Subscribe to our blog
Subscribe to our email newsletter for useful tips and valuable resources, sent out every month
Roles and Responsibilities
in Mobile App Development Teams
in Mobile App Development Teams
NOVEMBER, 2024
Discover who is responsible for each phase of mobile app development, from initial concept to publication on the App Store and Google Play.
Building a mobile app is a structured process where each expert has a defined role. So, who brings an app from concept to the user’s hands? In reality, it’s a collaborative effort of a team with unique skills and tasks.
At Omega, the mobile app development process is organized into stages, with dedicated specialists for each step.
We’ll explain how it all happens, from initial discussions to launch, and give a glimpse into the development process
Stage 1: Ideation and Research (2–4 weeks)
Every app begins with an idea, and our job is to bring that idea into focus.
At this stage, we discuss with the client their vision, the problems the app should solve, and the target audience it will benefit.
The research involves a marketer and an analyst who help formulate specific goals and objectives for the project. We compare the project with competitors, analyze possible risks and benefits.
The research involves a marketer and an analyst who help formulate specific goals and objectives for the project. We compare the project with competitors, analyze possible risks and benefits.
Shares the vision and objectives of the app, identifying the target audience.
Studies the market, evaluates competitors, and identifies in-demand features. Defines goals and objectives, assessing risks.
Coordinates meetings, records objectives and requirements, and manages communication.
What’s Included in This Stage
Обсуждение идеи
We find out all the details of the client's idea and capture what problems the app should solve.
Competitor Analysis
We study what's already on the market, what features are in demand, what users will like.
Requirements Formation
From the information obtained, we make a preliminary list of functionality that should be in the application.
InsiderAt this stage, we often get requests from the client for features that "everyone else has". For example, a client may ask for built-in chats, registration via social networks or payment functions without considering how it will complicate the project. We always explain which elements are really necessary at the start and which can be added later, so as not to overload the application and reduce the time to launch. |
Stage 2: Detailed Technical Specification (2–3 weeks)
Once the project idea is defined, the technical writer, project manager, and analyst, in collaboration with developers, create a detailed technical specification, which outlines the functional and technical requirements. The project manager organizes tasks in a Gantt chart, aligning tasks with sprints and timelines.
Approves the technical specification and functional requirements
Oversees the creation of the specification and team coordination
Draft the technical requirements and app architecture
Develop initial mockups and interfaces
Refines technical requirements and identifies risks
What’s Included in This Stage
Drafting the technical specification
Drafting of a technical specification describing key functions and technological requirements
Preparing the Gantt chart
Allocate tasks to sprints and determine timelines.
Identifying constraints
Identify limitations and compatibility with devices and platforms.
InsiderA well-designed technical specification saves time and budget in the future by minimizing the risks of frequent changes during the development phase. At the same time, the analyst helps to detail the goals and key indicators that are important to track in the course of work. |
Stage 3: Prototyping and Design (4–6 weeks)
First, designers develop the app prototype, followed by creating the visual style. The team tests interactive prototypes to ensure user-friendliness and intuitive navigation. The project manager coordinates sprint work to keep everything aligned with the client. Designers collaborate closely with the client to confirm that the result meets both expectations and functional requirements.
Approves design concepts and provides feedback.
Coordinates team efforts, tracks deadlines, and ensures client feedback is integrated.
Create prototypes and final app designs, developing interface elements, fonts, and color schemes.
Works with designers to create a user-friendly interface tailored to the target audience.
What’s Included in This Stage
Prototyping
Prototyping key screens and interaction elements.
UX design
Developing interaction scenarios and easy navigation.
UI design
Developing visual elements and a unified style.
Clients often want to add original design elements that are not always clear to users. We explain that convenience and familiar elements are more important for the final perception.
Stage 4: Development (12–16 weeks)
Development begins with a detailed sprint plan involving frontend and backend developers and testers. The project manager coordinates task execution and testing for each phase. The Gantt chart helps track each sprint’s progress and adjusts the timeline as needed.
Manages sprints, monitors deadlines, and informs the client
Program the app, integrate backend and frontend components, and work with APIs and external services
Provide UI/UX support, refining interfaces if necessary
Supports the team with additional requirements or functionality, performance, and security tests
Provides additional functional specifications and tests prototypes
What’s Included in This Stage
- 1
Frontend and backend development, including server integration
- 2
Integration of external services like authentication and payments
- 3
Sprint-by-sprint testing and bug fixes
InsiderDuring development, we sometimes encounter unexpected API limitations or new requirements. Thanks to sprints, the team can adapt and adjust tasks without delaying the project. Occasionally, clients may request new features—such as integration with non-standard services or additional functionalities. We always assess how these changes might impact the project timeline and budget, offering optimal solutions to maintain a balance between quality and delivery time. |
Stage 5: Testing and Debugging (4–6 weeks)
Upon completing development, QA engineers conduct thorough testing on various devices, ensuring all features work correctly and meet performance standards. The project manager coordinates the testing process.
Oversees the testing phase and communicates with the team and client
Inspect the app for bugs, functional issues, and inconsistencies.
Fix bugs and perform final adjustments
Tests the app in real conditions, providing feedback on user experience and functionality
What’s Included in This Stage
- 1Functional testing of each feature
- 2Interface testing for usability and expectations
- 3Performance testing to identify and optimize slow area
InsiderAfter testing, we often find that certain initially planned features require additional adjustments or fine-tuning. For instance, the app might freeze when attempting to connect multiple accounts simultaneously, requiring further server optimization. This is a normal process—testing consistently reveals areas for improvement. |
Stage 6: Launch and Support (1–2 weeks)
The final stage is the app's launch and setup. The project manager oversees the transition to post-release, ensuring smooth functionality.
Manages all launch processes, monitors deadlines, and coordinates the team
Publish the app in stores and address final technical aspects related to deployment
Monitors initial user feedback and prepares for active promotion
What’s Included in This Stage
- 1
Preparation for marketplace publishing, ensuring all requirements are met
- 2
Analytics setup for tracking user metrics
- 3
Technical support to fix bugs and implement improvements
Many clients mistakenly believe that the project is complete after launch. In reality, this is just the beginning. Real data gathered from app usage often highlights elements that need improvement or optimization. After the initial launch, a continuous process begins of collecting feedback and enhancing the user experience.
Creating a mobile app isn’t magic; it’s a well-planned process with clearly defined stages. Each step is carefully crafted to eliminate guesswork. We start by analyzing the idea, conduct research, and establish a clear technical framework with the client’s real needs and market demands in mind. We tackle complex tasks and work in sprints to quickly respond to changes. The result is more than just an app—it’s a solution designed to meet real-world demands, delivered on time with maximum efficiency.