App development
Concept phase: How to start app projects
To ensure the successful launch of an app, we need to go through several steps. The concept phase is the initial step that defines the app’s features and commercial goals.
Concept phase
It’s important that the concept is sharp and well thought out, as statistics unfortunately show that too many apps are only used a few times. That’s why we are often involved in the concept development from the very beginning of the process – and we always recommend starting with a concept phase where we work with sketches, talk about the purpose of the application and tell you about all the technical possibilities of app technology. During the process, we place great emphasis on ensuring that everyone involved becomes an asset to the process.
Price and duration
A concept phase at Makeable typically starts at DKK 40,000 excluding VAT. The concept phase can easily stand alone without further commitments. The process is efficient and spans approximately 4 weeks from start-up to finished prototype, specification and estimate.
Hør Niels fortælle om konceptfasen
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The 3 steps in the concept phase
You get an interactive prototype with specification and price
When you work with us, you don’t just get an idea or concept. We provide a fully interactive prototype of your app that allows you to see and feel how the final version will work. This prototype will be a functional representation of your app, allowing you to test and understand its functionalities before the final development begins.
Along with the prototype, we provide a detailed specification describing all functional and technical aspects of the app. This specification will give you a clear understanding of what you can expect from the final product.
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A web solution is the simplest solution as it’s basically “just” a responsive website developed to be more user-friendly when viewed on tablets and smartphones. A web solution works on all platforms, but is not a real app and will therefore not be found in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Data-wise, there are also some storage limitations.
Hybrid solutions are apps that use a combination of app and web technology. For example. through frameworks and platforms such as React Native, Xamarin, Flutter or Cordova. Hybrid apps are also called cross-platform apps. In a hybrid app, the app’s source code is developed in one language, which is then “machine translated” into an iOS and/or Android app. The development of the app is done through web technology without regard to the individual platforms (iOS and Android).
Native solutions are apps developed for a specific type of platform, such as iOS or Android. To release the app on iOS and Android, two code bases must be developed: one code base for iOS (in the Swift programming language) and one code base for Android (in the Kotlin programming language). There is always full access to the devices’ hardware and the latest features in iOS/Android.
When you need to develop a mobile app, there are three solutions you can choose from: Native app, hybrid app and web solution. Learn more about the different app solutions here. See also our visual overview of the difference between native app and hybrid app below.
When you and your company create an app for iOS, you or your app developer will most likely use the Swift programming language, which is the official programming language for iOS. Xcode is the development programme/IDE used to build the app. Swift and Xcode are inextricably linked for iOS app development, while Kotlin and Android Studio are for Android app development.
In addition, it’s important that you know and adhere to Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines, which set high standards for apps to be launched in the app store.
Your app must offer a “unique, high-quality experience” – otherwise it risks being rejected.
How long it takes to develop an app is as difficult to answer as the question of how much it costs to make an app.
Factors that come into play include:
- Technology choice: Native app, hybrid app or a web solution?
- Complexity and size: The more functions and features, the more hours you need to dedicate to app development.
- App developers: How many app developers should be on the job? More developers means faster development and shorter time to launch – but also greater complexity.
- iOS or Android: Should the app be developed for one or two platforms?
Most of the apps we develop take between 2-3 and 12 months from initial concept phase to finished and tested app ready for launch.
When creating an app, you can choose from three solutions: a native app, a hybrid app and a web solution.
At Makeable, we favour native solutions and recommend it to all our customers. We believe that a native app is a much better “tool” than a hybrid app or a web solution – both technically, business-wise and for the user – and is therefore more sustainable in the long run.
Read more about the different solutions, pros and cons here.
Regardless of how you and your organisation want to develop the app, we always recommend that you start with a concept phase to establish the framework.
In a concept phase at Makeable, we help you get a handle on important elements such as:
- Which app solution provides the most business value?
- Where are the risks and opportunities?
- You get a clickable prototype that clearly illustrates how the app will work
- A broken down and detailed budget so you know the scope of the project.
A concept phase starts at DKK 40,000 excluding VAT and creates the very best foundation before the actual app development begins. It’s money well spent – whether you want us to develop the app or not.
The short answer is that we can. Alternatively, there are two options. 1. develop the app on your own. 2. to choose an independent app developer.
App development on your own
Embarking on app development on your own requires a relatively high level of experience. As proper development is crucial to the success of the app, we strongly recommend that you get help writing the code and developing the app.
Freelance app developer
A freelance app developer can help you a long way down the line. However, when it comes to strategic counselling, business development, UX/design, etc. an independent app developer quickly falls short and you will usually need to find other specialists.
Choosing us as your app agency
Choosing us as your app agency gives you access to a wide range of specialists of the highest calibre. We will help you get from idea to finished app with confidence – and along the way, we will provide strategic advice to ensure that the app provides the most value for your business and users.
Once you and your organisation have clarified your needs and wants, the next big question is: What does it take to create an app? What do you need to prepare and who should you contact?
Here are 9 important steps and considerations when developing an app:
1. validate the concept
2. Get the domain right
3. Create a detailed description and sketch
4. avoid feature creep
5. Research app designs and create a mockup
6. Choice of technology: Native app vs hybrid app
7. Get started with app development
8. Release and market the app
9. Ongoing maintenance and optimisation
If you’re in the initial phase, it’s important that you have a clear idea of your wants and needs, get a handle on the domain and know what the market looks like. Are there any direct or alternative competitors – and is there any demand for the app? Then create a detailed description and sketch to get an overview of the project.
Next, you need to decide who will develop the app and what type of app solution you want. Should it be a native app, a hybrid app or maybe “just” a web solution?
Read more about the different app solutions here
If you have chosen an app agency for app development, they will help you make all the important decisions so that you have a solid foundation and the best chance of the app becoming the success you hope for.
This is one of the most difficult questions to answer, as the price level for app development depends on the customer’s needs, preferences and ambitions.
Even the simplest apps usually have a starting budget of DKK 100,000 excluding VAT. The price of an app depends on, among other things:
– Choice of technology
– Complexity and size
– Backend
– iOS and/or Android
– Data collection
– Security and safety