What are the most common reasons for missed deadlines in mobile device development?

1 Platform diversity

One of the main reasons for missed deadlines in mobile device development is the diversity of platforms and devices that the products have to support. Mobile developers have to deal with different operating systems, screen sizes, hardware specifications, and user preferences that can impact the design, functionality, and performance of their apps. To cope with this challenge, mobile developers need to plan ahead, test extensively, and use cross-platform tools and frameworks that can simplify the development process and ensure compatibility.

2 Changing requirements

Another reason for missed deadlines in mobile device development is the changing requirements from clients, users, or stakeholders. Mobile development is often driven by user feedback, market trends, and business goals that can change rapidly and unpredictably. Mobile developers have to be flexible and agile to accommodate these changes and deliver the best possible solutions. However, this can also lead to scope creep, feature creep, or rework that can delay the project and increase the cost. To prevent this, mobile developers need to communicate clearly, manage expectations, and prioritize the most important and valuable features.

3 Technical issues

A third reason for missed deadlines in mobile device development is the technical issues that can arise during the development, testing, or deployment stages. Mobile development involves complex and interdependent technologies, such as programming languages, libraries, frameworks, APIs, databases, servers, and networks that can malfunction, break, or become obsolete. Mobile developers have to deal with bugs, errors, crashes, security breaches, performance issues, and compatibility problems that can affect the quality and functionality of their apps. To solve this, mobile developers need to follow best practices, use reliable tools, implement error handling, and perform regular backups and updates.

4 Team collaboration

A fourth reason for missed deadlines in mobile device development is the team collaboration that is essential for the success of the project. Mobile development often requires the involvement of multiple roles, such as designers, developers, testers, project managers, clients, and users that have to work together and coordinate their efforts. Mobile developers have to communicate effectively, share information, provide feedback, and resolve conflicts that can arise during the project. To facilitate this, mobile developers need to use collaboration tools, such as project management software, version control systems, chat applications, and video conferencing platforms that can streamline the workflow and improve the productivity.

5 External factors

A fifth reason for missed deadlines in mobile device development is the external factors that are beyond the control of the developers. Mobile development is influenced by various factors, such as market demand, user behavior, competitor actions, regulatory changes, legal issues, and natural disasters that can affect the feasibility, profitability, and viability of the project. Mobile developers have to anticipate, monitor, and adapt to these factors and adjust their strategies and plans accordingly. To mitigate this, mobile developers need to conduct market research, user testing, competitor analysis, risk assessment, and contingency planning that can help them cope with the uncertainties and changes.

6 Time management

A sixth reason for missed deadlines in mobile device development is the time management that is crucial for the completion of the project. Mobile development is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process that requires careful planning, estimation, scheduling, and tracking of the tasks and resources. Mobile developers have to balance the quality, scope, and cost of the project and deliver the results within the agreed timeframe. To achieve this, mobile developers need to set realistic and SMART goals, break down the project into manageable chunks, prioritize the tasks, delegate the work, and monitor the progress and performance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?