Creating a successful app!
- ShashikaJP
- Apr 15, 2020
- 2 min read
Whilst we are in the global pandemic, I was doing a bit of reflecting: In a world where we have an app for almost anything you could possibly think of, it can be difficult to develop a new hip and attractive app that will guarantee success.
There are always aspects you should aim to achieve when creating an app. I'll briefly list them here for you to have a look at: (Reminder: you don't have to have all of them present to make a successful app)
Solve a problem - Your app should aim to assist the consumer to find a solution to their problem
Easy to use - Your app should be simple to use, it shouldn't take the consumer a lot of effort to learn to use it
Update frequently - Your app should ave updates to ensure constant engagement with your consumer
Built for native platform - Your app would be helpful if it can be use across multiple platforms
Make a business - Your app would be helpful if it allows its consumers to make a living from it
Kind to phone battery - You app shouldn't drain a phones battery (we all know how annoying that can be)
Free - Your app should be accessible to as many people as you can reach
So, as I was doing my reflecting, I thought about myself and my habits during this time of self-isolation. And to be honest, I've lost a lot of my usual patterns of getting work done, being fit (I'm hoping some of you can agree with me) and simply having structure to my day.
I was having a look at the Nike Run Club App, to try and motivate myself to be a better me during isolation.
Here are some of the features of this free app, it can connect with your Apple Watch series 5, tracks your runs, has guided runs with Nike coaches and athletes, personalises fitness plans, celebrates achievements with trophies and badges, has features to share your runs with friends and even compete with them.
Now, I didn't list all these features to try to get you to download the app but for you to see that the features match with the successful app characteristics I mentioned earlier. The highlighted segments shows connection. This app, like many, allow you to stay connected through your personal device whilst finding a solution to your problem (mine being that my isolation habits might change me to a permanent coach potato), its accessible, encourages engagement and its easy to use!
On the app store, it has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 with over 19,000 ratings! Maybe having these characteristics whilst developing a new app isn't a bad idea.
Let me know what you think, are there any other apps you know of that have these characteristics? Or how are you going with your self-isolation?
I was mentioning earlier in the comments as someone brought up. It is true, I think the Nike app is for a bit more a niche market. Most likely those who are committed to Nike and are loyal to the brand. But I think they can definitely build on the values of 'community'. Maybe by making the features of the app focused on bringing in more of a larger range of consumers, making the app appeal to everyone and anyone, hopefully making it a little more community friendly.
Fantastic blog and I loved your focus on the Nike App. I was wondering what your thoughts were on how they can compete with other Running Community apps? First to come to mind is Strava which seems to have a stranglehold on the community side of things. Nike definitely has a better U.I but how could they improve their community? Would love if you could read my blog and leave some feedback :)
https://s3550476.wordpress.com/2020/04/10/if-you-arent-mobile-first-youre-last/?fbclid=IwAR0PGL4STtVQHNjQ1D4inPsCZHBxOWQLhWJN4u7qiEk3MZ0v1upFIiK7cyk
Thank you for the comment! Might check out Strava, maybe it might be a more inclusive app without that call for a niche market like what Nike has? Great insight!
A great read!! Personally I can’t relate to you more, my daily schedule is completely out of whack. My work, life and study habits have all changed. The Nike app seems great, especially at the moment. As you mentioned Nike have made an app that integrates so well into people’s lives. It would really help solve the problem of a lack of excercise on my part at the moment. A similar app to this is Strava, check it out, it displays many of the same characteristics as the Nike app, including tracking runs, competitions and sharing achievements. I wonder side by side, which would be the better branded successful app.
Thank you for the comments so far! You all bring up great points! I suppose the example app I used is particular for more of a niche market, but you're right if there was more involvement for everyone that would be amazing! And very true, even for myself when an app is too complicated or isn't exactly solving my issue, I tend to just delete it without second thought!