The Fastest Way to Develop Web, Cloud & SaaS Apps.
The Fastest Way to Develop Web, Cloud & SaaS Apps.
Working at a development agency for over 10 years, and 40 apps, I’ve learned a thing or two that speeds up online app development.
For over ten years I’ve designed, developed and deployed Cloud, SaaS & Web apps.
They are all web apps, with cloud apps deployed to AWS, Azure or Google Cloud Platform. And SaaS apps providing services to clients outside the app-owning company. But they’re all the same beast - an application that runs on a server, that the client accesses via a browser.
These apps pose a challenge in that we don’t control the user’s browser. Yet we want all the users to have a similar experience. And that’s why I start with UX design. I want to REDUCE the total number of screen, and controls so that the app works on the small screen - first. Prototyping the small screen first, makes the large screen layouts are much simpler to design.
Next, I often skip the wireframe, and move directly to prototyping. As a UX developer/designer, I’ve seen how prototypes generate more usable feedback than wireframes. And really, prototyping is so simple to do today. Figma, JustInMind, Axure, and other wireframe tools all have built-in prototyping. Get the users something to interact with as soon as possible - it really saves time.
Normally I’m hired to design the UX/UI, then develop the application. And some tools are faster than others. I program in the language that is the simplest for the project, but no simpler. CSS/HTML apps are sometimes just fine if there is a minimal backend, or none at all.
Python or versions of JavaScript (React/Angular/Vue/Nuxt/Gridsome/Preact/Gatsby/Next /Next.js) are great. But I also like Xojo for its speed of development. It compiles super secure web apps deployed to LightSail (AWS) for fast prototyping.
These specialty languages (like Flutter, Xojo, ReactStudio, etc.) can often be coded faster with less debugging. And that means faster deployment and updates. What often slows down a project is the DevOps / Product management cycle of overly complicated frameworks. Low-code frameworks speed development, although their adoption is still limited.
Sometimes you need a more capable framework, and low-code won’t cut it. In that case, use it.
One thing that speeds up deployment is managing the project until the client is ready to take on that responsibility. To help the client, I often choose the simplest deployment like AWS LightSail over EC2. It’s much simpler for the client’s staff to transition to owning the product.
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So there you have my three tips:
Eric
RECRUITERS
So you’re looking for a contractor ... Looking for someone who’s developed over 40 client projects?
I started as a developer writing data visualization software for corporations like ProQuest, UnitedHealth and the Ford Motor Company.
Over time, I became a UX & product designer. For the last 13 years I’ve worked at a small agency where I do it all. From design, to development, product management and mentoring juniors.
Clients include: Walmart, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, and many medium-sized businesses.
Typically, I’m best hired for a new application, or an app that needs a rewrite. And I will produce a sample page (one only) for your developers to test my code before hire.
Contact me for rate info.