Characteristics of Good Apps
Business Technology | August 10, 2011
An app is simply as valuable as it’s function. There are particular things that can determine the value of the function, whether or not the app is useful, whether or not the app works accurately or even whether or not the app is fun. Take ‘Angry Birds,’ for example. This app has value because of the universal level of entertainment it offers. But a good idea doesn’t necessarily translate to a beneficial app. So what key features do all good apps have in common? Here are three common features found in highly functional and valuable apps.
Stability and Reliability
A good app should go through rigorous testing prior to a launch date. The developer should be confident that the app will still have value under a wide range of different conditions including disabled WIFI, impaired cellular data and smartphones set to airplane mode. Even if the base function of the app is creative and useful, if it doesn’t work under a variety of conditions then the app loses much of its value. A good way to determine value in an app is to research the amount of testing that went into development.
Consumer Consideration
Any app worth it’s price is going to provide worthy functionality. However, the developer needs to consider the consumer in the design of the app and understand that no one wants a surprise overage charge on his or her monthly bill. A good app shouldn’t consume too much data as many cellphone plans consist of monthly data caps. Before downloading an app, make sure and research the amount of data it costs to use the app.
A Well Constructed API
API stands for application programming interface. Basically, it’s the way in which applications communicate with one another. For example, if you have an app that makes posts to Facebook, that app does so by communicating with Facebook’s API. This is a very important part of app development because most apps, in one way or another, communicate with other apps. Nothing is more irritating than realizing your Twitter app has made duplicate posts. A good app will have a well-constructed API to insure that the right information is being communicated.
While an app’s worth can be of objective determination, there will always be several key elements to look for when searching for that fantastic new download. For more tips on finding great apps, take a look a this article.
An app is simply as valuable as it’s function. There are particular things that can determine the value of the function, whether or not the app is useful, whether or not the app works accurately or even whether or not the app is fun. Take ‘Angry Birds,’ for example. This app has value because of the universal level of entertainment it offers. But a good idea doesn’t necessarily translate to a beneficial app. So what key features do all good apps have in common? Here are three common features found in highly functional and valuable apps.
Stability and Reliability A good app should go through rigorous testing prior to a launch date. The developer should be confident that the app will still have value under a wide range of different conditions including disabled WIFI, impaired cellular data and smartphones set to airplane mode. Even if the base function of the app is creative and useful, if it doesn’t work under a variety of conditions then the app loses much of its value. A good way to determine value in an app is to research the amount of testing that went into development. Consumer Consideration Any app worth it’s price is going to provide worthy functionality. However, the developer needs to consider the consumer in the design of the app and understand that no one wants a surprise overage charge on his or her monthly bill. A good app shouldn’t consume too much data as many cellphone plans consist of monthly data caps. Before downloading an app, make sure and research the amount of data it costs to use the app. A Well Constructed API API stands for application programming interface. Basically, it’s the way in which applications communicate with one another. For example, if you have an app that makes posts to Facebook, that app does so by communicating with Facebook’s API. This is a very important part of app development because most apps, in one way or another, communicate with other apps. Nothing is more irritating than realizing your Twitter app has made duplicate posts. A good app will have a well-constructed API to insure that the right information is being communicated. While an app’s worth can be of objective determination, there will always be several key elements to look for when searching for that fantastic new download. For more tips on finding great apps, take a look a this article.