You might have a great idea for an app, but you don’t really have the skills to make it into an app. You can try to outsource your app development stage, but then again, there are many challenges to effectively resorting to outsourcing teams. There are many things than can actually go wrong when outsourcing your app to somebody who lives in another continent. However, there are also a lot of advantages that you can get – especially if you find a very good developer and build a very good relationship with him or her.
A lot of developers actually do very well, and they do deliver to their clients with regard to their projects. However, some relationships also end up pretty bad, even if you have hired an exceptional talent over an outsourcing platform. Likewise, developers have varying perceptions and opinions, which can eventually lead to misunderstandings between you and your developer.
The Ideal Client-Developer Relationship
Your outsourced developer should have the skill set that you need for your idea to properly be made into an app. Likewise, he should be somebody that you can trust with regard to your idea and the whole development process. He should also be able to work with your needed demands, and knows the software engineering industry very well. Likewise, he should also know that his work should be customized to your business.
Developers should be able to relay to you how the project would go, and how long it would take. He should be able to explain each process to you so you’re not really left out in the dark. Likewise, he should be a good communicator so that all contingencies in the project are always covered. And all of these things should be done while keeping up with his deadlines in the development process.
How the Typical Process Goes
The first phase is when you start to communication your expectations and goals to your developer. You relay your ideas and everything that you basically want to happen with your app. Your developer should be able to clearly understand everything that you want to accomplish, as well as the crucial points in the app itself. You should be able to tell him everything that you want, the optional features that your app may have, and what you actually expect at the end of the development phase.
Afterwards, you set your project’s scope with your development. It would include mapping all the features that you aim to have. Your developer needs to know what your app can do and what it can offer. Most developers like having a list, as well as diagrams, as to how the app will work in the future. Mock-ups are also very much welcome so that it’s easier to effectively tweak during the birthing stages of your app.
Coding the project is probably the most tedious part of the process. The length of time would depend on the complexity of your app. Some may take several months, but there are also some that only requires a few weeks. Likewise, it might involve a few developers, or just one. Designers are also involved, and are tasked with the graphical user interface (GUI) of your app.
After the development phase, your app is now ready to be launched or released to the public. However, keep in mind that apps do not really reach the ‘finish’ line; it needs to be developed even further, and needs to be updated and enhanced every once in a while.
How to Choose a Developer
You actually have a wide array of choices for a developer. There are freelancers, app development firms, and even ‘app builders’ online offering their services. Considering the need for an effective communication between you and your developer, you might want to tap on a local freelancer that you can occasionally meet up with. If you’re new in the app industry, you might actually want a developer who is available to discuss things with you over a cup of coffee. Your colleagues and friends can help you a pair up with a good developer. Search engines or even your local Craigslist can also help you find one within your region.
If you are thinking of outsourcing your app to an offshore developer, make sure that you really understand each other. Interview a potential developer over Skype, if needed. See if he indeed understands and comprehends you. There are many talented offshore talents, and there are also a lot of advantages to getting a developer from the other side of the world. For one, they might think differently and can target another market, as well as provide inputs that are culture-based or location-based.
Choosing Your App’s Features and Capabilities
Your developer has to listen and understand everything about your app. In choosing your objectives, consider grouping the features that you want according to its priorities. Start of with the indispensable ones first, then move on to the optional features.
Your app developer should know what your main goal is; all the other features may be launched with future updates or for further development. Key features are the first ones to be put, as well as a clear image of what you actually want to have.
Your chosen developer should also not be scared to ask for questions. By maintaining an open communication, miscommunications and other failures can be eradicated or lessened. Especially if your outsourced developer is actually offshore, always make him feel welcome when you email or call him on Skype.
Maintaining Deadlines
Clearly communicate to your developer your needed deadlines. If you have an offshore developer, he would probably work when you’re asleep, so it’s easy for you to review everything when you wake up, and leave him notes to review afterwards. Gentle reminders can also be sent.
For local outsourced developers, like freelancers, you can actually set meetings in between deadlines to ensure production. After all, you would probably want to release your app fast so you’d be able to see how it works with your targeted consumers.