App Development Strategy: UX Research and Product Discovery
Rely on data instead of guesswork, gain user insights, validate the market, and build a product based on a solid plan. Participate in Product Discovery process and use UX research methods to gain an app development strategy tailored to the specifics of your business.
How to plan an app development strategy?
Find the answer with Product Discovery
Product Discovery is the initial project stage where we define the factors that determine the direction of app development. This takes place before the developer even begins writing code.
During this phase, we focus on business goals and how to measure them, examine the market situation, and analyze the competition and industry forecasts. We also get to know the needs and preferences of target audiences.
Leveraging this data allows us to craft a vision for the app that engages users and delivers measurable business benefits.
The culmination of the Product Discovery process is a workshop where a multidisciplinary team collaborates on ideas for the app. The result is a detailed vision of the digital product, complete with a roadmap outlining specific development phases. As a next step, we test the key user flows within the app.
Mitigating the risk through UX research
A crucial element of the Product Discovery process is UX research—studies dedicated to the target audience. They allow for a better understanding of user needs, pain points, and motivations.
The more we know about the target audience, the easier it is to mitigate business risk. The insights gathered this way also allow us to spot new perspectives and untapped opportunities.
Our UX research methods
We always tailor UX research methods to the specific nature of the project and its current stage. We conduct both qualitative research (which allows for a deep understanding of the user perspective) and quantitative research (which relies on large samples, e.g., data from analytics tools or surveys).
In-Depth Interviews
Even a few In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with target or existing users are sufficient to better understand their mindset, needs, expectations, and how they currently deal with challenges.
Surveys
Data collected through surveys allows us to understand which behaviors prevail among target audiences and which are rare exceptions. It is also an effective method to discover which apps they usually use and how often.
Desk research and competitor analysis
We analyze various data sources to gain a complete picture of the market situation and key target audiences. We ensure that this information is reliable, enabling better strategic decision-making.
Prototyping and
usability testing
Once the app vision is outlined, we will prepare a clickable prototype and test it with the target audience. This allows us to verify whether the app is intuitive and addresses user needs.
UX audit
Analyzing the app from a UX perspective helps us identify elements that may negatively affect user experience and, consequently, lower conversion rates. An audit will indicate what changes can improve the app’s performance.
Benefits for your business
Lower investment risk
Detailed product vision
Easier budget planning
Realistic work schedule
Faster time-to-market
Competitive advantage
Higher user engagement
Increased conversion rates
Process of building an app development strategy
1
Gathering basic info
We start by gathering basic information about the project. You tell us about your initial concept, the context in which it was created, your goals, and assumptions. To make this easier for you, we prepare a short brief with questions that are the most important at this stage.
2
UX research
Based on the initial information gathered, we select the most effective research methods to achieve your specific goals and answer key business questions.
3
UX audit*
If you already have an app, we will analyze it in terms of UX (User Experience) to check how individual elements and solutions impact the user journey. We will also recommend specific changes that should be implemented, highlighting which ones are the highest priorities.
4
Product Discovery workshops
With data on the market, users, and business goals, we can conduct a workshop to develop a vision for the app.
5
Strategy outline and estimation
The outcome of the Product Discovery process, including workshops, is a report that covers the activities performed, along with analysis insights, the app vision, and strategic recommendations. We also recommend specific technologies tailored to the project and prepare a project estimation. In it, you will find a breakdown of the activities required to create the app, along with the estimated completion time and cost. With such a document, you have all the information needed to start building the app.
Turn your idea into an actionable plan
You need someone who understands your business and points out which users to focus on, which markets have the greatest potential, and how to measure the success of a digital product. Let’s talk about your app development strategy.
What can you gain from Product Discovery?
Estimation
It contains information on estimated project costs, the actions required to create the app, and the time needed to complete individual tasks.
Target group description
Based on the collected information, we develop profiles of the main target groups (personas). The information they contain helps to develop an optimal feature set.
Business metrics
You find out which metrics to monitor in your project to know if it is successful. They will also allow you to check which solutions should be developed further and what requires changes.
User Journey Map
The map shows the process from the moment that triggers the need to use the app, through the stages leading to conversion, all the way to goal achievement. It allows you to develop a product vision that addresses the target group’s real needs.
User Flow Diagram
It shows the key paths a user can take in the app to achieve a specific goal. This makes it easier to design intuitive navigation and ensure better UX.
Clickable prototype
We prepare an app prototype with the most important paths. It gives a good idea of what the final product will look like. It can also be used for usability testing and discussions with stakeholders.
Technology and tool recommendations
You will find out which technologies will allow you to build your app in a way that ensures fast and stable performance, while enabling the project to be completed within a specific timeframe and budget.
Report
The report summarizes the actions taken, analysis results, and the product vision. It also outlines the recommended app development strategy and optimal technological solutions.
Who takes part in Product Discovery?
Depending on the scope of services, the composition of the team involved in the process will vary. We usually engage a multidisciplinary group of specialists in the strategy building and Product Discovery process, who look at the project from different perspectives.
- UX Researcher is responsible for planning and conducting research, as well as analyzing it. Based on this, they formulate recommendations regarding further actions.
- Product Manager/Business Analyst – The PM/BA’s task is to assess the project from a business perspective. They focus on issues related to goals, help establish the most important metrics, and determine the resources needed for project implementation. They also facilitate Product Discovery workshops.
- Project Manager is responsible for planning project development, knows how to optimize the app creation process, and has knowledge of various technologies.
- UI/UX Designer – they design and create prototypes featuring the key app paths and ensure the user experience is taken care of when planning the product vision.
- Software Developer evaluates the project from a technical perspective and is able to select the best technological solutions for the specific case, enabling the creation of a stable app.
FAQ
How long does the process of creating an app strategy take?
A lot depends on what information needs to be gathered to prepare the strategy and how long collecting it will take. If you want to find out how long this process might take in your case, contact us and tell us about your idea.
Do I have to build the app with you after Discovery?
No, the Product Discovery process gives you the knowledge and information that prepare you for software development. The choice of the partner who will build the app for you is up to you.
Why can’t I start coding right away?
Properly planned app development strategy is the foundation. It allows you to avoid risks, save time and money, and increases the chances that your product will be well received by users.
How to validate an idea before writing code?
Always consider the user perspective. Gather data on their lifestyle, motivations, factors that engage and discourage them, etc. Moreover, it is worth testing ideas with the target group. This is exactly what we offer as part of Product Discovery.
Learn more about Product Discovery and strategy
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About us
Holdapp
Holdapp team
Holdapp is a software company specializing in mobile and web app development. Since 2012, we have been connecting the worlds of business, developers, and users, creating products that drive our clients’ growth. Our services include native iOS and Android app development, KMP and Flutter app development, UX/UI design, and Product Discovery. Market leaders such as Answear, forBET, Homla, and many other companies have trusted us.