The Design and Production of Apps
What does it cost?
It is rarely possible to define every requirement in full at the start of a project. As ideas evolve and technical challenges emerge, the scope of work may change during development. For this reason, I do not normally offer fixed-price quotes.
Instead, I work on a daily rate, together with an estimated number of development days. I will always be clear and transparent about projected costs and will keep you informed as the project progresses. You will not be charged for the time before the proposal is agreed.
The figures below give typical costs:
Who owns the app?
Throughout the development process, and following delivery, you will retain full ownership of the source code (excluding any third-party libraries where separate licences apply).
In addition to handling everything required to make the app available on devices — including submission to the App Store where appropriate — I will provide you with a complete copy of the source code and all associated project files.
What is the process?
The process of designing and developing an app varies depending on its type, complexity, and any existing infrastructure it needs to integrate with. However, a typical approach is outlined below.
We begin with one or two meetings to discuss your requirements, allowing me to develop a clear understanding of what your app needs to do and the implications for its design and implementation. Whether your idea is a simple concept or supported by a detailed requirements document, I can work with you at any stage.
Following these discussions, I will prepare a proposal outlining the agreed scope of work for your approval. Throughout the design and development process, I will produce mock-ups or working prototypes so we can refine behaviour, look and feel, and the overall user experience.
Individual components of the app are tested during development, and at certain stages I may ask you to be involved in this process. A beta version will be delivered for your review, allowing us to address any issues or refinements that arise. Once you are satisfied, the final version will be delivered as source code and submitted to the relevant app store if required.
App maintenance and updates
The nature of software means that we often need to fix some behaviour, update aspects, or add new functionality. If this happens after the app has been delivered, we can agree on the changes or new functionality that is needed and put together a new proposal.
Complex app
Type of app
Small production app
Simple app / Prototype
Typical cost
£3k - £6k
£6k - £15k
£15k+
Invoices are issued every two weeks for work completed during that period.