What must the first version do?
A simple list displayed only on a phone is a different task from a list shared between users, available offline and updated by several people at once. The screen may look almost identical while storage, access control and testing needs differ.
Describe the main task from beginning to end. Separate first-release essentials from later additions. Ask the proposal to explain its assumptions, what will be delivered and which requests fall outside the agreed scope.
Which systems must the app connect to?
Login, booking, payments and data from an existing business system can each bring additional decisions and work. Check whether documented access exists, who owns the accounts and whether a test environment is available. Investigate essential integrations early.
Consider the work behind the app too. Someone may need to publish content, correct a record or process an order. An administration tool can be part of the service even though customers never see it. Include that workflow in the same brief.
Who will use it, and on which devices?
Choosing an iPhone app, Android app or web app affects how the product is developed, tested and distributed. More platforms create more combinations to check. Shared technical components can help, but the complete experience still needs to work on the selected devices.
Consider the context: will people use it for short tasks on the move, longer sessions at a desk or both? Requirements for particular hardware, advanced graphics or offline use should be explored before committing to a platform.
What is included in design and quality checks?
Clarify whether the work includes exploring user flows, visual design, wording and testing with the intended audience. An existing brand provides a starting point, but does not necessarily define error messages, empty lists or a difficult registration process.
The budget should also cover checking the finished product. Test common tasks, failure cases and relevant devices. Apple describes testing on real devices and under realistic network conditions as part of preparing for App Review. Allow for fixes before release.
Separate development from ongoing operation
The development proposal and ongoing costs should be easy to distinguish. Ask which external services are involved, how they are priced, who manages them and how maintenance and new features are agreed. Clarify access to source code, accounts and documentation as well.
A useful brief does not have to be a lengthy specification. Start with a short project description that makes assumptions and open questions visible. That makes proposals easier to compare on the same basis.
- Who should the app help, and with what task?
- What must the first version include?
- Which platforms and integrations are essential?
- What are the budget, intended timing and biggest uncertainty?
Take your idea a step further.
Want to clarify the scope of an app idea? Send your brief to hello@rasklabs.no. We can start with the needs and identify what requires investigation before a concrete proposal.
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