Mobile App Development

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
L/618/3688
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
48 hours

Aim

Learners will investigate the characteristics and uses of mobile apps. They will also design, develop and test their own mobile app in line with a design specification.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand the characteristics of mobile apps.

  • Uses: to provide information (BBC, photo, video, music, Facebook, Instagram, Pintrest, Snapchat), for navigation (location identification, train stations, sandwich shop, WAZE, Google Maps, for entertainment (YouTube, Spotify, NETFLIX, Google Play Books), for leisure and fitness (tracking fitness, RunKeeper, MyFitnessPal), for communication (Skype mobile, Live Messenger, Fone Time, WatsApp, Microsoft Teams), commerce (online banking, shopping).
  • Features: purpose of the app, user requirements, user-friendliness (what are the features of the interface/screens that are presented to the user? How does the user communicate with the app and make things happen?), device compatibility, cross platform/OS compatibility, interface elements, integration with other apps (for example a contacts list, text messaging).
  • Programming mobile apps: types of programming language; including C++, Java and XML and the reasons for compiling programs.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Explain the uses and features of different mobile apps.

2

Be able to produce a design specification for a mobile app for a specific purpose and audience.

  • Design specification must include: proposed solution that matches user requirements, resources, constraints and legal and ethical issues/considerations.
  • Design specification should include details on: target platform, screen layout and navigation, control structures, algorithms, data validation, device capabilities, alternative solutions, constraints, legal and ethical issues/consideration.
  • Requirements for the mobile app: capability of the device, input and output requirements (touch screen, voice, video, audio, vibration), audience requirements.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Produce a design specification for a mobile app.

3

Be able to develop a mobile app to meet design specification requirements.

  • Programming constructs: constants (operators, input and output commands, variables, assignment, sequence, selection, iterations), data types (char, integer, real, Boolean), object and classes, event handling (forms, screen components, actions), device compatibilities (APIs, Andrios, iOS), executable for device.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Prepare assets and content for integration with mobile app.

  • 3.2

    Produce a mobile app using an appropriate programming language.

4

Be able to test the mobile app against the design specification. 

  • Test plan: test functionality, usability, user interaction, completeness, accuracy, design specification, user experience, user testing.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Use a test plan to carry out functionality testing.