyze the feature set of a mobile application:

  1. Take a test device (clear the cache if the application was previously installed);
  2. Install a competitor’s application;
  3. Form a feature table.

For this, we start using the application. At the same time, we simulate different situations — sunny day, as well as alternative flows (when the user does not understand how to use the application).

Record the result in the feature table after testing each part of the functionality. At first, your feature table will be unstructured, but after analyzing 1-2 applications, you will form the desired structure. In the process of research, take screenshots and supplement your every step with them, make stickers and record insights. Depending on the type of application, each feature table will be different, but your feature table will definitely have the following positions:

  • Startup functions that can include:
    – Splash screen
    – Onboarding
    – Dynamic onboarding (if available)
  • Login:
    – without registration
    – with registration/authorization
  • Basic settings;
  • The main functionality — the one that covers the main pain points of the user (it will differ depending on the type of application). Here you can move from general to partial;
  • Additional functionality.

In the process of researching the features, we prioritize them. There are many prioritization models, all of them based on subjective evaluation. The Devlight team uses the Kano model. The Kano model is a coordinate system where the client’s needs are displayed on the horizontal axis, which can be divided into three points:

  • Mandatory or basic features: the user won’t consider your product if you don’t have this feature;
  • Performance features: the more you invest in their development, the higher the level of user satisfaction will be;
  • Exciting features: the users do not expect them, but they excite them.

The idea behind Kano’s core model is that the more time, money, and effort you spend creating, implementing, and improving features from each category, the higher your user satisfaction will be.

On the horizontal axis, on the left there are needs that are not satisfied at all, and on the right are those that are completely satisfied.

The vertical axis reflects the level of user satisfaction. The functionality scale shows how well the feature is implemented, from “Absent” to “Perfectly implemented.”

How it looks assembled:

The Kano model is useful when you need to prioritize product features based on user-perceived value. Perception is the key word. If the user lives in the desert, they will not be inspired by the raincoat. You need to know your customer well if you want to use the Kano model.

In order to get information from customers about their needs, you need to create a Kano questionnaire that users will have to fill in answering how they feel about each feature. At first, you fill out the questionnaire yourself when you use the application, but later the formed hypotheses need to be validated with real users by conducting various surveys.

The questionnaire should include the following questions:

  • If you had access to such a feature, how would you feel?
  • If you didn’t have access to such a feature, how would you feel?

And the following answer options:

  • I like it;
  • I’m waiting for it;
  • I do not care;
  • I could put up with that;
  • I do not like it.

Then we collect all the features (present or absent) into the evaluation table:

  • Attractive — this feature is not expected, but customers like it;
  • Mandatory — a must-have feature, customers are unhappy when it’s not there;
  • Effective — users like the presence and do not like the absence of this function;
  • Indifferent — customers are indifferent to this functionality or are ready to experience its absence/presence;
  • Disputed — contradictory and conflicting feedback from customers;
  • Disapproved — customers like the lack of functionality and dislike when it is present.

Advantages of prioritization according to the Kano model:

  • it helps the team to stop overestimating exciting features and underestimating must-haves;
  • it helps the team to make the best product decisions and build market forecasts according to audience expectations.

Disadvantages of prioritization according to the Kano model:

  • fussing with the questionnaire can take a long time;
  • customers may not fully understand the features you are asking them about.

After analysis, we can also correlate the number of features with the ranking. This perfectly shows that we don’t need all the features — it’s better to do less, but better.

After analyzing the features, we can make a high-level application structure.

Step 6. Conduct Target Audience ‘Need’ Analysis

Describing the target audience should be based on demographic, behavioral, and psychographic segmentation criteria. Check our Target Audience-related article to learn more about this step.

Step 7. Analyze Your Competitor’s Keywords Running Ads On

Using the tools we’ll cover later in the article, it’s easy to determine how many app store ads your competitors are showing and what keywords they’re targeting. After analyzing this information, you can easily create your advertising strategy.

Step 8. Build a Competitive Analysis Matrix for Your App

The matrix of competitors will help to highlight the market giants and determine the rules of the game in the industry. It can become an example of successful decisions and strategies you can easily build. 

Draw a matrix using all the mobile app competitive analysis template data to visualize your conclusions. This matrix will serve as your beacon in the night of developing a competitive product. 

Don’t waste time and resources

App Playbook is the ultimate solution. With a bulletproof sequence of 75 App Building Tasks and real-life cases that have already driven 35M app installs, your app’s success is guaranteed!

Mobile App Competitive Analysis Template 

The template we offer is based on several competitive analysis strategies. You can use it as a base or moderate, depending on your niche or the number of competitors analyzed.

Mobile App Competitive Analysis Example

No one is isolated from the market, so in developing a new product, you have to consider competitors, their strengths, and their weaknesses. That is exactly what we were busy with at the stage of competitors’ research. Check out the mobile app competitive analysis example from the Devlight team!

Such an approach helps us form the right hypotheses later on and iterate changes based on detailed data throughout the whole development process. 

Tools for Mobile App Competitor Analysis

The mobile app analytics software allows organizations to track session activity and user behavior. They are life savers when it comes to a modern mobile app competitor analysis based on large data corpora.

  • Data.ai 

Data.ai is a service for analytics and getting reliable data to make important decisions at all stages of the mobile application business. You can use it to understand better competitors and market conditions and track app downloads, revenue, usage, engagement, and ads.  Data.ai includes market analytics and multi-store app analytics and helps you create your own mobile app competitive analysis template. The service will also allow you to optimize products for app stores and increase the effectiveness of promotion methods, retention rate, and effectively support the target audience.

  • Mobileaction

Mobile Action analyzes the selected category and selects keywords. Opposite each request, it indicates the frequency and percentage of downloads based on the search results. You can list keys and track your visibility in stores, intersections, and competitors’ positions. 

The service collects data on the interaction of the audience with the application for the last 12 months. Tracking of the most popular words in reviews is available. Among the smart analytics tools is a rough estimate of the profitability of competing applications and keywords with the highest conversion. Based on each analysis, recommendations are formed regarding the semantic core, profitability, localization, and audience return rate. You can set up alerts in case of changes in statistics. All reports are downloaded as PDF files.

  • TheTool 

The platform is suitable for marketers, as it allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and further optimize promotion costs. You will be interested in the ability to check positions in store categories. The presence of a free plan makes the service affordable for startups.

The service tracks the number of downloads, breaking them into organic and paid, and evaluates the installations’ profitability. Sensitivity analysis allows you to monitor how different campaigns have affected ratings and feedback sentiment. There is a function of tracking conversion by traffic sources — for all countries and each separately. Email notifications and CSV uploads are available.

  • Apptopia

Apptopia is a service that collects and analyzes statistical data of mobile applications for iOS and Android. Working with the platform does not require the installation of codes, making it a great beginner tool often used for competitor app analysis. The metric is designed for marketers, as it gives an idea of the trends in the mobile application market.

  • AppTweak

AppTweak is a platform for ASO optimization with a tool for forming a semantic core in 16 languages. The service is suitable for analyzing programs on iOS and Android in 70 countries. To activate the 7-day trial period, the payment card information is required. 

  • Appfigures

Appfigures is an analytics tool for mobile app stores that processes closed statistical data from more than 10 marketplaces. The system allows you to get detailed information about the volume of sales (total and by country), product rating by different ranking parameters, user reviews, and the number of updates. 

You can track the positions of competitors, which are displayed in the TOPs and reviews of the service. The free trial version lets you get acquainted with the main functions and get statistics on 5 products. Full functionality is available with a paid subscription.

take your app to the top

The ultimate founder’s checklist of 75 tasks to build, launch & scale your app 3-5x faster systematically. Proven by 35M of app installs!

Learn more

Mobile App Competitor Analysis: Common Mistakes

Using well-conducted mobile app competitor analysis to plan a business strategy will help you demonstrate high results. However, for the most accurate analysis, you should avoid such errors:

  • Mistake #1. Wrong goal set

The purpose of the analysis is to adjust the development strategy. To do this, you need to find mechanisms for solving your own business problems in the experience of competitors. Clearly define the purpose of your analysis and what result you want to get — then the whole process will smoothly lead you to a desired achievement. 

  • Mistake #2. Restricting the Number of Competitors Studied to One or A Few

Many companies consider only a few major competitors in their analysis. Medium-sized projects are often left out due to time shortages, lack of knowledge, or experience. As a result, the company makes an accurate, systematic market analysis considerably more difficult. Additionally, brands that only consider large companies cannot be prepared to confront niche companies.

  • Mistake #3. Wrong Conclusions

Even with the right choice of tool you are not immune to mistakes. At the stage of drawing conclusions, it is necessary to understand the specifics of data collection and processing. Only a competitor owns the exact figures. No tool is able to produce error-free analysis. Therefore, the data it produces will only be approximate.

How Does Devlight Help You Perform a Competitor App Analysis

Do you plan to create a startup from scratch? We will help you solve this task at a minimal cost because we approach our work using the SMART method and offer reliable solutions. At Devlight, we understand that before proceeding to a competitor app analysis, it is necessary to carry out a number of preliminary works: 

  • First, clearly define your competitors. 
  • Second, define the objectives of the competitive analysis so that you do not analyze “extra” information that will not answer the necessary questions;
  • Thirdly, conduct a survey of consumers in the market to form an understanding of what ideas the target audience has about your idea/product and competitors’ products and assess the level of knowledge and loyalty.

All of these precaution measures combined with our mobile app analysis methodology allow us to draw proven conclusions with tangible results. Devlight will not only accompany you at any stage of the route but offer visual metrics with clear explanations. 

Mobile App Competitive Analysis: Brief Summary

Competitor app analysis is studying competitors to scale a business, eliminate performance gaps, and bring new products to market. Business explores direct, indirect, and non-obvious competitors through available channels: company websites, social networks, ratings, reviews, search results, and other ways.

The easiest mobile app competitive analysis template is a matrix of competitors with the main characteristics of their businesses: products offered, marketing practices used, features, and prices. 

Constant analysis of competitors is an important step toward achieving your business goals. It will help you proceed or at least allow you to stay in your market position, ahead of competitors in development. We are sure that our well-designed mobile app competitive analysis template will help you with this. 

How to Conduct Mobile App Competitor Analysis Before Development: FAQ

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Hire Top-Rated App Developers in Ukraine: Devlight’s Competitive Advantage https://devlight.io/blog/hire-top-rated-app-developers-in-ukraine/ https://devlight.io/blog/hire-top-rated-app-developers-in-ukraine/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:23:05 +0000 https://devlight.io/?p=9291 Hiring mobile app developers in Ukraine seems wise if you seek hard-working, profoundly educated, and enthusiastic employees. However, this is not just about the spark in the eyes. Over the years, Ukrainians have been rightly considered among the best players in the programming Olympics because of the tangible results they manage to provide. According to […]

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Table of contents
Overview of the Ukrainian IT Market Why Hire Ukrainian Mobile App Developers? Ukrainian Mobile App Developers’ Profile Pros and Cons of Software Outsourcing in Ukraine in 2023 Hiring a Team of App Developers in Ukraine: Terms and Options 10 Steps to Hire Top Mobile App Developers in Ukraine Success Stories of Hiring Ukrainian Developers with Devlight Potential Risks of Hiring Mobile App Developers in Ukraine Consider Hiring Devlight as One of the Most Trusted App Development Companies in Ukraine

Hiring mobile app developers in Ukraine seems wise if you seek hard-working, profoundly educated, and enthusiastic employees. However, this is not just about the spark in the eyes. Over the years, Ukrainians have been rightly considered among the best players in the programming Olympics because of the tangible results they manage to provide. According to the 2021 research conducted by Hackerrank, Ukraine app developers show the best skills in cyber-security, mathematics, and distributed systems programming. Why is it important?

A relevant idea and a competent entry into the market are vital for the great start of any mobile app. But the key ingredient is a quality product. After all, even if the service meets the target audience’s needs and has no analogs, no one wants to use an application with bugs and long page loading. Development is the most important applied stage of work. And hiring a competent team is crucial for ensuring its stability.

Thus, let’s figure out why it is worth hiring app developers in Ukraine: what are their competencies, rates, and soft skills? We’ll delve into the statistics, consider geopolitical levers, and provide a detailed analysis of what the IT market in Ukraine has to offer the world.

Overview of the Ukrainian IT Market

According to the research conducted by IT Ukraine Association, the country has advantages in this market compared to its nearest competitors. Ukraine offers one of the largest labor markets in the world and the largest number of graduates with IT specialization. At the same time, Ukraine has 2-4 times fewer specialists in this field per 100,000 population than competitors. And this means there is a potential for employment growth in this area.

Official data also evidence the IT market size: according to the State Statistics Service, about 8,200 legal entities work registered under the SICCs of “IT” (Standard Industrial Classification Code) in Ukraine. The study’s authors cite the following figure: 5,000 IT companies are active in the Ukrainian labor market.

The export of IT services from Ukraine grows by an average of 27% yearly, and this volume has doubled in the last four years. The main drivers of this growth are the USA (39% of exports) and Great Britain (10%), which hire developers in Ukraine the most often. The number of IT specialists in Ukraine is growing significantly due to the high demand for such qualifications. Working with IT specialists as individual proprietors is the most popular model of interaction in the Ukrainian market due to the Simplified tax system offered to entrepreneurs by the government. The IT industry also actively attracts young people: 80% of IT company employees are aged 18 to 32.

According to the 2022 data:

  • The labor market in Ukraine is quite fragmented, as evidenced by the differences in the level of remuneration for the same positions.
  • Project Managers’ income varies little by region. The salaries of other specialists in the capital are expected to be higher than average.
  • Regions with a level of remuneration lower than the average Ukrainian are economically more attractive for opening offices or branches.

If we look at specific numbers:

  • 87% of app development companies in Ukraine review salaries once a year and plan to do the same in the future.
  • Months when Ukrainian IT companies review salaries most often: April and October.
  • Typical percentage of salary budget growth: 8.5%.

If we talk about how exactly IT companies cooperate with IT specialists:

  • 5% of companies consist of full-time employees only.
  • 9% use various forms of cooperation, including individual proprietors.
  • 86% mainly cooperate with individual proprietors.

Why Hire Ukrainian Mobile App Developers?

Ukrainian developers are a strong brand in the world market. It is customary to associate their high demand with increased work capacity and diligence. But this is far from the main factor that makes them one of the best.

Much more specialists work in China and India, with no less zeal. In fact, the main advantage of Ukrainian engineers is the price/quality ratio. This argument is the first one cited by IT entrepreneurs when listing the advantages of hiring Ukraine app developers. At the same time, “quality” in this connection is provided by strong hard skills. Here are the benefits of hiring app developers in Ukraine:

  1. High Level of Knowledge

First of all, Ukrainian specialists understand that to be competitive in the international IT market, they must be highly qualified. They are not limited to learning a single coding language. Knowledge of at least three languages is common among Ukrainian coders. Of course, they have experience with more than two frameworks.

Ukrainian IT specialists can improve their skills and gain practical experience rather than just theoretical knowledge and diplomas upon completing their BC. So, when you decide to entrust your task to a Ukrainian team or a single specialist, you will likely find specialists with the necessary skills and experience.

  1. Flexibility

Ukrainians are familiar with negotiations and are ready to agree on a different hourly cost than initially requested. Or, they can negotiate working hours. You get the idea. Suppose you compare the negotiation process with specialists from European or American countries and those from Ukraine. In that case, you will notice that the latter are open to discussions and can accept the terms you consider essential for your business.

  1. English Proficiency

You may think Ukrainians are great, but it will be too complicated to communicate with them and understand each other. The truth is that English has been a compulsory subject in primary school for over 20 years already. Thus, most Ukrainians have at least a good understanding of English and can communicate freely in writing. Those who have decided to build their career in app development companies in Ukraine have certainly taken English courses and have at least an intermediate or higher level, so there will be no difficulty in understanding each other.

  1. Time Zones Don’t Matter

Yes, Ukraine is in a different time zone than the Americas. However, some working hours overlap. Also, if you plan to hire developers in Ukraine, you can be sure they will try to adapt their schedules to be present during meetings and video calls. Thus, there will be no problem with an employee missing due to jet lag. As we mentioned, Ukrainians are really flexible. If they agree to work for an American or European company, they understand that this means adapting their working hours to the working hours in these countries.

  1. Affordable Pricing

Compared to recruiting Americans or Western Europeans for the same position, hiring software developers in Ukraine is more cost-effective when done through outstaffing or dedicated software development teams. Ukrainian programmers typically charge between $25 and $80 per hour, depending on their experience, qualifications, level of English language, and other factors.

  1. Simplified Scaling

An outsourcing firm can assist you in scaling the workforce fast if you need to do so during the development phase.

  1. Global Acceptance

Numerous international rankings for the IT sector place Ukraine at the top. For instance, Ukraine is ranked top in the Eastern European outsourcing market rating and the Science & Technology category of The Good Country Index. In addition, numerous major IT companies, including Microsoft, Oracle, Huawei, and Samsung, have opened R&D facilities here.

  1. A Big Tech Scene

The Agile Eastern Europe Conference, Lviv IT Arena, and DEV Challenge, three of the biggest IT events in Europe, are routinely held in Ukraine. Additionally, numerous IT groups and clusters regularly host conferences and meetups.

  1. Various Development Specialties

Modern technologies, including but not limited to JavaScript, Node.js, Python, Ruby, and PHP, are well-understood by Ukrainian developers. They are also knowledgeable on IoT, VR/AR, and AI (Artificial Intelligence) (Internet of Things). That is why tech-focused firms typically choose Ukraine as their outsourcing destination when searching for a certain skill set.

  1.  Taking the Protection of Intellectual Property Seriously

An NDA must often be signed before working with a Ukrainian company to safeguard the privacy of any sensitive information you give during the course of the project. Later on, your project will adhere to international security standards like ISO, HIPAA, or PCI. You may also rely on Ukrainian software developers to keep you inside the law.

  1.  Cultural Fit

Most Ukrainian coders share Western culture and values, are outgoing and open-minded, and have a strong work ethic. Their love of technology plays a major role in their decision to pursue a career in the IT industry. They are also motivated and diligent workers.

  1. Strategic Location and Convenient Travel 

CEE is practical due to its strategic location, which makes travel from many nations easy. Of course, given the many flight cancellations brought on by the russian invasion, visiting Ukraine at the time is not advised and frequently impossible.

Find out how to avoid extra costs at the very beginning of your app building!

Interested? Eliminate any early-stage uncertainty.

Ukrainian Mobile App Developers’ Profile

In start of 2022, Ukraine was reported to have around 329,000 software developers and IT specialists. 71% of them were men, while the median age of a Ukrainian IT worker was 31 years old. Additionally, 46% of these professionals were software engineers, 17% were QA engineers, 8% — were IT managers, and the rest worked in other roles. Here are some more specific insights on Ukraine app developers:

  • Age

The median age of an IT specialist, as of a year ago, is 29 years (28 years in 2020). Technical specialists are slightly older than non-technical specialists (29 vs. 28). 

  • Location

Most IT specialists come from Kyiv (26% of respondents live here now, 44% a year ago) and Kharkiv (2% of IT specialists versus 13% a year ago). After the full-scale invasion of russia, many app developers in Ukraine decided to move. They primarily chose Lviv and the region for this (19% of respondents live here now, compared to 14% a year ago).

Those who moved abroad most often stayed in Poland (4% of IT professionals), Germany, Spain, and Portugal (about 1% in each country). Most of those who went abroad plan to return — 61% of those who are not currently in Ukraine said so. Most often, they plan to return after the end of the war (38%). 14% of those who left do not think of returning.

  • Sex

The share of women in Ukrainian IT did not change during the year — 23%. 17% of technical specialists are women (16% a year ago), and 64% are non-technical specialists. 

  • Positions

Developers remain the largest survey group, with their responses accounting for 50% of all questionnaires. 17% of questionnaires were filled out by testers, 7% by project management specialists, and 5% by HR. Technical specialists make up 87% of those who took part in the survey, and non-technical (HR, designers, marketing, sales, support, Customer Success, and Technical Writers) — 13%.

  • Titles

If you decide to hire developers in Ukraine, you should rest assured about the balance existing on the market in terms of title distribution. Most often, the experts interviewed have the titles Middle (35%) and Senior (26%). Juniors make up 16% of all Haitians. Interns represent only 1%. Most beginners at the Intern and Junior level are HTML coders (45%), Data Science (27%), Game Developers (25%), Analysts (24%), and Testers (23%).

Pros and Cons of Software Outsourcing in Ukraine in 2023

Outsourcing in the Ukrainian field allows foreign companies greater flexibility and optimization of their costs but also benefits from the services of talented engineers. So, let’s reconsider why Ukraine is recognized today as a country of IT opportunities.

  • A talent pool. According to the forecasts, by the end of 2022, the industry will generate USD 7.1 billion and 2.2% growth in the volume of exports relative to 2021. The IT development community currently employs more than 329,000 specialists.
  • Innovative and conducive IT clusters. Ukraine hosts 110 R&D centers for global tech giants such as Microsoft, Samsung Electronics, Apple, Skype, IBM, Boeing, Ericsson, Siemens, Oracle, Magento, and Wargaming.
  • Miscellaneous Skills. Ukraine has over a thousand IT companies offering “classic” development services (web, mobile, UI/UX design) but also services on complex subjects such as Data Science or Artificial Intelligence.
  • Knowledge of English. 80% of Ukraine app developers are proficient in English at an intermediate or advanced level.
  • An advantageous tax system. Tax rates in Ukraine are much lower than in European countries: employer charges are between 5% and 22%, while personal income tax is between 5% and 19%.

Now, let’s consider some cons:

  • Power outages. It is no secret that since russia invaded Ukraine on a full scale in February 2022, all Ukrainians have experienced severe problems with accessing a stable mobile connection, Wi-Fi, heating, and even water. People relocate inside the country and do their best to perform the tasks assigned, but with the uncontrollable missile attacks every few weeks, working consistently gets harder and harder.
  • Possible mobilization. The government offers six-month-long military ID protection for local specialists. The Armed Forces of Ukraine understand the vitality of the IT segment of Ukraine’s economy, so they try to stay away from the developers and let them earn money to provide for the whole country, yet there are no guarantees at times like these.
  • Relocation costs and refugee payments. If you decide to hire developers in Ukraine who are women and can move abroad, you will need to cover their commuting costs, basic living expenses, and apartment initially. If you cooperate with a male developer who has moved abroad but whose family remains in Ukraine, it would be logical to let him reunite with the family and cover the expenses for transferring the spouse and/or kids abroad. Of course, given the rates for developing services that are considerably lower in Ukraine, this won’t cost a fortune. But, the human factor now plays a big role in cooperating with Ukrainian employees.

Hiring a Team of App Developers in Ukraine: Terms and Options

It can appear that working with a vendor is more difficult than employing a freelancer and that doing so will relieve you of all responsibility. However, it is not always the case. Finding the ideal candidate shouldn’t seem quick and simple; the hiring process for software engineers can take anywhere from 3 weeks or more for junior experts to 6 weeks or more for seniors.

Hire a reputable app development company rather than a single developer if you need to meet a tight deadline or simply need a dependable provider. The advantages outsourcing provide are as follows:

  • A large talent pool;
  • Risk reduction;
  • Streamlined scaling.

It is wise to let a software development team handle the hiring process. It not only saves time but is also economical. Let’s examine the price of outsourcing to Ukraine in more detail.

App Developers in Ukraine: Rates

One of the most important factors to take into account when selecting a software vendor is the project development cost. Ukraine is one of the most well-liked locations for software development because of its affordable rates for software professionals. Let’s investigate the statistics.

In the US, the hourly rate for a skilled developer ranges from $100 to $150. The hourly fee for hiring specialized developers in Eastern Europe will be more affordable without sacrificing the quality of the finished project. In Ukraine, wages per hour range from $25 to $80. If you have a limited budget, a cost-effective chance like this one is very appealing.

The exact rates of Ukrainian developers will be largely influenced by their area of specialization, technology, and level of experience, just like anywhere else in the world. We’ve created a table listing roles and associated rate breakdowns so you can get an idea of potential pricing of Ukrainian mobile developers in particular:

RoleRate
Business analyst$35-$48
Software Solution Architect$50-$77
Project manager$35-$42
Junior engineer$17-$27
Middle engineer$27-$37
Senior engineer$40-$60
Junior QA$15-$25
Middle QA$25-$32
Senior QA$35-$45
UI/UX designer$30-$45

Here are some specific numbers:

  • iOS developers

A few apparent trends include an increase in the wage gap between junior and senior roles in technologies like Objective-C. Junior iOS developers often earn around $950 per month from Ukrainian IT companies, while senior iOS developers can earn up to $4,000.

  • Android developers

Salaries for Java Android developers would be a little bit less. The monthly take-home pay for Junior is about $950. Middle-level Java Android developers make up to $1,300, and senior developers often want $4,000.

  • Flutter developers

Specialists with experience with this framework are in high demand among numerous firms as a result of its rising popularity. A Flutter developer in Ukraine earns $36,565 per year.

Salary satisfaction is also related to the intention to change jobs: 51% of those who are not satisfied with their salary plan to change jobs this year, compared to 7% among those who are satisfied.

Hiring Model

Development companies in Ukraine offer the same hiring models as IT entities around the world:

  • Monthly Contract. If you have a small project requiring quick implementation, we will select the appropriate specialists to implement all the tasks effectively:
  1. Part-time and full-time engagement;
  2. Monthly billing;
  3. Pay only for completed tasks;
  4. Dedicated team.
  • Fixed Price Contract. This model is suitable for large projects requiring the development and maintenance of functionality. We can sign a contract for any necessary period of time:
  1. No hidden fees;
  2. Clear deadlines and budget;
  3. A wide range of services;
  4. Enhanced communications.
  • Hourly Rate Model. This type of collaboration serves the purpose of undefined projects or companies seeking long-term partnerships. You only pay for the hours worked by the developer:
  1. No hidden fees;
  2. Part-time and full-time engagement;
  3. Monthly billing;
  4. Pay only for completed tasks.

Legal Aspects Of Mobile App Developers

A company that wishes to hire Ukrainian developers typically works with a vendor, which, in turn, offers to sign the three following papers to secure the client’s data:

  • Document detailing software requirements. Includes the software’s functional and non-functional specifications. Explains the software’s development process and intended use;
  • Confidentiality Agreement. The contract that was signed between the customer and the vendor was designed to safeguard private information shared during commercial transactions;
  • Work Statement. This document explains the specifics of the collaboration, including payment procedures and schedules.

As you can see, it is simple and well-established to hire software engineers in Ukraine because local businesses have a wealth of knowledge from working with Western businesses. To ensure convenient cooperation, the majority of Ukrainian organizations align their business practices with those used widely in other nations. Because your software development partner will take care of the legal issues, you can hire professionals in Ukraine without worrying.

10 Steps to Hire Top Mobile App Developers in Ukraine

Putting together a development team that creates value can be difficult, but it’s simple to become lost in the prospects the Ukrainian IT sector offers. Here we outline the best way to hire app development companies in Ukraine in the step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Select a service category

Choosing the engagement model that best suits the objectives of your project is the first step in hiring Ukrainian developers. There are three choices available:

  • outstaffing (hire developers in Ukraine to expand your internal IT team);
  • bringing on a dedicated Ukrainian development team (useful if you start a mobile software project from scratch);
  • outsourcing software development (contracting a team under a Fixed pricing model, Time and Material (T&M) model, or dedicated development contracts).

Step 2: Compile a vendor list

Once you’ve chosen a service category, start looking up reputable sites like Clutch or GoodFirms to compare businesses based on factors like size, location, specialization, hourly pricing, and client reviews. Try asking your partners and coworkers for recommendations. Following that, make a shortlist of 5–10 providers you believe would be a good fit for your project.

Step 3: Assess the chosen vendors

You now need to research the information on the websites of the app development companies in Ukraine you’ve narrowed down to find out what technology their teams have the most expertise in and what reputable projects they have under their belt.

Step 4. Make a list of questions

It’s time to contact the vendors you’ve narrowed down. In your email, you may ask them about their fees and how they handle private information. Additionally, you might request that a vendor sign an NDA before disclosing any details about your project.

Step 5: Express the details of your project

Once you obtain their responses, it is time to make calls and chat with the vendors who made the shortlist. Your outsourcing provider becomes a valued partner and invests in expanding your business when it shares your purpose and project vision.

Step 6: Request a preliminary cost estimate

Ask the app development companies in Ukraine you’ve shortlisted to prepare rough estimates or include a pricing range before going too far. Ask about any potential future hidden expenses as well.

Step 7: Select an engagement strategy

For collaboration to be successful, it is essential to share a project’s goal, go through all the details, and agree on the project’s parameters. But another factor is still equally crucial: picking an engagement model (e.g., fixed price, T&M, or a dedicated team). This decision will impact your final project budget.

Step 8: Select a supplier

Consider the vendor’s communication style and the information you’ve gathered (such as the tech stack, projections, and engagement models).

Step 9. Legal considerations

Each and every reliable Ukrainian software development company operates lawfully. Therefore, after selecting a vendor, you must sign a contract and decide on a payment schedule in accordance with the engagement model.

Step 10: Gather your team and start working

It’s time to get to know your team once everything has been set. Establish your priorities and reach an understanding regarding the working procedure, meeting timetable, deliverables, and other crucial issues. Build your ideal software by monitoring the project’s progress, considering the suggestions of your app developers in Ukraine, and making decisions.

Success Stories of Hiring Ukrainian Developers with Devlight

The portfolio of Ukrainian development studios includes dozens of successful projects: from small mobile applications and high-level desktop, console and mobile games to websites and sophisticated codes using API and artificial intelligence. Ukrainian developers have a competitive advantage in the global development market and have a high chance of becoming leaders in this niche. And, of course, the cost of their services will become higher. Why waste your time? Now you can outsource professional development services at competitive rates. Thus, there are many successful cases of hiring developers from Ukraine, but we at Devlight want to share a few of our own.

  • Sense Bank

Sense Bank is one of the largest Ukrainian banks with the international capital. According to the National Bank of Ukraine, as of January 1, 2022, the Bank kept top positions across all banking market segments, was named as one of the most stable and trusted banks in Ukraine, was in the TOP-10 list by the amount of assets, was designated as one of the systemically important banks of Ukraine.

Sense Bank became part of the Power Banking joint banking network, which was created at the initiative of the National Bank of Ukraine. This means that 74 critical branches of Sense Bank will work even in conditions of a prolonged blackout. All of them are provided with alternative energy sources and backup communication channels.

The first request was to conduct a series of consultations to develop a super app for digital banking. The company has its own in-house team, but due to the rapid growth of the company, the development does not have time. To address this task, the company decided to hire app developers in Ukraine.

  • Nova Poshta

Nova Poshta, the largest Ukrainian international group of logistics companies, is the leader of express delivery in terms of the volume of delivered parcels in Ukraine, with a chain of more than 10 000 branches. The company, founded in 2001, has provided businesses and individuals with a full range of logistics and related services.  The daily record for the number of shipments was set in December 2021, when Nova Poshta delivered 1.8 million shipments per day. According to Nova Poshta, the company delivered 113 million parcels and cargo in 6 months of 2022.

With the growth of the e-commerce market in the form of large retailers represented by online stores and marketplaces for small and medium-sized businesses. Although the business has an internal staff, it lacks time for development because of its rapid growth and the expansion of its offerings and geographic reach. According to the reviews, the Ukrainian team established a friendly working atmosphere despite the time difference.

Ready to create an app you’ll be proud of?

Discover advanced app development approaches with Devlight!

Potential Risks of Hiring Mobile App Developers in Ukraine

Ukraine has strict labor laws. Regulations favor employees, which means that the focus is on employee well-being rather than business growth. You need a strong fixed-term or permanent employment contract in the local language to hire developers in Ukraine. Legally, the contract must include certain employment-related information and terms, including:

  • Employee and employer names;
  • Workplace;
  • Job details and start date;
  • Remuneration methods;
  • Working hours;
  • Holidays;
  • Social Security;
  • Occupational Risk Protection.

Nevertheless, the biggest change that has happened to app developers in Ukraine because of the war is relocation. 64% of those surveyed were forced to move because of the war, but 24% had already returned to where they lived before the full-scale invasion began. 40% of Ukrainian Haitians are in places of relocation: 27% in Ukraine and 13% abroad. But in addition to moving, there were other changes.

Approximately 1% of the interviewed Haitians are mobilized. Surveys may not capture the full extent of mobilization and job loss among IT professionals, as these professionals may not be able or motivated to respond. However, the obtained figures show that such changes affected some of the Ukraine app developers.

Consider Hiring Devlight as One of the Most Trusted App Development Companies in Ukraine 

If you’ve already made the decision to work with Ukrainian software developers, your next move should be to identify a reliable tech partner. Pay close attention to an outsourcing provider’s knowledge, experience, client testimonials, and completed projects while deciding. Devlight is a wonderful and reliable choice. What makes us one of the most experienced app development companies in Ukraine?

  • We are a mobile app engineering company that has been in business since 2016 and produces top-notch apps for big names in the market. We currently work with the top 100 firms according to Forbes to create digital category leaders;
  • Having more than 6 years of experience developing mobile apps, 35 million installs, and more than 100 completed projects, we have cases of working with media and market Giants — our portfolio of 100+ projects includes cooperation with Sense bank, Nova Poshta, Visa, Vodafone, Tailor Brands, and Movinga; 
  • Devlight has been recognized as one of the top app developers in Ukraine by Clutch.co, an independent research company based in Washington. Clutch.co is known for identifying the leading software and professional services firms that provide outstanding results for their clients. Using the Leaders Matrix methodology, Clutch.co has mapped the capabilities of top B2B service companies, and Devlight has achieved the highest rankings based on various criteria, including the company’s experience, market client list, industry recognition, and client reference interviews.
  • We are among GitHub top contributors, with more than 13 thousand reviews and thousands of network members. Thanks to open-source solutions, we contribute to the development of the mobile development industry and, accordingly, receive good reviews, as evidenced by 13k stars. Our open-source solutions were among the top libraries of the world rating in GiftHub;
  • Devlight is proud to be recognized by GoodFirms as Top Mobile App Development Company in Ukraine. Our team’s dedication to delivering high-quality mobile app solutions has helped us achieve this recognition. We strive to continue providing exceptional services to our clients and be a top contender in the app development industry.
  • Devlight has its own Mobile App Development School — we launched a project where we taught people how to code on Android. Our graduates show a high employment rate. This is how we contribute to the development of the IT community of app developers in Ukraine, further develop the talent pool.
  • Devlight is thrilled to be recognized as one of the Top Mobile App Development Companies in Ukraine by DesignRush. Our team of skilled professionals takes great pride in delivering exceptional mobile app solutions to clients worldwide. Our commitment to quality and user-centric approach has set us apart in the industry. Check Devlight Profile on DesignRush to learn more about our expertise and experience in mobile app development.
  • Devlight is delighted to announce that we have been featured on the prestigious platform, TopDevelopers.co. We are listed among the leading mobile app development companies in Ukraine, a testament to our commitment to excellence.

Hire Top-Rated App Developers in Ukraine FAQ

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