At its core, any piece of software that you develop needs to do one thing and one thing only: solve an important problem that your users are facing. Maybe they already have an app that they’re using that does what they need it to do in a literal sense, but it doesn’t actually help them complete that task particularly well. Maybe they need to use many different apps to accomplish this one particular objective, and yours could be the option that finally allows them to do it in a fraction of the time and effort normally required.
But at the same time, far too many software developers invariably end up falling into the same trap. They spend countless hours (and huge amounts of money) developing an app that offers a slick, enjoyable user experience and that does exactly what they claim it can. But it still doesn’t find the level of success and user adoption that the developer wants because of a simple reason:
It’s not a solution FOR a problem. It’s a solution IN SEARCH OF a problem.
A Critical Matter of Perspective
In other words, it’s a piece of technology that fails to justify its own existence. The last thing a user should ever think when interacting with your product is “this is cool… but why, exactly, do I need it?” The answer to that question should be immediately obvious and if it isn’t, you’ve ultimately designed something that isn’t nearly as helpful as you thought it was.
Worse yet, you might have designed a solution in search of a problem that doesn’t actually exist. Late-night infomercials are filled with products that meet that description, causing people to sit up and bed and wonder “… who could possibly need THAT?”
To avoid this issue rearing its ugly head during your own development process, you need to do more than just talk to your users – you need to go as deep with them as you possibly can. Remember that your users’ motivations will always matter more than yours do. Your desire to develop an app people will love is far, far outweighed by the raw value THEY perceive that you’ve brought to their lives.
Because of this, you can’t just have one conversation with your target audience – you need to have as many as possible as often as you can. Don’t just figure out what people are trying to do. Take the time to really understand why they’re trying to do it. Try to determine what important role your solution will ultimately play in their daily lives.
All of this is usually recommended in terms of developing an ideal user experience, yes – but UX is only half the battle. A successful piece of custom software (or any other solution, for that matter) depends on an equal blend of form AND function. Without the “function” part, you really don’t have anything at all.
The Process Begins AND Ends With Your Users
Far too often, developers have what they think is a great idea for an app that they then dive into without taking the time to think about whether their target audience thinks it’s a great idea for an app, too. Thankfully, it’s an easy mistake to fix.
Instead of starting with the app and trying to work your way to the problem, start with the problem and work your way back to the app. Every developer you’ve ever admired with a successful app has done exactly that and if you do it, too, there’s truly no limit to what you’ll be able to accomplish.
Contact us today to discuss custom software development for your company!
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