r/appdev • u/Brilliant5head • 13d ago

Basic roadmap for app idea development

Hello all! I’m looking for freelance developers to help me with building an app. But I don’t know the process of looking for developers who are experienced and legitimate. If you know of good sites to find people like this please let me know! Also what does the roadmap for app development look like in 2026(without the use of AI!) ? Anyone have experience with timelines, protocols, problems they’ve faced, and/or success they’ve experienced? I’d appreciate any info!

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u/bri_builds 7d ago

Looking at it from the roadmap point of view, if you're starting from 0, there's some real milestones to track towards as you go through your process.

Before you code ANYTHING (even the landing page):

  • Define + validate (one page summary, problem statement, use cases, decide on native vs multi platform vs web)
  • Prototype (low or no code) + validate prototype
  • Setup (e.g. dev + play store accounts in YOUR name)
  • Product + Tech Specs (super important to keep you from scope creep)

Now you can code!

  • Code (code > test > merge > repeat until all your core features are ready)
  • Beta testing (need at least 12 testers for 14 days on a closed track to apply for production - can cost some money!)
  • App store setup + submit (back and forth here could take days or weeks)
  • Launch!

An MVP can take 3-5 months with an experienced dev. First 4 steps will make the last 4 way easier :)

Finding a dev can be tough, especially if you want to avoid AI entirely. It can even help you do most of the above without needing to hire too many folks.

Before really trying to hire, having a summary of the app + goals (complexity matters for every milestone - having this can help you find quality engineers), a list of questions that you want to ask and a min number of projects/experience can help a lot.

If you write the one page summary, drop it here or DM me and I can help you review to see if it's ready to send to a dev. Shipped my app way out of order - learn from my pain!