Buzzy Project Guide
Planning for success with Buzzy
Note: this is a preview of the Buzzy Guide - this will be finalized soon, but it's a good place to help you with your road to success with Figma & Buzzy.
Welcome to the Buzzy Guide, a resource for designers and developers looking to turn their Figma designs into fully functioning web and mobile applications. Buzzy is a powerful no-code platform that generates code from your Figma designs, including the frontend/UI, backend, database, and business logic. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step plan for preparing your app/site for deployment and releasing it to production and the respective app stores. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a design novice, Buzzy can help you turn your vision into a reality without the need for coding. Let's get started!
Assumptions/Pre-Requisites
You should have Figma skills and be able to create high-quality designs using Figma's tools and features. For some hints on Best Practices please see this article
You should have completed the Buzzy Getting Started Guide & accreditation program and have a solid understanding of how to use the Buzzy platform to turn Figma designs into fully functioning apps/sites.
Get famliar with the Buzzy samples and videos
Plan Overview
Design & Development Phase
Define the data model, including the entities and their attributes.
Create a database schema that outlines the relationships between the entities and their attributes.
Use Figma to create the visual design of the app/site, including the layout, color scheme, typography, and design components.
Create a responsive design that looks great on all devices and screen sizes.
Define the features and functionality that the app/site will provide.
Create a feature list that outlines the different screens, interactions, and user flows that will be included in the app/site.
Prioritize the features based on their importance and impact on the user experience.
Use the Buzzy for Figma plugin to markup the Figma designs and turn them into functional app/site components.
Add interactions, animations, and other dynamic elements to the designs using the Buzzy for Figma plugin.
Ensure that the designs are fully responsive and optimized for different devices.
If required, develop custom formulas and validation rules, integrate with third-party backend systems, or develop specific business logic.
Testing Phase
Conduct continuous and iterative testing to ensure that the app/site meets the required functionality and UX.
Create test cases to simulate different scenarios and user behavior.
Conduct system testing to ensure that interactions and functionality between different user groups are correct.
Carry out security testing to ensure that the app/site is secure and meets security standards.
Deployment Phase
Set up the necessary accounts for deployment, including hosting and domain registration.
Configure the deployment environment and ensure that it meets the required specifications.
Deploy the app/site to the production environment.
Conduct a final round of testing to ensure that the deployed app/site works as expected.
App Store Deployment Phase
Create the necessary assets for app store deployment, including icons, screenshots, and descriptions.
Set up accounts with the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Complete the app store compliance forms and surveys required by each store.
Submit the app/site for approval and work with the store representatives to resolve any issues that arise.
Once approved, release the app/site to the respective app stores.
By following this plan, you can prepare for deployment and ensure that their app/site meets the required functionality, UX, and security standards. The Design & Development Phase tasks involve defining the data model, creating the UI/UX design, using the Buzzy for Figma plugin to turn the Figma designs into fully functioning app/site components, and any required development work. It's important to keep in mind that each project may have unique requirements, so the plan may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Design & Development Phase
The Design & Development Phase is an essential step in the app/site development process and involves using the Buzzy for Figma plugin to markup the Figma designs and further development work as required.
Here are some of the key tasks involved in the Design & Development Phase:
Define the Data Model:
The data model is the foundation of the app/site and defines the structure and relationships between the different types of data that the app/site will store and manipulate.
Define the entities (such as users, products, orders, etc.) and their attributes (such as names, descriptions, prices, etc.).
Create a database schema that outlines the relationships between the entities and their attributes.
Please see these two important videos on Working with Data and new security roles and settings
Create the UI/UX Design:
Use Figma to create the visual design of the app/site, including the layout, color scheme, typography, and design components.
Create a responsive design that looks great on all devices and screen sizes.
Ensure that the design is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Follow best practices for Figma & Buzzy here
Use Buzzy for Figma to Markup the Designs:
Use the Buzzy for Figma plugin to markup the Figma designs and turn them into functional app/site components.
Add interactions, animations, and other dynamic elements to the designs using the Buzzy for Figma plugin.
Ensure that the designs are fully responsive and optimized for different devices.
Develop Custom Formulas and Validation Rules (if required):
If the app/site requires custom formulas or validation rules, you may need to bring in developer expertise to create them.
Define the specific requirements for the custom formulas and validation rules.
Work with the developer to create the necessary logic and integrate it into the app/site.
Integrate with Third-Party Backend Systems (if required):
If the app/site requires integration with third-party backend systems, you may need to bring in developer expertise to set up the integration.
Define the specific requirements for the integration, including the data format, authentication, and API endpoints.
Work with the developer to create the necessary logic and integrate it into the app/site.
Develop Specific Business Logic (if required):
If the app/site requires specific business logic that cannot be provided by the Buzzy out-of-the-box functionality, you may need to bring in developer expertise to create custom HTML and JavaScript widgets, make REST API calls, and use the Buzzy API to allow third-party systems to integrate with the app/site.
Define the specific requirements for the custom logic.
Work with the developer to create the necessary logic and integrate it into the app/site.
By completing these tasks, you can turn the Figma designs into a fully functional app/site that meets the required functionality and user experience. It's important to keep in mind that development work may require additional resources and expertise, and it's crucial to work closely with your development team to ensure that the app/site meets your specific requirements.
Testing Phase
The Testing Phase is a crucial step in the app/site development process and involves continuous and iterative testing to ensure that the app/site meets the required functionality and user experience. It's important to test the app/site with real users in real-world scenarios to uncover potential issues and gather feedback.
Additionally, have a strong test plan/methodology is important. There are many tools to do this, but at the core documenting your tests can be done simply on a spreadsheet, for example see this
Here are some of the key tasks involved in the Testing Phase:
Continuous and Iterative Testing:
Conduct continuous and iterative testing throughout the app/site development process.
Create test cases to simulate different scenarios and user behavior.
Use the Buzzy for Figma plugin to create interactive prototypes and gather feedback from users without any/minimal development input.
Use the feedback to refine the design and development of the app/site.
System Testing:
Conduct system testing to ensure that interactions and functionality between different user groups are correct.
Test the app/site under a variety of load conditions to ensure that it performs well under heavy traffic.
Security Testing:
Carry out security testing to ensure that the app/site is secure and meets security standards.
Test for common vulnerabilities, such as cross-site scripting and SQL injection attacks.
Iterating is a crucial aspect of the testing phase, and the Buzzy for Figma plugin allows you to do this quickly and efficiently with minimal development input. You can create interactive prototypes and gather feedback from users, refine the design and development of the app/site, and test it again. This iterative process allows you to refine the app/site and improve its functionality and user experience.
Methodologies like Design Thinking can improve the product development lifecycle by focusing on the needs and wants of users. Design Thinking involves understanding the user's needs, defining the problem, generating ideas, prototyping, testing, and refining. By following this methodology, you can create an app/site that meets the needs of users and delivers a great user experience.
Deployment Phase
The Deployment Phase is a critical step in the app/site development process and involves deploying the app/site to the production environment. The process involves selecting an appropriate Buzzy deployment plan, configuring the deployment, and conducting a final round of testing to ensure that the deployed app/site works as expected.
Here are some of the key tasks involved in the Deployment Phase:
Select an Appropriate Buzzy Deployment Plan:
Buzzy offers a range of deployment plans, including cloud-based hosting, self-hosting, and enterprise hosting.
Select the appropriate deployment plan based on your specific requirements and budget.
Configure the Deployment Environment:
Set up the necessary accounts for deployment, including hosting and domain registration.
Configure the deployment environment and ensure that it meets the required specifications.
Customize the deployment environment by setting up a CNAME, providing assets like a logo for emails, and configuring SMTP server settings, among other customizations.
Deploy the App/Site to the Production Environment:
Deploy the app/site to the production environment once you have completed the necessary configurations and testing.
Conduct a final round of testing to ensure that the app/site works as expected.
If you're deploying native apps, an additional App Store Deployment Phase may be required. This phase involves creating the necessary assets for app store deployment, such as icons, screenshots, and descriptions. You'll need to set up accounts with the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, complete the app store compliance forms and surveys required by each store, and submit the app/site for approval. You'll need to work with the store representatives to resolve any issues that arise and release the app/site to the respective app stores once it's been approved.
By following this plan, you can ensure that your app/site is deployed to the production environment with minimal issues and meets the required functionality, UX, and security standards. It's important to keep in mind that each project may have unique requirements, so the plan may need to be adjusted accordingly.
App Store Deployment Phase
The App Store Deployment Phase involves preparing and submitting the app/site to the respective app stores (Apple App Store and Google Play Store) for approval and release. This phase requires attention to detail and adherence to the specific requirements of each app store.
Here are some of the key tasks involved in the App Store Deployment Phase:
Create Assets for App Store Deployment:
Create app icons, screenshots, and descriptions that meet the requirements of each app store.
Ensure that the assets are of high quality and accurately represent the app/site.
Set up Accounts with the Apple App Store and Google Play Store:
Create developer accounts with the respective app stores and set up the necessary billing and payment details.
Ensure that all required information (such as company name, contact information, etc.) is accurate and up-to-date.
Complete the App Store Compliance Forms and Surveys:
Each app store requires certain compliance forms and surveys to be completed before the app/site can be submitted for approval.
These forms and surveys vary based on the type of app/site being submitted and the app store requirements.
Ensure that all forms and surveys are completed accurately and submitted on time.
Submit the App/Site for Approval:
Once all the assets, accounts, and compliance forms have been prepared, submit the app/site for approval.
It's important to note that app store approval can take several days or even weeks, so be prepared for a waiting period.
If the app/site is rejected, work with the app store representatives to identify and resolve any issues that caused the rejection.
Release the App/Site to the Respective App Stores:
Once the app/site has been approved, it can be released to the respective app stores.
Make sure to adhere to the release guidelines and procedures for each app store.
After the release, monitor the app/site for any issues or bugs and be prepared to provide updates and bug fixes if necessary.
By following these tasks, you can ensure that your app/site is properly prepared for deployment to the respective app stores and meets the specific requirements of each app store.
Post Deployment
Here are some of the key tasks involved in the Post-Deployment Phase:
Set up an Issue Tracking System:
Set up an issue tracking system to track bugs, errors, and other issues that users may encounter while using the app/site.
Assign priorities and severity levels to each issue to ensure that they are addressed in the appropriate order.
Work with your development team to fix the issues and update the app/site as necessary.
Plan for Fixes and Future Major Releases:
Plan for minor bug fixes and updates to the app/site as necessary.
Plan for major releases that include new features, functionality, and improvements to the UX.
Prioritize the fixes and new features based on their impact and the feedback from users.
By completing these tasks, you can ensure that the app/site continues to meet the required functionality, UX, and security standards. It's important to keep in mind that the app/site will evolve over time, and it's crucial to continue to iterate, test, and refine the app/site to ensure that it meets the needs of users and delivers a great user experience.
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