Émilie St-Aubin

Do You Really Need an Application?

Don't furrow your brows! This is a genuinely good question. Just observe people on the subway, for example, or in a waiting room: almost everyone has a phone in hand, whether to read, text, play, get information, meet a soulmate, order food, or shop...

It's simple, there's an app for just about everything. So before you dive into developing your own, it's essential to ask yourself this simple question: does your target audience really need a mobile application?
The 3 Key Questions to Ask
If there's one thing that characterizes a well-made and well-thought-out application, it's the speed and simplicity with which it addresses an immediate need. Ask yourself what the usage frequency of your application will be: if your project doesn't require frequent interaction with users, you may not need an app version.
Another interesting question to ask yourself is this: would your users benefit from the specific peripherals of smartphones?
Camera, GPS, gyroscope, biometric features... These functionalities can potentially enhance the experience of users of your product or service.
Does your project include tracking deliveries or making secure payments? See if the idea is relevant in your case and if it will add value to users.
As mentioned in the introduction, it's very rare nowadays not to own a cell phone — and increasingly rare to use it only for communication. The cellphone has become an extension of its owner: their wallet, their ID, their boarding pass, their bedside book... And if apps have become true everyday tools, gathered in a device that (generally) fits in the pocket, it's because they allow us to access our information and perform actions quickly. If your goal is to establish a close connection with your users and offer them quick access to crucial information, a mobile application may be your ideal solution.
Financial institutions perfectly illustrate this idea. They offer mobile apps that allow customers to check their balance, track their transactions, and make transfers in just a few clicks.
Always Keep the Mobile Format in Mind
So, mobile application or not? Don't take this decision lightly.
Sometimes, a web application or a responsive version of your site can offer an equally satisfying user experience without requiring the download of an app.
And if in the end, you decide that a mobile application is not the best option for your project, always keep in mind the omnipresence of the phone: make sure your website is optimized for smaller screens and that the user experience is smooth, whether on a desktop, smartphone, or tablet.
It cannot be stressed enough: embarking on the development of an application must be carefully considered, and certain steps must be followed to ensure its success. Asking the right questions is one of them, as it will allow you to define which solutions are most suitable for your objectives. But one thing is certain: smartphones are here to stay, and their place in people's daily lives demands that you consider them in your digital strategies and solutions.

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