What makes a good app?

So, you are thinking about creating an app to sell!
Great.
Before you get too far it really is worth giving some consideration to not just making an app, but making an app that (regardless of platform) is successful and that, as per Apple's mission, "Surprises and Delights" users.

Too many people have tried to create an app with the intention of making their fortune quickly; so much so that Apple has been forced to make a statement saying "We have over 250,000 apps in the App Store. We don't need any more Fart apps"!

Not related to business-orientated apps that can help a company enhance communications or interaction with its customers (that often do not get submitted to Apple), Apple's concern comes from the fact that 30% of apps are no longer used the day after they are downloaded; this reflects poorly on apps, suggesting that they are not entertaining, useful or enjoyable. These 'gimmick' apps are clogging up the App Store and Marketplace making it harder for well-made apps to be found.

So, what is a good app?

Each year Compsoft attends world wide developer conferences where quality information, latest news and products are shared regarding app development and all things mobile. Some highlights of the conferences, and points that we have noticed, include:

• With so many apps available, it is important to be different, to give a new experience and to do it well
• Try and not make money your motivator. People get rich setting out to make a change, making money is a side effect of being awesome
• Try not to alienate users. If you can, design for everybody.
  

The diagram above illustrates how positioning your app can assist in identifying its success. Apple suggests that, typically, an app should sit between two elements; Email, for example, is a Serious Tool, Angry Birds is both Fun and Entertaining. We have identified that the Compsoft developed Everyday Golf Coach is a Fun Tool; it is an educational app, but because of the user's engagement with the app and the additional practice that it generates, it has a fun side to it.
Apps that try to be more than any two elements often fail, because they are trying to be too much.

The final point that has emerged from Apple's recent guidelines for developers is this:
"We're really trying our best to create the best platform in the world ... If it sounds like we're control freaks, well, maybe it's because we're so committed to our users and making sure they have a quality experience with our products."

For more information about the content of the Developer Conference, in particular notes from a keynote from successful app developer Mike Lee, please read the Compsoft blog here: http://compsoftconferences.wordpress.com.

To discuss your ideas for an app, whether for use on iPhone, iPad, PlayBook or other tablets, please call us on 08453 70 72 74 or contact us.