How to create a mobile app when resources are limited

First, let's identify the types of limitations you might be facing. Are you constrained by budget, time, personnel, their expertise, or technical capabilities? Depending on your specific situation, your approach will vary.

While there's plenty to discuss regarding MVPs and related concepts, I've covered those in detail in another article.?

In this article, I want to spotlight alternative strategies that I guarantee will help you navigate tight constraints. It's all about making strategic decisions, so I won't delve deeply into technical details. Instead, I'll provide you with practical options.

Choose Target Platforms

Once you've decided to build an app, the next step is choosing which platforms to target.?

It's crucial to assess whether your target audience truly needs access on all platforms from the get-go. Sometimes, it makes more sense to start with a single platform to validate your idea and gather user feedback.

While the gold standard is an omnichannel experience – where users can seamlessly switch between devices throughout their day – this isn't always feasible with limited resources. A user might start their day with your app on their mobile device during their commute, switch to a desktop at work, and then relax with a smart TV or tablet in the evening.

Starting with one specific platform allows you to focus your resources and ensure a polished product, giving you valuable insights and a foundation to expand upon later.

Choose Optimal Tech Approach (Native Apps, Cross-Platform, PWA, or No-Code)

When building a mobile app with limited resources, choosing the right tech approach is a must-do. The options to consider are (from the most resource-efficient to the least recommended):

Cross-Platform Development

Using frameworks like React Native, Xamarin, or Flutter, you can create apps for multiple platforms with a single codebase. This approach saves time and money while still delivering a near-native experience, though it may sacrifice some native performance and features. Here’s an example of a cross platform app on React Native we developed at @Voypost.?

No-Code/Low-Code

This method allows you to create apps without extensive coding, using drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components. It's cost-effective and quick, but may have limitations in customization and scalability. At @Voypost, we prefer @Bubble development. While there are many other options like Glide, Adalo, Builder, etc.

Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

PWAs combine the best of web and native apps, offering an app-like experience without the need for installation. They work offline, are indexed by search engines, and adapt to various devices, making them a versatile and cost-effective option.

Native Apps

Developing apps specifically for iOS or Android ensures the best performance and user experience, but it's expensive and time-consuming, requiring a team with diverse technical skills.

MVP + Early Monetization Strategy to Fulfill Resources

When resources are limited, developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) combined with early monetization is essential. Early monetization helps generate income quickly, providing the necessary funds to sustain and expand your project. By planning your revenue model before development, you ensure the app's design supports your monetization strategy, avoiding costly adjustments later.

Early monetization allows you to start making money as soon as your MVP launches. This approach not only validates your app idea but also provides a steady stream of resources to further develop and enhance your app, setting the stage for long-term success.

Analyze your competitors to understand which monetization models work in your market. Some basic strategies are:??

• In-app purchases
• Ad revenue
• Sponsorships
• Crowdfunding
• Freemium models
• Traditional paid ads?

Of course, MVP Itself

Developing an MVP is a common practice in app development, allowing startups and businesses to validate their ideas with minimal resources and maximum efficiency. The concept revolves around launching a product with essential features that address core user needs.?

Starting with a basic MVP also mitigates the risk of investing heavily in unproven ideas. It enables businesses to test the market viability of their app concept while conserving resources for further development phases.?

This iterative approach in MVP not only helps in refining the product but also enhances its chances of success by ensuring it meets user expectations and solves their pain points effectively.

Wireframing Your App

Wireframing plays an important role when creating a mobile app with limited resources. It serves as a visual blueprint, outlining the skeletal framework and providing a clear "look and feel" of the app. This visual guide not only helps you conceptualize the app but also facilitates communication with your development team, ensuring everyone is aligned on the project's direction from the outset.

Clickable Prototype

Clickable prototypes offer a tangible preview of your future app's look and feel. Unlike static wireframes, clickable prototypes simulate the actual user experience, allowing stakeholders to interact with the interface and navigate through different screens.?

Clickable prototypes don't require functional code but provide invaluable insights into the user flow and interface usability.?

I highly recommend incorporating this step into your development process. Tools like InVision, or even good old Figma simplifies the process of turning static designs into interactive prototypes. By linking screens together and testing the prototype on various devices, you can identify usability issues early on and refine the app's design before moving into full development.

Prebuilt Libraries & Components

Using prebuilt libraries and components offers several key benefits in mobile app development.?

1 –?They accelerate the development process by providing ready-made solutions for common functionalities such as UI elements, navigation patterns, and data handling. This saves developers from reinventing the wheel and allows them to focus more on implementing unique features and improving overall app functionality.

2 – Prebuilt libraries and components enhance consistency and usability across the app. Frameworks like Material UI ensure a cohesive design language and user experience, which is essential for maintaining a professional and user-friendly interface. Moreover, these libraries often come with built-in optimizations and best practices, helping developers adhere to industry standards and deliver high-quality apps efficiently.

In essence, integrating prebuilt libraries and components not only speeds up development but also enhances the app's performance, user interface, and overall development efficiency.?

Development Options: Outsource, Hire Internal Team, Develop Yourself

Outsourcing

Outsourcing offers flexibility by providing access to specialized skills without the need for long-term commitments, often resulting in faster project timelines and reduced initial costs. It allows you to tap into a global talent pool and diverse solutions. However, it comes with challenges such as communication difficulties and cultural differences, potential quality control and IP protection concerns, and a dependency on external partners for ongoing support and adaptability.

Hiring an Internal Team

Hiring an internal team provides a dedicated focus and alignment with organizational goals, ensuring control over your app. It promotes collaboration and seamless integration with other departments. However, it involves high upfront and ongoing costs for recruitment, salaries, and benefits. Additionally, it can be time-consuming to build a team with the right skills, and you'll bear the responsibility for training, retention, and staying current with technology trends.?

Developing Yourself

Yes, you read it right. You can develop the app yourself, even if you’re not a developer.?

No-code platforms with drag-and-drop features make this possible, allowing you to take full control of the development process. This approach can lead to a deep understanding of your app's architecture and functionalities, potentially saving costs in the long run by building internal expertise. However, be prepared to invest significant time into learning these tools and technologies. This method can result in longer development timelines if your skills are lacking, and it might divert your focus from core business activities, limiting scalability.

Minimize Data Usage

From the standpoint of limited resources, minimizing data usage in mobile apps is not just about improving user experience but also about optimizing costs associated with data transmission and API calls. Techniques such as data compression and caching help reduce the amount of data transferred over networks, potentially lowering expenses related to data plans and server bandwidth.?

Pitching investors or internal executives

Often overlooked but effective, seeking investment from investors or gaining support from internal executives is crucial when resources are limited in app development. Pitching your app for funding provides a straightforward way to boost your budget and accelerate its progress.

Once your app's strategy, design, and resource needs are clear, you can confidently approach investors or decision-makers. Focus on clearly explaining your app's unique value, demonstrating market demand, and showing potential for growth. Highlight your team's strengths, any traction you've gained in the market, and your plan for execution.

Securing financial backing and strategic guidance from investors or executives can significantly enhance your app's chances of success. They can help navigate the final stages of development and prepare for a successful launch, ensuring your app is well-positioned in the competitive marketplace.

?? Bonus tip. Always plan for scalability. Even if you begin with an MVP, anticipating how your app will grow helps prevent inefficiencies and delays. Architecting your app with scalability in mind ensures it can handle increased user demand and future updates smoothly, optimizing its performance and sustainability as it evolves.

Final Words

If you've made it this far, you've covered a lot about developing your mobile app with limited resources. Congrats!

I do hope you've picked up some useful tips on building your app from scratch.?

Do you think there's anything I missed or if you have questions about any part of the process? Feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to hear about the apps you're working on and help out however I can :)