If you’re thinking about building an app or already have one in progress, this guide will help you identify the right app developer for the job. In the world of app development, hiring the wrong team can cost you time, money, and market opportunity. On the other hand, the right developer can bring your vision to life through value-driven design (VDD) that prioritizes usability, scalability, and ROI. Let’s look at what VDD is:
Value-Driven Design is the prioritization of high-level needs based on the perceived business value that each would deliver.
With that in mind, here’s what to look for when evaluating a potential app development partner for maximizing VDD:
1. Clear Stance on Programming Language
For many business owners, understanding programming languages may not be a strong suit—and that’s okay. What matters most is knowing the right questions to ask. You need to drill down into an efficient, scalable, and cost-effective language.
When speaking with a developer, confirm the language they’re using for your app and evaluate it based on:
- Maturity: How long has the language been around? Mature languages often have fewer bugs and more stable frameworks.
- Community Support: A large developer community means more shared knowledge and easier troubleshooting.
- Talent Availability: Can you easily find other developers who work in this language on platforms like Upwork or LinkedIn?
- Enterprise Adoption: Is this language used by reputable companies? That’s usually a strong indicator of longevity and viability.
- Native vs Cross-Platform: Which devices is your app available for?
These criteria give you a better sense of whether your app developer is making strategic technical choices, or relying on outdated or inefficient tools.
For additional details, take a deeper look into choosing the right programming language for your app here.
2. Figma for App Design
If your developer isn’t using Figma for app design, that’s a red flag. Tools like Adobe Photoshop are outdated for modern interface design, especially for mobile apps where modular and scalable design systems are critical for app development teams.
Figma allows for component-based design, which means your UI elements can be reused and adapted efficiently. This not only speeds up development but also ensures design consistency across your app.
A strong app design foundation means fewer revisions, better collaboration between designers and developers, and faster go-to-market times. It definitely improves your bottom line.
3. Jira for Project Management
Project management is the backbone of successful app development. If your developer isn’t using Jira or an equivalent enterprise-level tool, it’s worth digging deeper.
Yes, Jira is complex—but that’s because app development is complex. From task tracking to bug management, Jira is built to handle the thousands of small moving parts that go into delivering a functional, scalable app.
If your development team is managing your project via Trello, spreadsheets, or ad-hoc tools, they may be over their head. Look for teams with solid project workflows that keep tasks organized, deadlines clear, and deliverables transparent. The last thing you need is to lose app value for not delivering on key functionality.
4. Version Control with GitHub (or Equivalent)
Version control is non-negotiable. A good app developer will use GitHub, GitLab, or a similar platform to manage code changes, track bugs, and collaborate effectively.
Think of version control as a safety net for your app’s source code. It prevents one developer from accidentally overwriting another’s work and provides a full history of every change made to your app.
If your app doesn’t have a version-controlled repository, you’re taking an unnecessary risk that could lead to data loss, bugs, or missed deadlines.
5. Best Practices that Drive Long-Term Value
A great developer isn’t just building an app—they’re delivering a value-driven product. Here are the practices that set top-tier developers apart:
Agile Development
Agile methodologies allow developers to release features in small, frequent iterations. This gives you the opportunity to test early, provide feedback, and course-correct before major resources are committed.
Instead of waiting months for a final build, Agile keeps your app moving forward while continuously testing and confirming value.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
An experienced team will focus on your MVP—the core version of your app that delivers maximum value with minimal features. This approach ensures you’re not overspending on unnecessary features before you’ve validated your concept with users.
Developers focused on value-driven product development will help you:
- Prioritize features
- Optimize your budget
- Reach the market faster
- Iterate based on real user feedback
If your development partner isn’t talking about MVPs or iterative testing, they may be more focused on billable hours than your success.
The Bottom Line
In today’s competitive digital landscape, finding a developer who understands both app development and value-driven design is critical. You want a team that’s strategic, transparent, and invested in your success—not just another vendor pushing code.
Look for developers who:
- Use modern, scalable technologies
- Prioritize efficient design tools like Figma
- Rely on robust project management systems like Jira
- Maintain proper version control
- Employ best practices like Agile and MVP strategies
At the end of the day, the right partner won’t just build your app—they’ll help you build a product that lasts.
Need help identifying the right app developer or planning your MVP?
We specialize in value-driven app development focused on delivering business results. Contact us to build something meaningful—together.
