Web applications – 5 worst development mistakes

Web applications - that is, advanced websites with numerous additional functionalities, like e-commerce - are a tough subject. They require both a team of competent programmers and a few project managers to supervise the whole process of development. Making a mistake of strategic importance is quite easy with no experience in this field!

The following is our list of mistakes to avoid during the process of application development.

1. No clearly defined problems and milestones

   Do not treat a web application as a mere gadget. It should solve a specific problem Your company has, and contribute to its development. The creation of a new IT tool is driven by a real need. So define Your objectives in the very beginning and try to envisage the direction of the application's development. Besides, think about how to assert this direction later on. Define the MVP (minimum viable product) and the KPI (key performance indicators).

2. The budget incompatible with the expectations

   An experienced and creative software house can prepare an application with very advanced functionalities for You. The question is, are You ready for the cost it entails? The more complex the application, the more professionals in different fields have to work on it. It affects not only the overall cost of the project, but also the time it takes to complete it. Approach the design process in a rational way and think about what You need most. Start the project, and then expand the tool with new functionalities.

3. Skimping on a team

   To perform the more complicated tasks choose an experienced team with a proper business background. Skimping on the team during the design process often means additional costs during the deployment. In the end You lose both time and money. Changing a team in the middle of the project is a real hassle!

   When choosing a subcontractor, focus mostly on the quality and complexity of their previous projects. Visually attractive applications may be beautiful on the surface but technically flawed inside. If You are not sure what type of a subcontractor to assign to Your task, check out our knowledge base. We have already written about when to choose a digital agency and when to choose a software house.

4. No confidentiality agreement

   The web applications whose development we are assigned to often involve numerous innovative solutions that revolutionise our Customers' businesses! After choosing a subcontractor remember to sign a confidentiality agreement. It is no surprise for any experienced software house. They sign the CA (or the NDA) so that the Customer may familiarise them with the inner workings of the company and thus disclose its real problems.

5. Underestimating the value of efficient communication

   The design, the implementation, and the deployment of a web application constitute a process that can span many months and be divided into numerous stages. Such an undertaking necessitates regular communication between the developer and the Customer. Before starting cooperation we suggest You organise a workshop to define all the objectives and agree on the fixed time of project-related meetings. They streamline the flow of information and assure that every team member has full knowledge of their tasks. Remember that Your IT partner is, well, a partner. Let Yourself be helped and value honesty above all!