When we go online to search for solutions, what we mostly search for is what we want solved, not specific products. The only exception is when the products have been successfully registered in our minds. I stumbled upon a post by Megan E. Holstein on Medium titled 'How to Refine Your App Idea' which gives some insight on why most apps fail. I extracted some tips from it, let's check it out.
Competitive Advantage
If you can’t explain your solution’s comparative advantage in a short period and clearly, you’re already at a disadvantage – you need to be able to present your solution to potential users and customers in an elevator pitch.
If your solution can’t be explained in a single sentence, you need to refine it further.
Viral Buzz
Your solution might probably never get a fabled viral buzz if users find it difficult to explain your application or solution to their friends or co-workers. Case in point; the ‘Bride Price App’ had no business model tied to it, yet it’s one of the top apps that generated enough buzz.
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Validation and feedback
It’s a great business decision for you to validate your solution with friends, colleagues and family. However it has to be someone that would be comfortable with providing you with honest criticism. Someone who won't just give you feedback to make you feel good about your product or solution.
Now, you have gotten feedback from users — be careful on the importance you attach to their feedback.
The want factor
Knowing what your user wants and needs is a critical part in designing a successful product and solution. Caution still needs to be applied in concluding what the potential users want.
Users' want can help center your design, but you need to always keep the core of your solution in mind as well. Other times, it’s appropriate to ignore the user’s feedback. This is counter-intuitive, but it’s also a principle that Apple Inc. lives and dies by.
Finally selling your solution
The final test for solution is when someone will inevitably ask about your product. These are the questions you must always be ready to answer clearly in under two sentences:
- What does your solution offer?
- Why should I use it (over competitors’)?
Photo Credit: Serge Saint via Compfight cc
