Even though developing a mobile or web app can seem abstract and elusive, it’s actually influenced by many factors simultaneously. That’s why timelines often stretch and cause delays in launching the application.
Each party naturally tries to avoid such scenarios – and much of the responsibility falls on the development team. But believe it or not, delays are not always the fault of the IT team. Read on to discover the most common reasons why your dream app might still be waiting to see the digital light of day.
1.Undersized development team
Not all problems come from the client’s side. Development firms can also be the source of delay. For example:
• The team is too small to maintain a reasonable pace.
• Developers are overloaded with multiple projects.
• The company accepts a project without having the capacity to deliver.
If you add poor project management and a missing project manager, the process can quickly fall apart into a series of delays and excuses.
2.Intentional delays
In some cases, the development firm may intentionally drag out the project to secure more billable hours. It’s unethical, but unfortunately still happens. Clients often don’t realize that some “complications” could be solved faster – or avoided entirely.
3.Frequent and unplanned changes from the client
A very common cause of delays can also be the client – especially one who is “constantly changing something.” We’re not talking about essential functionality, but changes like:
• changing color schemes during development,
• repeatedly reworking the design,
• adding new ideas regardless of the current development phase.
These changes might seem harmless, but when frequent and unplanned, they slow developers down. Instead of completing key features, the team spends time on cosmetic details. Time slips by – and the result stays out of reach.
4.Lack of feedback and testing
Another client-side issue is lack of engagement in testing. New versions get deployed, but no one tests or provides feedback. Developers don’t know what to fix or improve. The result? Everything comes to a halt.
Testing from the client’s side is crucial – not just for catching bugs, but to ensure development is heading in the right direction.
5.Unrealistic expectations and vague requirements
Sometimes clients assume a change is “a small thing,” when in reality it requires major architectural changes. Or they provide vague input and expect the developer to figure out everything. These situations often lead to misunderstandings and rewrites – which again takes more time.
How to avoid these problems:
• Set clear priorities: Focus on key features first. Cosmetics can wait.
• Be ready to test: Frequent testing saves time and money.
• Have a solid plan: A clear brief and roadmap prevent major frustration.
• Choose the right partner: Transparency, experience, and open communication are key.
So, if you feel your project is taking forever, it might not be due to “complex technology.” Many reasons are human – misunderstandings, unplanned changes, or poor organization.
At Regulus team, we believe good development is built on clear communication, solid planning, and transparency. That’s why we work with clients as partners, not just vendors. We help them avoid unnecessary delays and bring their apps to life thoughtfully – and on time.