Our Initial Thought and Ideas

     We had our first workshop this week for the Media Enterprise module, and are all very excited to begin the assignments. We began by thinking of apps which are popular at the moment and discussing why they are as popular as they are, such as social networking apps like Instagram, Snapchat and Tinder, and games like Candy Crush and Angry Birds. We decided that the social networking apps were popular because they brought people together, and the games entertained people, particularly whilst they had time to kill; such as when they were waiting for a bus or on public transport. We also found that apps which are useful are popular for example maps and translating apps. Therefore, we concluded that our app should fit into at least one of these categories- useful, entertaining or a social network- in order to be successful.

     When brainstorming ideas for new apps, we came up with four concepts that stood out amongst other suggestions. The first idea was an app which allows its users to share photographs of nights out as well as leave reviews for pubs and clubs in the area. This app would mostly appeal to university students- a large target audience- and it would be possible to include a discount and offers element through which users of the app could receive discounts on entry and drinks in local clubs.

     Another idea was an app which combines multiple loyalty and points cards to chain stores such as Nando's and Waterstones, and would mean customers could collect these points and redeem rewards through the app on their phone. This app would also appeal to students, and local businesses could offer rewards and discounts to users of the app.

     The third suggestion was an app aimed at vegetarians and vegans, another large target audience, that scanned barcodes on products and told the app's user if the product is suitable for vegetarians or vegans. For the rebranding element of the assignment, we could rebrand a shop like Holland and Barratt which would link well with this app.

     The final idea was an archive of television shows no longer aired on television made accessible through an app. With the success of companies such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, it is likely this app would appeal to a large market. We could then rebrand an entertainment shop like HMV to link with this app.

     Before making a final decision, we will need to research the pre-existing apps similar to our ideas, as well as the possibility of creating the app and any complications we may face.