Designing software and web-apps requires specific skills. Unfortunately, many companies in Italy and abroad, in an attempt to manage development internally, often produce “solutions” that are subpar or nonfunctional.
Get ready: you are about to discover how to design software, which professionals are involved, and what pitfalls to avoid.
Table of contents
Define the objective
Before you start designing, ask yourself these questions:
- Why do I want to design software? What is my goal? Do I want to improve internal business processes or sell a service?
- Who will use the app or program? My colleagues, customers, or a specific audience?
- What features will this software have? Will it be scalable and integrable with other systems?
Answering these and other questions will guide you in developing your “product,” helping you avoid mistakes.
Designing software for internal use or for resale?
Generally, a company designs and develops software for:
- internal use: to improve its processes, automate repetitive tasks, and increase operational efficiency;
- resale as a SaaS service, with particular attention to scalability and user experience (UX).
Both reasons influence the technology and budget used for development.
Which professionals are involved?
To design quality software, you will need a team of experts. You cannot do without:
- a project manager, who will coordinate the project, setting objectives and deadlines;
- a functional analyst who, based on client requirements, will define the technical specifications;
- a designer, who will take care of the software's graphic appearance and usability;
- a team of developers, who will write the code and implement all the required features;
- at least one quality assurance (QA) manager, who will check for errors and test the product’s quality.
Relying on an experienced software house, like HT Apps, allows you to work with qualified consultants and avoid major mistakes.
How to design software and web-apps in 4 steps
To develop software effectively, follow these 4 steps:
1. Define objectives and requirements
- Identify the problem to be solved.
- Define the primary and secondary features.
- Study the target audience.
2. Set a budget
- Evaluate the budget available.
- Establish a roadmap with realistic timelines.
- Plan the testing and launch phases.
3. Choose the right technology for development
- Assess the type of software (whether it is for the web, mobile devices, or desktop PCs).
- Choose the most suitable programming language.
- Implement the code following industry best practices.
4. Prototyping and testing
- Create a prototype to gather user feedback.
- Conduct tests to identify bugs and potential improvements.
- Repeat the process until you reach the final version.
Why rely on an experienced software house like HT Apps?
If you design software without experience, you risk:
- extended timelines;
- unforeseen costs;
- low-quality results.
Frequently asked questions [F.A.Q.]
1. How long does it take to design and develop software or a web-app?
The development time depends on the project’s complexity: a simple software or web-app may take weeks, while a complex one can take months.
2. What is the difference between software designed for the web, mobile devices, and desktop PCs?
- web software (or SaaS service): accessible via a browser without installation;
- mobile software for iOS or Android devices: optimized for smartphones and tablets;
- desktop software (on premise): complex applications installed on Windows or Mac PCs.
3. How can I make my software or web-app scalable and updatable?
For scalability and future updates, adopt a modular architecture, use flexible technologies, and plan updates based on user feedback.
4. How can I protect my “product” from hacker attacks?
Protecting your software is essential. Implement end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and release updates to address vulnerabilities.
5. How do I integrate new software with existing business systems?
Integration occurs through APIs and specific connectors. Analyze compatibility with current systems to ensure an uninterrupted data flow.
Develop your software or web-app with ht apps
HT Apps is a software house belonging to the JO Group cluster and has been developing software for companies and start-ups for over 21 years. It is also a partner in many projects, both national and European (click or tap the link to see them).
Our business developers (BD) are available to help you design your next software, while our technicians will swiftly build it for you, choosing the most appropriate programming language. In addition, our company also employs UX designers and certified developers.
Contact us now to design your software. Call +390957463250, fill out the contact form below, or write to us on WhatsApp.
HT Apps is the ideal solution for developing customized software.