The Strategic Advantage of MVP Development for Startups

Ever tried moving a boulder uphill? Yeah, not fun. That’s what working with oversized user stories in <a href="https://rocketech.it/software-development" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">custom software development</a> feels like — slow, heavy, and full of frustration. Good (we mean, smart) developers know the trick: split those stories down into smaller, manageable pieces. Suddenly, you’re moving faster, hitting milestones, and dodging the chaos that comes with giant, clunky tasks, while speed, quality, and agility remain your friends.



Let’s break down why this method works and how it can save your next project from rolling off the rails.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="874" height="620" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/user-story-splitting-blog.png" alt="Team member actively participating in user story decomposition, organizing colorful sticky notes on a whiteboard for agile project management." class="wp-image-7896" title="User Story Splitting"></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Do We Need to Split User Stories?</h2>



Imagine trying to eat a whole pizza in one bite. Impossible, right? The same goes for user stories in creating software development. When we break them down into smaller, manageable pieces, we can:



1. Make better estimations. It’s much easier to <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/agile-project-estimation-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calculate</a> how much time the team will need to perform a small task rather than a large, ambiguous feature.



2. Deliver faster. Smaller stories mean quicker completion. We can roll out features incrementally, giving you and your users value sooner.



3. Improve quality. With smaller chunks, our team can focus better, test thoroughly, and catch issues early.



4. Enhance flexibility. Smaller stories allow us to adapt to changes easily. If priorities shift, we can pivot without derailing the entire project. 



5. Boost morale. Completing smaller tasks gives the team a sense of accomplishment and keeps motivation high.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Do We Split User Stories?</h2>



Splitting user stories is like building with LEGO blocks. Each piece is small and manageable, but together, they create something amazing. This approach helps us deliver high-quality software with unmatched speed.



We aim for vertical slices. This means each piece is a complete, usable feature from the user interface down to the database. Think of it like slicing a cake vertically so each slice has frosting, filling, and cake — a full experience in every bite.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What are the Benefits of User Story Decomposition?</h3>



1. Clearer Estimations



Smaller stories are easier to estimate. It helps us plan better and meet deadlines.



2. Faster Feedback



We can get your feedback sooner. It helps us always be on the right track.



3. Reduced Risk



Smaller stories mean smaller risks. If something goes wrong, it’s easier to fix.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="896" height="672" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/user-story-splitting-benefits.png" alt="Infographic illustrating the benefits of user story splitting, featuring puzzle pieces with text on clear estimations, faster feedback, and reduced risks." class="wp-image-7907" title="User Story Splitting Guide"></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">INVEST in Good User Stories</h2>



Bill Wake, a pioneer of Extreme Programming, <a href="https://www.agilealliance.org/glossary/invest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">introduced</a> the INVEST model to help teams craft better user stories. INVEST stands for six key attributes that make a user story clear, actionable, and effective. Here’s what each characteristic means.



📌 I for Independent



Stories should be self-contained so you can prioritize them without dependencies.



📌 N for Negotiable



Stories should be flexible for collaboration and refinement.



📌 V for Valuable



Each story must deliver visible value to the user.



📌 E for Estimable



Stories should be clear enough to estimate their size and effort.



📌 S for Small



Stories should be small enough to fit several into a sprint.



📌 T for Testable



There should be clear criteria to verify the story is complete.



Many beginner agile teams try to split user stories by architectural layers: one story for creating a user interface, another for the database, and so on. While this approach may satisfy the “Small” criterion, it often fails to meet the “Independent” and “Valuable” criteria.



<div class="wp-block-blog-quote wp-block-quote"><div class="wp-block-quote__text">“User story splitting isn’t just a technical exercise; it’s an art form that requires a deep understanding of both the user and the code.”</div><div class="wp-block-quote__author"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__aside"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__image" style='background-image:url("https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/rocket-couch-serious-sm.jpg")'></div></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author__content"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__name">Alexander Rocket</div><div class="wp-block-quote__author__info">Co-founder, Rocketech</div></div></div></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How Small Should It Be?</h3>



Aim for 6–10 stories per iteration. The size depends on your team’s velocity. Before sprint planning, figure out the estimate that signals a story needs splitting. For most teams, that’s 8 or 13 points. In some projects, we split stories even at 5 points, depending on the project structure.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Which Pattern Should You Use?</h3>



You might find multiple ways to split a story. Here’s how to choose.



1️⃣ Prioritize or Discard



The 80/20 rule says most value comes from a small part of the functionality. Choose the split that reveals low-value stories you can drop.



2️⃣ Even Sizes



A split that turns an 8-point story into four 2-point stories is better than a split into 5 and 3 points. It gives the Product Owner more flexibility to prioritize.



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Have a product idea but don’t know where to start? We do. Get the first estimate for free.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a call</button></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">User Story Splitting Patterns</h2>



In years of working with agile methodologies, we’ve identified nine patterns for breaking down user stories into good, small units.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Workflow Steps</h3>



Take a CMS user story: “As a content manager, I can publish content on the company page.” Seems straightforward, right?



But digging deeper, you find it involves editor and legal approvals, plus a test environment check. You can’t cram all that into one iteration.



Solution: Start with a basic end-to-end scenario, then add the intermediate steps. Here’s how you can split it:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>“I can publish content directly on the company page.” </li>



<li>“I can publish content with legal review.” </li>



<li>“I can publish content with editor review.” </li>



<li>“I can preview content on the test environment.” </li>



<li>“I can publish content from the test environment to the main server.” </li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Simple/Complex</h3>



During planning, stories can balloon with questions like



“What about X?”



or



“Did you consider Y?”



To keep things manageable, ask, “How can we make this as simple as possible?” Write this simple version as a separate story. Define its completion criteria to keep it simple, then split variations and complexities into separate stories.



For example: “As a user, I can search for flights between two destinations.”



Split it into:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>“… specifying the maximum number of layovers.” </li>



<li>“… including nearby airports.” </li>



<li>“… using flexible date ranges.” </li>



<li>and so on.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Business Rule Variations</h3>



Consider a story: “As a user, I can search for flights with flexible dates.” 



“Flexible dates” hides multiple business rules, each worth its own story:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>“N days between X and Y”</li>



<li>“± N days from X and Y”</li>



<li>“Weekends in June”</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Operations</h3>



The word “manage” in a user story indicates multiple operations. This suggests an obvious way to split the story.



For example: “As a user, I can manage my account.”



Split it into:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>“… I can log in using my account.”</li>



<li>“… I can edit my account settings.”</li>



<li>“… I can delete my account.”</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Major Effort</h2>



Take a credit card processing scenario: “As a user, I can pay for my ticket with MasterCard, VISA, American Express, or Diners Club.”



You can split this into four stories, one for each card type. But the heavy lifting (payment processing) is done in the first story, making the rest easy.



Solution: Defer the decision on which card to implement first:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>“I can pay with one of the cards (MC, VISA, AMEX, DC).”</li>



<li>“I can pay with all four cards (MC, VISA, AMEX, DC)” (once one card payment is implemented).</li>
</ul>



This way, dependencies are clearer, and you can adjust priorities as needed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Data Variations</h3>



Story complexity often comes from data variations. For example, a system that maps areas served by transport providers could get overwhelmed by geographic data.



Consider: “As a user, I can search for carriers by departure and destination.”



Without a sophisticated Geographic Information System (GIS), modeling geography is complex. So, simplify: “As a user, I can search for carriers by departure and destination country.” As you gather more data, you might find carriers serve specific cities or regions.



Then, split into:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>“As a user, I can search for carriers by countries, cities, or regions of departure and destination.”</li>



<li>“Carriers can serve different geographic areas as departure and destination points.”</li>
</ul>



Classic localization stories also fit here:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>“… in English.”</li>



<li>“… in Slovenian.”</li>



<li>“… in Korean.”</li>



<li>and so on.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Input Methods</h3>



Complexity often comes from the user interface, not the functionality. Start by creating the simplest interface, then focus on making it more attractive and user-friendly. These steps depend on each other, but the split still works effectively.



For example: “As a user, I can search for flights between departure and destination points.”



Split it into:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>“… using simple date input.”</li>



<li>“… using a visualized calendar.”</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Postpone Performance</h3>



Sometimes, making functionality fast takes a lot of effort, while the core development isn’t that complex. You can gain more by developing a slow version that still provides value to users. Split the story into “make it work” and “make it fast.”



For example: “As a user, I can search for flights between departure and destination points.”



Split it into:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>“… (slowly — just make the search work, show a ‘processing’ animation)”</li>



<li>“… (in less than 5 seconds).”</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Separate the Spike</h3>



A user story might be big not just because it’s complex but because the implementation format is unclear. In such cases, splitting it won’t help. Instead, do a time-boxed spike to clear up any development uncertainties. After that, you’ll be ready to move forward or decide how to split the story.



For example: “As a user, I can pay for my order with a credit card.”



Split it into:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>“Research credit card processing.”</li>



<li>“Implement credit card processing.”</li>
</ul>



For a “research” story, the completion criterion should be the specific question you’re trying to answer. Do just enough research to answer that question and then stop — it’s easy to lose focus during research.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-gray-100-background-color has-background"><tbody><tr><td>❕ The spike separation approach is mentioned last because it should be a last resort. Usually, you know enough to start developing something. Do that first, and you’ll learn more as you go. Try using any of the previous eight patterns before resorting to a spike.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h2>



At Rocketech, we dissect user stories with precision, turning complex requirements into focused, actionable components. Our method isn’t just about meeting deadlines — it’s about creating a format that enhances estimation accuracy and development speed while following the highest industry standards.



For example, by splitting stories into vertical slices, we deliver fully functional features faster, whether it’s refining a payment gateway or optimizing a multi-step workflow. When your business needs rapid results without sacrificing quality, we make sure your product <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/from-idea-to-launch-the-startups-guide-to-reducing-time-to-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hits the market</a> ahead of schedule.



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Have a product idea that needs fast market validation? We can help! Talk to our experts to get a free project estimation.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a call</button></div>

Breaking Big: The Art of User Story Splitting

Until very recently, the <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/how-to-build-a-successful-saas-platform-from-scratch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Software-as-a-Service model</a> was something large corporations offered their clients. It meant years of development, thousands of people writing the code 24/7, and fabulous amounts of money. Well, things have dramatically changed.



Today, even small startups can deliver their product ideas to their customers through SaaS solutions and build the latter even with limited budgets. You just need to figure out how to outsource SaaS product development and what to consider when looking for a tech vendor. Here’s what you need to know.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="874" height="620" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/saas-outsourcing.png" alt="Decision-makers discuss a new SaaS development project." class="wp-image-6338"></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Few More Words on the Concept of Software as a Service</h2>



Software as a Service (SaaS) is a web application delivered to end users over the Internet. Rather than installing and managing software on their own devices, SaaS provides a subscription-based model that helps users conveniently access the complete application, along with its IT infrastructure.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why Do Businesses Transition to SaaS?</h3>



There’s a multitude of reasons behind many SaaS development outsourcing options. The key drivers behind this strategic transition range from scalability and accelerated development to quick deployment and enhanced security.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="2000" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/why-businesses-transition-to-saas.png" alt="An infographic explaining 5 reasons why businesses transition to SaaS" class="wp-image-6358"></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Scalability</h4>



There’s no need to worry about servers crashing if the number of users suddenly increases. Transitioning to the SaaS model implies that companies can expand their infrastructure capabilities as needed without purchasing new hardware and other necessary components. Costs in such an approach will be much lower than upgrading one’s own equipment.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Accelerated Development</h4>



Local applications need to be developed and tested for various platform combinations like device hardware, operating systems, security settings, etc. In contrast, SaaS applications are created in a unified controlled environment. It significantly simplifies and speeds up development, debugging, and support.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Quick Deployment</h4>



Deploying local applications within a company can take months. With SaaS, it’s enough to set up the application once to meet the company’s requirements and then distribute logins and passwords to its employees. This leads to another advantage — a short sales cycle. With SaaS, there’s no need to spend weeks or months building customer relationships and planning deployment. The time saved can be used to improve the product and enhance customer service.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Multi-User Architecture</h4>



All application’s users share a centralized infrastructure and code. It allows for a quick update release and saves time on code enhancements.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Database Security</h4>



Standard security protocols provided by SaaS database providers include SSL and TLS encryption. They secure user messages and data. On top of that, the SaaS model allows for easy and fast integration of additional protocols to enhance security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SaaS Development: What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Tech Vendor</h2>



The point of delegating a complex tech project to a third party is to find a professional team that would bring the necessary expertise to the table. While you don’t have to be really dev-savvy to outsource SaaS development, you’ll have better chances to choose the right vendor if you at least understand the development process basics. Here are the most essential aspects of a SaaS development project.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SaaS Architecture</h3>



SaaS applications’ architecture is designed to meet business needs like requirements for reliability, fault tolerance, and financial capabilities.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">

<cite>Today, multi-tenancy architecture serves as the foundation for nearly every SaaS product operating in the cloud. It helps reduce costs, improve the efficiency of resource utilization, ensure scalability, and enable rapid deployment of updates.</cite></blockquote>



In cloud computing, there is a concept called “multi-tenancy,” where multiple customers (tenants) of a cloud service provider use the same computing resources and operate within a shared environment. Even though tenants share the infrastructure and resources, they are isolated from each other.



In other words, each company is physically integrated but logically separated. You can think of it like real estate.



Imagine the cloud as a building. Living in a private house far from neighbors isn’t land efficient and requires property maintenance.



Multi-tenancy is like living in an apartment building. Everyone has the same security system, but each tenant has their own key to their apartment, ensuring their privacy. Tenants can make modifications or furnish their apartments according to their requirements and preferences, just as a company configures its portion of the cloud infrastructure.



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Let’s discuss your project in detail. Launch with Rocketech.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a free call</button></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Components</h3>



An application’s main features set one app type apart from another. However, there are key components every SaaS solution must have.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Customizable Infrastructure</li>
</ul>



One of the advantages of using SaaS architecture is the customizable infrastructure that can be expanded or scaled down based on business requirements. For example, customers can decide which components benefit their business and pay only when necessary. At the end of a paid period, customers can return to their previous infrastructure model.



SaaS users purchase their software in a billing system on a monthly or yearly basis. Their requirements may increase or decrease depending on their business needs and consumer demand, so having a customizable infrastructure is essential.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Subscription-Based Pricing Model</li>
</ul>



The SaaS application’s essence lies in its high availability. This service is extended through a flexible billing cycle that allows customers and business users to use what they want, as much as they want.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>CRM System</li>
</ul>



A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is what sets a SaaS application apart from other applications. Since SaaS offers a shared platform for multiple tenants, it requires a unified repository for multiple customer accounts and their account information for management purposes.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Automated Provisioning</li>
</ul>



Automated provisioning in SaaS means delivering the application to customers automatically, without manual steps, for smoother operation. This automation streamlines the setup and delivery of the software, making it more efficient and user-friendly.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Support and Analytics</li>
</ul>



The support and analytics module of a SaaS application provides a set of tools for platform management and performance tracking. As a result, SaaS providers satisfy customer expectations, and business providers can improve customer service quality and meet market requirements.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud</h3>



There are three ways to deploy a SaaS application.



<ol class="wp-block-list" style="list-style-type:1">
<li>Public Cloud: The service is hosted in a general-use infrastructure. For example, multiple companies can use the same server, and the device’s capacity is shared proportionally based on the business needs of each.</li>



<li>Private Cloud: The software is hosted in an infrastructure exclusively used by one company. Typically, the equipment is within the company’s own network. Private clouds have limitations in scalability compared to public or hybrid clouds, which may require significant infrastructure investments when launching the application in the market.</li>



<li>Hybrid Cloud: This is a combination of public and private clouds. For instance, a bank might store customer data in a private cloud and expand its computing power using a cloud provider.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tech Stack</h3>



The choice of a technology stack is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success, cost, and performance of your software development project. Choosing the wrong tools can lead to project failure.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="300" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/what-is-tech-stack.png" alt="A visual explaining what a technological stack is." class="wp-image-6330"></figure>



A wise choice of the technical stack is one of the key criteria for the successful launch of any product, especially when it comes to SaaS services. Opting for exotic development tools can make the software complex to update and support in the long run.



A prime example is the Ruby on Rails framework. When it first came out, clients worldwide urged providers to use this new and trendy platform for their projects, even migrating their existing applications to RoR. However, it soon became apparent that working with it wasn’t as straightforward as everyone thought.



Once more user-friendly frameworks started to emerge, the popularity of RoR significantly declined. Today, most Ruby projects are maintained at a high cost, as demand for support remains, while the number of developers in this stack has dwindled.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-primary-color has-gray-100-background-color has-text-color has-background"><tbody><tr><td>The most reliable way to avoid making a wrong choice is to start with a <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/discovery-phase-why-is-it-crucial-for-your-project-success" data-type="link" data-id="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/discovery-phase-why-is-it-crucial-for-your-project-success" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovery phase</a>. If done correctly, the developers experienced in the same niche or product type create the project’s detailed roadmap that also includes technical requirements and the instruments necessary to meet them — the tech stack.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Bonus: Code Blueprints to Cut the Time</h2>



The more competitive your business environment is, the more critical <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/from-idea-to-launch-the-startups-guide-to-reducing-time-to-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the time it takes you to deliver your product to your end user</a> becomes. One of the most efficient ways to cut time to market is to use already existing instruments and their proven mixes to avoid reinventing the wheel while implementing standard, most-required functionality.



Our Technical Lead, Olexandr, explains this process with specific examples.



“Consider this scenario. You have a mobile application. And the task is to integrate a payment system for both Apple and Android platforms. If, let’s say, you’re venturing into this for the first time, the traditional approach would be to delve into the intricacies of the Apple Store and Google Play specifications. You’d need to develop and test the integration for each platform separately, which can be quite time-consuming.



However, there is an alternative approach. You could opt for a ready-made service like <a href="https://www.revenuecat.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">RevenueCat</a>, which offers a more streamlined solution. RevenueCat can seamlessly work with both Apple and Android platforms right out of the box, and it even supports various payment services as a bonus. This approach saves you a considerable amount of time and minimizes the testing effort. Additionally, it provides valuable statistics on all purchases and transactions.



<div class="wp-block-blog-quote wp-block-quote"><div class="wp-block-quote__text">So many instruments were written before us. We just need to learn how to use them efficiently in our favor.</div><div class="wp-block-quote__author"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__aside"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__image" style='background-image:url("https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/sasha-kulik-2.jpg")'></div></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author__content"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__name">Olexandr Kulyk</div><div class="wp-block-quote__author__info">Solutions Architect, Technical Lead, Rocketech</div></div></div></div>



Let’s explore another example. A client comes to you with the idea of creating a cryptocurrency exchange platform. The platform needs to handle the conversion of dollars into cryptocurrencies and vice versa. But this venture also requires some form of basic accounting software to manage transactions, account balances, tax calculations, and profit margins.



You have two options here. The first option is to build this accounting software from scratch, which would consume a significant amount of time and risk introducing errors, particularly in the financial calculations. Alternatively, you can integrate an existing service that simplifies the process. With such a service, you can execute commands like:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="816" height="250" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image.png" alt="An extract of programming code to explain an example" class="wp-image-6334"></figure>



Here, you specify the currency, amount, source, destination, and percentage, and the service will handle all the calculations for you. Moreover, it typically provides a ready-made dashboard with built-in statistics.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="3840" height="1320" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image-1.png" alt="A screenshot to illustrate an example." class="wp-image-6336"></figure>



In both of these examples, the key takeaway is the advantage of leveraging existing services to expedite the development process, reduce the potential for errors, and gain access to valuable data insights.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Outsourcing SaaS Development: Why Rocketech?</h2>



Once SaaS product development outsourcing becomes one of the near-future plans, you need to find a reliable tech vendor to execute the project. As a full-cycle custom software development services provider, Rocketech takes projects at any stage and walks the extra mile to ensure the client’s success.



We don’t just promise; we deliver results. Considering SaaS website design and development outsourced? We are here. Have only a business idea and need to test its feasibility? We’ll guide you all the way through the process.



With our proven strategies of reducing time to market, we guarantee our clients early market entry and fast delivery of even the most daring ideas.



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Curious how we deliver faster than the competitors keeping the highest quality? We are happy to share.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a call</button></div>

SaaS Development Outsourcing: What Vendors Don’t Tell You

When a business needs a digital product, there are usually two ways to approach this: buying a ready solution or building one from scratch. The second option often scares business owners as <a href="https://rocketech.it/software-development" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">custom software development</a> is still associated with large bills and long, tiring projects. But is this the reality today? What is the total cost of ownership for software? 



We summed up everything you need to know about how much it all costs in the long run — the TCO of software.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="874" height="620" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tco-1.png" alt="Iceberg with visible underwater surface, illustrating the concept of TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)." class="wp-image-7391"></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?</h2>



In business, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for software means looking at all the expenses beyond the initial purchase price. It covers everything from installation and training to ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and support.



TCO helps companies make informed decisions by considering the full cost of owning and using software over its entire lifespan, not just the upfront cost.



The total cost of ownership includes:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The initial purchase price of the item;</li>



<li>Ongoing license fees;</li>



<li>Maintenance and repair costs;</li>



<li>Indirect expenses like installation, training, and support.</li>
</ul>



These costs can add up significantly over a product’s or system’s lifespan. The total cost of ownership (TCO) idea is usually attributed to the Gartner Group which applied it to the computer and software industries in the late 1980s. The term has since spread to other industries. Accurately calculating TCO is crucial, especially when choosing corporate IT systems, which are becoming more complex and include many components.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="300" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tco-term.png" alt="TCO explained: Text overlay on blue background clarifies Total Cost of Ownership as a concept, considering all expenses beyond the initial purchase price. The text goes as follows: TCO stands for Total Cost of Ownership. It's like looking beyond the sticker price to see the full bill for keeping something over time, whether a single tool, a complex solution, professional services, or entire IT infrastructure. This includes things you might forget, like training, fixes, and upgrades." class="wp-image-7393"></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breaking Down the TCO in Detail: What Are the Cost Types?</h3>



If put simply, the TCO of software includes all costs associated with a product throughout its entire lifecycle — software, hardware, training, and support.



When buying new IT products, you can expect higher expenses in three key areas: acquisition, operational, and human resource costs. Here’s about it in more detail.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. Acquisition Costs</h4>



Acquisition costs cover the initial purchase price and setup expenses for software or apps. These costs can also cover:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Software licenses or subscriptions</li>



<li>On-site equipment installation</li>



<li>Employee training</li>
</ul>



Additional acquisition costs might include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>IT infrastructure migration</li>



<li>Research and development</li>



<li>Legal services</li>



<li>Testing</li>



<li>Setup and installation</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Operational Costs</h4>



Operational costs are the recurring expenses needed to keep the software running throughout its lifecycle. These include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Maintenance</li>



<li>Support services</li>



<li>Software updates</li>



<li>Security measures</li>



<li>Data backups</li>



<li>Bug fixes</li>



<li>License renewals</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Human Resource Costs</h4>



Often overlooked, human resource costs are essential to consider. You need skilled personnel to manage and operate the software continuously. This results in additional expenses for:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Training</li>



<li>Onboarding</li>



<li>Compensation</li>
</ul>



Understanding the types of costs associated with TCO makes it clear that TCO is far more comprehensive than just an initial one-time payment for a SaaS product or any IT solution. When a business starts using a seemingly ready product, there are numerous additional expenses to consider beyond the initial purchase.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="512" height="384" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tco-parts.png" alt="Diagram illustrating the breakdown of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The component parts include: Purchasing, Maintenance, Training, Repairs, Security, Support, Upgrades, and Service." class="wp-image-7395"></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How is the Total Cost of Ownership Calculated?</h2>



Calculating the total cost of ownership for enterprise software involves understanding and accounting for all costs associated with acquiring and operating an IT system throughout its lifecycle. The two most common methodologies for calculating TCO are the Microsoft and Interpose method and the Gartner Group method.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Microsoft and Interpose Method</h3>



This method divides all costs into direct and indirect. 



Direct costs are clear expenses that decision-makers typically consider when budgeting:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Software purchase or rental, implementation, configuration, and upgrades</li>



<li>System and network design and administration</li>



<li>Support staff salaries, employee training, outsourced support services</li>



<li>Application development and testing, technical documentation preparation</li>



<li>Establishing and maintaining communication channels</li>
</ul>



Indirect costs are often overlooked in budgeting but can account for over 50% of a company’s IT expenses according to Interpose:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Informal user training and personal support for key clients</li>



<li>Costs from temporary work disruptions, such as equipment failures or planned maintenance</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gartner Group Method</h3>



This method divides costs into capital expenses (CAPEX) and operational expenses (OPEX).



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-regular"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>CAPEX</th><th>OPEX</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Development and implementation project costs</td><td>System updates and upgrades</td></tr><tr><td>Consultant fees during project creation</td><td>Management costs</td></tr><tr><td>Purchase, installation, and configuration of hardware/software</td><td>Costs related to user activity</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The capital (CAPEX) and operational (OPEX) expenses breakdown</figcaption></figure>



While capital expenses are one-time costs to set up an IT system, the business will have operational expenses throughout the software’s lifecycle to keep it running. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Total Cost of Ownership Formula</h3>



There are different ways of calculating the TCO for software, but the general formula is:



TCO = Purchase Cost + (Operational Expenses × Time)



While this formula seems simple, multiple internal and external factors affect the final TCO. Here’s what business owners should always keep in mind:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Identifying all operational cost factors can be complex.</li>



<li>Different software or services might have varied cost structures.</li>



<li>Economic conditions like growth, inflation, or recession can impact TCO.</li>
</ol>



When making IT investments, it’s easy to focus on the initial price tag, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reveals the true cost of your investments, from purchase to operation and maintenance.



To get an accurate picture, you need to team up with finance and consider all the expenses involved. With a clear understanding of TCO, you’ll be empowered to make informed decisions that drive your business forward.



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Confused by software costs? Our experts will calculate them for you.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a call</button></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">White-Label and SaaS Vs Custom Software: Is Cost Comparison Possible?</h2>



Imagine a common situation most business owners or C-level execs face today: Your company is to decide between buying a white-label or SaaS product and investing in custom software development. Let’s explore a hypothetical scenario and a total cost of ownership example to illustrate the key considerations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">💡 The Scenario</h3>



Your company is in a steady-growth phase and naturally needs a CRM system to manage your sales team’s activities. You’ve received two proposals:



a) Use a white-label CRM solution for $500 + a percentage of revenue



b) Develop a custom CRM system at a significantly higher cost (10 times more)



Most owners would go straight to a ready product thinking it’ll help them save time and money. While it seems logical, here are four questions you should ask yourself before making this decision.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">📌 Question 1: What is your company’s long-term strategy?</h4>



Do you prioritize short-term profits (dividend strategy) or aim to grow your company for a potential sale (growth strategy)?



If you plan to sell your business, owning intellectual property (IP) and assets is crucial. Put simply, if you don’t have your proprietary code, you have nothing to sell.



Conclusion: A ready solution is not a good option if you plan to sell your business eventually.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">📌 Question 2: How well does the white-label solution align with your plans?</h4>



From the developer’s perspective, offering a ready-made solution on a subscription basis is ideal, and additional paid customizations seem like a bonus. However, extensive customizations for a single client can interfere with the development of the core product, complicate support, and distract the team, leading to mutual dissatisfaction.



From the client’s perspective, the situation isn’t ideal either. They end up paying for the development of someone else’s product — the product they will never own.



Conclusion: A ready-made solution is an excellent choice if it meets almost 100% of your needs. Otherwise, there is a risk of encountering problems within a few months and getting the TCO for SaaS products exceeding the budget.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">📌 Question 3: What is your product vision based on?</h4>



If the product relies on assumptions and hasn’t yet been tested on real users, investing in a fully developed, expensive solution will likely be a disaster. The primary goal here is to test hypotheses and gather user feedback quickly and inexpensively.



There are two approaches to choose from in this scenario:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Finding a ready but flexible and customizable solution;</li>



<li>Quickly <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/when-to-launch-an-mvp-7-scenarios-where-its-crucial" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building and launching</a> a minimum viable product (MVP).</li>
</ol>



The difference here is that when building an MVP, the entire product belongs to your business from the beginning. It means much easier customizations, any pivots dictated by external factors, and proprietary code as your IP asset.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">📌 Question 4: How easily can you exit the ready-made solution?</h4>



It’s vital to know that you can easily and painlessly say bye to your ready-made solution. It means a seamless transition out of the solution while being able to extract your data in a convenient format. Be cautious of vendors who may limit your access or data ownership.



Conclusion: If your business deals with sensitive data, ready products might pose multiple threats connected to its safety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Expert Insight: User Needs and Product Customization</h2>



When calculating the TCO for IT systems, think not just about money but also about user experience and customization needs.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-gray-50-background-color has-background"><tbody><tr><td>Regardless of your target user base, don’t overlook distribution. Effective distribution ensures the system is accessible and usable by its intended audience, significantly impacting its overall cost and effectiveness.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Customizing the product to meet specific client requirements is often more valuable than a ready-made solution. Many businesses buy off-the-shelf software but neglect <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/why-fixed-price-model-is-not-the-best-option-for-custom-software-development" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to tailor it to their needs</a>. And it always has consequences.



Take “ShopEase,” a mid-sized e-commerce company upgrading its inventory management system. They choose a popular off-the-shelf solution, thinking it will save time and money. However, the software doesn’t integrate well with their existing sales platform, leading to data discrepancies and frustrated employees.



💡 ShopEase decides to customize the software. They hire a developer to integrate it seamlessly with their sales platform and add features like real-time stock updates and automated reorder alerts.



This customization incurs additional costs, but the benefits are clear. Employees find the system easier to use, reducing training time and errors. Real-time updates improve inventory accuracy, preventing stockouts and overstock situations. Ultimately, these improvements lead to better customer satisfaction and increased sales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h2>



When the time comes for a business to invest in a software product, it’s natural to try to save up, and a ready product may seem like a cost-effective option. However, many startup founders and small business owners overlook SaaS customization costs, maintenance, and even employee training that make up the total ownership cost.



In contrast, custom software development is an investment. It offers a tailored solution that aligns with your specific business needs. While the upfront investment may be higher, you avoid paying for unnecessary features and benefit from seamless integrations handled by the same experts who developed your software. This approach also enables continuous feedback and improvement, reducing training costs.



As businesses evolve, SaaS solutions may no longer suffice. Custom software development provides a scalable solution that adapts to your growing needs. When evaluating software options, consider the software ownership’s long-term costs and benefits. 



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Consider building a custom product but unsure about the final price? Get the first estimate for free.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a call</button></div>

Total Cost of Ownership: The Hidden Expenses and How to Calculate Them

What is no-code app development? Imagine a typical scenario. A young <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/developing-a-startup-app-in-2023-how-to-win-the-competition-race">startup</a> has a potentially world-changing idea and the ambition to conquer the business world but a limited budget. It’s just the beginning and only a business hypothesis that hasn’t yet met the reality of user needs and customer pain points.



A few decades ago, this startup’s founders would have started with a comprehensive business plan for at least five years and a long list of technical requirements for a full-cycle custom software development project. Today, we have the magic of no-code app builders. The idea is anyone can easily build a mobile app within just a few days.



Is it, however, that simple in real life? And does it really mean the days of native development are over? We summed up some hard facts about different approaches to software development.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="874" height="620" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/no-code-low-code.png" alt="A no-code developer is rearranging icons corresponding to the app's features." class="wp-image-6739"></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Is No-Code Development?</h2>



How does no-code work? Put simply, no-code (zero-code) is the process of programming without writing code. In other words, it’s creating applications using a system of predefined objects and their relationships, similar to constructing something with a set of building blocks. In this approach, users can create objects based on templates, configure the system, design screen forms, and set up processing logic without manually writing code.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">

<cite>Imagine building a website using a drag-and-drop website builder. You assemble components like images, text boxes, and buttons without the hassle of writing intricate code.</cite></blockquote>



The key idea is that application blocks and their integrations are already developed and coded, and artificial intelligence can be used to generate the necessary code automatically. This approach aims to simplify the development process by allowing users to build applications through visual interfaces and predefined components, reducing the reliance on traditional coding skills.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="300" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/8.png" alt="A quote explaining what no-code development is" class="wp-image-6733"></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">No-Code Programming: Pros and Cons</h3>



Like any other approach to software development, no-code has advantages and weaknesses. Here are the main points summed up.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">No-Code: The Advantages</h4>



These are the main reasons why businesses opt for no-code development.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>It’s accessible.</li>
</ul>



No-code platforms are user-friendly. Even novice programmers can quickly create websites and applications.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>It’s fast.</li>
</ul>



On a no-code platform, most of the development is done through a drag-and-drop interface with pre-built modules. It accelerates the website building and testing processes.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>It’s cost-efficient.</li>
</ul>



Having it done more easily and faster, businesses can hire fewer professional developers, potentially reducing development costs.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>It increases productivity.</li>
</ul>



For the same reasons as in the previous point, there is more time available to focus on other tasks, leading to increased overall productivity.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>It’s adaptable.</li>
</ul>



Unlike traditional manual coding, where changing functionality can be challenging without deep knowledge of a programming language, no-code applications make even new logic implementation faster. Changes can be launched within a few hours.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">No-Code: The Disadvantages</h4>



Despite all the advantages, there are some critical points many business owners often overlook.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>You need to know exactly what your final product will be.</li>
</ul>



To do no-code development well, you need to really understand what you want the final product to be. Since no-code platforms have their limits, it’s crucial to verify if these limits might affect how you want your website or app to work.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The templates are rigid.</li>
</ul>



No-code platforms don’t offer endless options for components. The rigidity of available templates can limit creative flexibility and make the design less unique.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Lack of control causes security implications.</li>
</ul>



Unlike native development, a no-code mobile app builder doesn’t give you full control over the application. It can lead to security and reliability issues like the platform suddenly closing or changing owners. As a result, vital systems might become open to risks, including the possibility of harmful code getting in.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Migration becomes complex.</li>
</ul>



If you decide to switch from the first development platform, changing to a new one can be tricky. Even if you get access to the source code, it’s harder to manage and update the code because there aren’t clear instructions and documentation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Is Low Code Development?</h2>



The term “no-code” is often used together with the term “low-code,” but there is a significant distinction between them. No-code platforms allow users to build software without modifying the underlying code. Typically, they employ a visual interface that guides users step by step through the development process. In many cases, these tools utilize drag-and-drop functionality.



On the other hand, low-code platforms may require limited knowledge of scripting languages (like Python, JavaScript, or PHP). These solutions usually consist of a mix of visual interfaces and coding sections with some guidance, where users might need to write small commands and data processing scripts.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">

<cite>Picture using a platform that offers pre-built components while allowing you to inject custom code for added flexibility. It caters to both simplicity and customization, making it suitable for more complex projects.</cite></blockquote>



Low-code development platforms are typically designed for applications that are more complex or critical to the business and require manual control from a skilled developer (in comparison to no-code).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="300" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/9.png" alt="A visual quote explaining what low-code development is." class="wp-image-6735"></figure>



Both no-code and low-code approaches have limits, so a project may quickly reach the functionality ceiling. To get past this, the software might need to be completely rewritten. Typically, after hitting these limitations, projects shift to native development. So, low-code and no-code are excellent for hypothesis testing and prototyping. After that, if things look good, money can be set aside to do it properly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is Native Development?</h2>



Native development means creating applications specifically for a particular mobile platform. If you want to <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/5-reasons-why-your-business-needs-a-mobile-app">make an app</a> for both iOS and Android users, you need to write a separate version for each operating system.



One of the main advantages of native development is that it provides high performance for the app. It directly interacts (as much as possible) with all the device’s resources and can access most functions provided by the OS (like photo and video shooting, geolocation, and the use of sensors).



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Get a project estimate in a free intro call.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a call</button></div>



It’s a way to build better apps. However, there are drawbacks. Developing native apps for multiple platforms can be costly and time-consuming. They require constant support and updates. Many are related to adjusting the software to meet the latest requirements of operating systems. And you have to do it separately for each system.



Native development is suitable for those who are ready to take the task seriously, do it with high quality and commitment, and understand how to make the investment worthwhile.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="300" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/10.png" alt="A visual quote explaining what native development is." class="wp-image-6737"></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Common Myths About No-Code Development</h2>



Recently, no-code development has become a buzzword heavily promoted by numerous online schools and marketers trying to sell it as a universal solution to all software development challenges. While this approach can be advantageous (when done right), there are five common misconceptions misleading many startupers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Myth #1: You don’t need any specific app development knowledge.</h3>



No-code tools promise quick app development, but mastering UX/UI design and database handling is crucial. Most platforms overlook UX, lack quality in UI, and ignore database intricacies.



Moreover, specific knowledge, like iOS guidelines and Android design, is essential. Some platforms demand programming skills like JavaScript. No-code courses might lead to basic apps, but true proficiency requires mastering design and database concepts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Myth #2: Constructors make development 10 times cheaper.</h3>



Claims of 10 to 20 times faster development with no-code constructors are exaggerated. While they speed up development, the actual acceleration is around threefold.



Cost-effectiveness may become about 5.5 times cheaper, but further acceleration risks compromising app quality. Creating clones of major apps post-course is unrealistic; complex products always need professional teams.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Myth #3: No-code products are on par with code-developed native apps.</h3>



No-code apps differ in functionality and quality based on underlying technology. PWAs (e.g., Bubble or Glide) lack native smoothness and gestures. Cross-platform frameworks (e.g., React Native or Flutter) have drawbacks like larger size and lower performance. Native code (e.g., AppMaster or IDE DePro) generally leads to more robust applications. Constructors, even the best, are geared toward MVPs and lag behind native apps.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Myth #4: No-code products are easy to scale and expand.</h3>



No-code claims of easy scalability and expansion are often overstated. Many constructors lack true scalability, slowing down as users exceed 1000. Some rely on third-party tools, incurring extra costs. Declarations of scalability by tools like Xano lack clear implementation details. Expandability is limited, and users may switch to code after the MVP stage if a constructor’s capabilities fall short.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Myth #5: There are millions of no-code developers.</h3>



Claims of millions of no-code developers and applications are inflated. The reality check comes from app store statistics. Google Play Store, for example, adds about 1 million applications (including games) each year, and even more apps get removed. It happens as the app store introduces new policies, safety rules, and increasingly automated app reviews that sometimes remove even legitimate programs. As a result, the Google Play Store currently hosts around 2.6 million applications, and the App Store has even fewer.



Significantly, the statistics for new app additions show no sudden spikes, suggesting that the proportion of applications developed with no-code platforms in the Google Play Store is very small.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Do You Really Need No-Code Development For?</h2>



Let’s put everything in its place — different approaches to software development serve different purposes. If you have a business hypothesis that needs quick validation, a no-code solution or low-code development will help you do that at a relatively low cost. In this case, you quickly build a functional yet limited <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/the-strategic-advantage-of-mvp-development-for-startups">minimum viable product</a> (MVP) and either test your idea or get a flashy prototype ready to attract your first investments. Or both.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">

<cite>No-code and low-code shine in testing hypotheses, rapid prototyping, and swiftly translating ideas into functional applications. Once validated, these projects may transition to more robust native implementations.</cite></blockquote>



However, if you are working on a large, user-focused product with high productivity, unique design, and comprehensive functionality (including fancy sensors and complex payment integrations), be ready to opt for native development.



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Looking for a trusted tech partner to help you build a product that will bring results? Talk to our specialists.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a call</button></div>

Native Vs No-Code Development for Business: What You Need to Know

Typically, just one in ten <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/5-reasons-why-your-business-needs-a-mobile-app">mobile app development</a> projects turns out profitable. While the usage of smartphones is on the rise, the number of mobile products is also increasing. At the same time, the average session time is decreasing, and user attention is becoming progressively more valuable with each passing year. In these highly competitive environments, custom mobile app development for startups turns from a luxury option into a business requirement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="874" height="620" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/app-dev-for-startups.png" alt="Developers discussing wireframes and designs for a new mobile app for a startup." class="wp-image-6250"></figure>



Do you have a startup product idea but don’t know what to begin with? Our guide on app development for startups will help you get your ducks in a row.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Does a Startup Need a Mobile App?</h2>



Essentially, startups are projects with low budgets and high risks. That’s why mobile app development for startups is an instrument they use to test business hypotheses and, ideally, find investors for further rapid expansion. Here are seven reasons why your startup does need a mobile solution.



<ul class="wp-block-list" type="1">
<li>Quick Market Presentation</li>
</ul>



With a well-designed app, they can showcase their products or services, highlight their unique selling points, and create a lasting impression on potential customers.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Convenient Sales Channel</li>
</ul>



Mobile apps provide a convenient method for startups to sell their products or services directly to their target audience. By offering a seamless and user-friendly purchasing experience, startups can maximize their reach and increase their sales potential.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Constant Customer Engagement</li>
</ul>



Mobile apps enable startups to establish and maintain constant communication with their customers. Through push notifications, personalized offers, and in-app messaging, startups can keep their customers engaged, informed, and loyal to their brand.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Direct Feedback</li>
</ul>



Mobile apps allow startups to gather direct feedback from their customers. This valuable feedback helps them understand customer preferences, identify areas for improvement, and make informed business decisions.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Simplicity and Accessibility</li>
</ul>



Compared to a website, mobile apps offer a simpler and more accessible user experience. With a few taps on their smartphones, users can access the app and find what they need quickly.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Streamlined Business Processes</li>
</ul>



Developing a mobile app enables startups to automate internal business processes like inventory management, order processing, or customer support. This automation saves time and resources.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Data Collection and Analysis</li>
</ul>



By collecting user behavior, preferences, and demographics, startups can gain insights into customer trends and make data-driven decisions to enhance their products or services.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Your App Won’t Pay Off</h2>



While app development for a startup no longer seems extraordinary, there are many ways to do it wrong and fail. We summed up the five most common reasons why it happens.



#1 The problem you’re solving doesn’t exist or has already been solved.



Co-founder of Y Combinator, Paul Graham, once said that the most common mistake startups make is solving problems that don’t exist. While we have seemingly the best ideas in our imagination, in reality, potential customers mostly simply don’t need them.



#2 The hypothesis hasn’t been tested.



It’s difficult to speculate about risks without initial customers and figures to base developmental models on. Testing the hypothesis allows for ample maneuvering room for ideas in the early stages when their cost is close to zero.



#3 You’ve planned too many features.



Building a full-fledged starship ready for a Mars mission right from the start is not the best strategy. However, some entrepreneurs think adding more features to a product will make it more appealing to customers. It’s not true.



#4 You didn’t define your goals.



It’s crucial to forecast the outcomes the development and growth of an IT product will bring. What indicators need to be achieved within six months to justify the investment risk? What about a year?



#5 Your monetization method is overly aggressive.



Attention from users is the primary asset in the digital world. Even in a financially unprofitable project, having a large community is a success. Attracting attention is harder than converting it into profitability. Aggressive monetization at the early stages of a service’s life cycle often leads to an inability to gather a sufficient user base.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">App Development for Startups: The 2-Phase Approach</h2>



In general, the development process can be broken down into understandable phases that make up a plan. Approaches to process-building may differ from vendor to vendor. At Rocketech, we believe that startups require a slightly different and almost always tailored approach. For simplicity, let’s divide the entire development process into three large steps.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Start with a Discovery</h3>



Effective planning is half the battle. If you only have what you believe to be a genius idea and a half-written business plan, you are likely to fail. To prevent this scenario, meticulous planning is necessary. We have found that conducting a <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/discovery-phase-why-is-it-crucial-for-your-project-success">project discovery</a> is the best way to set sail.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="300" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/what-is-a-discovery-phase-2.png" alt="An infographic briefly explaining what a discovery phase is in custom software development." class="wp-image-6242"></figure>



In simple words, it’s an essential phase for startups as it helps them understand what their customers want, which is the key to achieving success in the market. In short, a discovery phase has three main advantages.



<ul class="wp-block-list" type="1">
<li>It saves time and money.</li>
</ul>



The main goal is to create the most in-depth and budgeted startup development plan possible. The more detailed your plan is, the fewer problems you’ll have on the way. Scrupulous planning also helps you avoid redundant functionality and see where you can save time and, as a result, money.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>It defines the product.</li>
</ul>



It’s impossible to make a good plan if you don’t understand what exactly needs to be done. Another big objective of this stage is to define the product’s features and functionality. And it requires proper market research — it also prepares you for the real-market environment.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>It reduces risks.</li>
</ul>



The discovery phase helps identify potential risks and challenges early in the project, allowing startups to mitigate them before they become bigger problems. In other words, developers with experience in similar projects will consider the risks and issues (and the ways to solve them) even before they happen.



Like any other project, the discovery phase includes several steps. If done right (and systematically), this stage’s outcome will be a solid roadmap and a clear picture of the near future, minimizing the uncertainty.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Do Your Market Research</h4>



First things first: before you make any plans and, even more so, start developing your app, it’s vital to explore the environment and define the real market situation. Here are the questions covered by proper market research:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What products exist in the chosen niche and make up your competition?</li>



<li>Why do some products succeed while others fail?</li>



<li>What strong sides and weaknesses do your competitors have?</li>



<li>Which unique features can your product offer that your competitors don’t have (yet)?</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Make Accurate Estimations</h4>



A precise budget prediction is the unicorn of the custom software development world. In very few cases, everything goes as planned. However, the best app developers for startups are distinguished by experience — they’ve already solved whatever problem may await your project on the way.



In short, here are the seven most common agile <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/agile-project-estimation-challenges">project estimation challenges</a>:



<ol class="wp-block-list" type="1">
<li>Uncertainty</li>



<li>Incomplete requirements</li>



<li>Complexity</li>



<li>Limited resources</li>



<li>Time constraints</li>



<li>Scope creep</li>



<li>External factors</li>
</ol>



While these problems are familiar even to non-dev people, there are also specific <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/how-to-avoid-common-project-estimation-mistakes">estimation mistakes</a> only experienced developers can help you avoid. Here’s where expert risk assessment comes into play.



Such probability analysis is essential for making accurate estimates and building a repository of potential future risks. By analyzing past project issues, software development providers create a list of possible problems that can occur. When starting new projects, they refer to this list to identify relevant risks.



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Looking for a transparent and accurate project estimation? We can help.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Talk to us</button></div>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Make a Hypothesis</h4>



Startups make business hypotheses by formulating educated guesses about market dynamics and their business model’s various aspects. These hypotheses serve as the foundation for their strategy and decision-making process. Here’s a general framework for how startups develop business hypotheses.



<ul class="wp-block-list" type="1">
<li>Identify the problem.</li>
</ul>



Start with identifying a problem or pain point in the market. Conduct research, gather data, and analyze trends to understand the needs and challenges of potential customers. The results will form the basis of your problem hypothesis.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Propose a solution.</li>
</ul>



Once the problem is identified, propose a solution or product that addresses the issue. Outline key features, benefits, and value propositions of your crafted solution. The results will form the basis of your solution hypothesis.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Target the market and segment customers.</li>
</ul>



Define your target market and segment it into specific customer groups based on demographics, psychographics, or other relevant characteristics. Develop hypotheses about the customer segments most likely to adopt your solution and provide the highest growth potential.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Make your value proposition.</li>
</ul>



Articulate the unique value you offer to customers compared to existing alternatives. Formulate hypotheses about your solution’s specific aspects that will resonate with customers and differentiate your offer from competitors.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Define the revenue model.</li>
</ul>



Explore existing ways to generate profit — subscriptions, advertising, licensing, or transaction fees. Test assumptions about pricing, customer willingness to pay, and overall revenue potential.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Specify customer acquisition and distribution channels.</li>
</ul>



Consider different marketing channels — digital advertising, social media, content marketing, partnerships, or direct sales. Analyze the cost of customer acquisition and experiment with different channels to validate your hypotheses.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Test and validate.</li>
</ul>



Naturally, hypotheses are created to be validated. Once you have them ready, start designing experiments and conducting tests. At the very beginning, startups use <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/the-guide-for-perfect-customer-development-problem-interview-checklist">problem</a> and <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/what-is-a-solution-interview-in-customer-development">solution interviews</a> and surveys to gather the data necessary to come up with development requirements. Eventually, the best and fastest way to confirm or refine your idea is to launch an MVP.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Build an MVP to Validate Your Idea</h3>



Essentially, there are two main ways to make and launch a mobile app. You can spend a long time and all your resources working on a single business idea and polishing numerous features to perfection. While it sounds good to some business owners, the outcome of such projects is unknown at best. In many cases, that perfection turns out not needed by real users.



The alternative way app developers for startups mostly take — you can launch the first, limited yet fully functional product version and refine and improve it according to your customer feedback and real-market environment.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="300" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/what-is-an-mvp-term.png" alt="An infographic briefly explaining what an MVP in custom software development." class="wp-image-6246"></figure>



Imagine a unique-to-market product idea for an <a href="https://rocketech.it/case/lev">app that will revolutionize pet ownership</a>. Complex ambitious solutions like this combine features and functionality of various types — a marketplace, social network, and interactive map, in this case.



Instead of gambling on hypothetical ideas, decision-makers launched an MVP with simple functionality four months after the project had started. This approach helped them build a highly interactive, full-fledged mobile application with great market potential within just eight months, well ahead of the competition.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="2000" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mvp-for-startups.png" alt="An infographics naming 4 manin benefits of building an MVP for startups." class="wp-image-6248"></figure>



<a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/the-strategic-advantage-of-mvp-development-for-startups">Startup MVP development</a> is a strategic instrument (and a particular mindset, for that matter) to stay afloat in highly competitive markets where every day can be game-changing. After launching the first stable and functional version, you can then focus on your customers and their needs. And develop and improve your offer accordingly.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">

<cite>In other words, let your MVP “run free” and bring the data that will tell you where to head next.</cite></blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Launch with Rocketech: Development Starts with the Release</h2>



When you decide to find an app developer for your startup, most tech vendors will tell you that you need to start with multiple customer interviews, extensive target audience analysis, and competitor investigation. While they are not wrong, and all these steps are vital for a proper project discovery phase, there’s more to it.



Contrary to popular opinion, we’ve learned that development starts upon the release. You can test your hypothesis with a lot of theoretical moves. But you’ll only really validate your business idea once your product is delivered to its intended users.



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">We know how to bring your idea to market in the shortest possible time. Talk to our specialist.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a free call</button></div>

Developing a Startup App in 2023: How to Win the Competition Race

Remember the Akler app we recently developed for our client?



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/case/akler" data-type="URL" data-id="https://rocketech.it/case/akler" target="_blank">Akler</a> is a language learning app that helps quickly get the basics of a new language in just a few minutes a day.



<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.rocketech.it/cases/akler/over.png" alt="Unique UI/UX design of the Akler language learning app showcasing its intuitive and user-friendly interface." style="width:903px;height:372px" title="Akler App: Innovative UI/UX Design for Efficient Language Learning"></figure>



During the development process we created a unique UI/UX Design.



Our team built:



Backend: NodeJS, ExpressJS, NextJS, RESTful Frontend: React, Redux, AntD iOS:Swift, XCode, UIKit, RxSwift, MVVM, SQLite, CoreData, In-App Purchase, Local Notifications, REST API



We designed the app in a way that would prevent the learning curve from seeming overwhelming or boring.



We’re happy to announce that Akler received <a href="https://www.designrush.com/best-designs/apps" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.designrush.com/best-designs/apps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">the Best App Designs Award 2021 by DesignRush</a>!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2144" height="768" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/image.png" alt="Akler app tech stack and Best App Designs Award 2021." class="wp-image-412" title="Akler App Tech Stack and Award 2021"></figure>



Proud to release such successful apps!

The Best App Designs Award 2021

One of the few industries that won’t remember 2020 with tears in their eyes is the web and mobile development. The crisis only teased the IT community and left us with many interesting solutions.



As with all previous years, the main web app development trend in 2021 is a simplification. This year, your web app must be these three things:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Easy</li>



<li>Speedy</li>



<li>Eye candy.</li>
</ul>



If this is not the case, you risk giving way to more technologically advanced competitors and losing the battle for user loyalty.



Let’s see what gear you should give a serious look at if you plan to build a web app this year. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Single page app (SPA): a tiny one that can carry it all</h3>



SPA is exactly what it says on the tin: an app that is technically just one page. SPA is like a normal web app that works inside a browser, but with one serious perk: it loads all javascript files (modules, widgets, controls, etc.), as well as CSS files along with loading the page itself.



SPA does not require page reloading: the content may change, but the page doesn’t since it only loads upon the very first request.



Pros



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>SPAs work equally well on mobile devices and on desktops, which can help a developer cover a wider audience;</li>



<li>Since there’s only one page, it’s much easier to build a complex user interface. It’s also easier to store session information, manage views and animation;</li>



<li>Instead, the user enjoys a smooth, uninterrupted scrolling and natural environment.  </li>
</ul>



Cons



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>If you don’t code in JavaScript, you’ll have to learn how. </li>
</ul>



SPA examples: Google Maps, Twitter, and Google Drive.



Tech stack: React.js, Angular.js, Vue.js, Meteor.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. PWA (Progressive web app): just like a native app, but simpler</h3>



PWA is a web tool that pretends to be a normal app. This technology installs your website onto a user’s smartphone as if it was a native app. In this case, the browser becomes a virtual machine that stores and runs the PWA—just what Android does for Android apps.



PWAs drive a completely mobile-ish user experience while being lighter, faster to download, and easier to develop.



Pros



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>PWAs can work with poor or no Internet connection; </li>



<li>Cost reduction by up to 70% as compared to native apps;</li>



<li>No need to go for app store licensing and, consequently, the ability to avoid some of the App Store and Google Play limitations;</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fast data exchange over the network, smooth and responsive UI;</li>



<li>You can learn PWA technologies and apply them in your current projects gradually, without global remodeling and refactoring.</li>
</ul>



Cons



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>It might be problematic to send push notifications to iPhones since the Safari browser is set by default;</li>



<li>PWAs don’t support Touch ID and have Bluetooth limitations.</li>
</ul>



PWA Examples: Pinterest, Forbes, The Washington Post, Starbucks.



Tech stack



Service Worker, Push Notifications, HTTPS, App Shell, Web App manifest.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. AMP (Accelerated Mobile Page): Google’s favorite frisky apps </h3>



As the name suggests, AMP is a technology that aims to create apps with speedy performance. AMP is an open-source library that was developed by Google to speed up page loading and display websites on mobile devices. 



The secret to speed is that AMP uses a limited set of CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. Such pages only store the main content while sacrificing many elements (mainly visual images and dynamic content) for high download speeds.



The user of 2021 is not the user of 2011 — they won’t tolerate long page loading. With AMP, you can create fast and furious e-commerce, news, and other types of light web pages that load in a split second.  



Pros



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>AMP apps work great even for users with a slow internet connection.</li>



<li>AMP pages have a much higher chance of getting to the top search engine positions because they take loading speed into account when ranking.</li>
</ul>



Cons



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The gets a little visually uglier;</li>



<li>Videos and images load slowly;</li>



<li>Limited widgets and features due to a limited set of CSS, HTML, and JavaScript;</li>



<li>A regular text editor is no longer enough to place the text on the page;</li>



<li>You need to have development skills to build an AMP version of a page</li>
</ul>



AMP examples: the technology is massively adopted by online publishers, such as The New York Times, The Verge, CNBC, etc. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Animation: extra glam that entertains, guides, and converts</h3>



Statics give way to dynamics in the race for user attention in 2021. Many businesses animate their apps and choose to work with Motion UI to save resources. Motion UI is a library that isn’t hard to wrap one’s head around, and that helps spice up apps with vivid animations, transitions, and graphics.



Animation is a great way to highlight important blocks and boost overall usability.



Pros



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>No need to hire a motion designer. The Motion UI library includes a CSS file with ready-made effects, as well as files that allow creating custom animations; </li>



<li>This technology is easy to grasp in case you have basic knowledge of CSS and JavaScript;</li>



<li>Flexibility: Motion UI allows setting various parameters to make animations do exactly what you want them to;</li>



<li>Animations dramatically increase user engagement. Aside from looking pretty, they help with navigation and hold the user’s quickly elusive interest.</li>
</ul>



Cons



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>If not appropriately implemented, animations might clutter the interface, cause rendering issues, and affect loading speed. </li>
</ul>



Look how simple animations can make a routine in-app action unboring and fun:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. MEAN stack: a powerful combo to handle any kind of complexity</h3>



MEAN stands for MongoDB, Express.js, Angular.js, and Node.js. It’s an end-to-end JavaScript stack mainly used to create cloud-hosted applications. Basically, it’s a document database, a Node.js web framework, a client-side JavaScript framework, and a web server packed in the same box.



MEAN is perfect for real-time apps: workflow managers, news aggregators, to-do list apps, etc.



Pros



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>MEAN allows building scalable apps with a massive data flow. No matter how many users and content is being added up — a MEAN-based app can handle it all; </li>



<li>Each of the four pieces of the stack uses a single language. Thanks to that, you can allocate a pool of JavaScript devs for your project and make them work adaptively instead of hiring four different specialists. </li>



<li>The stack includes its own web server, which makes deployment a piece of cake.</li>
</ul>



Cons



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Requires experienced JavaScript experts. </li>
</ul>



Examples of apps built with the means of the MEAN stack: Dropbox, Netflix, Instagram, and Facebook. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Chatbots</h3>



Among all the web app development trends of 2021, chatbots are probably the least new. These days, even your local pet store website may have a chatbot. This solution is gaining momentum for a reason: most clients ask the same questions, and it’s weird to make a human sit there and answer them when a robot can do it. 



It’s much easier to invest in getting a chatbot once to save thousands of man-hours for years to come. Combined with AI solutions, chatbots can fully automatize communication on a human-like level.



Pros



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Instant customer service: people don’t need to wait in line to get a simple question answered;</li>



<li>Chatbots can be used for a whole bunch of purposes, not only for chatting with clients. For example, a bot can notify pizza delivery service workers of new orders, advertise your products, etc.</li>
</ul>



Cons



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Basic bots can process only a limited amount of queries. Those that can process the complex ones and imitate human speech are hard to set up and might be expensive;</li>



<li>Chatbots don’t work for everyone. Businesses that focus on a personal approach would rather lose from having a chatbot than win. On top of that, many people find them irritating. </li>
</ul>



Some nice chatbot usage examples



Tech stack



The technology behind your future chatbot will depend on its complexity. Traditionally, there are three possible solutions:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Messenger bots. Many mainstream messengers like Facebook and Telegram have chatbot functionality, and you don’t need a lot of money and a degree in web development to configure them. Choose a messenger bot depending on the platform that your clients tend to use more.</li>



<li>Chatbot development platforms like Chatfuel, Botsify, and Motion.ai. Basically, these are constructors: you can pick the necessary elements and combine them to meet your needs. However, platforms don’t allow you to create your own components in case you need something special.</li>



<li>Frameworks like Wit.AI, Microsoft Bot Framework, BotKit, and IBM Watson. If you fancy voice search, machine learning, and other things beyond mediocre, frameworks are your choice. The major drawback is their complexity — you’ll have to hire skilled developers for this job.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bottom Line</h2>



Trends come and go, but one thing never goes out of style: user-friendliness. All the trends that we have collected here are old technologies that are revealed in a new way for new challenges.



Remember that the same problem can be solved in different ways. A professional team will help you choose the most suitable one based on your tasks. 



If your business needs an app, the Rocketech team is here to help. We do analytics, design, branding, and, of course, development. We also have an impressive <a href="https://rocketech.it/cases" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">portfolio </a>for all types of projects: from basic delivery apps to complex work managers.

5 Web App Development Trends in 2021 That are Here to Stay

At Rocketech, we follow agile software development practices, prioritizing Scrum for most of our projects. According to the 2022 16th State of Agile Report, Scrum is hands down the top dog when it comes to Agile frameworks. A whopping 87% of the people surveyed follow Scrum at the team level, which is a big jump from a mere 54% just two years back.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="500" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/what-is-scrum.png" alt="The infographic giving an explanation to the term Scrum." class="wp-image-5805"></figure>



It’s not a secret for anyone that it’s impossible to avoid work-related stress. However, by knowing the causes of stress and having a healthy, analytical approach to the matter, it’s possible to keep stress under control. A well-organized <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/scrum-master-about-project-team-communication" target="_blank">internal communication</a> is key to successful agile team collaboration.



Our Scrum Master Anastasiia Musil explains how the Scrum Master methodology deals with tension at work and shares her expert insights on the ways to reduce stress.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="500" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/scrum-master.png" alt="Who is a Scrum Master and what does a Scrum Master do?" class="wp-image-5807"></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Realistic Goals, Different Types of Productivity, and Empowered Teams — Is It Possible to Work Stress-Free?</h2>



Do you agree that it’s impossible to keep a Scrum team “completely” stress-free? 



I believe an agile team in Scrum cannot be stress-free. Stress comes from the rather rigid framework that a Sprint imposes on us. The team has a goal that has to be achieved by the end of the Sprint. It creates tension. While the team is thinking positively during the Sprint Planning, it can feel like a race at the Sprint’s end. From Sprint to Sprint, it creates pressure, and the team starts to get tired. A mature team knows how to manage the workload they can do per Sprint, but it takes quite a long time to get there.



Do you think working remotely increases stress?



I’m a big fan of working remotely. It’s more stressful for me to come to the office. (Smiles). But I know some guys in my teams have small children or no space for a home office — they prefer working outside the home. 



It’s important to create an informal and supportive environment even if you are far away from each other. You can achieve that by creating a community, establishing one-to-communication, or making informal calls. Even the Sprint Retrospective can be helpful because it’s not only about the reasons why we failed to complete a task within the Sprint. It’s about people’s emotional states and just human interaction.



Creating informal chats or a short “How are you?” message (if, during the Daily Scrum, you feel that someone is tired or upset) also helps you understand how people in your team feel and whether you can help in any way.



How do you notice when a team member is stressed and needs help?



There are times when a person (usually outgoing) is not active during meetings, throwing sarcastic comments, or even not showing up. In these situations, I usually send a private message to the person to find out what’s going on, offer to give them a call, and try to be open to any discussions.



It’s important to let people know that:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>You are ready to listen and help them in any way you can;</li>



<li>Your conversation will remain private.</li>
</ul>



Sometimes it’s impossible to miss that the entire team is under stress when there are tough deadlines. Then, it’s vital to give people moral support, thank them for their work, acknowledge the results and the team’s success, and not overload them with extra activities and meetings. And, naturally, the team should have the chance to celebrate the completion of a challenging project.



Do you have any personal life hacks or tips on keeping your team stress-free?



According to my observations, stress most often comes from deadlines or internal conflict situations. Deadlines are something we can control. A team that is constantly racing against time becomes tired quite quickly and loses speed and quality. I see my job as helping the team analyze the <a href="https://www.scrum-institute.org/blog/How_To_Plan_Capacity_Of_Your_Scrum_Teams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">agile team capacity</a> and set realistic goals.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
At Rocketech, we work very closely with our clients and try to make the development process as transparent as possible.
</blockquote>



Our clients become our Product Owners, and we help them manage the backlog. My goal is to help the client single out the most valuable thing we have to do now and to help the team decide how much they do within a Sprint. With openness, we can effectively manage expectations and set deadlines to achieve our goals successfully while still being a resource for new tasks.



How do you personally deal with stress? Could you share your personal tricks?



Sleep helps me with short-term stress.  A new day gives me new hope, and I regain strength. And a fresh perspective allows me to re-evaluate the situation and find additional solutions that were not apparent when the stressor occurred.



Accumulated fatigue sometimes causes stress. A simple and effective way to deal with it is to take a holiday and go somewhere (even just to a neighboring town) for a while. Usually, it’s enough time for me to start missing work, my team, and the hustle and bustle, and I come back with a desire and willingness to work.



A couple of years ago, I found an article about different types of productivity people have. There are those who can work at the same pace for long periods of time. They are not at their peak but working quite steadily and efficiently.



And then there are those who have activity “peaks and troughs”. I belong to the second type. During some periods of time, I feel an extraordinary burst of energy, and I know that I can work virtually around the clock, with high efficiency, and without harming my mental and physical health. Such periods last for up to a few months. Then comes the slowdown. And I try not to overload myself with additional tasks and projects for a month, working at a quiet pace. It was essential for me to realize this cyclical pattern and focus on it on time.



There is a <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261047173_Agile_and_Wellbeing_--_Stress_Empowerment_and_Performance_in_Scrum_and_Kanban_Teams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">study</a> saying “empowered teams cope better with stress”. Would you comment on this statement?



I believe in the wisdom of the group. I also believe that highly motivated professionals united by a common goal and respecting each other can offer the best solutions in difficult situations.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
Everyone in a fully empowered team has the opportunity to show leadership and sometimes come up with truly great solutions.
</blockquote>



I really enjoy working with such teams. They have a team spirit, strength, and the belief that any challenge can be overcome together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rocketech Agile Philosophy</h2>



We base our expertise on process-building and the analytical approach. And we understand that stress is an inevitable part of success and don’t fight windmills. Instead, we use stress and crisis management techniques and the Scrum framework best practices to increase the agile team efficiency and ensure the well-being of each team member.



The Rocketech team consists of Middle+ and Senior level professionals with years of experience. We appreciate excellent communication skills, diversity of meanings, and dedication to the project. Our core values helped us create the company <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/workflow" target="_blank">workflow</a> and establish our processes to reach maximum productivity without losing to stress.

How to Keep Your Agile Team Stress-Free

Whether you plan to outsource IT projects entirely or partially, scale your business, or create a digital product to launch a startup — you need to find a service provider. It’s easy to get some tips on how to choose the right custom software development company. Most sources will provide you with a relatively standard checklist that includes exploring a candidate company’s reputation, ratings, and portfolio. 



However, there’s more to it. The Rocketech experts prepared our insider guide on how to choose an IT vendor effectively, approach this essential task strategically, and eventually select a long-term trustworthy tech partner.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="874" height="620" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/choose.png" alt="Guide to choosing an IT vendor effectively" class="wp-image-4709" title="How to Choose the Right IT Vendor: Insider Tips from Rocketech"></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Roles</h2>



Often, a company delegating its IT tasks and projects is imagined as a mythical “client” who gives the tech vendor money in exchange for services. While it’s not far from the truth, the journey begins with defining who is the actual customer and which role this executive has in the company. The client’s role determines the communication’s begin and impacts the entire collaboration dynamics from day one. Here are the two most common scenarios.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Founders and Product Owners</h3>



Both founders and product owners dive deep into the project. They understand the product and have the necessary market expertise to make informed business decisions. 



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
The product Owner (PO) is the product development and management specialist in digital projects responsible for the end product’s vision and value to the user. POs act simultaneously as entrepreneurs and managers: they generate and test hypotheses and take risks while guiding the development team. 
</blockquote>



While the contracts are signed with founders, POs often take over most of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/key-responsibilities-every-po-should-take" target="_blank">the responsibilities</a> of the project from the client’s side, from allocating budget and monitoring business processes to market expertise, customer testing, and sales. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other Stakeholders</h3>



It’s also not uncommon for other stakeholders — often investors — to become clients. There’s usually no total immersion in the project and a lack of tech expertise. Investors also tend to spend a lot of time establishing business tasks and reduce everything to fixed-scope and fixed-cost contracts. However, while set price collaboration may be effective in some situations, it’s the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/why-fixed-price-model-is-not-the-best-option-for-custom-software-development" target="_blank">riskiest way to outsource long projects</a>.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
When you are ready to initiate the first contact with the tech company, you should build the communication based on your own role in the company and the future venture: your market knowledge, understanding of the product and experience in tech projects.
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Approach</h2>



The task may seem simple: you have a product idea, choose from the top IT vendors and discuss the terms and conditions. However, first, you need to specify your business approach as it directly impacts the development process and determines what you expect from the service provider.



There are <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/04/01/the-duality-of-it-startups-why-is-it-two-businesses-in-one/?sh=17d1cd061526" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">two approaches to handling business</a>, and they apply to the development process. In the end, it is the product that underlies the enterprise.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>You see your development project as an investment.</li>
</ul>



Such projects usually start with <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/prototype-poc-or-mvp-what-will-work-for-your-product" target="_blank">developing an MVP</a> — a minimum viable product with basic functionality yet ready for market launch. It’s hypothesis testing on the go. By using real-user feedback, you look for new features and ways to develop your idea into a fully functioning business. However, investing time and resources in these projects is associated with certain risks. Some products just don’t take off.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>You need the product for launching a fully operational business.</li>
</ul>



In this case, you should already have the results of customer and hypothesis testing, a feasible business model, and a solid understanding of the market you are to conquer. While in the first approach, you can adjust your goals to user feedback, here you need to know your customers’ pains and needs before the project starts. In these cases, the development itself becomes almost a “secondary issue”.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
Choose your tech partner according to their knowledge and expertise in the approach you pick for your business. Some software development companies may have trouble developing full-fledged products from scratch. Others don’t have enough experience with market testing.
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Resources</h2>



Knowing how to select a technology vendor is understanding the multifaceted nature of “resources”. Experienced software development houses provide <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/dedicated-team-the-future-of-software-development" target="_blank">dedicated teams</a> engaged only in your project. In this case, you don’t have to worry about human resources — recruiting, hiring, training, and subcontracting are done by the vendor.



Paradoxically, money is the most insignificant resource in the software vendor selection process. Clients, of course, have budgets and financial limitations. But with the right approach, money is a secondary parameter. Here’s why.



The most expensive resource in this adventure is market expertise. And ideally, client company founders and POs should already have it. Otherwise, they will have to spend a lot of other resources (time and money) to gain it through market research and hypothesis testing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Partnership</h2>



A custom software development company for startup founders is, first and foremost, a partner. Certainly, you can hire a couple of freelancers from different parts of the world. But will you be sure they have your back?



Effective partnership is based on complementation. You don’t look for a partner to tell you what you already know. It’s one of the biggest misconceptions in the software vendor evaluation process. Often startup founders (unless it’s a tech startup) don’t have the necessary technological expertise. That’s why collaboration with a trustworthy tech company becomes crucial.



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Naturally, be ready for differences in approaches, capabilities, and opinions. It takes time to get used to each other and set up a mutually beneficial process. However, a high-potential partner demonstrates the tech market expertise already at the first meeting and complements your company’s ability and resources.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
It’s good to start with a short <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/dedicated-team-the-future-of-software-development" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T&amp;M contract</a> to see how the tech vendor works: transparency, communication, professionalism and focus. Either you pay per hour or project, you need to get value from the work done. A successful short-term contract is a safe and proven way to a long-term partnership. 
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Industry Expertise</h2>



Today, a tech vendor for startup digital products must have a relevant portfolio. Fintech solutions and corporate websites, for example, have totally different logic. Developing additional features is not the same as the product’s market launch. And the list of these examples is endless.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
A jack-of-all-trades agency claiming that they can develop any product of any complexity in any industry is rather a red flag. Pay attention to a carefully crafted portfolio and well-structured services page on the tech vendor’s website.
</blockquote>



Expertise is not only about frameworks, programming languages, and product types the tech vendor works with but also the quality of all internal processes: communication, development processes, onboarding, training, and much more. Companies having problems communicating and sloppy coding standards often fail to show satisfying results. If the provider doesn’t have clear guidelines for every aspect mentioned above, you risk being left with a mediocre product and poor service.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td>At Rocketech, we specialize in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/services" target="_blank">fifteen industry-agnostic domains</a> covering approximately 80% of the market. Instead of working with all possible tech stacks, we carefully chose these twelve domains to base our expertise on and keep perfecting with every project. Besides, we have mastered process building. Following the Scrum best practices, we ensure that every iteration brings value to the client.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our Approach</h2>



At Rocketech, we establish long-term relationships with our Partners. We always take time to navigate the waters and base all our internal processes on transparency and trust. With our flexible approach, we focus on guiding tech startups throughout the entire journey — from a product idea to MVP and further scaling. 



We believe it’s crucial to see how both parties work at the very beginning to minimize misunderstandings and possible pitfalls of future collaboration. We don’t do the minimum to get paid according to the contract but share our business experience and apply our tech expertise to achieve the best results. We succeed with our Partners. If you want to learn more about our approach, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/contacts" target="_blank">contact us</a> directly.

How to Choose Your Tech Vendor: The Insider Guide

In an ever-evolving software development landscape, innovation and excellence have become essential pillars of success. At Rocketech, we understand the significance of cutting-edge technology in enhancing your business processes, <a href="https://rocketech.it/software-development">services</a>, and products. Today, we are thrilled to share news of our latest achievement that reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional software solutions.



We are proud to announce that The Manifest, a reputable <a href="https://themanifest.com/ua/software-development/companies/kiev?utm_source=directory&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=TM+Awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agency shortlist</a> and business blog website, has recently honored Rocketech by recognizing us as one of the most-reviewed software developers in Kyiv. This recognition holds immense value for us and underscores our dedication to delivering top-tier development services to our clients.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="740" height="1080" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/top_the_manifest_software_developers_kyiv_2023_award.png" alt='The badge saying "Most Reviewed Software Developers in Kyiv by Manifest".' class="wp-image-6156"></figure>



Our journey to this remarkable recognition is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. At Rocketech, we offer not just software development services but a dedicated Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and a powerhouse of resources. It allows you to focus solely on your core business while we handle the entire software development lifecycle, encompassing project discovery, design, programming, testing, and deployment. Whether you are a fresh startup or an established enterprise, we have your technical needs comprehensively covered.



We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients who have stood by us throughout this journey. This award is a testament to your trust and partnership with us. Without your unwavering support, this achievement would not have been possible.



This recognition serves as a catalyst for us to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards in software development. We remain committed to empowering businesses with innovative solutions that drive growth and success. Your success is our success.



Our vision extends beyond the present recognition of being one of Kyiv’s most-reviewed software developers. Our future is intricately tied to our mission—empowering startups to not only get started but to thrive in competitive markets.



Our role as experienced tech partners goes beyond merely delivering software solutions. We act as a catalyst for emerging startups, helping them grow and scale efficiently in fiercely competitive landscapes. Our commitment to transparent pricing, rapid project kick-offs, and on-the-fly result forecasting is tailored to meet the unique needs of startups, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and adapt to evolving market conditions swiftly.



Trustworthy, long-term tech partnerships are the lifeblood of startups. We understand the challenges of navigating uncharted waters, and we’re here to provide continuous support, mentorship, and expert guidance. These partnerships are not just about initial success; they’re about ensuring sustainable growth and longevity in the ever-changing tech ecosystem.



Our recent recognition by The Manifest affirms our dedication to excellence, and it’s a testament to our ability to support startups in achieving their goals. We believe that our success is intrinsically linked to the success of the startups we empower.



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Ready to level up your business? Talk to our experts.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a free call</button></div>

Rocketech Receives the Manifest’s Recognition as One of Kyiv's Most Reviewed Software Developers

While the back end is responsible for the server side, the front end is the client side — the visual part of a web application that users see when opening the site in a browser. Whether your digital product is designed for smartphones, computers, tablets, or smartwatches, it needs the front end.



However, the front end is not only the visual component but also the logic behind everything that happens on the screen. It means translating miles of code into what the user interacts with — buttons, blocks, boxes, and menus. The front-end development technology stack depends on many factors and may differ widely. The Rocketech experts summed up the top tools and instruments front-end developers should follow in 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Holy Trinity of Web Development</h2>



HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the three core technologies used for front-end development. Traditionally, these elements are responsible for either a layout or logic. In usual scenarios, business analysts articulate the problem, designers create layouts, and front-end developers translate this info into code so that the browser displays it accurately.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>HTML stands for the HyperText Markup Language. It structures the content and tells the browser how to display it.</li>



<li>CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. It styles web pages by describing the appearance of an HTML document (colors, fonts, shadows, and effects). Pretty much all websites on the Internet are created with HTML and CSS.</li>
</ul>



Technically speaking, HTML and CSS are not programming languages; and real programming starts when it comes to logic. At this stage, front-end developers create the interactive elements. Essentially, it means receiving the data from the back end and accurately organizing the product’s logic for the user. Here’s where JavaScript entirely dominates front-end development by being the <a href="https://w3techs.com/technologies/details/cp-javascript" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">client-side programming language of 97.9% of all websites</a>.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">

<cite>JavaScript (JS) is a multi-paradigm programming language commonly used as an embedded tool for programmatic access to various application objects. JS is what brings to life the page layout (HTML) and user functionality (CMS) of web pages.</cite></blockquote>



Strictly speaking, it’s impossible to create interactive websites as we know them today without knowing JS. Today, JavaScript is the basic browser programming language, fully compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS operating systems as well as all popular mobile platforms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Triad of JS Frameworks</h2>



One can’t talk about the best technologies for front-end development without mentioning the most in-demand JavaScript frameworks — React, Angular, and Vue.js. Certainly, you can hire a team of developers to write your product’s code from scratch. But using frameworks helps significantly save time to complete the project.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">

<cite>A framework is a ready-to-use model or a software template you can fill with custom code. It’s an intermediate option of flexibility and complexity between writing code from scratch and using CMS.</cite></blockquote>



React, Angular, and Vue.js have been holding the top three positions in the <a href="https://2021.stateofjs.com/en-US/libraries/front-end-frameworks/#front_end_frameworks_experience_ranking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">State of JS</a> ranking as the most widely used JavaScript frameworks since 2017.  



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">React</h3>



GitHub Stars 183K☆



<a href="https://reactjs.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">React</a> is an open-source front-end JavaScript library for building user interfaces and rendering UI components created by Facebook developers. With React, developers create web applications that change the display without reloading the page. It enables applications to respond quickly to user actions like filling out forms or applying filters. Besides, React can fully control the front end. In this case, developers combine it with state management and routing libraries like Redux and React Router.



Who uses React?



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Facebook, Instagram, Salesforce, Uber Eats, New York Times, Walmart, and Netflix </li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Angular</h3>



GitHub Stars 79.8K☆



<a href="https://angular.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Angular</a> is a free, open-source TypeScript-based web application framework developed by Google. It’s a structured framework for dynamic web applications that lets developers use HTML as a template language and extend HTML syntax to make the code concise. It functions on the browser JavaScript and works with any server technology. Brad Green, Google’s former Engineering Director, considered Angular a platform. It means that the framework is supported by plenty of libraries, tools, and services that create a complete and scalable development infrastructure.



Who uses Angular?



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Microsoft Office, Deutsche Bank, Gmail, Forbes, PayPal, Udemy, Delivery Hero, and Amazon</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Vue.js</h3>



GitHub Stars 193K☆



<a href="https://vuejs.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Vue.js</a> is an open-source front-end progressive JavaScript framework for building web user interfaces. It’s “approachable, performant, and versatile” and easily scalable “between a library and a framework depending on different use cases.” The main features include reactive UI, declarative rendering, data binding, custom directives, components, CSS transitions and animations, event handling, and filters. On top of that, Vue.js is lightweight and allows single-file components. 



Who uses Vue.js?



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>GitLab, Google, BMW, Grammarly, Xiaomi, Adobe, Nintendo, and 9GAG</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Tools: Our Top Picks</h2>



As the functionality of web apps increases, front-end developers need a more advanced toolkit. In most cases, using just the code editor, terminal, Git, and one framework is insufficient to solve all routine tasks. From front-end design technologies to build and testing tools — every product has an instrument set to meet the requirements and achieve the objectives. Here are the expert insights on additional front-end tech stack options from Rocketech specialists. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Redux</h3>



GitHub Stars 57.5K☆



<a href="https://redux.js.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Redux</a> is an open-source JavaScript library for centralizing and managing application states, used for building user interfaces with React and Angular. Redux is ideal for medium to large applications when it’s impossible to manage the application state with a standard tool (for example, in React) or any other library.



Who uses Redux?



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Instagram, Amazon, and Robinhood</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MUI Core (Formerly Material UI) </h3>



GitHub Stars 75.8K☆



<a href="https://mui.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">MUI Core</a> is a React UI library that provides “foundational and advanced components, enabling you to build your design system and develop React applications faster”. It’s based on Google’s material design — a language that uses flexible animation and transitions, grid-based layouts, and depth effects. The library provides 100+ components, 1000+ icons, and Sketch, Figma, and Adobe Xd files for designers. On top of that, it has comprehensive documentation with code examples.



Who uses MUI Core?



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Spotify, Netflix, NASA, Amazon, Unity, and Shutterstock</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ant Design</h3>



GitHub Stars 78.3K☆



Ant Design is an “enterprise-class UI design language and React UI library” and the most <a href="https://ant.design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">popular</a> library of this kind that provides the entire package of development tools and design resources. It includes over a hundred different components, from typography to tables. All components have attached Sketch and Figma files and support both JSX and TypeScript. Besides, the Ant Design documentation is clear and easy to understand.



Who uses Ant Design?



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Alibaba, Tencent, Lenovo, and Baidu</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Storybook</h3>



GitHub Stars 69K☆



<a href="https://storybook.js.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Storybook</a> is a UI component explorer and a development environment for UI components that allows developers to view the library and component states and interactively develop and test components. It’s designed for React, Vue.js, Angular, and other front-end development frameworks. Moreover, Storybook provides many add-ons for interactivity, documentation, component design, and testing.



Who uses Storybook?



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Airbnb, Lyft, Slack, Microsoft, and Gov.uk</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SwiftUI</h3>



<a href="https://developer.apple.com/xcode/swiftui/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">SwiftUI</a> is Apple’s framework for developing user interfaces for iOS, macOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. As this instrument uses the Swift language, it allows you to create applications of the same complexity but with much less code. SwiftUI automatically enables such features as Accessibility, Dynamic Type, Localization, and Dark Mode. Besides, it minimizes version control issues with the user interface as the code is much easier to read and manage than XML files.



Who uses SwiftUI?



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>OkCupid, kevin., and Rose Rocket</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h2>



Front-end development is a vast and ever-changing field of expertise that involves plenty of tools and technologies, with more appearing every day. When choosing the project’s tech stack, you first consider its architecture. If it is well thought-through (and you have a good understanding of the final product version), the choice most likely would be Angular. If the project is at the MVP stage, React or Vue.js will work.



However, the front-end development process goes beyond choosing one framework and includes various frameworks, libraries, other instruments, and their combinations. Moreover, it implies understanding the logic and principles of the back end and communication between them. Rocketech’s philosophy is to know that each project is unique and requires an individual approach and a hand-picked tech stack. By assigning the <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/dedicated-team-the-future-of-software-development" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dedicated Team</a> to a project, we ensure that our specialists’ competencies meet the project requirements to create the highest-quality digital products.

The Best App Designs Award 2021

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