Different methods and frameworks
When developing apps, we use different approaches and frameworks depending on the requirements and goals of the project:
A native app is developed with specific programming languages for the various operating systems, such as Swift for iOS and Java for Android. This often provides better performance and user experience against higher development costs.
Hybrid apps are somewhat more cost-effective, but also somewhat more limited than native applications. These are based on HTML5 and wrapped in a native shell. The advantage of these is that they can be implemented more quickly on multiple platforms.
We also have “cross-platform” apps that are built for multiple operating systems simultaneously (e.g. iOS and Android), with technology such as React Native or Flutter. Building apps this way is more cost-effective than building hybrid apps and native apps, but has additional limitations.
Web Apps denotes software that runs on a web server and is accessible through a web browser, and is limited accordingly, but they are often cost-effective to build. These are often built with frameworks such as React, Next.js, Svelte or Vue.
Through many years of app development in various projects, we have seen how choosing the right process, framework and technology affects both the development process and the end result. We help our customers navigate these choices to ensure that the apps we create are efficient, scalable and attend to their business needs.
Parent process
The process of creating an app always begins with an idea or concept. The first step is to identify a need or solution for an existing problem, and then create a thorough plan and specification for the app that may include analysis of target audience and feature requirements.
Design and Prototyping
Insight work, design and prototyping are essential in many cases to be able to visualize and test the app's user experience before development, thus reducing financial risk in the project. We can design early prototypes in Figma that can be user tested and answer hypotheses before we've written a single line of code. It helps us understand the user's needs and what adjustments are needed to improve both design and functionality.
Development
During the development phase, it is important that we choose the right technology and architecture that can meet both the functional requirements of the project and long-term goals. We use modern frameworks such as React, Flutter or Swift depending on the app's needs and long-term goals.
To maintain quality throughout the process, we integrate continuous testing and deployment (CI/CD), ensuring rapid bug fixes and ongoing improvements. Automated and manual tests ensure that the app performs optimally across platforms and devices.
We place great emphasis on performance optimization to ensure fast response times, efficient resource use and a smooth user experience. Security is also a priority, with the implementation of data encryption and other security measures to protect both user privacy and application integrity.
Through a scalable technical architecture, we facilitate future expansions and integrations, so that the app can be easily adapted to new needs without major remodels or downtime.
Cost of App Development
The cost of developing an app can vary significantly depending on the complexity. The average cost is around 300,000 to 500,000 kroner. A very simple app with basic functions can cost around 100,000 kronor.
Developing an app requires both time and investment, and you often get what you pay for. It is important to create a product roadmap for the app to outline the development process. This helps to plan both costs and timeline in an efficient manner.
Apps of the future and “new” technology
The future of app development looks bright with many exciting new technologies on the horizon. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in app development, it helps us streamline the actual development effort, while also being the backdrop to powerful features in the products we build. Machine learning algorithms enable apps to learn from user behavior and improve functionality.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is driving the development of apps that connect and control smart devices, creating a more interconnected user experience.
Future app development will also focus on sustainability by leveraging technologies such as blockchain technology alongside AI and IoT to create effective digital solutions. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have the potential to enhance interactive user experiences in applications across different industries.
In general, there's a lot going on the tech landscape almost all the time. At Ur, we are committed to staying up to date and building expertise on new tools and solutions coming to market so that we can provide good, up-to-date proposals that can give our customers a competitive edge.