Podcast
Questions and Answers
In the context of app development, what is the primary purpose of creating a wireframe?
In the context of app development, what is the primary purpose of creating a wireframe?
- To write the actual code that will run the final application.
- To outline the app's functionality and screen flow. (correct)
- To finalize the app's visual design and color scheme.
- To ensure that the app design meets the exact specifications of the Google Play Store.
Changing the app's icon requires direct modification of the base code.
Changing the app's icon requires direct modification of the base code.
False (B)
What file extension is used for App Inventor project files that can be shared and imported?
What file extension is used for App Inventor project files that can be shared and imported?
.aia
The process of creating a rough sketch of how a piece of software will look, including the flow and user movement is called ______.
The process of creating a rough sketch of how a piece of software will look, including the flow and user movement is called ______.
Match the following steps with their purpose in the app development lifecycle:
Match the following steps with their purpose in the app development lifecycle:
What is the MOST effective way to gather user feedback on an app made using App Inventor?
What is the MOST effective way to gather user feedback on an app made using App Inventor?
Releasing frequent app is not necessary and can wait until the app is 100% complete.
Releasing frequent app is not necessary and can wait until the app is 100% complete.
What should you select in the Projects menu to share your exported project?
What should you select in the Projects menu to share your exported project?
If the device is blocking the installation, the installation of apps from ______ sources must be enabled.
If the device is blocking the installation, the installation of apps from ______ sources must be enabled.
Match the term with its description:
Match the term with its description:
Why is it important to fill out initial screen's properties before you publish to Google Play Store?
Why is it important to fill out initial screen's properties before you publish to Google Play Store?
The reviews sections of the Google Play store is meant for feedback.
The reviews sections of the Google Play store is meant for feedback.
What menu should you choose under the Build menu to save the app to your computer?
What menu should you choose under the Build menu to save the app to your computer?
App Inventor lets you easily share your project with other users of App Inventor so that others can check out how you made your app, ______from it, and even improve it.
App Inventor lets you easily share your project with other users of App Inventor so that others can check out how you made your app, ______from it, and even improve it.
Match the following steps to their respective processes in App Inventor:
Match the following steps to their respective processes in App Inventor:
Which question is LEAST relevant when planning how your app will work?
Which question is LEAST relevant when planning how your app will work?
You can test your app with your classmates or friends.
You can test your app with your classmates or friends.
What are you exporting your project as, in order to share it?
What are you exporting your project as, in order to share it?
A mobile app has a ______ amount of screen space.
A mobile app has a ______ amount of screen space.
Match the following terms with their correct definition regarding the Google Play Store publishing process:
Match the following terms with their correct definition regarding the Google Play Store publishing process:
What should you confirm before rolling out to production?
What should you confirm before rolling out to production?
Every app needs an icon, but you can only use App Inventor's basic icon image.
Every app needs an icon, but you can only use App Inventor's basic icon image.
What file will be downloaded automatically when your share your App Inventor project?
What file will be downloaded automatically when your share your App Inventor project?
The code created by the developer is called the ______.
The code created by the developer is called the ______.
Match each app development phrase to its corresponding meaning:
Match each app development phrase to its corresponding meaning:
When attempting to import an existing app project in App Inventor, which action is necessary if a project with the same name already exists?
When attempting to import an existing app project in App Inventor, which action is necessary if a project with the same name already exists?
The VersionCode is set to 10 by default, since that is the first time you will be publishing the app.
The VersionCode is set to 10 by default, since that is the first time you will be publishing the app.
What is another way to share your app?
What is another way to share your app?
The .aia file extension contains all the blocks, ______, files, and instructions the App Inventor needs to recreate your app.
The .aia file extension contains all the blocks, ______, files, and instructions the App Inventor needs to recreate your app.
Match each term related to app sharing and publishing in App Inventor with its corresponding action:
Match each term related to app sharing and publishing in App Inventor with its corresponding action:
Which of the following strategies is MOST likely to result in an app idea that is both personally fulfilling and addresses a market need?
Which of the following strategies is MOST likely to result in an app idea that is both personally fulfilling and addresses a market need?
After publishing your app to the Gallery and creating .apk files, it's time to publish it via the Apple App Store.
After publishing your app to the Gallery and creating .apk files, it's time to publish it via the Apple App Store.
How do you make sure that everything works before publishing your app in Google Play?
How do you make sure that everything works before publishing your app in Google Play?
You will need to pay a ______ registration fee in the Google Play Console.
You will need to pay a ______ registration fee in the Google Play Console.
Match the app-creation action to the description:
Match the app-creation action to the description:
When initiating app development, what is the MOST critical consideration after identifying a problem your app aims to solve?
When initiating app development, what is the MOST critical consideration after identifying a problem your app aims to solve?
The wireframe has to be 100% perfect and completely comprehensive before you move into developing your app.
The wireframe has to be 100% perfect and completely comprehensive before you move into developing your app.
When can an app be considered 'good'?
When can an app be considered 'good'?
After creating or selecting your icon, return to the ______ editor, go to Properties, and click on Icon.
After creating or selecting your icon, return to the ______ editor, go to Properties, and click on Icon.
Match each element to its action:
Match each element to its action:
Flashcards
What makes a 'good' app?
What makes a 'good' app?
Apps should improve the quality of life for its users. Focus on solving problems.
How to find app ideas?
How to find app ideas?
Start by identifying problems you or others face daily. Apps can provide complete solutions.
Improve existing apps
Improve existing apps
Evaluate features of apps you use, and consider how features could be applied to a different problem, or create a more helpful version of an app.
Ask friends about problems
Ask friends about problems
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Help Problem Solvers
Help Problem Solvers
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Key Questions for App Planning
Key Questions for App Planning
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What is a wireframe?
What is a wireframe?
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Creating Effective Wireframes
Creating Effective Wireframes
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Making and Refining the app
Making and Refining the app
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Sharing Projects Benefits
Sharing Projects Benefits
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Exporting a Project
Exporting a Project
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What is the .aia file?
What is the .aia file?
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Uses of the export function
Uses of the export function
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Importing a project
Importing a project
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Sharing App Projects
Sharing App Projects
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Changing the Icon
Changing the Icon
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Saving App to Computer
Saving App to Computer
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What is an .apk file?
What is an .apk file?
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Installing App
Installing App
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Convert Past Apps
Convert Past Apps
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App Inventor Gallery
App Inventor Gallery
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Google Play Console
Google Play Console
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Fill Out.
Fill Out.
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Testing Your App
Testing Your App
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Developer Profile
Developer Profile
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App Ambassadors
App Ambassadors
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Wireframing
Wireframing
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Source Code
Source Code
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Android package
Android package
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Study Notes
Identifying Good App Ideas
- Apps that bring joy or are useful in everyday life are considered "good".
- A good app improves the user's quality of life
- To develop a good app, identify a problem to solve
Solving Problems
- Identify a significant personal difficulty or daily annoyance that could inspire an app idea.
- Reflect on previous attempts to resolve the problem
- An app could provide a complete resolution.
Improving Existing Apps
- Evaluate the apps used daily
- Look for abandoned apps; a more helpful version of these could fit user needs
- Research popular apps with negative reviews on the Google Play Store; build an app that addresses those issues
Asking About Problems
- Discuss problems with friends
- Identifying a common problem could lead to a successful app idea.
- Friends can be early, reliable app users.
Helping Problem Solvers
- Discover related issues while solving personal problems
- Broader perspective may help discover issues others experience
- An app can address the issues of other problem solvers.
Planning the App
- Outline a plan by answering key questions
- What problems will the app solve?
- Who are the target users?
- How will the app solve the problem?
- A visual wireframe is helpful to see how the app looks and works
- Wireframes do not need to be perfect or 100% complete
Tips for Better Wireframes
- Sketch designs on paper first; wireframe should be clear and intuitive, not necessarily "pretty"
- Turn plan steps into screens, but not all steps need their own screen
- Include menus, headers, and footers
- Specify how users navigate screens (links, buttons, etc.)
- Involve the group in wireframe design for feedback and potential problem-solving
- Keep the app simple
Making and Improving the App
- Plans will change while building and testing
- Discard or add functions and tasks as needed
- Adjust the number of screens as needed
- The original plan is only a guide
Key App Development Reminders
- Collect user feedback directly through email, support groups, or feedback forms.
- Release frequent updates to show ongoing support and quickly address bugs
- Ensure the initial version solves the core problem to about 80% completion
- Test the app with classmates and friends before publishing it on the Google Play Store
Sharing Projects With App Inventor Users
- App Inventor facilitates easy project sharing for learning and collaboration
- Classmates can modify and improve the app
Exporting a Project
- To share, open the project and select "Export selected project (.aia) to my computer".
- An .aia file will be saved to the computer; this file can be shared via email or chat.
- This file is the app’s source code, containing blocks, components, files, and instructions to recreate the app in App Inventor.
Uses for Exporting
-
Project Backup
-
App experimentation with easy restoration
-
Mistake recovery
-
Project progress tracking
-
Code reuse for new projects.
Importing a Project
- Open App Inventor, go to the Projects menu, and select "Import project (.aia) from my computer".
- Select the intended .aia file.
Sharing Apps to Android Users
- Rename the .aia file if the project already exists in App Inventor.
- Share the app for others to enjoy.
Changing the App Icon
- Create a unique app icon, rather than using the default App Inventor icon
- Open the Designer editor, go to Properties, and click on Icon to upload the image
Saving the App
- Under the Build menu, choose App (save .apk to my computer).
Android Package (.apk)
- Android packages can be saved to a computer and installed on Android phones
- The compiling process may take some time, depending on the app’s complexity
- After compiling, App Inventor will display a “Save File” dialog
Installing the App
- Send the .apk file to the device
- Installation may be blocked.
Unknown Sources
- To remove installation blocks, allow the installation of apps from unknown sources within the device's settings
- For older Android versions (before 4.0): Go to Settings > Applications and toggle Unknown Sources to the On position
- For Android 4.0 and above: Go to Settings > Security (or Security & Screen Lock) and toggle Unknown Sources to the On position (or check the checkbox)
Post-Install Review
- The app should function like a real Android app with its icon, independently
- Share the Android package with other Android devices
- Converting past apps into Android packages is helpful
Publishing the App Inventor Gallery
- Publish apps to the App Inventor Gallery to share with users worldwide
- Go to "My Projects" and select the app to publish by ticking the checkbox beside it
Steps for Publishing to the Gallery
- Click "Publish to Gallery" and fill out the form
- Image
- Name
- Description
- Apps are published under a Creative Commons Attribution License
Credit other sources
- Cite tutorials or modified source code in the specified text boxes
Final step
- Click Publish
Google Play Store:
- Publish apps through the Google Play Store
Ensuring a Flawless Performance
- Test the app on various Android devices before publishing
- App editing within App Inventor is possible after posting on the Play Store.
Properties of Initial Screen
- Select Screen1 and go to Properties to ensure correct setup
Key Properties
-
AppName: App’s name in Google Play and on the device
-
VersionCode: Set to 1 by default for the initial publishing
-
VersionName: Also set to 1.0 by default
App Icon Creation
-
Create an icon using the discussed tool
-
Choose the largest image and upload it in the Properties section
Google Play Console Account Setup
-
Create a Google Play Console account to publish
-
Pay a one-time registration fee
-
Once the account is created, click "Create Application"
Google Play Console steps
- Fill out all information under App releases, Show listing, Content rating, and Pricing & Distribution
- Show listing: Add app info and promotional materials.
- App releases: Upload your .apk file in this section.
- Content Rating: Complete the questionnaire for app categorization.
- Pricing and Distribution: Define availability, pricing, and ad settings.
Show Listing support
- Utilize online tools for visuals
Google Play Sign-Up
- After competing steps, ensure four checkmarks are visible before publishing on Google Play
- Steps to upload and make app available on Google Play
Google Play payment process
- Sign in to your email account on the Google Play Console
- Choose account type: company or single developer
- Enter credit card details or use a prepaid card
- Card provider texts a deduction message
- Fill in the developer profile (name, address, etc.)
- Leave the license testing part blank
Managing App Release
- Ready to Publish > Manage Releases > Manage Production/Beta/Alpha > Edit Release > Review
- Start Rollout to Production once app is checked
- The application goes to Google Play for review
- Status changes from Pending Application to Approved (typically within 4-6 hours) upon approval.
Sharing and Improving the App
- Share the app with relevant audiences without spamming.
- Gather feedback from initial users.
- Prioritize and enhance popular features.
- Identify and add missing features in future updates.
Summary
- All apps start from good ideas
- Becoming a problem solver is key to creating a good app
- Apps are only effective with users
Wireframing
- Rough sketch of software appearance and user flow
Source Code
- Developer created apps
Backup
- A copy of data
Android Package
- Installation file with apk extension
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