How to make a great android app

Android phones have become an integral part of everybody’s life. From getting connected with friends to getting cab rides by just one tap on the screen, smart phones are making our life easier day by day. Android apps form the backbone of any smart phone. It is these innovative apps that make a smart phone so vital to us. But how does one make sure that their app stands out? With increasing number of resources, the number of android apps is also increasing. But how many of these are really successful? If you are planning to build your very own app, here are some tips on how to make a great android app.

1. Decide the purpose:

What is it that you want to accomplish with the app? The best app you can develop is an app which serves as a simple solution to a complicated problem. Your idea should be unique and well planned.

2. Research your competitors:

Know your competitors. Do a thorough research on the already existing apps similar to your app. Learn from their shortcomings and integrate the corresponding improvements in your app. Identify if the shortcomings are big enough for people to switch to your app, if yes then go ahead to next step.

3. Follow Google’s guidelines:

 Google provides developers with extensive resources, documents and guidelines on how to program your app. Go through the tutorials before you start developing an app.

4. Ensure Consistent Design:

Google emphasises a lot on the looks of an android app and hence it provides a set of design guidelines.  It’s not just Google which values great designs; normal users are more likely to stick to an app with great design.  A great android app should not only work well, but it should also look good.

5. Lighter is Better:

Users prefer to use apps which occupy less space and consume less data. Consider for example facebook lite vs. facebook app. Both the apps serve the same purpose but facebook lite not only occupies lesser space but also eliminates the need to install a messenger. Hence users  facebook lite.

6. Focus on the user experience:

Great design is not equal to great user experience. The success of your app depends not just on how polished it looks, but also on how happy your customers are with your product. Hence, you should pay more attention towards enhancing the user experience and making the app as user friendly as possible.

7. Regular updates and issue redressal:

Users love to get updates which resolve niggling issues with current version of Apps. Be responsive to user feedback and address them in new releases regularly. Another thing you have to be careful about is updating app to be compatible with new versions of Android. As older versions become outdated, so do the apps which are not compatible with the new androids. Smart developers keep adapting their apps to the changes. Hence, your app should always be a work in progress. Keep improving and updating the app.

Making a great android app, calls for a lot of hard work and dedication. But you will learn a lot in the process. Just never give up. All the best!