Make the right choice when it comes to your app dev team….

If you do have a great idea for an app and are wondering what to do next, you can either work with an agency or a freelance developer. Let’s take a look at some of the key pros and cons attached to these options right now. Yes choosing the services of a the right professional agency will cost you more, but there are many good reasons for making the investment. When you use an agency, you get to work with a team of seasoned professionals rather than just one individual and will benefit from the skills of programmers, designers and project managers all sharing ideas and collaborating with each other to deliver the ideal app for your needs.

Although you will need to pay a considerable sum for a high-quality app, it’s wise to shop around to get the best deal. The clearer your strategy is, the easier it will be to get to the finish line. When you use an agency, you can source all the talent you need from one organisation, rather than having to recruit testers, designers and programmers independently. You will normally get a better insight into where your money is going and will know what costs are before the project commences. A designer working for a company rather than on a freelance basis is more likely to meet deadlines and carry out their duties to the best of their ability, as their jobs may be under threat if they fail to meet a certain standard.

If you enlist the services of freelancers, there won’t be a skilled and experienced project manager overseeing the whole process. The work of seasoned project managers is indispensable when it comes to app development. Project managers can coordinate teams, ensure deadlines and met that the project doesn’t go over-budget. If you recruit a number of disconnected freelancers to work on your project, it’s always likely that communication issues could harm the project.

Can I do it myself?

It may be possible to create the app yourself, but this depends on your skill level and the amount of knowledge and expertise required. If your idea is similar to that of a popular app, you may be able to reproduce similar source code for it for a modest fee. Sometimes you can even purchase similar source code but remember, you will need help from outside if you wish to change the appearance of the app or modify its functionality.

Some people have attempted to create apps using online app makers, with varying results. These services claim to help you build apps with little or no programming knowledge. However, apps produced via this method tend to be poorly optimised and lack the key features most companies and organisations are searching for when they wish to produce apps. It’s also likely that you and your app users will face numerous bug-related issues.

How many people are involved in developing my app?

No matter how small your app is, it’s wise to enlist the services of a team rather than just one individual. You are far more likely to deliver a high-quality user experience when you select this option. What’s more is that using a team can result in the development being completed much faster. Each person working on your app should be held responsible for their contribution to the project. The more complex your app is, the more people will be needed.

Basic development teams can include a project manager, programmer, QA engineer and UI/UX designer. An extended development team might consist of a project manager, up to 4 app developers, a back-end developer, one or two UI/UX designers, a QA engineer and a system administrator.

A project manager will prevent miscommunication and misconduct, ensuring deadlines are met and problems are quickly overcome. The job of the developer is to write the code, fix bugs and ensure the app is integrated with the data source. The back-end developer is responsible for ensuring communication between the database, application and server is of the highest calibre, with the app working just as it should. Your designer will work on the visual side of your app, ensuring it is laid out in a suitable manner and is optimised in a range of ways. The tester will monitor each aspect of the app, be in control of the code and design quality and ensure all your needs are met.

If you would like explore how Appy Monkey can help you with your app then get in contact.