So you have a great idea for a mobile application!  Great!  Now, how do you go about getting the project off the ground?  To begin with you need to put together some requirements so that the developers can help you create your project.  In this blog, I will help you put into writing your thoughts and ideas and possibly some other ideas that you did not even think about.

Introduction to Requirements

Let us start with the fact that the majority of us do not like to write.  However, everyone loves to reap the benefits that comes with having the appropriate documentation that comes with the gadgets that we buy.  In a like manner, software developers can create your ideas when you provide them with detailed documentation explaining what you want.  Additionally, projects run smoother and are developed in a shorter amount of time when there is documentation guiding the process.

However, when writing down your requirements as to what features you want in your application or what functions you want your application to perform there are some points that you need to consider:

• A requirement can be misinterpreted if it is not clear enough or is difficult to read.
• A requirement can be partially read and possibly forgotten if it is difficult to read.
• The application could be ridden with bugs if details are omitted in the requirements.
• If the requirements are not specific enough, the final application could end up being something other than what you wanted. My favorite cartoon clip for this is:

There are many types of documents that are generated during the development of an application.  Documents such as:

• Business Requirements
• Functional Requirements
• Non-Functional Requirements
• System Requirements
• UI Requirements
• Software Requirements
• Test Requirements

For now, we are just going to get you started with the Business Requirements.  The Business Requirements typically outline how the application will address the needs of the company or the users.  From these requirements, all the other requirements will be easier to generate and your software development team will be able to help you.

Simple Mobile Application Requirements

So, let us get started.  You are going to be answering questions that will help your developer get a good idea as to what application you want developed. If you do not know the answers to the questions right away, you can answered them later.  Getting started is the hard part.  So, Get a pencil / pen and some paper or get your favorite text editor ready and answer the following questions:

1. What is the purpose of the mobile application? What are you trying to accomplish?
2. What current problem or problems will it solve?
3. How will your application improve upon an existing application?
4. What is your vision for the application?
5. What aspect are already in place? What do you envision adding?
6. Will the application need to be developed from scratch?
7. What will be the functionalities of the application?
8. What features will it need?
9. What is the monetization or business model?
10. Are there branding and design guidelines that need to be followed?
11. Will you need to interface with external services? If so, which ones?
12. Do you believe that this application is feasible?
13. What platforms will the mobile application be built for (Android, IOS, both)?
14. How do you plan on maintaining the application? Do you need to support it for the future?
15. What do you determine the life expectancy of the application to be before an overhaul is needed?
16. Do you have current Google and/or Apple developer accounts/credentials?
17. Do you have screenshots of similar applications which you would like to copy?
18. Do you plan to use the application locally, nationally or globally?

After answering these questions, congratulations! You see, that was not too bad.  Now, you are ready to start your application development.  Simply hand your questions and answers over to your development team and then let them do their magic.  From here on in you will be working closely with your team to help create your dream. Best of luck!