Top 5 Methodologies for Mobile App Development

Due to the many options available for app development, the app development process can seem overwhelming. Software development teams must organize their workflow and decide the development steps before they can get down to coding. This is easy when you choose one of the many software development methods.

Each methodology is based on different principles. They are therefore appropriate for different tasks. The right methodology will make it easier for software developers to work, and can have a positive effect on the performance of the solution on the market.

This article will discuss the best custom mobile application development services methods to achieve the desired result. Let’s get started.

How do you choose the right methodology for your project?

There are many software development methods available today. Even if you only consider the best software development methods, it can be difficult to find the right one for your particular software development project. There are many aspects to take into consideration before you choose one.

These are the main considerations when selecting an application development method.

1. If the scope of the project is extensive, it’s best to choose methodologies that allow you to break down the development process into multiple iterations, such as Agile, Scrum or Spiral. Kanban is a great option for small projects as it allows all processes to be visualized on one board.

2. Flexibility in the project – If the project resources have to be determined and there are no product changes, it is better to plan the development process beforehand. Waterfall is the best framework for this situation.
3. Time-to market – When time-to market is critical, then the best methodologies for building MVP will be used. Scrum, Agile and Lean are the best methods for this.
4. Quality of the product – When product quality is critical for the product (e.g. The Waterfall framework is a great choice if you are developing medical applications. However, the Spiral method is better if you are interested in being involved in the development process and closely overseeing it.

We hope you have gained complete clarity on how to find the best iOS and Android app developer services. We have listed a few of the most effective methods that you could consider. It’s worth a look:

Methodologies to be Followed

1. Scrum

Agile includes Scrum. Scrum’s core principles are optimization and division. Anything that can be broken down into smaller pieces should be divided. Developers should break down their work and distribute it among the team. Each piece should be done at a time. Scrum also stipulates that every member of the team must ask for feedback from customers to improve their process.

2. Eliminated ambiguities. Scrum is a simple framework. It is easy to follow the rules, artifacts and events. Scrum’s semi-prescriptive approach can remove ambiguities from the development process while still allowing for enough flexibility for teams. 
3. Efficient workflow. It is a great fit for large-scale projects because it breaks down complex tasks into manageable parts. Clear delineation of roles and schedules helps ensure transparency and shared responsibility in the development process. Customers are satisfied and keep the team motivated by quick releases.

2. Agile

Agile is a method that focuses on short cycles. This ensures risk minimization. The app development team will report the results to clients after each cycle is completed. If necessary, they may make any changes as requested by the customer. Although it takes several cycles to create a product that is fully functional, each iteration shows the part of functionality that can be modified and tested. Each cycle is completed by the development team, who summarizes the results and solicits feedback from clients to adjust the development plan.

1. You can make quick changes. It is simple and easy to make changes in the app because the development process is broken down into sprints. The Agile approach reduces the chance of serious bugs occurring when the project is nearing its final stage. 
2. Keep in touch with your client. Clients can request changes to the app at any stage. This is possible without interfering with the development process. Clients can always reach out to the developers for updates and information after each sprint has ended. 
3. Agile is a very popular method of software development. Learn more about Agile in our Ultimate Guide to Agile software development methodology. 
4. Planning should be more thorough. It can be challenging to plan the entire development process from the beginning. The Agile method allows you to break down the app development process and create a plan for each stage. You can save time and money by fixing bugs after each stage.

3. Kanban

Kanban encourages continuous delivery without putting too much burden on the development team. Kanban, like Scrum, is designed to improve the efficiency of application development teams. Kanban boards are used to visualize work items and give developers a clear view of the progress. Kanban is a process that helps improve operational efficiency and delivers high-quality results. Kanban allows project managers to quickly identify and resolve bottlenecks during the development process.

1. Increased efficiency. Kanban allows you to do more with the resources you already have. Visualizing the development process can quickly highlight inefficiencies. Once the team has identified the problem they can begin to address it. The Kanban board clearly shows bottlenecks, stalled projects, and excessive work in progress. 
2. Flexibility in planning. The development team is focused only on the current work. The team completes a task and starts a new one. As long as the client does not make any changes to the backlog, the client can change the priorities without affecting the team. The client must keep the most important tasks in the backlog. This will ensure that the development team can continue to deliver maximum value for the client. 
3. Less team burden. Traditional management methods rely on planning ahead and transferring the work to the app development team. This results in teams being overwhelmed by more work than they are capable of accomplishing. Kanban recommends the use of a pull system. 

4. Spiral Methodology

The Spiral model, which is complex for large projects with high risk estimations, is an effective methodology. This method is a combination of the iterative and waterfall frameworks. 

Each iteration has several steps, including planning, risk analysis and risk mitigation strategy elaboration. Engineering is also included. This allows the development team to create a product directly under the client’s supervision and meet the client’s expectations.

1. Risk management – Each iteration of development involves a risk assessment step. This allows the team to identify potential risks and create a plan for how to reduce them. 
2. Exact resource estimation – Because the product is built in small pieces, it’s possible to accurately estimate the cost of each. The client and team can define precisely the features that are required to develop the solution, and then add them in the current or later stages.

5. Waterfall

Waterfall values solid planning. This app development method is linear and sequential. Each project task is followed by the next.

Waterfall projects can be completed in one long cycle. The project managers are responsible for planning and executing the project according to the requirements specifications. Failure scenarios will force the development teams to go through all stages again, from design to execution.

1. It is easy to control and manage. Waterfall is simple to use because of the clarity of each stage. 
2. Clear structure. Waterfall is more focused than other methods on a clearly defined set of steps. The design is finalized in detail before any development begins. This makes everyone involved aware of the requirements and the expected outcome.
   
3. QA tests. The functional specification of the project already defines the test scenarios, making the testing process simpler and more transparent. If a bug is discovered during a stage, it can be fixed immediately and the problem is solved.

Last Words

There are many options available for mobile app development. You must understand the nature and scope of your app development project before you can choose the best methodology. If you consider the following: scope, time, risk, cost, quality, and change, there is always a solution.

Specialists are available to assist you if you need help deciding which method is best for your project. To discuss your idea for an app, don’t hesitate in contacting the best mobile app development company