Platform and technology choice is a crucial early consideration. You need to determine if your app will be developed for iOS, Android, or both platforms. This has implications for things like codebases, developer tools and SDKs used, and also audience reach. Research which platform(s) make the most sense based on your intended users.
Within each platform, you need to choose a programming language and frameworks. For iOS, this typically means Swift or Objective-C using Xcode and Cocoa Touch. For Android, this usually means Java or Kotlin using Android Studio and its SDK. Flutter is a newer cross-platform option too. Technology choices affect development speed and capabilities.
User experience and interface design are extremely important, especially for a mobile app. Users expect a smooth, intuitive UX tailored for small screens. Wireframing, mockups, and prototyping early on will help validate and refine your design concepts. Consider gestural navigation, screen real estate usage, data input methods, and more. Get feedback and iterate on the UX.
Plan your app’s feature set and functionality carefully. Determine the key experiences and flows users will need based on research. Prioritize features based on importance and what can reasonably be delivered within project timelines. Consider how different features integrate and work together seamlessly. Whiteboard workflows, stories, and flows in detail.
Data architecture and storage is another major design aspect. Think through what data needs to be stored, where, and how to structure it. Options include SQLite, Core Data, Realtime Databases like Firebase, cloud services. Determine whether data is local, synced, shared amongst users, accessed publicly or privately and apply the right solutions.
Security and privacy are also important mobile app considerations especially with sensitive user data. Features like authentication, authorization, data encryption, input validation become essential. Adhere to security best practices and comply with regulations like GDPR depending on your users and functionality.
Determine key metrics to track success post-launch. This could include things like downloads, active users, retention, feature engagement, support requests, revenue. Integrate analytics SDKs early like Firebase Analytics. Establish baseline goals and KPIs to measure against over time to guide future development.
Build for quality by following best practices for debugging, testing, releases and continuous integration/delivery. Leverage tools for thorough automated and manual testing across devices/emulators. Address bugs and crashes proactively to ensure high reliability, performance and stability. Test user flows rigorously from beginning to end.
Consider visual elements like icons, splash screens and app store assets. These represent your brand and should be professionally designed. High quality visuals create a better first impression and download conversion. Photos, images and other multimedia content may also be needed.
Monetization strategies if any need forethought. Options include premium features/subscriptions, in-app purchases, advertising. Monetization requires integrating payment processors and ad networks which demands additional consideration of data usage policies and user experience impact.
Maintenance and long term sustainability planning are just as important after launch. Routine bug fixing, feature updates, server management may be needed ongoing. Determine resource requirements and explore monetization options to keep funding future development. Nurture an engaged user community through forums, social media and other touchpoints. Consider an roadmap with a longer term product vision.
Thorough project documentation maintained throughout the process will prove invaluable for future students, users and other stakeholders. Clearly track goals, design decisions made with justifications, lessons learned – both technical and experiential. Comprehensive documentation showcases your work and serves as a learning asset for others.
Those cover some of the major factors that need attention when developing a polished, well-engineered mobile application for a capstone project that satisfies requirements and demonstrates skill mastery. A thoughtful consideration of objectives, technical implementation, user experience, business aspects, quality measures and documentation will empower success.