Our App Development Process Outline
App Development Process:
- Initial Contact: Share your app idea with us, either through a summary or the Project Brief form. We’ll conduct initial research based on your inquiry.
- Introduction: We’ll get in touch via email or phone to discuss your project and provide initial thoughts on key app development elements.
- Project Brief: To provide a quote, we’ll need a detailed project brief with as much information as possible. Attach any relevant documents or images.
- Prototype Development: After reviewing the project brief, we create a prototype that demonstrates the basic look and functionality of the app. This allows you to visualise the concept and provide feedback before moving to full development.
- Estimate and Development: Once the prototype is approved, we’ll provide a final cost and time estimate. After agreement, work begins. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involve you at key stages to ensure your vision is being realised.
Project Development and Quality Assurance
- Project Scope/Estimate: We collaborate with you to define features, audience, technical requirements, and timelines. This process typically takes two weeks and may include a wireframe to outline the app’s workflow.
- Wireframe: We create a detailed wireframe to clarify any ambiguities and help you visualise the app. This document finalises the app’s design and functionality.
- Prototype Development: A prototype is created to demonstrate key features, giving you the opportunity to test and refine the app’s core functions.
- Development: Our team builds the app with regular client input. Screenshots, videos, and device simulators are shared to keep you updated. We also use TestFlight to provide you with early access to development builds, enabling you to test the app on real devices and offer feedback throughout the process.
- Acceptance Testing: We guide you through setting up TestFlight or other emulators and provide support to deploy development builds on physical devices. Your feedback is vital, and we encourage your active involvement during testing.
- Deployment: We either deploy the app for you or assist you in managing your own app store account. Apps are always deployed using your app store account, and we provide support for the setup process.
Changes and Integration:
- Requirements Changes: We maintain close communication to accommodate new or changing requirements, adjusting the budget if needed.
- Client Integration: We work with your existing IT infrastructure and procedures to ensure seamless collaboration.
- Source Control: We use industry-standard source control software to manage versions and minimise the risk of lost code.
Feedback: We welcome suggestions to improve our processes and aim to be your go-to app development partner.
Let's talk about your project
How we work — Smarterapps Ai
How We Build AI Apps & Automation
A clear, staged process from first conversation to launch and beyond — so you always know what happens next, what it costs and when it ships.
Our process
Six steps from idea to launch.
Every project follows the same proven path, tailored to your scope. You are involved at every stage.
Step 01
Brief
Share your idea or the process you want to improve. We research your enquiry and follow up with initial thoughts and questions.
Step 02
Discovery & scope
Over about two weeks we define features, users, technical requirements and timelines, often with wireframes of the key flows.
Step 03
Prototype
A clickable prototype — and an AI proof of concept where relevant — lets you see and test the concept before development.
Step 04
Estimate & plan
With the prototype approved, we confirm a final cost, timeline and release plan. Work begins once you agree.
Step 05
Build & test
Development in short sprints with regular demos and early test builds on your own devices via TestFlight and Android testing.
Step 06
Launch & support
We deploy to the app stores and cloud using your accounts, then monitor, support and improve your product.
Where AI fits
AI and automation at every stage.
At each step we ask where AI can save time, reduce cost or create a better experience — from automating a workflow to adding an assistant to your app.
During discovery we identify the opportunities with the best return. In the prototype we test the AI on real data. In the build we integrate it securely with your systems. Meet our AI developers.
Working together
No surprises. No black boxes.
Regular demos. You see progress through screenshots, videos and live demos throughout the build.
Early test builds. TestFlight and Android test releases put the app in your hands long before launch.
Managed change. New ideas are welcome. We assess each change and agree any impact on budget and timeline first.
Your IT, your accounts. We work with your existing infrastructure and deploy using your app store and cloud accounts.
Safe code. Industry-standard source control protects every version of your code.
Pricing
What will it cost?
Every app is different, so we price each project on its scope. Discovery and prototyping give you a firm estimate before committing to a full build.
For typical ranges and the factors that drive cost, read our app prices guide, or browse our services — from prototyping and MVPs to business apps.
FAQs
Common questions.
How long does discovery take?
Usually about two weeks, depending on the size of the project and how quickly we can meet your stakeholders.
How involved do we need to be?
As much as you like. We recommend a regular check-in, plus feedback on demos and test builds at key stages.
Who owns the app store accounts?
You do. Apps are always published under your own accounts, and we help set them up if needed.
Start a project
Let’s talk about your idea.
Tell us what you want to build or automate. We’ll walk you through the next steps, a realistic timeline and an honest estimate.