More on Quality in the Mobile Application Business

• The following aspects of quality should be emphasized in the mobile world.
  • Business
    • Make certain the application has a valid business case, and there is an existing market need.
    • Although the mobile context and the new technologies that are available awaken many unique ideas, it is crucial to keep the business considerations in the forefront.
  • Concept
    • Due to the increasing competition, the product concept should have sufficient unique selling points in order to succeed.
    • The application should be based on an innovative new concept that utilizes the special characteristics of the mobile environment.
  • Technical accuracy
    • Ensure the application is implemented according to proper conventions, the mobile environment requirements are considered, and the application is properly tested.
    • The final application must be polished, free of bugs, and it must not create problems in the user’s device.
  • End user needs
    • Consider the different user needs early in the process, prioritize and select the needs or tasks the application aims to fulfill and take them into account during the requirement specification phase.
    • The final application should enable the user to perform the tasks for which the application is designed.
    • The pitfall of many quickly developed applications is that they are designed by an engineer for other engineers and technology enthusiasts. This approach takes the mass markets out of the equation very efficiently.
  • User experience
    • In addition to the user being able to perform the necessary tasks, using the application should provide a positive experience and the application design and interaction flow should be pleasing to the user.
    • Competition in the mobile application today is about having a pleasurable user experience that entertains multiple senses.

      Intuitive	Engaging	Fun
      Sound effects	Great graphics

  • Security
    • The user can reasonably expect high quality applications do not lose or corrupt their data in the device and does not contain malicious features.
    • It is also fair to expect the application performs only those tasks, which it is designed and understood to perform.
    • The application must not allow others to exploit it for malicious purposes.
    • Even if the application fails, it must not compromise security.
    • The user should also be sure that when they install an application from a trusted source, the application meets at least some quality requirements defined for mobile applications.
  • Power management
    • Individual applications should be designed to save as much power as possible.

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© 2008 - 2014 John Michael Pierobon

Notes