Report: Nearly half of enterprise apps stalled by UI disputes

Nearly 50 percent of enterprise app developers say their organizations fail to lock down user interface within an agreed upon timeframe, adding huge challenges to getting them done, according to a recent report from Kony. The firm conducted a survey of more than 340 firms, including large enterprises such as United Airlines, Cisco and Walgreens, for its report, "Bridging the Gap: Mobile App Design and Development."

• 80 percent of developers said they get UI change requests over the course of an app project.

• 35 percent said UI approval usually winds up being two to four weeks late. 

• 40 percent of developers said it can take 25 to 50 percent of additional development time to address UI change requests.

• More than 57 percent said at least a quarter of their defect fixes involve the UI. 

• 20 percent said problems over UI approval kill off app projects altogether. 

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Nearly half of respondents said their projects fail to lock or approve the user interface within the agreed upon timeframe. About a quarter said this occurs at least 50 percent of the time. (Source: Kony)

"Developers are challenged to create robust applications that not only meet the functional demands of business users but also meet the user interface design and experience set out by designers," the report says. "The challenge with the current app development process is a lack of mobile-first design tools that enable users to build cross-platform, multi-edge user experience for phones, tablets, watches and other newer device form factors."

To some extent, you might expect the UI would be a major sticking point in the development of mobile apps. After all, this is what often creates a first impression for users and can play a huge role in engagement among users. With all due respect to Kony, though, tools alone won't solve this problem.

There is obviously a great disconnect here between designers and developers, as well as other stakeholders involved in the process. Unless they can come to some agreements early on--and stick to deadlines--these sorts of problems will not only continue but perhaps get even worse as apps are created for wearable devices such as smart watches and smart eyewear. For those who create enterprise apps but also create consumer apps and mobile games on the side, having more autonomy over the UI must feel like a huge luxury.

For more:
- access the report here

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