Chapter 1: The Journey Begins

Bringing an app idea to fruition can be a daunting task, especially in today's fast-paced tech environment. In my final year of college, as I awaited my computer science degree amid the pandemic, I teamed up with three classmates to develop a financial technology application. The concept originated from two group members, and I was randomly assigned to the project after expressing interest in a trading app, mistakenly believing it would focus on bartering rather than stock trading. However, that misunderstanding was just the tip of the iceberg.

Ultimately, the project collapsed, and my grade barely scraped by. Yet, the tumultuous year of 2020 allowed me to cross the graduation stage.

What went wrong with our endeavor?

We envisioned an app that would serve as the ultimate resource for investors, offering a seamless way to select stocks based on a variety of information and features. Our goal was to create something that bridged the gap between Finviz and Bloomberg Terminal, but with a more user-friendly interface.

Let’s refer to our app as Stockify. The primary issue was a lack of clear direction. While we aspired to be the go-to solution for investors, the absence of a focused mission resulted in a haphazard development process. Our grand vision led us down an endless path of improvisation, which never ends well—especially for us.

We added features sporadically, mimicking existing technologies in an attempt to enhance the design. Gradually, our team fell apart, as we disagreed on foundational priorities. By the end, it felt like no one was aligned on a common vision for Stockify.

Should you pursue your app idea?

Don't let the fear of idea theft hold you back. If your concept has merit, you’ll need to advocate for it passionately.

— Howard Aiken

If your app's purpose cannot be distilled into a single, elegant sentence, you might be dealing with a trivial idea. It’s crucial to reflect on your motivations for developing the app. Are you aiming to generate income, or do you simply want to work on something enjoyable?

If your primary goal is profit, that’s a red flag. You can formulate a business plan around any concept, so don’t start with the sole intention of making money. Instead, if you choose to focus on a fun project, you’re on the right track. Trust in your vision, and listen to your instincts—I'm rooting for you!

Narrow your focus.

Rather than attempting to develop a comprehensive app, concentrate on launching a single feature. Do you want to create Stockify as a complete investment tool? Instead, focus on perfecting one standout feature, such as a stock screener or a headline aggregator. Center your app around that key function and meticulously plan its implementation.

My mother, who teaches creative writing to elementary school students, often warns about the pitfalls of a "watermelon story."

A watermelon story occurs when a child rambles on about mundane details: “Today I woke up, had breakfast, got dressed, and went to school…” This narrative lacks focus. A better story hones in on a single moment—like the delightful experience of enjoying a bowl of cereal. “As I savored the last spoonful of Crunchy Yum Yum’s, I marveled at how the cinnamon swirls danced in the cool, glistening milk.” A story with a strong central theme is far more engaging.

Similarly, your app should tell a compelling story. Users, investors, and you deserve a focused narrative—steer clear of the watermelon approach. Your concept will evolve over time, as you develop each feature like seeds in a watermelon.

Time to develop the app!

Hold on—it's not yet time to jump into coding. Planning is the key focus of this article.

In my early days, I was eager to dive into coding without considering the importance of strategy. While this approach helped me learn, it ultimately led to the pitfalls I experienced with the Stockify project.

I gained valuable experience as a frontend developer in a professional setting, where I collaborated with a web designer for the first time. This experience taught me that coding becomes much more efficient when you have a clear vision of what you’re building.

Take my advice: plan every aspect. Document your main ideas, sketch out the user interface, and create diagrams. Visualize your app before you start building it.

In conclusion...

If you believe in your idea, that conviction should be enough to pursue it. It's worth testing the waters in the market, which will inevitably introduce new marketing and analytical challenges—challenges that are ultimately beneficial.

Focus on creating a minimum viable product. Strip away the excess and hone in on the core feature of your app.

So grab a whiteboard and start brainstorming! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments, and if you found this article helpful, please let me know!

Follow me on Medium (Charlie Levine) for insightful articles each week, and happy coding!

Chapter 2: Essential Video Resources

Learn how to effectively transform your idea into a viable app as a first-time founder, with practical steps and insights.

Discover what to do when you have an app idea but lack coding skills—find out the next steps you should take.