6 iPad Development and Mobile App Best Practices

All eyes are on the iPad. With it's 9.7˝screen and quick 1GHz A4 processor, it's difficult to avoid looking over an iPad user's shoulder at an application, game or slideshow.  The iPhone 4 was also just released and uses the same fast processor as the iPad.

These devices are more than just fun gadgets. For businesses, they are a gateway into consumers’ hearts and minds. Leading-edge businesses are already building sales tools, product demos, educational and brand-building applications that leverage the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.   From mobile users to marketing campaigns, these products are poised to make a huge impact on many marketing organizations.

To launch a successful business application for iPad and other mobile devices, follow these six best practices:

1. Take a user-first approach

Many developers make the mistake of thinking about the back-end database or functionality of an application first. This can result in an end product that's difficult to use. To ensure a user-friendly application, start by developing the user experience and interface design. Tackle functionality second.

2. Design with familiar multi-touch controls

When developing for iPad, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. In the last few years, millions of iPhone users have already become comfortable with a familiar set of gestures (tap, pinch, drag), navigation commands and user interfaces. The iPad does open up new possibilities in user experience and interface design, but may marketers will see better results when re-creating the iPhone's familiar, user-friendly experience.

3. Build for scalability

It's better to build a simple, scalable application with core features than to front-load the application with too many features. After you go to market with a basic application, you can always add additional features. It's also easy to upgrade users to a newer version of the application either through the marketplace, or via micro-transactions, which can occur inside an iPad application.

4. Be realistic about limitations

The iPad and iPhone 4 do have much faster processors, but they still don't compare to the speed and capability of a PC.  Be sure to design for the device and don't try to push out more than it can handle. For example, a 3D animation showing a tour through the human body might look great on a desktop during development, but mobile processors might not be able to handle overly ambitious graphics.

5. Use agile development

Agile development is a perfect fit for iPad or mobile application development.  An agile software development process helps developers to best meet client expectations. This is because agile development schedules are more predictable and teams can test in parallel to developing the application. With agile development, it's also possible to add new features and adopt clients' changing ideas late in the development stages without severely impacting the overall schedule.

6. Tie metrics back to the application

Before rolling out an application, know which back-end analytics or metrics the client wants to measure. It's important that the mobile application automatically integrates with a client's other information systems such as sales management tools or CRM software. While you can capture almost any metrics on the download and use of the application, make sure you also capture the user insights that will help you make smarter marketing decisions in the future.

What are some things you consider important to developing for the iPad?