How Much Does It Cost to Design a Mobile App in Singapore 2024?

October 21, 2024

Find out how the cost to design a mobile app varies with complexity and features, plus tips to optimize your investment.

When you’re ready to turn your app idea into a reality, one of the first things you’ll probably ask yourself is, “How much is this going to cost me?” It’s a fair question, and an important one. The design of your app is a make-or-break factor.

A smooth user interface (UI) and an intuitive user experience (UX) can be the difference between an app that thrives and one that falls flat.

So, what can you expect in terms of mobile app design cost in 2024? The answer depends on a few key factors.

Whether you’re looking to build something simple or a more complex app with advanced features, your budget will vary based on the complexity, the platform, and whether you’re working with a design team or outsourcing to a mobile app development company.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most important factors that influence app design costs and show you how to make smart decisions without blowing your budget.

The Importance of Mobile App Design in 2024

Before diving into the cost to design a mobile app, it’s important to understand why mobile app design matters so much.

The app market is fiercely competitive, with millions of apps available on the App Store and Google Play Store. With users bombarded by options, it’s no longer enough to have a functional app. The app needs to look and feel great.

The UI design of your app will determine how users interact with it, while UX design ensures that those interactions are smooth and enjoyable.

According to recent statistics, mobile apps that are easy to use and visually appealing retain more users and lead to higher revenue.

In 2024, the average cost of app design has increased as businesses recognize the importance of creating polished and intuitive apps.

Factors That Influence Mobile App Design Cost

When determining the cost to design an app, several key factors come into play. Here's a breakdown of the most important ones:

1. App Complexity

The app complexity has a significant impact on how much it costs to design. Generally, mobile apps fall into three categories:

Simple apps: These include apps with basic functionalities like a calculator or to-do list. The design requirements are minimal, often involving fewer screens and simpler UI elements. Cost: SGD 5,000 to SGD 10,000.
Average complexity apps: Apps with user accounts, social media logins, or basic integrations such as e-commerce features typically fall into this category. These apps require more detailed designs and possibly platform-specific versions for iOS and Android. Cost: SGD 20,000 to SGD 40,000.
Complex apps: Apps that involve real-time data syncing, custom animations, and advanced features such as AI or machine learning. Think of apps like Uber or Instagram, which require sophisticated UI and UX designs. Cost: SGD 50,000 and upwards.

2. Number of Screens

The more screens your app has, the more time the design team will spend creating unique layouts and experiences for each one.

A simple app may have 5-10 screens, while a more complex app could have 50 or more, requiring a much larger design budget. The more screens, the higher the cost of app design.

3. Platform-Specific Design

Are you designing for iOS, Android, or both? Designing for multiple platforms means additional work to account for differences in screen sizes, resolution, and design guidelines (such as Apple's Human Interface Guidelines and Google's Material Design).

Designing a native mobile app for both iOS and Android requires more effort than creating a cross-platform app, which also reflects in the design cost.

Platform-specific design for both platforms will increase the cost, especially if you aim to launch your app on the App Store and Google Play Store.

4. UI/UX Design Complexity

The level of customization you require will also impact the mobile app design cost. If your app needs highly customized UI elements, animations, or transitions, the design process will take longer and cost more.

Custom UI design not only requires expert designers but also the time needed to ensure the app looks and functions seamlessly on various devices.

For example:

Simple UI design with basic elements may cost less, while apps that incorporate rich animations or interactive elements will require additional time and budget.
For complex UI, costs could go upwards of SGD 50,000, especially if you need custom animations, transitions, or personalized design elements.

5. UX Research & Prototyping

A large part of the mobile app design budget should go towards UX research, wireframing, and prototyping.

Understanding user behavior through in-depth research allows the UI/UX design team to craft an app that not only looks great but functions smoothly. This initial investment can save money in the long run by avoiding costly redesigns.

Wireframes and prototypes give a clear blueprint of how the app will function, and these early-stage designs can range from SGD 5,000 to SGD 10,000, depending on the app’s complexity.
The overall UI/UX design process includes user testing, interaction design, and usability analysis, which ensures your app performs well for your target audience.

6. Hourly Rates for Designers

The cost to design a mobile app often depends on the hourly rate of your design team. Rates can vary based on the team's location, experience, and expertise. For instance:

Design agencies or freelance designers in Southeast Asia typically charge lower hourly rates, ranging from SGD 50 to SGD 150 per hour, while designers in Western countries may charge upwards of SGD 200 per hour.
Working with a design agency or an app development company often brings more reliability and experience, but it may come at a premium.

How to Lower the Cost of Mobile App Design Without Sacrificing Quality

Designing a mobile app can be expensive, but there are ways to keep the cost of designing an app down without compromising on quality. Here are some strategies to reduce app design costs while still creating a polished, professional product.

1. Use Pre-Made UI Kits and Design Templates

One of the easiest ways to lower the mobile app design cost is by utilizing pre-made UI kits and design templates. These templates offer ready-made design elements, including icons, buttons, and layouts, that can be customized to fit your app.

Many no-code app builders and app development companies offer access to design kits that simplify the process.

Pros: Quick, cost-effective, and still customizable.
Cons: May limit the uniqueness of your app’s appearance.

By using templates and pre-built design elements, you can speed up the design process and reduce app design costs significantly, especially if you’re developing a simple app or average app.

2. Prioritize Essential Features First

Another way to lower the cost of a mobile app design is to focus on the most critical features first. Start by developing a minimum viable product (MVP)—a version of your app that includes only the core functionalities necessary to meet your business and user needs.

This approach helps keep the design costs in check while allowing you to test your app's success before investing in additional features.

Once your app gains traction, you can gradually enhance its design by adding more complex features, such as custom animations, UI elements, or cross-platform capabilities for iOS and Android.

3. Outsource to Cost-Effective Regions

The cost to design a mobile app can vary significantly based on where your design team is located.

Hiring a mobile app development company from regions with lower labor costs, such as Southeast Asia, can lower your overall expenses while still ensuring high-quality work.

For example:

Design rates in Southeast Asia can range from SGD 50 to SGD 150 per hour, compared to SGD 200+ per hour in North America or Western Europe.
Outsourcing your design project to experienced teams in these regions offers a great balance between affordability and expertise.

This is one of the most effective ways to manage app design costs without compromising on the final design’s quality.

4. Work with a Fractional Design Team

If you’re not ready to hire a full-time design team but need access to professional expertise, consider using a fractional design team.

With a fractional team, you get the flexibility to scale your design resources as needed without the commitment of permanent hires. This approach can lower your app design cost while still ensuring you have access to top-tier talent.

At Coconut Lab, our Unlimited Membership Plan offers this exact solution. You can work with experienced designers on an as-needed basis, allowing you to optimize your costs based on the complexity of your mobile app.

5. Leverage No-Code Platforms for Basic Design Needs

For startups or small businesses, opting for no-code app builders like Appy Pie or Glide can be a smart choice if you're building a simple app.

These platforms provide drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-made UI designs, which can significantly lower your app design costs while allowing you to quickly create a functional app.

The Role of a Design Team in Mobile App Development

The design team plays a critical role in your app’s success. This includes UX/UI designers, product designers, and sometimes front-end developers who work closely with the development team.

The design team ensures that every screen in your app is optimized for usability, aesthetic appeal, and smooth transitions.

A professional mobile app development company will usually have a dedicated design team that works on creating visually appealing and functional apps that align with current design guidelines.

The design phase is just one part of the overall development process, and understanding how long it takes to build an app can give you a clearer picture of the complete journey from concept to launch.

How Coconut Lab’s "Unlimited" Membership Plan Helps Lower Design Costs

At Coconut Lab, we offer an Unlimited Membership Plan that gives you access to a dedicated team of 20+ expert app designers, developers, and marketers, making app design more accessible and cost-effective.

Instead of dealing with the uncertainty of project-based contracts, our membership plan allows you to scale your app design and development needs as your project evolves.

Here’s why Coconut Lab is a smart choice for mobile app design:

Fractional design teams let you access professional designers without the high cost of in-house hiring.
Monthly Flat Rate—whether you're designing a simple app or something more complex.
We’ve helped over 70 brands bring their app ideas to life, and we can help you too, whether it’s designing for iOS, Android, or both.

By leveraging our Unlimited Membership Plan, you get access to high-quality UI/UX designers without the typical agency overhead. This plan is perfect for businesses that need ongoing app updates, new feature designs, or even a complete redesign down the line.

Wrapping It Up: Why Design Is Worth the Investment

The cost to design a mobile app can vary greatly depending on your project’s scope, features, and complexity.

While it's tempting to opt for a lower-cost solution, investing in good design pays off in the long run, improving user engagement, retention, and overall app success.

Whether you’re creating a simple app or diving into a more complex project, design is an integral part of your mobile app development process.

Coconut Lab offers a perfect solution through our Unlimited Membership Plan, giving you access to top-tier app designers at a fraction of the cost of in-house or traditional outsourcing models.

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