App development projects are always complex in nature. There are many tasks that need to be completed correctly before an idea for an app is fully materialized into a working solution. Failure to complete any of these tasks could lead to failure of the entire project.
Good project management is the key to having a successful app development project. Here is a list of top six app development project management tips app developers can use.
1. Create a Map of the Project
Understanding the details is an important step to take when starting any kind of project, including an app development project. You need to know the kind of app you want to develop, the features it needs to offer, and the objectives you want to achieve through the development of the app.
With these details in mind, create a clear map of the project. The project’s objectives and main idea of the app are its foundations. You then need to define the development stages and timeframe of each stage, the deliverables for every stage, and other specific tasks associated with the development of the app.
The map of the project is your primary guideline. This will help you visualize the project to allow for better project management.
2. Track Tasks
There are many ways to manage an app development project. Many developers (or teams of developers) use sprints. Others prefer a waterfall approach. In recent years, the Kanban method has become more popular.
Using an online Kanban board makes keeping track of the tasks in hand and the progress for each task a lot easier. The Kanban board helps you to visualize the project too so you can see the bigger picture while keeping tight control of smaller tasks.
To make it even better, the best Kanban board online tools allow you to maintain a detailed history of completed tasks. Knowing how far you are in the development project and doing regular evaluations is easier when you incorporate this method into your project management strategy.
3. Listen To Other People’s Input
It is almost impossible to develop a complete app – a good one, at least – without input from others. As the IT industry matures, we are seeing more specialists getting involved in app development projects and fewer full-stack developers filling generic roles.
When designing the app’s user experience, for example, you get better results when working with an expert in UX design. The same can be said for other parts of the project. It is important that you listen to the input from the experts or specialists you’re working with to ensure the success of your development project.
The primary role of a project manager is filtering the different inputs and deciding which information to incorporate into the project. Not all input is suitable for the project and the objectives it needs to achieve. By maintaining a healthy collaborative environment, you can achieve that balance between great insights and keeping the project on track.
3. Document Everything
Here’s another challenge you may face while working with developers and technical people: documenting details about the project. Many app development projects were started without a written project guideline. Most don’t even have notes or documentation in their codes, making it impossible for new developers to jump right in without spending time getting to know the project themselves.
Good documentation actually makes everything easier. When there is an issue with the app, anyone in the team can troubleshoot the issue; the lack of dependency on one developer ensures the smooth progress of the project. At the same time, good documentation also helps with future projects based on the current one.
4. Go for the Latest
Forget about making the app compatible with the oldest version of an operating system still in use. Your goal must always be to make the app compatible with the newest one. This approach works for both iOS and Android.
Many developers still set their Android API all the way back to Android 2.3. While this may seem like a good idea at first, you will end up with compatibility issues and difficulties trying to complete the project. Focusing on the latest OS available allows developers to work backward to a certain degree – and save a lot of time in the process.
5. Do Extensive Testing
No testing is ever extensive enough, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t push the testing process as far as possible. Test with as many devices as you can, try different types of users, and test specific aspects of the apps in greater detail to be extra certain there will be no disruption to the user experience.
Combined, these six expert tips on better app development project management will help you start, run, and conclude your own project more effectively.
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