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App Redesign

App Redesign – When Is It Needed?

Let’s say your business is already up to speed and has an app.  When is an app redesign needed, and how do you decide what you need to change?

Design changes just as quickly as technology, so it’s important to know that at some point, your mobile app is going to need to go through a remodel.  So how do you know when it is the right time?

 

Low Conversion Rates

Is your user base not growing?  Are users bored or not impressed with the app?  Are sales weak?  If any of these apply to your app, it might be time to polish up your app’s UX. (Read more about UX vs. UI)

 

Low Ratings and Negative Comments

Is your app getting negative reviews and minimal stars on the app store?  If so, take advantage of the negative comments and determine if your UI/UX design needs changing.  If you are getting low ratings, it’s probably a good time for a redesign.

 

Modifying your Target Audience

If you modified your target audience just like changing your tactics to captivate your audience, you’d need to change the design of your app.  Your app will have to be modified to accommodate your new audience, as well as your product vision and marketing strategy.

 

Your Company Rebranded

This seems pretty straightforward; if your company has just undergone a rebranding, you’ll want to ensure that your branding is consistent across all platforms, including mobile.  This is an indicator that a mobile app redesign is needed.

 

How to Know What to Change

Like above, user feedback is incredibly valuable when understanding the changes needed to ensure your app’s success.  Analyze all user feedback as well as analytics to get an idea of the changes necessary. Don’t be afraid to conduct some research, whether it is surveying your users or researching the competitor, research can lead you in the right direction when determining app changes.

 

pioneerapplications.com | #pioneerwithus

How Pioneer Mobile Applications Got Its Start

Pioneer Mobile Applications was founded in 2012 by Phil Scarfi and has been in business for over eight years. They’ve brought the visions of many individuals and companies to life with mobile app development and design. They’ve worked with Buzzfeed, UMass Amherst, and All in One Music Applications, to name a few. I wanted to virtually meet with Phil and discuss his experiences and where he sees Pioneer going in the future.

So, Phil, what made you want to start Pioneer?

When I first started developing apps, I was making them for everyday tasks that would make my life easier. Eventually, my friends started finding out that I had this skill, and they asked if I could make some apps for them. As time went on, I was able to see the effect I had on other people by being able to bring their ideas to life. It made me feel incredible, so I continued to pursue the mission of helping others turn ideas into reality through mobile apps, and now I’m here!

Do you remember your first client? What was it like to have your first project, and how did it go?

Believe it or not, one of my first clients was also one of the biggest, UMass Amherst. I initially made an app that I could use to gather all of the dining hall menus and put them in one place to quickly see what they were serving for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My RA in my residential hall found out that I made this and had me tell the Dean of Students about it. The Dean of Students then sent me over to the head of the dining services, and they were interested in building the app out to provide it to all of the students at the universities. Working with large institutions like this had a lot of hoops you had to go through, but it was an incredible learning experience.

Now you’ve worked with some very notable clients, what was that like? Were you nervous about taking on such a client, and what was one of the biggest challenges you faced on that project?

When it comes to working with the more notable clients, I was absolutely nervous. The biggest thing that I have learned is that it’s important to be yourself and act like it is any other client. All of our past client relationships were successful, so as long as we stuck to what we did best, everything should go as planned. The biggest challenge when it comes to working with larger clients is that there are usually many more people involved in the process. It was essential to have a single point of contact for any concerns for issues, but simultaneously have an environment where we can efficiently get feedback from numerous members. Since Pioneer’s clients are based throughout the United States, we turn to platforms to manage communications such as Slack.

If a company, business, or individual was on the fence about having a mobile app, what would you say to them?

If a company, business, or individual was on the fence about have a mobile app, I would be completely transparent with them and list out both the pros and cons. In about 99% of the cases, having a mobile app developed is beneficial in one way or another. We are living in a world where people are spending hours per day on their mobile devices. More and more people are moving away from their computers and getting tasks done on their iPhones, iPads, tablets, and other mobile devices. Whether you are looking to make your business more efficient, solve an everyday problem, or make money, having an iPhone or Android app developed is a route worth exploring.

Lastly, where do you see Pioneer 5 years from now?

In 5 years, I see Pioneer working with a wide variety of clients, both small and large. We hope that some of our smaller clients will grow and turn into larger clients down the road. New technology comes out every day, so Pioneer will continue to stay on top of that and integrate all of these technologies into the apps that we build. Pioneer also has the mission to solve everyday problems through mobile apps, so we have some platforms our team is working on that should be released soon, so we hope you’ll Pioneer with us and stay tuned!

 

 

Wow, that’s great! I’m excited to see what platforms Pioneer has coming out. It’s been great to chat with you and hear about your experiences and advice to others. I think this has been eye-opening for people who are not in the developer world and even those who are. Thanks again and I hope we can catch up soon!

Phil Scarfi, Founder of Pioneer Mobile Applications
Phil Scarfi, Founder of Pioneer Mobile Applications

If you’d like to stay up to date with Pioneer Mobile Applications, follow their social accounts (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn) and check them out at pioneerapplications.com.

pioneerapplications.com | #pioneerwithus

Tips for Deciding Who Develops Your App Idea

Nothing can be more challenging than swimming through a sea of mobile app developers and
trying to pick one to bring your vision to life. It can be a very challenging decision and a poor
one if you don’t do your research. Below are five tips Pioneer suggests for choosing your next
app developer.

iOS or Android

Make sure the developer can build on the platform you are looking for. The first thing
to do is to make sure they have the capability.

Specializations

Understand the market you want your app to service. For example, if you are in the
travel industry, try to find a developer who understands the industry and can work with
you to bring your app to life.

Capabilities

Every vision has a unique feature, and so can every app. Ensure that the developer you
are looking for can bring specific special features to your app.

Enthusiasm

This can seem like a non-technical aspect of searching for a developer. Still, it is just as
important as technical expertise. If you are communicating with a developer and they
do not have enthusiasm for your vision, it may not be the right choice. You want a
developer that is going to be just a passionate and excited as you are.

Portfolio

Lastly, you’ll want to consider the developer’s portfolio. This is the last tip on the list
because it isn’t the first thing you should consider. Some developers may have large
portfolios and well-known clients, but that doesn’t mean that the developer is right for
you. You should use a developer’s portfolio to get an idea as to what the developer has
accomplished.

We hope these tips will help you choose your next app developer!

 

pioneerapplications.com | #Pioneerwithus

Florence: Development in the Mobile Gaming App Industry

Florence

Can you imagine a game on your phone that had no levels, no high scores, and no way to win? Is it even a game? Florence, an app that embodies this strange concept, actually won the title of Apple’s Game of the Year in 2014, breaking ground in the app industry.

If it’s not a competitive game, then what exactly is it?

Ken Wong, the designer and app developer, created the app as an interactive story-telling game for users. His gaming company partnered with a film studio in order to create the game in which you follow the life story of the main character, Florence. As you progress in the app, you see her go through relationships and hardships, delivering an entertaining game while invoking an emotional response in users.

It definitely changes the pace of the mobile gaming atmosphere, and will be a trend to watch in years to come with further gaming app development.

Check out “Florence” in the App Store today!

 

About Pioneer

Pioneer Mobile Applications is a one stop shop for bringing your app idea to life. It is our mission to provide personal, affordable, & reliable app development for individuals, organizations, and businesses by being with our customers from the idea stage to launch and everything in-between!

With several years of expert mobile app development experience, United States app design and development company, Pioneer Mobile Applications is committed to the success of our clients. Whether your business is at the idea stage, currently in development, or already has a million users, Pioneer Mobile Applications can help create an affordable, reliable, and beautiful experience for your users. As a United States app design and development company, Pioneer Applications prides itself on being a full service development agency. We don’t just make apps, we will take a simple idea and create an application personalized for your business. Our goal is to ensure that our clients are succeeding. We accomplish this by providing idea conceptualization, market validation, app design (user experience & user interface), iOS, Android, and web development, testing, and marketing! We are constantly keeping up with new technology as it comes along to be sure that your app is using the latest, most cutting edge tech. United States mobile app design and development agency, Pioneer Applications is a United States based organization that is a team player on every project both small and large.

We have over 5+ years experience working with all different types of clients such as BuzzFeed, UMass Amherst, All in One Music Applications and many more! Our strategic process provides quick turn around times which lets us keep development costs down, saving our clients money!!

Services

iOS & Android: We have multiple developers on hand to build your iOS and Android Applications. The code we create is always clean and easily understandable by other developers.

UI/UX: Design is a very important thing. Our User Interface and User Experience developers make sure that your app is beautiful and easy to navigate through. We’ll help you out with branding and ensuring your app is recognizable!

Project Management: When there are a bunch of different moving parts, things can get messy. Our project managers makes sure everyone is on the same page and getting their work done as efficiently as possible.

Sales & Marketing: We don’t stop once we’re finished developing the app; we want to make sure that your app gets users on it and help you get featured in the App Store. Our sales and marketing experts will help you get the word out and acquire users!

Our Process

Conceptualize, Validate, Brand, Develop, Test, Launch, Promote

Augmented Reality in Mobile App Development

Fantasy and Reality Collide in Mobile App Development

One of the latest trends taking over mobile app development is bringing virtual experiences to life through augmented reality.

This trend has been seen in a number of games or film editors that place virtual objects right in front of you using your mobile device’s camera. Also seen in social media, Snapchat and Instagram use facial recognition to create interactive filters. Perhaps the most expansive example of this mobile app development is Google Maps. They use satellite technology to give you step-by-step directions that use the view right in front of you through your camera. Google even recently introduced a new feature that brings a virtual fox on your screen to follow for directions.

While these technological advancements seem daunting, more and more developers have obtained the tools to integrate them into their web and mobile platforms. Using physics-based techniques, companies have increased their access to 3D technology to use your surroundings and create content based on your location. This gives those companies a whole new market in mobile app development to invent useful and powerful apps that enhance consumers’ everyday experiences. It has even been said that at the rate the technology is moving currently, it will be difficult to determine the difference between a digital and physical scene.

The possibilities of these advancements are near endless. They have already been used in games like Pokemon Go, social media platforms, as well as navigation and public transportation apps. As augmented reality progresses, it will no longer be a figure of speech to say you have the “world at your fingertips”.

 

Fujifilm App Development: Promoting Creativity

Fujifilm recently renovated their web platform and created a brand new app to keep inspiring photographers’ creativity.

Their new app includes articles keeping creators up-to-date with different events and photo shoots occurring, as well as giving tips and advice on photography and photo editing. They also plan to hold contests and sweepstakes to the photographic world a competitive edge and provide inspiration for users.

Download the on the App Store

 

Mobile App Development 101: Get on the Road to Developing an App for your Business

If you have just begun your own company, or are looking to update your marketing, outreach or technological business plans, you may be asking yourself, how do I develop a mobile app?  If you have asked yourself this question, you have certainly taken the successful first step.  Mobile apps have become increasingly more important for businesses of all sizes, as smartphones and tablets are becoming the device of choice for browsing the web. Users commonly report that applications are much easier to use on these devices than an internet browser. So what is the next step to successful mobile application development?  A Long Island app developer will certainly knows the ins and outs, the complexities and the intricacies, and how to go about actually building you a mobile app; however, there are certain fundamentals all business owners should know before beginning the app development process.

Step 1: The Idea and Validation Phase
The first step is developing a solid idea that not only makes sense for your business, but also for the consumer. The purpose of the application from your business standpoint should be to help current customers, attract new business and hopefully make the business more profitable. Will your achieve these business goals? If your business has been successful, it is likely that people are looking for your services, and can more efficiently obtain them through a mobile app. Therefore, your goal should be to create an application that will make it even easier for people to access, need and want your services. If your company is new, or even still in the idea phase, you can use Google Keyword Planner to determine the interest in what you are trying to accomplish.

Step 2: The Look and Feature Phase
After you have an app idea that has been validated, it is time to decide what you want the app to look like and what features you would like to offer to consumers. This can be done either on paper, or if you are more technologically savvy, there are apps that can be used to help you determine the flow of your mobile app. Be as detailed as possible so that when you eventually hire a New York mobile app development company, the developer will have a good understanding of what you want. The turnaround time will be quicker and the costs will be lower. Design is incredibly important to the application development as it not only determines what the client sees, but how the client interacts with the app. It is not crucial to add in everything at this phase; features can always be added later on, either before or after launch. This mapping out process includes the flow of what a consumer will see when he or she navigates through the application. This also includes deciding what you do not need; do not include “fluff,” as this will distract consumers and add to the cost of development.

Step 3: Hire an App Developer on Long Island
Hiring a New York developer is a crucial step. Look for an app development company that has a proven record of designing aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly applications. You also want to ensure that the development team is established in the industry. Simple Google searches in the industry will ensure that you find a mobile app development company that “meshes” with your business goals and your app ideas. Check portfolios, read reviews and ask plenty of questions when consulting with the development company. Not all app developers are created equal and this decision should not be rushed as this company will ultimately determine the outcome of your business’ mobile app.

Step 4: The App is Done… Now What?
An app developer will put your product through a test phase to ensure all of the kinks are worked out prior to launch. Then, upon completion of the app, it will not just appear in the App Store on smartphones and tablets on its own. You must first create developer accounts for both Apple and Android. Both platforms charge minimal annual fees to offer your app to its consumers.  After sale of your application has begun, look for feedback and track analytics. Analytics will help you keep track of downloads and user engagement so you can begin to understand how customers are using your app and what, if anything, needs improvement. There are free tools, such as Flurry, that can help you keep track of the analytics. Keep an eye on user feedback and reviews, so you can put yourself in the mindset of the consumer to determine what will make your app more beneficial. Lastly, introduce new features if needed; you will know what is needed and/or not needed by tracking the analytics.

If you have an app idea or concept in mind and are ready to develop, or need the help of a New York mobile app design and development team, now is the time to begin. While these steps are not always followed in this precise order, they should help a business owner in the intimidating process of developing an app. The design and the development process of the app is the easy part in the trusted hands of your app developer. As long as you keep building your business and your consumer base, your app will be a success.

Blog post by Kristin @ mimvi.

How to Create a Mobile App for your Business without Breaking the Bank

Mobile app Developer

Mobile applications are becoming increasingly popular for both big and small businesses. Most American consumers, an estimated 85%, prefer to use a company’s mobile application over visiting the company’s mobile website. Mobile apps tend to be easier to use as they are more streamlined than a mobile website, faster and more convenient. Many business owners, especially those that operate small to medium size businesses, have terrific app ideas, but do not know how to turn those ideas into reality and do not have a conceptualization of the cost. Designing and developing an app for a Long Island business can be quite expensive. However, there are money-saving techniques that can be implemented to ensure that you create a modern and professional application for your business at a price that does not break the bank.

Although it may seem cheaper to attempt to conquer the demanding task of designing and building your own mobile app, hiring a professional can prove to be a cheaper option. Professional Long Island app developers have the experience needed to know what to do, how to do it, and what the basic cost will be upfront. If budget may be an issue, a good app developer will have strategies he or she can suggest to keep you within your budget. Other than having the experience to know how to economically design and develop an app, having a professional app development company handle the development takes the burden off of you. If you and your staff are focused on the app development process, that takes time, and therefore money, away from handling your primary business goals and needs. Overall, hiring a professional to handle the job can lower your costs and improve the outcome.

It is always best to plan ahead and keep it simple. Before you even begin developing an app, you should map out the entire process with your app development team or professional. This will streamline the process, making it quicker and therefore cheaper, as you and the team will have a step-by-step outline of where the app will go and when. Although payment for mockups and other strategic planning options may cost more money upfront, it will certainly help you save money in the long run. Long Island app developers would be able to pinpoint certain areas in the mockups that could be changed to save money, as well as give a complete picture of what you want. If you are looking for something elaborate to set you apart from a competitor, the cost will certainly rise; keeping it simple will prevent the costs from dramatically rising. The developer will be able to tell you which items are easy and cheap to execute, and which will raise the cost so that you may consider the pros and cons of all options.

However, with that being said, if you or an individual from your business can take on a project management role to aid the app developer, costs can be cut dramatically. One of the most time consuming (and therefore expensive) aspects of building an app is project management and the creation of a clear vision of the roadmap to the finish line. Outline the entirety of the project, to the best of your knowledge and ability, prior to contacting a Long Island app developer to minimize the costs in the planning phase. You can begin by looking for similar apps and decide what you do like about them and would want to include. You can work from there to create a feature list and additional branding ideas. If you’re able, sketch the design ideas as well so the app designer will have an idea of the direction you wish to proceed. There are websites that can help you through this process to make it less of a daunting task.

It is a difficult decision to decide on a final road map for your application because you have to weigh the cost versus the functionality and customization. App developers in New York can certainly help you weigh the overall strategy when building an app to keep the cost doable while creating the app you envisioned.