iMonitor™ has now conducted rigorous evaluations of about 800 publication-related apps. We love great design and are fascinated by the endlessly expanding array of media and features that are being built into the better apps. But in the end, it is all for naught if the app fails to function – and many of them do. Here are the questions that should be answered categorically in the affirmative before an app is released:
- Does it download properly , preferably both with and without 3G, in a variety of locations, on multiple devices? We have frankly been appalled at how many magazine issues fail to download, even in settings with high-quality wireless connections – and even when produced in conjunction with some of the biggest names in app development.
- Do the wonderful features that you have built into the app consistently perform as intended – or do they misfire, causing the the app to crash or a blank screen to appear.
- Have you tested every link on every page – both editorial and advertising – to make sure that it functions properly?
- Have you tested each element, whether video or audio, transaction or social media – both editorial and advertising – to ensure proper loading and conclusion?
- If there is a permission-based functionality, such as location-based services or breaking news alert, have you tested it to ensure that it can be turned off – and that if it is turned off by the user, it will indeed be discontinued?
While glitches abound at this point in time, they seem to occur even more commonly with ads than with editorial. But don’t get us wrong, there are some really wonderful and well-functioning apps in the publication-related space.
We understand that everyone is in learning mode and that production schedules can be tight, but inadequate quality control quickly alienates both consumers and advertisers.
