The only problem is that there isn't just one app for everything, but multiple apps for the same thing so it is hard to think of an original idea.
Essay Points
When thinking of an app, I want it to fit in with the arguments I made throughout the essay saying what makes a successful or effective app.
The main points were:
- Efficiency
- Offer something different (that paper or computer cannot do)
- Track progress/usage
- Swiping
- Card swiping interface
- Personalised
I think it should fit in with most, if not all of these, although that could be difficult.
Initial Thoughts
I have thought of a few ideas for this, which have either been discarded because one already exists or because I didn't find them interesting
- Travel insurance comparison
- Bus timetable
- Find recipes based on food you have in
- Leeds/City events app
- Fitness progress pictures/measurements app
- Train tickets comparison
Card swiping interface
- Choose a movie
- Create a workout
- Choose a restaurant
- Insurance
- Online shopping
- Find a service - hairdressers, plumber, PT etc
- Choose an activity - museums, theatre, events etc
Bus Timetable App
I very nearly did a bus timetable app, as although there is an existing one, it isn't very good and doesn't have all of the features I would want to include. It had very bad reviews, and I knew that I could do it better. It fit all of the criteria, but then I discovered that there was another bus app. Which did do all of the features I wanted to include. I discarded this because I didn't want to just recreate a better looking app which had all the same features as another one, it would feel like copying.
Card Swiping Interface
I thought of quite a few ideas for this as I thought this was a really positive point that was made in the essay. It is ideal for making quick decisions, which fits in with the daily aspect of the question, and can be adapted to a range of tasks. It's efficient as the user only needs to use their thumb, and swiping is the biggest gesture it uses. It's also personalised to the user as they can use filters to show different preferences and the small data which is collected when they swipe can be used to create more tailored results.
Choose a Movie
So, I decided to adapt this idea to the card interface. Speaking to family and friends, we all find it difficult to choose a film easily as there is so much choice, and it can be hard to view options. My mum said that it was too hard to look on Netflix because she has to click on each film to see their bio when she would prefer to see it at a glance. Two of the sources I mentioned in my essay also noted that the layout of Netflix isn't very decision friendly, so there is a niche in the market. Although I am not redesigning Netflix, I want to create an app that allows users to find a movie to watch with whatever preferences they want and mood they are in. It will have a big filter so that they can be as specific or vague as they like.
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