app development
05.06.2024
Have your app programmed: Save costs and time with typedigital
Karl Tsaltas
Marketing & Content Creation
Have an app programmed or develop it yourself? How long does it take to have an app developed? What are the costs? We provide answers to these questions.
<p>You are searching for professional app programmers or do you want to develop it yourself? How long does it take to have an app developed? What are the costs? As software agency typedigital GmbH, we develop apps for our customers from a wide range of industries, such as mechanical engineering, e-commerce or the education sector.</p>
<p>In this article, we would like to offer you valuable insights into the planning and realisation of an app project. This is because developing your own app can open up new business areas. This can open up new sales channels and opportunities to strengthen customer loyalty with your brand.</p>
<h2>The right planning saves time and money in app development</h2>
<p>In the first phase of your app project, your idea is refined and your goals, functions, usage and the market are analysed. Consultations help you to understand the cost differences and advantages of different app types. A workshop enables the definition of requirements and costs between €1,600 and €4,000, whereby the costs are often offset against the app development. The workshop is used to define the requirements and the scope of the project. This allows both parties to weigh up whether a long-term collaboration is desirable, as a mature concept at the beginning saves costs. Think about core functionalities, target groups, schedules and interfaces at an early stage to ensure smooth development processes.<img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/ca51fba8-4bf2-4afa-af30-548e577f537f?width=1440&height=1920" alt="Typedigital Zunder Foto 20230628 3"></p>
<p><span id="image-description" class="image-description"><em>In a workshop, we define the requirements and the framework of the project</em></span></p>
<h2>App technologies: A comparison of native apps, web apps, hybrid apps and progressive web apps</h2>
<p>The duration of app development depends heavily on the type of app, be it native, hybrid or progressive web apps or web apps.</p>
<p>Native apps offer the best performance and have full access to all device functions. However, this also means a higher development effort. Native apps are developed for either iOS or Android and are offered via the respective app stores. They can be free or chargeable.</p>
<p><img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/0d5149c7-e11f-4ac8-8b5c-90de2e980230?width=1440&height=1920" alt="Typedigital Zunder Foto 20230628 116"></p>
<p><span id="image-description" class="image-description"><em>Different app types fulfil different requirements</em></span></p>
<p>Web apps are applications that can be accessed via a web browser. Unlike native apps, they do not require installation and are platform-independent as they are executed via the internet. Web apps can be used on different devices and are not as complex to develop as native apps.</p>
<p>Hybrid apps can be an efficient solution for having your own app developed. Users often don't notice the difference between hybrid and native solutions. Hybrid apps are basically web applications that run in a native app environment. However, they can be somewhat inferior in terms of performance when it comes to more complex functions. We use special tools such as React Native and Expo to develop hybrid apps.</p>
<p>Progressive web apps, on the other hand, are apps that are accessed via the browser on the mobile device. They have all the advantages of native apps, but the difference is that they do not need to be installed first. They are therefore more convenient for users to access. They are also easier to develop and can be saved to the home screen from the browser.</p>
<p>Normally, the more platforms involved, the greater the development effort. As a rule, several developers work in parallel to cover all platforms. We specialise in developing apps that use specific frameworks to cover both operating systems, which saves time and costs. You can find out more details in our article: Hybrid vs native apps. When does which app type make sense?</p>
<h2>Faster results with the right team consisting of UX/UI</h2>
<p>designers and software developers<br>Regardless of the type of app, development involves different phases, including UX/UI design, backend and frontend development, testing and onboarding. Each of these phases requires time and care, which affects the overall duration.</p>
<p>The choice between experienced experts and developers who first need to familiarise themselves with app development is crucial. Relying on experienced UX/UI designers and software developers saves valuable time and costs.</p>
<p>For efficient completion of the development project, it is advisable to put together a team of different experts. At least one UI/UX designer and two developers should work on the app. However, a team of at least five people is ideal. Depending on the deadline and scope, even more developers may be required.</p>
<p><img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/aaf2741a-b465-4cc0-baa3-eb9e3584b043?width=1920&height=1280" alt="Typedigital Zunder Foto 20230628 174"></p>
<p><span id="image-description" class="image-description"><em>We at typedigital GmbH rely on an interdisciplinary team</em></span></p>
<p>Our interdisciplinary team consists of experienced product strategists, product owners, agile coaches, software architects, UX/UI designers and senior developers.</p>
<h2>App design: costs and benefits</h2>
<p>The costs for UI and UX design vary greatly, with customised designs costing between €2,000 and €25,000 on average. Using ready-made designs is cheaper, but requires customisation. An existing corporate design can reduce costs, but an attractive design is crucial for app success. Customers use apps more intensively if the user interface (UI) is appealing. Professional design is therefore advisable, with UI designers charging between €70 and €120 per hour and UX designers averaging €105 per hour. Agencies estimate daily rates of between €700 and €1,200.</p>
<p>The investment in user experience design (UX) varies depending on the budget and goal. The aim is to create a user-friendly user experience through well thought-out functionality, clever interaction design, visually appealing user interfaces and a meaningful content strategy. Close collaboration with the target group, even after the app has been published, is promising. App design requires more effort and costs than often expected.</p>
<h2>App programming: Costs</h2>
<p>The app programming phase is the crucial step that is the most intensive in terms of both time and cost. Prices vary greatly depending on the complexity and scope of your app. For simple and inexpensive apps, working with smaller agencies or freelancers can be considered, while more extensive projects often rely on specialised app agencies with experienced developers.</p>
<p>The costs for app programming can range from €20,000 and higher, with particularly extensive developments even reaching several hundred thousand euros, especially if many interfaces or high interactivity are required. To avoid financial and time-related mistakes, it is important to carefully select trustworthy providers that meet your requirements, use future-proof technologies and have a quality-orientated approach.</p>
<h2>App developers: The right method speeds up the launch</h2>
<p>Choosing the right team that relies on agile methods speeds up app programming considerably.</p>
<p><img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/6983ff3c-77a5-41f5-a191-7444ab44c190?width=1920&height=1280" alt="Typedigital Zunder Foto 20230628 158"></p>
<p><span id="image-description" class="image-description"><em>Agile methods such as Scrum accelerate the development process</em></span></p>
<p>Agile methods such as <a href="agile_management" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scrum</a> make it possible to react flexibly to unforeseen changes during development. Regular scrum meetings help to recognise problems at an early stage and remove obstacles. Scrum meetings also improve transparency and communication within the team and with customers, as the flow of information is constantly maintained. Agile methods can therefore lead to a clear competitive advantage.</p>
<h2>Duration of app development based on an example</h2>
<p>Since April 2022, we have been supporting the company Abimanufaktur GmbH in the development of smart software to digitalise and simplify the content creation and layout process for Abitur newspapers. With our digital solution, high school graduates can plan and design their Abitur newspaper individually and conveniently.</p>
<p>The software can be accessed both via PC and mobile devices. The project is a comprehensive end-to-end solution, which means that the customer came to us with an idea and we worked with them to realise it until we launched the product on the market. This service requires our entire team, consisting of designers, developers and project managers.</p>
<p>In total, we worked on this project for around 1,900 hours. The design took up around 10% of the work, while the development accounted for 70%. If you would like to find out more about this project, read the detailed <a href="casestudy-abimanufaktur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Abimanufaktur case study</a> at the link.</p>
<h2>How to avoid costs</h2>
<p>If you decide to have your own app programmed, you should choose the right partner. A key aspect is that they don't just work without a concept, but follow a strategic plan and show you the opportunities and risks as well as the necessary project phases in a transparent manner before the project begins.</p>
<p>Goals and metrics also play an important role in optimising your app. Digital products are never finished, but are constantly optimised as they progress. We have illustrated this process in our Product Flywheel. Important metrics include "learnability", "efficiency" and the "user error rate", which can help with optimisation.</p>
<p>In a further article, we explain in more detail when it is worth working with an external agency and how you can recognise when you have found the right agency for your project.</p>
<h2>typedigital GmbH are professional app developers</h2>
<p>We are an experienced software agency with an interdisciplinary team of experienced software developers and UX/UI designers. Our expertise and passion for innovative solutions is what sets us apart.</p>
<p>If you are looking for a reliable partner to realise your app idea, then we are the right choice. Contact us for a free initial consultation and we look forward to working with you to make your vision a reality!</p>
<p><img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/c138033d-6701-466c-a161-135d9e7fa55b?width=1440&height=1920" alt="Typedigital Zunder Foto 20230628 215"></p>
<p><span id="image-description" class="image-description"><em>With us, the founders of typedigital personally take care of your concerns</em></span></p>
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