Design, UX and analytics – ABAMobile

Manual testing vs automated testing, which is better?

Nerea Sanchez — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 08:31:24 +0000

Manual testing vs automated testing, which is better?

Developing a software solution is a complex process with different steps that can easily lead to mistakes. These problems should be detected as early as possible to avoid investing too much time, resources, and effort in fixing them later. If you are thinking about the testing process of your next application, we tell you the difference between manual testing vs automated testing.

At first, testing can be a resource-intensive process, but at the end of the day, it is an investment to ensure that it works properly and that you don’t have to fix all the bugs once the solution is released to the market.

One of the most common solutions is to test the solution being developed at each stage of the process to try to move forward as smoothly as possible since errors can appear at any of the development steps.

As you can see, testing can make the difference between solutions. Keep reading this post because, in addition to knowing more about app testing, we will talk about the different types that exist: manual testing vs. automated testing, which is better?

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Why is the testing stage of an app important?

This step is essential for any software development. It allows us to see the mistakes we are making in the creation of an application, as well as to see the design, accessibility, and basic aspects necessary for users to feel comfortable navigating through the tool.

Advantages of testing an app

On the one hand, it may be thought that the best thing to do when testing an app is to carry it out at the end of the development process. But the truth is that most of the time the best option is to test at the same time as development.

This will allow us to correct bugs or failures in a faster and more agile way. This makes work easier for developers, who will not have to wait for the creation of the entire application to correct bugs.

On the other hand, involving the client in the development process of an application allows us to be present when testing the app and therefore provide more and more improvements, being able to adjust to the result that the client wants.

In any development, the testing of an application is a step that should not be skipped. Thanks to these tests, it is guaranteed that an app works correctly. In addition, when testing, it is necessary to see the limits to which the application reaches.

This process provides quality, security and improves the image of the company and the product. In addition, it allows bugs to be corrected before the application is launched and the users themselves are the ones who report these bugs.

Manual vs. automated testing

The improvement and optimisation of software solutions is a challenge for many developers. In order to carry out this optimisation, the testing phase is fundamental and is what makes it possible to create increasingly better solutions that are better and more adapted to the needs of users.

Although testing is an essential phase in the development of software solutions, there are different methods, each with its own characteristics, differences, and advantages. Both manual and automated testing ensure the quality of digital solutions, saving time and money and focusing on user satisfaction, but what are their differences?

Have you ever had an idea to develop an app but didn’t know if it would work in the market? Building an MVP for an app is becoming more and more common and it can be the difference between an app and the other ones. For this reason, we tell you how to build an MVP for an app.

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Manual testing, what is it?

Manual testing or manual testing implies that a person must manually validate certain functionalities, design, and usability of a digital solution.

To carry out this type of testing, test cases are used as a starting point and the person or persons named as tester are in charge of getting to know and testing the performance of the solution as if they were a user. In this way, it replicates what users would do by testing all the functionalities, focusing also on design and accessibility.

Manual testing is especially used for exploratory, functional, or usability testing and can be carried out at any stage of the development process of a digital solution.

Characteristics of manual testing

This type of testing, when carried out by one person, can make repetition more tiring and may miss errors that should be reported.
Manual testing is usually more time-consuming than automated testing, although both can be complementary tests.
Manual testing can lead to greater bug detection as it is performed by a person who will behave in the same way as the end user.
They are most beneficial when back testing has to be carried out to ensure that new functionality has not created new bugs in other sections.
Manual testing tends to be less costly than automated testing, which requires digital tools and software that can be very expensive.

Automated testing, what is it?

Automated testing or automated testing is a great advance for the technological world in which we are immersed. This type of testing requires software programs and tools to develop scripts that mimic the steps that a user would follow through a mobile application. These scripts look for inconsistencies and errors between the established functionalities and what is actually executed.

In this way, when an error is detected, it is automatically reported to the development team and notified more quickly than through manual testing.

Characteristics of automated testing

Automated testing requires less time to carry out, but as it is carried out by software it is not as user-oriented as manual testing where the tester is a person.
When carried out by software, the technical reliability and efficiency of the tests is higher.
The time spent is reduced by the speed with which the software performs the tests.
Automated testing is recommended when repetitive testing is required over a long period of time.

Manual vs. automated testing, which is better?

Looking at the characteristics of each one, questions may arise such as: which is better, when should one or the other be applied? The answer is ‘it depends’. The first step would be to know well the needs of the project in which the tests are going to be carried out.

Other aspects must also be taken into account, such as the resources that can be allocated and the budget for it, as well as the time available to develop the project. All these variables will decide what type of testing is best for your project.

At ABAMobile, we have been developing custom mobile applications for companies for more than 11 years. Therefore, we know in detail all the phases of development and we give great importance to the testing phase. Contact our team now!

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What is the Mobile First philosophy?

Nerea Sanchez — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:32:11 +0000

What is the Mobile First philosophy?

With the evolution of mobile devices, the importance that computers used to have has been left behind to the detriment of other devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. That is why new technological solutions that are developed must be made with mobile screens in mind.

Since mobile devices began their rapid development, they have become very useful tools that we use daily and through which we access the internet and numerous online resources.

This shift from computers to mobile devices has meant that when developing a software solution, the implications of viewing content on a mobile device must be understood.

It is at this point that we start talking about the Mobile First philosophy, responsive web design, or the digital-first philosophy. Continue reading this post to learn more about the Mobile First philosophy and how it influences the digital solutions that are developed.

To develop a successful mobile app you need to know some good practices that guarantee the development of a software solution. Read the post to learn more!

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What is the Mobile First philosophy?

A large percentage of the world’s internet traffic is already carried via mobile and this figure is growing all the time. This lays the foundations for the Mobile First philosophy. This new way of looking at digital solutions puts the user at the centre, knowing that when accessing the internet or shopping online, the user does so via mobile devices.

It is a new way of creating solutions that offer a better user experience by creating not only a mobile-friendly design but also by focusing on usability.

Nowadays, this philosophy is not something innovative but is part of a developer’s day-to-day life. Priority is given to the correct visualisation on mobile devices; while the importance of the computer remains in the background.

In an increasingly global world, people are always connected through devices as diverse as smartphones, tablets, and wearables. That is why the Mobile First philosophy tries to give total priority to these devices without reducing the quality of design and visualisation on computers.

From Responsive Design to Mobile First

In the last few years, you have probably heard about responsive design, which can be considered the prelude to the Mobile First philosophy. Responsive design started to become relevant when it was realised that users were increasingly using their smartphones to browse the web.

Thus, websites began to be designed based on a responsive design to adapt them to mobile devices.

Given the importance of continuing with this mobile adaptation process, solutions such as web encapsulation, and the creation of web apps or multiplatform applications have emerged.

Encapsulation allows users to enjoy a website as if it were an app, which is why it is an increasingly popular solution for businesses with websites that want to go one step further in their digitisation and move towards the Mobile First philosophy.

Another of the most popular solutions in recent years is the development of web applications and multiplatform apps. The former are websites that visually look like mobile applications and adapt perfectly to mobile devices; while cross-platform apps are mobile applications capable of adapting to different devices.

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Advantages of focusing on mobile devices

As you can see, there are different ways of adapting or creating digital solutions focused on mobile devices, but what are the advantages of the Mobile First philosophy?

One of the advantages of the Mobile First philosophy is the increase in user participation. In addition, smartphones are devices that we always carry with us and therefore all the applications or web pages we browse are always available at the click of a button.

Another advantage of the Mobile First philosophy is the improvement in accessibility and user experience. In addition, it makes the most of the potential of the devices, thus creating increasingly personalised solutions.

Differences between Mobile and Digital First

Carrying out a digital-first strategy means that the actions carried out in a company aim to be developed first in a digital environment; while the Mobile First philosophy means that the development of websites, online shops, or any digital tool will be developed with mobile devices in mind first and foremost.

The Mobile First philosophy aims to value responsive design and adapt digital content to mobile formats given the importance that smartphones, tablets, and wearables have in the daily lives of users.

Although they have similar names and both concepts highlight the digital environment as one in which it is essential to adapt, each has its explanation.

At ABAMobile, we have been developing software solutions for more than 11 years. Start giving importance to devices and focus on mobile solutions that give a boost to your business. Contact our team without obligation to start your next project!

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7 Legal Issues of Apps

Nerea Sanchez — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:35:35 +0000

7 Legal Issues of Apps

The development of mobile applications and technological advances has been a challenge not only for companies and society but also for governments. Working on the legal issues of apps and technology is not easy.

As it is something so new that society has not been confronted with before, it is important to make progress in regulating it.

In this way, both users and professionals working in this sector can be protected.

In the world of apps, there are a series of requirements that must be met as a minimum for an app to be legal and to be downloaded by users in order for it to work properly.

Do you know the legal issues of apps? Keep reading this post to learn about 7 legal issues of apps.

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7 Legal issues of apps

We will discuss some of the most basic requirements that mobile applications must meet in order to avoid legal problems and to provide protection and security to users.

Licensing and terms and conditions

This is one of the issues that users must accept when they start using an application. It serves as a backup for the company in case of a complaint from users, as well as to ensure that users are clearly aware of the app’s terms of use and the licenses available to them.

Permissions

As mobile applications are tools that are installed on users’ personal devices, it is necessary to ask for certain permissions. There are times when applications need to access contacts, cameras, locations, or other information. Users should have all this information in a clear and simple way.

Own and third-party rights

Mobile applications are made up of numerous resources. From the idea to the design and multimedia content, they can be copyrighted. That is why it is also important to protect your own ideas and resources as well as those of third parties in order to avoid future lawsuits.

Audience under 14 years of age

Minors are one of the most vulnerable groups and therefore the most protected by administrations and society. That is why if we have an app aimed at children under 14 years of age, special care must be taken. Nowadays, there is legislation focused on this group of society related to data protection or image rights, among others.

Advertising

Currently, many free applications monetize through advertisements. To avoid problems, it is necessary to inform users and make sure that advertisements are correctly identified as such.

Functionalities

When creating a mobile application, the functionalities to be developed must be clear. Logically, these must be legal, thus avoiding any type of legal problem.

Application stores

Uploading a mobile application to download stores such as Play Store or App Store implies fulfilling a series of requirements. This verifies the ownership of an app and ensures greater security for users who install it on their devices. It is necessary to keep up to date with the measures and requirements that must be met, as these change and evolve, updating to the needs and new social and technological circumstances.

These are 7 legal issues that must be taken into account when developing or distributing a mobile application. In this post, we have summarised them, since as you can imagine there are other issues that are also important to guarantee the security of both the developer and the users.

Keep in mind that failure to comply with these basic requirements can cause problems with the administration and the law, exposing you to fines or other sanctions.

At ABAMobile, we have been developing mobile applications and digital solutions for companies for more than 10 years. This makes us experts in the whole process of creating an app and all the implications involved. Contact us to develop your next mobile project.

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What is proof of concept in app development?

Nerea Sanchez — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 09:00:40 +0000

What is proof of concept in app development?

The testing phase in software development is essential to see the viability of a solution. To do this, we carry out a process known as proof of concept or PoC.

In the development process of any product, tests are necessary to see how the result is going to be. Thanks to this part of the process, mistakes can be noticed, and modifications and changes can be made to improve the final result.

Testing has always been fundamental. From the creation of a product to the software solutions that are currently being developed. In the process of creating an app, one of the steps that we always carry out is testing. When a mobile app is developed, tests are made to see that everything works correctly.

In today’s post, we will talk about proofs of concept (PoC), what they are and what advantages they have in mobile app development. Keep reading!

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What is a proof of concept or PoC?

A proof of concept is a phase of a project in which the development is presented in the simplest way to see its technical feasibility. In this way, it is possible to see if the result will be the desired one before investing all the efforts and resources. Also, developers can anticipate mistakes and observe possible modifications to be made before starting the whole development.

In the world of software and mobile applications, proofs of concept are widely used to see if an app or tool can be successful or not.

To start with a proof of concept it is necessary to have a clear idea of the mobile application to be developed, as well as its objectives. In this way, the team who does the test can understand the situation better and provide a proof of concept as accurately as possible to what clients need.

Software experts are in charge of validating the idea at the technical level and providing results that show the feasibility of the project.

In a proof of concept, the app or product does not have to be developed, although sometimes this process is necessary to see if an idea is viable. In the case of being developed, it would be done in a very simple and elementary way without using many resources.

When it is necessary to do a PoC

This process is usually carried out in cases when a new idea or an innovative product is created. It may also be the case that an existing product has new functionalities not seen before. Therefore, since it is something new, it is necessary to see if it is possible to develop it and see how consumers would respond to it.

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Advantages of a proof of concept

As we have said before, the main advantage of carrying out a PoC is to see the feasibility of a project in advance without making the whole investment.

This process, being a first approximation toward what can be developed, involves a low cost since a very small investment is made. In addition, the proof of concept of an app is performed and technically validated by a group of IT experts, thus generating greater confidence in the customer.

By carrying out a PoC, less risk is taken when developing an app or any product. All this allows you to create more solid projects ensuring their viability.

Concept testing allows you to test a product, service, or solution such as a mobile application. At ABAMobile, as specialists in app development, we perform proofs of concept that help us to see how a software solution will work without being fully developed.

Difference between MVP and proof of concept (PoC)

Both are processes used to see if a product or service can be successful in the market. The proof of concept is a very initial phase when a technical feasibility report is developed. This can be presented to investors so that they can see that developing an app or product is possible. In the proof of concept, it is also possible to develop the product itself but in a very simple way.

The development of a minimum viable product (MVP) involves the development and launch of a product such as an app but having invested minimum resources. It is the process prior to developing the full product. Developing a minimum viable product allows the launch of a solution to the market and validates it to see how it behaves among users.

In ABAMobile, we have been developing mobile applications for companies since 2012. We have been able to carry out proofs of concept and develop minimum viable products that ensure the viability and success of the app. Contact us to start your mobile project and take a step further in digital transformation!

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What is mobile app prototyping and its benefits

Nerea Sanchez — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 08:06:26 +0000

What is mobile app prototyping?

When developing a mobile application, many factors and processes are involved. Prototyping is part of the process of creating an app. This helps to see what the design of a mobile application can look like.

The process of creating an app is not usually simple or fast, so optimizing and managing resources in the best possible way can make a difference when developing these types of digital solutions.

Today, there are tools and development phases that help professionals to be more agile and efficient in their tasks, such as mobile app prototyping.

Thanks to mobile app prototyping, it is possible to see without programming how a mobile application will look according to design, navigation, and usability, thus saving time and optimizing resources.

In today’s post, we talk about this fundamental step for creating an app or any digital solution.

What is mobile app prototyping and why is it important?

The process of developing a mobile application is made up of different phases, among which is the design of the app. It is at this point that the prototyping of a mobile application appears in the process. Before creating the final design of an app it is necessary to carry out tests, and thanks to prototyping, this phase is simpler and more efficient.

The prototyping phase allows you to create the design of an app easily and quickly. It makes possible changes and corrects errors as soon as possible. You can see how an app will look and helps to create better, more efficient, and optimized applications.

Although we are talking about mobile applications, prototyping is also used for web pages or any other product.

Thanks to technologies, today there are numerous tools that allow professionals to create prototypes faster and with better quality.

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Benefits of mobile app prototyping

One of the main benefits, as we have said before, is the detection of errors in design and usability before being programmed. Another benefit of prototyping an app is knowing what we are going to need in order to create the application or product.

Thanks to prototyping, tests, and trials can be carried out. They allow us to see how the final result of an app can be, thus creating a good user experience, preventing failures, and minimizing risks.

Mobile app prototyping can validate an idea, avoiding developing a solution that is not yet fully approved. In this way, a large initial investment is avoided, which will be made if the prototyping and testing are approved.

In addition, mobile app prototyping helps to receive feedback and to be able to make modifications and improvements.

Conclusion

As we have seen, carrying out the mobile app prototype allows you to receive feedback about a solution in order to improve it and adapt it to what customers need.

When developing an app, design is one of the essential aspects of the process. It is not just about creating a beautiful app, but accessibility, navigability, and user experience are vital for the success of a mobile app.

Find out how is the process of developing a mobile application at ABAMobile. We divide the process into large phases that allow us to adapt to the needs of each client and create fully customized digital solutions.

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How to develop an accessible app

Nerea Sanchez — Fri, 06 May 2022 08:49:19 +0000

How to develop an accessible app

When we develop an application, the user experience, navigation and usability are aspects that take part in the development process. This helps to create efficient, careful, and quality mobile applications. But this is not the only thing that must be taken into account because creating an accessible app is a must in mobile development.

Creating an accessible app that anyone can use and enjoy is part of the success of a mobile app.

With the increase in the use of devices and apps, the awareness of creating accessible solutions cannot be ignored. Although we are talking about mobile applications, it is also a must for web pages or any other digital tool.

In today’s post, we will talk about the importance of accessibility and its application in the world of development and software. We will give you some of the keys in order to create an accessible app.

What is an accessible app?

Accessibility is the ability to make products or services accessible so that all people, including those with some type of disability, can also access them.

Accessibility must be important in all areas and industries in order to offer the same opportunities and experiences to all users.

In today’s world of technology, creating accessible solutions is a must. There are numerous resources and possibilities to make tools that can be enjoyed by everyone.

If you do not take accessibility into account, people with color blindness, reduced visibility, hearing problems, or cognitive disabilities may find barriers or other limitations when accessing a mobile application or web page.

If your mobile application or web page is not yet accessible to all people, you are offering a bad experience to many users. For this reason, we will give you some recommendations and tips to develop an accessible app.

How to create an accessible app?

The development of a mobile application can be a complex process despite the advance in technologies, tools, and platforms available to software professionals.

From the beginning of an idea, the importance of accessibility must be present. In this way, it will be possible to create an efficient, complete, and accessible app for everyone. But, what elements make a web page or an app accessible?

The World Wide Web offers us numerous tips and recommendations to create an accessible app. The colors, the font, the icons used, the design, the use of subtitles, or the organization of the content are aspects that can affect the accessibility of an app. If they are not applied correctly, some users can find barriers. Below, we highlight some keys to creating an accessible app.

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Texts and colors

The readability of texts and content is one of the key factors of accessibility. To do this, background colors must contrast with the color of the texts, as well as use a font that is legible.

It is recommended that the language has to be simple and clear and the paragraphs short and well structured with their respective title sizes.

It should also be taken into account that computers are no longer the most used devices, but smartphones and other smaller devices are now the ones that set the trend. That is why the texts and their size must be adapted to smaller screens such as those of mobile phones.

Add information

Showing all the information will help people understand the steps they need to take. For example, in forms, you can use placeholders to show examples of how each field should be filled out. It is also recommended to add texts in some sections of the app, forms, etc. to clarify any doubts that may exist.

The autocomplete function in some parts of a mobile application also allows you to create a better experience for users.

In addition, another tip for an accessible app is the subtitles in videos. In this way, people with some hearing difficulty will be able to read the subtitles and know what a video is about.

Images and icons

To create an accessible app, clear and identifiable images, and icons must be used, avoiding changes in color or very fast movements. If necessary, adding text to the images allows for describing an image for those with visual disabilities.

The simplicity of the processes

One of the recommendations that we can use to summarize the creation of an accessible app is the simplicity of the processes. After all, the fewer steps a person has to take within an app to achieve their goal, the easier it will be and the better experience they will have.

To simplify processes, it is recommended to avoid having to make complicated gestures, a good structure of the texts, and an efficient architecture of all the contents.

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Design and user experience in mobile apps

Nerea Sanchez — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 08:28:41 +0000

How important are good design and user experience in mobile apps?

We are sure that you have ever downloaded a mobile application and when it comes to using it, you have seen that it is not intuitive, it is not organized, and it makes users get lost or not comfortable browsing it. This is part of the design and user experience (UX) in mobile applications.

When developing a mobile application, we don’t have only to take into account the functionalities, the type of app, or the operating system, but the design and user experience in mobile apps are increasingly important aspects.

From the moment we start to develop an app, we have in mind the users who will use the tool and the ease of interaction.

Knowing how to choose the length of the scroll, the location of the buttons, the access process, purchase or payment through an application, as well as the loading time can mark the success or failure of the tool.

All these aspects are part of the design and user experience in mobile applications. Find out more about it in this post!

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What is user experience, and why it’s important in apps?

The user experience or UX is the process that a user does when interacting with a product, in this case, with a mobile application.

Being able to create a product with a careful design that users like and with which it is easy for them to interact is one of the main objectives of companies when developing an app.

If these aspects can be developed, companies can offer a unique user experience that turns out in a positive vision of an app, a website, any service or product.

Nowadays, the design and user experience of a mobile app can be decisive in the success or failure of a project.

How to improve the user experience in mobile applications.

After knowing the importance of good design and user experience in mobile applications, we are going to talk about some of the vital aspects to take into account to improve the UX.

Usability

Usability goes hand in hand with user experience. It is an element that helps users to be comfortable while navigating through a mobile app. Developing an application has the objective of solving problems for users.

Simplicity

For a good user experience, an app has to be simple, with the necessary information, and be useful for users. It is not necessary to create an application with functionalities that do not add value and can confuse people who use it.

Remember to let the elements ‘breathe’ between them, leaving spaces without objects that may give the feeling of having too much information to focus on.

The main objective of the app has to be reflected in the user experience of mobile applications.

Optimize the layout

Another measure to improve the user experience (UX) is to create an optimized and homogenized design of the application according to the brand, product, or service.

Navigation

The easiness of navigation is one of the most important points when it comes to improving the user experience. Simple and uncomplicated navigation for the user allows them to access the valuable content they want, making the experience of using the app turns out positive.

In addition, the loading speed must be taken into account. The faster the content loads in the app, the better the user experience is.

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App elements

Buttons, calls to action, texts, or registration forms are elements that you can find in almost all applications. These are very important elements in order to give a good impression of the mobile app.

To improve the user experience in mobile applications buttons must be large, legible texts, not ask for too much information in the forms, and display notifications. These clarifications of what is happening in the app allow users to have control of their experience.

Those elements that may be unnecessary and that can distract must be eliminated.

Conclusion

With all these tips to improve the user experience, we want to reach the objectives set about the design and user experience of a mobile app.

In addition, the content and information must be adapted to the screens of mobile devices, avoiding having a lot of information and elements on screens.

Finally, apart from following these tips, one of the best ways to improve the user experience in applications is to take into account the opinion of the people who use the app. Once launched in the market, feedback can be requested to improve the design, usability, navigation, etc.

At ABAMobile, we develop mobile applications always keeping the user experience in mind. We create a work process where the design and usability of the apps we develop are central aspects. In this way, the experience contributes to the success of the application.

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