When it comes to developing new applications for the web, it doesn’t take long for plans to spiral out of control. The development track usually starts off simple, but somewhere between initial planning and final release there is this thing we here like to call “Feature Creep”.

our application vs. good application

our application vs. good application

What might start off as a simple idea is turned into a three headed monster as more people add their input. The longer it takes the application to be completed, the more features are added to it until the next thing you know, the application has forms, polls, feedback, email to a friend, embed, etc all added to this small 300 x 300 pixel box.There are some steps that can make your product more user friendly and have a clean finished product. So just how do you make such a product? Well here are just a few ideas we have that might help you create a useful end product.

  1. Step one is one you have heard before, we are sure. When you create the product follow the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) philosophy during the planning stages. Keeping the product simple helps speed the development, keeps the product focused on its core purpose and gives a good base foundation for the future of the product.
  2. Make the product scalable. When ever possible, try to think about how this product can be built to allow it to grow. Keep in mind server, database, and client side concerns that might affect the product when it becomes an world wide sensation. If you can design a product that is scalable, it has the chance to have a much longer product life as well.
  3. Stick to the original plan. If the project was well thought out, it should be flexible and grow as the product grows. If during the development, there are new ideas, don’t change the development path to include those. If the ideas are important they can be included in future versions of the product.
  4. Use technology wisely. AJAX is useful, but it doesn’t mean the entire site has to be created using JavaScript. Some web users may be using applications that do not have JavaScript and would be left out of the experience. The product should gracefully degrade when necessary. Use client side and server side validation.

The end user has an important role with the products development. Let users know you want their constructive criticism of the product (and not just that it sucks). Have them be specific as to what they like and do not like about the product. It doesn’t mean every idea is a great idea, but listening can help you develop a better product.

So keeping your product simple, scalable and relevant can do more then just save you time, but also make your product more useful to the end user.