Generating innovative web app ideas can seem like an insurmountable challenge when you try to brainstorm without any structure or a solid foundation to start from. Sometimes, a great web app idea might pop into your head during the day. However, in most cases, the best web app ideas are carefully cultivated, workshopped, and analyzed before heading into development.
Yes, your organization can take steps to increase the likelihood of generating innovative web app ideas. It might seem like creativity is something that cannot be taught, fostered, or generated on demand, but that is not necessarily true. Instead, your organization can establish a creative environment that enables new app ideas to improve and flourish.
This post will not explain product ideation and how your organization can create a collaborative environment to generate new web app ideas. If you are interested in learning more about ideation workshops and ideation tools, you can follow the hyperlinks in this sentence. Instead, this post will focus on what a web app is, the different types of web apps, and how to strategically hone a new web app idea.
What Is a Web App?
Before you can start generating web app ideas, you need to understand what a web app is and the different types of web apps that are made. A web app is software accessed and run through a web browser. Web apps look a lot like websites, and many people mistake them for websites. However, what separates a web app from a website is interaction and function. Websites relay information, and web apps are used to complete tasks.
In most cases, a web app will exist within a website, making it more difficult for people to understand their differences. For example, if you are on a website that allows you to complete a task like making a payment, booking a room, editing a document, etc., you are using a web application.
The Different Types of Web App
Not all web apps are the same. There are four popular types of web apps, including:
- Static web apps
- Dynamic web apps
- eCommerce web apps
- Portal web apps
Static Web Apps
Static web apps are the most basic and straightforward type of web app. These web applications offer little room for user input or interaction. In some cases, static web apps are also referred to as simple web apps. These web applications are built using HTML and CSS and can manage simple animated content like videos or GIFs. To significantly alter the content of a static web app, you will need to edit the underlying HTML and CSS code.
Dynamic Web Apps
Dynamic web applications are far more advanced technically than static web apps. As a result, they can continuously change and update the information available to users. This web application is often used to power blogs, databases, and Internet forums. These web applications are often created with a content management system.
eCommerce Web Apps
If you have ever bought anything online, you have used an eCommerce web app. eCommerce web apps are one of the most popular and widely used types of applications on the Internet. These web applications are typically built using platforms like Shopify, Wix, or BigCommerce, to name a few.
Portal Web Apps
Portal web apps are used to bring various information together in one place. These web applications allow users to manage their data, accounts, appointments, etc. Industries like MedTech, FinTech, and EdTech often use portal web apps to give users more insight and control over their data.
How to Strategically Craft and Hone a Web App Idea
Now that you better understand what web applications are, your organization can begin to strategize and generate creative web app ideas. It might seem like there is no way to develop a new app idea, but that is untrue. Most great web app ideas improve upon an app that already exists. So if you’re wondering how your organization can strategically craft innovative web app ideas, here are a few things you can try:
- Study the competition
- Get to know your users
- Work with an app development partner
Study the Competition
To generate good web app ideas, you need to study your main competitors. Some of the best web app ideas are born out of improving an existing app. Study your competitors to see what type of apps they offer users. Can you think of any ways to improve their offerings? Another benefit of studying your competitors is seeing what web apps are prevalent in your industry. Analyze these applications to see what features and functions work and which ones could be improved upon.
Get to Know Your Users
If you get to know your users, your organization can create web apps that meet their needs and engage them. One of the best ways to generate web app ideas is to do thorough user research. Ask yourself what challenges your target audience faces. Are there any products that currently exist to address those challenges? If you can understand your target user’s viewpoint, you can generate web app ideas that address their common pain points.
Work With an App Development Partner
Connecting with an experienced app development partner is a great way to generate web app ideas. An app development partner can help your organization organize ideation sessions, share industry insights, give your company access to insightful app developers, and more. In addition, working with a development partner can help your business turn a basic web app idea into a dynamic application that outpaces your competitors and wows your target audience.
Final Thoughts
Generating web app ideas does not always seem easy. However, if you take the time to do thorough competitor and user research, you can help spark new ideas and position your organization for success. In addition, working with a partner can give your business valuable project management and technical insight. If you need help generating winning web app ideas, reach out to an experienced web app development partner.
