Mobile apps: a hybrid approach for robust and fast development

Mobile apps don’t need introductions, but, in case you’ve been living under a rock in the last 12+ years -or you’re simply curious about the history and evolution of apps-, the Wikipedia page on “Mobile App” can help you fill in the gaps.

Mobile apps are extremely popular and powerful tools to offer useful and engaging content to your target audience.

From posting your most memorable moments on social media to monitoring your BBQ temperature, apps have taken a growing portion of our digital lives: recent estimates suggest that 90% of mobile usage in 2021 has been spent in apps.

There are several reasons why, but just to name a few:

• Apps offer feature-rich experiences – using the integrated camera, the GPS, as well as the access to system-native push notifications make the 2-way conversation with users more immediate and seamless.
• Apps are usually faster than mobile web, thanks to much of the content being already available on devices, thus being usable even when no internet connection is available.
• Apps are also powerful from a branding point of view: companies’ logos are always visible as icons on users’ screens, even when they’re not actively browsing.

These are just simple examples of why offer and demand have so easily met when it came to mobile apps.

From your idea to your mobile app

Developing a mobile app from scratch can sound like a daunting task, but we’ve got you covered!

It’s crucial that a robust UX research framework lays the foundation for the development.

Typically at COMMpla, we use a hybrid approach to App development.

Hybrid app development makes it possible to build an app in the two main implementation stacks (Android and iOS) using a single codebase.

This approach allows us to limit bugs, decrease development time as only one codebase is pursued, and minimise the specific skills needed to develop the app following two different programming languages, technology stacks and development approaches dictated by Google and Apple.

The use of a hybrid approach is recommended in the majority of app developments, as it is possible to access resources, which are generally available natively, also by exploiting an abstraction layer provided by frameworks such as Ionic and React Native.

Thanks to the Ionic and React Native frameworks, it is possible to build an app with a single framework based on Javascript. In this case, two separate operations are required only when creating the specific package for the two platforms.

This results in apps that are not only as robust and usable as their native counterparts, but that can also be delivered with reduced development time (and costs!).

Are you looking for experienced developers who can build your shiny new mobile app so you can start engaging with your customers?

Fill out the form below to drop us a message!