Last updated on October 1, 2020
Image by Esi Grünhagen
For any business, while building a mobile app it is the priority to create apps for reaching their target audience with ease and optimize the app for this specific audience. But among the millions of apps that populate the Play Store and iOS App Store, perhaps only a few thousand can claim to be perfect in terms of user experience and unique value proposition: Many of the vast majority of apps that just fill up app marketplaces without contributing any substantial value is made up of less reliable architecture. Hence we are here to explain what mobile app architecture does, different types of app architecture and the ways to build them.
What does mobile app architecture refer to?
Mobile app architecture basically refers to a cluster of structural elements and user interfaces (UIs) that work as the basic building blocks of the app and determines how the app will function and behave in different use contexts. The entire output of a mobile app project relies heavily on how you build the architecture professionally. The complexity of tasks in building app architecture increases with the app size.
Key considerations for building a great mobile app architecture
Since building a superb app architecture is crucial to any successful app project, it is important to know the building blocks of great architecture. Let us explain the key aspects of building a quality app architecture.
Target device and platform characteristics
To build a good architecture, first of all, you need to have a clear idea of the device and platform where the app is going to be used. Different device elements and characteristics you need to consider here include CPU specifications, screen resolution, device memory, storage space, and the platform or development environment.
The app features may have specific device requirements for optimal user experience, and hence determining the device and platform is important. For example, many mobile app developers in India prefer cross-platform and hybrid app architecture to meet the increasing demand of apps.
Creating bandwidth specific elements
The app architecture development should also consider the worst network connectivity or complete absence of network connection. The architecture should accommodate caching and data accessibility as well as state management to help the app work smoothly irrespective of the network problems.
Determining the app user interface
A good architecture also consists of the details of the app UI designers here can put forth their creative output to shape the overall user experience. It is important to maintain a simple and effective user Interface and avoid too complex and heavy elements that would only undermine the app performance and user experience.
Deciding the app navigation
This is another major aspect of app architecture development and it is all about determining the navigation methods for the ideal user experience and app workflows.
You can use a variety of navigation methods in your app, but you have to choose the suitable ones for your app user interface and intended user experience. Some of the notable navigation methods include single view navigation, stacked menu bar or hamburger navigation, tab controller, infinite scrolling, gesture-controlled navigation, search-based navigation, model controller, etc.
Different layers in mobile app architecture
Most mobile apps come with 3 different layers to accommodate the building blocks of the mobile app architecture. The most important app architecture layers include presentation layer, business layer, and data access layer. Let us now explain these 3 layers independently one by one.
Presentation layer
The presentation layer actually accommodates all the components pertaining to the UI process. This layer focuses mostly on the way an app will be presented to the end-user. For designing this layer, the developers also determine the right types of clients befitting for the UI elements or presentation.
The presentation layer encompasses all UI elements including the color scheme, typeface, themes, and others. This layer determines the overall look, feel, and the way the app will be presented to the users.
Business layer
The business layer makes the very heart of an app as it accommodates the app features and functionalities. This layer also allows deployment of the business logic on the app backend.
This layer primarily focuses on creating the app functions based on the embedded business logic. This layer accommodating both functions and business logic determines the core user experience and the business conversion attributes.
Data access layer
This is the layer to facilitate data-centric interactions and communication. The layer accommodates a variety of data utilities, components pertaining to data access, and the service agents. This layer takes care of user validation, authentication, data-driven utilities, and data transaction elements. It also determines the permissible data formats.
Choose the app architecture wisely
Lastly, let us spare a few words on choosing the right app architecture. For projects with budget shortcomings, it is advisable to opt for native app programs and opt for one platform at a time. You can also go for a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach for cross-platform development to build a stripped-off app with basic features and develop it further with incremental value additions through updates. This would reduce complexity and helps make the architecture more performance-driven.
Conclusion
An app architecture makes the core of an app and it cannot be done away by any project. For a great app project output delivering unmatched user experience, it is advisable to follow the most time tested mobile app architecture attributes that we explained above.
