App development: duration of phases, project examples & tips

From idea to concept

Before you can start the actual development, you should first take the time to work out your idea in concrete terms. This applies to both small and large projects. A good concept is the foundation on which you will later build your app.

• Define target group: Think about which users you want to target and which problems you want to solve with your app. The more specifically you define your target group (age, interests, job, everyday habits, etc.), the more precisely you can design functions and design.
• Use cases and features: What are the main functions of your app? Collect all the ideas you can think of and prioritize them in order of importance. It is often better to start with a “Minimum Viable Product” (MVP) — i.e. with an app version that only contains the most important functions and can be brought to market quickly. This allows you to get feedback earlier and further develop your app in a targeted manner.
• Competitive analysis: Take a look at which similar apps are already on the market, what they do well and where there are still gaps. This is how you can find out how you can stand out and offer real added value to your target group.
• Mockups & wireframes: To get a better feel for the later look and feel, you can create simple sketches or wireframes. There are numerous tools for this that are very beginner-friendly (such as Figma, Sketch, or AdobeXD). This is just about the rough structure — the fine-tuning is done later in the design process.

Native vs. cross-platform vs. hybrid: overview of app types

The next step is to consider how your app should be technically implemented. Basically, there are three main categories:

Native apps

• iOS: Develop with Swift or Objective-C in the Apple ecosystem.
• Android: Develop with Kotlin or Java.

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advantages:

• Highest performance and best user experience, as the app is tailored directly to the operating systems.
• Full use of all device features (camera, GPS, sensors, etc.).
• Updates and new platform features can be integrated very quickly.

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Disadvantages:

• Higher costs and development effort as you have to maintain separate code bases for iOS and Android.
• Longer development time if both platforms are to be operated at the same time.

cross-platform frameworks

Frameworks for cross-platform apps include React Native, Flutter or Xamarin. The name means that thanks to them, you can cover several platforms with one development service.

advantages:

• One code base for both (or more) platforms.
• Faster development because you don't have to code everything twice.
• Good balance between performance and development effort.

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Disadvantages:

• Sometimes worse performance than native apps (although modern frameworks such as Flutter or React Native are getting better and better here).
• Some dependency on frameworks that require continuous updates and maintenance.
• Possible restrictions on very specific hardware features.

hybrid apps

Basically, these are web apps in an app shell, based on web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Typical development environments include Ionic, Titanium or Cordova.

‍advantages:

• Usually very cost-effective to develop, as web developers can build these types of apps.
• Quick adjustments and updates, as there is a lot going on via web technologies.

‍Disadvantages:

• Performance and user experience are often not at the level of native or cross-platform apps.
• Restricted access to certain hardware features.

Especially if you want to conquer the market quickly or are not yet sure how your app will be accepted, a cross-platform approach can be an attractive choice. However, for highly specialized and performance-critical applications, native apps are the better option.

Develop your own app: steps, tools and typical pitfalls

If you are tech-savvy or already have experienced developers in your team, you can implement your app yourself. But even if you don't have any programming knowledge, there are some platforms on the market that allow you to create simple apps with little or no code (so-called “no-code” or “low-code” tools such as AppGyver, Bubble, or Adalo).

Develop your own app: important steps

prototyping

Create as concrete a prototype as possible that you can test and show to potential users. Feedback is extremely valuable in this phase — it shows you whether your idea is met with approval and which features are still missing.

Design and user experience

Good design is much more than just “looking chic.” It makes a big difference whether your app is intuitive and easy to use. Even if you're not a professional designer, you can draw on ready-made UI libraries (such as Material Design for Android or Human Interface Guidelines for iOS). Make sure that your app looks consistent and doesn't pose a mystery when it comes to user navigation.

development process

• Choose a programming language or technology stack that you (or your team) are confident in.
• Set small, achievable interim goals.
• Maintain clean documentation so that you don't have to research later changes long afterwards.

Testing

Test your app regularly on various devices and operating system versions. It's worth inviting beta testers here. Pay particular attention to performance, load times, and stability.

Deployment

Once your app is ready, you'll need to submit it to the respective stores (Google Play and Apple App Store). There are certain guidelines to follow — from store policies to mandatory screenshots and descriptions.

Typical challenges and mistakes when developing an app

• Underestimate time required: An app is not a weekend project. Plan realistically and expect setbacks.
• Lack of technical expertise: Anyone who is just learning how to program quickly reaches their limits. Bugs or complex logic may be blocking progress.
• Neglect user experience: Even technically flawless apps can flop if they're not user-friendly.
• Budget overestimation: Doing it yourself isn't free either — there are costs for software licenses, servers, test equipment, marketing, etc.
• No clear project management: If you don't distribute tasks properly and set deadlines, you quickly get lost in details.

Have the app developed: When does it make sense to hire professionals?

Although the DIY approach has its charms, it makes sense for many companies — especially in the B2B sector or for larger projects — to seek professional support. This is where agencies that specialize in app development come in. But why should you a Agency like Axisbits consider?

Benefits of professional development

• Experience and expertise: An experienced team of developers, designers and project managers brings a wealth of combined expertise. In this way, you can be sure that best practices are being applied and that typical mistakes are being avoided.
• Time savings: Through clear processes and proven workflows, professionals can usually implement your project faster than you would be able to alone or with an inexperienced team. That means you're on the market faster.
• Quality and scalability: Agencies usually use high-quality tools and frameworks and know how to set up an app so that it runs stably even as the number of users increases. Regular tests and code reviews also ensure high product quality.
• Consulting and Innovation: Good agencies not only advise you on technical issues, but also contribute strategic ideas. They might discover niches or opportunities that you haven't even thought of yet. In this way, you benefit from an outside view of your project.
• All-round service: From the initial concept idea to UI/UX design to marketing and post-launch maintenance: With a full-service agency like Axisbits, you get everything from a single source. This saves you a lot of coordination and communication with different service providers.

Possible disadvantages and points that you should consider

• costs: Professional development is of course not cheap. Depending on the range of functions and complexity, this can amount to five or six figures. But as with many things, quality and reliability pay off.
• Dependency: When you work with an agency, you depend on their expertise and time availability. However, this risk can be minimized with clear contracts and transparency.
• Communication: Successful cooperation depends on good communication. Make sure you and the agency are on the same page and schedule regular meetings or status updates.

The most important steps in the professional development process

If you decide to work with an agency, you should be prepared for a structured and multi-stage process. An example flow could look like this:

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• Kick-off and design phase: Here, everyone involved gets to know each other and clarifies what the aim of the app is. The target group, functions and rough schedules are coordinated. At Axisbits, we value close communication with you to ensure that all ideas are brought in.
• Design and prototyping: In the next step, the designers create initial mockups and prototypes. These serve as a basis for feedback loops, so you get a feel for the app early on. This is also the phase in which the UI/UX design is defined — colors, fonts, branding elements, navigation, etc.
• Agile development: As soon as the design is ready, the developers start coding. Agencies often work after agile methods, which means working in short sprints and presenting an interim result after each sprint. In this way, requests for changes can be woven in promptly.
• Testing and quality control: Parallel to development, the app is continuously tested — both automatically (unit tests, integration tests) and manually (user acceptance tests). Every new feature or change is reviewed to quickly find and fix bugs.
• Launch and store submission: As soon as all functions have been implemented and tested, the app goes into live mode. We take care of submitting the app to the respective stores, posting screenshots and descriptions, and complying with all guidelines.
• Maintenance and updates: After launch is before update! Because apps are never “done.” User feedback, technical developments or new market requirements require regular updates. Axisbits continues to support you even after go-live and ensures that your app remains successful in the long term.

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Costs, budget planning and funding opportunities

Regardless of whether you develop your app yourself or hire professionals: A clear budget and realistic financial planning are always the necessary basis.

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• In-house development: This involves costs for your own time, possibly the time of team members, software licenses (e.g. for development environments), servers, test devices, etc. It is often difficult to precisely estimate the effort in advance, as problems or learning phases can break the schedule.
• Agency development: The price range can vary significantly. Simple apps may be in the five-digit range, while complex business applications can cost several hundred thousand euros. Reputable agencies will provide you with an offer that covers the scope or works with milestones.
• Funding and funding: Check whether there are government funding programs for digital development in companies. Also find out about potential investors or crowdfunding platforms if your budget is tight.

Make an app yourself or have it done?

The decision whether to develop your app yourself or hire an agency depends heavily on your resources, goals, and competencies. If you have enough time, basic development skills and not too complex a range of functions, a DIY approach can be appealing — especially to quickly build a prototype or a first version and get feedback.

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But when it comes to professional demands, high user numbers and long-term scaling, doing it yourself quickly reaches its limits. Here, specialized professionals not only offer technical expertise, but also strategic and design know-how that can save you many detours and expensive improvements.

Develop an app with Axisbits

As a full-service agency with many years of experience in app development, Axisbits covers all areas that are crucial for a successful project — from initial idea to launch and beyond:

• Consulting & concept: We help you define your goals and develop a strategy that is market-oriented and profitable in the long term.
• UI/UX design: Our creative team ensures that your app is not only visually appealing, but is also intuitive to use.
• Software development: Whether native apps for iOS and Android or cross-platform (*) — together with you, we choose the technology that best suits your project.
• Quality Assurance: Through testing methods and code reviews, we ensure that your app is robust, performant and secure.
• Maintenance & Support: After launch is before update. We will support you over the long term and assist you with technical and strategic questions.

Especially for companies that value professionalism, reliability and sustainable growth, it is worthwhile to rely on an experienced agency. This allows you to concentrate fully on your core business and not have to worry about technical pitfalls.

Regardless of whether you're just getting started or already have a specific concept on the table — a non-binding consultation will help you get on the right track.

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What are the costs for software development?

The costs depend very directly on the complexity of the desired software. With an increasing number of features The project scope is growing, which affects the choice of programming technology as well as the size of the development team and their necessary qualification and experience.

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• Project scope and complexity: Simple web applications with few functions are significantly cheaper than scalable platforms with complex user roles, databases and interfaces to third-party systems.
• Technology required: The choice of programming languages, frameworks, and tools also influences costs. It depends on the project goals whether cheap no-code variants are sufficient or whether deliberate hardcoding is more appropriate.
• Team size and qualification: Experienced developers come at a price. A team of senior developers will usually be more expensive than a mix of junior and mid-level developers. The deployment of personnel also depends directly on the scope of the project and its goals. The costs for software development per hour are set at 90 to 180 CHF. [Please classify/change the values as is customary in the industry]

Software development is therefore no different than in other industries. A small house with a few rooms or a car with basic equipment will always be cheaper than the larger and more powerful counterpart in your own configuration.

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The same applies to the skilled workers employed. Quality and long-term reliability The software is more likely to be expected from experienced programmers, even though beginners can buy significantly cheaper on freelancer platforms such as Fiverr.

Cost examples for the development of typical software projects

To get specific about the costs of software development, we will introduce you to some price ranges here. These come from our experience and previous, i.e. real projects.

Important: The table below is none Price list with binding values. But it gives you a sense of the price range. Further down in this article, you will also find a chapter in which we classify and compare prices.

Software development costs by project type

The lower value of each price range relates to a minimally viable product (MVP) with a few core functions. Software solutions with high performance, deep integrations and special requirements must be measured by the highest value in each case. The development time also depends on this smaller or larger complexity.

Software development costs by project size

Not all projects of the same or similar type are the same size. That's why we're putting a Guidance for project size , which is also based on the projects we have carried out so far.

Costs: No-code/low-code vs. hard-coded

For some projects, it makes sense to first use the Core of the idea with an MVP to test. These are available more quickly and are created with no-code or low-code programming. Larger projects should be hard-coded in order to implement correspondingly higher requirements

Classification of costs: individual vs. finished software

Most standard software, which you could immediately book online, is based on licensing models and offers predefined features. Since these functions are preferably based on a broad user market If they should fit, special requirements usually cannot be met.

Subscription payments for finished software nevertheless quickly add up to orders of magnitude that equal or even exceed those of custom software — without the advantage of adapted functions. The following calculation example using Salesforce Marketing Cloud shows which costs can arise even over short periods of time.

The costs for this software range from 15,000€ to 180,000€ (approx. 14,000 to 168,000 CHF) per year. Over a typical depreciation period of five years, there is therefore Subscription fees from 70,000 to 840,000 CHF.

How can I reduce software development costs?

When it comes to ideas for saving costs, we ignore sacrifices in quality, as Axisbits exclusively in the high-quality range moved and had the best experiences with it. Nevertheless, there are ways to manage costs very consciously, even with the highest quality standards:

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• Define a clear requirement: Explain in detail what software requirements you have. This makes it possible to work towards these goals in a straight line without taking expensive detours.
• First focus on an MVP: With a minimum viable product, you can test the most important functions on the market or in your company first before moving on to a higher-priced full development. The experience gained helps to develop in a targeted manner, which ultimately saves costs.
• Use of no-code/low-code platforms at the start: They are particularly suitable for prototypes or simple applications and can be developed more quickly and therefore more cost-effectively. The switch to hardcode will take place later.
• Agile development methods: With iterative development steps, we ensure that the software is developed particularly closely to the customer's wishes. This also avoids expensive detours.

The costs of software development from a bird's eye view

As shown, prices are always within a range and the driving cost factors are in particular the scope and technology chosen for the software.

We know that there should be much more information on the table for investments of this scale — and that for both sides. That's why we always offer you a free consultation, In which we define the key points of your project idea and tell you much more precisely what price you can expect. This also makes it much easier to estimate the duration of the project.

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What makes up the price of an app?

The cost of your app depends primarily on the following:

• Complexity: Should your app have many features and interfaces or is it more simple?
• Design: Do you have special requirements for the interface including an elaborate design, or is a simple standard sufficient?
• Technical platform: Would you like a native app for iOS/Android, a web app or, if possible, everything together?
• Quality & safety: Do you need a very high level of security (e.g. for banking or health data)?
• Scope of aftercare: How much support and maintenance do you want after the release?

Native apps, i.e. apps that are specifically programmed for iOS or Android, are usually more powerful and offer more options — but are also more complex to develop. When it comes to web apps that are opened via the browser, there are big differences in terms of effort. You are Aber tends to get to the market faster zu, but they may be less powerful in terms of performance and range of functions, depending on the project.

Typical cost drivers in app development in detail

The development of an app takes place in several phases, each of which involves a different amount of the budget.

Planning & conception

No excellent app can be created without specific planning. In this first phase, your concept is therefore sharpened, use cases are defined and it is determined which functions should be represented.

• Time required: From a few days for small projects to several weeks for more complex apps.
• costs: Depending on the hourly rate (see below), the costs for a solid design phase are usually in the low to mid-four-digit range.

App Design

When it comes to design, not only the superficial appearance is important, but also the user experience (UX). A truly intuitive app impresses your users from the very first minute.

• Time required: Small, simple design: just a few days Individual UI/UX for various platforms: several weeks.‍
• costs: Design can range from a few thousand francs (or euros) for small apps to five-digit sums for complex, tailor-made solutions.

Developing the app: The costs

The biggest task is usually the actual programming. Here we make a rough distinction between:

• Native apps for iOS and Android: Highest performance and full control over device functions. Usually higher development costs, as two platforms must be developed in parallel (Objective-C/Swift for iOS and Java/Kotlin for Android). Unless you want to target one Program the operating system.
• Web apps: Work on all devices via the browser, therefore one-dimensional development effort. In return, the app may have less access to the device's native functions.

Testing & quality assurance

To prevent major errors from finding their way into the live system, it is necessary thorough testing. It should also not be underestimated how users push an app to its limits or look for gaps. User testing is therefore also important.

• Expense: Around 10-20% of total development time.
• costs: Can quickly become a five-digit amount, depending on how many devices and test plans are taken into account.

project management

Project management is also a very important cost item. A good communication structure ensures that the project stays on track and that the team works in a targeted manner.

• Expense: A share of 10—20% of the total project costs is often underestimated but realistic.

Operation & maintenance

After launch is before update! Regular updates, bug fixes and new features keep your app alive. Depending on how extensive your project is, the ongoing costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand francs per month.

Hourly rates in app development: freelancer vs. agency

Are freelancers cheaper?

• Hourly rates: Between 50 and 150 CHF/€ per hour.
• advantages: Quick availability, often cheaper, direct communication.
• Disadvantages: Less capacity for larger projects, dependence on individual people, possibly no full-service offer (design, development, testing, etc.).

Do agencies work more reliably and comprehensively?

• Hourly rates: Between 100 and 200 CHF/€ per hour or even more, depending on the degree of specialization and location.
• advantages: An experienced team, various competencies (design, development, PM, testing) under one roof, more capacities, quality standards and processes are usually established.
• Disadvantages: Higher costs, sometimes longer lead times.

Ultimately, it depends on the size of your project and your requirements whether you choose freelancers or an agency. In the case of a complex project with a long-term perspective Can the Working with an agency Pay off quickly in terms of reliability and quality.

Cost examples: What does an app ultimately cost?

To give you price ranges, we've put together two scenarios based on working with our customers. Please note that the figures are indicative — the actual costs vary depending on project scope, functional requirements, design requirements and selected technology and cannot represent a binding price list here.

Learning and quiz app as a web app

Quiz or learning modules, evaluations, user registration, payment (e.g. for certificates) and gamification.

• Expenditure: 2 - 5 months
• Costs: 40,000 to 100,000 CHF

Typical B2C mobile app (iOS/Android)

Mobile application (iOS/Android) with user profile, in-app purchases, push messages, backend API and, if applicable, chat functions.

• Expenditure: 4 - 10 months
• Costs: 60,000 - 200,000 CHF

The lower values always refer to a minimum viable product (MVP), with which customers go into the market test first. After this More features are added to validation, which increases expenditure and thus drives the price to the upper end of the price range.

How can I reduce the costs of developing the app?

With the following ideas for saving costs, we deliberately omit quality compromises, as we Axisbits exclusively in the high-quality range move and have had the best experiences with it. Nevertheless, there are ways to manage costs very consciously, even with the highest quality standards:

• Define clear requirements: From the outset, specify in detail which requirements your app should meet. In this way, milestones can be processed in a targeted manner without costly detours or subsequent changes in the development process.
• First focus on an MVP: Start with a minimum viable product — i.e. an app version that only contains the core functions. This allows you to test your idea on the market at lower costs and gain valuable insights for further development before it goes into a more comprehensive and expensive full version.
• Using no-code/low-code platforms to get started: No-code and low-code tools are great for simple prototypes or MVPs. They allow the first app versions to be implemented quickly and cost-effectively, which can later be converted to tailor-made programming as soon as the range of functions grows.
• Use agile development methods: Through iterative development steps, as are common in agile methods (e.g. Scrum), the development process remains adaptable. In this way, adjustments can be made at an early stage and unnecessary expenses can be avoided, as the app is gradually adapted to your wishes.
• Make a strategic choice of platform: Consider whether your app absolutely needs to be developed natively for iOS and Android or whether a web app or a cross-platform solution is sufficient. The latter enable development for both platforms with a single code base, saving time and money.
• Consider long-term planning and scalability: Plan your app from the start so that it can grow, if that makes sense. This avoids expensive new developments later on when your app grows or additional features need to be integrated.‍
• Include realistic budget planning and buffers: Set yourself a realistic budget right from the start and plan a buffer of around 10 - 20% of the total costs to cover unforeseen adjustments.

With these approaches, you can consciously save costs even with the highest quality standards without sacrificing performance or the end result.

We know that it takes a lot of information to start app development. So before you decide on a path, you can visit our Axisbit's portfolio Find ideas for your project.

In addition, we always offer you a free consultation, In which we define the key points of your app and tell you much more precisely what price you can expect. The duration of the project can also be estimated more precisely in this way.

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What is the best way to plan your app budget?

• concept: Take time for detailed planning and define the MVP (Minimum Viable Product). This gives you a clear set of must-have features and reduces the risk of budget overruns.
• Get offers: Compare offers from several service providers, whether freelancers or agencies. Pay attention not only to the price, but in particular to their references, communication and reliability.
• Schedule buffers: Good rule of thumb: You should set aside 10-20% of the total costs as a reserve for unforeseen tasks.
• Iterative approach: Design your app in small steps (sprints) so that you can make adjustments and control the budget at any time.