The Generative AI (GenAI) onslaught is affecting multiple industries and clearly mobile development is one of them. Prototyping got faster, and the user experience improved but, wait, mobile development is not universal. Each developer has a different mobile development persona and comes with their own set of skills and challenges. Therefore, creating GenAI products that are able to cater to these different mobile development personas is not a benefit, but a core necessity.
In this blog, we will discuss the core development personas, the relevance of GenAI for mobile development, and mobile GenAI applications specific to each group. We would be discussing multiple case studies, best practices, and the potential forecast of GenAI and mobile development in the near future.
The Role of GenAI in Mobile Development
In terms of being a developer, GenAI is not merely a software tool, but is an advancement in automation creativity. It takes and makes articulates when it comes to writing code, designing, doing data analysis, and formulating test scripts. For a mobile developer with tight schedules and strict user expectations, the fact that repetition would be diminished and creativity would be intensified is a huge booster.
But to give GenAI its true potential, it should address the different profiles of mobile developers, each with their own specific requirements and goals.
Analysing Mobile Developer Personas
Mobile developers have different mobile applications to develop and that’s what makes them unique as a developer. From creating native applications to creating beautiful interfaces, each persona has a distinct role in the mobile ecosystem. Broadly, there are four major personas that can be distinguished:
- Native App Developer is responsible for software development within an operating system that is specific to a certain platform which includes iOS and Android with the use of Swift, Objective-C, Kotlin or Java.
- Cross-Platform App Developers is responsible for creating applications that span multiple platforms utilising Flutter or React Native.
- Game Developers are responsible for designing and featuring active three-dimensional visual effects in the game by mainly having graphics and physics engines like Unity or Unreal.
- UI/UX Designers focus on the usability and look of the app throughout the process, providing the user with an easy-to-use interface that is both engaging and real-life.
Every persona has its own skills and challenges. The key to successful GenAI deployment is in appreciating and addressing these variations.
Methods to Adjust GenAI Tools to Mobile Developer Personas
There is no question that these modern GenAI tools should be able to support such a number of diverse profiles. Next, we will analyse how to fit GenAI functions for each mobile developer persona.
1. Native App Developers
ARGUMENTS: Native App building typically necessitates focused developers who develop complex apps for a particular operating system. Moreover, every OS has its own set of complexities and frequent updates which makes things even harder.
GENAI’S ASSISTANCE:
- Code Correction: OpenAI’s Codex or GitHub Copilot allows you to add and correct command syntax instantly, give you advanced programming interfaces (APIs) and even create basic programming templates for iOS and Android.
- Debugging Help: A GenAI system can quickly explain errors associated with a platform’s many components, which would take much longer with standard debugging methods.
- Integration Assistance: Automatically generated APIs that serve as supplementary platform integration guides advanced by AI.
Use Case: Julia is a native Android app developer and with the help of her GenAI assistant she automates the generation of functions for the Kotlin programming language which decreases her time spent on development by even 40%.
2. CROSS PLATFORM APP DEVELOPERS
ARGUMENTS: One of the main challenges is developing an application that works on several platforms without compromising performance in one of them.
GENAI’S ASSISTANCE:
- Part Replacement: AI can recommend parts that would work on various platforms without the need to build multiple custom revisions of the same component.
- Code Interpretation: GenAI can interpret the code on different frameworks that use the Dart and React programming languages through the Flight Framework.
- Device Verification: Streamline testing for compatibility on different platforms and devices.
Example Use Case: Leo, a React Native app developer, integrates GenAI components for iOS and Android interfaces with ease, boosting the consistency and quality of his app.
3. Game Developers
Challenges: Game development is encompassed by the use of 3D graphics, animation, complex programming logic, performance optimisation, and all this in real time.
How GenAI Helps:
- Design Prototyping: AI can create drafts and outlines based on certain information or templates given.
- Personalised Suggestions: Plugins powered by AI, like Figma’s, are great as they recommend good layouts, font combinations, along with any changes that may be or appear desired.
- Accessibility Checks: Artificial intelligence ensures that policies regarding contrast ratios or font utilisation are properly followed.
Example Use Case: Anika, a UI/UX designer, uses GenAI to create interactive prototypes for a health application, with recommendations for accessibility in the process.
4. Best Practices for Using GenAI in Development Processes
In order to make full use of GenAI, mobile development teams are advised the following best practices:
How GenAI Helps:
- Start Small: Test GenAI tools on specific processes before rolling them out across the entire workflow.
- Customisation of the Tools: It is important to note that many GenAI tools may allow API integration into their systems, as well as modifications that may cater to your fleet.
- Continuous Learning: Regular updates on new developments in GenAI technology are important, ensuring that the team utilises all possible opportunities.
Example Use Case: Anika, a UI/UX designer, leverages GenAI to generate dynamic prototypes for a health app, complete with suggestions for improved accessibility.
Implications of the Future GenAI for Mobile Developers
The boundaries in mobile development with the use of GenAI are unlimited; the following are indeed some trends that one should consider:
- Automated App Customisation: AI tools that automatically change the look and function of an application depending on the user’s preferences.
Being a mobile app developer is no small task. Predictive testing is one of the advanced technical tools that allows an app to deliver its expected results comfortably while in performance. With the introduction of enhanced collaboration tools, it is easier for an app developer and a designer to communicate.
As a result, collaboration between designers and developers is simplified. It integrates the application into the development cycle and enhances the capability of mobile development.
Personalisation will be the future of mobile development. Developers can be native, cross-platform builders, game creators, and UI/UX designers. Each type of developer has different requirements and for each of them, there’s a specific GenAI product. The world of creativity does open up.
Harnessing the power of Generative AI does open the door for new modes of development. If your strategy involves turning images into works of art, a whole brand of images can be created through advanced technology.
But first, go ahead and register your account with them for free if you wish to reduce your development costs while exploring their numerous features. Never before has mobile app development been more engaging and enjoyable.
