Principles for the design, development and deployment of mobile apps
Principles at a glance
- Services are delivered through the most appropriate channel for that service
- Customer centric approach used
- Mobile-optimised website before mobile apps
- Mobile apps are fit for purpose
- Justifiable need evidenced in exploratory research
- Agencies should work together to use existing mobile apps and sometimes develop mobile apps, to improve and enhance the customer experience
- Compatible and consistent with other channels
- Mobile apps are free by default
- Customers should be informed of device data risks
- Apply appropriate governance
- Government-developed mobile apps should be registered on the Queensland Government mobile apps register
- Market develops before government develops
- Actively address security and privacy concerns
- Develop and publish authentication and data APIs for government services
- Develop for a wide range of platforms by considering the mobile app audience
- Mobile app intellectual property is open source by default
- Consider government branding
- Consider offline syncing
- Apply appropriate analytics for monitoring the mobile app to gauge engagement and customer behaviour
- Agencies should use official 'stores' for public app distribution
- Agencies should consider using 'enterprise stores' for internal app distribution
- Agencies should use the same developer account for all mobile apps
- App store descriptions should be fit for purpose
- Continuous improvement
- Measuring and reporting mobile apps customer engagement
- Marketing and communication considerations
Background
For Australians, the mobile phone is the most popular and most frequently used device to go online (84% of adult internet users), followed by laptop computers (69 per cent), desktop computers (54per cent) and tablet computers (50 per cent). Communication apps (such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Skype, Snapchat and FaceTime) also prove popular with 88per cent of online Australians using apps to communicate via either messages or voice or video calls, particularly with family and friends.
The growth in smartphone and apps usage presents an opportunity for governments to better engage with customers to make their interactions with government simpler and more efficient. The Queensland Government has already developed a number of apps to make it simpler and faster for customers to access services such as Housing Assist Qld, QSchools, MyTranslink and Policelink Queensland. Recent research also suggests that Australians are suffering from app fatigue with consumers having on average around 24 apps on their smartphones but only using a quarter of them on a daily basis. Two-thirds of Australians surveyed agreed that they had a significant number of dormant apps. Therefore it is important that the mobile apps that are being created are personalised, contextual and provide value to the customer.
Customers will use mobile apps that are relevant and make life easier thereby enhancing the customers experience. A mobile channel does the following:
- provides the Queensland Government with the potential to engage with their customers in real-time, by location with profile information
- makes it simpler, more efficient for customers to contact the government and offers tools to make their life easier while using products or services
- uses geolocation and beacon technology to push notifications and promote products and services
- provides customers the mobility to do the same things they would traditionally have done sitting at their desks, but on their mobile devices.
This Principles document covers the key considerations for making a decision to use mobile apps for service delivery, and the key implementation considerations for the design, development and deployment of mobile apps..
A Queensland Government Channel Management Strategy (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) has also been developed to support the delivery of efficient and effective customer centric channels.
Purpose
This document provides the guiding principles to support a consistent Queensland Government approach for the design, development and deployment of mobile apps to make it easier for customers to access government information, services and campaigns. The principles are whole-of-government overarching principles and agencies should use them as a guide when: deciding whether to use mobile apps for service delivery, and for designing, developing and deploying mobile apps.
Audience
This document is primarily intended for:
- business owners delivering services
- business analysts
- project managers
- service delivery providers
- software developers including mobile app developers.
Applicability
These principles apply to all Queensland Government departments (as defined by the Public Sector Act 2022) (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) . Accountable officers (not already in scope of the Public Sector Act 2022) and statutory bodies under the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2019 (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) must have regard to these principles in the context of internal controls, financial information management systems and risk management. Please see the Applicability of the QGEA for further information.
Scope
This document relates to the following Queensland Government Enterprise Architecture (QGEA) domains:
Technology classification framework domains:
- T-2.1.3 Applications development tools and environments
- T-3.3.2 Tablet PCs
- T-3.3.3 Handheld devices
- T-3.4.9 Mobile data computers
References to the Queensland Government website and www.qld.gov.au includes all franchises including Business and Industry Portal (BIP) www.business.qld.gov.au.
Principles
Customer experience
Services are delivered through the most appropriate channel for that service
Rationale
- Not all services are suitable for delivery across each and every channel. Its important to ensure the appropriate channel(s) are chosen to deliver the service to ensure the best outcome for the customer and the agency delivering the service.
Implications
- The information provided in a particular way may not be suitable for delivery via that channel.
- The customer may not receive the best experience.
- Its important to note when deciding what channels are best suited to deliver the services, customer preference should also be considered and choice offered to complete the service.
- Refer to Attachment 1 Channel choice guidelines in the Queensland Government Channel Management Strategy (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) to assist in determining the suitability of the channel for the services to be delivered
Customer centric approach is used
Rationale
- The Queensland Government customer-centric (or human-centered design) approach to service delivery should be used when designing, developing and deploying mobile apps.
Implications
- Mobile apps should be managed according to four customer experience principles: be clearer; be helpful; make it easier; and do what you say.
- Mobile apps should not replace other official channels but complement them. Mobile apps content should align with that available through other channels.
- It should be customer-centric and form part of an omni-channel/cross-channel service delivery to create a unified experience across channels and services, that enables customer transactions to be started in one channel and completed in others.
- Interactions with customers should follow Customer Experience standards and conform to agency complaint management protocols.
Mobile-optimised website before mobile apps
Rationale
- A mobile app should only exist if it is the best way possible to help people complete tasks better and faster. An alternative such as creating a mobile-optimised website is easier to adapt to changing technology and future needs. Websites designed to adapt to mobile use can perform many of the same functions as apps, while reaching a greater audience.
Implications
- A customers experience on a mobile device is extremely important as it allows the government to stay connected to its customer. Therefore it is essential to deliver a mobile-optimised website to ensure the customer can access information that is easy to read and navigate on a mobile device.
- The default position is to use mobile-optimised websites for the provision of government services before considering mobile apps. All agencies should be delivering online service content through www.qld.gov.au which is a mobile-optimised website.
- There are generally three types of mobile apps to consider for development: hybrid, native and web. A hybrid mobile app is preferred to a native mobile app as it generally provides increased flexibility and scalability and requires lower development and maintenance costs. A web app (like a website) may be more appropriate when there is no need to use the core hardware attributes of a mobile device (e.g. accelerometer, fingerprint scanner, etc).
- There is no one correct channel to implement digital services, i.e. website or mobile app(Opens in new window). Industry research supports either approach. Customer centric fit for purpose is the primary consideration for Queensland Government (see section Mobile apps are fit for purpose).
- In some cases requiring a customer to find an app, download it and then engage with it may be too much to ask, creating a bottleneck for engagement and resulting in a high abandonment rate. Often, linking to a web-based service may be the path of least resistance, resulting in a more consistent customer experience and a higher level of engagement. A mobile app also requires a significant amount of effort to build and maintain. The best fit for purpose channel should be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine the right approach and based on customer research (see also section Justifiable need evidenced in exploratory research).
- Key considerations for assessing whether mobile apps are fit for purpose are further detailed in section Mobile apps are fit for purpose.
The decision to develop mobile apps should be adequately justified, clearly documented and presented when scrutinised.
Mobile apps are fit for purpose
Rationale
- Customers will use the mobile app if it is relevant, provides value and makes it easier, thereby enhancing their experience and usage rates.
Implications
- The mobile app needs to be customer-centric fit for purpose, i.e. meets the customers needs (based on customer research, see also section Justifiable need evidenced in exploratory research) whilst maintaining or reducing operating costs.
- Government mobile apps should perform some unique role or offer some unique insight that only the government can offer. They should not merely present static information. Agencies shouldn't create apps out of data third parties could release and develop (see also section Market develops before government develops).
- Key considerations for determining whether mobile apps are fit for purpose include:
- Customer research supports a need and level of demand for a mobile app.
- A mobile app enhances the customers experience by making it simpler and more efficient to access information and services and complete transactions.
- It allows the customer to engage with government at a time and place convenient to them.
- It has a value add for the customer, e.g. the ability to use their phones inbuilt camera or Global Positioning System (GPS).
- It connects the customer deep into the service and can provide a more personalised and timely service for the customer.
- It adds intrinsic value to the customer, where repeated use is frequent, high value and high reward (e.g. features such as push notifications, fulfilment tracking, real-time information, location based context etc. can contribute to the repeated and continued use of the app).
- Finding, downloading and installing the app is simple and easy and does not act as a blocker to engaging with the service.
Justifiable need evidenced in exploratory research
Rationale
- Development of a mobile app (Opens in new window) has been identified as a customer need through customer research. It is imperative that the app has been co-designed with customers and user tested to ensure sufficient take up by the customers and government return on investment.
Implications
- Agencies will conduct appropriate exploratory market research to identify the need for mobile app development i.e. consumer research, co-design and user testing within the government and in the market that address similar business needs. This provides a level of confidence that there will be sufficient customer take-up to warrant government investment.
- A decision to continue development despite these similarities should be adequately justified, clearly documented and presented when scrutinised.
Agencies should work together to use existing mobile apps and sometimes develop mobile apps, to improve and enhance the customer experience
Rationale
- Working collaboratively with agencies to provide the best experience for the customer by using and enhancing existing mobile apps.
Implications
- The choice of how to implement an app should be the result of a clear decision process that is best for the customer and best for government (e.g. budget considerations, device/platform specific requirements and enhancements, time to market).
- Agencies should work together to develop mobile apps with similar and relevant information based on their audience rather than developing multiple standalone apps.
- No two Government mobile apps should ever serve the same purpose. To avoid this, assess all ideas first against the existing government mobile apps (both internal (See section Internal Government Use of Mobile Apps) and external to government (see section Government-developed mobile apps should be registered on the Queensland Government mobile apps register)). Agencies should consider approaching the relevant owners of that app to discuss any possibilities for collaboration or re-use. The aim is to reduce, wherever possible, duplicated effort, time and resources.
Compatible and consistent with other channels
Rationale
- Service design needs to be considered for the mobile channel along with existing channels to ensure consistent delivery of information and services.
Implications
- Mobile as a channel should be considered for delivering services if it is the most appropriate channel for that service. When designing or redesigning services, whole-of-government personas as identified in the Customer Experience Strategy should be used as well as the guiding principles: Be clear; Be helpful; Make it easier; and Do what you say to ensure enhanced customer experience. A Human-Centered Design Toolkit is also available by emailing osscx@dsiti.qld.gov.au.
- The mobile app (Opens in new window) needs to be process mapped and developed in conjunction with existing service delivery channels to ensure alignment and consistency with business logic. For example, the app description text within the app store (Apple, Google Play or similar) should use consistent government editorial style guide and language to that used at the service outlets, in the phone scripts, and on www.qld.gov.au.
- Ensure the app is designed for the intended device.
- A minimal viable product (MVP) methodology should guide and inform the design, development and release policy of the app rather than a single big bang release event. The guiding principles of an MVP is to deliver early, deliver well and improve and enhance over time based on analysis and feedback. If the app fails early, it does so quickly and cost effectively and allows for incremental change in user requirements or change in business processes. An MVP release policy enables a mobile app to be released in a phased, cyclical, three-phased approach of build, measure, learn.
- Ensure the mobile app complies with the Digital services policy (and leverage wherever possible additional accessibility features provided within Apple iOS and Google Android that relate specifically to the customer/target market).
- Agencies should also refer to the design guidelines provided by Apple and Google when designing their mobile app.
Mobile apps are free by default
Rationale
- Supports the public good, particularly if the same services are available online for free. If the app is free, its also more likely that it will be downloaded and used.
Implications
- By default, all government mobile apps can be downloaded and installed on a device at no charge to the customer.
- Agencies will have the autonomy to charge for service transactions e.g. licence and registration fees. However, these are charged as part of the exchange of products and services i.e. the licence. There should be no charge for downloading, installing and running the mobile app.
- Any variations to this charging model will require strong justification.
- Current Queensland Government pricing policies and principles will be consulted when considering these variations. See Full Cost Pricing Policy: A Queensland Government Policy Statement (Queensland Treasury 2010) and Queensland Government principles for fees and charges (December 2012) (Queensland Government employees only).
Customers should be informed of device data risks
Rationale
- It's likely that data captured by the customers device may remain on their device or become property of government. This should be made known to the customer.
Implications
- Customer data captured by the mobile app may be used by the customer for other purposes, such as photos, calendar events, contacts etc. Wherever possible it should be made known to the customer that personal data captured for the purpose of engaging with government (through use of the app) may remain on their device and may expose personal information to others unknowingly. For example, taking a photo of a sensitive medical record may be instantly and unknowingly shared with family members if photo sharing within iPhone/iPad is turned on. Similarly adding a personal Community Services case worker contact to the device address book may be shared with others using your shared Android contact list.
- Personal data may also be updated to other third parties storage such as cloud storage services. Data may also be backed-up to a personal computer with shared access (e.g. backing up an iPhone or app specific data through iTunes).
- Any mobile app that requires a customer interaction should include an offline syncing function to ensure regional and rural customers can continue to access and use the mobile app.
- Any content or data that may be retained or become property of government should be made known to the customer. Any customer content or data that is captured by government will be managed and maintained appropriately.
- Consideration should be given to the storage, ownership and accessibility of all data and the customer informed wherever possible showing clear instructions how to opt out or mitigate the data being stored on their device.
Governance and management
Apply appropriate governance
Rationale
- Ensures effective use of government resources and funds by reducing duplication of resources and funds.
Implications
- Appropriate governance should be applied to the development of any mobile app. This should be in accordance with the lead agencies internal processes and corporate structure. The establishment of a project board, working group and/or technical advisory group should be considered to add transparency and rigor to the development process, ensuring implementation of the necessary customer service and technical standards and guidelines.
- The justification for the decision and necessary approvals must be clearly documented and presented when scrutinised.
Government-developed mobile apps should be registered on the Queensland Government mobile apps register
Rationale
- Queensland Government mobile apps can easily be located.
Implications
- All government mobile apps (Opens in new window) (both internal to and external to government) should be registered on the Queensland Government mobile apps register to support easy discovery and streamlined exploratory research for all agencies. A list of current Queensland Government mobile apps for customer download can be found on the Queensland Government website.
- Email online@qld.gov.au to register the Queensland Government mobile app.
- Also refer to sections 2.3.8 Apply appropriate analytics for monitoring the mobile app to gauge engagement and customer behaviour and Section Measuring and reporting mobile apps customer engagement.
Development considerations
Market develops before government develops
Rationale
- Market developed mobile apps provide economic benefits (growth and job creation) through enabling innovative services and solutions and promotes new thinking. Agencies shouldn't create apps out of data third parties could release and develop.
Implications
- The government actively collaborates with market partners before considering in-house mobile app development.
- The Queensland Government supports the market in the identification, development and deployment of mobile apps to address government business needs.
- The government should give consideration to the demarcation between the provision of service delivery (e.g. an app) and the end-to-end customer experience of the government service (e.g. the business of government). A government service should not be unintentionally divested from government by producing a mobile app. Documented due diligence should be demonstrated to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, vendors, external cloud hosted systems (e.g. Software as a service) and the like to clearly illustrate service delivery and business continuity (mitigation strategies in the event of technical change, organisational restructure or similar) that may affect the service experienced by the customer.
- A decision to continue development despite work-in-progress in the market or strong appetite in the market to address the business need, should be adequately justified, clearly documented and presented when scrutinised.
- Consideration should also be given to the ongoing costs, support and resources required to maintain the mobile app.
- There are many options available to promote external mobile app development using open data and exposed application programming interfaces (APIs) such as:
- Premiers competition
- Appfest
- GovHack
- Queensland Government app competition
- Partnerships with universities
- Partnerships with external companies
- Internal public servants
- These methods should be used when a mobile app has been identified as fit for purpose as per section Mobile apps are fit for purpose and where Justifiable need evidenced in exploratory research has been conducted.
Actively address security and privacy concerns
Rationale
- Customer trust is essential to maximise uptake of digital channels and any failure on any single channel could reduce trust and jeopardise digital transformation, innovation and online service delivery.
Implications
- Mobile apps will seek the least amount of privileges on the device that it is installed on. For example, write access to the devices data store should not be sought unless it is essential for the mobile app to perform its functions.
- Mobile apps users should be given clear, specific and complete notice on how the agency will use and disclose personal information collected by the mobile app, including the device features (eg camera) the app requests access to and the reasons for seeking these permissions. Strategies for giving an effective notice include using short form notices where possible, putting important information up front with links to more detailed explanations, or using graphics, colour or sound to draw attention to notices.
- Personal information can only be transferred outside Australia (for example, storing or backing up data in a cloud environment hosted overseas) in circumstances permitted by the Information Privacy Act 2009. A relevant permission is that the mobile app user expressly consents to the transfer.
- Development of mobile apps should be conducted in a fully transparent manner to assess the privacy impacts of mobile apps at the development stage to identify and plan in line with the public service code of conduct and relevant legislation such as the Information Privacy Act 2009 which promotes government accountability and public trust.
- The Queensland Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) has developed guidelines regarding Privacy and mobile apps which all agencies should consider.
- It is important to design a mobile app with privacy in mind from the outset. Mobile apps should protect information during collection, transfer and storage and have security controls and testing practices, supported by a strong information governance framework. The Information security policy (IS18:2018) should be adhered to when accessing data (e.g. personal health information compared to non-identifiable information).
- A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) should be completed to enable agencies to identify personal information they intend to collect and consider how they will manage it. The PIA is a living document as agencies should reassess the privacy impacts of the mobile app regularly, for example, when they update the app or release new features to identify vulnerabilities and manage their privacy obligations.
- Agencies should ensure that personal information collected from mobile apps is protected against: loss; unauthorised access, use, modification or disclosure; and any other misuse. This includes testing each app for vulnerabilities before deploying it and at key stages of its life.
Develop and publish authentication and data APIs for government services
Rationale
- To enable market participation and innovation, agencies should consider likely future requirements to publish authentication and data APIs (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) for government services.
Implications
- Queensland Government open data should be used when appropriate.
- Agencies should take into account the sharing of authentication and data APIs as appropriate for future requirements to support the Market develops before Government develops principle (section 2.3.1).
- It will be possible for vendors to create API code for re-use and contribution for the benefit of all stakeholders.
- Government and market-developed mobile apps should access government data through established, appropriate and secure authentication and data APIs.
Develop for a wide range of platforms by considering the mobile app audience
Rationale
- To ensure flexibility of the different platforms available for use.
Implications
- All mobile apps should at the very least, be deployed on Apples iOS and Googles Android platforms.
- Agencies will consider its audiences mobile device usage when deciding on which platforms to support.
- The architecture/platform for the mobile app should be designed for reusability.
- Users unable to take advantage of a mobile app must not be disadvantaged and must be able to get the relevant information or service through other channels.
Mobile app intellectual property is open source by default
Rationale
- Fosters innovation with its ability to be modified and improved.
Implications
- By default, the Queensland Government will apply open source licenses to its mobile apps. For further information see the QGEA Open source software policy.
- Departmental discretion should be applied if any of the following are prohibitive or pose a risk to customers or government:
- Intellectual property rights
- Vendor contractual obligations
- Licensing issues
- Classification restrictions based on Information security policy (IS18:2018).
- Any variations to this Principle including any discretionary reasons should be documented.
Consider government branding
Rationale
- This portrays a consistent, holistic and seamless government experience.
Implications
- By default, the Queensland Government will publish its ownership of its mobile apps on the relevant app stores and mobile app description.
- When designing the visual look and feel of the mobile app, the user interface will primarily be influenced by one of the following three existing visual guides:
- Mobile single website experience (SWE) at www.qld.gov.au and Business and Industry Portal (BIP)
- Community engagement campaigns (e.g. join the drive campaign)
- Non-government (behavioural change outcomes) (e.g. quit smoking, sun safety etc.).
- Further information can be located at Use corporate branding and identity.
- Any variations to this require documented justification to be presented when scrutinised.
Consider offline syncing
Rationale
- The app has been developed with network connectivity issues in mind. Customers may engage with the mobile app in and outside of network coverage and the app development should give thought to this.
Implications
- The mobile app will be developed in a way to cater for offline activity and reduce wherever possible frustration for the customer being outside a mobile coverage area. For example, if a customer completes a form within the mobile app without network connectivity they should be able to submit the form as soon as they return to network coverage. If the service is based on their geolocation and lack of network coverage prohibits this happening automatically, the customer should be able to manually select their location and be provided with contextual information (which should be updated with live data if possible when they return to a network coverage area).
Apply appropriate analytics for monitoring the mobile app to gauge engagement and customer behaviour
Rationale
- To enable monitoring of the mobile app when it goes live, it is important to set up analysis to monitor the mobile app (see also Section Measuring and reporting mobile apps customer engagement).
Implications
- Agencies should apply appropriate analytics for monitoring the mobile app. To do this agencies should have fit-for-purpose monitoring and analysis code applied within the app that meets their business need.
- In addition, it is recommended that the Google Analytics 360 is also implemented and tested. This additional tracking analysis code will feed into central business intelligence data, helping to assist in designing improved, cross-channel services for customers.
- Agencies should consult with the Channel Improvement team at online@qld.gov.au to discuss their measurement requirements.
Publishing and distribution
Agencies should use official 'stores' for public app distribution
Rationale
- To ensure safe and secure distribution of apps, official app stores should be used for public app distribution.
Implications
- It is recommended that apps are distributed using official channels.
- At the time of writing, the following app stores are the official distribution channel for their respective platform/operating system:
- Apple: App Store (https://developer.apple.com/app-store/)
- Google: Google Play (https://play.google.com/store)
- Microsoft: Store (https://microsoft.com/store)
- The practice of sideloading (Opens in new window) should be avoided at all costs to prevent viruses, phishing and other serious security breaches.
Agencies should consider using 'enterprise stores' for internal app distribution
Rationale
- Enterprise mobile apps, developed or purchased for enterprise use (i.e. business of government, not provision of public facing services) should not be distributed publicly using an app store.
Implications
- It is recommended that agencies setup an Enterprise Store to manage their internal mobile apps for the following benefits:
- Privacy and security: ensuring internal apps and associated information is not in the public domain.
- Expedite release cycle: apps can be updated and distributed quickly without lengthy review systems (e.g. Apple reviews apps each time an update is submitted for release)
- Financial consolidation: in addition to mobile device management (MDM) and additional Mobile application management (MAM) with Apple, Google, Microsoft (or a third-party aggregator), paid apps can be managed and deployed from within corporate networks.
Agencies should use the same developer account for all mobile apps
Rationale
- Customers should easily be able to find other apps by the developer.
Implications
- It is recommended that agencies use the same developer account to enable the customer to find other apps developed by the same developer. Agencies are encouraged to use the official Queensland Government developer account available in either the Apple Store or Google Play App Store by sending an email to the Online Products mailbox at online@qld.gov.au.
- Specific agency development accounts are common, however this practice will become fractured over time through machinery of government changes where agency names and remits change over time. It also makes it difficult for customers to easily access other relevant Queensland Government apps when published across different agency development accounts.
- Wherever possible, using a shared development account or naming convention should be considered to maximise customers being able to search for and find official Queensland Government apps within their store of choice.
- Multiple developments within the same agency is also considered poor practice (e.g. two Apple developer accounts, both publishing apps into the store) as well as having different naming conventions across multiple app stores (e.g. different naming conventions across Apple and Google stores).
App store descriptions should be fit for purpose
Rationale
- Customers should have a very clear understanding of what an app does, how it will benefit them and why they should download and use it.
Implications
- Each app store provides functionality to promote their app effectively.
- Design thinking and customer first principles should be applied to the strategy, content, design and customer journey of the app store content. For example:
- Consider the device the app will be found on such as smartphone, tablet, digital media player, smartTV or computer. Each platform has different design and content constraints and should be researched and considered (e.g. Apple and Google app stores have design variations across devices which impact on the way content is presented to the customer).
- Consider the platform the app will be found on such as Apple, Android or Microsoft. Each app store has variation in content options, layout and presentation equal weight should be applied to each platform and fit-for-purpose.
- Screenshots should match the current iteration of the app and be consistent across platforms.
- If video is available (e.g. video preview of the app functionality) it should be considered to enhance the customers value proposition.
- Customer journey mapping should be applied to content design. Consideration should be given to the following:
- Why and how the app augments and improves the existing service offering
- How to contact the app project team for support (not just a marketing or home page)
- How to make a suggestion, provide feedback or make a complaint
Effectiveness measures and improvement
Continuous improvement
Rationale
- Like all government services, mobile apps are not developed and forgotten. All mobile apps should form part of the continuous improvement plan for the multi-channel/omni channel delivery of the service.
Implications
- Special attention should be applied to mobile apps within a continuous improvement plan due to channel specific dependencies and influencing factors that may create discourse with service delivery and create a poor customer experience.
- The Queensland Government website www.qld.gov.au is updated on an ongoing basis by the Queensland Government to cater for platform and browser technology updates. Smartphone platforms, operating systems and browsers are also updated frequently (which may impact the functionality of a mobile app), however these changes will not automatically be updated within the app unless vendors are contractually obligated to do so. This should be addressed prior to the development of the app and documented.
- Any changes in service delivery need to be considered contextually for each channel of delivery. Any improvement should be considered within the mobile app and be supported by quantifiable research and customer insight feedback.
- Section Measuring and reporting mobile apps customer engagement will also assist in the continuous improvement of the mobile app.
- Provide options for customer feedback within the mobile app where possible.
Measuring and reporting mobile apps customer engagement
Rationale
- Measurement of mobile app engagement should be conducted regularly to help inform and determine improvements to mobile service delivery. Analysis should be both quantitative and qualitative.
Implications
- At the very least, platform analytics should be reported through Apple iTunes Connect (iOS) and Google App Analytics (Android). Analytics should report how many customers visited the app store promotion pages, how many customers downloaded the app, and the customer rating on the App Store and Google Play.
- Mobile app reporting should occur at least annually and should be included in the Departments benefits tracking and realisation plan.
- Mobile app reporting can be augmented with additional analytics platforms (such as Google Analytics 360, Adobe Marketing Cloud etc.) to establish insight into end-to-end customer journey. The use of funnels, goal completions and usage (e.g. time on page), can highlight weaknesses that can identify areas of improvement (e.g. bounce rates, abandonment points, how many remained active over time etc.).
- Agencies should consult with the Channel Improvement team at online@qld.gov.au to discuss their measurement requirements.
Marketing and communication considerations
Rationale
- Marketing and communication of the mobile app should be considered to ensure the app is downloaded and used.
Implications
- Consideration should be given to marketing the mobile app once it has been launched in consultation with departmental marketing and communications unit.
- Agencies could promote other agencies mobile apps via their own social media channels (and other appropriate channels). For example, Queensland Police Service (QPS) Facebook page could promote the State Emergency Services (SES) app during floods.
Internal government use of mobile apps
Mobile apps can be developed for internal government use by officers who for example, work out in the field. This ensures efficiencies, productivity and reduction in operating costs.
Mobile apps developed for staff allows the staff member uninterrupted access to tools and vital information for use in the field. This allows them to be more productive without the need to come to the office to complete and/or lodge paperwork. For example, a Community Recovery Worker might use a mobile app to lodge claims for financial assistance and link people in need with essential services from the field whilst reporting in real-time.
The above principles should also be used for the development of mobile apps for internal government use available at www.forgov.qld.gov.au.
Mobile app checklist
During the research, planning, scoping, developing, distribution and marketing of a mobile app, it is possible for key activities to be missed or not fully explored. A Mobile app checklist (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window) has been developed to facilitate this.
Review
The mobile apps principles should be reviewed annually with input from all Queensland Government agencies and entities, including Franchise Teams.