DIABETES UK TRACKER SMARTPHONE APP 28 March #duktracker "This app is so focused and simple, yet it's ingenious. I loved the way they tested the product with Facebook users.” Third Sector Excellence Awards judging panel

“WE SHOULD DO AN APP...”

Should we really do an app? Wary that apps were just a ‘flash in the pan’: –“A project, person, etc, that enjoys only short lived success.” –“Something which disappoints by failing to deliver anything of value, despite a showy beginning.” Whole process is a bit like panning for gold.

Before development Desk-based research. Asked our Facebook community. Open brief to agencies. Chose research-focused agency. Then did even more research!

DEVELOPING THE APP

Concept and development Concept – meet two main needs: –Simple recording of levels. –Easy sharing of info. iPhone first – based on mobile traffic. Took about six months. Regular meetings with key people. Prototyping with Facebook and our forum. User testing during development.

Diabetes UK Tracker app for iPhone v1 ‘Souped-up’ notebook. Quick and simple to use. Suited to mobile. Look for simple solutions – eg photos of meals. Talking points. Easy to share by and social media.

YEAR ONE

First year - September 2011 to August 2012 Target of 5,000 app downloads in first year. Actual: –25,318 app downloads in first year. –19,389 updates downloaded in first year. Recommended by NHS for GPs to ‘prescribe’ to patients. Third Sector Excellence Award winner.

User feedback “I have been using the tracker app for over a year now and find it excellent for tracking not only my diabetic information but also for my training and weight control.” “Just downloaded - really helpful and actually fun!!” “I really want to commend you on a great tracking solution... something that really works and solves the logging pain. So well done!” “I am totally lost without the app!’

Ongoing evaluation and development Encourage feedback via and social media. Listen and respond, keep in touch. Spot and fix bugs. Collate and prioritise all our users’, our agency’s and our own suggestions. Use as basis for further development.

YEAR TWO

Developments – year two Users and Diabetes UK had same priorities: –Android version / Open up to more devices –Ability to export data. Launched iPhone update and Android version in February New features, for both versions. Improved analytics with Flurry package.

Teething troubles Some initial bugs – got users involved to fix them. “Thanks so much for keeping me updated with progress! It's astonishing quite how much one relies on one's diabetes gadgetry!” “Nobody's perfect! software is always buggy in some form or another... it keeps programmers in their jobs! lol ;)... its worth the wait for such a great and useful app!! keep your spirits high! it keeps us going :D”

Stats to date iPhone app (19 months): –36,980 app downloads. –52,233 update downloads. Android app (first month): –2,142 app downloads.

Possible future developments Mobile-optimised website? Desktop companion for existing app? Integration with our CRM?

SO … DO YOU REALLY NEED AN APP…?

Keys to our success Think – do we really need an app? If so: –Involve your community right from the start and throughout. –Do as much research as possible. –Set a clear measure of success – downloads, reviews, ratings, etc. –Don’t charge for the app. –Encourage feedback from users. –Listen and evaluate. –Base developments on feedback. –Keep users informed, especially with bug fixes.

Not just a flash in the pan “... whilst you are unlikely to have a *really* big app, and the costs of creating, maintaining and marketing it across multiple OSes are bigger than you might think, there are still opportunities to get real engagement and long-term loyalty if you deliver a great app that serves a particular need.” –Ashley Friedlein, Econsultancy blog, 8 Jan 2013

DIABETES UK TRACKER SMARTPHONE #duktracker