Custom web and mobile apps for businesses across Edinburgh and Scotland — robust, scalable and secure, built around your specific business needs. From iOS apps to full web platforms, designed and built by one developer from start to finish.
Have a project in mind? Let's talk it through — no obligation.
Get in touchGilded Unicorn designs and builds the whole application — the interface, the back end, the database and the hosting — so you're never passed between a design agency, a development team and a hosting company. The person you talk to about your idea is the person who writes the code.
Whether you need an internal tool to streamline your operations, a customer-facing web platform, or an app that runs on the web and on iPhone with a single account across both, the app is built around how your business actually works.
Two recent builds, both designed, developed and hosted by Gilded Unicorn.
A quick tour of the decisions that shape a successful build — I'll guide you through the ones that matter for your project.
Clearly define the primary objective of the software (e.g., automation, data management, customer service).
Identify the key users or audience of the software and their needs (e.g., customers, internal employees, administrators).
Set a realistic budget and development timeline for the application, including ongoing costs like maintenance.
Decide whether the software will be web-based, desktop, mobile, or cross-platform to maximise accessibility.
Focus on the ease of use, intuitive navigation, and overall experience for users interacting with the application.
Incorporate essential security features like data encryption, user authentication, and role-based access control.
Ensure the application is optimised for performance and can scale to handle increased traffic or data as the user base grows.
Decide whether the software needs to be fully custom-built or if leveraging existing frameworks/tools can meet your requirements.
Plan how the application will store, manage, and process data, ensuring proper database design and data access methods.
Consider the need for integrating with third-party services or APIs, such as payment gateways, CRMs, or other tools.
Ensure the software complies with industry standards and regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS where applicable.
Design a visually appealing interface that aligns with the brand and ensures a consistent look and feel.
Determine if the application requires APIs for external access or integrations with other platforms.
Plan for thorough testing (unit, integration, user acceptance) to catch bugs and ensure the application works as intended.
Provide clear documentation and training resources for both end-users and administrators to understand how to use the application.
Arrange for ongoing maintenance and technical support to address bugs, updates, and user issues post-launch.
Establish a process for gathering user feedback and incorporating it into future updates and improvements.
Set up tracking and monitoring tools to analyse user behaviour, performance metrics, and error reporting.
Clarify licensing terms and ownership of the software, especially for custom-built applications.
Decide on the hosting environment (cloud, on-premise) and ensure the deployment process is smooth and efficient.
Implement a change process and version control to ensure collaboration, tracking of changes, and the ability to roll back changes when necessary.