If you know that your company, brand, or business needs a mobile app, the next step is to ensure that its functionalities are optimal and it meets the stated objectives. It's not just about developing the app, but getting the user or your potential client to download it and use it frequently.
Would you like to know the essential characteristics that a mobile application development company must meet, which allow you to achieve your business objectives? Stay and read this article, where we list everything you need to know so that the development of your app is successful.
10 Main Functionalities that a Mobile App Should Have
The strategy of a mobile application begins with the user experience (UX). As a priority, it must meet usage expectations, with a simple, fast, updated interface that generates security and trust.
1. Simple and Intuitive Interface
It is one of the most important aspects of development. The interface (in English User Interface – UI) is the means through which we communicate with the user and the way in which the user relates to the application. Whether it is for the purchase process, registration or whatever the functionality of the mobile application is, it must be simple, but attractive.
It is important to keep in mind that the design and usability of the app must adapt to all sizes and characteristics of mobile devices and tablets. If the handling of the application is complex or does not meet expectations, the likelihood that the user will abandon the app and not use it again will increase.
2. Process Response Time
The performance of an application is also a key point for the user. The loading speed of the app positively or negatively influences the user experience (UX) . For this reason, it is essential that the application takes full advantage of the resources offered by mobile technology. This will prevent the interface from suffering delays or unpleasant crashes.
It is essential to use local data storage, background processes, and georeferencing by rapid approximation, among other factors that will ensure that the user has a positive experience since if an app is too slow, the user will feel frustrated and will opt to abandon the process.
3. Constant Updating of the App
Updating a mobile app is a necessity. A business mobile application needs a continuous cycle of development and, therefore, periodic readjustments. The most common reasons for updating are to fix bugs, improve performance, improve the interface, and include new features and design optimization.
Whether for simple or complex error corrections or solving some bugs that appear sporadically. The updates are one of the improvements that the user will notice the most and that will increase the user experience (UX). This factor considerably reduces the abandonment rate of apps.
4. Adaptation to Operating Systems
If it is a public-oriented application, it is vital that it has a presence in at least two of the operating systems that dominate the market: iOS (Apple) and Android (Google). However, it should be noted that there are differences between operating systems, which affect the application development process.
Some of these differences in terms of programming are the language and the environment, in addition to some visual aspects and UI (user interface) patterns, such as the menu, lists, headers, and navigation buttons, among other aspects that must be taken into account, for the optimal development of mobile applications for each operating system.
5. Geolocation
Depending on the business model, geolocation can be a key aspect of achieving success. Through this functionality, not only can you obtain knowledge about the user and their habits, but if the business is local, it will be able to impact a target audience very effectively.
By knowing the location of each user who uses the app, there is a greater ability to provide personalized offers, based on their location and interests. Which exponentially increases the conversion rate.
6. Security and Data Protection
Offering protection and invulnerability is essential to ensure the proper execution of the application. It should provide a secure system for access, password reset, authentication, authorization, encryption, registration, and application security testing.
Application log files provide a time-stamped check, security testing is necessary to ensure that all checks are working correctly. Provide protection over the data and information provided by the user. The app must store and communicate data securely.
7. Analytics and Monitoring
Having a tracking system and usage statistics helps to know the user's real needs in order to adapt it to those needs and improve the app proactively.
Analytics is also vital to understand how the app works and obtain information about how users use it . This way you can make better decisions, identify the evolution of the app, and optimize its productivity.
Monitoring and analyzing usage statistics is important both for us developers and for the brand. The goal is to analyze performance and popularity.
8. App Offline Operation: Offline
Another important aspect when considering the use and functionality of a mobile application for your company or business is when the user has lost an Internet connection. This may make accessing the app's functionalities impossible. For this reason, it is interesting that the app includes offline operations.
This operation occurs through the synchronization of information, which is loaded when the app is connected to the Internet, and shows the user the last information that was loaded when their device loses the Internet connection, that is, it is not available. in real-time, but may allow access to certain functions.
The importance of developing applications with offline functionalities focuses on the satisfaction and loyalty of its users, since it provides a constant or available service at any time, achieving a differential value compared to the competition.
9. Integration
Business mobile applications are part of a technological strategy, that is, they are not limited to their individual operation. They can be integrated with other platforms that your business uses, such as a logistics platform, a reservation system, etc. This interoperability can be a feature highly valued by your users or clients and also beneficial for the operation of your business.
It is also good to consider integrating the app into the marketing and communication strategy. Ensuring the support of all the tools available to the client for the creation, implementation, communication, maintenance, and distribution of the application.
10. Personalization
An app to sell must have a series of designs and a structure that facilitates the incorporation of products or services in a personalized catalog. As well as the image, language, order form, and possibility of adding additional information, among other functionalities adapted to your business.
The development of the application must be flexible and adaptable to the corporate image of your business. Therefore, it is vital that the development is tailored to your needs.
Conclusions
A mobile app development company can be developed with the most modern technologies, but if its design is not user-oriented, it will be a total failure. Do not overload the interface, prioritize elements based on the central objectives, the size of the text and buttons, as well as adaptability are key. Your mobile application will not be a success if it cannot meet the needs of your customers.
