The mobile app development process plays a crucial role in determining if a mobile app is going to be used predominantly like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc, or the rest whose names no one remembers now. Every company has its own mobile app development strategies and process steps. Attention to detail is a vital element in the entire process. Let’s take a look at the mobile app development process of Siam Computing.
Khuzema Siamwala, the CEO of Siam Computing gives a clear picture of the mobile app development process of Siam Computing in this insightful interview. Khuze’s passion for using technology as an enabler to build better businesses led him to start Siam Computing. He works with companies from across the world and has helped build technology products for both startups and enterprises alike. A stickler for details, nothing pleases him more than a solution that’s well-designed and crafted with the end user in mind.
Interviewer: Thank you for having me at your place Mr. Khuze. You’ve got a lovely office ambiance.
Mr. Khuze: I’m glad you like it. The main ideology is that I didn’t want a very formal office environment. I want my team to be at ease while they work. Hence the customized theme of the office.
Interviewer: Wonderful. So, while researching mobile app development companies, your company stood out. The main reasons for that from my inferences were:
- Your special focus on startups (You nurture them pretty well)
- Your product development strategy rather than just a project delivery strategy
- Your relationship with your clients beyond just product development and into business and more
So, what gives you this drive to push extra harder on the aspects I just mentioned?
Mr. Khuze: Well, today’s era can be rightly called a ‘startup’ era. Also, the current pandemic has shown that it is essential to maintain your online presence properly. Be it to do business or to keep the audience informed about the happenings, new product/service launches, etc, it is important that you stay active and updated on the digital medium. With that said, I saw a huge need in the industry to provide that service. That is one of the main reasons why I focussed my attention in that area. Also, since I was an entrepreneur myself, I do know the pros and cons of building a company amidst so many challenges. Back then I didn’t have any mentor to guide me through, hence I decided to become that mentor myself to the entrepreneurs whom I come in contact with. That’s all.
Interviewer: Wow! That’s noble. Not everyone gets that kind of thought to help others like the way you are, I’m really glad to hear that Mr. Khuze.
Mr. Khuze: Well, it’s all about helping and building each other that matters in the end. Right?
Interviewer: I simply can’t agree more! I’m inspired to see this humane side of you Mr. Khuze. All the best to you in all that you do. Now, coming to the technical aspects, could you please enumerate the process involved in mobile app development?
Mr. Khuze: Well, the mobile app development process can be broadly classified into 5 stages.
#1 Pre-Development Phase
In the pre-development phase, we hold the preliminary discussion with the client first. And then give them a form which is called the requirement document. This phase is also called the discovery phase because we get to discover what our clients require for their mobile app development. A lot of brainstorming is done in this stage to get crystal clear details of the requirements. A detailed user persona is drafted upon discussions and analysis. Our Business Analyst does extensive market research and analysis to ensure the sustainability and durability of the mobile app post-deployment.
So, once a clear requirement document is drafted after revisions, the next step is to design the mobile app. Wireframes are designed to get the physical feel of the mobile app outlook. It is usually done on Adobe Photoshop. Once that is over, we go for a Mockup. Here the functionalities and features that need to be incorporated into the mobile app come into the picture.
Once the Mockup is done, an effort breakdown happens. In this step, the tasks that need to be done in order to build this mobile app is laid down with clarity. This helps our project manager to manage the whole project effectively by monitoring the status of each task at every point of time. This way, we make sure that we meet the deadlines and also give the best quality in the work that we deliver. At this juncture, our team is clear about the tasks, and deadlines, and that gives the perfect picture of the Minimal Viable Product (MVP) design.
#2 Development Phase
In the development phase, all the technicalities come into the picture. The front end and back end development processes are two main elements in this development phase. The base languages that we use are Java and Kotlin. The Frameworks are built on React Native mostly. We at Siam Computing keep in pace with the latest technology available and deliver the mobile app compatible with the updates that happen on a regular basis. This way, we make sure that our clients stay consistent in the virtual arena for a longer duration.
#3 Testing & Deployment Phase
When it comes to the testing phase, our QA team is very attentive to the details because even a small problem will be looked at as an intolerable aspect which will affect our reputation in the end. So, we do the following testing on a rigorous note:
- Device Testing
- Cloud Testing
- Security & Performance Testing
- Connectivity Testing
- UI/UX compatibility testing
1. Device Testing
We test the app on various devices – smartphones, tablets, etc. We check for the layout, the visuals, etc. Also, we check the working of the mobile app on both Android and iOS. This is one set of testing that we do.
2. Cloud Testing
When we complete the mobile app development with all the quality checks done as well, it has to be ultimately stored in the Cloud. Depending on our client’s Cloud storage technicalities, we test the mobile app for various aspects such as accessibility for various parts of the world, update checking, etc.
3. Security & Performance Testing
When we develop information-sensitive apps like banking apps and so on, it is essential that confidential pieces of information should not get stored on the devices. So, we see that the information stays confidential no matter what. Also, when it comes to the overall performance, we do all sorts of chaos and check if the app we developed is able to sustain that and still gives its 100% performance.
4. Connectivity Testing
Since we don’t have excellent network coverage all around, we make sure that our app works fine even amidst the worst network coverage. Technicalities such as data consumption, etc are taken into account here and thus the mobile app is tested for that as well.
5. UI/UX Compatibility Testing
UI/UX plays a very crucial role these days. We test the mobile app that we develop for the ease of navigation within the app, proper working of all the buttons and drop-downs, etc. UX in terms of responsive behavior and response time is tested for cautiously.
So, I make sure that all the above-discussed testing is done with the utmost care.
Interviewer: Wow! So much process is involved indeed!
Mr. Khuze: Yes, according to me, it is the attention to minute detail that will make a huge difference. Starting from the theme, color, UI/UX, responsiveness, etc, these details are important from the user’s point of view. When our mobile performance surpasses these details then, obviously it is a win-win for us and our clients.
Interviewer: I can’t seem to agree more with you Mr. Khuze. And how are you able to have an affordable budget too?
Mr. Khuze: See, the cost analysis is done taking into account the overall expense of the company for the mobile app development process. And we break down the overall working cost on a per hour basis. We do thorough market research and find out the charges in the market and make sure that we make it a good deal for our clients and us.
Interviewer: That’s a good strategy. Well Mr. Khuze, thank you for taking off from your busy schedule and agreeing to have this interview session. Being a blogger, I needed to spread awareness in this regard. Once again, thanks much Mr. Khuze.
Mr. Khuze: Pleasure is all mine. Thank you.
The technical interview with Mr. Khuze, CEO of Siam Computing on the mobile app development process helps us to understand the technical intricacies involved in mobile app development overall.
Finally…
Mobile app development is a very important process these days and it has become a vital element of business altogether. The above discussion throws light on what goes behind the screen of the mobile app development process. To get a free consultation regarding the customized mobile app development process, strategy, and budget, contact us.
Mobile app development is not only about coding and testing. It also requires strategies and analysis. Read along this blog to learn more. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.
