At a time when technology allows us to communicate with people across the world with ease, outsourcing mobile app development is becoming more and more common. Freelancers can be a great option to save money and time for your company, but there are a few common problems to keep an eye out for if you decide to outsource your app design and development.
1. Changing Time Zones
One thing that technology cannot yet fix is the issue of operating in different time zones. Although global communication is at our fingertips, often it is difficult to find a time where teams from different places can communicate due to different time zones. If there is an issue that needs to be dealt with in a timely manner, you might run into problems if you are unable to contact a freelancer due to scheduling. For this reason, it is ideal to outsource to freelancers in a similar time zone. If this is not possible, be sure to account for communication delays when assigning deadlines and scheduling projects.
2. Errors in Testing for End User’s Environments
Functional tests are important in mobile app development to ensure that the app works well in its intended environment. These tests must be done in a manner that relates closely to the way the intended user will use the app. If an outsourced developer fails to properly test an app, bugs and mistakes might come up when the app is used in its proper location. This can sometimes only be seen once users have already paid for and began using an app. To avoid this issue, you can use VPNs and emulators in order to make sure these key functional tests are done properly when using freelancers.
3. Outdated Developers
Technology and user trends are always changing and often differ regionally. It is important to not only find developers who are apt in coding, but also who are using the same interfaces that are used in your region. In addition, user experiences may differ from place to place, so it is important to ensure that your app developers have experience making content similar to yours.
4. Breakdowns in Communication
As in most collaborative works, communication is the backbone of long distance app development. When working with freelancers, your expectations and needs must be clearly and fully communicated in order to result in the end-product you desire. A language barrier risks a miscommunication that could lead to a poorly developed app. To avoid finding this out far into a project, be sure to complete trials with a freelancer to ensure you’re able to communicate effectively.
5. Failing to Follow Trademark and Patent Laws
Do not assume that your company’s ideas are protected through U.S. laws in every region you outsource to. Oftentimes, different countries have different laws pertaining to patents and trademarks, and it is dangerous to assume that an agreement signed in the U.S. is valid everywhere. To avoid getting your ideas stolen, limit unnecessary access to information and databases by freelancers, and be thorough in your instructions to not allow the sharing of your company’s materials.
Whether or not you are considering outsourcing, if you are in the process of developing a mobile app, we are here to help. Contact Five Pack today, and see how we can assist you through every step of the mobile app design process.
