Bulletproof Guide of Mobile App Development Architecture

Bulletproof Guide of Mobile App Development Architecture

Table of Contents

Why should I learn mobile app development architecture?

Seriously, you are asking this?

Did you know that the Google Playstore has 3.48 million apps and the Apple store has 2.28 million apps?

Did you know that the Mobile Trends Report says that the number of people interacting in their lives with mobile apps is increasing by 31% from year to year?

Mobile app architecture will be explained in this tutorial, which will assist developers in planning for the future of mobile apps in 2022.

planning for mobile app development

Here is a quick insight before we start:

  • Between 2019 and 2020, app installations jumped by 50%. During the first quarter of 2021, the number of installs increased by 31% compared to the same time the previous year.
  • Session numbers increased by 30 per cent from 2019 to 2020 and are likely to continue rising in 2021, with an additional 4.5 per cent growth already forecast.
  • The 51% year-on-year rise in financial technology applications was the most dramatic. Possibly owing to the increased popularity of trading apps like Robinhood, Acorns, and Gatsby. In 2020, Fintech sessions grew by 15% over the previous year and were expected to expand by 35% by 2021.
  • While non-hyper casual video games had a 26% rise in the number of installations, hyper-casual games saw an increase of 43%.
  • In the year 2020, the e-commerce app industry did very well. Even though just 6% of users have installed the app, user sessions have increased by 44%, indicating that mobile shoppers are incredibly active.

So what does mobile app development architecture mean?

The principles, strategies, and patterns for designing apps for smartphones and other mobile devices are known as “mobile app architecture.” 

Developers may use these guidelines to create an application that meets the needs of the company and the industry.

The terms “mobile app architecture” and “tech stack for mobile” are frequently used interchangeably, although this is incorrect. 

A web or mobile application’s front and back ends comprise many technologies and tools. Still, they aren’t as focused on the business or the demands of the client (the what of this application) or how it’s developed (the method of making apps).

The structure of a mobile app covers all of the app’s components, every question regarding why, what, and how, including what data is gathered, how data travels, how the app looks, on what platform, and with what technological stack.

Mobile App Architecture: What Makes a Great Mobile App?

A solid mobile application architecture will ensure that components contain multiple responsibility layers.

SOLID and KISS are two excellent programming patterns that are followed by a solid mobile app architecture.

You may speed up development and simplify maintenance by meeting these standards. It will save both time and money by doing this. 

Suppose you have a well-structured and platform-specific technology like Swift on iOS and Kotlin on Android. In that case, you can solve complicated business difficulties quickly and effectively with mobile applications.

Hybrid technologies might have a wide range of problems, which will help you avoid them. It’s a long-term strategy for saving money and time.

Good architecture should be adapted to several platforms, such as iOS and Android. Separation of responsibilities is a critical component of successful architecture.

A well-defined mobile app architecture makes it simpler to test and maintain the app in the future. It also reduces the risk of defects. 

A well-thought-out mobile app design’s short- and long-term benefits are substantial.

Ideally, an architecture should be able to function with platforms that are native or cross-platform, resulting in a consistent development technique for all of the systems it supports. 

As a guide for developing a mobile app, the mobile app design is an excellent starting point. After that, we can begin building out the application’s foundation (the bones or the bones, as you would call them).

What is the number of layers in mobile app architecture?

Three.

Business logic, presentation and data.

Diving deep.

designing mobile apps

The Layer of Presentation

There are two sections to the presentation layer: the content layer and the visual layer. 

The User Interface and the UI process are two of them. It’s critical to concentrate on the visual aspect of the mobile app while addressing this layer. 

A particular customer must be on the radar of mobile app developers. So, it will be compatible with the current infrastructure.

You’ll have to make several critical decisions throughout the presentation layer phase. Colours, typefaces, fonts, and shadings are all included in this category. 

As they create a mobile app, developers must keep in mind how much space a user has on their device. Choosing the proper data type is an additional necessity for this layer. 

Data validation procedures should be used that are shown to be dependable.

The Layer of Business

In the business layer, you’ll find everything to do with business. Businesses care about how their apps can demonstrate their skills to customers. 

This layer consists of business components, workflows, and other entities. This layer has a greater level of complexity than the others. 

Too many concerns, such as caching and logging, need to be addressed. It’s more challenging to deal with exceptions and security concerns.

This layer has two parts, making it easier to get the job done. 

The domain and service layer models are the two basic types of models. 

The standard functions of apps are carried out by the service layers. Provides knowledge and skills relevant to a given topic.

The Layer of Data Security

The layers that access data are designed to satisfy the application’s requirements.

They are a fast and safe way to transfer data. This layer must be created by developers to do this. 

It consists of various components, including data utility, access, and service agents.

It is critical to choose the proper data format. Another factor that makes it essential to create this layer is the availability of a reliable validation technique. 

Mobile app developers must consider the need to update and maintain data on the go. With this, we can keep this layer current with the demands of our company.

Mobile App Architecture for Android

If you’re looking for a mobile app, you’ll want to look no farther than Android-optimized apps. 

Android applications may operate on a wide range of devices, including those made by Google, Samsung, Sony, and Nokia, and are written in Java and Kotlin. 

Clean Architecture has been the most popular Android design for mobile applications. However, no specific style has been identified as the best option for Android.

Clean’s structure is built on this approach using layers and the inversion of control. 

On top of the three levels mentioned above, Clean also includes the business layer, sometimes known as the “domain layer.” This implies that the domain or business layer must not rely on the other levels but must employ interfaces. 

However, even though this may be tough to grasp, it allows for simple app additions and scaling over time.

android mascot

Mobile App Architecture for IOS

Objective-C and Swift are the languages of choice for developing native iOS applications. Apple offers explicit best practices over app design via the MVC approach (Model-View-Controller). For iOS, there are various possibilities, but the MVC model is still composed of:

A model represents the data (persistence model objects, model managers, parsers, network code).

View, removable layers display the program to the user in the same way as that presentation layer.

A controller is an intermediary layer that uses a protocol to connect to an abstraction.

In mobile development, the MVC model is an ideal option since it allows for rapid and parallel growth and the creation of many views.

ios apps

Mobile App Architecture for Hybrid Platforms

Hybrid mobile applications combine online and native apps. 

Instead of using platform-specific native programs as “shells,” hybrid apps use platform-independent JavaScript HTML and CSS as the user interface. 

Plugins like Apache Cordova or Ionic Capacitor are used by hybrid apps to take advantage of the platform’s inherent functionality.

Hybrid mobile apps are among the most efficient apps that can be produced across several platforms and are easy to update. Still, they aren’t the most fantastic option for complex and interactive applications.

Tips for Creating a Mobile Application’s Architecture

Every application requires a well-designed and efficient architecture, no matter how simple or complex. 

There are several advantages of using mobile apps’ architecture. A well-structured program is easier to change, test, and analyze.

How can you tell whether the framework on which your app is built is appropriate? To make your life easier, consider using the following list:

Efficiency and Dependability

The software can accomplish all the activities and tasks regardless of the circumstances. The system is efficient and dependable and can withstand the stresses of daily living.

Flexibility

The solution you choose is easy to alter, and errors are rare. 

It is possible to alter one element without causing damage, but it might have a detrimental impact on the other.

The program’s extensibility allows you to add as many features as possible.

Scalability

Changes may be made more efficiently because of the system’s scalability. The sturdiness of the design allows you to work on many projects at once.

Power of Testing

Because of the nature of a mobile application, testing is simple. Because of this, the number of mistakes decreases, and the system’s dependability increases.

Clean Code

As many developers as feasible should be able to understand the code. The application is being developed by a large number of people. People fresh to the project may pick up the ropes much faster when the architecture is well-designed.

Before Developing Your Mobile App Architecture, Consider These Factors

There are a few things to keep in mind while creating a backdrop for a mobile app. 

Mobile app development needs a four-dimensional view of the world:

  1. Choose a portable app size that will suit your preferred device.
  2. Establishing Internet connectivity by predicting possible outcomes.
  3. Improve the user experience for your ideal customers.
  4. Finding the appropriate path across the screen’s different parts.

Now we will dive into the details for each element.

Defining the Device Types

Your mobile application’s specs are determined by the specifications of smartphones. 

In preparation, consider how it will operate on every screen (i.e., the size and pixel density), the processing unit (CPU), and available memory. 

Your mobile app will run more smoothly if you pay attention to these software and hardware aspects.

It’s also essential to ensure that your software runs well across a wide range of devices, not simply the most recent models.

Analyzing Potential Bandwidth Issues

Additionally, the mobile app’s compatibility with different types of Internet connections should be considered. Most developers aren’t even aware of this reality when it comes to creating mobile app designs. 

The worst may happen at any time, so prepare for it.

It’s essential to think about this while meeting your audience from afar. Every country’s Internet network has a varying level of accessibility. 

Some nations already have 5G connection, while others are stuck on 3G. In addition, energy use and performance are critical considerations. 

Make sure your mobile device has all the capabilities necessary to guarantee that your consumers have an excellent experience wherever they are.

Making a plan for the UI

Any mobile app must have an eye-catching user interface to be a success. Users engage with it at the most basic level of display. 

The key to success is to give them a simple and novel choice. In addition, the design you choose must constantly reflect the demands of your target audience.

ui design sprints

Finding the Best Way to Navigate

What follows is an effort to strike a balance between users’ needs and app constraints. It’s the outcome of uniting the front-end and back-end in a single system with great skill.

Take notice of these most popular approaches in the middle of all the possibilities:

Navigation bar with many levels of stacking A fixed navigation bar with linkages to different parts of your mobile application is designed and implemented.

Link-based tab switching is made possible using the Tab Controller.

Tab and hyperlink switching with the modal controller in the screen menu

One view is a screen with just one item and the ability to return to the previous screen.

To make navigating more accessible for the average user, the Home button may be used in conjunction with gestures like swiping left or right.

If you want to know the most straightforward way, study your customers! 

When it comes to design, certain styles are immediately understandable to the average person. In contrast, others might leave them feeling disoriented or uninspired.

The Bullet-Proof Framework To Decide Your Mobile App Development Architecture

Get to Know Your Clients

Think of your mobile app as an answer to a specific customer’s issue for it to succeed. 

Find out all you can about your potential clients, such as who they’re with, what applications they’re using, and what they desire. Create a mobile app that your customers will like using. 

For example, the older your consumers are, the more likely they prefer a more simplistic design. 

With the rise of motion design, the younger generation is embracing it, while older generations are baffled by it.

Check out industry standards to get a better idea of what you need to know. Your company’s specifics, such as these, might provide insight into how your mobile app is doing. 

A website application, for example, is most beneficial to fashion stores (where customers can browse all categories of products and photos in huge dimensions). 

With a cab app, though, you may have a better experience.

Create a Demo App and Run It

You should not save money at this stage. on an application that seems native. In terms of user-friendliness and ease of use, this is the most excellent option available. 

Use all the information you have about your customers to come up with a solution that will meet their needs and address their nagging concerns.

Cross-platform development is an excellent option if your clients need more than just Android and iOS to complete their duties. If the two most popular platforms are adequate, native app development will function.

After making a decision, use it as the foundation for the principal function. Put yourself in your customers’ shoes and think about what they would do if you were working in their environment.

Asking clients whether they like the app is also foolish. 

An important consideration in choosing an architecture is how well your app is able to meet the needs of the people it is intended for.

That implies that the home menu and alerts, as well as widgets and the ability to store information, are what users are looking for in a user-friendly experience. 

Your submission must meet all of these conditions, as well as the overall preferences of the audience.

Refine the Most Important Features

Once you’ve accomplished the first preparations and the reality evaluation, you’re ready to work more closely with offline apps and features. Making technical and industry-specific decisions about the application is part of this process.

The first step is evaluating alternative architectural concepts’ technological advantages and disadvantages. 

Native apps, for example, provide the best performance and user engagement. Still, they must be installed and are expensive to download. 

On the other hand, web applications are SEO-friendly and don’t need to be installed, but they do need an Internet connection and aren’t as fast. 

Think of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) as a better compromise since they enhance the user experience of web-based apps with higher performance, dependability, and speed.

Make sure your app has offline functionality as well. People dislike having to depend on an Internet connection to utilize an app, so keep this in mind while developing the app. 

Create a core set of features that can be taken off and reused. After the user connects to the Internet, include synchronization with the server.

It is vital to utilize native programs or PWAs to operate offline (note that they require the same platform). Using these two mobile app design options is a good place to start.

Make Certain That Your Development Staff Is Prepared

Your project may be constrained by the constraints of your employer. So, it’s crucial to look at your team’s competencies to see if there are any gaps.

Having A Clear Idea Of When The Project Will Be Completed Is Essential 

Everyone wants to see their company concept come to fruition as fast as possible. However, it will take some time for your crew to complete it. 

Make sure your team members have the resources and experience required to develop your concept before you begin working on it.

Keep An Eye Out For Their Skills 

Swift, Objective-C, C, C++, Kotlin, and Java are all needed for building native applications. The HTML, CSS, and Javascript toolset is sufficient for web-based applications. 

Keep your team members up-to-date on the latest developments in the hybrid app, PWA, and Web Native arenas. 

Consider hiring additional expertise if you discover knowledge gaps in your team or begin in-house training for existing employees.

Streamline Your Finances

Collecting all the information about your consumers’ preferences, essential functions and sophisticated features, as well as the constraints of your own team, is the last step in creating a product that meets your customers’ needs. 

Then you can figure out the cost. The best mobile app design balances the most essential needs and the resources available to fund them. Consider the total cost of support and maintenance. 

If you must use native applications or apps on several platforms, reevaluate your options. Before making a final choice on the design of the mobile app, consider the benefits in terms of ROI.

mobile app development architecture

Final Words

Consideration must be given to the technology stack and architecture while developing mobile applications. 

Knowing your company’s requirements and customer stories can help you plan the features and how to incorporate them into your app. 

This will also help you plan how the layers will be interrelated. 

There are a slew of factors to consider before making a decision, and making wrong assumptions might result in a product that falls short of expectations.

Due to a lack of internal resources, a short time to market, or if you’re looking for professionals, you may decide to outsource your app’s design.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.

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