Cost and Time It Takes to Design an App

Designing a good mobile app is a complex process involving time, effort, challenge, and a wise investment worth the price. A well-designed app can boost business value, strengthen brand image, connect with target users better, and improve loyalty. However, to achieve desired results, you need a team of the right UI/UX professionals who can achieve each stage right from research to final prototyping in the best ways.

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” — Steve Jobs

If you wish to know “How much time and cost it takes to design an app?”

Here is what you need to know:

The average app design cost ranges between $2,000 to $50,000. But there are plenty more elements you need to consider before estimating the cost of designing an app which we will see in detail in the next section. In addition, we will also discuss the various factors that can influence the cost of designing an app and provide a general overview of the app design process.

So let’s get started.

Factors that Influence Mobile App Design Cost

Designing an app can be a complex process that requires careful planning and execution to ensure a successful outcome. The cost and time it takes to design an app can vary greatly depending on several stages and factors, which we will discuss shortly.

1. Complexity of the App

2. Platform

3. Designers’ Experience

4. Location

1. App Complexity: A well-designed UI can make the app more user-friendly and engaging, but it requires more effort and time to design. The more complex the app, the more time and effort it takes to design, and the higher the cost will be. A simple app with a few screens and basic functionality will cost less than a complex app with multiple features and functionalities. If the app requires custom graphics, animations, or illustrations, the design cost will be higher.

2. Platform: The platform for which the mobile app is designed also affects the cost of mobile app design. Designing an app for a single platform, such as iOS or Android, will cost less than designing one for multiple platforms.

App Design Cost Estimation:

3. Designers’ Experience: The experience of the designers working on the mobile app design also affects the project’s cost. Experienced designers charge more for their services, but they can provide high-quality designs that can enhance the overall user experience of the app.

Cost estimates as per the type of designer chosen for the project:

4. Location: The location of the designers can also impact the app design cost. Designers based in developed countries, such as the United States and Europe, tend to charge more than designers based in developing countries, such as India and China.

The following are the hourly costs as per the following geographical locations:

At Ailoitte we have an established design workflow we follow by dividing into several stages which may vary depending on the project’s scope and complexity with five stages involved in mobile app design.

Research and Planning — Approximate time: 20–40 hours

The first stage of mobile app design is research and planning. This stage involves identifying the app’s purpose, understanding the target audience, and researching the competition. Our app designers define the app’s features, functionality, and user interface. During this stage, we establish the app’s workflow, the user’s journey, and the app’s overall design strategy.

Sketching and Wireframing — Approximate time: 60–120 hours

After completing the research and planning stage, the designer creates sketches and wireframes. Sketching involves creating a rough outline of the app’s interface design. Wireframing involves creating a more detailed visual representation of the app’s interface, including the layout, structure, and functionality. Sketches and wireframes help to create a basic design framework that can be refined and improved in the later stages of the design process.

Designing the UI and UX — Approximate time: 50–100 hours

The next stage of mobile app design is designing the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). During this stage, the designer creates an engaging and intuitive interface that provides a seamless user experience by considering typography, color schemes, graphics, and animations. The design is also optimized for different screen sizes and resolutions to ensure it works well on various devices.

Prototyping — Approximate time: 60–100 hours

This stage involves creating a working app prototype to test the design and functionality. The prototype should be interactive and allow the designer to simulate user interactions and test different scenarios. Prototyping helps identify potential design flaws, improve the overall user experience, and refine the app’s functionality.

Testing — Approximate time: 20–40 hours

The final stage of mobile app design is testing. At this stage, our designers test the app thoroughly on various devices to ensure it works correctly on different platforms to ensure it meets the design requirements and functionality. Once the testing is complete, the app is ready for development.

Summing Up

If you need help in designing an app and looking for a team, feel free to contact us at Ailoitte. We are happy to discuss what it takes to design your app with an exact cost estimate of designing an app.

We recognize the importance of creating an app design that stands out in a crowded market. Simplicity and attractiveness are key components of a successful design, and our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional design solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients. The app design cost may vary as per the need, and you are free to choose the one that suits your business the best.