WHY to Create Apps...

"Millions of Apps" they say— and growing. If you ask me, I'd say that it's becoming more like a messy traffic jam. Instead of cars, it's Apps.

And just like cars, or even messy toolboxes full of all kinds of tools both old and new, there will be useful ones— and increasingly more un-useful ones!

So what to do. 

You want to jump on the bandwagon in creating apps. Sure, they're popular, and yes they can be useful, and they certainly can be cool and trendy. But what's the most logical place to start?

Ultimately you want to create something that serves a very distinct purpose, is useful to your audience, works well, looks awesome, and fits into your budget and timeframe.

As with any project, whether it be a graphical project like a website, blog, brochure, or infographic— or building a deck, home, or playground, you need a "plan." An outline or idea of what it is you want to create, why you want to create it, and how you'll go about getting it done. There are numerous steps, possibilities, factors and so on that will affect the cost of the project, the end result of the project, the usefulness of the project, and how successful it becomes once it's complete.

The focus here is on WHY to create an App. 

There are numerous writings, guides, videos, websites, and books on HOW to create apps. And to be honest, it's important criteria in WHY you are creating an app in the first place. It's very important to consider all the how's since it relates to cost, time frame, and other logistics. 

The most  practical consideration is whether it's to become a low end or high end project? Are you aiming for a simple, low end budgeted project— $8k—$15k for something simple? Or more elaborate well-developed App that resembles a high end game or software in the $50k—$100k+ range? Regardless, they can be very time consuming, tricky, and expensive so it's important— critically important to consider WHY you want to create one in the first place.

In creating the idea for an App, first consider the following:

Step 1: Name it.

By naming your potential App, it helps at least to set a general direction in where your App is going and what it's to become.

Step 2: What's it for?

Finish this statement: "This App will be created to _______." It needs to have a distinct purpose.

Step 3: Who's it for?

What will this App be created for— describe your audience.

Step 4: Quality Goal.

Are you looking for a cheap quickie to just get in the game, or a high end App that gets traction, and results? On a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the absolute best quality App you can get, where do you envision your App?

Step 5: Budget.

Step 4 and 5 almost go hand in hand. It's like building a dog house or a mansion— you do get what you pay for and Apps are not cheap. Are you envisioning a small scale project ($8k—$15k), a moderate project ($15k—$40k+), or a high end, large project ($50k—$100k+). You need to seriously consider this factor since it does have a direct connection.

Step 6: What will you do with it?

Will you plan on marketing it, selling it on a commerce site like the Apple App store or others? Will it be free? 

Step 7: Platform.

Are you creating it for iOS, Android, Kindle, or others? 

Step 8: Timing.

Do you have a time frame or goal in mind for having it "ready" for market?

If you can at least start by answering the above criteria that will help get you on the path to creating your app. There are so many resources on creating Apps, and a lot of detail to creating them so they really need to be taken seriously or you risk wasting time, certainly money!, and irritating customers with Apps that either don't work well or don't work at all!

Remember, you want to create something that serves a very distinct purpose, is useful to your audience, works well, looks awesome, and fits into your budget and timeframe.

Feel free to contact me with all of your questions and comments! todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, or visit our website to see samples, get access to great resources, and to see some of what we can do! http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

©2013 Mitchell Creative Group, LLC