6 Phases of New Product Development Process

Bringing a new product to market can be a daunting task for businesses. It requires a strategic approach to ensure that the product meets the needs and expectations of the market and the business. So, what exactly does a new product development process mean? Here’s a quick definition.That's where the new product development process comes in. The new product development process is a structured approach to product development that involves a series of phases designed to guide businesses through the process of developing and launching a new product.

Understand the Stages of the New Product Development Process in 5 mins

What are the six 6 stages of product development? Product development is a journey that takes an idea from conception to reality. Every successful product follows a process, and the new product development process can be broken down into six essential stages. These six stages are ideation, research, planning, prototyping, sourcing, and costing.In this blog, we'll explore the 6 phases of the new product development process and how businesses can navigate each phase to ensure the success of their new product.

1. Ideation

The ideation phase for an app is an important step in the app development process. Here are some steps to follow during the ideation phase:Identify the problem: The first step in ideating an app is to identify the problem you want to solve. Look for pain points or areas of frustration for potential users.Define the target audience: Once you have identified the problem, define the target audience for the app. This will help you understand their needs and preferences.Define the app's features: Once you have identified the problem, target audience, and competition, define the features of the app. Make a list of the must-have features and the nice-to-have features.Identifying the right concept to work on can be very hard to determine, so it is best to keep yourself updated with the latest technology trends and mobile app ideas.

2. Design

The design phase is a critical step in the app development process where the focus shifts from research to the actual design of the app. In this phase, the app's look and feel are defined, and the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are developed. Here are the steps involved in the design phase of app development:

I. Wireframing

This is the initial step in designing an app where a basic blueprint of the app is created. It involves creating a rough layout of the app's screens and how they will be interconnected.

II. Prototyping

After wireframing, a prototype of the app is created to test the user interface and user experience. This allows developers to make necessary changes and ensure that the app's flow is smooth and user-friendly.

III. UI Design

In this stage, the visual elements of the app are designed, such as color schemes, typography, and iconography. The UI design should be visually appealing and consistent with the app's branding.

IV. UX Design

This is the stage where the app's functionality and user experience are defined. The UX design should ensure that the app is easy to use and navigate, with a clear hierarchy of information.

V. Design Iteration

Once the initial designs are completed, multiple iterations of the design are created to refine the app's look and feel. Feedback is gathered from stakeholders and users to improve the design.

VI. Style Guide Creation

A style guide is created to define the app's visual design elements and ensure consistency across the app.

VII. Design Handoff

Once the designs are finalized, they are handed over to the development team to bring them to life.The initial step in designing an app is to create a basic blueprint of the app through wireframing. This involves creating a rough layout of the app's screens and how they will be interconnected.It is very important to understand that UI/UX design is the backbone of your idea, the mobile app design development plays a major role in winning the hearts and minds of your target user.

3. Development

The development phase is the stage where the app is actually built. This phase takes the designs from the previous phase and turns them into a functional application that can be tested and refined. It is recommended to hire a digital product development company or developers that follow high coding standards and provide a strong build of the product. Here are the steps involved in the development phase of mobile app development:Front-end development: This is the development of the app's user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). Developers use programming languages such as Java, Swift, or Kotlin to build the UI and UX components.Back-end development: This is the development of the app's server-side components, such as the database, APIs, and server infrastructure. Developers use technologies such as Node.js, PHP, or Ruby on Rails to build the back-end components.

4. Testing

Testing is an essential part of app development to ensure that the app is functional and meets the requirements. Developers use manual and automated testing techniques to identify and fix bugs and errors. Once the front-end and back-end components are built and tested, they are integrated to create a functional app. This involves connecting the app's UI with the back-end components, such as APIs and databases. It is important to hire mobile app developers that are experienced and can interpret errors and fix bugs efficiently.

5. Launch

The launch phase is the final stage in mobile app development and involves releasing the app to the public. The success of the app launch can determine the app's future success, so it is important to execute the launch carefully. Here are the steps involved in the launch phase of mobile app development:Pre-Launch Preparation: Before launching the app, developers need to ensure that the app store listing is complete and that the app meets all the app store guidelines. They also need to develop a marketing plan to promote the app before and after launch.App Store Optimization: To maximize the visibility of the app, developers need to optimize the app store listing with relevant keywords, screenshots, and a compelling description.Soft Launch: A soft launch involves releasing the app to a limited audience, such as beta testers or a select group of users. This allows developers to gather feedback and make necessary improvements before the public launch.Public Launch: The public launch involves releasing the app to the app stores and making it available for download to the general public. Developers need to promote the app through various channels such as social media, influencer marketing, and paid advertising.Post-Launch Evaluation: After the launch, developers need to monitor user feedback and analytics to identify and fix any issues that arise. They also need to continue promoting the app to attract new users and retain existing ones.

6. Post-launch

After an app is launched, it requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades to ensure that it remains functional, secure, and up-to-date. Here are some of the key aspects of app maintenance and upgrades:Bug Fixes: Over time, bugs and errors can arise in the app, causing it to malfunction or crash. Developers need to identify and fix these issues through regular updates to the app.Security Updates: Security is a critical concern for any app, and developers need to stay on top of emerging security threats and vulnerabilities. Regular security updates can help keep the app secure and protect user data.Compatibility Updates: As new versions of operating systems are released, the app may need to be updated to ensure compatibility. Developers need to test the app on new operating systems and make necessary updates to keep the app running smoothly.Feature Updates: As user needs evolve, developers may need to add new features to the app to meet those needs. This can help keep the app relevant and competitive in the market.User Feedback: User feedback is a valuable source of information for developers, and they should regularly solicit feedback and use it to make necessary improvements to the app.Digital Analytics Implementation: Analytics can provide insight into how users are interacting with the app and help developers identify areas for improvement. Developers should regularly analyze app usage data and make necessary adjustments to improve the app's performance and user experience.ConclusionIf you're new to mobile app development, or if you're looking for a refresher on the different phases of mobile app development, this blog is for you! In this series of posts, we'll discuss the six phases of mobile app development: ideation, design, development, testing, launch, and ongoing management. Whether you're a beginner looking to get started with mobile app development, or an experienced developer looking for a headstart, this blog is for you!