Developing A Successful IoT Application: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the previous blog, we talked about the essential features of an IoT application, and how integrating them can help eradicate the many challenges faced by the industry. In this final blog of the IoT series, we will talk in detail about how one can go about actually developing an IoT app. So without further ado, let’s get right into it.

How To Create An IoT App

Developing an IoT app involves a lot more than developing a mobile application. You need to take into account the back-end components of an IoT application that collect and process data coming from sensors, and also the web portal that will administer the smart devices. So, in order to create an IoT application, you need to build both the mobile app and the server-side application, i.e., a web application, requiring the expertise of professional mobile app developers in Kuwait. Let’s delve into the basic steps for creating one.

Step 1: Define Requirements

First determine the reason for developing the IoT app. Home automation, healthcare monitoring, industrial control, etc., all require different features from each other. Next, define the target audience, and what age group they fall into, so you can design the interface accordingly. Then, you may need to settle on the type of hardware that will be needed to ensure that the app can effectively communicate with the devices. Finally determine the communication protocol of the IoT network, i.e., whether you will be using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or something else to connect the app to the hardware.

Step 2: Choose a Platform

You can either build your product from ground up or use a ready-made commercial or open-source platform available on the market. You will need a solution that supports both the back-end data processing component of your IoT network, and that has an admin portal for managing your smart devices. If you decide to purchase an IoT platform, be careful to check whether your product is able to successfully operate within their technological boundaries. When picking an IoT platform, consider factors like uptime, data security, feature stability, migration capabilities, connectivity, and scalability.

The more data and network protocols the platform supports, the more flexibility you will have to switch to a different provider in the future. Design Master is one of the top software companies in Kuwait that can help you choose an IoT platform that best aligns with the needs of your IoT network.

Step 3: Choose the Hardware

If not producing your own hardware for your IoT network, choose sensors, microcontrollers, and actuators from other device makers that are actually reliable and compatible with your platform and its protocols. It’s important to first test your hardware componenets before integrating them into the app in order to ensure that the devices can communicate with each other and the app can function well. Get this step right in the first go as changing your hardware down the line can be time-consuming and pricey.

Step 4: Find your Network Protocol

A network protocol enables communication between your IoT app and the IoT devices. You will guage the network protocol’s appropriateness for your IoT network by considering factors like its range, bandwidth, cost structure, power consumption, security, and interoperabiliity. For instance,

Wi-Fi is a good choice for ioT devices that require high-speed data transfer, as it sports high bandwidth and range, ideal for a home or office environment,
And GSM is a good pick for devices that are going to be in motion or in remote locations,
Whereas Bluetooth is better suited for low-power devices that have short-range requirements. E.g., A companion device like a smartwatch.
Zigbee, on the other hand, is best for large-scale deployments,
And LoRaWAN is another popular network protocol that provides long-range but low-power connectivity.

Other network protocols include 2G, 5G, NB-IoT, MQTT, CoAP, and HTTP. With IoT applications, it’s best to have high performance and high-speed connections, as it involves sharing data and remotely controlling devices. The last thing a user wants is a car that is not able to immediately respond to their commands.

Step 5: Develop the Software

First, you will select a suitable programming language like Python, C++, Java, etc., and hire an app developer company to build the software component of your IoT network. Then, you will develop the back-end data processing and analysis module that will receive, filter, organize, and analyze data from the IoT devices. Next, you will create the front-end user interface that will let end-users interact with the app and control the IoT devices. You will also ensure data and device protection by taking appropriate security measures and test the software component to confirm its compatibility with the IoT devices and the network protocol.

Step 6: Secure the App

Since developing an IoT application is like creating a mini-ecosystem comprising of several modules, it is naturally vulnerable to data infringement. So, it is necessary for your IoT network to have a multi-layered approach to security, especially since it’s used in homes, cars, and healthcare devices. Your app should utilize user authentication, data encryption, access rights management and other security best practices. You should also choose reputable IT companies in Kuwait and trusted hardware vendors, and use proven IoT platforms and protected networks.

Step 7: Test the App

Once you’ve connected all the components of your IoT app, it’s time to conduct a final test. Although testing is something that should be done throughout the development process. First, you will define the scope of testing i.e., the features and functionalities that need to be tested. Then, you will develop the test cases for these and execute them to identify any potential bugs and errors in the app. All issues should be resolved and user acceptance testing should be conducted before releasing the app.

Step 8: Deploy the App

Before launching the app, you should have created a launch strategy that includes a target audience, channels for promotion, and the key performance indicators (KPIs) that you will use to measure your IoT app’s success. Then, you will optimize your app store presence by creating a compelling app store listing and implementing several marketing techniques. When releasing the app, ensure you have DevOps practices and tools set up. It will help you push new versions of your apps quickly and automatically without interrupting the service on the user-end.

Step 9: Maintain the App

Post-launch you will need to constantly ensure the proper functioning of your app. Most of all, ensure that your IoT app’s data is well-protected by security measures. You will also track your app’s metrics, analyze user feedback and behavior, and implement updates as and when needed.

IoT application development demands a solid strategy, and a multidisciplinary approach to hardware, software, and user experience design. And at the core of developing a successful IoT architecture lies security, stability, and speed. If you’ve never worked on specialized apps like these before, it can be a lot to take in, but with the right team of mobile app developers in Kuwait and with the correct tools in place, you can indeed develop a successful IoT app that can leave a positive impact on many industries.

Contact Design Master today, known for multifaceted application development in Kuwait! Check out their portfolio to learn more.