Imagine developing a product, let’s say a burger, with no quality assurance. How would you be able to sell this product? How would you be able to promote this product? And worst of all, what would happen if the consumer is not satisfied with this product?
With the massive competition in the mobile app development industry, it is very important to be able to have proper quality assurance to make sure that everything functions the way it was built, runs with minimal setbacks, and also satisfies its users. Mobile app development is a competitive industry which is why quality assurance is very important.
The thing about quality assurance is that its principles are not limited to the tech industry alone. Pre-launched quality assurance is very important in order to save users from a negative experience which could result in either them not using the app at all or even shunning the app once the experience is really bad. Quality control and quality assurance are shared in different industries to ensure that the customer gets exactly what the mobile app developers want them to get.
4 common issues in Mobile app development quality assurance
There are a number of common issues that most users experience when using an app that hasn’t really vetted the whole quality assurance process. These particular issues are very important to catch before it is rolled out to the public.
1. Issues with functionality
This is the most basic issue of all and if users aren’t able to get through this particular process, chances are they won’t use the app at all. There are certain key aspects that need to be properly carried out in order for the user to enjoy their usage of the app.
The app’s installation process. Chances are that users won’t be interested in the whole app if from the installation process itself, they already experience quite a lot of problems.
Sign in and login process. Should the sign in and login process be done in-app or would they be redirected to a website? For convenience reasons, it is better for users to simply sign in and login with the app itself saving them time and effort from bouncing back and forth from the website to the app.
Device-specific functions. These could include certain functions that revolve around the device’s camera, sensors, or even the screen orientation and other input methods. If an app needs to use certain functions within the device, they should be able to deliver in order to give consumers a full experience.
The error message. Although certain errors might be inevitable, it is very important to have the right response should certain errors come along with a way to navigate around them. Generic error messages could look spammy and could result in a turn-off for potential users.
App upgrade and update. Should the app need upgrades or updates later on, it is important that this is done in a convenient way where users can simply update or upgrade in-app. Automatic updates, although sometimes annoying for a few users, is still the best way of improving an app.
2. Issues with usability
The general user experience within the app is very important. This particular quality assurance phase focuses on how users are able to use the app’s interface. The specific interface functions should also be very clear as to avoid misunderstanding. Under no circumstances should the mobile app development team claim that the app is capable of doing something when it is not.
There should also be none to minimal glitches in the apps’ process of accessing any particular functionality that is needed in the app. Usability is a very important segment of the app as it should provide the user with a smooth experience.
3. Issues with performance
Performance issues usually account for about 30% of complaints made by users on both the Appstore and the Play Store. Besides, a bad experience is more likely to prompt a review compared to a good experience in general. This is mostly because when an app is done right, users usually just continue using the app without bothering to review it unless given an incentive (in most cases).
As the total user base of the app increases, the performance of the given app is more likely to be affected. It is very important to be aware of the number of users and maybe even set a limit during the start in order to catch up with the app’s growth.
Additionally, the mobile app development actually tends to ignore the load that their app puts on the device in terms of battery, data usage, and RAM. It is very important to know the industry limits and put a practical boundary.
Imagine a simple calculator app taking up 2GB of data or running on maybe half of the device’s RAM. This is very impractical and will be easily noticed by users.
4. Issues with security
Although fully functional, if a certain app is found not to be secured, the app would then garner negative responses later on. In fact, there are certain requirements when it comes to the app’s security before it can be made available to the public. Security is very important.
User confidentiality. It is important to make sure that the mobile app development is done using encryption methods to secure the private data.
Authentication process. Is the app providing another layer of security through the use of a secure authentication process before users are able to access the app?
App’s storage. Where is the data stored? Are they properly encrypted and how can they be protected?
Web services. Is the app properly interacting along with web services using secured protocols.
While mobile app development is an exciting process, users should not skip on quality assurance not only to make sure that the app is well received, but also to make sure that the app will not be buried in negative reviews.
ICTS is a Vietnam-based software development boutique that focuses on cutting-edge technologies. We help SMEs (small and medium enterprises) digitalize their business and handle the digital transformation in the most professional way, at a reasonable budget.
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