How to Create an App: Understanding the Basics of App Development
Apr 2, 2025
For thirty years, ImagePlus has been a trusted partner in digital innovation, working shoulder-to-shoulder with businesses of every scale to bring their ambitious ideas to life.
Now, with AppsPlus, we’re focusing our extensive expertise on helping you navigate the exciting world of app creation. If you have an app idea that you believe holds significant potential – perhaps you’re a business owner looking to elevate your digital presence, a corporate client requiring a custom-built solution, or an entrepreneur with a truly groundbreaking concept – understanding the app development process is the essential foundation.
Let’s put our three decades of combined knowledge and practical experience to work for you, breaking down the crucial stages and considerations involved in creating an app that not only launches but truly flourishes.
What Exactly Is an App?
In our years of building digital solutions, we’ve seen the term “app” become commonplace. Simply put, an app, or application, is a software program designed to perform specific tasks on mobile devices or web browsers. From our experience, we generally see apps falling into three main categories:
Native apps: These are crafted specifically for a single operating system – think iOS (using Swift) or Android (using Kotlin). Because they’re built for that particular platform, they typically offer the best possible performance and a really smooth, integrated user experience. We often recommend native development when top-tier performance is critical.
Web apps: These are accessed through web browsers and are built using standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Here at Apps Plus, drawing on ImagePlus’s web development heritage, we expertly build robust web apps with PHP and the powerful Laravel framework for the backend. This allows us to create sustainable and accessible web apps that work seamlessly across multiple platforms for our clients.
Hybrid apps: These are like a clever blend of native and web approaches, often built using frameworks like React Native or Flutter. In our experience, they can offer a good balance between being cost-effective to develop and delivering solid performance across different platforms.
The Journey: Key Stages of App Development
Over the years, we’ve honed a proven app development process that we guide our clients through:
Planning: This is where it all begins. We work with you to clearly define your app’s purpose, your specific goals for it, and, most importantly, who your target audience is. This foundational stage, in our experience, is crucial for ensuring everyone is on the same page and the project stays aligned with your vision.
Design: Here, we focus on crafting the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) through wireframes and interactive prototypes. Our design team puts themselves in your users’ shoes to guarantee an interface that’s not only visually engaging but also intuitive and a pleasure to use.
Coding: This is where the magic happens – our skilled developers bring your app to life by building both the frontend (what users see and interact with) and the backend (the engine that powers everything behind the scenes). This is where your app’s core functionality becomes a reality.
Testing: We believe rigorous testing is non-negotiable. We employ a variety of testing methods to thoroughly identify and resolve any bugs or issues, ensuring a seamless and polished user experience right from the start. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of a stable and reliable app.
Launch: The exciting moment when we deploy your app to the relevant app stores. But it doesn’t stop there – we also work with you to execute a strategic marketing plan designed to maximise your app’s reach and get it into the hands of your target users.
The Tools of Our Trade: Essential Tools and Technologies
Our experienced team of designers and developers relies on industry-leading tools and technologies to deliver exceptional results:
IDEs & SDKs: Xcode (for iOS development), Android Studio (for Android development). These are the essential development environments.
Programming Languages: Swift, Kotlin, JavaScript – the core languages we use to bring your app’s logic to life.
Frameworks: React Native, Flutter – powerful tools for building cross-platform applications efficiently.
Backend Services: Firebase, AWS (Amazon Web Services), Node.js – the infrastructure that supports your app’s data and functionality.
Design Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch – the digital canvases where we craft your app’s visual appeal and user flow.
Laying the Foundation: Defining Your App Idea and Goals
From our extensive experience, we’ve learned that truly successful apps address real needs for specific groups of people. We guide our clients through these crucial initial steps:
Identifying the Problem and Target Audience
Our experience has shown us that successful apps solve real problems for specific audiences. We recommend these steps:
Problem Analysis: We start by clearly identifying and listing the specific challenges or needs that your app aims to solve for users.
Target Audience Research: We help you define your ideal users in detail – their demographics (age, location, etc.), their behaviours, and their key pain points. Understanding your audience inside and out is paramount.
User Surveys: We often recommend validating your app idea by gathering direct feedback from potential users through surveys and interviews. This real-world input is invaluable.
Conducting Market Research and Competitor Analysis
We always advise our clients to take a close look at what’s already out there to identify opportunities and potential pitfalls:
Analyse Competitors: We help you thoroughly review competing apps – their features, how they’re priced, and what users are saying about them (both good and bad).
Identify Market Trends: We keep a close eye on evolving user preferences and emerging technological shifts to ensure your app is positioned for success in the current landscape.
Find Unique Selling Points (USP): What makes your app different and better? We work with you to clearly define your app’s distinct competitive advantage – the reason why users will choose your app over the alternatives.
Defining Features for a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
We often recommend starting with an MVP to get your core idea validated quickly and efficiently:
Prioritise Core Features: Focus on the absolute essential functionalities that address the primary problem your app solves.
Plan for Iterations: Think of your MVP as just the first step. We plan for future enhancements and additions based on user feedback and market response.
Control Costs and Feature Creep: By focusing on the core features for your MVP, you can keep initial development costs manageable and avoid the trap of adding too many features too early.
Choosing Your Path: Selecting the Right Technology and Platform
Based on our experience, the choices you make here will significantly impact your app’s reach, performance, and cost:
iOS vs. Android vs. Cross-Platform Development
Platform selection is a strategic decision that should be based on your target market, your intended audience, and your available budget. Here’s a quick overview based on what we’ve seen:
Platform
Pros
Cons
iOS
High revenue potential, loyal user base
Strict App Store guidelines, higher development costs
Selecting the Right Programming Languages & Frameworks
The languages and frameworks we choose are always aligned with your chosen platform and the specific goals of your project.
Swift (iOS): Known for its high performance and is fully supported by Apple.
Kotlin (Android): A modern and concise language that is strongly backed by Google.
React Native & Flutter: Excellent choices for efficient cross-platform development, allowing us to build apps for both iOS and Android from a single codebase.
Understanding Backend and Database Requirements
Every app that handles data needs a robust backend. We specialise in developing secure and scalable backends for effective data management:
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): These act as seamless connectors between your app’s frontend and backend, allowing them to communicate effectively (common types include REST and GraphQL).
Databases: We utilise secure and reliable database solutions (such as Firebase, MySQL, and MongoDB) to store and efficiently retrieve your app’s user data.
Cloud Hosting: To ensure your app is always accessible and can handle growth, we leverage scalable cloud hosting solutions from providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Firebase.
Creating a Great First Impression: Designing the App’s User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)
At Apps Plus, we’re passionate about delivering exceptional user experiences. We believe good design is fundamental to an app’s success:
Principles of Good Mobile App Design
We adhere to core design principles that we’ve found consistently lead to user satisfaction:
Simplicity: We strive to create clean and uncluttered interfaces that are easy on the eyes and don’t overwhelm users.
Usability: Intuitive navigation and rapid loading times are paramount. Users should be able to easily find what they need and get it quickly.
Accessibility: We aim to optimise our designs to be usable by a diverse range of users and across various devices, considering different needs and preferences.
Using Design Tools for Wireframing and Prototyping
We utilise industry-leading design tools to bring our ideas to life and allow you to see and interact with your app’s design before development even begins:
Figma: A collaborative, cloud-based design platform that’s excellent for team projects.
Adobe XD: A powerful vector-based design software widely used for UI/UX design.
Sketch: A popular and versatile UI/UX design tool, particularly favoured within the Apple ecosystem.
Conducting Usability Testing
We believe in continuously gathering user feedback to refine our designs:
Beta Testing: As mentioned before, involving a select group of users in testing early design iterations provides invaluable feedback.
A/B Testing: We often compare different design variations to see which performs best in terms of user engagement and usability.
Iterative Improvements: Based on the insights we gain from testing and feedback, we continuously refine the UI/UX to ensure it meets user needs and expectations.
Building Your Vision: Developing the App Step by Step
Our experienced development team follows a structured approach to bring your app to life:
Setting Up the Development Environment
We ensure a meticulous and efficient setup of the necessary tools:
Install IDEs: Setting up Xcode for iOS development and Android Studio for Android development.
Download SDKs: Obtaining the required iOS SDK and Android SDK.
Configure Dependencies: Managing external libraries and dependencies using tools like CocoaPods (for iOS) or Gradle (for Android).
Writing and Testing the Code
Our development process involves structured coding practices and continuous testing:
Frontend Development: Building the responsive user interface elements and engaging animations that users will interact with.
Backend Development: Establishing robust connections to databases, implementing secure user authentication, and building the necessary APIs.
Comprehensive Testing: Conducting thorough testing of all features as they are developed to catch and fix bugs early in the process.
Implementing Core Features
We integrate the essential functionalities that make your app valuable to its users:
Authentication: Implementing secure login options, such as Google, Facebook, or traditional email/password.
Push Notifications: Setting up systems to enhance user engagement through timely and relevant notifications.
In-App Payments: Integrating reliable and secure payment gateways for apps that involve transactions.
Testing and Debugging the App
Ensuring a smooth and reliable user experience is paramount:
Types of Testing for Mobile Apps
Our comprehensive testing strategy includes:
Unit Testing: Verifying the functionality of individual code components in isolation.
Integration Testing: Validating the seamless flow of data and interactions between different modules of the app.
UI Testing: Ensuring that the user interface behaves as expected and that user interactions are smooth and error-free.
Debugging Common Errors and Performance Issues
We proactively address common issues that can impact app quality:
Slow Performance: Optimising database queries, compressing media files, and employing other techniques to improve speed.
Crashes: Thoroughly investigating and resolving memory leaks and unexpected exceptions in the code.
Compatibility Issues: Rigorously testing the app across a wide range of devices and operating system versions to ensure a consistent experience.
Ensuring Security and Data Privacy
Protecting user data is a top priority for us:
Encryption: Implementing SSL/TLS protocols to ensure secure transmission of data.
Authentication: Utilising robust authentication methods like OAuth or JWT to protect user accounts.
Compliance: Adhering to relevant data privacy regulations such as GDPR (in Europe) and CCPA (in California).
Sharing Your Creation: Launching and Marketing Your App
Getting your app into the hands of users requires careful planning:
Preparing for App Store Submission
We meticulously follow the guidelines for both major app stores:
App Store (iOS): Ensuring compliance with Apple’s App Review guidelines and Human Interface Guidelines.
Google Play (Android): Adhering to the Google Play Store policies and developer guidelines.
Metadata Optimisation: Crafting strategic titles, keywords, compelling descriptions, and visually appealing screenshots to maximise your app’s discoverability.
Promoting and Gaining Users
A solid marketing strategy is crucial for a successful launch:
Social Media & Influencers: Driving engagement and awareness through targeted content on social media platforms and collaborations with relevant influencers.
App Store Optimization (ASO): Continuously optimising your app store listing with relevant keywords to improve organic visibility.
Paid Advertising: Utilising platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to reach a wider audience and accelerate user acquisition.
Collecting Feedback and Improving the App
The journey doesn’t end at launch – continuous improvement is key:
Monitor User Reviews: Actively read and respond to user reviews, using feedback to identify areas for enhancement.
Crash Reports & Analytics: Utilising tools like Firebase or App Store Connect to monitor crash reports and gain valuable insights into user behaviour.
Regular Updates: Implementing new features and improvements based on user needs and market trends to keep your app fresh and engaging.
We’ve had the privilege of helping numerous clients achieve their app development goals. We invite you to take a look at our case studies to see firsthand how we’ve delivered successful app solutions across a range of industries. These examples highlight our expertise in turning complex ideas into user-friendly and effective apps that drive real results.
Ready to leverage 30 years of expertise, and turn your app concept into a reality? Secure your free consultation with our trusted UK software development team today!
