Many smartphone applications are either games or the mobile wing of a company, offering a more user-friendly version of their mobile site for booking appointments, making sales or reading news articles. However, there is also an enormous market for inventing brand new and original apps which take the world by storm.
As difficult as that may sound, and the idea is still the most important aspect of all, this guide will break down, step-by-step, the general way in which these launches come about.
Smartphone applications
In 2019 the number of worldwide app downloads passed 200 billion for the first time. These apps range from helping the user get around an unfamiliar city to showing people where to pick up leftover meals at cut price from nearby restaurants.
Apps are pieces of software that are downloaded from a variety of stores depending on the model and operating system of the smartphone or tablet. The programs run primarily when opened, although some remain operating in the background if necessary. Much of the time this can be turned off to save on data usage and to protect battery life.
Study in computer science
There are many reasons why somebody may decide to study computer science at college or university. It is an area of study that, first and foremost, is directed at making the world better and more advanced. Computer scientists are involved in the making of software that saves lives, prevents disasters and makes society run smoother. To become a master app designer, training in this field is almost a necessity.
Work collaboratively
While learning the skills, make contacts and learn how to work collaboratively. Once within an organization, consider using product management tools to help prioritize time and effort spent on app creations. Collaborative work encourages idea sharing and gets results much quicker than working alone.
Patent your idea
Apps are the most important part of a smartphone, with between 80-90% of time on these devices spent in applications. For that reason, and to prevent theft of ideas, a brand-new app should be patented as soon as possible. This can be done through the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Motivate yourself
In 2017, Americans checked their mobile device for an average of 80 times a day. This bodes well for the success of an original and exciting app, but it could also be why progress on designing, building and releasing apps is often frustratingly slow. Remove distractions where possible and remain motivated, setting working hours and small manageable targets.
Have a back-up
With all of the above in check, remember that any app, no matter how big the potential, might fail. There are a plethora of reasons why a promising app might have disappointing results (poor marketing, wrong pricing, bugs, lack of patent or not enough investment) so having a back-up and working on more than one project at once is essential.
If moving into app development is a new move, it is also worth having a back-up profession. With a computer science degree, doors are always opening.
