Struggling to hire a mobile developer without technical expertise? Here’s a simple guide to help you make the right choice. Whether you’re a non-technical founder or a small business owner, hiring the right developer can save you time, money, and frustration.
Key Steps to Hiring the Right Developer:
- Define Your App Idea Clearly: Focus on the problem your app solves, your target audience, and prioritize essential features (MVP).
- Choose the Right Platform: Decide between iOS, Android, or both based on your audience, budget, and goals.
- Review Portfolios: Look for diverse, high-quality work and detailed case studies showcasing problem-solving and results.
- Interview Effectively: Focus on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through real-world scenarios.
- Evaluate Technical Skills: Use coding test platforms or GitHub profiles to assess abilities without needing technical knowledge.
- Check for Compliance and Security: Ensure the developer understands data protection standards (e.g., HIPAA, PCI DSS).
Quick Tips:
- Use visual aids like wireframes or user stories to explain your app idea.
- Test apps from the developer’s portfolio to assess quality and usability.
- Watch for red flags like vague answers, poor communication, or unrealistic promises.
- Tools like TestGorilla or Coderbyte can help you assess coding skills objectively.
By following these steps, you can confidently hire a developer who aligns with your vision and delivers a functional, secure app.
How to Hire App Developer as a Non-Technical Founder – 2025
How to Define Your Project Requirements
Before diving into hiring a developer, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your project requirements. Think of this step as creating a detailed blueprint for your app.
Start by defining the problem your app aims to solve. For instance, instead of saying, "I want a food delivery app", you could explain, "In my area, restaurant customers often wait 45 minutes on hold to place orders, and 30% of them give up before ordering." This kind of clarity not only outlines your business goals but also helps developers propose the right technical solutions.
Next, identify your target audience. Are you designing for busy professionals, college students, or seniors? Each group has unique needs when it comes to app design and functionality. For example, tech-savvy millennials might prioritize speed and advanced features, while older users might value simplicity and clear navigation. Knowing your audience will shape your app’s design from the ground up.
It’s also helpful to categorize features into "Must Have" and "Nice to Have." This exercise forces you to focus on your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and helps developers align with your priorities and budget limitations.
Be explicit about what your app won’t include. If you’re building a fitness tracker, for example, clarify whether it will sync with smartwatches, connect to social media, or offer meal planning. Setting these boundaries early can prevent costly misunderstandings later.
How to Explain Your App Idea Using Simple Tools
Communicating your app’s functionality effectively is easier when you use visual aids rather than long, written descriptions.
One great approach is to create user stories. These short narratives explain your app’s purpose from the user’s perspective. For example: "As a restaurant customer, I want to browse the menu and place an order without making a call, so I don’t have to wait on hold." User stories like this help developers understand the user journey without diving into technical jargon.
Another helpful tool is referencing screenshots of similar apps. If you like how Uber handles ride booking or how Instagram displays photos, take screenshots and organize them to illustrate the functionality you aim to replicate. Additionally, simple wireframes or flowcharts can be incredibly effective. Even rough sketches mapping out screens and transitions – for example, "Login Screen → Home Screen → Product List → Checkout" – can provide developers with valuable context.
Take inspiration from Martha and Eleanor, who, in July 2024, successfully planned a health-tracking app for older women despite having no prior tech experience. They outlined essential features, sketched wireframes to visualize the user interface, and used Figma to prototype user flows. Their structured approach made it easy for developers to understand their vision.
Finally, explain how users currently address the problem your app is solving. For instance, if you’re developing a parking app, describe how people now spend 20 minutes driving around looking for a spot or rely on outdated parking meters. Highlighting these pain points helps developers grasp the real-world improvements your app aims to deliver.
With a clearly defined and visualized app concept, you’ll be ready to decide which platform best suits your audience.
How to Choose Between iOS, Android, or Both
Choosing the right platform for your app is a significant decision that affects development costs, timelines, and your potential audience. This choice should reflect your target users, budget, and overall business goals.
Start by analyzing your audience. In the U.S., iOS holds about 57.05% of the market, while Android accounts for 42.62%. Globally, the numbers flip – Android dominates with 70% compared to iOS’s 30%. If you’re targeting premium users in regions like the U.S. or Canada, iOS might be the better fit. For a broader international reach, especially in regions like Asia, Africa, or South America, Android is often the way to go.
Budget is another key factor. Developing an Android app typically starts at around $23,000, while iOS apps average closer to $50,000. That said, iOS users tend to spend more on apps and in-app purchases, which makes it an attractive option if your revenue model focuses on paid downloads or premium subscriptions. On the other hand, if your strategy relies on advertising or you need to reach a larger user base, Android’s global dominance could be more advantageous.
Keep in mind the technical challenges as well. Android development often involves testing across a wide range of devices and screen sizes, thanks to its fragmented ecosystem. In contrast, iOS development benefits from a more uniform set of devices and consistent design guidelines.
If your budget allows, consider starting with a phased approach. Many successful apps launch on one platform first to test the concept and then expand to the other once demand is validated. This strategy minimizes upfront costs while still allowing room for growth.
Lastly, remember that complex apps can cost anywhere from $80,000 to over $300,000 when you factor in ongoing maintenance and updates. Choose a platform that aligns with both your budget and long-term goals.
How to Review Developer Portfolios and Past Work
Once you’ve nailed down your project requirements, the next step is to dive into developer portfolios to see if their skills match your needs. A portfolio is more than just a collection of work – it’s a window into a developer’s abilities, experience, and approach to problem-solving. Interestingly, 74% of clients prioritize portfolios when evaluating skills and problem-solving capabilities, making this step a critical part of the hiring process.
When browsing portfolios, focus on both the variety and depth of their work. Developers who have tackled projects across different industries and app types – like e-commerce, healthcare, or utility apps – show a broader understanding of diverse user needs. This kind of range also demonstrates flexibility, which is a big plus; developers with diverse portfolios are 40% more likely to be selected. It’s not just about what they’ve done but how adaptable they are to new challenges.
Take note of how developers present their projects. The best portfolios include detailed case studies that break down the challenge, the approach they took, and the solution they delivered. These narratives reveal not just what they built but why they made certain design and technical choices. This kind of transparency can give you confidence in their thought process.
Also, consider their experience in your specific industry. For instance, if you’re building a fitness app, a developer familiar with health-related applications will likely have a better grasp of your target audience. In fact, 62% of clients prefer developers with expertise in their specific project scope.
Don’t overlook the visual and functional quality of their work. Even if you’re not a tech expert, you can assess whether their apps look modern and are easy to use. Downloading and testing a few of their apps can help you gauge user flow and design quality. This hands-on approach can give you a clearer picture of their capabilities before diving deeper into their case studies.
How to Judge Quality Through Case Studies
Case studies are where a developer’s skills and working style truly come to life. A good case study tells a complete story, detailing the initial challenge, the approach taken, and the final outcome. Look for specifics, especially metrics like user engagement, download numbers, crash rates, or client satisfaction. These figures provide tangible proof of their impact.
Pay close attention to how developers describe the obstacles they faced and the solutions they implemented. This reveals their problem-solving skills and their ability to adapt when things don’t go as planned. Also, look for signs of ongoing support, such as post-launch updates or bug fixes. This shows they’re invested in the long-term success of their projects.
Testimonials or client feedback included in case studies can add an extra layer of validation. These third-party perspectives can provide insight into the developer’s reliability, communication skills, and overall quality of work. Beyond the case studies, the performance of their apps in the real world can further confirm their expertise.
Warning Signs to Look for in App Store Listings
App store performance offers a straightforward way to evaluate a developer’s work. In fact, 90% of consumers consider star ratings essential when deciding whether to download an app. Start by checking the overall ratings of the developer’s published apps. Apps with ratings below three stars can lose up to 50% of potential users, and those with two stars may lose as much as 85%. Consistently low ratings across multiple apps could indicate recurring issues with user experience or technical quality.
User reviews are another goldmine of information. Around 77% of people read at least one review before downloading an app, and these reviews often highlight common problems like crashes, slow performance, or confusing navigation. Also, check how frequently the apps are updated. Regular updates show that the developer is responsive to user feedback and committed to maintaining their work. On the flip side, apps that haven’t been updated in over a year might signal a lack of ongoing support.
Be cautious of portfolios with incomplete or outdated work, vague descriptions, or unprofessional presentation. These issues could point to a lack of attention to detail, which might affect the quality of your project.
"Most hiring managers spend less than 1 minute reviewing your portfolio…They’re looking for reasons to say ‘no’ before they look for reasons to say ‘yes’." – Talia Hartwell
Also, watch out for unsupported claims. Developers boasting unrealistic results or claiming expertise in every possible technology might be overselling themselves. Instead, look for honest, detailed explanations of their actual experience and proven outcomes.
Lastly, confirm that the developer’s apps are still available in app stores. Apps that have been removed might indicate policy violations, technical issues, or even abandonment – all potential red flags for your project’s future.
How to Interview Developers Without Technical Knowledge
Interviews provide a window into a developer’s thought process and communication style – things that portfolios alone can’t reveal. While technical assessments focus on skills, the interview helps you determine if a developer can explain technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively with non-technical clients.
To get the most out of the interview, focus on real-world scenarios and specific examples rather than abstract questions. This approach helps you understand how candidates have handled challenges in the past and how they might approach your mobile app project. Pay close attention not only to their answers but also to how they communicate – clear explanations will be essential when working together.
How to Test Communication and Teamwork Skills
Start by asking candidates to explain a technical concept from a previous project in plain, everyday language. Encourage them to use analogies or break the concept into simple steps. This will show you how well they can make complex ideas understandable – a key skill when working with non-technical stakeholders.
Ask scenario-based questions to explore their collaboration skills. For example:
"Can you describe a time when you had to deliver bad news about a project timeline to a client? How did you handle it?"
This type of question reveals how they approach difficult conversations and whether they take ownership of challenges.
Look for developers who show active listening skills, like asking clarifying questions or seeking to fully understand your goals. Test their ability to adapt by asking how they change their communication style depending on the audience. For instance, a developer who can explain a concept one way to a CEO and another way to a marketing manager demonstrates the flexibility needed to work across different teams.
To assess conflict resolution, ask something like:
"Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a team member about the direction of a project. How did you resolve it?"
Listen for evidence of open dialogue, compromise, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Once you’ve evaluated their communication and teamwork, dive into their problem-solving abilities.
How to Test Problem-Solving Skills with Examples
A developer’s ability to solve problems is just as important as their technical expertise. Instead of focusing on whether they get the "right" answer, evaluate their process for tackling challenges.
Use hypothetical scenarios to see how they approach common app issues. For example:
"Imagine users are reporting that your app crashes when they try to upload photos. How would you investigate and fix the problem?"
Pay attention to whether the candidate asks thoughtful questions, breaks the problem into manageable steps, and considers multiple possible causes.
"I don’t care if you get the answer right, I want to see how you work through the problem."
- Art Taylor, Sr. UI Engineer at Target
Ask about their past experiences with tricky technical challenges. For instance:
"Can you share a time when you had to debug a particularly difficult issue? What was your process?"
This helps you understand their persistence and methodology when solving problems.
You can also test their ability to handle sensitive communication scenarios. For example:
"How would you explain to a client why their app idea might not work as they originally envisioned?"
This question assesses both their technical judgment and their ability to deliver feedback diplomatically.
The strongest candidates will show curiosity by asking follow-up questions, empathy by considering the user’s perspective, and confidence in their ability to navigate complex situations – even when the solution isn’t immediately obvious.
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Tools to Check Technical Skills Without Being Technical
When you’re not a technical expert, leveraging objective tools can be a game-changer in evaluating developers. Interviews may help you gauge how candidates think and communicate, but they often fall short in verifying actual coding skills. Thankfully, there are tools designed to assess programming abilities without requiring you to have a technical background.
Automated assessment platforms have become indispensable for this purpose. Chris Weber, Global Head of Recruitment at Unity, highlighted their impact:
"With Codility, our teams ran 750 candidate tests over 90 days, saving 2,200 hours of interview time."
This kind of efficiency can significantly accelerate your hiring process and keep projects on track.
The trick lies in choosing the right tools and understanding how to use them. Look for platforms that provide clear, unbiased results. These tools should complement your interviews and portfolio reviews, offering an additional layer of insight rather than replacing human judgment.
Next, let’s explore how coding platforms and GitHub profiles can give you a deeper understanding of a developer’s abilities.
How to Use Coding Test Platforms
Coding assessment platforms are designed to evaluate programming skills through standardized tests and challenges. These tools can cut your hiring time by up to 70% while offering measurable insights into technical abilities.
Start by selecting platforms with intuitive interfaces and straightforward reporting. For instance, TestGorilla offers a wide range of skill assessments tailored for non-technical hiring managers. Coderbyte is another standout option, featuring video responses to open-ended questions, which allows you to assess both technical expertise and communication skills on one platform.
Pricing is another factor to consider. Platforms like CoderPad, HackerEarth, and Coderbyte offer plans starting at $70, $209, and $199 per month, respectively. Choose a solution that fits your budget and hiring needs.
For roles like mobile development, prioritize platforms that allow customizable tests. The best assessments go beyond coding and evaluate problem-solving skills and mobile-specific concepts, such as user interface design and app performance.
Key features to look for include automated scoring, plagiarism detection, and real-time collaboration tools. These ensure the results are reliable and reflect a candidate’s true abilities. As Maya Neria, Senior Product Manager at Andela, points out:
"Qualified’s technical skills assessments are really aligned with the real work environment which we were hoping for in order to better predict on-the-job performance. So many technical tools out there basically don’t – they only test theory and algorithms."
How to Check GitHub Profiles
GitHub serves as a living portfolio for developers, showcasing their code, projects, and collaborations. Even if you’re not technical, you can learn a lot about a candidate’s work ethic and professionalism by reviewing their GitHub activity.
Instead of focusing solely on the number of commits or projects, dive into the context of their contributions. Look for meaningful discussions, thoughtful feedback in pull requests, and examples of real problem-solving rather than superficial updates.
Pay attention to the quality of their README files. A well-crafted README explains the project’s purpose, usage, and setup instructions. This reflects the developer’s ability to communicate technical concepts clearly – an essential skill you’ve already evaluated during interviews.
Commit messages are another key indicator. Professional developers write clear and detailed commit messages that explain what changes were made and why. Look for evidence of code testing and proper documentation, which signals attention to quality and maintainability.
Context is crucial, especially for junior developers or those with non-traditional backgrounds. As Sharma notes:
"GitHub contributions should not be the sole determinant in hiring decisions, especially for junior developers… The key lies in context."
Some skilled developers may have limited GitHub activity because they work on private repositories or company projects. This doesn’t mean they lack ability.
Instead, focus on professionalism: consistent activity, clear project descriptions, and evidence of collaboration. Charles Forsythe emphasizes this point:
"If you don’t have any ideas for more impressive projects, have you considered polishing the code on GitHub? Smart companies don’t just look for code that works, but code that’s maintainable. Are your code samples clean and easy to understand? Do they have finishing touches like good comments, a well-written README, a build file, and other ‘professional’ touches? If not, it’s worth your time to improve them."
Keep in mind that GitHub is just one piece of the puzzle. A lack of activity doesn’t necessarily reflect poor skills, as many developers work on private or proprietary projects. Use GitHub insights alongside interviews, portfolios, and coding assessments to form a complete picture of a candidate’s abilities.
Warning Signs During the Hiring Process
Hiring the wrong developer can be a costly mistake – research estimates that a bad technical hire can set you back $33,251 and take 50% longer to replace. That’s why spotting red flags early in the hiring process is so important. Whether you’re reviewing portfolios or conducting coding tests, recognizing potential issues upfront can save you both time and money.
Bad Behavior to Watch For
Certain candidate behaviors during the interview process can signal trouble ahead. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- Arrogance and dismissive attitudes: Candidates who come across as superior or dismissive might struggle with collaboration and accepting feedback. This can lead to serious teamwork issues down the line.
- Poor communication skills: It’s not just about explaining technical concepts. If a candidate can’t simplify complex ideas or becomes impatient when asked for clarification, that’s a red flag. Given that 52% of businesses report communication problems with their software development partners, this skill is non-negotiable.
- Defensive reactions to feedback: A candidate who gets hostile or argumentative when given constructive criticism may have a fixed mindset. This resistance can create friction when adjustments are needed during development.
- Evasive answers: Watch out for candidates who dodge questions about their experience or technical approach. This could indicate exaggerated credentials, which might lead to costly setbacks if discovered after hiring.
- Unrealistic promises: If a candidate makes overly optimistic claims about timelines or project scope, proceed with caution. McKinsey & Company reports that 66% of software projects go over budget due to poor estimating practices.
- Inflexibility with tools or technologies: Developers who insist on using only specific programming languages or refuse to consider alternatives may have a limited skill set. This can restrict your project’s potential and adaptability.
- Lack of curiosity: Developers who don’t ask questions about your business goals, target users, or long-term vision are likely to view your project as just another coding task. This mindset can result in technically sound but commercially irrelevant solutions.
If you notice any of these behaviors, take the time to validate the candidate’s claims and experience before moving forward.
How to Check if Experience Claims Are True
Once you’ve reviewed a candidate’s portfolio, it’s critical to confirm that their claimed experience aligns with reality. While this takes some effort, it’s worth it to avoid expensive hiring mistakes. Here’s how to dig deeper:
- Cross-check app store listings: Compare their portfolio with live app store data. Look for developer credits, publication dates, and user reviews. If a candidate claims to have built an app in 2022 but the app store lists it as published in 2020, ask for clarification.
- Review user feedback: Analyze ratings and reviews for apps they’ve worked on. While no app is perfect, consistent complaints about bugs, crashes, or poor user experience could indicate quality issues. Pay attention to recurring patterns in negative feedback.
- Contact client references: Don’t just rely on written testimonials. Speak directly with past clients to get a clearer picture of the candidate’s communication skills, ability to meet deadlines, and post-launch support. Ask specific questions to verify their claims.
- Clarify their role in team projects: If a candidate lists team-based projects, ask them to detail their individual contributions. They should be able to explain which features they built, the challenges they faced, and how they resolved technical issues. Vague responses might suggest limited involvement.
- Check their online presence: Look beyond GitHub to their professional website, LinkedIn profile, and any industry memberships they mention. Consistency across platforms is a good indicator of reliability.
- Request case studies: Ask for detailed case studies that outline their technical contributions and challenges. These should align with the live data you’ve verified.
- Evaluate App Store Optimization (ASO) knowledge: Inquire about how their past projects performed in app store rankings and what strategies they used to boost visibility. A skilled mobile developer should understand how technical execution impacts market performance.
How to Check Compliance and Security Standards
If your mobile app deals with sensitive information – like patient health records, payment details, or personal user data – compliance isn’t just a box to check; it’s a necessity. The risks are real: health records are highly valuable on the black market, often selling for 10–20 times more than U.S. credit card numbers with a CVV code. After evaluating a developer’s technical and design expertise, it’s crucial to confirm they can handle the compliance standards required for secure, data-sensitive apps.
Failing to meet compliance standards can lead to more than just fines. In healthcare, HIPAA violations can result in legal issues, financial penalties, reputational damage, and disruptions to operations. Similarly, non-compliance with PCI DSS in financial apps can bring severe financial consequences.
Let’s dive into how you can ensure your developer is equipped to meet these critical data protection requirements.
How to Check Data Protection Knowledge
Your developer needs a solid understanding of the regulatory frameworks relevant to your industry. For healthcare apps, this means familiarity with HIPAA, which includes the Privacy Rule, Security Rule, and Breach Notification Rule. For financial apps, they must adhere to PCI DSS, which sets standards for securing payment card data and applies to any organization handling payment transactions.
Ask about their experience with these frameworks. A qualified developer should clearly explain the distinctions between them. For instance, HIPAA is a legal requirement, while PCI DSS is a contractual obligation tied to banks or payment processors. HIPAA offers broader guidelines, while PCI DSS outlines specific, defined security measures.
Dive deeper by asking how they handle compliance implementation. A knowledgeable developer will discuss conducting risk assessments to pinpoint vulnerabilities that might expose protected health information (PHI). They should also mention using strong access controls, encrypting data both at rest and in transit, and keeping detailed documentation with immutable audit trails.
You’ll also want to see if they understand Security by Design, a framework that integrates security into every stage of app development. As Security Compass explains:
"By following best practices and leveraging specialized tools, developers can build applications that protect patient health information and comply with legal standards."
Be wary of developers who provide vague answers about compliance or seem dismissive of regulatory details. Developers who genuinely understand these standards will see them as essential to protecting users and will incorporate them thoughtfully into their work.
Questions to Ask About Security Practices
Beyond compliance, it’s essential to evaluate your developer’s hands-on security expertise. Start by asking about their familiarity with the OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS), which outlines best practices for mobile app security.
Focus on how they handle data protection. Ask what types of user data the app will store locally and how they’ll safeguard it against unauthorized access. A security-savvy developer will prioritize minimizing local storage, keeping sensitive data on secure servers instead. As the saying goes, “the most secure data is the data you never store”.
Discuss encryption methods. They should be able to explain how they’ll secure data both at rest and in transit, using industry-standard techniques and proper key management. Confirm that all network communications will be encrypted using HTTPS/TLS and ask if there are any situations where insecure connections might be necessary.
Authentication and authorization are other critical areas. Ask how users will log in and whether extra authentication steps will be required for sensitive actions. Verify that they understand best practices, like using centralized OAuth servers for token issuance, employing JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) internally, and opaque tokens externally, along with proper token exchanges.
Dr. Klaus Schenk from Verimatrix highlights the importance of comprehensive security:
"PCI DSS compliance isn’t just about encrypting payment data; it’s about safeguarding the entire device ecosystem, from the front-end interface to the back-end servers."
He further adds:
"Meeting PCI standards is just the beginning. It sets the floor, not the ceiling, for security measures."
Ask how they approach secure coding. They should discuss validating and sanitizing user inputs, keeping third-party libraries up to date, and applying security patches promptly. Developers should also enforce minimum platform versions to ensure the app benefits from the latest security features.
Finally, address ongoing security measures. Ask about their experience with security audits, penetration testing, and monitoring for suspicious activity. A strong candidate will emphasize that security isn’t a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment throughout the app’s lifecycle.
As software engineer James Snell puts it:
"Security is not a magic wand you can wave at the end of a project, it needs to be considered and built in from day 1. It is not a bolt-on, it is the consistent application of a range of solutions applied iteratively and reviewed regularly as part of a whole system, which is only as strong as the weakest link."
A developer who can confidently explain these practices and share examples from their previous work demonstrates the expertise needed to handle sensitive data responsibly. On the other hand, surface-level answers or a lack of familiarity with these concepts may signal they’re not equipped to meet your compliance and security needs.
Conclusion: How to Make the Right Choice
Choosing the right mobile developer might feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it becomes much more manageable. The trick is to focus on areas you can assess: communication skills, portfolio quality, and technical problem-solving.
Start with communication. A developer who can explain complex ideas in simple terms and responds promptly to questions will make collaboration easier and the development process smoother. Clear communication is the foundation for understanding your needs and translating them into a functional app.
Next, dive into their portfolio. This is one of the best ways to evaluate their work. Studies show that 74% of clients consider portfolios a top priority, and developers with a variety of projects under their belt are 40% more likely to be hired. Don’t just look at how the apps appear – dig deeper. Check for functionality, user reviews, and case studies that highlight how they’ve solved real-world challenges.
If you’re not technically inclined, tools like coding tests, GitHub profiles, and reference checks can help you assess a developer’s skills. For apps dealing with sensitive data, make sure to discuss compliance and security measures. A developer’s understanding of regulations can be critical for your app’s success and safety.
Be on the lookout for warning signs. Poor communication, vague explanations about past work, hesitation to provide references, or dismissive attitudes toward security are all red flags. Trust your gut – if something doesn’t feel right early on, it’s likely to become a bigger issue later. If these challenges arise, consider seeking professional support to simplify the decision-making process.
For those who need extra guidance, working with an experienced development team can make a world of difference. For over a decade, Sidekick Interactive has been helping clients make informed decisions about mobile app development, emphasizing collaboration and education. As they put it:
"You know your business, and we know the mobile device market. This is why during each project, we collaborate with you to learn about your industry, your needs and your expectations. In return, we offer guidance during the mobile application development process to help you make the right choices and reach your business goal."
FAQs
How can I explain my app idea to a developer without knowing technical jargon?
To share your app idea without diving into technical jargon, focus on the problem your app solves and how it will improve users’ lives. Stick to straightforward, easy-to-understand language to explain the app’s purpose and its main features. Instead of detailing how the app works, describe what it’s supposed to do.
Visuals can make a big difference. Simple sketches, mockups, or diagrams can help bring your idea to life and make it easier for developers to grasp your vision. Breaking your concept into smaller, digestible parts can also make your goals clearer and ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Clear and specific communication is key. The more you can describe the user experience and functionality in detail, the better equipped the developer will be to turn your idea into reality.
What should I consider when deciding whether to develop an app for iOS, Android, or both?
When choosing between iOS, Android, or both, it’s important to weigh a few key factors to ensure the best fit for your project:
- Target Audience: Think about where your users are and the devices they prefer. For example, in the U.S., iOS often dominates, but Android holds a larger share globally.
- Budget and Timeline: Developing for both platforms requires more time and money since each involves separate development processes. If you’re working with a limited budget or need to launch quickly, starting with just one platform might be a smarter move.
- Features and User Experience: Certain features may be easier to implement on one platform due to differences in tools or development guidelines. Plus, each platform has its own design standards, which can influence how users interact with your app.
By considering these factors, you can select the platform – or platforms – that align best with your goals, audience, and available resources.
How do I make sure the developer I hire prioritizes security and compliance for apps with sensitive data?
To make sure your developer prioritizes security and compliance, especially for apps dealing with sensitive data, start by discussing their experience with secure coding practices. Ask about their familiarity with techniques like encryption, secure authentication, and adherence to standards such as OWASP MASVS. Dive deeper by having them explain how they’ve applied these methods in previous projects.
Take a close look at their portfolio, focusing on apps that demanded strict security measures, such as those following GDPR or HIPAA guidelines. Pay attention to features like data encryption (both at rest and in transit) and strong user authentication systems.
You might also want to validate their work using third-party tools or platforms. This extra step can help confirm their ability to deliver a secure, compliant app tailored to your specific requirements.
