Make Your Product Based on Data, Not Opinions: A Guide to Startup Experimentation
General
10
Minutes
Dec 11, 2025
Data-driven decision making has become a primary approach for many successful startups. Its importance cannot be overstated; basing product development on factual evidence allows businesses to reduce uncertainty, mitigate risks, and improve efficiency. This approach positions startups on a solid foundation for growth, as opposed to relying on opinions, which often lean on individual biases and subjective points of view.
Startup Experimentation: Testing Hypotheses with Objective Data
Product development should always start with a hypothesis–an educated guess of what might work. This hypothesis should then be tested against collected data to determine its validity. Objective data collection helps in evaluating these hypotheses impartially, leading to informed decisions.
"Startups must develop an affinity for numbers and data-driven decision making given the high levels of ambiguity in the product-market fit phase."
Benefits of Data-Driven Product Creation
The benefits of making decisions based on data are immense. These benefits include increased objectivity, fact-based decision making, and in-depth insights about customer behavior and preferences.
Data Collection Methods
Collecting data is paramount to understanding the dynamics of the market, including customer needs and preferences. Online surveys, customer interviews, A/B testing, and usability tests are popular ways of collecting data.
"The right data collection method for your startup will depend on several factors including: the product you're testing, the nature of your target market, and the resources available to you."
Data Interpretation and Decision Making
The raw data collected is nothing if not interpreted correctly. It is through interpretation that patterns and trends emerge, which can form the basis for decision making. Proper interpretation includes comparing results against predefined benchmarks, seeking expert opinion when necessary, and using the right data manipulation tools.
"Not all data is useful. Smart startups know how to segregate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to data interpretation."
Case Study: How Successful Startups Have Leveraged Data
Several successful startups offer illustrative examples of data-driven decision making. These include names like Uber, Zomato, Sprig, and others which have used data-not opinions-to make heavy business decisions, pivot, or improve their products or services.
"A great product is based on hard facts, not hunches. Learn from these startups and incorporate a data-driven ethos in your decision-making process."
Drawbacks of Opinion-Based Decision Making
While it might be tempting to take the easy way out and make decisions based on opinions, doing so is fraught with risk. Opinions are subjective and prone to bias, and they don't always consider the full range of possibilities or outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both data and opinions have their place in a startup's decision-making process, the bias should always lean towards data. Startups must harness the power of data to build better, more relevant products if they wish to survive the intense competition in today's business environment.
For custom software development, visit us at Zee Palm
When it comes to building outstanding apps with swift execution and seamless performance, Flutter is swiftly finding its niche among developers. Despite this, it is essential to understand how to maximize Flutter's performance. In the journey of crafting an effective and efficient application, performance optimization acquires key roles. This article focuses on few tips and tricks to enhance the performance of applications built with Flutter.
Performance optimization should be a part of the development lifecycle, not an afterthought. It's about creating an efficient, streamlined user experience, and tweaking until perfection.
1) Identify Performance Issues
Flutter's performance can be affected by several factors - inefficient memory usage, bottlenecks in the network, intensive CPU usage, and so forth. Before you begin optimizing, be clear on what's causing the slowdown. Tools like Flutter DevTools can be useful here, allowing you to track down any performance issues.
2) Render Only What's Needed
In order to reduce the rendering load, restrict your updates to the widgets that require it. Restructuring the widget tree and specifying constant constructors can lower the processor time and optimize the overall performance.
3) Limit Use of Heavy Libraries
Large libraries can potentially slow down your application. So, go for lighter alternatives if available. Remember, every millisecond counts when it comes to user experience.
Always be mindful of the dependencies you add to your application. They are not without cost, particularly with regard to performance.
4) Maximize the use of the 'const' keyword
The use of const constructors helps Flutter to recreate UI efficiently. So, to maximize the speed of your app, place the 'const' keyword wherever you can.
5) Reduce Image Size
Images are integral parts of application development process. But oversized images can slow down your app's performance and make it sluggish. So, always go for compressed and optimized images.
6) Beware of Data Types
Data Types in Dart could affect your app's speed as well. For instance, parsing integers is faster than parsing doubles. Hence, often data types can affect the performance of your application.
Understand your data structures. The wrong choice can slow down your application and lead to bad user experience.
7) Leverage Hot Reload
Take advantage of Flutter's Hot Reload feature to instantly see changes in your code. It speeds up development by allowing you to experiment, tweak, and debug efficiently.
Conclusion
These are some of the critical guidelines for optimizing Flutter's performance, but the scope is even bigger. Continual learning, perseverance, and careful attention to detail can lead you to craft highly optimized Flutter applications. Remember, 'Performance Matters', so invest your efforts wisely to create an efficient and highly optimized application.
Performance is the magic ingredient that makes your app smooth and powerful, keep optimizing!
So go forth and make your Flutter applications better, faster, and more efficient. Happy developing!
For custom software development, visit us at Zee Palm
As the world becomes more connected through technology, it is imperative for companies to consider not just the functionality of their mobile applications, but also how these applications are perceived and experienced by users from different geographical, linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This is where localization comes into play.
Localization is the process of adapting a product or content to suit a specific locale or market. This process goes beyond mere translation to include modifications that align with the local culture, preferences, legal standards, and other specifics of the target locale.
Why is Localization Important in Mobile App Testing?
The app market is no longer limited to specific geographical locations. A mobile application developed in one country can be downloaded and used by people from all corners of the world. As a result, it is crucial for these apps to be adeptly localized to cater to various markets and user groups. Here are a few reasons why localization is vital in mobile app testing.
User Experience: For an app to be successful, it must provide a seamless user experience, irrespective of the user's location or language. A well-localized app caters to the native preferences of users, thereby enhancing their experience.
Cultural Sensitivity: Every culture has unique nuances, traditions, and sensitivities. An app that successfully considers these cultural aspects can help prevent backlash, and improve user engagement.
Market Penetration: Localized apps have a better chance of penetrating local markets. By catering to local preferences, businesses can increase downloads and usage, leading to better market penetration.
Return on Investment: Though localization may require an additional investment, the increased market penetration and improved user experience can result in an overall higher return on investment.
Key Aspects of Localization in Mobile App Testing
While the importance of localization in mobile app testing is clear, understanding its key aspects can help in implementing a successful localization strategy.
Language: This is the most obvious aspect of localization. It includes not just text translation, but also adapting content to use local idioms and expressions. Furthermore, it may be necessary to adjust the layout to accommodate languages that are read from right to left, such as Arabic.
UI/UX Elements: Graphical elements such as colors, icons, and images play a crucial role in the user's perception of the app. These elements need to be culturally appropriate.
Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Different regions may have varying legal requirements. Compliance with these requirements is crucial to avoid legal complications.
Date and Time Formats: Date, time, and numeral formats vary around the world. These differences should be factored into the app's localization process.
Conclusion
Localization in mobile app testing is an essential step towards global success. It enhances user experience, ensures cultural sensitivity, aids in better market penetration and boosts the return on investment. By understanding and implementing localization, businesses can ensure that their apps are well-received by users all across the globe, thereby securing global success.
For custom software development, visit us at Zee Palm
The phenomenal success of language learning apps like Duolingo has inspired many entrepreneurs to consider developing their own language learning applications. This guide will provide a step-by-step process to help you understand the complexities behind creating such an educational tool.
Step 1: Market Research
Before embarking on the development journey, you must perform comprehensive market research. Look at your potential competitors, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and identify gaps in the current offerings that your app could fill.
"Deep understanding of the market is a crucial first step towards creating a successful language learning app."
Step 2: Define Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
Your UVP sets your app apart from the competition. It could be a unique engagement model, a special language pairing, or other innovative features that are not currently offered by existing apps.
Step 3: Choose the Right Technology Stack
The technology stack you choose will play a crucial role in the performance, usability, and scalability of your app. The right technology stack depends on your app’s requirements, functionality, and the expertise of your development team.
Step 4: Design User-Centric UI/UX
A user-friendly design is crucial to keep learners engaged and coming back for more. The design should be intuitive and minimalist, with easy navigation and clear instructions.
"Your app's design can make or break the learning experience for your users."
Step 5: Develop Engaging Content
The heart of any language learning app is the educational content it provides. It should be fun, engaging and effective. Incorporate game elements, quizzes, visual aids, and other interactive content to enhance learning.
Step 6: Test Thoroughly
Ensure your app is fully functional and bug-free by conducting rigorous testing in various scenarios and devices.
Step 7: Launch and Market the App
Once the app is developed and tested, it's time to launch and market it. Leverage social media platforms, blogs, video sharing sites, and other digital channels for effective marketing.
Step 8: Collect Feedback and Continuously Improve
Post-launch, it is crucial to collect user feedback and continuously improve the app based on that feedback. Regular updates, added features, and an improved user experience will keep your users hooked.
"Continuous improvement based on user feedback is the key to a successful app."
To conclude, developing a language learning app like Duolingo involves detailed planning, focused development, and thorough testing. Following this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process smoothly and increase your chances of success.
Reducing the size of your mobile app is crucial for providing a better user experience. Smaller apps download faster, require less storage space, and perform better - leading to more installations and fewer uninstalls due to storage issues.
Here are the key tips to make your iOS and Android apps smaller:
Remove Unused Resources
Use tools like FengNiao (iOS) and lint (Android) to detect and remove unused resources
Bitcode allows Apple to recompile your app for specific devices
Use whole-module optimization and the swiftc compiler
Modularize and Lazy Load
Break your app into smaller modules or frameworks
Lazy load modules or features only when needed
Optimize Updates and Network Transfers
Use delta updates to send only changes made to the app
Compress content and optimize network requests
Continuous Optimization
- Regularly monitor and analyze app size - Use automated testing, CI pipelines, and analytics tools - Conduct code reviews and refactoring to maintain a lean codebase
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the size of your iOS and Android apps, leading to faster downloads, better performance, and an improved user experience.
Related video from YouTube
Getting Started
Before you start reducing your app size, it's important to know the basics of mobile app development for both iOS and Android. Understanding the build tools and optimization methods for each platform is key to making your app smaller.
Understanding the Build Process
The build process for mobile apps includes:
Compiling code
Packaging resources
Creating the final app bundle
Both iOS and Android have ways to make this process more efficient, which can help reduce the app size.
Identifying Areas for Optimization
To start optimizing your app size, look at these areas:
Unused resources and code
Inefficient image and media compression
Unoptimized code and libraries
Ineffective use of app bundles and thinning
By focusing on these areas, you can make your app smaller and improve the user experience.
Tools and Techniques
Get to know the tools and techniques for app size optimization:
iOS: Use Xcode's tools like App Thinning and Bitcode.
Android: Use tools like ProGuard and the Android Asset Packaging Tool.
These tools can help you reduce the size of your app effectively.
Remove Unused Resources
Removing unused resources is a key step in reducing the size of your iOS and Android app. As you update your app, some features may become obsolete, and some layouts, colors, strings, etc., may no longer be used. Removing these unused resources will help keep your app size small.
Remove Unused Resources in iOS
Open your app in Xcode to see all the resources in the resource list.
Use a tool like FengNiao to detect unused resources. This tool helps you find and remove unused resources from the IPA file.
Remove Unused Resources in Android
Use the lint tool to detect unused resources in your APK file. The lint tool shows warnings about unused resources, which you can then remove.
Use Android App Bundle for Android
The Android App Bundle is a pre-APK publishing format that contains all of your app's resources and code. Google Play uses it to create multiple APKs, each optimized for different devices.
PlatformToolDescriptioniOSFengNiaoDetects and removes unused resources from the IPA fileAndroidlintDetects unused resources in the APK fileAndroidAndroid App BundlePre-APK format that optimizes resources for different devices
Optimize Images and Media
Optimizing images and media is key to reducing the size of your iOS and Android app. Large image files can make your app bigger, leading to slower downloads and more storage use. Here are some ways to optimize image and media assets for both platforms.
Efficient Image Formats
Using efficient image formats can help reduce image size:
FormatDeveloperSize ReductionWebPGoogleUp to 25% compared to JPEGHEICMPEG GroupUp to 50% compared to JPEG
Compression Tools
Compression tools can further reduce image sizes without losing quality. Here are some tools you can use:
ToolTypeDescriptionImagifyLossless/LossyReduces image sizesTinyPNGLossless/LossyCompresses PNG and JPEG imagesImageOptimLosslessOptimizes images without losing quality
Best Practices
Follow these best practices when optimizing images and media:
Use vector graphics for icons and logos.
Resize images to the optimal size for each platform and device.
Compress images using lossless or lossy compression tools.
Use lazy loading to load images only when needed.
Optimize video content by compressing videos and using efficient formats like H.264 and H.265.
Shrink and Obfuscate Code
Shrinking and obfuscating code helps reduce the size of your iOS and Android app. This involves removing unused code, optimizing the remaining code, and making it harder for others to reverse-engineer your app.
Code Shrinking Tools
PlatformToolDescriptionAndroidProGuardRemoves unused classes, methods, and fields; obfuscates codeiOSLink-Time Optimization (LTO)Removes unused functions and data
How Code Shrinking Works
Code shrinking tools analyze your code to find and remove unused elements, a process known as "tree shaking." They also optimize the remaining code by:
Renaming classes, methods, and fields to shorter names
Removing debug information
Compressing code using algorithms like Huffman coding
Benefits of Code Shrinking
BenefitDescriptionSmaller File SizesReduces APK and IPA file sizesBetter PerformanceImproves app performanceIncreased SecurityMakes code harder to reverse-engineerFaster LoadingSpeeds up app loading times
App Thinning and App Bundles
App Thinning and App Bundles help optimize app delivery based on device configuration, reducing app size for faster downloads and installations.
App Thinning for iOS
App Thinning, introduced in iOS 9, allows developers to create apps optimized for specific devices. It includes three processes: Slicing, On-Demand Resources, and BitCode.
ProcessDescriptionSlicingPacks assets based on the device, so users only install relevant assets.On-Demand ResourcesDivides app resources into packages downloaded only when needed.BitCodeIntermediate representation of a compiled program, allowing Apple to recompile the app for specific devices.
Android App Bundles package and distribute Android apps efficiently. They create a single bundle with all necessary resources for different device configurations. When a user downloads the app, the Google Play Store generates an optimized APK for their specific device.
FeatureDescriptionModular DownloadDivides the app into modules downloaded only when needed.Device-Specific APKsGenerates optimized APKs for different devices, reducing app size.
On-Demand Resources and Dynamic Delivery
On-Demand Resources and Dynamic Delivery help reduce the initial app size, making it more user-friendly.
On-Demand Resources for iOS
On-Demand Resources, introduced in iOS 9, let developers tag resources that can be hosted on the App Store. These resources are downloaded only when needed, reducing the initial app size. This is useful for apps with large resources, like games or educational apps.
To use On-Demand Resources:
Tag the resources in your app.
The App Store hosts these resources.
Resources are downloaded in the background as needed.
Dynamic Delivery for Android
Dynamic Delivery, introduced in Android 10, allows developers to create modular apps. Users only download the modules they need, reducing the initial app size.
Dynamic Delivery uses Android App Bundles to package and distribute apps. When a user downloads the app, the Google Play Store generates an optimized APK for their device.
To use Dynamic Delivery:
Create a modular app architecture.
Use the Android App Bundle to package and distribute your app.
Benefits of On-Demand Resources and Dynamic Delivery
BenefitDescriptionReduced App SizeSmaller initial download sizeFaster DownloadsQuicker installation timesImproved User ExperienceUsers download only what they needEfficient Storage UseSaves space on devicesEasier MaintenanceSupports modular app architecture
sbb-itb-8abf120
Optimize Third-Party Libraries
Optimizing third-party libraries is key to reducing app size. These libraries can add value but also increase size, loading time, and memory use. Here's how to minimize their impact:
Evaluate Library Necessity
Before adding a library, ask if it's truly needed. Consider if the functionality can be achieved through native code or alternative libraries. Remove any unnecessary libraries to reduce size and improve performance.
Choose Lightweight Libraries
Opt for smaller, specialized libraries over large, comprehensive ones. Smaller libraries contribute less to the overall app size and often provide specific functionalities without extras. Use mobile-friendly libraries optimized for mobile devices.
Use Tree Shaking
Tree shaking removes dead code during the build process, ensuring only necessary code is included in the final bundle. Implement tree shaking to reduce library size and improve performance.
Monitor Library Performance
Use tools to shrink and obfuscate code, track errors, and measure performance:
ToolPurposeDescriptionProGuard/R8Code ShrinkingReduces size and complexityFirebase/CrashlyticsError TrackingReports errors and crashesLeakCanary/InstrumentsMemory Leak DetectionDetects and prevents memory leaksLighthouse/Android StudioPerformance MonitoringMeasures performance impact
Bitcode helps make iOS apps smaller and faster. When you enable Bitcode, Apple can recompile your app's code to use the latest optimizations and improvements. This means your app will be smaller and perform better.
Benefits of Bitcode
BenefitDescriptionSmaller App SizeApple creates separate versions for each device architecture, reducing the overall size.Improved PerformanceUses the latest compiler optimizations for better performance.
Important Notes
Bitcode is no longer required for watchOS and tvOS apps.
The App Store does not accept Bitcode submissions from Xcode 14.
Runtime Optimizations
Apple has introduced runtime optimizations in recent iOS versions to help reduce app size and improve performance. These include whole-module optimization, which allows the compiler to optimize the entire module.
How to Enable
Use the Latest Xcode: Ensure you're using the latest version of Xcode.
Enable Whole-Module Optimization: Go to your project settings and enable whole-module optimization.
Use swiftc Compiler: Compile your Swift code with the swiftc compiler for better optimization and size reduction.
Modularize and Lazy Load
Breaking your app into smaller parts and loading them only when needed can help reduce app size and improve performance.
Modularization in iOS
In iOS, you can create separate frameworks for each feature of your app. This helps you optimize each part separately.
Steps to modularize your iOS app:
Identify features that can be modularized.
Create a framework for each feature.
Optimize each framework using code shrinking and obfuscation.
Modularization in Android
In Android, you can create separate modules for each feature. This allows you to optimize each part independently.
Steps to modularize your Android app:
Identify features that can be modularized.
Create a module for each feature.
Optimize each module using code shrinking and obfuscation.
Lazy Loading
Lazy loading means loading parts of your app only when they are needed. This reduces the initial app size and improves performance.
Steps to implement lazy loading:
Identify parts of your app that can be lazy loaded.
Create a mechanism to load these parts only when needed.
Optimize the loading mechanism to keep the app size small.
Optimize Updates and Network Transfers
Optimizing app updates and network transfers helps reduce app size and improve user experience. Here are some strategies:
Delta Updates
Delta updates send only the changes made to the app instead of the entire app package. This reduces update sizes, making them faster to download and install. Google’s file-by-file patching reduces update sizes by an average of 65%.
Content Compression
Compressing content reduces the size of network transfers. Use lossless and lossy compression to minimize image sizes without losing quality. Algorithms like Run Length Encoding (RLE) and Quite OK Image format can achieve lossless compression.
Optimize Network Requests
Optimizing network requests reduces the size of network transfers. Techniques like caching, lazy loading, and reducing the number of requests help minimize data transfer. This improves app performance, reduces latency, and enhances user experience.
StrategyDescriptionDelta UpdatesSend only changes made to the app, reducing update sizes.Content CompressionUse lossless and lossy compression to minimize image sizes.Optimize Network RequestsUse caching, lazy loading, and reduce the number of requests.
Continuous Optimization
Continuous optimization is key to keeping your app's size manageable throughout its development. Regularly monitor and analyze your app's size to find areas for improvement. Track changes in app size over time, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize resources.
Use various tools and processes to achieve continuous optimization. Automated testing and continuous integration (CI) pipelines can detect size increases early, allowing you to address issues promptly. Analytics tools can track user behavior and highlight areas where optimization can enhance the user experience.
Regular code reviews and refactoring help maintain a lean codebase. This involves removing unused code, optimizing algorithms, and improving resource use. By making optimization a continuous process, you can ensure your app remains efficient, fast, and user-friendly.
Tool/ProcessDescriptionAutomated TestingDetect size increases early and take corrective actionCI PipelinesIntegrate size monitoring into your development workflowAnalytics ToolsTrack user behavior and identify areas for optimizationCode ReviewsRegularly review code to remove unused code and optimize resourcesRefactoringImprove code efficiency and reduce size
Final Thoughts
By following these 10 tips, you can make your iOS and Android apps smaller, leading to a better user experience, improved app store visibility, and more downloads. Remember, reducing app size is a continuous process that needs regular attention.
Key Takeaways:
Regularly check and optimize your app's resources, code, and media to keep the size down and improve performance.
Use tools like automated testing, CI pipelines, and analytics to spot size increases and find areas to improve.
Stay proactive in reducing app size to stay competitive and meet user expectations.
FAQs
How do I reduce and optimize iOS app size?
To reduce and optimize your iOS app size, create an App Size Report by archiving your app in Xcode, exporting it as an Ad Hoc, Development, or Enterprise build, and choosing "All compatible device variants" for app thinning. Sign your app and export it to your Mac. This will help you identify areas to optimize and reduce your app's size.
How to decrease the app size in Android?
To decrease the app size in Android, upload your app with Android App Bundles, understand the APK structure, reduce resource count and size, remove unused resources, minimize resource use from libraries, reduce native and Java code, and maintain multiple lean APKs.
Yes, using R8 Proguard can help reduce app size. Proguard and R8 are code shrinkers that can significantly reduce the size of your APK by removing unused code, renaming classes, and making your code more compact. They are integrated into Android Studio and are easy to use.
How to do app thinning?
To do app thinning, create an App Size Report by archiving your app in Xcode, exporting it as an Ad Hoc, Development, or Enterprise build, and choosing "All compatible device variants" for app thinning. Sign your app and export it to your Mac. This will help you reduce your app's size by removing unnecessary resources and code.
How to reduce IPA file size?
To reduce IPA file size, inspect your app's IPA file and identify areas to optimize. Consider using asset files instead of putting data into your code. For example, use a property list for bundling any data with your app instead of using strings in code. This will help reduce the size of your IPA file and improve your app's performance.
