The popularity of on-demand cargo delivery apps is at an all-time rise. These delivery apps are meant for, connecting the customers with an array of service providers, thus making life simpler and more comfortable. Currently dominating the market, these apps are extremely easy to use, just like hiring a cab, private car or a bike.
Nowadays, the market is replete with several cargo delivery apps that feature eccentric designs and functionalities. But if as a developer, you come to think of it, it is rather perplexing to build a proficient and fully-functional cargo delivery mobile app.
A lot of people usually misunderstand on-demand cargo apps as akin to taxi booking apps such as Ola or Uber. This is not at all true as there is a huge amount of dissimilarity between the two.
On-demand cargo delivery apps are specifically built to cater to the urgent demands of customers. In our post today, we have discussed about the significant stages involved in the design and development of a competent on-demand cargo delivery application. Let’s have a look.
- Stage 1
Define the devices you want to build an application for
Different devices have a completely different set of requirements. So, it is important to decide in advance which particular device or platform you wish to build an app for.Considering your target audience will also help you in making a better decision. You can go for a downloadable computer widget that allows the customers to easily switch between a mobile device and a desktop. Opting for a native mobile app will allow you to extend an improved user experience, instead of a hybrid app.
- Stage 2
Features you want to integrate in your cargo delivery application
Your on-demand cargo delivery app should include all the necessary features that allow the cargo transporter to share the order shipping information with the customers straight from the app. It should also display proper information about the status of the order such as processing, shipped, in-transit, amount outstanding, etc. Apart from this, your app should also have vehicle tracker, driver tracker, order tracker and other such features so as to deliver a seamless working ecosystem.
- Stage 3
Crafting the interface of your cargo delivery application
With the competition being so fierce, it is extremely important to proffer an optimal user experience. You need to design a highly engaging and interactive interface to make the users stick to your app.
Your cargo delivery app will have different app pages with different constituents. Some of the must have constituents on your app are- details of orders, delivery status, delivery dashboard and active deliveries, etc. All these constituents should be interlinked and must be made capable of managing complex interactions.
- Stage 4
Navigation
There are basically 3 types of app users who use a cargo delivery application under different situations – dispatcher, client and transportation provider. Usually, a dispatcher uses the cargo app while starting the shipment process, whereas the transportation provider and the client are most likely to use the app while on the move. So, in order to make your app’s navigation easy and convenient, ensure that all the key features are made reachable at a touch of a button.
Instead of adding the conventional buttons, go for integrating wiping gestures to make the navigation easier. Do not have more than 4-5 buttons in your app’s tab bar, as several buttons will make your space look crowded and complicated. Go for an uncluttered navigation structure with an appropriate amount of space for notifications and a search bar.
- Stage 5
Choose the appropriate screen size
Another important consideration to be borne in mind while designing an adept cargo delivery app is the size and the position of components on the screen. You can use heat maps for determining the appropriate size of the screen and the position of all design elements. Since this app will also be used by drivers, make sure that there are no interruptions and the white space on your app should be used wisely. It is important to note that an unsuitable screen size may lead to troublesome ramifications such as alteration in the status of package, deletion of an order, etc. To dodge this, add an extra pop-up dialog screen to authorize the action.
- Stage 6
Tracking the status of your package
Your cargo delivery app should have an option that allows the users to track the status of their package. There should be frequent updates on the package status so as to keep the users engaged. Also, the delivery dashboard should not contain any unwanted messages and notifications so that the user need not navigate much to come across relevant information. The dashboard should only include a list of your orders, delivery course, support options from the communication team, etc.
- Stage 7
Test your application
After you are done with your app development, it’s time to rigorously test your app. You can test your app with the user acceptance app testing method which will help you in knowing whether your app will meet the expectations of your users. You can offer your app to a closed group of customers, transporters and drivers and use their feedback in making significant improvements to your app. Once the app is tested, make sure you submit your app for a beta trial. Response from beta users is immensely valuable as it concludes whether or not the app functionalities are performing well in the real world setting.
How Do On-Demand Cargo Delivery Applications Work?
There are a plethora of on-demand cargo delivery apps available on the app stores which are safe, dependable, and economical. You can download any app and exploit it to accomplish deliveries for business or personal use.
When a user installs an app, he is requested to create a job by choosing the necessary data, pickup address and time, shipping address, contact details, etc. There are a few apps where you can also select the type of cargo vehicle to deliver your order. Once all data has been inputted, you need to choose a preferred mode of payment. The users can keep a track of all information starting from the picking of cargo till its final delivery. The user will also be notified with an estimated delivery time.
With these cargo apps, a user can send any type of cargo they wish to. The placed orders may comprise only one box or several boxes that can be suitably adjusted on the cargo vehicle. The cargo delivery iPhone or android app helps in connecting the customers with the transporters and the drivers and at the same time, keeps a track of your order status.
Summary:
Let’s understand about the significant stages that are involved in the design and development of a competent on-demand cargo delivery application that are specifically built to cater to the urgent demands of customers.
