Apps are easily one of the most convenient digital tools we have on our devices. From managing money to studies to tracking one’s water intake. Applications are capable of doing it all. So how did these applications become such a big part of our lives? Do we know how to make an app? More importantly, how many people does it take to create a successful mobile application? How long does it take to make an app?
If your mind is curious about making these apps, as much as you like using them, you are in the right place. The questions are endless. But all of them have answers. So today, let us dive into the world of apps and answer all these questions. Today, we will find out how many people it takes to make an app and every member’s role!
People Required to Create a Successful Mobile App
Let’s cut right to the chase and address the elephant in the room. Even if we know how to make an app, how many people are we talking about? We will discuss the least amount of people one needs to create a successful mobile app first. Five to six people are the bare minimum one needs to have at least one person in each department. These departments can have further divisions among them, but if we follow the basic model, then this is it.
Now, if you need to pick up the speed and feel like any department of your team requires some assistance, add another member or two. If you want two separate groups to create the app for two different platforms, double up the number of people. However, it is ideal for checking on the number of people hiring to ensure that no miscommunication occurs.
Herein, let us take a look at all the members of the team and their roles!
1. Mobile Developer
A Mobile Developer is a person who understands and specializes in mobile applications and technology. A Mobile Developer engineers an application as per the requirements and the operating system it is under. The mobile developers have a good understanding of the languages needed by each operating system, such as Java for Android, C# for Windows, and Objective-C for iOS. Thus they help in figuring out how to make an app.
A Mobile Developer must come from an IT background and typically possess a degree in software or computer science fields to be eligible for this position. As far as their responsibilities are concerned, they must fathom what the client’s requirements are and find ways to make them happen. It is also essential to build a smooth and glitch-free application programming interface, better known as API, to make the app a success.
2. Backend Developer
Backend developers are responsible for perceiving and managing data transactions between the users and the server. The person must be well acquainted with programming languages, data structuring, and algorithms. Backend developers help in designing the technology upon which the whole application is to run. The team would not know how to make an app if they do not build the base.
The backend developer should have a degree in a relevant field, such as Computer science, Information Technology, or Software development, to be eligible for the job. They must also possess analytical thinking, solve problems efficiently, have good communication skills, and be attentive to be even more appealing.
3. Designer
The job of a designer reflects on the forefront to the users. The designer is responsible for the style and aesthetic of the application. Be it the color, designs, buttons, and anything else that you can think of. The customization depends on the designer. The designer must be in close contact with the team, the client and understand the user’s needs to make a successful mobile application. When we think about how to make an app, we go to the designers to seek the best look for the app.
The developer needs to have a good idea about handling tools like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and other such software. The designer should ideally have the right eye for aesthetics and aspects. Lastly, the designer must work while closely observing the user’s reaction to build the best user interface.
4. Tech Project Manager
A Tech Project Manager plays a super important role, as they know how to make an app, and they hold the entire team together. This is a role of authority as well as of the most responsibility. The project manager has to identify opportunities, their teammates’ capabilities, and the work environment to optimize the progress. Project managers also play a pivotal role in creating projects that serve the clients’ best interests and the company alike.
In order to be eligible for this position, a degree in project management is required. Along with this, it is also advisable to ensure that the candidate has good leadership skills. Comprehending the clients’ needs and the company is a priority, so understanding is also expected.
5. Marketing Manager
Knowing how to create an app is not the only factor that can help in its success. For a mobile application to be successful, the application must be launched correctly. The role of a marketing manager is precisely that. A marketing manager’s role is to come up with strategies that will yield profits for the client. They keep a close eye on the development of the mobile application and, in accordance with the same, build strategies that can appeal to the masses.
A marketing manager must possess a degree in marketing, administration, finance, or a related field to be eligible for the job. Significant experience and knowledge in branding, market strategies, and handling software like HubSpot is appreciated as well. Lastly, good communication skills are a must.
Responsibilities of the Team
All these members together create the team that consequently makes the mobile application. The team needs to work closely with each other and are aware of each other’s decisions. Teamwork plays an essential role in the success of developing a great mobile application. Therefore, it is necessary that the members communicate and build the application in the most efficient way possible.
Here, it is also important to mention that everyone must be clear about their roles and work accordingly. A marketing manager should not infringe upon the role of a tech project manager; at best, they can exchange advice. The same goes for individuals of every department.
Determine the Size of Your App Development Team
We have, as of yet, wondered and discussed how to make an app. However, we are yet to figure out how many people a company truly needs to create a successful mobile application. A new start-up cannot possibly need a team as vast as a big company like Netflix, right? So what determines the size of the team a company needs? Let us find out!
To put it simply, the factor that makes the most impact on your application development team’s size is your development approach. Not only does your development approach determine the pace at which your work will progress, but it will also play a determinant role in the number of people you need to build a successful mobile application.
The first thing is choosing the ideal app development module. It is usually advisable to go for the Native App Development method instead of the Hybrid App Development method if User Experience is a priority to the company. However, if you want to create an app that is relatively easy to handle across all operating systems, then the Hybrid module is better suited for you.
Here, it is also essential to decide whether you will build an API from scratch or use a third-party API. The security of an app is also a significant factor. All these factors determine the number of people you need. If you build your API from scratch, you need more members, if you go for the Native development module, you need more members, and if your app demands more security, it is essential to have more members.
How to Ensure Team Productivity?
When we talk about how to make an app, it is essential that we also discuss how to keep the team going. A good team plays the most crucial role in an app’s success; ensuring productivity is, therefore, a must. Specific hacks and tips can help one achieve optimal performance and encourage the team to be more productive.
To start, setting targets, weekly or monthly targets, can be of great help. Targets often motivate employees to finish their tasks in time and help to keep things on schedule. Furthermore, evaluation and feedback on peers can help a lot too. Hearing criticism from peers, instead of a higher authority, can help one want to better themselves. Monitoring the productivity level with tools like WorkComposer is also a good way to go.
Weekly progress reports, meetings and brainstorm sessions can better the team’s performance. Lastly, assuring good rewards for good work done helps a lot to be better in the future. Right incentives, celebratory parties, and such other events can help a great deal in this regard.
Future of Mobile Apps
Mobile applications started with fundamental things, like the calculator and the radio. But as time has progressed, we have seen a change in the mobile application industry as well. Right now, there is barely anything that does not have a mobile application attached to it. Be it shopping, cooking, or drinking, or anything else you can think of, an application serves that purpose. If not there already, it is certainly in the making.
It is perhaps safe to say that mobile applications have a very bright future ahead of them. Within the first decade of its birth, it has significantly turned everyone’s lives around, and in time, we can only begin to wonder what magic is in store for us. There are approximately 3.5 million applications available on android and 2.5 million applications available on iOS.
It is also important to point out that the competition is very stiff when it comes to applications. Indeed, there are a few million apps available; we still use only about 20 of them. Every team’s goal should be to achieve that level of success for their mobile apps, if not more. To do so, one must keep in mind what made these apps so successful? Ask all the right questions when it comes to these apps, and find relevant solutions.
What Makes Your Mobile App a Success?
Imagine having invested so much time, effort, energy, and money on an app, only to watch it make no presence for itself. The mobile application industry is rather relentless when it comes to competition. Therefore, ensuring the app gets recognized is very important. The team must do a few things to make sure that the application creates a space for itself.
Begin by recognizing the target users and understand their psyche to understand better what they need from your app. Go for the options that do well with the majority of the users and consider their needs. Keep having regular test sessions to make sure the user does not have any issues with the experience. Lastly, plan marketing strategies in accordance with the observation made about the users.
Study the market competition extensively and realize what aspects you can include to create an app that makes it a better option than that of the other competitors. Work on those particular features and make sure that your app becomes an irreplaceable part of the user’s life. Lastly, focus on the user experience, make sure that nothing compromises the excellent user experience.
Conclusion
The mobile application is hands down one of the industries to build a career in. With the correct vision, strategies, and understanding of the market, it is not difficult to attain your company’s ideal space. With diverse categories and innovative ways to build apps, many start-ups have become very successful in the blink of an eye. So can yours with a little help.
Furthermore, it is essential to point out that mobile apps help us enhance our smartphones’ usage. It is also improving our user experience for many devices like smartwatches and virtual assistant devices. The industry is forever expanding, and it is only in its infancy still. To wonder what the future holds and be a part of it feels like embarking on a crazy adventure.
At Idea Usher, we provide several services that have, as of yet, helped several brands make a place in this industry. Our services are efficient and priced reasonably, so if you’re looking for a team to help you make own app, let’s talk!
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to understand how to make an app.
1. How much does it cost to build an app?
As per the survey conducted by Clutch, the high median cost to build an app is $171 450.
2. Can I make an app of my own?
You will need to handle the responsibilities of internal design and development to create your app.
3. What do you need to make an app?
First, you need an idea to make an app. You will need a developer and designer to create it. Or, you can hire an app development agency such as Idea Usher.
4. How long does it take to create an app?
It can take anywhere between three to nine months to build an app, based on its function and structure.