Guidance to developing an app out of an idea

Simran

Hi

I have an idea for an app that I think would be extremely popular, so much so that people would get financial benefit from the app; only problem is that I don't have sufficient technical knowledge of that subject area, neither do I have a clue how to design/devise an app (I am not a technical person). All I have is the idea/concept; can anyone advise as to how to go about turning this idea into reality and how to protect the idea? I have heard stories about problems with software developers not keeping up with deadlines/importance with contracts/NDAs etc so would be interested to hear of any recommendations for specific professional software developer organisations, legal firms specialising in this area and anything else to think about.

Many thanks

S0litaire

I am terrible at programming so this might not be much use:

Depending on what phone OS you're going to make it for

You can use something like Visual Studio to do a prototype of your app (it can be a simple as making boxes and buttons and if you click here this happens) so that it runs on your dekstop. Then you can use that as a template for your mobile app once you get used to the actual "coding"

If you know what you want it to do you can quickly pick up the skills required from a "dummy's guide" a "Teach your self ??? in 24h" book then pick up an O'Rielly book for more help.

Their are lots of "how to's" on Youtube for creating basic Android / iPhone apps take a look at them.

bazster

I am a professional software designer and developer. I'd like to ask first of all do you have any idea how much such services cost, and hence how much you are likely to have to invest in this?

You are looking at somewhere between £300 - £1,000 per day. If it's a really, really genius idea you might get someone technical to come in with you as a partner, but it really would need to be compelling, and you risk having your idea nicked. If you have no track record in apps you will have trouble even getting someone to look at a NDA before you tell them about your idea.

PM me with more details if you wish, but I'm afraid you have no guarantee that I will not steal your idea. I won't, but you don't know that!

Simran

Thanks S0litaire and bazster. Gosh it seems like a minefield to a layperson like me; I do think this idea would be popular but am obviously concerned with protecting the idea and finding a recommendation for a professional software firm. I would want to aim this at the iOS market initially.

I don't think I could have a go at the app myself (dont know where to start tbh) and the app would involve looking up and updating data on a daily basis from many third party sources....would this be a complex job?

bazster

To be honest Simran you would be better off with a freelance developer than a software company. A freelancer would be much cheaper, would be easier to get interested, and (IMHO) less likely to try to shaft you.

It's impossible to say how complex it might be without further information.

victor2

If you haven't already, do a lot of market research first. See what apps are already around in a similar area. Look at what they sell for, if they're not given away free.
TBH, I would expect a runaway success to come from someone who has enough basic knowledge to find out and understand how to develop an app. You won't make any money from selling someone else the idea, or paying them to develop it.
If you're not looking to make money, how will you fund it up front and recoup your costs?
If you can satisfy yourself you have the answers to that, you can then put together a business plan to approach developers with.

S0litaire

Simran wrote: »

Thanks S0litaire and bazster. Gosh it seems like a minefield to a layperson like me; I do think this idea would be popular but am obviously concerned with protecting the idea and finding a recommendation for a professional software firm. I would want to aim this at the iOS market initially.

I don't think I could have a go at the app myself (dont know where to start tbh) and the app would involve looking up and updating data on a daily basis from many third party sources....would this be a complex job?

Grabbing data from sources can be a bit tricky if they don't have a method of gathering and accessing the data in place (usually called an API "application programming interface").

But First thing you should do is:
Grab a pad and a pen.
Make loads of "iPhone screen" shaped boxes
Use the boxes to plan out how you want the app to look and what you would like for each screen of the app to do.

No need to get technical, just things like:
"This button updates screen1"
"This screen will show prices of chicken feathers per troy ounce"
"This screen lets user change between chicken and turkeys feathers"
etc...etc...

Once you have everything sketched out it gets easier to take it to a programmer and make a costing of work involved (or to give it a go yourself)...