Breakthrough with Quality

Introduction to Quality

You should make certain that the application has a valid business case, and that there is an existing market need.

The fundamental reason for focusing on quality issues is the potential for increased profitability. Consumers recognise quality and are willing to pay for it.

What is quality? »
Why Quality? »
Quality oriented documents »
Other aspects of User Experience »

The most important reason for quality awareness is the benefit that it brings to your brand. Users demand and expect quality in return for their money, and they are quick to criticise the product and the brand if they're disappointed with their purchase. To build a successful brand, it's important to guarantee a positive experience from the moment your customers begin using your product. Customers who download poor-quality applications may not chance another download, but a positive customer experience could lead to additional sales. The bottom line is that application quality makes the difference for you and for the business potential of the mobile application market.

Brand loyalty is equally important. Gaining your customers' trust and building a lasting brand loyalty is the key to continuous growth. If users are eagerly waiting for the next version of your product or for a new product, you have successfully gained a loyal consumer base. Consumers may decide to purchase a product based on the feature list, a quick trial, or in the case of mobile applications, even after seeing nothing more than a screenshot on a Web page The decision to favour a brand develops over time, provided that the product functions smoothly and flawlessly.

Winning the application-quality game requires mastery of many different aspects of quality, including, for example, software maturity, business considerations, and the final touches that ensure each product has emotional appeal.

Quality can be achieved via a sequence of planned and efficient steps - from concept to final testing, marketing, and user feedback.

The traditional aspects of quality apply to mobile applications as well. No matter what the product, it should fulfil the end user's expectations, technical accuracy requirements, and the demands of the business-case logic. However, the mobile markets differ from the traditional software markets in several aspects. In the mobile markets, the development cycles are shorter, the target user groups are more varied, and differentiation from the competition is crucial. These special characteristics should be taken into account when planning the product concept and the process by which the product will be developed.

! To learn more about the quality assurance process that Forum Nokia recommends, click the process steps in the graphic below. Process steps are opened in a pop-up window.

Introduction to Process Makes Perfect »

Why should I care?

Because of the increasing competition, your product concept should have sufficient unique selling points in order to succeed. The application should be based on an innovative new concept that utilises the special characteristics of the mobile environment.

How do I test?

The final application must be polished, free of bugs, and it must not create problems in the user's device.

How do I distribute it?

Nokia offers you consumer and enterprise sales channels. Each channel offers unique features and benefits for you and your customers. The consumer market channels are Nokia Software Market, Download!, and MOSH. The enterprise channel is the Nokia for Business channel programme.