How to start your own app
You have a great idea that you’re sure can be turned into an amazing mobile app. The only problem is that you don’t know where to begin.
In order to build and launch an app there are two important initial tasks that should be carried out before you get going. You should write a Request For Proposal (RFP) which plays a significant role in startup app development and understand the importance of an MVP. This article will take you through both these important steps.
This initial phase is crucial if you want your app to stand a fighting chance. Building an app without this phase is like going hiking without planning the trip carefully. You forgot to bring enough food and equipment, now you’re hungry, your phone is uncharged and you cannot call for help. The same analogy can be applied to startup apps. Many startups lack detailed project planning, which is why most startups fail miserably.
Before you even think about building the app for your startup you should ask yourself if the project is possible, will it be exciting for investors and useful for the public, and what your marketing strategies are.
Why most startups are to born to fail
Most startups fail within the first year. Ideas are not always enough to ensure success. A lot of startups begin with good intentions and a lot of enthusiastic back patting, but a severe lack of planning and a clear understanding of goals.
When it comes to building an app for your startup, communication is key. From the get go, if you can’t explain your ideas and plan your tasks for developers then you’re dead in the water. The solution is simple. A mobile app RFP or Request For Proposal is the best way to emphasize what information is needed for developers. The RFP defines the order and conditions of work, including the objectives, principles, project expectations, and deadlines. It’s an essential part of project development.
The absence of a RFP may lead to developers writing the document by themselves and that can lead to delays and problems if they don’t understand or are unaware of the overriding objectives.
How to write a RFP
Our team develops different mobile web applications and spend a lot of time on the RFP document, impact mapping, and all other aspects of project management. A good example of a high level RFP looks something like this:
So how do you start an app efficiently?
First, establish the project’s main aims and write a requirement document. Secondly,consider creating the Minimum Viable Product.
What is an MVP?
Minimum Viable Product is the launched product but with only a few functionalities. A great example of MVP is Spotify. They used the MVP method and released a product featuring only music streaming. With the help of an MVP, they managed to find investors and continue to expand and develop their startup. If you are starting a project then it’s wise to consider launching an MVP to begin with and then build out on it.
Final touches in mobile app project preparation
After deciding on whether an MPV will be launched and writing a quality RFP, there are several other smaller steps that your team needs to consider before completing the initial preparation stage.
Project responsibilities should be established and particular roles should be given to every team member to maximize development efficiency on all levels. Clients should also state geographical peculiarities and the mobile application development requirements and restrictions which are imposed on the system. When all the final details are settled and put on paper, development can begin.
Impacts as keys to your project management
Impact mapping is an alternative, efficient approach to project management which flows from the product requirement. Impact mapping is similar to brainstorming. The client should write a scheme of simple questions, where they state full answers, accounting for both positive and negative outcomes. The key is to establish the overall goal and clarify any misgivings.
The questions are:
- Why? –What is the primary aim of the project? How will we succeed?
- Who? – Who will help us achieve success? Who will use our product?
- How? – What actions will help us achieve the result and what actions will prevent the project development?
- What?- What can we do as a team to maximize the efficiency of our project?
Impact mapping allows an app development team understand what should be included or excluded in the process. The findings of impact mapping can help us define the roles in the system and create user stories. On the basis of user stories, we create mockups, which is what the product will look on the mobile or web platform. Strict, direct and agile user stories and mockups give the opportunity to establish the functionality volume of the project.
How to avoid failure and maximize efficiency
Startup owners tend to make mistakes when they begin to develop the project. As a consequence, they lose money, and their projects fail. This can be avoided by using project management methods, such as RFP, product requirements, requirement documents and impact mapping.
Project management, when done right, eliminates mistakes and misunderstandings in the development process. Most importantly, it clarifies future actions which will ensure the success of the project.
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