Let's say you've decided to design an app and have found an app design company or a freelance app designer, and you've started the design and development process. Your relationship might start well, but communication might break down along the way, progress might stall, or you might face challenging situations.
Your interaction with an app design company or a freelance app designer is no different from working with a contractor, vendor, or third-party retailer. You need to stay informed about the progress, be treated fairly, and the work should be completed on time and to the required quality. However, because most people have less experience in app development, their expectations often change.
If you experience one (or all) of these 10 warning signs, it might be time to reconsider your choice of app developer or design company.
1- No Process Exists
When working with an app developer, you should have a clear process outlining the workflow and communication. This initial planning phase should include strategy, UX, and visual design to ensure everyone agrees on the functionality and look of the final product. Failing to do so is like trying to build a house without a blueprint or decorating a living room without discussing your preferred style.
It's unlikely your app will succeed in app stores without careful planning. To create a quality product, you should create a checklist of your resources and limitations and use it throughout the process.
2- No Regular Communication
You should have regular and meaningful communication with your app developer. At the beginning of the working relationship, interactions should be almost daily. As mentioned in the process section, at this time your app design team should be familiar with all aspects of the application, and all strategies, roadmaps, features and capabilities of the application should be reviewed.
This extensive communication will decrease after the plan and design phases are established. Communication should remain regular. It's best to have weekly meetings during the project's execution. If your developer is unwilling to do this, you'll likely get an app that's nothing like what you expected.
3- No Follow-Up on Requested Actions
Regular communication is only part of what you expect from your app developer. Each time you communicate, you should receive meeting minutes documenting all conversations and important points. These documents ensure everyone agrees on what was discussed and decided. A specific date should also be set for the next step, clearly outlining what needs to be done by you or your app developer.
4- No Request for Your Feedback
Your developer might be an app design expert, but that doesn't mean your input isn't valuable. The philosophy is that you're an expert in your industry and know your target audience. This knowledge, combined with the app designer's experience, will lead to a successful product.
During the process, expect your app developer to regularly ask for your input on how different parts of the app function. Considering the money you're spending, you certainly want feedback. This is similar to buying a car. Although you don't know exactly how the engine works, you can choose the engine type, the color, and other details.
5- No Evidence of Progress
Getting feedback, maintaining communication, and defining processes are great, but if you've never seen your app, it's because there's been no progress. This depends on the project size, and in the first 2-4 weeks working with a developer, there may not be much visible progress. Usually, by the end of the first month, the developer can show at least a working prototype and demonstrate some features.
In the second month, you should have weekly builds you can install on your device and see the progress or completion of different features. Even after launching the first version of the app (v1.0), you should still see progress from the app developer in fixing bugs, adding features, and other updates.
6- No Attention to Defined Scope
Regularly receiving and installing app builds is important because it's the best way to ensure your expectations are being met. As mentioned before, strategic planning at the beginning is essential to define expectations and outline the design and development process. You can refer to your strategy and planning documents to make sure the app is being built according to the defined plans, and the developer is delivering what was specified.
Performance issues and slowdowns indicate fundamental problems. If you constantly receive reports of similar issues or find recurring problems, you may not have hired a good app developer.
7- No Commitment to Deadlines
App development should have a regular schedule specifying when different parts of the app can be completed, along with a project completion date. This is crucial for anyone trying to launch their app before an important event (e.g., a conference) or be the first to market with a new idea. On average, app design takes 4-6 months. During this time, various stages must be defined and completed.
You should receive documentation showing the progress according to the predicted schedule and deadlines. If deadlines aren't met, the project completion date is likely to be delayed. This can also increase your costs. Depending on the complexity, your app developer should be able to provide accurate dates throughout the process.
8- No Access to Intellectual Property
Your project's documentation, designs, or code are all intellectual property. Lack of access puts your relationship with the developer at risk. They could hold this as leverage to force additional payments or continued engagement even during disputes.
9- Unprofessional Behavior
Unprofessionalism isn't just about an app developer showing up to a meeting looking disheveled. It's when your app designer isn't prepared for meetings, doesn't take your app seriously, and generally treats you casually.
Attention to the points above reflects professional behavior.
10- Lack of Human Connection
Professionalism doesn't mean robotic behavior; you can have a personal connection with your app developer. This might involve shared interests, a common cultural understanding, or simply your liking the developer as a person. This type of connection can go a long way.
Final Note
If you decide to let go of your app developer, access to your app code might be compromised, dangerous viruses might be introduced, and it could become a legal dispute. If you stay, you might waste time and money. All of these risks are real, but the most damage is usually done by proceeding with a weak app developer.
