Many organisations know they need a digital product but are unsure whether to start with a web application or a mobile app. The right answer depends on your users, your budget and how the product will be used day to day.
When a web app makes sense
- Users work mainly on laptops or office computers
- You need to reach people quickly without app store approval
- The product involves data entry, reporting or administration
- You want one codebase that works on every device
When a mobile app makes sense
- Users are in the field and rely on phones
- You need device features such as the camera, GPS or push notifications
- People will use the product many times a day
- Offline access is important
Consider a progressive web app
A progressive web app (PWA) runs in the browser but can be installed on a phone, work offline and send notifications on many devices. For many businesses it is a cost-effective middle ground.
Think about the long term
Whatever you build first, design the backend as a clean API. That way a mobile app, partner integration or new web portal can be added later without rebuilding the core.
Start where your users already are. A focused first product that solves a real problem is worth more than trying to be on every platform at once.
Need help putting this into practice?
Our team at Ingata Technologies can help you plan, build and support the right solution for your organisation.
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