app development Archives https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/blog/tag/app-development/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:50:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/uipl-logo-150x150.png app development Archives https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/blog/tag/app-development/ 32 32 How to Build an App like Instagram – Comprehensive Features and a 10-Step Guide https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/blog/how-to-build-an-app-like-instagram-comprehensive-features-and-a-10-step-guide/ Wed, 11 Jun 2025 04:41:00 +0000 https://unifiedinf1stg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=30800 The world is brimming with social media platforms and every month, over a billion people use Instagram, making it one of the most popular and influential photo-sharing and editing apps. Being one of the most hyped-up image-based social media apps, Instagram has revolutionized the way users share, edit and consume audiovisual content. Due to its […]

The post How to Build an App like Instagram – Comprehensive Features and a 10-Step Guide appeared first on Unified Infotech.

]]>
The world is brimming with social media platforms and every month, over a billion people use Instagram, making it one of the most popular and influential photo-sharing and editing apps. Being one of the most hyped-up image-based social media apps, Instagram has revolutionized the way users share, edit and consume audiovisual content. Due to its phenomenal adoption and usage, it has gained massive worldwide acceptance and businesses around the world are trying to build an app like Instagram to boost profits in their ventures. 

But it can only be profitable if done right! 

When trying to replicate a social media application like Instagram, businesses must aim at combining a smooth and seamless user experience with intuitive and addictive visual-first features – photo uploads, likes, shares, comments and a never-ending feed scroll.

Below is a breakdown of what Instagram encompasses, followed by a 10-step guide on how to create a photo-sharing app like Instagram.

What Goes Into Building a Social Media Application Like Instagram?

Businesses around the world are replicating Instagram and developing apps to engage with and capture as many users as they can. Many developers have successfully built Instagram Clone Apps using technology like Flutter, React Native and Firebase; apps like Snapchat, VSCO and 500px have also taken heavy inspiration from Instagram but added their own flavor.

At its core, Instagram is more than just a photo-sharing and editing app – it is a visual storyboard. It combines actions like photo-sharing, photo editing, video uploads, user interactions, short videos, etc., under one roof and offers unparalleled quality of service. For individuals and businesses alike, Instagram is becoming one of the most profitable and adopted social media marketing tools of all time. 

Key Features of a Social Media Application Like Instagram

With a ton of features and offerings, Instagram has cracked the code of what the new-age users want. Below are some of the defining features of Instagram that every app developer should know to make an app like Instagram.

User Profiles

User profiles become the digital identity of users on any app. This forms the first level of personalization, control and affinity towards using a social media platform. With the option to add profile photos, usernames, personal bios, links, etc., users feel they own the platform and are far more comfortable with uploading photos and videos. 

When users feel they are in their own separate space, they can explore the app and its features freely. 

Social media app development companies can also enhance their custom social app by providing additional privacy features for media views, comments and shares – a replica of Instagram’s public/private toggle.

Photo and Video Uploads

Any application like Instagram, at its core, is primarily a photo/video sharing and editing app. Hence, the feature of uploading media to the platform is foremost. Any social media application like Instagram must allow users to:

  • Upload new photos or videos directly from their smartphone
  • Capture photos and videos directly from the app
  • Upload multiple files at once

Make sure your app supports images and videos in varied formats such as .JPG, .PNG, .MP4, .MOV, etc., to engage with more content. Mobile app development companies can use cloud storage like AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, Google Cloud Storage, etc., for quicker and more scalable media handling.

Filters and Editing

Since its inception, Instagram filters have revolutionized the photo upload experience. Users, no matter how unique or pretty, want to visualize themselves in places and in forms that are out of this world. 

Snapchat understood this and made a filter-heavy app for its users. 

With the power to edit original photos and videos, users can engage more deeply with the application and create exceptional content. 

When developing such social media applications, users must be able to:

  • Crop, rotate, resize and redesign the image or video
  • Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, depth, sharpness, highlights, etc.
  • Apply any desired filter from the library.

Developers can add custom filters in the mobile app, based on Instagram’s unique ones like Clarendon, Juno or Lark and use image processing libraries like PhotoEditor SDK or OpenCV to build it.

Engagement Through Likes, Comments and Shares

For social media apps like Instagram, likes, comments and shares from other users are the engines of engagement. This is how it works for Instagram, and for you if you plan to create a similar image-based social media app. When a user posts an image or a video, other users should be able to engage with the content by liking, commenting and sharing it – likes reveal real appreciation, comments initiate interactions and shares show content relevance and reach. 

Elements like likes and comment counts, use of emojis and GIFs, interaction insights, external shares, etc., should all be part of the application development process for such social media platforms. Developers should also consider implementing tools like Hive, Microsoft Azure Content Moderator, AWS Rekognition + Comprehend, Google Cloud Vision + Perspective API, etc., to prevent spam, abuse, harassment or content toxicity in the app.

Features of An App Like Instagram

Real-Time Feed Scroll

Endless scrolling through user-generated content via feed is a typical characteristic of photo-based social apps. Any application like Instagram will surely need to develop this feature – this is what makes the users stick to the app, and be motivated to not just consume but create content as well. 

Developers can choose between two feed models to offer to the users:

  • Algorithmic Feed: Personalized content based on user preferences, engagements and interests
  • Chronological Feed: Newest to oldest content

The content on the feed must include photos, videos, stories, status, GIFs, stickers, etc. If monetization is in the plans, sponsored content and ads would be a good inclusion. Users will need to have live updates and infinite scrolls on the apps; using tools like Firebase Realtime Database or Socket.io, developers can ensure a live feed every time.

Ephemeral Content – Stories and Status

Ephemeral content refers to those stories, status and temporary content that disappear after 24 hours. Social media applications have made it a routine to show ephemeral content – they engage more users, create a sense of FOMO, make users share content more due to limited availability and much more. Mobile application development frameworks must incorporate elements and configurations that support ephemeral content to drive more audience to user-generated posts.

Stories or status content should support images, video, GIFs, audio notes, written or text content and everything else users would want to communicate in. To make things more interesting and engaging, components like stickers, emojis, tags, mentions, polls, music, check-ins, etc., should also be available. Developers can use Cloud Functions to auto-delete past content.

In-Built Messaging

Direct messages or DMs are quite common in image-based social media apps. Users tend to connect with other users for personal interactions. This not only increases the amount of time spent on the app, but also instills social affection towards meaningful conversations. Any app trying to replicate Instagram’s messaging system must offer one-to-one private chats and group chats to share photos, videos, reactions, text messages, emojis, and other interactive elements. Developers can go a step forward by enabling advanced features like:

  • Typing indicators
  • Personalized stickers and emojis
  • Message sent and seen status
  • End-to-end encryption and data privacy
  • Voice and video calling

Companies can use tools like SendBird, Twilio Chat API and Stream Chat to enable DMs in any image-based social media app.

Push Notifications

One major motivator for user engagement and retention is Push Notifications. Companies have to understand that users are not just going to sit on social media apps to check their and everyone else’s updates every day – they need relevant content and they need it to be sent to them. Push notifications enable timely alerts of updates or uploads to users who can then check out the notifications. By giving real-time pings on new likes and followers, tags, messages, story views, replies, mentions, etc., image-based social media apps can increase user affinity towards their product exponentially. Developers can use OneSignal or Firebase Cloud Messaging for Android and iOS.

Explore or Search

The ability to search, explore and find users and content has been core to social media. What to be social about if you can’t meet new people or see new things? 

Apps like Instagram must have a search feature that allows users to find people, posts, hashtags, locations and topics that they want. The aim for mobile app development companies should be to find ways to make users engage more with their app – after all, the more users explore content, the more they consume and engage with it. The search feature should be packed with:

  • A discovery algorithm that brings forward relevant, trending and tailored content
  • An autocomplete suggestions plug that makes search faster and more convenient.

Admin Control

Most importantly, security and control over the app are crucial. Users must be granted full access and control over all features and functionalities to ensure the app and its content remain safe, secure, and operational. Admin controls should offer features like:

  • User role access
  • Activity logs access
  • Suspicious activity or login alert
  • Content moderation
  • Warn, ban, block, and report users
  • Dashboard and analytics tracking for user count, crashes, top content, trending tags, etc.
  • Promotional content and ads management 

Developers can utilize custom dashboards or tools like Firebase Console and Strapi to create visually stunning admin panels and establish controls.

Contact Us

Choosing the Right Tech Stack for Social Media Platforms like Instagram

Picking the correct tools and technology can make or break your app. As a custom mobile app development company, you want something scalable, secure, and easy to develop.

Below is a proven tech stack for building an Instagram-like app.

Choosing the Right Tech Stack for Social Media Platforms like Instagram

Building a Social Media App like Instagram: A 10-Step Guide

10 Steps To Build Instagram- like App

Step 1: Conduct Market Research and Define Niche

Before diving into the app development process, understand the market dynamics completely to avoid any prior losses; it is impossible to decide and choose how to make a social networking app like Instagram without understanding the current market situation of image or photo-based applications. 

Market research is the best way to understand what kind of audience you are dealing with. Try and ask yourself the following questions when conducting market research:

  • Where and how will you launch your app?
  • Who are your Competitors?
  • How do users interact with your competitors?
  • What features do the users like and dislike?
  • What niche audience are you targeting?
  • What unique pain points will your app solve?
  • What are the demographics of similar apps?

Start with conducting surveys and polls and analyzing app store reviews and comments. This will help developers bridge gaps between features that still exist. By answering these questions, companies will be able to have a clear understanding of what they need to build an app as appealing and lovable as Instagram.

Step 2: Decide Core Features

Once you are done with the market research and know what your users will love, it is time to finalize the features of the app. At its core, for any app to be inspired by Instagram, it has to be a mix of content sharing, content discovery and networking. Be it a beta solution or an MVP, Instagram-like apps should include features like:

  • User registration, profile creation and management
  • Content upload (text, photo, video, etc.)
  • Infinite news feed
  • Likes, comments, shares – engagement hooks
  • Search, explore and hashtags
  • Reels, stories, short videos
  • Messages
  • Notifications
  • Filters

With the correct features, app development companies can target and acquire authentic users and streamline further dependencies. 

Step 3: The Right Tech

As mentioned above, choosing the right tech stack is essential for mobile app development for apps like Instagram – these apps need to process and handle a huge amount of data, all while keeping the app secure and the performance high. As crucial as features are, choosing the right technology stack is not far behind. Every project, every product, the expectations, the features, all are different and copying Instagram’s tech won’t cut the queue for developers. React Native and Flutter both can be avenues to develop mobile apps, depending on what the stakeholders aim at. Refer to the table above to choose your appropriate tech stack.

Step 4: Design a User-Centric UI/UX

In a time when users buy what they see, creating a user-first design approach is of the essence. In mobile app development, companies cannot undermine the importance of app design – creating an intuitive and clean interface, much like Instagram, can go a long way. Developers need to focus on both the User Interface (UI) and the User Experience (UX) to define the visual representation of the app, as well as the user flows and how users interact with and navigate through it, respectively.

To build a UI/UX like Instagram, custom mobile app development companies should focus on:

  • Minimalist design
  • User-focused features
  • Visual-first layout
  • Easy navigation
  • Smooth transitions, animations

Developers can use tools like Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, etc. to build phenomenal UI/UX. When designing for iOS and Android, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines and Google’s Material Design Guidelines.

Step 5: The App Development Process

After you have finalized the top features that you are going to implement and the appropriate tech stack, it is time for the real deal – mobile app development. This is where great design meets exceptional coding, turning visualization into an interactive design. 

To create an app like Instagram, developers need to work on both the frontend and the backend development. Though they may seem similar at first, frontend and backend cater to two very different aspects of the development process – the frontend helps in building what the users see and interact with, whereas the backend serves as the engine that powers everything from under the hood. 

Developers need to follow agile development practices such as sprint-based development cycles, Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) and version control platforms like Git. Tools like Jira and Trello are heavily used for sprint planning; developers can team Jira with Slack (for communication) and Figma (for designs) to create seamless and shared workboards that keep the processes on track. It is also recommended to segregate the development cycle into phases, such as:

  • Authentication
  • Media uploading
  • Feed algorithms
  • Chat system
  • Admin dashboard

For your help, here are the top frontend frameworks you can use for your website.

Step 6: Cloud Storage Integration and Media Optimization

Image-based social media apps like Instagram rely heavily on the use and storage of media in the form of photos, videos, stickers, GIFs and more. This data takes a lot of storage space and bandwidth, often hindering performance if not attended to. Developers must keep in mind the ways they can optimize content and its storage – they can use AWS S3 or Google Cloud Storage for file storage, FFmpeg for video compression, ImageKit or Cloudinary for image optimization. This, nonetheless, ensures a faster app loading and a smoother and cleaner user experience.

Step 7: Implement Security and Privacy

When developing social media platforms, you are dealing with millions of user-generated data points. Security in such apps has become a great concern that influences their usage, reach and potential. Being as non-negotiable as the app itself, social app security is something companies would want to consider from Day 1.

During the development process, ensure your social media app has:

  • End-to-end encryption for messages
  • Two-factor authentication
  • GDPR Compliance
  • Secure APIs with OAuth 2.0

With these in place, the app can build more trust among the users and increase its chances of adoption.

Step 8: Test Out Your App

Testing an app before launch is one of the most essential steps to follow. Run your app via the QA modules to understand how the features and functionalities work. With this initial feedback, developers can understand what to change, modify or remove altogether. QA testing should cover areas like:

  • Functional testing
  • UI/UX testing
  • Performance testing
  • Security and penetration testing
  • Device/browser compatibility

Tools like Selenium, Appium, TestFlight, Firebase Test Lab, etc., can be used to test the mobile app in relevant environments.

Step 9: Launch MVP for Feedback

Once you are done and satisfied with your app testing, it is time for you to bring the app to the market. Build and launch a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that has the core features of the app. Let users and stakeholders test and use the product – this provides valuable and real human reactions and patterns. Implement A/B testing for new features and use analytics to decipher the trends and user preferences. Use this data to further refine the app functionalities and iterate based on the usage patterns. 

Step 10: Scale and Monetize

Congratulations. Your app is ready and available to your customers. Thousands use it and they love what they see. But what’s next? Once you have built your perfect social media application like Instagram, it’s not time to sit idle. Think of methods to scale your app and monetize it to drive increased usage and revenue. 

For scaling, developers can use the microservices architecture that enables them an independent development, auto-scaling servers for automatic allocation and CDN and caching for app functionality. To monetize the app, developers can implement promotional and sponsored content, ads, in-app purchases, a freemium pricing model with premium features, influencer-brand connections and e-commerce integration.

Final Thoughts

Building an app like Instagram is an ambitious yet achievable goal with the right strategy, team, and technology. By following the abovementioned steps and best practices, companies can ensure a well-thought-out mobile app development process and streamline their operations. 

Unified Infotech is a pioneer in mobile and web app development with over 15 years of experience in the domain. If you want to build an app like Instagram, feel free to connect with us and share your vision. From seamless consulting and project understanding to streamlined delivery, we ensure your app is built and functions the way you want to.  

Looking to create a social platform like Instagram and disrupt the visual-sharing landscape, contact us today and witness how we can bring your dreams into reality.

The post How to Build an App like Instagram – Comprehensive Features and a 10-Step Guide appeared first on Unified Infotech.

]]>
How to Build a Telehealth App Like Amwell or Practo? https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/blog/how-to-build-a-telehealth-app-like-amwell-or-practo/ Wed, 04 Jun 2025 04:41:00 +0000 https://unifiedinf1stg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=30666 Brief Synopsis: Not all software developers wear capes. Some simply share smart, effective ways to build complex digital healthcare solutions like Amwell. That means you, as a business, can skip the costly trial-and-error phase. If you’re here, you’re about to discover the most effective approach to building a telehealth app like Amwell or Practo. So, let’s […]

The post How to Build a Telehealth App Like Amwell or Practo? appeared first on Unified Infotech.

]]>
Brief Synopsis: Not all software developers wear capes. Some simply share smart, effective ways to build complex digital healthcare solutions like Amwell. That means you, as a business, can skip the costly trial-and-error phase. If you’re here, you’re about to discover the most effective approach to building a telehealth app like Amwell or Practo. So, let’s unlock your vault of insights in 3…2…1.

Precap: Knowing Your Battlefield

The telehealth industry is moving full steam ahead, and honestly, it isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Innovations continue to trickle in, with apps like Amwell and Practo emerging as forerunners in the space, making access to health systems more seamless and accessible.

In number-speak, the global telehealth market is projected to reach over $659 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of around 24%. In 2024, over 116 million people signed up for doctor consultations online, twice as many as in 2019. By 2028, that number is expected to climb to around 130 million, covering about 1.6% of the population.

These stats speak for themselves. For businesses, there’s never been a better time to jump on the bandwagon and develop a telehealth app like Amwell that could be their golden ticket.

But is this such an easy feat? Not really! The healthcare sector operates on a mercurial landscape of regulations, technologies, and patient needs. Before jumping the gun, it’s important you understand the critical considerations that can make or break your app. 

If you’re toying with the idea of building a custom telehealth app but feel overwhelmed by the maze of legal and technical hurdles, we’re breaking it all down for you. As an industry leader in custom healthcare app development, we’ve curated an ultimate guide that lights up your path to building mobile healthcare applications like Amwell, step by step. 

Understanding Amwell and Practo: What Makes Them One of a Kind?

Selecting Amwell or Practo wasn’t a shot in the dark. It’s a well-calculated move to help you understand who you’re competing against. Let’s take a look at what makes these platforms the gold standard in the healthcare and fitness industry.

Let’s take the case of Amwell. Launched in 2006, Amwell has built its reputation as an advanced, feature-loaded health consultation app, making patient-doctor interactions seamless, personalized, and cost-effective, with a focus on urgent care and specialty consultations. Practo, on the other hand, has created a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem that includes appointment booking, health records management, and even medicine delivery.

The secret sauce? Both Amwell and Practo have figured out how to solve real-world problems that patients and care providers face every day. Long wait times, inconvenient appointments, limited access to specialists — these apps tackle these pain points head-on while maintaining the quality of care that people expect from traditional healthcare settings.

Now that you know who you’re vying against, your first step involves asking the right questions:

  • Who are your target users? 
  • Are you focusing on general consultations like Amwell?
  • Are you targeting specific medical specialties? Maybe you want to carve out a niche in mental health, dermatology, or pediatric care?
  • What kind of post-consultation care will your platform offer—follow-ups, telemedicine and e-prescriptions, or health tracking?

Look at what your competitors are doing right, but more importantly, identify what they’re doing wrong. Maybe their user interface feels like a walk through the early internet, or perhaps they’re missing key features that users desperately want. These gaps are your opportunities to shine.

What Features are Essential in a Telehealth App?

Let’s talk about the features that users absolutely expect from a modern telehealth app. Think of these as your non-negotiables:

Essential Features of Telehealth Apps

1. User Registration and Profile Management should be smooth as butter. Nobody wants to spend 20 minutes filling out forms just to book an appointment. Implement social login options, make the onboarding process intuitive, and allow users to easily update their information whenever needed.

2. Doctor Discovery and Booking is where the magic happens. Users need to be able to find the right healthcare provider quickly and easily. This means robust search filters, detailed doctor profiles with qualifications and reviews, real-time availability, and a booking system that actually works without glitches.

3. Video Conferencing is obviously the heart of your app. But here’s where many apps fall short. The video quality needs to be crystal clear, the connection needs to be stable, and the interface needs to be so simple that even your grandmother could use it without help. Consider implementing features like screen sharing for document review and chat functionality for quick questions.

4. Prescription Management is crucial for user retention. Doctors should be able to write and send prescriptions directly through the app, and patients should have easy access to their prescription history. Integration with local pharmacies for prescription fulfillment can be a major differentiator.

5. Payment Integration needs to be secure, seamless, and support multiple payment methods. Think credit cards, digital wallets, insurance integration, and even installment options for expensive treatments.

6. Health Records Management allows users to maintain their medical history, upload test reports, and share relevant information with their healthcare providers. This creates continuity of care that’s often missing in traditional telehealth interactions.

Advanced Features That’ll Give You an Edge

Getting the basics right is important, but integrating advanced features rooted in next-gen technologies is a boss move. Any mobile app development company can vouch for that. However, if you’re new to the game, here’s a look at the advanced features you should focus on.

1. AI-Powered Symptom Checker can help users understand their symptoms before they even book an appointment. This not only provides value to users but also helps doctors prepare for consultations more effectively.

2. Multi-language Support opens up your app to diverse populations. Healthcare is deeply personal, and people feel more comfortable discussing their health in their native language.

3. IoT Device Integration allows users to connect wearable devices and health monitors, providing doctors with real-time health data. This is particularly valuable for managing chronic conditions.

4. Appointment Reminders and Follow-ups reduce no-shows and improve patient engagement. Smart notification systems that adapt to user preferences can significantly boost user retention.

5. Family Account Management lets users manage healthcare for their entire family from a single account. This is especially valuable for parents managing their children’s healthcare needs.

Which Technology Stack Should You Choose to Build Telehealth Apps?

Choosing the right technology stack is like choosing the foundation for your house – get it wrong, and everything else becomes shaky. Here’s what you need to consider:

1. Frontend Development options include React Native or Flutter for cross-platform mobile development, or native development using Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android. React Native tends to be more cost-effective and faster to market, while native development offers better performance and platform-specific features.

2. Backend Development requires robust, scalable solutions. Node.js with Express.js offers excellent real-time capabilities perfect for chat and video features. Python with Django provides strong security features crucial for healthcare applications. Java with Spring Boot offers enterprise-level scalability and reliability.

3. Database Management needs to handle sensitive health data securely. PostgreSQL offers excellent ACID compliance and complex query capabilities. MongoDB provides flexibility for storing diverse health data formats. Whatever you choose, ensure it supports encryption at rest and in transit.

4. Video Calling Integration is where you’ll likely want to leverage existing solutions rather than building from scratch. WebRTC provides excellent customization but requires significant development effort. Third-party solutions like Twilio Video, Agora, or Zoom SDK can get you to market faster with proven reliability.

5. Cloud Infrastructure should prioritize security and compliance. AWS offers comprehensive HIPAA-compliant services with excellent scalability. Google Cloud Platform provides strong AI and machine learning capabilities that can enhance your app’s features. Microsoft Azure integrates well with existing healthcare systems and offers robust compliance tools.

How Do We Ensure HIPAA or GDPR Compliance?

Healthcare regulations can be a nightmare, but they’re absolutely critical to get right. The consequences of non-compliance aren’t just financial; they can completely destroy your reputation and shut down your business.

Crucial Compliance Regulations to Consider

1. HIPAA Compliance in the United States requires that all patient health information is protected through administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. Ticking off all the boxes for HIPPA compliance means encrypted data transmission, secure server infrastructure, employee training programs, and detailed audit logs of who accesses what information and when. 

2. GDPR Compliance for European users requires explicit consent for data processing, the right to data portability, and the right to be forgotten. Your privacy policy needs to be crystal clear about what data you collect, how you use it, and how users can control their information.

3. FDA Regulations might apply if your app provides diagnostic capabilities or integrates with medical devices. Understanding whether your app qualifies as a medical device software is crucial for determining your regulatory pathway.

4. State and Local Regulations vary significantly, especially around telemedicine licensing requirements. Doctors typically need to be licensed in the state where the patient is located during the consultation, which can complicate multi-state operations significantly.

Essential Security Standards You Must Meet

1. Data Encryption should be implemented at every level. Use AES-256 encryption for data at rest, TLS 1.3 for data in transit, and consider end-to-end encryption for video consultations and sensitive communications.

2. Authentication and Authorization need to be robust but user-friendly. Implement multi-factor authentication for healthcare providers, biometric authentication options for patients, and role-based access controls to ensure users only see what they’re supposed to see.

3. Audit Logging is required for compliance and helps you identify security issues quickly. Log all access to patient data, maintain detailed consultation records, and implement real-time monitoring for suspicious activities.

How to Develop Telehealth Apps Like Amwell?

The development process for a telehealth app is more complex than your typical mobile app, mainly because of the regulatory requirements and the critical nature of healthcare services. Here’s how to approach it systematically:

1. Planning and Discovery Phase:

The planning phase should take 2-4 weeks and involve gathering detailed requirements, planning technical architecture, analyzing compliance needs, and creating wireframes. Users might want to know specific regulatory requirements like HIPAA compliance for the USA and security measures such as encryption and biometric authentication. Consider market analysis to understand competitors like Teladoc and Doctor on Demand.

2. MVP Development:

MVP development typically takes 4-6 months, focusing on core features like user registration, video consultations, and appointment booking. Users may seek insights on advanced features to plan for, such as AI-driven symptom checkers or integration with wearables, and cost estimates ranging from $30,000 to $55,000 for a basic app. For more advanced features, costs can exceed $90,000.

3. Testing and Quality Assurance:

Testing is critical, including functional, security, usability, and compliance testing. Users might want to know about specific testing for HIPAA compliance, such as penetration testing, and the importance of involving both patients and providers in usability testing. esting costs can be significant, especially for security and compliance, with users potentially spending additional resources on third-party audits. The evidence leans toward ensuring that video consultations are stable and secure, as downtime can affect patient care.

4. Deployment and Launch

Deployment involves app store submissions, server setup with scalable cloud solutions like AWS, and implementing monitoring tools. Users may value insights on ensuring multi-platform accessibility and setting up customer support systems, including in-app chatbots.

5. Post-Launch Optimization:

Post-launch, monitor user behavior, gather feedback, fix bugs, and continuously improve based on data. Users might be interested in scalability strategies, adding features like multilingual support, and monetization options like subscription models or in-app purchases.

Build a Telehealth App in 5 Key Steps

Monetization Strategies

Users might be interested in revenue models such as:

  • Subscription-based access to specialists for ongoing guidance.
  • Charging per telehealth session to encourage regular use.
  • Partnering with insurers for transaction fees.
  • Offering in-app medication purchases for commissions.
  • Selling premium content like diet programs or exercise regimens.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Telehealth App?

Let’s talk numbers, because we know cost is a factor that can spark or silence your enthusiasm. The cost of app development for healthcare varies dramatically based on the feature set you’ve set your heart on, the target platforms you’re planning to use or scale on, and the development approach you’re confident about. 

Nevertheless, we’ve shared an estimate for developing a telehealth app to help you budget well.

1. MVP Development: Building a minimum viable product (MVP) typically costs between $80,000 to $200,000, depending on complexity and the development team you choose. This includes basic consultation features, user management, and essential security measures.

2. Full-Featured App Development: The cost can range from $200,000 to $500,000+ for comprehensive platforms with advanced features like AI integration, complex EHR integration, and multi-platform support.

3. Ongoing Costs: Your telehealth app will require regular updates and patches to operate at full capacity, so factoring in ongoing costs is non-negotiable. These costs are significant and often underestimated. Plan to allocate 15–20% of your initial development cost annually for maintenance, security updates, compliance monitoring, and feature enhancements.

4. Infrastructure Costs: These costs depend heavily on your user base and usage patterns. Cloud hosting, video streaming, and data storage costs can range from a few hundred dollars monthly for small user bases to tens of thousands for large-scale operations.

Team Building: How to Assemble Your Dream Squad and What Roles to Hire For?

Building a telehealth app requires a diverse team with specialized skills. Here’s what you need:

1. Healthcare Domain Experts who understand medical workflows, regulatory requirements, and clinical processes. This might be a healthcare consultant, medical advisor, or team member with clinical experience.

2. Mobile App Developers with experience in healthcare applications. Look for developers who have worked with HIPAA compliance, healthcare APIs, and understand the unique challenges of healthcare app/software development.

3. Backend Developers skilled in building scalable, secure server infrastructure. Experience with healthcare data management, API development, and cloud infrastructure is essential.

4. UI/UX Designers who understand healthcare user experience. Healthcare apps require a different approach to design than typical consumer apps, focusing on clarity, accessibility, and trust-building.

4. Quality Assurance Engineers with healthcare testing experience. Testing healthcare apps requires understanding of clinical workflows and compliance requirements.

5. Legal and Compliance Specialists who can navigate healthcare regulations and ensure your app meets all necessary requirements.

Thinking hiring telehealth app developers can be a costly affair? Share your requirements with the mobile app development team at Unified Infotech and build an online medical consultation app like Amwell or Practo while saving hundreds of dollars. 

Get in touch right away!

How Long Will it Take to Build and Launch a Telehealth App?

Developing a telehealth app typically requires 3 to 6 months for a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), with timelines extending to 9 to 12 months or more for a fully featured solution. The duration depends on factors such as app complexity, feature set, platform choices (iOS, Android, web), and compliance requirements. 

Key Development Phases

1. Discovery & Planning (2–4 weeks): Define the app’s purpose, target audience, and core features.

2. Design (2–3 weeks): Create user-friendly interfaces for patients, providers, and administrators. 

3.Development (8–16 weeks): Implement core functionalities like video consultations, appointment scheduling, and secure messaging.

4. Testing & Compliance (2–4 weeks): Ensure the app meets quality standards and complies with regulations like HIPAA or GDPR.

5. Deployment & Feedback (1–2 weeks): Launch the app and gather user feedback for future enhancements.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Learning from others’ mistakes can save you months of development time and thousands of dollars. Here are the most common pitfalls I see in telehealth app development:

1. Underestimating Compliance Requirements is probably the biggest mistake. HIPAA compliance isn’t just a checkbox – it requires ongoing effort, documentation, and monitoring. Budget significantly more time and money for compliance than you think you need.

2. Ignoring Healthcare Provider Workflow leads to apps that look good but don’t work in real clinical settings. Spend time shadowing healthcare providers, understanding their daily workflows, and designing your app to fit into their existing processes rather than forcing them to change.

3. Poor Video Quality can make or break your app. Users expect high-quality, reliable video connections. Invest in robust video infrastructure and test extensively across different network conditions and devices.

4. Overlooking Scalability is a common problem as apps grow. Design your infrastructure to handle growth from day one. It’s much easier to build scalability in from the beginning than to retrofit it later.

5. Inadequate Customer Support is particularly damaging in healthcare apps where user issues can be urgent. Plan for 24/7 customer support capabilities and train your support team on healthcare-specific issues.

Conclusion: Your Next Steps

The telehealth market is huge and growing, but success requires more than just a good idea. It requires dedication, significant investment, and a deep commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. If you’re ready for that challenge, the opportunity is massive.

The future of healthcare is digital, and there’s still plenty of room for innovative solutions that truly serve patients and providers. Whether you’re building the next Amwell or creating something completely new, focus on solving real problems, maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance, and never forgetting that behind every user interaction is a real person seeking help with their health.

Ready to get started? The journey ahead is challenging, but the potential impact makes it absolutely worth it.

The post How to Build a Telehealth App Like Amwell or Practo? appeared first on Unified Infotech.

]]>
Top 10 Flutter App Development Companies in USA in 2024 and Beyond https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/blog/10-flutter-app-development-companies/ Thu, 22 Feb 2024 07:23:40 +0000 https://www.unifiedinfotec.wpenginepowered.com/?p=15688 In this ever-changing digital landscape of app marketplace, businesses are always searching for ground-breaking solutions to stay ahead of the game. Flutter, the innovative open-source UI software development toolkit from Google, acts as a game-changer when it comes to creating native applications for desktop, mobile, and web. As demand for cross-platform app development frameworks like […]

The post Top 10 Flutter App Development Companies in USA in 2024 and Beyond appeared first on Unified Infotech.

]]>
In this ever-changing digital landscape of app marketplace, businesses are always searching for ground-breaking solutions to stay ahead of the game. Flutter, the innovative open-source UI software development toolkit from Google, acts as a game-changer when it comes to creating native applications for desktop, mobile, and web. As demand for cross-platform app development frameworks like Flutter surges, the search for the best Flutter app development company in the USA has become a mission critical task for many SMEs.

Recognizing the essential role these agencies play in transforming application development ideas into reality, we have carefully shortlisted the top Flutter app development companies in the US. These are not just the frontrunners of the industry but also client-centric partners who understand the nuances of turning your vision into market-ready applications. Whether you are a startup or an enterprise aiming to innovate, finding the most trusted mobile app development partner is the first step towards achieving success.

What makes Flutter One of the Most Popular Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks

Mobile application developers absolutely love Flutter due to some very good reasons. From speeding up development to improving user experience, Flutter provides an array of benefits.

Platform-agnostic Codebase

Flutter helps simplify cross-platform development. Application developers can make use of its single codebase instead of writing separate code for different platforms. Unlike other frameworks like Xamarin and React Native, user interfaces built with Flutter are platform-agnostic since its Skia graphics engine does not need any platform-specific UI components.

Faster Application Development

With its single codebase, vast widget library, and stateful hot reload feature, Flutter not only slashes coding time but also cuts down development costs, making your journey to launching on both Android and iOS smoother and more cost-effective.

Benefits-of-Flutter-App-Development

Easy to Use

Whether you are a seasoned developer or someone with less development experience, Flutter is simple to learn and use. Its familiar syntax and vast widget library simplify app creation, letting you bring your ideas to life effortlessly, no matter your experience in coding. Its wide adoption for innovation has resulted in a thriving community that helps experienced or new developers with resources.

Improved Scalability

Ensure seamless scalability and performance for your app with Flutter and Google’s Firebase application. Designed for growth, Firebase ensures real-time data sync and efficient updates, so expanding your user base or enhancing features will not compromise your app’s speed or reliability.

Outstanding User Experience

Flutter simplifies creating everything from simple to complex UIs, outpacing alternative cross-platform app development frameworks like React Native by cutting down extra steps, ensuring your app runs smoother and faster.

Things to Consider When Choosing Flutter App Development Companies in USA

When it comes to hiring the best Flutter app development company for building cross-platform mobile apps, you can consider the following criteria.

Extensive Portfolio of Flutter Projects

A trusted Flutter app development company will come with an extensive portfolio spanning across various industries and varying app complexities. For this, you can shortlist companies that have a proven past record in delivering successful Flutter projects, which go beyond client expectations. These portfolios are a testament to a company’s versatility and expertise in Flutter development.

Proficiency in Cross-Platform Development

Leading Flutter app development companies are experts in building native apps that run on various platforms like iOS and Android. This is enhanced through leveraging the cross-platform capabilities of Flutter to help ensure that elements of the app fit well and run smoothly on any device.

Testimonials and Reviews from Clients

Nothing speaks louder than the voice of a satisfied client. Make sure that you go through testimonials and reviews to know how your coveted Flutter app development agency has delivered success to its clients. Positive feedback as well as high ratings on popular review platforms like Clutch and GoodFirms are some of the most critical signs of exceptional service delivery and satisfied client experience.

Innovation and Technical Prowess

The best Flutter app development company does not follow trends – it sets them. Therefore, partner with Flutter development agencies turning the convention on its head. Look for companies that leverage the latest advancements in tools and technologies to create impactful business solutions that correct real-world friction points and deliver unparalleled results.

Great Customer Services and Post-Development Support

No app in the world ever reaches success without proper holdup post a launch. The best Flutter app development companies understand this aspect, and they are committed to offering meticulous support as well as maintenance services. Make sure that you go through our vetted list of Flutter app development companies in the USA that will be with you through thick and thin, offering exceptional post-release support services.

Best Flutter App Development Companies in USA to Build Cross-Platform Mobile Applications in 2024

Unified Infotech

For more than 13 years, Unified Infotech has been the go-to technology consulting and digital solutions agency, leading the charge in web, mobile, and custom software development. Their client portfolio spans Fortune 50 tech giants to visionary startups, including some prestigious brands like Citibank, NBCUniversal, McGrawHill, and United Nations. With a diverse team of 150+ digital experts, they consult, design, develop, maintain, and scale modern digital solutions that drive business efficiency and spark innovation. Unified Infotech excels by embracing industry best practices across the board.

Based in the heart of New York, Unified Infotech is a trusted name among Flutter app development companies. Since 2010, they have been crafting exceptional mobile apps with captivating and intuitive design. Their forte lies in cross-platform app development, with a focus on the Flutter hybrid framework, alongside React Native and Xamarin.

What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier solutions and exceptional project management.

Clutch Rating– 4.5 stars (55 reviews)

Services– Web application development, Mobile application development, Custom software development

Price– $50 – $99 / hr

Employee Strength– 50 – 249 

Office Locations– USA, India
Industries– Healthcare, eCommerce, Banking, eLearning, Logistics, Media and Entertainment

Mobisoft Infotech

Mobisoft leads the charge in delivering cutting-edge digital solutions to businesses globally. Their unwavering focus on digital innovation sets them apart, aiming to empower organizations through strategic technological advancements. With a track record of excellence, Mobisoft thrives on crafting beautiful user experiences across multiple screens, transcending the boundaries of conventional app development.

As a leading Flutter app development company, Mobisoft harnesses the power of Dart platform, Flutter layered architecture, and language-specific functionalities to create next-generation applications. Their expertise ensures that clients receive tailor-made solutions that drive growth, engage users, and stay at the forefront of the digital landscape.

Clutch Rating– 4.8 stars (12 reviews)

Services– Web development, Custom software development, Mobile app development, AI consulting

Price– $25 – $49 / hr

Employee Strength– 250 – 999 

Office Locations– USA, India
Industries– Medical, eCommerce, Supply Chain, Logistics, IT, Manufacturing

SHIP IT Inc.

Ship It Inc., one of the best Flutter app development companies, brings innovation to the forefront with full-stack software expertise. They craft dynamic user interfaces and robust backends that unlock your business’s true potential.

Specializing in custom cross-platform software solutions, Ship It Inc. is your partner in scaling existing products or bringing new ideas to life. Their portfolio boasts successful projects spanning UI design, mobile app development, and web development across various industries.

What sets Ship It apart? It’s the winning trio of custom builds, skilled teams, and groundbreaking UI design.

Clutch Rating– 5.0 stars (5 reviews)

Services– Mobile app development, Custom software development, IoT development

Price– $50 – $99 / hr

Employee Strength– 2 – 9 

Office Locations– USA
Industries– Advertising & Marketing, Arts, Entertainment & Music, Education, Manufacturing, Medical, Media

Cheesecake Labs

Cheesecake Labs is not just another Flutter app development company but they are your dedicated partner in the world of mobile and web application development. Their services are meticulously crafted to make a meaningful impact, whether you’re launching a new app, scaling your digital platform, or innovating with cutting-edge software solutions.

With a value-driven, nearshore collaboration model at the core of their approach, they have earned the trust of leading brands like Mutual of Omaha, AB InBev, Mercado Libre, AES, Sodexo, Finn Auto, Bemis, and Merk.

With over a decade of experience and a talented team of 100+ employees, Cheesecake Labs specializes in mobile and web development. Their expertise extends to emerging technologies such as Blockchain, Web3, Voice, AR, and IoT.

Clutch Rating– 4.9 stars (50 reviews)

Services– Mobile app development, Custom software development, Blockchain

Price– $50 – $99 / hr

Employee Strength– 50 – 249 

Office Locations– USA, Brazil

Industries– Consumer Products & Services, IT, eCommerce, Real Estate, Automotive, Financial Services

Jafton

Jafton, one of the best Flutter app developers, upholds unwavering development standards that have earned trust across governments, small to medium-sized enterprises, and startups alike. With a deeply people-centric approach, Jafton embarks on the journey of bringing your visionary concepts to life, regardless of the development stage.

Their ethos revolves around removing assumptions and embracing discovery, strategy, design, development, branding, and launch to propel businesses into the global arena.

Beyond exceptional services, Jafton offers invaluable decades of experience, guiding teams away from common pitfalls and fleeting trends. They become genuine partners in overcoming technical obstacles, creative challenges, and potential business setbacks.

Clutch Rating– 4.8 stars (76 reviews)

Services– Mobile app development, Custom software development

Price– $50 – $99 / hr

Employee Strength– 10 – 49 

Office Locations– USA

Industries– Government, eCommerce, Media, Medical, Consumer Products and Services

Origami Studios

Origami Studios, a globally recognized full-service software development company, is your partner in achieving business excellence. With a passion for crafting goal-oriented digital solutions, Origami Studios blends expertise and strategy to deliver results that drive instant impact and sustainable growth.

Renowned for Flutter development services, Origami Studios empowers businesses to scale, gain traction, and lead their industries. Trusted by prestigious clients like Nasdaq, Nestle, J&J, Asian Development Bank, UNICEF, Experian, and Domino’s, Origami Studios continues to pioneer cutting-edge solutions that transform the landscape of technology and business.

Experience the future of digital innovation with Origami Studios – your gateway to success.

Clutch Rating– 5.0 stars (46 reviews)

Services– Mobile app development, Custom software development, AI development

Price– $25 – $49 / hr

Employee Strength– 10 – 49 

Office Locations– USA, Pakistan

Industries– IT, Business Services, eCommerce, Medical

WEZOM

Wezom, one of the most reputed Flutter app development service providers in the USA, transforms digital ideas into lucrative realities. Catering to diverse businesses, from startups to enterprises, Wezom crafts tailor-made software solutions that fuel growth and development across global industries. With a sharp focus on Logistics, Oil & Gas, Supply Chain, Real Estate, and E-commerce, Wezom has honed its expertise.

What sets Wezom apart is their effortless workflow, profound understanding, aesthetic excellence, adaptive planning, and trustworthy professionals committed to your success.

Clutch Rating– 5.0 stars (26 reviews)

Services– Custom software development, Mobile app development, Enterprise app modernization

Price– $25 – $49 / hr

Employee Strength– 250 – 999 

Office Locations– USA, Ukraine

Industries– Energy and Natural Resources, Logistics, Supply Chain, Medical, Retail, Real Estate, Financial Services

App Makers LA

For decades, AppMakers has been at the forefront of Flutter app development services, reshaping the mobile app and web development landscape. Located in Los Angeles, they have played a pivotal role in transforming concepts into reality. With a team of over 30 experts, they specialize in delivering top-notch apps, meeting deadlines and budgets.

From pioneering NFL-inspired startups to robust enterprise systems for industry leaders like Los Angeles Apparel, their award-winning work speaks volumes. AppMakers is your partner in making digital dreams a reality.

Clutch Rating– 5.0 stars (28 reviews)

Services– Mobile app development, Custom software development, Web development

Price– $50 – $99 / hr

Employee Strength– 10 – 49 

Office Locations– USA
Industries– Advertising, Marketing, Education, Financial Services, Medical, Media, Gaming

KITRUM

KITRUM, a custom software development company, leads the industry with a global presence. Headquartered in Florida, USA, and supported by eight tech hubs spanning Central Asia to Latin America, KITRUM’s commitment to excellence shines brighter than ever.

Their software engineering and Flutter app development prowess extends across all project stages, ensuring stellar outcomes. KITRUM’s rapid ascent led to recognition as one of the fastest-growing US companies by the Financial Times Rating this year—a testament to their client-centric, results-driven approach.

Clutch Rating– 4.9 stars (53 reviews)

Services– Custom software development, Web development, AI development, IoT development, Mobile app development

Price– $50 – $99 / hr

Employee Strength– 250 – 999

Office Locations– USA, Ukraine, Mexico, Poland, Kazakhstan

Industries– Energy and natural resources, IT, Medical, eCommerce, Financial Services

HyperSense Software Inc.

HyperSense, a leader in Flutter mobile application development, tailors state-of-the-art solutions to your unique business needs. With over two decades of unwavering commitment, they have earned their place as a global software development powerhouse, serving diverse industries. The ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/CEI 27001:2018 certifications underscore their dedication to quality and security.

As a distinguished member of the Forbes Business Council, they are renowned for delivering dependable business solutions. From app development to seamless cloud migration, they bridge the gap between your business aspirations and technological innovation.

Their client portfolio spans from ambitious startups to SMEs and Fortune 500 enterprises, each benefiting from their expertise in simplifying their tech journey. Join hands with HyperSense, where cutting-edge technology meets client-centric approach.

Clutch Rating– 4.9 stars (21 reviews)

Services– Mobile app development, Custom software development, Web development

Price– $50 – $99 / hr

Employee Strength– 50 – 249 

Office Locations– USA, Romania
Industries– Financial Services, Medical, Automotive, Media, Education, Telecommunications

Wrapping up our journey through the landscape of Flutter app development, it is clear that the right partnership can dramatically elevate your project from concept to reality. The Flutter framework, with its versatility and efficiency, offers a canvas for innovation, but it is the expertise and vision of a Flutter app development company in the USA that brings this potential to life. We hope this guide has illuminated your path to finding a Flutter app development partner. Your next step? Take action. Whether it is reaching out for a consultation or diving deeper into portfolios, your journey towards building something remarkable with Flutter starts now.

The post Top 10 Flutter App Development Companies in USA in 2024 and Beyond appeared first on Unified Infotech.

]]>
Building Apps For Foldable Phone: How Our Process Solves The Challenges! https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/blog/foldable-smartphone-app-development/ Wed, 03 Mar 2021 11:26:23 +0000 https://www.unifiedinfotec.wpenginepowered.com/blog/?p=13223 The flip era was the golden era of mobile phone designs. And that golden era is now back, with a unique twist, i.e- the foldable smartphones. Global smartphone giants such as Samsung, Motorola, Huawei have already launched their iterations of foldable smartphones, and so far these devices have garnered some great reviews. The compact tablet-smartphone […]

The post Building Apps For Foldable Phone: How Our Process Solves The Challenges! appeared first on Unified Infotech.

]]>
The flip era was the golden era of mobile phone designs. And that golden era is now back, with a unique twist, i.e- the foldable smartphones. Global smartphone giants such as Samsung, Motorola, Huawei have already launched their iterations of foldable smartphones, and so far these devices have garnered some great reviews. The compact tablet-smartphone hybrid is now an intriguing piece of phenomena in the tech world. However, the uniqueness of foldable smartphone app development is leaving a lot of app developers and designers baffled.

folding smartphone display
Source: Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

New entrepreneurs and app development companies all over the globe are now wondering how to design and develop apps for these new smartphones. Surely, as the phones change, so will the well-established rules of development. But the question is- how much is it going to change?

Now, if you are one of those who are wondering about such apps, then you are at the right place. Our in-house experts have conducted in-depth research on the design/development process for new smartphones, and we are going to discuss it here. Are you ready? Let’s begin.

1. New Era Smartphones: What Are They Bringing To The Fold?

Foldable smartphones are taking over the market rapidly. The popularity has reached such a monumental peak that according to forecast, by 2022 global foldable shipment numbers would reach a staggering 50.1 million units.

foldable smartphone app development

According to another source, the foldable smartphone industry is also supposed to grow at a CAGR rate of over 21.3% throughout the forecast period of 2021-2026. All these stats are pointing towards the only fact- the fold is the future of the smartphone industry.

The new style of devices provides not just space and comfort of use, but it also offers more screen real estate, more versatile use of apps, and true streamlining of the workflow. The expectations for these devices are high, but they also challenge the basic app development process uniquely.

Let’s take a look at these challenges, shall we?

Exclusive for you: Let’s nurture the growth of your business with expert enterprise solutions, starting right now!

2. Challenges Of The Foldable Smartphone App Development

Folded or unfolded, the new-age smartphones come with lots of features and functionalities. However, these expanded use cases are challenging many app development company in new ways. Here’s a comprehensive list of all the issues our in-house experts deem more important to pay attention to-

a. App Continuity

Continuity issues are one of the major app development challenges for foldable phones. It is all about an app switching from one state to another based on the orientation of the screen. For example, an individual using the phone in a folded state might suddenly want to unfold the phone for better usability. And when they do that, the app they were using should switch to fit the expanded screen without missing a beat.

via GIPHY

Not only the app needs to fit the newly folded/unfolded screen, but the app features and content also need to scale accordingly. So far, it is one of the major challenges app designers and developers are facing with foldable smartphone app development.

b. Ratio Awkwardness

Because Apple has not yet brought forward any foldable iPhone news, most of the phones in this segment are Android. And when it comes to building an app for Android phones the aspect ratio challenges are many. There are numerous devices, each with varying screen sizes. And with foldable, the difficulties for any Android app development company have increased tenfold.

foldable smartphone app development

The foldable phones support multiple screen ratios, both in the folded and unfolded state. Based on the type of fold and multi-tasking functionality, the mobile app UX designs need to fit multiple ratios and work perfectly without breaking the rhythm. Additionally, the size and shape of foldable smartphones are causing some awkwardness in screen/ app ratios especially when it comes to consuming media through smartphones. And this increases the number of challenges faced by foldable smartphone app development.

Bonus Read: Right process or right product? Make your choice carefully after reading this exclusive read!

c. Multi-Window Functionality

With the multi-window functionality, the users can run several apps side by side. However, facilitating this can be tricky. Earlier, while using two or more apps on the same screen, the active app will run while the others would be paused. But now foldable smartphone app design enables users to run multiple apps on the same screen simultaneously.

The information sharing, along with the aspect ratio scaling, poses some serious challenges for any web app development company out there. To make an app work well, they have to make sure that it works well simultaneously with the other apps on the same screen perfectly.

d. UI Changes Feature Accessibility Limitations

Besides folding screens, smartphones today also sport multiple screens. The folded version of phones such as Galaxy Z Fold 2 comes with a narrow screen on the top, and when unfolded displays a bigger screen that almost resembles a tablet.

folding smartphone apps
Source: https://www.nytimes.com

While the dual displays on such devices improve efficiency, it creates certain issues for the accessibility of features and functionalities of the application. What kind of features would be accessible through the small screen? What kind of mobile app UX design will be better suited for the bigger screen? All these and more feature/functionality-related questions haunt the app developers and designers.

e. The Spine

The spine, a.k.a where the smartphone folds are posing another design issue. Whether it is an inward folding phone or outward folding screens, the spine can cause the app features to wrap and get displaced. All in all, the spine of the device can create foldable smartphone app development challenges that are never before seen for app builders.

Bonus Read: Wondering about the secret to our design success? Well, this piece on design sprint will answer all your questions

3. Unified Infotech’s Solutions For Foldable Smartphone App Design

Considering all the design and development challenges, any custom app development company you partner up with has to be a master of the craft. Today app development is not only about following the best practices, but also innovating continuously. How is it done though? Let us give you a peek inside our process of designing for the foldable smartphone-

a. Examining The Use Cases

For foldable, we begin the app development process with the expected use case scenarios.

Different apps have different purposes and can be used either in a folded state or in an unfolded state (in the case of multi-display smartphones). So we need to begin our design process by analyzing exactly how the users would utilize your app.

The use case examination enables us to better conceptualize the foldable smartphone app design and wireframe. Additionally, it also enables us to optimize the development process accordingly.

b. Extensive Wireframing

As an experienced mobile app development company, we give the wireframe process ample attention to make the process successful. And when it comes to designing for foldable, we double down on our efforts.

App wireframing is a process of mapping out how the content and design elements would look on-screen and how the users would navigate. Our extensive mobile app UX design also includes the transitioned screens of the app. From the look and feel of folded/unfolded screens to the navigation elements- we map it all out.

Bonus Read: Curious about the impact of wireframing on the design process? Then this read is perfect for you!

c. Making Use Of Screen Real Estate

One of the many plus points of foldable smartphone app development is the increased screen size.

foldable smartphone app development

Due to the increased screen sizes, we can now incorporate more foldable smartphone app design elements and content on the app screens without making them crowded. We make full use of the increased space, creating UX mockups and UI elements that will use the increased space well without making the users overwhelmed with a crowded screen.

d. Reducing UI/UX Roadblocks

Despite the bigger screen, there are plenty of UI/UX roadblocks that we must deal with to make the foldable android app usable. And the most important of those is the one/two-handed use of the device.

The extended screen size makes it impossible for people to use the smartphone one-handed. So, sometimes they must switch to two-handed mode. And during mobile app design & development, we ensure that the navigation and the design elements are distributed accordingly for an enhanced experience.

The initial use case examination stage helps us to understand when the user would be switching to full-size screens and when they would be using the app in the folded state. With this insight, we focus on placing the crucial feature element at the core areas of the screen. During the app development process for foldable phones, we work to enhance the usability of secondary screens as well. Our careful wireframing process ensures that the screen doesn’t look too overcrowded and the users can make the most of the app even on the smaller screen.

Bonus Read: The Agile values and how we imbibe them within our process: a short exploration!

4. Unified’s Foldable Smartphone App Development Solutions

Foldable apps might be simple android apps, but they do come with certain technical challenges that seem daunting. But as an experienced app development company, we are well aware of how to deal with such challenges. So let’s see how they view these following roadblocks to developing an android app and solve them daily.

a. Using Simple Transition

In our Agile development process, we treat the issue of app continuity just like app transition from portrait to landscape mode. Only in this case, the transition happens from the folded state to unfolded state.

The expectations are clear- while using the app, the user would change the orientation of the phone from folded to unfolded or the other way around, and the app would switch accordingly while retaining the same data as before. To accomplish this, our application development process uses methods like Saving the UI state and making use of the ViewModel.

b. Multi-Window Support

Facilitating multi-window support is hectic enough. And on top of that users now expect all the apps open on the same screen to be in a resumed state. To facilitate this mode during foldable android app development, our developers first make sure that the app is resizable by defining resizeableActivity=true in the manifest. This tells the system that the app is resizable and will play nice in the unfolded multi-window mode.

foldable smartphone app development

This compatibility is integrated throughout all the components of the app, including but not limited to all activities, services, etc. Additionally, through drag and drop permission, our developers enable the users to share information between different apps with ease.

Bonus Read: It’s time you begin building your own healthcare app, with the help of this in-depth piece!

c. Consider The Aspect Ratio

The new foldable phones pose one of the biggest aspect ratio issues in app development. The matter of aspect ratio for foldable smartphones is related to the screen sizes, screen orientations, state of the smartphone as well as multi-window support. To support the app in any aspect ratio, our developers make use of ConstraintLayout. It enables them to create bigger and more complex layouts with variable ratios that fit into the expectation of users.

d. Extensive Testing And Quality Checks

The new smartphones are still not entirely reliable. These devices are still in that trial and error phase, with new changes appearing almost every release. So it goes without saying that the app development process for these devices will also be subjected to rigorous testing.

Besides the device testing, which ensures that the app is supported by a plethora of devices both foldable and unfoldable, we put the app through basic tests. As a foldable smartphone app development company, our aim is to build apps that work smoothly without any hassle. And our testing process enables us to accomplish this flawlessly.

To Get To The Market Top, Take Advantage Of The Fold Today!

Despite all the UI/UX challenges and build-related questions, foldable smartphones are gaining momentum. So don’t wait, be the early bird, and optimize your app for foldable support today. And in case you have any questions on how to design a mobile app for foldable phones, let us know! Our expert developers and designers are ready to answer your questions at any time.

foldable smartphone app development

The post Building Apps For Foldable Phone: How Our Process Solves The Challenges! appeared first on Unified Infotech.

]]>