UNIT 7: MOBILE APPS DEVELOPMENT

Unit 7: Mobile Apps Development

Level: 3
Unit type: Internal
Guided learning hours: 60

Unit in brief
Learners investigate mobile apps and design, and develop an application intended for
use on mobile devices.

Unit introduction
Millions of people carry a mobile device that rivals the capability of many desktop
computers. These devices offer a broad range of functionality by bringing together
many different technologies. To develop high-quality mobile apps, you must have an
understanding of how they are designed to run specifically on mobile devices and how
you can exploit the technologies currently available to ensure an effective final product.
In this unit you will investigate mobile apps, how they are used, why they are created,
the differences between devices and the implications of creating and using software on
mobile devices. You will study the design considerations inherent in mobile apps and
general software design. You will design, develop, test and review a mobile app to fulfil
a specific set of client requirements.
With over a million apps on both Apple App Store™ and Google Play Store™, and the
growing popularity of Microsoft Windows® mobile devices, the mobile app development
industry is highly competitive and continually expanding. Many organisations use mobile
apps to support their operations in one way or another. Mobile app development is an
important skill for software developers who wish to retain their competitive edge. This
unit will help you to progress to an app development role and gives you a basis for
further study of the design and development of mobile apps and services.

Learning aims
In this unit you will:
A Investigate mobile apps and mobile devices
B Design a mobile app that utilises device functions
C Develop a mobile app that utilises device functions.

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Information Technology –

 Specification – Issue 4 – March 2024 © Pearson Education Limited 2024 97
UNIT 7: MOBILE APPS DEVELOPMENT

Summary of unit
Learning aim Key content areas Assessment approach

A Investigate mobile A1 Types of mobile apps A report evaluating

apps and mobile A2 Context of mobile bespoke mobile apps
devices apps A3 Mobile device running on different
mobile devices.
integration
An analysis of mobile
A4 Mobile app
device functions and
programming
the context in which
mobile apps are used.

B Design a mobile B1 Requirements for Analysis, design and

app that utilises an app development of a
device B2 Designing a mobile app mobile app.
functions An analysis of context.
Product design
documents. A log of the
C Develop a mobile C1 Content development process,
app that utilises preparation for annotated code,
device mobile apps screenshots of running
functions app or demonstration of
C2 Developing a
mobile app app running on a mobile
device.
C3 Testing a mobile
Testing documentation,
app C4 Lessons learned
including a test log, log
from developing a
of errors and any
mobile resolutions made.
app
C5 Reviewing own
skills, knowledge and
behaviours

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Information Technology –

Specification – Issue 4 – March 2024 © Pearson Education Limited 2024 98

UNIT 7: MOBILE APPS DEVELOPMENT

Content
Learning aim A: Investigate mobile apps and mobile
devices A1 Types of mobile apps
Characteristics and implications of different types of mobile applications. •
Native apps – those that are programmed for, and installed on, a specific
mobile platform.
• Web apps – remote apps not required to be installed on the device,
e.g. mobile web pages.
• Hybrid apps – cross-platform-compatible scripting that can be installed on a
device.
A2 Context of mobile apps
The features, purpose and context of mobile apps impact on their design, development
and use, including:
• locale, e.g. maps
• utility, e.g. file manager
• productivity, e.g. office
• immersive full screen, e.g. games
• entertainment, e.g. music players
• widgets, e.g. news ticker, quick device settings.
A3 Mobile device integration
Characteristics and implications of integrating mobile app services on different
mobile devices.
• Using device functions, e.g. accelerometer, global positioning system (GPS). •
User interface, e.g. small screen, touch screen.
• Operating system, e.g. Android, iOS®.
• Device permissions, e.g. read phone status, network access, read contacts.
A4 Mobile app programming
The development options and environments for developing apps.
• Programming languages, e.g. Kotlin, Swift.
• Programming environments, e.g. Android Studio, Xcode®.

Learning aim B: Design a mobile app that utilises device

functions B1 Analyse requirements for an app
The concepts of mobile computing requirements of an identified situation.
• Device capabilities required, e.g. accelerometer, GPS.
• Input required, e.g. touch screen, voice, timed event.
• Output required, e.g. video, audio, vibration.
• The user’s needs, e.g. location-based services, accessibility considerations.

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Information Technology –

Specification – Issue 4 – March 2024 © Pearson Education Limited 2024 99

UNIT 7: MOBILE APPS DEVELOPMENT

B2 Designing a mobile app

Appropriate design documentation for a mobile app to meet identified requirements.
• User requirements.
• A proposed solution:
o description of program tasks
o target platform(s)
o screen layouts and navigation
o algorithms, e.g. pseudo code, activity diagrams
o control structures
o data validation
 o integration of device capabilities, i.e. how, when and where device capabilities
will be utilised.
• Alternative solutions.
• Details of resources and assets to be used:
o predefined code
o video, graphical, audio.
• Test and review schedule.
• Constraints, e.g. time, phone permissions, phone capabilities, limitation of platform. •
Local legal and ethical considerations.

Learning aim C: Develop a mobile app that utilises device

functions C1 Content preparation for mobile apps
The application of appropriate processing and editing techniques to prepare resources
for each specific device and purpose.
• Optimisation, e.g. file size, image size, selecting/removing sections of prewritten code. •
Alternative formats for screen orientation, e.g. landscape, portrait. • File formats, i.e.
compatibility.
• Compression.
• Encryption.
C2 Developing a mobile app
Producing a mobile app to meet identified requirements through the use of appropriate
programming language(s), tools and/or development environments, e.g. Android Studio,
Xcode.
• Programming constructs:
o constants
o operators; arithmetic, logical
o reserved words, e.g. public, final
o input and output commands
o local variables
o global variables
o assignment
o sequence
o selection
o iteration.

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Information Technology –

Specification – Issue 4 – March 2024 © Pearson Education Limited 2024 100

UNIT 7: MOBILE APPS DEVELOPMENT

• Functions and procedures.

• Data types, e.g. char, integer, real, Boolean.
• Objects and classes.
• Event handling, e.g. forms, screen components, actions.
• Utilise device capabilities, e.g. language APIs, Android Sensor,
iOS Core Motion Framework.
• Interrogate device status, e.g. location, battery life.
• Orientation of device, e.g. autodetection, force orientation mode. •
Code annotation.
• Create executable for target device.
• Quality control:
o efficiency and performance, e.g. system resources used, accessing
storage media
o maintainability, i.e. the ease of modification and improving the app
o portability, i.e. range of device compatibility
o usability, i.e. ease of use, how easily the user can interact with the app.
C3 Testing a mobile app
The appropriate testing methodologies to ensure the mobile app meets the identified
requirements.
• Test plans and test data.
• How and what to test:
o functionality, e.g. all utilities work as intended
o acceptance, e.g. fitness for purpose
o performance, e.g. stress loading
o usability, e.g. users can complete tasks easily
o compatibility, e.g. different model/brand of phone.
• Selecting appropriate test users.
• User feedback, i.e. response from end users regarding the app.
• Analysis of user feedback:
o collation of results
o identification of trends, e.g. ‘60% of users suggested… ’.
• Improving and refining the app:
o making use of the outcomes of testing and review
o change logs
o versioning
o optimising the app, e.g. exporting assets to different file formats, improving the
efficiency of code, developing the user interface based on review and feedback.
C4 Lessons learned from developing a mobile app
Evaluate the effectiveness of the app that has been developed.
• The extent to which the solution met the identified requirements. •
Issues arising during testing and refinement.
• How the final app could be improved to better meet the needs of the user and
fulfil the identified client requirements.
• Alternative solutions that could be implemented if the task were to be repeated.

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Information Technology –

Specification – Issue 4 – March 2024 © Pearson Education Limited 2024 101

UNIT 7: MOBILE APPS DEVELOPMENT

C5 Reviewing own skills, knowledge and behaviours

The skills, knowledge and behaviours required when implementing mobile apps.
• Planning and recording opportunities for skills, knowledge and behaviours
development, including the setting of relevant targets with timescales, and how
and when feedback from others will be gathered.
• Reviewing and responding to the outcomes of own skills knowledge and
behaviours development, including the use of feedback from others. • Own
behaviours and their impact on outcomes, including professionalism,
etiquette, being supportive of others, timely and appropriate leadership,
accountability.
• Evaluating targets set for skills, knowledge and behaviour development to
obtain insights into own performance.

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Information Technology –

Specification – Issue 4 – March 2024 © Pearson Education Limited 2024 102

UNIT 7: MOBILE APPS DEVELOPMENT

Assessment criteria

Pass Merit Distinction

Learning aim A: Investigate mobile apps and A.D1 Evaluate how the
mobile devices effectiveness
of mobile app
 A.P1 Explain how the A.M1 Analyse how the implementation
purpose of a mobile implementation and design are
app and the needs, and affected by the
preferences and design of mobile intended user,
characteristics of the apps is affected by current
user affect its design the intended user, technologies and
and the provided current technologies the purpose of
features. and the purpose of the app.
A.P2 Explain the impact the app.
of current
technologies
on the design and
implementation of
mobile apps.

Learning aim B: Design a mobile app that BC.D2 Evaluate the

utilises device functions design and
optimised mobile
B.P3 Produce designs B.M2 Justify how app against client
for a mobile app to decisions made during requirements.
meet identified the BC.D3 Demonstrate
requirements. design process individual
B.P4 Review the ensure the design responsibility,
mobile app for the app will creativity and
designs with meet identified effective
others to identify and requirements. self-management
inform refinements. in the design,
development and
Learning aim C: Develop a mobile app that review of a mobile
utilises device functions app.

C.P5 Produce a mobile C.M3 Optimise a

app that meets the mobile app that
design meets the
criteria. design criteria.
C.P6 Test a mobile
app for
functionality,
usability, stability
and performance.
C.P7 Review the extent to
which the mobile
app
meets the identified
requirements

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Information Technology –

Specification – Issue 4 – March 2024 © Pearson Education Limited 2024 103

UNIT 7: MOBILE APPS DEVELOPMENT

Essential information for assignments

The recommended structure of assessment is shown in the unit summary, along with
suitable forms of evidence. Section 6 Internal assessment gives information on setting
assignments and there is also further information on our website.
There is a maximum number of two summative assignments for this unit.
The relationship of the learning aims and criteria is:
Learning aim A: (A.P1, A.P2, A.M1, A.D1)
Learning aims B and C: (B.P3, B.P4, C.P5, C.P6, C.P7, B.M2, C.M3, BC.D2, BC.D3)

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Information Technology –

Specification – Issue 4 – March 2024 © Pearson Education Limited 2024 104

UNIT 7: MOBILE APPS DEVELOPMENT

Further information for teachers and assessors

Resource requirements
For this unit, learners must have access to:
• an integrated development environment with support for mobile development
such as Android Studio, Eclipse®, Xcode® or similar
• mobile devices, such as Android phones or tablets, Apple® phones or tablets,
or similar are also required in order to enable learners to meet assessment
criteria.

Essential information for assessment decisions

Learning aim A
Learners must have access to more than one mobile device configuration to allow for a
full investigation and evaluation of the chosen apps, for example different versions of
mobile device operating system, mobile phones or tablets.
Learners will investigate at least two different apps that have implementations on at
least two different mobile platforms, for example, iOS and Android. The chosen
examples must provide learners with enough scope to examine a range of current
technologies and design features, and the ways in which they are implemented on
different systems.
For Distinction standard, learners will provide a clear and balanced evaluation of how
the capabilities and constraints of different devices and platforms impact on the success
of mobile phone apps implementation. Learners will provide clear examples of how they
used the principles of mobile design, the requirements of the user and current
technology, and how successful and/or appropriate these were to the identified
situation. Learners must make comparisons between different apps and different
implementations of the same app, making justified suggestions for improvements. The
evidence will demonstrate high-quality written/oral communication through use of
accurate and fluent technical vocabulary to support a well-structured and considered
response that clearly connects chains of reasoning.
For Merit standard, learners will show a clear understanding of how the context in
which the app is designed to operate impacts on its design, development and use. The
analysis must provide a balanced discussion as to how user needs, the tasks that are to
be performed and the current technologies (including target platform and device
capabilities) impact on features available in the apps and the way in which features are
implemented. The report will be technically accurate and demonstrate good-quality
written/oral communication.
For Pass standard, learners will explain how a mobile app’s design and features are
affected by the task(s) that it must perform and the needs and preferences of the user.
The descriptions will be supported by relevant examples of how these needs and
preferences are met in at least two different mobile phone apps. Learners will explain
how the technologies currently available on mobile platforms affect the ways in which
an app is designed and implemented. Learners will support their explanations with
examples from the identified apps. Learners will explain how apps that have
implementations on two or more devices make use of technologies currently available
on the target platform and how the implementations differ from each other in terms of
design, use and application. The evidence may have some inaccuracies and the
explanations may be unbalanced.

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Information Technology –

Specification – Issue 4 – March 2024 © Pearson Education Limited 2024 105

UNIT 7: MOBILE APPS DEVELOPMENT

Learning aims B and C

Learners must have access to more than one mobile device configuration to allow for
design for multiple devices and implementation of a developed app onto a mobile
device. For example, different versions of mobile device operating systems, mobile
phones or tablets.
Learners must develop a mobile app that is of sufficient complexity to demonstrate
appropriate use of a range of technologies/functions offered by modern mobile devices.
For Distinction standard, learners will draw on and show synthesis of knowledge
across the learning aims to evaluate how the decisions and methodologies applied
throughout the design, development, maintenance, optimisation and testing of the
mobile app impacted on its effectiveness. Learners will justify their designs and provide
a discussion on why alternative designs were not used.
Learners will provide a detailed evaluation of their completed app’s effectiveness in
comparison to alternative solutions. Their evaluation must be supported by evidence
from all stages of the project to reach conclusions and suggest future developments.
It will contain a systematic and accurate review of their own skills, performance and
behaviours, and the impact that this had on the effectiveness of the final app.
Learners will take individual responsibility for their own work, for example identifying
potential issues and resolving them, reviewing their work and making improvements,
keeping their work safe and secure and showing responsible use of quoted materials.
They will show creativity, for example by taking innovative approaches to problem
solving and through the originality of their solution.
For Merit standard, learners will apply their knowledge through the selection and
application of appropriate methodologies to design, develop, maintain and test an
effective, optimised mobile app to meet identified requirements. Learners will produce
comprehensive designs to cover multiple devices, alternative solutions and use of device
functions. Learners must make use of feedback from others to help improve and refine
the designs to create a solution. They will justify decisions made when developing the
design. When developing their app, learners will produce optimal code in order to
implement the required device functions in the most efficient way.
Learners will gather and analyse feedback on their app in order to make improvements.
They will record the changes that are made and produce subsequent versions of the app
as appropriate.
Learners must optimise their apps by making use of testing and feedback throughout
development to improve and refine the final solution, for example resampling and
exporting assets to different file types to reduce demands on system resources,
making use of additional phone features, enhancing the user interface. Learners must
provide a clear and balanced analysis of the success of their solution, giving accurate
and reasoned suggestions as to how it could be improved. They will discuss alternative
solutions that may be implemented if the task were to be repeated. They must
consider how decisions they made during the project affected the outcomes and justify
why they made these decisions.

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Information Technology –

Specification – Issue 4 – March 2024 © Pearson Education Limited 2024 106

UNIT 7: MOBILE APPS DEVELOPMENT
For Pass standard, learners will apply understanding through the planning and
development of a mobile app to meet identified requirements. Learners will produce
detailed designs for their mobile app, including user requirements, visual designs and
technical documentation. Learners must show evidence that they have sought feedback
on their suggested solutions and made use of this feedback to create a final design.
Learners must carry out and document a number of tests and reviews of the mobile app,
including use of test users and appropriate test plans, schedules and test data, to ensure
that the solution works and meets the identified criteria. They will provide evidence that
different types of testing have been carried out and that important problems and errors
identified have been addressed.
Learners must install the app on a target device and it must work, but there may be
some performance issues and/or the implemented solution may not be as efficient or
effective as it could be.
Learners will review how the decisions they made during planning and development
affected the final app, explaining to what extent it meets the initial project brief. They
must consider both positive and negative aspects of the app, although their review
may be unbalanced and/or superficial. Learners will make reference to the possible
alternative solutions that could be implemented.

Links to other units

This unit links to:
• Unit 1: Information Technology Systems – Strategy, Management and
Infrastructure
• Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business
• Unit 4: Programming
• Unit 6: Website Development
• Unit 8: Computer Games Development
• Unit 9: IT Project Management
• Unit 11: Cyber Security and Incident Management
• Unit 12: IT Technical Support and Management
• Unit 14: Customising and Integrating Applications
• Unit 16: Digital 2D and 3D Graphics
• Unit 17: Digital Animation and Effects.

Opportunities to develop transferable employability skills

In completing this unit, learners will have the opportunity to develop a number of
transferable employability skills, including:
• analytical and decision-making skills
• formal written communication
• selection of appropriate IT tools and systems used to develop mobile
app solutions
• self-management and planning skills
• ability to work in a legal, moral and ethical manner.

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Information Technology –

Specification – Issue 4 – March 2024 © Pearson Education Limited 2024 107
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Information Technology–

Specification – Issue 4– March 2024 © Pearson Education Limited 2024 108