Custom app development is a strategic investment that can drive growth, improve productivity and give you a competitive edge.
However, without the right approach, app development projects carry risks. You can minimize the risks associated with custom app development by carefully selecting your development partner and implementing a few key practices.
Here’s how to avoid the most common risks during custom app development.
1. Choose a developer with an in-house team
Many companies offering custom app development rely on third-party teams, sometimes based overseas, to execute the work. This approach introduces several risks:
- Communication barriers: There’s limited direct communication and no strong working relationship between your team and the developers.
- Increased separation: Layers of middlemen create multiple degrees of separation, leading to delays, miscommunication and potential misunderstandings.
- Reliance on third-party relationships: If the relationship between the agency you hire and the third-party developers breaks down, your project could suffer major setbacks.
When you work with an app development company that has an in-house team focused on custom mobile apps, you get direct access, a smoother process and a more reliable customer experience.
2. Begin with discovery and planning
The discovery phase is the first step after selecting a developer, where your team and the development team align on key project objectives. This phase, which should include an initial feature plan, helps ensure everyone is on the same page about:
- Project goals and budget
- Priority features for version one
- Technical requirements and project timeline
- Compliance issues, such as HIPAA or industry-specific regulations
By finalizing these critical elements during discovery, you reduce the risk of misunderstandings, timeline disruptions and “buyer’s remorse”.
Since discovery is a separate project before the development contract, it gives you the flexibility to walk away if things don’t feel right.
If a developer wants to start writing code without a discovery phase, consider it a red flag.
3. Make sure you own the source code
Many businesses assume they automatically own their app’s source code, but ownership can be more complex than it seems. To maintain control over your app, your business should have the following rights:
- Source code: The unique code crafted for your app. You should have exclusive ownership of this and receive a copy of it.
- Third-party software libraries: Fully-tested code libraries, owned by a third-party, that developers may use for certain app functions. You should have the rights to use these.
- Proprietary code: Pre-existing code the developer owns and may use within your app. You should receive a copy of this, and rights to use it in your app. The use of proprietary code should be minimal or ideally not happen at all. Big Fish does not use proprietary code in the apps we build for our clients.
If you don’t own, or have rights to use all of these code components, you risk:
- Limited flexibility: You may struggle to sell your business or app because you lack clear ownership.
- Developer dependency: Switching developers becomes difficult if you can’t provide all necessary code to the new developer.
- Costly limitations: If the developer retains ownership of the source code, you may not be able to edit the app in the future, effectively holding you hostage to the developer.
To avoid these risks, clarify source code ownership with your developer before signing a contract. For more on this topic, see our article, Who Owns Your Source Code.
4. Ensure regular feature reviews
Don’t wait until the app is fully built to find out it doesn’t function as you expected. Set up regular reviews of features throughout the development process so your team – and potential users – can test features as they’re completed.
These feature reviews help you:
- Ensure each feature works as expected.
- Provide feedback while development is still in progress, enabling timely adjustments.
- Avoid last-minute surprises, so the final app aligns with your expectations.
Working with your developer to break the project into reviewable versions keeps your business involved and informed throughout the process, reducing the risk of unexpected issues at launch.
5. Set clear post-launch support and maintenance terms
The launch of your app isn’t the end of development – ongoing maintenance and updates are essential to keep it functioning smoothly and securely.
When finalizing your development agreement, make sure post-launch support is clearly defined. This reduces risks by ensuring you have access to support when you need it most.
Consider these key aspects for post-launch support:
- Scheduled maintenance to handle bug fixes and security updates.
- New feature development if you plan to add features in the future.
- Response time commitments so you’re not left waiting for urgent fixes.
Establishing clear post-launch support terms with your developer helps protect your app’s longevity and keeps it working as expected.
Enjoy more rewards and fewer risks
Custom app development has its risks, but how much risk you accept is up to you. Choosing a developer who aligns with the risk-avoidance practices outlined here will make the process smoother and increase your app’s chances of success.
For a commitment-free consultation, contact Big Fish today and discover how we can make custom app development a rewarding, low-risk experience.
