The mobile app market is currently booming, and this is definitely the best time to get involved in this sector and create new applications. A few years ago, building an app meant learning complex programming languages and building everything from scratch. With the advancement of mobile application technology, new tools have emerged over time that allow anyone to create a fully functional app in just a few minutes. Read the first step of this article for more information.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Designing an App
Step 1. Determine the functionality of the app
A good application focuses on a single sector and deals with it well at 360 °. Determine the needs the app will need to meet - this will help you understand what kind of audience it will target and also what features it will need to include.
- For example, if you are building an app for your business, determine which aspects of your business the app in question should consider. You may want to allow the user to quickly contact technical support, or allow them to locate the nearest office for your company.
- If your app becomes too complicated, there is a risk that whatever application builder you choose is not powerful enough to handle its functions. More complex apps usually require custom coding and art design.
Step 2. Create drafts
The design and usability of apps change quickly over the years. Take some time to create initial drafts for each screen in the app. Use arrows to show how each screen moves to the next.
- The drafts do not need to be detailed; in any case, they should include all the information you wish to include on each screen.
- Try to keep a consistent design when building the app. Similar items should generally be placed in the same position on each screen. This will help provide the user with a sense of naturalness in using.
Step 3. Look at other similar apps
Browse the Google Play Store and look for apps that are similar to what you are trying to accomplish. Try them out and try to understand the pros and cons of the various functions. Don't be afraid to copy the best ideas and elements of the apps you find.
Part 2 of 4: Choosing the Software
Step 1. Read up on the software available
A large variety of app creation tools are available; some are free while others are paid. Most free programs have very limited publishing options, or they may force you to include advertisements (from which you will not receive any profit). If you buy a program, you are more likely to be able to publish the app yourself and monetize it the way you want. Some of the more popular tools for building Android apps include:
- Appery.
- Mobile Roadie.
- The App Builder.
- Appy Pie.
- MIT App Inventor.
- AppMakr.
Step 2. Learn about the services offered by each program
Most app creation programs let you learn about the features available via an online tour, giving you an overview of how the program works. This can be very helpful in figuring out if the app will be able to meet your needs.
During the online tour, make sure the software is powerful enough to create the app you want to make. Most app building programs come with a collection of pre-made functions that you can put together to develop an organized and coherent app
Step 3. Try different programs
Many of the programs listed above have free and trial versions. Use them to get an idea of each type of software, and identify the one that best meets the requirements you are looking for.
Part 3 of 4: Creating the App
Step 1. Log in to the program of your choice
Most app builders will require you to create an account and log in before proceeding with work. You may need to download a special software or, alternatively, you will have the possibility to create the apps entirely online.
Step 2. Start a new project
Once you have accessed the creation tools, or have downloaded the necessary software, you will need to start a new project. The process varies from program to program, but it generally involves providing a name and description for the app.
Step 3. Choose a theme
Most application development programs will ask you to set up a basic theme and color range before you start building the app. You will be able to change these options later, while creating the application.
The program may provide you with the ability to add your own images as a screen background. Images should be 1024 x 768 pixels in size
Step 4. Add functions or activities to your app
Most app creation programs allow you to add "pre-made" functions to the application you want to make. The combination of these features and how they are linked together will help set your application apart. It comes with a variety of different features that include calendars, photo galleries, podcasts, Facebook integrations, audio players, and more.
- Generally, each of these functions will have its own screen on the app.
- As you add features, you can customize each screen with text and content of your choice. For example, if you add an RSS feed feature, you can connect to your blog feed and automatically populate the app with the most recent posts.
Step 5. Adapt the layout of each screen
After adding some functions to the app, organize the layout of each screen so that the overall appearance of the application is consistent. The title bars should all be in the same position and the content appear neatly aligned on the screen.
Different programs for creating apps will give you different levels of control over the layout of the project. Some apps allow you to add only fully pre-made functions, while others allow you to drag and reorder each item on the screen
Step 6. Assign icons to your functions
You will have the opportunity to assign icons to each app function. Many application builders come with a library of icons to choose from, or you can design and upload your own icons. Well done icons will help make your creation unique and contribute positively to the overall impression given by your app.
Part 4 of 4: Test and Distribute the App
Step 1. Build the application
Once the features and content are added, you can build the app so it can run on your Android device. The process will vary based on the program used. If you are using an online program, it may take a few minutes while the servers create the app.
- Generally an APK file is provided which can be downloaded to your device. You will need to set up your device to allow installing from unknown sources. You can do this from the security menu.
- Some programs will email a link to your app, allowing you to launch it from your mobile device.
Step 2. Test the application
Once the app is installed on your device, test it to make sure it works properly. Send the APK file to some friends and family so they can help you through this process. You are more likely to be able to identify bugs and other problems if more people are monitoring the application.
During this stage, try to do things that the app can't do. This will help you discover ways that users might accidentally compromise your application
Step 3. Correct any errors
After testing the app, fix any errors found or anything that doesn't work as it should. Your app should first and foremost be easy to navigate, so make sure the steps from one function to another flow smoothly.
Step 4. Publish the application
Your publishing options largely depend on the program package you requested earlier. If you've chosen a free service, your app will likely include advertisements and may only be available in that company's app store. Paid options allow you to post directly to the Google Play Store and may include promotions and marketing operations.
- Consider distributing a free version with limited ads and features, and an ad-free paid version with all features fully available. This is one of the most common ways to monetize a mobile application.
- Make sure your app has a good description and appropriate tags. The tags will help users find your application through the different search functions: they are therefore essential to the success of your app.
Advice
- You can have a custom application where you can combine all your favorite links, contacts and photos into one section. This option is also suitable for families, as it provides a space for family members only to share discussions, photos and "click-to-call" directories, without sharing them with hundreds of people on Facebook.
- The best way to test an app is to use it in daily life. Using your app you can easily identify problems and defects.
