The idea is simple. You have an Android app in the Market. You know that it could use some help with the user interface or with usability. Maybe it needs a LOT of help.
So starting today, I am accepting applications to have your app reviewed on this blog. But not just any old review — your app will get an interface tear-down. I’ll point out all the major “wtf” moments of your app (along with the more subtle “huh?” stumbles) that stop your app idea from shining through.
But here’s the bonus: I’ll give you actual concrete suggestions on how to make the user experience on your app better.
Awesome-sauce or what?
The rewards are great… Now why would I do this for free?
A frequent complaint that I hear about Android is that apps just aren’t as polished as iOS; this is true although the landscape is slowly changing as more of the bigger brands start targeting Android.
However I also think that there’s an important space for the independent developer in the Android market — that one guy or gal who just has a great idea and builds it for fun. They are not design experts so there’s definitely kinks but, because of the openness of the Market, they releases it to the public and hope that someone else can use it.
User interface design doesn’t have the same convenient ”View Source” option that code does so I hope that all Android developers will get to benefit from the public tear-down.
So read the fine print below and, if you fit the bill, send an email to pearl(at)androidsandsheep.com describing why I should pick your app to review.
- Your app must be published and available for free in the Market.
- You are an independent developer and your app was not commissioned by a brand or company in which you received money to build.
- Your app should work on a Nexus One (Android 2.2) or G1 (1.6) — if it doesn’t, I can’t actually review it.
- Submitting an application to be reviewed does not guarantee a response; nor do I need to write a review by any set deadline.
FYI: this idea was mostly inspired by Wil Shipley’s “Pimp Your Code” blog series and was named as a homage.
