Last updated on April 25th, 2023
Despite the global pandemic and shifts in how and when users interact with mobile apps, the popularity of mobile apps continues to grow. Mobile App Trends 2021 reports a 31% increase in app installs year-over-year and 4.5% increase in user engagement. On the Apple App Store, there are more than 2.22 million apps, while Google Play has over 3.48 million apps. There is still a strong demand for new applications, with 5G devices driving the demand for new apps and post-pandemic device behaviors, such as a desire for shopping convenience and delivery services and for fillers, such as games and home fitness applications. Some of these trends were influenced by COVID, but most of them were already prominent. Mobile app development is increasingly becoming a consideration as B2B and B2C customers demand more mobile interactions with businesses.
We’ll learn about Mobile App Development Architecture in this guide, which will guide you through the process of creating a mobile application that’s ready for the market in 2022.
What is Mobile App Architecture and what it consists of?
In general, Mobile App Development Architecture is composed of three layers, each with its own flow. Below is a breakdown of each layer:
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Presentation layer
There are two components in the presentation layer. User interfaces and user interface process. As we discuss this layer, we will focus on the presentation of the application to the end-user. There are several types of clients that developers should take into consideration. In this way, the infrastructure would be compliant.
A lot of important decisions must be made during the presentation layer stage. This includes choosing fonts, themes, colors, and shadings. While designing the mobile app architecture, the developer must keep the client’s deployment restrictions in mind. Choosing the right data format is also a necessity of this layer. Next, use robust data verification mechanisms.Â
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Business layer
 The business layer contains business-related elements. This layer examines how the business will be presented to users through the app. Business components, workflows, and entities are covered in this layer. The complexity of these layers is higher than other layers. They involve additional issues such as caching and logging. Security and exception management also complicate the process.
To reduce complexity, this layer consists of two parts. One is the service layer and the other is the domain model. Service layers define common function sets for applications. On the other hand, domain models represent knowledge and expertise on specific problems.Â
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Data Access layer
The purpose of the data access layers is to meet the application requirements. These layers provide efficient and secure data access and developers create these layers to meet these requirements. This component combines data access components, data utilities and service agents.
It is important to select the correct data format. Additionally, it is important to have a strong validation technique when designing this layer. App developers should pay attention to data maintenance. This practice allows the layer to be changeable according to business requirements.
What Makes a Good Mobile App Architecture?
Currently, many apps don’t reference standards or have any form of architecture. When an app doesn’t have an architecture, it will have flaws such as:
- Development is more expensive and takes longer
- harder to maintain, especially when staff members change
- It’s challenging to develop or scale
- Testing is challenging
- Errors are more commonly encountered
When designing a mobile app architecture, good software development principles will be enforced (KISS, DRY, SOLID) at all stages of development to speed up application development, provide a clear path for data flow that makes working easier, and to ensure that the application scales and expands as it grows.
Mobile app development architecture facilitates flexibility in mobile development and Agile development methods, improves testing efficiency, and simplifies future maintenance. Mobile app architectures that are well-designed, in the short and long term will save both time and money.
For an architecture to be effective, it must account for the native and cross-platform options, providing a unified approach to software development. The architecture of mobile applications can be thought of as a skeleton describing the components that make up an app. Once we have the skeleton in place, we can define the layers (the bones) that describe how we can build the app.
Factors to Consider When during Mobile App Development Architecture
Building a better architecture for your application is crucial to your success. You should keep track of mistakes made while developing mobile apps. Keeping track of mistakes can help you succeed. You can end up with a failure if you ignore the problems and do not consider the factors. During mobile app development architecture, you should consider the following:
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The Device Type
Another important factor is determining the type of device. Smartphones come in various categories that you have to determine and consider. Types of smartphones are determined by the operating system. Examples include Android phones, iPhones, and others.
These are determined by the operating system they use. In addition to the type or category of device, you need to consider many other things. You should assess the screen size, the resolution, and the CPU power. Other factors to consider are storage capacity and access to development tool frameworks.
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Bandwidth Scenarios
The bandwidth scenario of your target audience should be considered. It is possible that there will be times when there is no connection. Internet network is an important factor when creating a mobile app for an audience. Users would abandon your app if it is slow on their internet, and your business would suffer as a result.
When designing access mechanisms and power consumption, you need to consider them. Also, make sure you use the appropriate software and hardware. A lot needs to be considered. To cope with an intermittent and slow internet connection, adjust everything.
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User Interface
A great user interface is crucial for a mobile application. Users can easily and comfortably interact with an app that has a great user interface. The user interface of the app should be both interesting and intuitive. The user should not be confused by the app. The more creative and simple your app is, the stronger the connection between your app and users will become. Using a creative interface is important based on the demands of your target audience.
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The Right Navigation Method
A crucial part of navigation is to choose the right method. Developing mobile apps requires this. Customers’ preferences and the app’s requirements should guide the navigation method. The best navigation method can be selected after analyzing different navigation methods. Here are a few popular navigation methods:
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Stacked Navigation Bar
The navigation bar here is designed as a fixed bar. This allows you to link to all other elements of your mobile app from this bar.
 2. Tab Controller
The tab controller allows switching between links between tab groups
3. Modal Controller
You’ll find a screen menu inside the modal controller. This lets you switch between tabs and links.
4. Single view
Using this method, a screen appears with one element and the option to go back.
5. Gesture-Based Navigation
Using finger combinations is encouraged. With this method, the user can trigger an action on the screen by touching the Home button.
6. Real-Time Updates vs. Push NotificationsÂ
It is also important to decide if you want to create a real-time update or a push button for the system. Taking your audience into consideration, you will be able to decide this factor. Although real-time updates are expensive, they can be very valuable to your audience.
What Problems can Occur if you ignore Mobile App Development Architecture?
A Mobile app development architecture must be selected carefully. The design phase of software development begins with the planning phase. In general, developer negligence, hurry, inexperience, and lack of knowledge lead to the concept of architecture being overlooked.Â
It is like building a house without a foundation if you develop an app or software without architecture or design patterns. The process of developing without architecture may initially seem fast for inexperienced developers. This method may seem faster at first, but it quickly proves ineffective. In order to achieve the best results, the mobile application architecture must be taken into account regardless of the project’s size or complexity.
Some Tips for Choosing the Right Mobile App Development Architecture
When finalizing the design architecture of a mobile product, the following factors should be considered:
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Audience Analysis
Establish user personas (backgrounds, needs, and goals), develop agile user stories, flow diagrams, mappings, and prototype tests.
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Key Feature Requirements
Determine whether the app should be native, hybrid, or cross-platform based on the business needs.
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Platform Choice
There are different best practices when it comes to UI and UX for different platforms.
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Development Time
Developing some elements or integrations of specific architectures takes more time, and this should be factored into the overall plan and choice.
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Start Developing A Test App
A test app is the best source of customer-centric input in agile development since we are focused on iterative development and continuous feedback. This very basic app provides valuable feedback regarding the architecture’s ability to satisfy the target audience, as it contains only basic functionality and navigation.
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Conclusion
Any mobile app would not be complete without architecture. An architecture plan can provide a guideline, and the development process must follow these guidelines. It provides functionality, features, and the user experience.
An important step of mobile app development is designing the architecture. A well-planned Mobile App Development Architecture will help you on the path to success.
