So you have already studied and read all that you can about mobile apps and how best to design them. You have a brilliant idea in your head which you would like to see formed. Before you start thinking about developing your app or hiring someone to help you develop it, you should at least know some of the most common pitfalls which people face so that your app can be as close to perfect as it can be.

Don’t start wireframes without a flowmap

A flowmap is a well thought-out user flow and it is something which must be accomplished before even designs and wireframes begin. A flowmap will help ensure that there is reason and logic to the navigation of the structure.

It is a must to pay attention to the key functional screens. By doing so a convoluted flow will be avoided.

Disregarding the developmental budget

In order to bring your designs to life, you need the help of a mobile app developer, if you are not one.  Designs can take a few hours to create or a few days, depending on how complicated it is. Functionality should always dictate the design and not the other way around. Focus on what is needed to make the mobile app user friendly as this will help keep costs to a minimum.

Avoid using intro animations gratuitously

Animated intros can be fun to look at but if it is not important for the mobile app, do away with it. Not only will these animations be costly, they might also prevent the user from accessing the intro immediately.  If you don’t have any choice but to use intro animations, they must be quick and appealing enough so that the user does not get upset that they are being made to wait.

Leaving users hanging

One of the most common mistakes which mobile app designers and developers commit is leaving their users hanging.  Leaving the user out of the loop leads to poor experience and if the user has poor experience, he or she is less likely to pay to get the premium version of your app. Avoid blank screens while the app is still loading content. You should have indications or animations to give the user a heads up that the app is working but is still loading.

Assuming everyone will use the app the same way you do

Testing is a must before you roll our your app to the general public. It is best to organize a closed beta to a small group of people so that you can get their feedback and make the necessary changes before you launch the app. Get your test group from the same audience who you will be selling or releasing the app to.

Blindly copying from other operating systems

Conversions from one mobile platform to another, which is not properly done can lead to confusion and frustration. Every mobile’s operating system has its own style so you have to make sure that your app looks like it belongs to the platform. Moreover, you should start your app by focusing only on one OS.

There are various ways and means to create the best app or the next big thing in the mobile app world. Everyone wants to know how to create an app that is engaging, something that will ensure immediate success. There are several books and tutorials out there ready to guide interested individuals what to do. However, one important lesson which everyone must learn is that the learning process is incomplete without knowing the most common pitfalls to avoid. Here are the common mistakes to avoid when developing a mobile app:

Having too many features

One of the most common mistakes developers commit is putting too many features on their mobile app.  As a developer, it is essential that you understand what your app is supposed to do and what are its unique functions that can help serve your users. Your app should aim to meet the immediate needs of the user. Focus on your target audience and ask yourself what they need and how your app can meet these needs.

User experience is of utmost importance. Anything that the user will find difficult to use will not sell and this means wasted time and effort on your part.  Your app should use features which will work best on particular mobile devices.

Creating complicated UI

The UI or user interface should be intuitive and easy to operate. The users should be able to learn to use your app quickly. It needs to be simple and well-laid-out. It is a must to understand that the average user is not technologically advance. As a matter of fact, they are not geeks. So UIs which are difficult to understand will never be received well by an audience.

Although there have been apps which were complicated and successful at the same time, it is still best to be simple. If you want to go the difficult and complicated route, you should include a how-to section in your app.

Adding on too many platforms

One temptation, which must be resisted, especially during the early stages, is to immediately start developing for too many apps, all at once.  This will raise your costs exponentially and it is also counter-productive, as it runs the risk of reducing the chances of your app’s success in the marketplace.

Plan out your strategies in advance. Do you want to develop the app for iOS devices first? Or do you want to prioritize Android devices? Research the mobile platforms in the market today so you can make a sound decision as to which mobile platform to choose. Be realistic about your plans so you can achieve your goals.

Releasing a pilot version of your app will give you a good idea of what people like and hate about your app then you will be able to make the necessary changes which your audience will absolutely love.

By knowing the most common mistakes in mobile app development, you will be able to avoid them and ensure the success of your mobile app.