Service 05 · Apps
Apps published in your name.
We build mobile and web apps, from the first screen to the App Store and Google Play, under developer accounts that belong to you. We check every submission against the stores’ published rules.
8 steps
from the first screen to the stores
2 stores
App Store and Google Play, under your own accounts
1%
of users get each new version first, then everyone else
How we work
Eight steps, in this order.
We plan the app around the stores’ rules from day one.
Discovery
We figure out who the app serves, the one job it has to do and which platforms it needs. Before we design anything, we check the idea against Apple’s and Google’s rules.
You get
A product brief, the scope of the first version, and the platform decision with its reasons.
We need from you
Your goals, and an early start on your company’s developer accounts. The D-U-N-S number they need can take weeks to get.
Work order
We put the scope, the price and the delivery date in writing, with time for store review already built in.
You get
The work order and a dated plan.
We need from you
Your signature.
Prototype
We map the user flows and build a clickable prototype to Apple’s and Google’s design guidelines. Then we test it with real users.
You get
The prototype and what the tests showed.
We need from you
Approval of the flows.
Design
We design every screen in every state (empty, loading, error and offline) and the app icon, and we check the color contrast.
You get
The design file and the icon masters.
We need from you
Your sign-off on the design, in writing.
Accounts in your name
The Apple and Google developer accounts, the repository, the servers, analytics and crash reports all go in your name. You invite us with limited roles.
You get
A register of every account and who has access.
We need from you
The invitations, sent from your account holder.
Build
We work in short sprints. Each one ends with a test version on your own phone, through TestFlight or Google Play’s testing tracks.
You get
A test version every sprint.
We need from you
Your feedback, from your own phone.
Store readiness
We test on real devices and add account deletion to the app. Then we prepare a privacy policy, the stores’ privacy forms, screenshots and a demo account for the reviewer.
You get
A test report and the submission checklist.
We need from you
Approval of the store listing text and screenshots.
Launch and care
We submit from your accounts and answer the reviewers. We roll out new versions a little at a time while we watch crashes and reviews.
You get
The app in the stores, and a report after launch.
We need from you
Your go-ahead for launch.
What’s included
In the stores, in your name.
- A product brief, the scope of the first version and the platform decision
- A clickable prototype tested with real users
- Design for every screen and state, with icon masters
- Apple and Google developer accounts in your name
- Mobile and backend code in your repository, with a signed transfer of the rights
- Signing keys and certificates in your accounts
- Servers, analytics, crash reports and notifications in your name
- A test version every sprint, on your own phone
- Privacy policy, account deletion and the stores’ privacy forms
- Store listing text and screenshots
- Submission, replies to the reviewers and a gradual release
- Documentation, and a maintenance plan for the yearly store updates
Before you ask
The questions we hear most.
When will it be in the stores?
On the date in your plan, which already includes review time. Apple reviews 90% of submissions within 48 hours, and Google can take up to 7 days.
What if Apple or Google rejects it?
We check every submission against their published rules. If a reviewer asks for changes, we reply, fix it and resubmit.
Who owns the app?
You do: the developer accounts, the code, the repository and the signing keys.
Can’t we just wrap our website in an app?
Apple rejects apps that add little beyond a website. If a web app suits you better, we’ll tell you during discovery.
What will it cost after launch?
Apple and Google raise their requirements every year, so every app needs updates. You’ll see the price of the maintenance plan before you sign.
Get your price and date.
Tell us what you need. Before we start, we’ll send you the scope, the price and the delivery date in writing.
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