S3 tech blog

To develop a high-performance mobile enterprise app, developers should focus on productivity and help users complete their tasks more effectively and efficiently. A great enterprise app values users’ time. App startup time, data download time, time of app reactions, time spent navigating, time entering data – reducing these is how you create a high-performance, fast app that adds value to an enterprise. In addition, listening to enterprise customers is essential for understanding their specific use cases and delivering on their needs.

1. Exploit Local Data

Use background threads to sync data ahead of time so that data is ready and waiting for the user. Very often we see users form their judgments of enterprise apps on the length of time their screen displays “waiting for download” progress bars. Syncing local data alleviates these load times so users can be productive without the wait.

The reason every app doesn’t work this way is because building your own sync can be difficult, and sync servers can be complex and expensive. However, facing these challenges is often worth it for the substantial benefits offered to the user, both in fast performance and in making data available whenever the user wants it, even when offline or out of network range.

2. Use Asynchrony Well

Always use callbacks. Never block waiting for a device, and try not to block waiting for data (unfortunately this occurs in most usage). Avoid time intensive work in the callback itself, and always keep user experience and use cases at the forefront of the design.

3. Context is Key

Spare the user as much data entry work as possible by leveraging contextual information. Use GPS to determine users’ city, state and other location information. Use the date and time on the mobile device to set default values. Use the device’s contact list for easy selection of other people and users. Use pictures from the device to make information more descriptive.

4. Flatten the App

On modern mobile devices, vertical scrolling with minimized drill downs equals a user-friendly design. Don’t make users dig and load like they had to on legacy platforms, let them scroll to what they need. List all objects and allow for editing-in-place without leaving the main navigation screen. For example, if a map is your main navigational screen, let the user use pins, flags, or search boxes on that screen without leaving it.

5. Narrow the Scope

Focus apps on a single “business object” and a small number of tasks.  According vietnam development company Smaller mobile apps start up faster. Having one mega app handle all aspects of an enterprise’s business is a recipe for long startup times and cumbersome navigation. Users don’t need a top-level navigation item; just have the tools they need to be productive easy to access.

6. Optimize Use of Libraries

Use the correct libraries for the devices being used. Most JavaScript libraries were designed for desktop web – don’t blindly use them on mobile. Modern JavaScript frameworks like Angular, Backbone, and Ember are designed for modern devices. Use them on new mobile devices, but not on older devices using Windows Mobile or Windows CE.  Look for a framework that mixes JavaScript and other languages. JavaScript library support can be limited, while Ruby libraries can provide more abstraction. Be mindful of the user experience, even on the latest devices.

7. Rapidly Iterate on Bottlenecks

Get the tools you need to help you iterate quickly. This can be difficult in some cases; for example, if you’re developing for an Android Mobile Application Development project with the stock simulator. Look at simulators that offer almost instant response time, so you can test and make changes to the app quickly. Use a tool with an IDE and interactive debugger.

Applying these seven principles to your enterprise mobile application development will help you deliver apps with the level of performance users desire. As you develop, remember that for most users, the main basis for their opinion of your app is how fast it lets them get things done.

Source: Appstechnews