With Operation Reskin complete, it is time to move on to the next phase of my app entrepreneurship journey. Introducing Project Outsource.
The goal of Project Outsource will be develop and launch a completely original mobile app or game with help from an outsourced freelance developer. For the purposes of this project, I will outsource the technical pieces of app development, ie. coding, while handling most of the design and art production myself. However, I may look into outsourcing app icon creation to provide some insight into working with freelance graphic designers.
My initial plan will include the following steps:
1. Develop the Idea
All apps begin with an idea. In this step, I will go through the ideation process, including brainstorming and market research. The idea that I select will need to fulfill certain criteria, such as simplicity and marketability.
2. Build a Physical Prototype
With the winning idea in hand, I will set out to create a working physical prototype of the game or app using old-fashioned tools such as PEN and PAPER! I will use the prototype to test the viability of the product with test users. That feedback will be invaluable to tweak the design prior to handing it off to a developer.
3. Write a Requirements Document
In order to get things done the way you want them, you must have clear instructions. In this step, I will write a detailed requirements document which will attempt to describe all the functionality that my app will require in order to mitigate any confusion for the freelance developer that I eventually hire.
4. Hire a Freelance App Developer
With so many freelance developers out there, it can be a daunting task to find the right one you can trust to bring your vision to life. During the hiring process, I will research all the websites that provide freelance development services. Once I find the best site for my needs, I will drill down the list of candidates and interview my finalists to determine which developer is the best fit.
5. Manage the Outsourced App Development Process
In the final step, I will work with the freelance developer to make sure that the app development process runs as smoothly as possible.
6. Launch!
Some of the aforementioned steps may change or be repeated as there are sure to be unexpected issues that arise during the development phase. To provide you all with insights into the process of outsourcing app development, I will document each success and failure along the way!
Matty G says
That sounds interesting! Can’t wait to read how it goes. Good luck!
Shane K. says
Thanks Matty! Keep posted.
Austin says
Just started down a path of full time app development myself, after unintentionally having an android viral hit two years ago that I never fully pursued. Its dying on me and its time to tackle this head on now with some new ideas. I’m following along, good luck!
Shane K. says
Sounds great! Good look to you as well!