7 Factors to Consider When Evaluating a Mobile App Developer

When you are hiring a developer, you are actually hiring a resource who will convert your idea into reality; the resource is responsible for packaging your app. So, when you spend money and gain nothing in return, you are bound to be disappointed. But, here’s where you need to utilize your resource hiring skills. You should ideally consider a few factors before hiring a mobile app developer.

Who Retains the Source Code?

This is a question that you need an answer to. Will the developer release the source code, or will he take claim for that? The ownership of source code and other intellectual property rights should help you choose a resource. In case, they retain it and don’t plan to release it, you should ideally bid goodbye to such developers

Are They Technically Capable?

Assess their technical capabilities before hiring the resource. You will need to see if the resource you are hiring is an individual or works as a team. You will need to establish if the team is capable of handling the complex project. Do they have iOS, Android and other SDK knowledge? Are there designers and developers who will offer a unique experience through the app? A single person cannot deliver the content that’s required; you need to hire multiple resources, or a team to get through the development.

Check their Portfolio

Past work is very important consideration when you go round to hiring a developer for your app project. You need to check their portfolio, and see their work to get an idea on what they can deliver, and how their creative and coding abilities are.

Get some References

It is from the past clients that you will get an idea into the processes they utilize to complete the development task. You will get a better idea about them as a resource through the references. You will know if they were communicative or not, the quality of work they deliver and how efficient they were in completing the tasks. This will help you understand if they can deliver the said project in due time or not.

Do They Have a Backup Plan?

Find out whether they have a backup plan or not. If their main developer is unable to function for some reason, what is their plan B? The answer to this will determine whether they should be hired or not. In case, they don’t have a plan B, then hiring them can be risky. Every team or individual should have a plan B in hand, should the first plan of action fail.

Understand their Process

What kind of processes do they follow in order to complete their tasks? Do they have a project manager handling the queries and the flow of the work? Are they able to handle the scope changes? Are they good when it comes to communication? Do they resolve issues or prolong them? All these answers will help you understand if they are worthy of hiring or not.

Maintenance or Support

It is important for the team that develops the app to offer substantial support after sales. There are platform upgrades that can change the whole scope of your app. You should ideally find out their maintenance methods and support techniques when hiring them.

Deepa is a technical writer with Semaphore Software.