The Process
Building a mobile MVP isn't like building a web app.
Different constraints. Different considerations.
Here's how we do it.
Phase 1: Design (1-2 weeks)
1. Core Flow
What does the user do first?
Focus on that path only.
2. Screen Sketches
Paper sketches. Not Figma.
Fast iteration. Cheap changes.
3. Key Screens
Pick 5-10 critical screens.
Design those. Not every screen.
Phase 2: Backend (2-4 weeks)
1. API Design
Define endpoints before coding.
Documentation first. Implementation second.
2. Database Schema
Same as web app.
But simpler. Mobile doesn't need everything.
3. Auth
Supabase Auth handles this.
Email/password. OAuth.
Phase 3: Mobile (4-8 weeks)
Week 1-2: Navigation + Auth
Scaffold the app. Implement login. Navigation structure.
Week 3-4: Core Feature
Build the main feature.
Focus on one flow.
Week 5-6: Secondary Features
Add secondary features.
Keep it minimal.
Week 7-8: Polish
Animations. Loading states. Error handling.
Phase 4: Testing (1-2 weeks)
1. Internal Testing
Build daily. Test internally.
Catch bugs early.
2. TestFlight (iOS)
Beta testing with real devices.
Apple review: 1-3 days.
3. Play Store Testing (Android)
Internal testing track.
Faster than production.
Phase 5: Launch (1 week)
1. App Store Listing
Screenshots. Description. Keywords.
Invest time here. It affects discoverability.
2. Review Process
Apple: 1-3 days typically Google: 1-2 days typically
Plan for delays.
The Timeline
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Design | 1-2 weeks |
| Backend | 2-4 weeks |
| Mobile | 4-8 weeks |
| Testing | 1-2 weeks |
| Launch | 1 week |
Total: 9-17 weeks
The Honest Assessment
Mobile takes longer than web.
Plan for it. Budget for it.
But it's worth it if your users are mobile-first.
