Reformed Software

Communication and usability

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:09:57 -0500

So, my brain is fried. That goes without stating having just returned from NTE (http://nte.org.au) for 2011.

Though, what does that have to do with the subject?

Well. Simply put. Everything. The first few people I talked to at NTE complained about the iPhone app. There was too much data required to get started. I thought it was all useful but they found it a hindrance.

Further, they complained that the values selected weren’t displayed.

You can present information in a lot of ways, but does it really communicate what you would like it to communicate. Does it convey the message you would like? Does it let people know what the next step should be?

These are basic things to do with usability that are often rushed. So my advice, to myself as well as to others is spend the needed time in working through the usability of the app.

Till next time.

NTE app and 2011

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 06:18:13 -0500

Well, it’s that time of year again. Many students are gathering in Canberra in about 10 days to hear more about Jesus. But what does this have to do with software development?

Everything.

This year the students are able to get the most out of NTE by using an iPhone / iPad app that helps them to take notes while listening to the numerous talks which are being given. These include not only the main talks but also the electives and tracks.

Further, the students will know what’s happening as the app includes a complete timeline.

So what are you waiting for? Go get the app. http://bit.ly/nteapp2011

Lessons from writing the Summit App

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:26:47 -0400

So having written an app for Super Summit run by Christian Union in Victoria (through whom I enjoy proclaiming the truth about Jesus to uni students during the day), there are a couple of lessons that I should learn from the experience.

What ever the project, how ever simple you may think it is, take your estimated time and allow yourself four times as much.
The little things count. Get the details right.
Go for stable and well known API’s and applications.
Set yourself goals.

Though, through the endeavour, which caused much stress due to unrealistic deadlines, I come out the other side waiting for Apple to approve the app. This is the second app I’ve submitted to the app store. Hoping that things go through smoothly and without any rejection.

I shall catch you on the other side of the approval.