Mobile App Design Cost 2023- Analyzing Instagram and Uber as Case Studies

In today's world, mobile applications have become indispensable. With the ever-growing number of apps in the market, it's now more important than ever to focus on designing mobile apps that will captivate and keep users engaged.

Hence, it is imperative to give careful thought to the design of mobile applications. It's the first thing users notice, and it's what keeps them coming back for more. By focusing on the user interface and experience, you can better understand what your customers need and create software that stands out.

So don't overlook the importance of great design – it could make all the difference for your app's success. On top of that, you can leave your competitors far behind with the help of exceptional design.

When developing a mobile app, it's crucial to consider the cost of design. This article will address the time it takes to create UI/UX, the design process, and the most crucial aspect: the cost of designing a mobile app. We will also provide estimated design costs for popular apps like Instagram and Uber.

Selecting Right Mobile Application Types

Selecting the right mobile application type is crucial to determining the various development stages and the cost of designing the app.

Native Mobile Apps:

● Native mobile app development requires creating versions for different operating systems, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

● Cross-platform solutions can save on costs, such as when building an app like Instagram.

Web Applications:

● Web apps can be a cost-effective option for mobile app design.

● They can look and function similarly to native apps.

● They work with the mobile browser and don't need to be installed on the user's device.

● They can be used across multiple platforms and updated quickly.

 Cross-platform solutions:

● Cross-platform apps combine features of native and web apps.

● They are easy to maintain and have lower design costs compared to native apps.

3 Stages of the UI/UX Design Process

Once you've selected an app type, it's time to focus on the workflow. The user interface and experience typically represent app design, but the creation process can vary between software development teams and companies.

Stage #1 Immersive Research

‍Immersive Research: When it comes to designing an app, specialists take a meticulous approach. They start by analyzing the competition, business objectives, and target audience.

Their goal is to identify users' specific requirements so that the final design is tailored to their needs. UI/UX specialists are then responsible for developing the app design, ensuring it is visually appealing and user-friendly.

Stage #2 ‍Building up Wireframes

‍Building up Wireframes: A wireframe is a visual guide that displays all the elements to be featured on an app's screen. It helps users get an idea of what the app will look like and allows them to suggest changes.

At Helmsman, we create several design models using platforms like InVision, Figma, and Zeplin. Customers can follow the design process, leave comments, or choose the design they like best. Wireframes are a fast and efficient way to create a visual solution and can be easily modified.

Stage #3 ‍Prototyping

‍Prototyping: When developing an app, prototypes serve as the foundation for the entire user interface (UI) development. Each screen of the app is prototyped individually, and experts typically create a UI design for both iOS and Android platforms.

The UI/UX versions for tablets, phones, and other devices are also created alongside the main design but are evaluated separately.

The remaining stages involve creating graphic elements like icons and illustrations and making complex animations. Additionally, evaluating the cost of mobile UI design on an individual basis is also part of the process.

App Design Costs in India, USA, Australia & Europe

The cost of creating an app depends on the location. IT companies use different methods to calculate the price but typically use an hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours spent designing the app.

Suppose you create an app similar to Uber and outsource the design work to Estonia. The estimated cost is $12,300 for Android and iOS solutions, assuming a maximum of 246 hours of design work at an hourly wage of $50 in Estonia.

However, if you opt for top design services in the USA or Canada, the cost could be as high as $36,900 for both platforms.

Here are the average design rates for each country:

Country- Average Design Rates (per hour)

The United States and Canada charge $100 - $150/h;

Australia gets $100 - $149/h;

Western Europe & UK asks for $50 - $99/h;

Central Europe delivers great design at $25 - $49/h;

India works at $25 - 49/hr.

When seeking an app design, it's essential to consider the ratio of quality to price. Thoroughly researching the market and carefully reviewing company information can help you find a better quality-to-price ratio. By doing so, you can avoid unexpected costs and better understand the overall expense of the design process.

How to Pick a Best Service Provider for App Design?

Picking a trustworthy service provider, do the following steps:

● Look at the chosen firm's portfolio and the cost of the app design company.

● Read reviews on GoodFirms, Clutch, or IT Firms.

● Talk to the company's past clients about their experience.

● Make sure to check confidentiality matters by signing an NDA, etc.

Uber and Instagram- Design Cost Evaluation

The past decade has witnessed a revolution in the mobile app industry, with Uber and Instagram leading the way. Their user interface and experience design have set a benchmark in the industry, and we can't help but admire their innovative approach.

We'll delve into the design of these two apps and take a closer look at their pricing model for each screen.

Uber‍ App Design Cost:

Uber was established in 2011 as a San Francisco-based taxi service but has since expanded into a worldwide transportation network. In Q4 of 2020, Uber provided more than 1.44 billion rides. The app's user-friendly and intuitive interface has turned booking a taxi into an enjoyable experience that its users widely appreciate.

 Uber takes care of both its passengers and drivers by offering a user-friendly interface that hides any underlying complexity within the app.

Uber UI/UX design evaluation:

Platform: Passenger app, Driver app

iOS: 126h, 120h

Android: 88h, 84h

 The estimated time for operating systems is displayed based on the provided data. However, there needs to be more information regarding the admin panel, as it is usually available only in the web version.

Typically, designers develop the complete UI/UX interface for one operating system, usually iOS, and then adjust it for the other system, which takes 60-70% less time for Android.

Instagram App Design Cost:

When creating an application that focuses on graphic content, it is crucial to have a well-designed UI/UX interface. The designers of Instagram took this responsibility seriously by studying users' behavior, art, and science.

The result is an app with an impressive average rating of 4.5/5 stars, thanks to its carefully crafted design. Users still love the app despite occasional bugs, improvements, and crashes.

The time estimation of Instagram UI/UX interface development:

Platform: Hours

iOS: 214,5h

Android: 150h

Here is the average app design cost for Instagram-like solutions estimated for specific countries:

US/Canada: $18,250 - $54,750

Australia: $18,250 - $54,750

Western Europe: $18,250 - $36,500

Central Europe: $9,125 - $18,250

India: $7,300 - $17, 391

To sum up, creating a mobile app is a significant undertaking that demands time, dedication, and financial resources.

The expenses associated with app design may fluctuate depending on the location, so finding a reliable service provider that can produce exceptional results is vital. Investing in mobile app design & Development can boost user retention and engagement, establishing your business as a leader in the industry.