The app industry is one that has completely exploded over the last few years. Ever since the introduction of the first iPhone, developers have been rushing to mobile platforms in order to create mobile software that they hope will reach a large audience. Mobile apps are relatively easy to create, they involve zero overheads, and there are many easy distribution channels to get them into the hands of the huge existing market – they’re the perfect business model for those starting out with very low barriers to entry.
But this is a fact that has not escaped the notice of the masses. If you want to be successful in the world of apps, then you need to come up with a great idea and you need to find something unique so that you can stand out. That initial idea is what will make the difference between your success or failure, but how do you go about coming up with that golden idea that will make you your fortune? That’s what this article is going to help you find out.
Identify a Need
The first and most important step in coming up with your app idea, is to identify a need or want that you can help to address. One way to go about this is to think about your daily routine and your life as you would normally go about it. Think about the different problems and challenges that you face on a daily basis, and then list the things that make life difficult or that take up your time.
For instance then it might be that you’re always stuck in traffic, it might be that you struggle to wake up in the morning, or it might be that you are very groggy and struggle to focus. A great app then might be one that helps you avoid traffic, that wakes you up in a more efficient way, or that helps you to come around in the morning – and that’s just the first few hours.
Likewise you might be able to identify a need or a want that is more unique to your lifestyle or to your career. Perhaps you work as a stage lighting designer and you wish you could visualise the lighting arrangements with an app on the move, or perhaps you sew for a hobby and you would like an app for designing your own sewing patterns. Alternatively it may be that you have a disability, or an illness, and you wish an app could make life easier for you by helping you remember medication or making your devices easier to use one-handed.
The most important thing here though is that the need is one that’s close to your home. In other words, creating an app for disabled people is going to work best if either you are disabled or you know someone disabled. This way you can see the needs that are really there and you will be sensitive to the issues. Furthermore, it will mean that you can test the app yourself (or get them to) and that way iron out any and all little kinks.
Identify a Want
Sometimes though it’s not a need that an app solves, but a ‘want’. Some apps will sell not because they fulfil some important role, but rather because they are desirable in their own right. Games are a perfect example of this – no one really needs a game.
Another example though is any kind of app that gives your phone new features and makes it seem more impressive. This is great for the person who likes to ‘show off’ their phone and who likes to have the latest thing.
And how do you go about coming up with unique apps that do this? Well one strategy is to come up with an idea that’s completely unfeasible that you know people want – and then to ask yourself what the easiest way to accomplish that is. For instance, people want a holographic phone but that’s not possible so what’s the closest thing? Parallax effect!
And if you can come up with something that fulfils both a need and a want, then you will be on to a real winner.
About the Author: Jenny Wadlow, the author of this article, is a freelance blogger, currently writing for, Freedom Lift Systems, leading dealers of outside wheelchair lifts in Ontario. She takes keen interest in research and technology and loves going camping on weekends. You can get in touch with Nancy via Twitter @JennyWadlow.
