“Build less, start sooner.” – Jim Highsmith in Adaptive Leadership
It perfectly aligns with full-fledged mobile app development backed by a lot of hard work, planning, resource investment, and documentation, which is started before the app goes on the development floor.
Similarly, the project management team cannot handle app development, design, and deployment unless a process or standard methodology is finalized. Leading mobile app development companies use methodologies to ensure the best mobile apps are developed.
The app development methodology resembles the software development life cycle that includes planning, design, implementation, and support. As an entrepreneur, building a brilliant mobile app requires using a development methodology that determines rules to follow at all stages of mobile app development.
However, the various mobile app development methodologies confuse business stakeholders in choosing the one. The detailed overview of different application development methodologies and tips for selecting the right methodology help businesses choose what matters and leave the development tasks to mobile app developers. Take a deeper dive into the blog to keep the roadmap simple and focus on goals.
Table of Contents
App management methodology provides a set of techniques, tools, practices, and procedures that illustrates the roadmap with all the steps required for successful project delivery. There are various app management methodologies available that assist the project manager with all the steps taken to complete the project before the deadline.
Many times, project management methodology is confused with project management framework, which is wrong. The frameworks are neither as detailed nor rigid as the project management methodology. They just provide an overview of how to implement the guidelines and leave no room for tools and practices. We can say traditional project management is a framework. Conclusively both of them are inherently different.
The mobile app development methodology as its name always works in a sequential form from top to down with no chance of going back. This methodology requires solid planning as everything is mapped out by the project manager ahead of development and if anything goes wrong, then the team needs to repeat everything from design to implementation.
Waterfall projects are long-term projects that are completed in a single go. It requires the businesses to specify the project scope to the development team as the team moves to the next task when the previous task is completed with no overlapping involved.
When waterfall methodology is a good fit for App development:
When waterfall methodology becomes a challenge for App Development:
An agile mobile app development methodology is an iterative approach for mobile app development that comprises short development cycles as opposed to the waterfall methodology. In agile methodology, the entire project is divided into multiple sprints where each sprint consists of a few tasks that are assigned to the development team. Each sprint is sent to the client after its completion for client approval or feedback.
Based on the client review, the functionality or app design aspects are changed as required in every sprint to build a full-fledged solution. The methodology accommodates all the steps of SDLC in every sprint development. The team sticks to the schedule, but changes or additions elongate the timeline.
71% of US companies using agile methodology have experienced a 64% success rate in their projects.
When the agile methodology is a good fit for App Development:
When agile methodology becomes a challenge for App Development:
Scrum methodology brings most of the work on the shoulders of the scrum master who is solely responsible to create a list of tasks along with prioritization order. The scrum team comes to the fore divides the whole project into small, manageable chunks, and plans the sprints according to their priorities. The timeline is set for every sprint by the team members in a scrum meeting.
The role of a scrum master is to guide the team and make them perform to their peak efficiency in a focused way.
When scrum methodology is a good fit for App Development:
When scrum methodology becomes a challenge for App Development:
The idea of the Kanban board emerged at Toyota when workers started using inventory cards to ensure the required parts are available when needed. Later, it transformed into a poster and whiteboard to improve control over project progress. Kanban board improves the workflow, operational efficiency, and results by allowing the team and manager to visualize the progress and process from start to end.
The improved visualization makes it easy to identify and fix the issues during the app development. In this methodology, the work moves ahead from one state to another with the feasibility of task reprioritization.
When Kanban methodology is a good fit for App Development:
When Kanban methodology becomes a challenge for App Development:
Developers very well know how to create an app, but when it comes to building and launching an app swiftly, they need a development methodology that makes it done.
Rapid application development methodology aims to increase the project turnaround time and release iterations which makes it an attractive choice for businesses. It’s excels at accommodating changes easily and refining the application after every iteration.
When RAD methodology is a good fit for App Development:
When RAD methodology becomes a challenge for App Development:
As the name suggests, the agile framework goes to an extreme level to ensure quality results as promised. The extreme programming lifecycle moves in five phases- planning, managing, designing, coding, and testing to guarantee app success.
At the planning stage, the client requirements for the project are gathered with a clear estimation, then the project is divided into multiple sprints, where each includes a list of tasks, that are managed by the project manager according to priorities. As the project moves into the designing and coding phase, the actual work of developers starts and they keep testing and iterating unless it’s liked/approved by the client or customers. Finally, the product is released on the market.
Now, you have limited choice to narrow down the choice to one methodology, but, still, that’s not an easy task. Theirs is no one-size-fits-all solution. you need to select the methodology that effectively matches the business project needs and maximizes the time and resources usage. Here are a couple of considerations that help in making the right selection.
Trying a hands-on project management tool is essential to know if the nature of the project requires changes in the processes, then it will be facilitated by the methodology or not. Checking Project Management Processes whether facilitating the shift during, after or before project development or not is necessary.
The project that includes experimentation with the latest technology or tool, or adding a unique feature, then it’s necessary to check if the methodology allows businesses to take this calculated risk. For instance, the agile methodology enables making changes at any stage and then testing the users’ response for the same.
The time-critical projects that need to be delivered at a pre-defined schedule need to select the methodology that fixes the project scope and timeline in stone. The waterfall methodology fits best for the project with a quick turnaround time.
The projects that require consistent approval from the client or key stakeholders, then their involvement is essential. The Project Management Application allows stakeholders to track the project progress, but the selected methodology should include the practice of getting approval or sprint retrospection as it’s facilitated by scrum or agile.
Knowing the budget set aside for app development is essential before the project planning begins. The methodology selection relies on if the businesses allow changes in budget or want to keep it within predetermined limits. For instance, scope changes increase the efforts, time, and resource consumption, which ultimately surge the budget.
“Once you eliminate your number one problem, number two gets a promotion.” – Gerald M. Weinberg in The Secrets of Consulting
Popular app development methodologies are revealed, but you are expecting the best for your business app. Right? There’s no winner, as the best methodology for mobile app development depends on the project size, project needs, and target audience expectations.
For instance, the waterfall methodology would be the best pick when the long-term project with requirements is set in stone. When the app requires changes to incorporate between the projects, agile methodology adoption for mobile app development works excellently. RAD methodology stands out when it comes to building an app rapidly. The Kanban board is the topmost choice for the remote development team.
List down your mobile app development project needs to select the best methodology for your next project. If you are still trying to figure it out, talk with experienced mobile app consultants, and they will help you to know which one is better and more suitable for your project requirements.
An enthusiastic Operations Manager at TopDevelopers.co, coordinating and managing the technical and functional areas. She is an adventure lover, passionate traveler, an admirer of nature, who believes that a cup of coffee is the prime source to feel rejuvenated. Researching and writing about technology keeps her boosted and enhances her professional journeying.