The mobile app development process is a project that requires a unique form of management. Taking control of the process means coordinating the various underlying activities and resources involved that will lead to success.
The type of framework to choose for your project can be determined if you go through the list of new and traditional options we have provided in this article. Here are some of the top five methodologies you can use in your mobile app development endeavour.
1. Waterfall Methodology
Before user experience was a determining factor in mobile app development, the waterfall model was the apple of the eye of every developer. The model executes phrases sequentially; you need to complete one phase entirely before moving to the next stage.
The worst thing about this methodology is that there was no turning back. It is a complete process from the start to the end. You could only make changes in the maintenance stage, which comes after launching the product.
2. Prototype Methodology
Also known as evolutionary design or incremental development. The model is a refined version of the waterfall methodology allow making changes during the design phase with the use of prototypes as the name suggests. This solution is for the idea that you need a prototype to fully understand the requirements of the project before you proceed with its design.
This framework subjects the prototype to client evaluation before it proceeds to the development stage. The prototyping methodology managed to reduce the risk of failure through the use of prototyping and client feedback.
3. Spiral Methodology
The spiral methodology is a risk-driven model in mobile app development. The framework relies on the risk pattern of the project and uses more than one method in its process. It is a combination of waterfall methodology and iteration.
You are required to set requirements for each phase of the framework. The number of stages in the spiral the model highly depend on the project risk. It is, therefore, suitable for large and complex projects with high risks.
4. Agile Methodology
The Agile model is a project management methodology purposely adopted for the development of sophisticated software. The framework allows for iterations, which helps a lot in minimizing mistakes and errors that commonly occur.
The model divides the project into a series of development cycles or short time boxes, which are assigned to each professional on the project team. It is a collaborative approach the allows a response to rapid change. It is flexible enough to accommodate changes in project requirements throughout the mobile app development lifecycle.
Other methodologies fall under the Agile umbrella include:
- Feature Driven Development (FDD) – a lightweight and incremental model that focuses on features as the name suggests. It features a series of iterations and inspections. This framework demands a high level of design expertise and planning.
- Lean software development – it is an integration of the agile methodology and lean manufacturing principles and practices. Aim at optimizing time and reducing waste, cost and effort.
- Scrum – focuses on the management aspects of software development in intricate knowledge work, research and advanced technologies with an emphasis on teamwork, iteration and accountability.
- Crystal Methods – It is one of the most lightweight agile methodologies. It focuses on team member talent skills, interactions and communication—this model groups projects in terms of system criticality, team size and priorities.
- Rapid Application Development (RAD)/ Rapid-application building (RAB)- focuses on timely delivery in a fast-paced environment with the use of prototyping and iterative development.
- Adaptive Software Development (ASD) – It is an outgrowth of the RAD that provides continuous adaptation to change in project requirement or market needs.
- Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)- it is an iterative and incremental Agile approach based on RAD, but with governance and strict guidelines. It is applicable in four principal phases.
- Extreme Programming (XP) – Focuses on software quality and responsiveness with emphasis on the changing needs of the client. It features a high-level collaboration with minimal documentation.
- Kanban– a framework that utilizes a lean manufacturing scheduling system to develop software in a long development cycle. The aim is to manage and improve flow systems in mobile app development5.
5. Lean Startup Methodology
The main idea of the methodology to offer a scientific solution for startups. Since it is a principled approach to new product development, the framework has found application in mobile app development.
This approach requires a minimum viable product (MVP) to initiate mobile app development. The lean startup model lets you build, measure and learn from the mobile app you develop. It focuses on building and launching mobile applications fast and at a lower cost.
Bottom Line
There are enough methodology options for your mobile app development venture. Choosing the right methodology requires that you understand the nature of your application development project. There is always a solution for you if you think in terms of scope, time, change, risk, cost and quality.
About 5280 Software LLC:
5280 Software LLC, located in Denver, Colorado is a premier software development firm. We have worked with a variety of clients over the years. Our expert team of developers have helped small to medium sized businesses, startups, as well as enterprise level clients such as RingCentral. If you are looking to build a mobile app, we can deliver flawless apple ios mobile apps as well as android mobile apps. These apps can be designed for smartphones, ipad and android tablets, wearable such as smart watches, and even smart TVs. We not only develop your mobile app using the latest coding technology, but we help you post and publish it in the Apple and Android App Store. We are here for you in every phase of the process; from scope of work creation, to mockup, wireframes, and graphics design, to updates of your mobile app’s functions and interfaces. We recommend cloud technologies such as AWS to allow your app to scale instantly when that time comes. We have the expertise in planning backend assets for all of our projects.
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