If you want to build a new web application, you will likely need to hire a software development team. With so many vendors competing for your business, choosing the right team can be challenging.
To make this choice easier, familiarize yourself with the web application development process. Understand the steps, methods, and industry best practices involved. This knowledge will help you identify which vendor can deliver on their promises.
What is Web App Development?
Web app development is the process of creating application programs that are stored on a server and delivered to users via a web browser through an active internet connection. Since web apps are accessed online, users do not need to download or store them on their devices, whether it’s a desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
Web apps serve different purposes and can vary in complexity. They can be as simple as a static, one-page online form or as complex as the full Microsoft 365 Office Suite, which includes feature-rich, cloud-based versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher.
The web application development process involves several steps, and the amount of work at each step depends on the project scope. Your vision, budget, timeline, staffing, and technological requirements will also affect the process. Generally, the steps include:
- Information gathering
- Planning and blueprints
- Web application design
- Coding and programming
- Copywriting and labeling
- Testing, reviewing, and launching
- Post-launch maintenance and updates
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Web Application Development Process
Information Gathering
In your first meeting with the software development team, they will learn about your business, its operations, and your objectives. They will listen to your ideas, challenges, target audience, and goals for the web app. The team will then guide you through the decision-making process and help choose the best technology for your needs.
You may be asked to provide a written breakdown of your requirements. This allows the team to thoroughly assess your project and technological needs, ensuring they can build an intuitive, well-designed, and flawlessly programmed web app.
Pitfalls to Avoid
A common mistake in the information gathering stage is misunderstanding your target audience and their needs. Every aspect of your web app, from the menu layout to the call-to-actions, should address your users’ demands and pain points. Make sure the development team understands your target audience and knows how to enhance the user experience through design choices.
Questions to Ask
- “Have you worked on developing web apps for users similar to this before?”
- “What technology stack will be required to create this web app?”
- “Can you provide a fixed timeline and quote upfront?”
Team Formation, Sketches, and Existing Code Review
A dedicated team manager will oversee your project. They will select the most skilled and suitable team members and oversee every step, from planning and designing to programming and post-launch support. They will keep you updated with progress reports and share your feedback with the development team.
Once the team is in place, a UI/UX designer may create wireframe sketches. These basic diagrams, without creative elements like color or graphics, represent the web app layout in its simplest form. These sketches help you understand the final layout before the design work begins.
If your organization has any existing codebases, the development team will review them to ensure a clean start and eliminate any bugs or inconsistencies that could affect the web app’s quality.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Your input is crucial at this stage, as it will shape the look and feel of your web app. Have a clear vision of what you want and the user experience you aim to provide. If your input is vague or indecisive, it will be harder for the team to meet your project goals. Be clear and specific, and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. The team will assist you in making the right choices.
Questions to Ask
- “How many design sketches will you show me?”
- “Will these sketches consider cross-device compatibility?”
- “How many revisions can I request?”
- “Will these sketches allow for increased scalability (e.g., new features, options, services)?”
Web Application Design
The next step is to refine the design and interactive elements of your web app. The designer will create various mockups based on the agreed sketches, each with unique color schemes, fonts, graphics, buttons, and transitions. You can review each submission, choose your favorite, and provide feedback until you are happy with the final look and feel of the web app.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Whether you have a clear design vision or are unsure which direction to take, it’s crucial to communicate with your designer. They will listen to your ideas and help you make tough creative choices. Your designer will also help you understand the type of web app you want to build, the right style choices for your target audience, and the technological requirements. This ensures you know why your design choices will work.
Questions to Ask
- “Can you implement my existing brand or style guide into the web app?”
- “How will your choice of color take into account the user experience?”
- “How will you ensure the web app is both visually appealing and well-performing?”
Coding and Programming
Once the visual design of the web app is finalized, the next step is to make it functional by programming both the front-end and back-end aspects.
Front-end development involves using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the parts of the web app that users interact with. On the other hand, back-end development focuses on server-side software, including databases, logic, APIs, and overall architecture.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) may also be implemented to improve the web app’s visibility on search engines like Google.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Depending on the project scope, the coding and programming stage may take several weeks. Throughout this phase, you should receive regular updates, either written, verbal, or a combination of both. The team should keep you informed about completed milestones and any challenges they encounter. Prompt communication about issues requiring your input ensures collaborative problem-solving.
Questions to Ask
- “What is the estimated timeline for coding and programming?”
- “Could you explain the web technologies you are using and their benefits for our organization?”
- “Is it possible to request changes to the project scope midway through development?”
Content Writing and Labeling
With the layout and design finalized, the next step is content writing and labeling.
Clear, concise, and readable copy enhances the user experience by helping users understand what your web app offers, where to navigate, and the outcomes of their actions.
Your web app will need various types of content, such as headings, sub-headings, descriptions, button labels, guides, and calls-to-action. Working alongside artists and designers, the writer(s) ensure that each piece of text is strategically placed.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Focus on your target audience throughout this stage. Your content should address their primary needs, concerns, and pain points clearly and succinctly. It should explain the app’s capabilities and guide users on utilizing its features effectively, avoiding assumptions about their knowledge level.
Questions to Ask
- “Do you have a dedicated writer or team of writers?”
- “What are their skills and experience in web app and UI content writing?”
- “How will you communicate the benefits of the web app’s features to users?”
Testing, Reviewing, and Launching
Testing is a critical phase in the web application development process, ensuring the app functions correctly and meets organizational and industry standards.
A dedicated Quality Assurance (QA) team conducts both manual and automated tests to identify bugs, errors, and performance issues. They assess user experience quality, security levels, functionality, and responsiveness. Any issues found are reported to the development team for resolution. Once the app meets all quality standards, it is ready for launch across common browsers.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Testing should occur throughout the development cycle to catch bugs and UI issues early. Early detection makes them easier to address before they become significant problems. Security testing is crucial to prevent vulnerabilities that could lead to cyber attacks.
Questions to Ask
- “How frequently do you conduct web application testing during development?”
- “Which tools do you use for web application testing?”
- “Will all aspects of the software be tested, including performance, usability, and security?”
Post-Launch Maintenance and Updates
Every web app, regardless of size, requires regular maintenance. This includes small patches for usability improvements and larger updates to introduce new features and capabilities. Regular maintenance also helps identify and fix previously unnoticed bugs and errors.
The software development team should prioritize fixing urgent and critical bugs first to ensure users feel heard and valued. This demonstrates a commitment to providing an excellent user experience.
In the rare event of a major security breach, the team must promptly inform users to take necessary precautions, such as changing passwords or enabling multi-factor authentication. Regular maintenance helps prevent such breaches by addressing security vulnerabilities proactively.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Establish a continuous delivery and improvement plan early in the project lifecycle. This plan should address minor patches, usability enhancements, and potential major updates with new features.
User feedback should guide maintenance efforts. Promptly address reported bugs or errors that significantly impact user experience. Even minor complaints about the user interface can provide valuable insights for improvement.
Questions to Ask
- “What post-launch support and maintenance services do you provide?”
- “How often should a web app of this size and scope be updated?”
- “How quickly does your team respond to user feedback and bug reports?”
Choosing the Right Software Development Team
Choosing the right software development team is crucial for your project’s success. Whether you need a basic static web app or a dynamic multi-page app, the right team will make a difference. They will listen to your ideas, create a viable plan, and execute it until you are happy with the result. You will know what to expect at each step, including delivery time and budget.
With this information, you can select a team that has your best interests in mind and delivers on their promises. This way, you are more likely to receive a high-quality web application that meets your short and long-term business goals.