Software failure: how to avoid Murphy’s law?

by Helen Johnson | June 6, 2017 11:07 am

Have you ever downloaded an app from Google Play or Apple App Store, used it for a couple of minutes and then deleted? Perhaps, many people come across this situation. The application loses 77% of daily active users in three days after the installation data. Reasons why we don’t like some applications are different – from design and interface and up to security.

We wonder why so many companies release to the market awful apps of poor quality because such products will face an inevitable end. Let’s analyze We will go through the main stages of software development and find out what’s the matter.

Failure #1 – disregarding market

Development of any software product starts with an idea. You cannot create something on the spot without any market researches. Of course, you can do that but it will make no sense. So, define who will use your app and why. You should have a clear understanding what users you target – businessmen, lawyers, teachers, doctors, housewives, etc.

The analysis of potential audience helps to specify common user scenarios and define main features of your app. Don’t forget that you are going to create a product for people just like you. There are too many useless things in our life and try not to add one more. Remember a useful app equals much-in-demand product that will boost your profit.

Failure #2 – neglecting your competitors

At the stage of market analysis, monitor your competitors. If you want to develop, for example, a new grocery delivery app, then make an investigation of the products already available on the market. Look through the user’s comments and feedback in order to avoid the same mistakes.

Failure #3 – disregarding software basis

Now picture to yourselves that you have analyzed the market and defined the app functionality. But software development lifecycle also prepares many pitfalls. Current development process is divided into several releases to get to the market with minimum viable product. In such case, product depends on OS including mobile OS[1] and third-party APIs that have own issues. More about API testing[2] you can find here.

Android and iOS have different specific features and interface peculiarities that can cause negative user experience. For instance, Android products have ‘Back’ button in-built and iOS don’t. If it is a multi-platform software, then developers should take into account platform-specific details.

Failure #4 – poor testing

Improper testing is among the most common reasons of software fails. Testing covers not only system functionality but also other aspects that ensure positive user experience.

Software testing procedure includes:

• check of system security and access credentials,
• control of functionality under different network connections,
• analysis of product usability,
• examination of interface and design,
• check of all content including notifications and error messages, etc.

Testing should be complex and ensure as full product coverage as possible. Remember, there are no bugs if you are not looking for them.

The difference between failure and success hides in market research, audience analysis, thorough testing[3], useful features, catching content and design and hundred other things 🙂

Related Posts:

• The Secret of NFT Games Popularity: Features and Benefits[4]
• Software Bugs Monthly Digest – July 2021[5]
• Is software testing a waste or a benefit?[6]

Source URL: https://blog.qatestlab.com/2017/06/06/software-product-failures/

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