Creating a web application

Web applications – why should you create them?

True, like any business project, web applications involve some risk. However, if you meet a few important conditions, the risk is minimal. Answering the question from the subtitle, it is worth getting interested in web applications primarily because they offer a wide range of possibilities for action. With the help of modern web applications, you can:

• expand the scope of your business,
• Enter new markets,
• reach new groups of recipients,
• and even offer completely new services.

Most web applications fulfill one specific function or solve a problem common among customers. This makes them useful and helpful – because their role is more than just increasing sales. Today, web applications have solutions that are primarily valuable from the customer’s point of view – and that’s the secret of their success.

Once you manage to create an application that meets the expectations of your customers, it will become an important business tool that will have a real impact on the development of the company. For many entrepreneurs it is a way to multiply their profits with a relatively small financial outlay (especially in the long run).

What is the process of developing a web application?

Most often, web application design involves as many as eight stages. The work on a new web design begins with an analysis of the idea and the competition. It is important that the application has a specific purpose that is important to your customers. For example, it can be to make ordering easier or to provide some tool that helps in daily work. Of course, you should also check if there is not a similar solution already functioning on the market.

Another issue is the design of the application and the technologies used. From other posts on our blog you can learn that all applications work within two main structures, referred to as backend (server and all the infrastructure invisible to the client) and frontend (everything the client sees and operates). Each of these structures has its own requirements. Different programming languages are also used for each. In the case of the frontend, these are languages such as HTML, CSS or JavaScript. The backend is based on Java, PHP, Ruby or Python.

In the case of the frontend, the key role is played by the interface, which must be easy to use and pleasant to look at (consider the colors, font type and size, the way of navigation and the messages that will be displayed to users). Once we know how the application should work and look like, what function it should perform and what technologies it should use, we move on to creating the first version of the application, the so-called MVP. This abbreviation stands for minimum viable product. At this stage it is about checking if the finished product will fulfill its role well in the real world. MVP is used for various types of testing and feedback gathering. Only then can you move on to creating the final version that will be released to the market.

However, even at this stage the work does not end. You still need to remember that the market and customer needs are constantly changing. This requires constant work on the application and making necessary changes and improvements. If you neglect this element, it may turn out that a few months after the publication a competitor will enter the market, whose product will be better suited to the users’ needs, which may really threaten your position on the market.

Speaking of user needs, how can you guarantee that your app will be appreciated by your audience? There are a few rules of thumb that you should follow.

What should you consider when creating a web application?

As we already mentioned, one of the most important issues is the idea. Above all, the app must be useful and offer something that other similar products don’t. It will probably be hard to come up with something completely unique, but at least try to find some specific differentiator. Every customer, before downloading a digital product, wonders how it is better than the others offered by the competition.

The second issue is the operating system. Here the matter is so much easier because web applications only require a web browser to work and the vast majority of them will work equally well on Windows, Linux and Mac computers. The matter gets a bit more complicated if you want to conquer the mobile world. This is because mobile apps do not work on every device and need to be adapted for use on iOS and Android devices.

Another important issue is design and intuitiveness. The application must be easy to use, even by slightly less agile internet users. Make sure to have a simple, clear menu and understandable navigation. The user must know how to perform the desired action and what effect it will bring. Remember that an application is a business card of your company – make sure that it is as high quality as the services provided by your company

The last important issue, which we have already mentioned, is testing. Before the app hits the market, it is a good idea to run a number of different tests. Gather a group of beta testers who will report any malfunctions and ideas for improving the product. Only when you are sure that you managed to achieve the intended result and the final product is functional and bug-free – you can start the promotional campaign.

Dedicated applications for your company

As you can see, web application development is a complex and often lengthy undertaking. That is why one programmer is not enough to complete this project. You need a whole team of people with different competences. Only in this way you will be able to achieve the full expected functionality of your digital product.

If you are currently looking for a company that will help you build dedicated application for your company – feel free to contact the Da Vinci Studio team! Read how we create web applications and contact us for more details. We will be happy to guide you through the entire process, advise you on optimal solutions and help you achieve your business goals!