The AndPlus Software Development Blog

Most computer mouse devices today are “optical;” they shine a light on the working surface (the desktop or a mouse pad) and use the reflected light to determine the speed and direction of the mouse’s motion. Earlier versions were mechanical, incorporating a trackball whose direction and speed of rotation was converted into electrical signals indicating the motion. (Mouse trackballs also had a habit of picking up dust and lint that interfered with the mouse’s operation. The optical mouse was a major improvement in this area.)

“We need to build a mobile app!”

“Sure, boss. What exactly should this mobile app do?”

“Doesn’t matter! All our competitors have mobile apps, so we need one too!”

This is exactly the wrong way to launch a mobile app project.

Yes, you probably do need a mobile app because an increasing number of people do a majority of their computer activities on mobile devices. And yes, most or all your competitors have mobile apps available on app stores. These are necessary but not sufficient conditions for building a mobile app.

Here in the 2020s, we may not (yet) have cars that fly or general-purpose robots that are autonomous and clever, but we do have billions of network-connected sensors, actuators, appliances, and other devices.

One of the great innovations of the modern age—something even more useful than the beer-can hat—is mapping applications such as MapQuest and Google Maps. Not only can they show you the fastest way to get from A to B (accounting for traffic, construction, one-way streets, and other obstacles), but they can give you alternatives, such as those favoring or avoiding freeways or scenic routes. Some applications will even give you the best routes for traveling on foot, by bicycle, or public transportation.

Have you ever thought about what happens to a package when you turn it over to a shipping carrier for transport? Do you have a sneaking suspicion that they don’t really pay attention to markings such as “Fragile,” “Handle With Care,” and “This End Up”?

In most cases, you have no way of knowing how your packages are handled in transit. The fact that mishaps sometimes do occur is the reason why most carriers offer some form of insurance against loss or damage.

Choosing a vendor or service provider can be easy (if time-consuming) when you know what you’re looking for. If you need a contract metal fabricator to manufacture a part, you ask for work samples and perhaps ask about ISO 9000 certifications, turnaround times, or other pertinent information. For something like janitorial services, you might ask for a catalog of their services, prices, and references.