Bringing an application from concept to a production-ready solution can be daunting, especially when navigating challenges like code refactoring, ensuring your application code can work across multiple different product ranges, UI/UX design, and tool selection.
The good news? With the right methodologies, tools, and principles, it’s not rocket science.
Here are our top five application development best practices to tackle each stage of the journey effectively.
1. TURNING IDEAS INTO SCALABLE SOLUTIONS
THE PROBLEM
You have a working prototype, but it’s far from production ready. Getting your MVP from idea to market ready isn’t a quick fix, whether it’s integration with your hardware, ensuring your features are user-friendly, or meeting compliance standards.
THE FIX
Start with code refactoring and modularization. By cleaning up your codebase and structuring it for scalability, you’re setting the foundation for long-term success. Modular architecture not only improves maintainability but also supports reuse across multiple applications, cutting down development time significantly. This is one of the most important software development good practices.
Make sure you’re using the hardware and tools you’ll use in the real world and test, test, test. From there you can list the issues and possible solutions to solve them.
- If it’s running too slow, maybe python isn’t right, and you need to migrate to C++? Python may be suitable for rapid prototyping, but C++ or C is often a better choice for production in embedded systems due to lower resource usage
- If you’re having issues with ghost touch or lags in your application, maybe your hardware design needs to be rethought?
Top tip: Make sure your modular design considers factors like future hardware and software integration possibilities, especially if you plan to have a range of devices.
2. APPLYING PROVEN METHODOLOGIES FOR SUCCESS
THE PROBLEM
Creating effective and user-friendly applications for devices requires a structured process that focuses on delivering high-value, user-centric solutions.
THE FIX
At Witekio, we use a combination of Agile practices, design sprints, and robust project management to keep development on track. Following software engineering best principles like continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), a key part of the development lifecycle, ensures a smoother transition from prototype to production. This is a core part of the software development process best practices.
Here’s our tried and trusted application development process:
- Discovery: Goals Start by identifying the specific needs of end-users and stakeholders. This phase includes gathering requirements, understanding user workflows, and defining the application’s core functionalities. Designing a roadmap with clear milestones ensures the project is aligned with user experiences and expectations and regulatory requirements.
- Development: Focus on creating a functional and intuitive application through agile development methodologies. Use design sprints to prototype user interfaces and gather feedback early. Emphasize usability, performance, and accessibility during implementation to create an application that integrates seamlessly into the workflow.
- Testing & Validation: Perform rigorous usability testing to ensure the application meets user needs effectively. Validate the application against industry standards for safety, security, and regulatory compliance. Iteratively refine the design and functionality based on user feedback and test results.
- Maintenance & Optimization: After deployment, continuously monitor and maintain the application to address bugs, enhance performance, and adapt to evolving user needs. Regular updates should include new features, security patches, and compliance with updated regulations.
3. DESIGNING FOR THE USER: INTUITIVE UX/UI
THE PROBLEM
A poorly designed user interface can render even the most advanced application unusable. In today’s connected world, we’re used to things working as we want them to, with a user journey that’s clear and easy to navigate. Miss the mark and your end-user will be frustrated and likely stop interacting with your application.
THE FIX
- Start with human-centric design: Map customer journeys and create wireframes or mockups before diving into development.
- Conduct prototyping and usability testing early: Validate your designs with real users to avoid costly redesigns later.
- Opt for frameworks: for example, Qt or Flutter can simplify the creation of rich, interactive, and cross-platform GUIs. Frameworks like the above speed up development time and are designed to work seamlessly with your embedded system.
Witekio’s robust testing and maintenance tools are designed to help OEMs ensure their devices are secure and compliant with the latest standards. This aligns with software guidelines and development standards for modern applications.
4. ACCELERATING TIME-TO-MARKET WITH PLATFORMING
THE PROBLEM
Managing multiple products with diverse software and hardware requirements often leads to duplicated efforts, increased complexity, and delays in innovation, as well as increased software development costs.
THE FIX
Platforming. By creating a common software foundation with modular, reusable components tailored to specific device needs, platforming allows teams to streamline development and focus on adding value. It minimizes redundant development efforts, ensures quality consistency, and supports scalability across various products.
For example:
- Modular Design: Developers can reuse core components across products, reducing time and effort. A product may combine modules A, B, and C, while another integrates B, C, and D.
- Future-Proofing: A shared foundation can help ease compatibility across evolving hardware platforms and operating systems, such as transitioning between Linux, RTOS, or different processors
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This approach empowers developers to deliver faster without sacrificing quality standards, maintain long-term security, and adapt to changing market needs efficiently
5. CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB
THE PROBLEM
Selecting the right tools can significantly impact development efficiency so choosing the right tool for your job can be a daunting task. Especially if you have a lack of senior application developers in your software team.
THE FIX
Here’s our quick checklist for choosing your application tooling stack:
- Cross-Platform Support: Does the tool allow seamless deployment across multiple devices? (e.g., Qt or Flutter)
- Compliance-Friendly: Does it support regulatory requirements or industry standards that you need?
- Scalability: Can it grow with your product portfolio? Can you add more features?
- Tooling resources: Does the vendor offer support or have a large user community to help with troubleshooting and issues? For example, open-source tools may be cost-effective but may lack the professional support you need when in the market.
- Integration Support: Does it work well with your existing toolchain, such as CI/CD pipelines?
IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE, IT’S STRATEGY
Application development doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you follow the right principles. Whether it’s refactoring your codebase, designing for the end user, or leveraging the right tools and methodologies, success lies in a structured, iterative approach.
