5 Lessons Learned from Developing a New App
In our previous post, we shared that two of our talented Sliders, Cat and Jeff Battson, created a new app. That app is Bee Ready, a remote learning alarm and bell schedule designed to help students stay on track with remote learning while parents work from home.
In part 2 of our webinar, Cat and Jeff share their lessons learned.
Five valuable lessons:
A Good Developer Matters: Cat and Jeff worked with their friend Erik, an experienced iOS developer. Erik not only had the necessary technical chops, but also the collaborative attitude to build cross-discipline rapport. That cooperation allowed the team to move quickly by prioritizing and making tough compromises.
Collaboration is King! The team met and collaborated on a weekly basis. As a result, they made quick calls that helped them meet a tight deadline. They accomplished a lot in a short amount of time by listening to each other and working toward a shared goal.
Efficient Tools Help: The team designed in Figma and tracked project status in Trello. Working in cloud-based workspaces like these reduced friction and create shared understanding throughout the development process.
The App Store Process Varies: Apple’s review process is famously opaque and laggy. Expect detours or slowdowns in the submission process. Stipulations and regulations will vary based on the industry of your app. For example, because Bee Ready serves children specifically, Apple applies more scrutiny to the review process.
App Store Optimization (ASO) is Huge: ASO is a collection of practices that determine app visibility and conversion rates. They can play a key role in determining the success of an app. A few examples include leveraging proper keywords and encouraging ratings and reviews.
The app development process is a fun, rewarding, and eye-opening experience when done well. Jeff and Cat mentioned they found great value in wearing the client hat for a change. It gave them a different perspective on the decision-making process, which will aid them in working with other business owners at Slide UX.
If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to reach out to us! And don’t forget to check out the Bee Ready app!