Do you have an idea that you would like to bring to reality in the form of a mobile app and are you wondering what is involved? You can do the make your own app or make the choice to to make an app. Because every app is unique, we don't have a ready-made answer. However, we can help you with the various considerations you have to make and more importantly: where to start if you want to make your own app.

You have a fantastic idea for an app, but nothing concrete yet business plan for your app. You may want to use the app for yourself or for the company you work for. It is important to make the plan concrete in the first phase 'how do I develop an app'. Ask yourself whether the app concept is feasible. How is the competition and is my app distinctive enough? Who are the ultimate app users? A little target group research can help you with this.

Can't you figure it out yourself or do you want to work with specialists working on your plan? Then you can also participate in the Accelerator Day. During this day we will work with you on a strategic plan. We then think from the point of view of the customer's needs and work back to the technique. The result: a rock-solid foundation for your app.

If you have found the answers to these questions and you are sure that you want to make the app, the next question is: who will build the app?

You have several choices for creating the app. For example, you can choose to make the app yourself, make the app with an app builder or have the app made by specialists (Coffee IT).

Do you want the Create your own app? If you want to realize your idea by making the app yourself, you have to take into account the complex process involved. This includes everything from the planning, to the design to the technical realization of the app. Do you have technical knowledge of the required programming languages ​​and frameworks? Then you could program your own app.

Do you want to create the app yourself with an app builder, but you don't have the necessary technical knowledge? Then using an app builder (also known as: making an app, app creator or app generator) can offer a solution. With an app builder you can create your app from various building blocks that are offered. This requires some technical knowledge and affinity.

Do you want to have a custom (mobile) app made and do you think the user experience is very important? Then hiring an experienced software specialist can be advisable. Creating an app can quickly become a complex and time-consuming endeavor.

A good example of this is the Knaek app. This is the largest student loyalty platform in the Netherlands. They were already a great success in 2012, but the app did run into technical limitations. We were the right party to renew the entire app. Read Knaek's full story here.

Suppose you decide to make the app yourself. You have done the necessary preliminary research and the preparations have been made. You are convinced that your app concept will be a success. Nice! You are now ready for the next phase: developing your app concept. Write down which functionalities you want the app to have, what will be the name of the app, on which devices should the app run (for example on Android, iOS, web or all?), what is the revenue model of the app, how do you want that the app will look global? If you have thought about this, the second question follows: which technique do you choose?

Choosing the right technology for your app is extremely important. The success of the app depends on this. The choice of technology depends strongly on the platform you want to operate. Think about who you want to reach with your app. Does your target group mainly consist of iOS (iPhone) users or Android users? Or do you want users to be able to use the app via a browser?

Each platform has its own pros and cons. Web applications can be accessed via a browser and can also be used offline. These applications are often made with HTML5. Because web applications work on both computers and Macs, building them is a lot less time-consuming. The disadvantage of a web application is that they are not offered in the stores, which can make the revenue model more difficult.

Native apps are made specifically for a particular platform, i.e. iOS or Android. The advantage of this is that they make optimal use of the functionalities of the smartphone and the apps look beautiful. The downside is that you have to create two separate native apps for both Android and iOS.

De Hybrid apps are built on one base code. that work on the operating systems of both devices. So you don't have to make two different apps. While hybrid apps are advancing in technology, they don't deliver the best user experience the way native apps do.

With a web app you combine the power of an app with the possibilities of the web. You can reach a web app directly via a URL and you do not have to download it. A good example of a web app that we have developed is the ROC app. They have chosen to develop a React Native app in combination with a web app.

*Not sure yet which type of app suits your concept? Or want to know more about the different app types? Then view first this page in which we provide a detailed explanation with a selection guide.

Making an app yourself is very complex but it can be very interesting and satisfying if you succeed. But keep in mind that simple basic programming knowledge will not achieve the desired result. Successful app specialists have been active in the field for years and are aware of the latest trends, tools and developments in the app field.

If you want to make an app yourself, you will not only need a lot of technical knowledge, but you also need to know what the end user expects and which design fits with it. You will therefore first have to gain a lot of basic knowledge in terms of programming and user-friendliness before you can make an app yourself.

An integrated development environment (IDE: Integrated Development Environment) is usually used to program the app. This IDE environment provides the components needed to create an app. Think of an SDK (Software Development Kit), Editor, debugger, emulator, compiler, etc. These are tools for software developers to create an app. Do you want to create a successful app? Then you must have the knowledge to use these tools and master the chosen programming language.

Do you want to make an app yourself, but you don't have the technical knowledge? Then you can opt for an app builder. Nowadays there are several ways and services for this, for example with a low code software platform Mendix. They use modular building blocks with which you can assemble your app yourself.

These programs work with templates, so you are stuck with the guidelines that the app builder uses, this is the 'What You See Is What You Get' principle. The advantage of this is that you need little technical knowledge to create your own app. The disadvantage is that your design options are a lot more limited than, for example, in the integrated development environment. An app builder has a limited choice of programming commands.

Do you want a complex app with many functionalities or real customization? Or do you have insufficient programming knowledge yourself? Then you can consider calling in an app specialist. An experienced app specialist can help you realize your app idea in almost any programming language. An experienced developer can also give you advice regarding the technology, the revenue model, the functionalities and so on. Do you want it together with our specialists? app development process in? Then view our Accelerator Day.

If you hire an app specialist, you are guaranteed a well-functioning app that does exactly what you want. Of course there are costs associated with this. These costs depend on the complexity of the app (the hours of development), the type of app, the features and the design. Curious what it costs to create your app concept? Then view this page or Contact us with us!