Choosing the right mobile app development company to build your app is a crucial decision that can make or break your project. With so many options out there, how do you identify the best fit? Asking the right questions during the interview process is key to evaluating technical capabilities, expertise, communication skills and overall fit.
This article outlines 10 must-ask questions when interviewing potential mobile app development partners. Properly vetting providers upfront will set your project up for success and prevent headaches down the road. Read on for the top questions you should have on your list when evaluating mobile app developers to find the ideal partner for your needs.
10 Key Questions to Ask Mobile App Developers
What is your experience and technical expertise in mobile app development?
You’ll want to gauge their overall experience level in mobile – how long have they been building apps, how many apps have they developed, and for what types of clients? Ask about their areas of technical expertise – native iOS, Android, cross-platform, etc – to ensure they align with your project needs. Having an experienced partner well-versed in your required platform(s) is crucial.
How do you approach UX/UI design?
The look, feel and user experience of your app are critical to its success. Ask developers to walk you through their typical UX/UI design process to ensure it aligns with your vision. Do they follow a set methodology? How do they approach wireframing, prototyping and testing? You’ll want to partner with a team that emphasizes design just as much as development.
How do you communicate with clients throughout the development process?
Open communication is key to a successful partnership. Discuss their communication style and processes. How often will you meet, through what mediums, and how can you best collaborate? Look for a team that is transparent, responsive and proactive in keeping you informed. Setting expectations upfront prevents miscommunications down the road.
How do you approach quality assurance and testing?
Rigorous testing is crucial to rolling out a smooth, glitch-free app. Ask about their testing process – what types of tests are performed and at what intervals? How do they replicate real-world user scenarios? Do they have a separate quality assurance team? The right partner will have a robust testing methodology in place.
How long have you been in business and how is your company structured?
Vetting business longevity and structure gives you insight into their stability and scalability. Look for a company with a solid track record and the right structure to support your project long-term. Ideally they will have specialized project teams including PMs, designers and developers. Ask about staff turnover as well.
What is your process like for ongoing support and maintenance after launch?
Post-launch support is a crucial part of the partnership. Discuss their typical support procedures once your app is live. Do they offer maintenance contracts? Ask about timelines and processes for addressing any bugs or issues. A reliable long-term partner will have post-launch support workflows in place.
Can you explain your app development process step-by-step?
Having a firm grasp of their development methodology will show how efficient and organized they are. Ask them to walk you through each step from scoping requirements to launch. Look for a structured process including milestones, deliverables, feedback loops and transparency.
What differentiates you from other app development companies?
Every firm will play up their credentials, so look for real examples of what sets them apart. Maybe they have specialized expertise in your industry, or an innovative development process. Ask for measurable results they’ve achieved for clients that make them stand out from the pack.
Can you share examples of past work, including apps similar to mine?
One of the best indicators of future success is relevant past work. Ask to see examples of live apps they’ve built, particularly any in your niche or with similar functionality. Be sure to ask for references as well – past clients can give transparent feedback on their work.
What are your pricing models and timelines?
Get clear estimates on cost and timing so you can adequately plan and budget. Look for reasonable pricing models for the value being delivered. Ask about timelines from scoping to launch, but know that projects often take longer than initial estimates. Leave wiggle room in your planning.
Conclusion
Choosing the right partner for your mobile app development project requires asking the tough questions upfront to thoroughly vet technical capabilities and project fit. Use this checklist of 10 must-ask questions as a guide for interviews to help evaluate providers.
Key areas to dig into include their design process, development expertise, communication practices, quality assurance, business structure, past work and more. Getting the proper insights ahead of time will prevent unwelcome surprises down the road.
With market competition fierce, you need an experienced mobile team you can trust to bring your vision to life. While the interview process takes time on the front end, it’s a small investment that pays dividends. Finding the ideal partner assures you can launch with confidence and scale successfully. Do your due diligence to make one of your most mission-critical business decisions from an informed perspective.
FAQs
What technical questions should I ask?
Some good technical questions to ask include:
- What programming languages/platforms do you specialize in?
- How do you stay updated with the latest OS updates and features?
- How do you implement security and encryption in your apps?
- What tools/frameworks do you use for developing and testing apps?
Getting into some technical specifics will allow you to assess their technical capabilities. Look for developers knowledgeable in your required languages and platforms.
Should I ask for references or examples of their work?
Absolutely – references and sample apps are crucial. Speaking with past clients gives transparent feedback on their work. And seeing examples of actual released apps helps assess their quality and expertise. You want to evaluate both their development skills and how they are to work with.
What red flags should I watch out for?
Some concerning signs include lack of direct answers, inability to provide past work samples, vague timelines, lack of project management practices, and minimal UX/UI capabilities. Rushed or copy-and-paste responses are also worrisome signs.
How many companies should I interview before deciding?
It’s a good rule of thumb to interview 3-5 companies before making a decision. This allows you to compare approaches and capabilities. Be wary of companies that seem desperate for your business – take your time to thoroughly vet each.
Should I ask about post-launch support?
Absolutely – post-launch support is a very important aspect that’s easy to overlook. Be sure to ask about their support processes after go-live – do they offer maintenance contracts, what is their bug fixing policy, etc. These things will impact long-term success.
