Looking to get our mobile application idea vetted
My partner and I are looking to develop a mobile application for the service industry. Before we look to get funding we would like to see if our mobile app has any "legs", How should we go about having our idea vetted, what would be the best way to do this?
4 Answers
Have you spoken to any of the "customers" who would be in the target market of your app?
Are there existing competitors? (If so, much of the market definition and research is a lot easier)
Get a mockup done (just the UI with no functionality). This will be essential for you, for the potential users and for talking to investors.
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All great suggestions...we have interviewed the market we are going after, and this app will fit their needs. From our research there is not an app out that does what we are trying to do. The real issue arises when we try to see how feasible our idea is, is it technically possible. We really need a developer to tell us. Are there any services around that can do a sanity check for app idea? – Gulu Apps 15 years ago
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Without someone on staff you might find it hard to get an accurate assessment. Do you have any contacts in the mobile development world? I've always been on the development/tech side, so my problem has always been the opposite. Regardless, if the need is there I can't imagine that the current set of mobile platform tied with connectivity to servers would not allow any sort of thing. Except if you needed exotic hardware or functionality right on the device. – Tim J 15 years ago
How about posting a Request for Proposal to any developers you know, or to networks that might be able to help you. Based on the numbers people get back to you, you can tell if what you're trying to build is really simple from a technical perspective, or really complex, and potentially not possible.
Alternatively, reach out to your network asking for referrals for developers who might be interested in joining as a partner. That way, you'll have the technical expertise as part of your founder team, which, considering your business is being constructed around a technical product, is probably a good idea in any case.
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That is a very good idea. I think we may attempt to do that. thanks – Gulu Apps 15 years ago
What capabilities does your app need that you are not sure can be developed? The current technology should be able to meet any data entry needs. Unless you need extremely high-end graphics, massive amounts of number crunching, or a hand-held retina scanner.
One area that can be tough is if you need to integrate with other applications and your customer's local computer network (Many companies have not bought into the SAAS and cloud strategies.). It can be done, but you may find yourself having to do too much customization unless you offer an API and let users build their own integration.
We could be more helpful if we new what your needs were.
I would suggest a service like www.biznessapps.com/how-it-works.html where you can develop and even resell your app ideas without any programming experience. This can help you see if your ideas have "legs" or if they need more refinement. It is a minimal risk (monthly subscription fee) with a good ROI.
You are totally on the right track developing for a local market. As Google moves more and more towards personalized, local search results, local app developers are having much success; especially for basic services, such as restaurants, theaters, gas prices, you name it.
