Mobile App Development: A Concrete Example with Balades Instructives #6

Balades Instructives is a mobile app project we launched in September 2016.

The Balades Instructives concept

We talk about it regularly. But as a reminder of the concept, Balades Instructives aims to offer users customised walking itineraries built around their own criteria. Users will be able to choose, for example, an extreme solo sporting walk or a family stroll with pushchairs. The goal is to allow everyone to wander between various points of interest, according to their own preferences.

The stages of building an app

For this project, we committed to a community-driven approach from the very beginning. In our view, this is an important axis, rich in possibilities.

1. Market research and feedback

Even before the app was concretely built, we were able to gather the views of those most directly concerned: the potential future users. They shared their vision of the project and what they would expect from such a concept. Among other things, they also had the opportunity to choose the Balades Instructives logo.

2. Building a community

As a direct follow-on from the first stage, debating with internet users or letting them discuss the project among themselves began a process of community spirit. A vital process for any project, which emerges all the stronger for having been set in motion at the earliest possible stage.

3. Specifications

Armed with the information gathered, we were able to refine a mind map and then produce as comprehensive a set of specifications as possible. New possibilities emerged during the earlier phases, and the perspective of internet users (as well as tourist offices and tour guides) gave us a better and more realistic view of everyone's expectations.

4. Development

We are now in the development phase of the app. Our developers began their work a few weeks ago, guided by as exhaustive a set of specifications as possible. The idea now is to complete the development phase with an application that is as simple to use as possible. The project is gradually taking shape. The next stage is even more operational: it will involve creating the first walking itineraries in several languages within the app.