S3Corp. Tech Blog

Mobile app development can seem simple on the surface. However, developers and founders know that creating an effective, high-impact app is far from easy. At Facebook’s recent FbStart event in New York City, key figures from its development team shared valuable insights into what makes an app thrive.

Hosted as part of Facebook’s FbStart mentorship program, the event brought together early-stage ventures to help them craft apps that genuinely enhance users’ experiences. Eddie O’Neil, Facebook’s platform product manager, emphasized the goal: creating apps that resonate with people. Drawing on years of experience building Facebook’s core features, O’Neil and his colleagues offered guidance on developing apps that stand out.

The event also highlighted FbStart’s resources, including up to $80,000 in development tools and mentorship opportunities. FbStart has supported over 3,800 businesses globally, with plans to expand further. Notably, 90% of the top 100 iOS and Android apps in the U.S. are already integrated with Facebook, underscoring the program’s impact.

Thursday’s event drew an eclectic crowd, from up-and-comers including Vietnam software services to the social video network Keek to the dating app Hinge. Hinge stood out from some of the scrappier attendees: To date, the company has raised over $20 million in funding for a roughly $70 million valuation. As Hinge’s head of engineering AJ Bonhomme explained, FbStart is a good way for him to see what’s “coming down the pipeline” from Facebook. (The Hinge app, which connects users to potential dates by way of mutual connections, accesses those connections through Facebook.)

With insights from O’Neil and Michael Huang, Facebook’s strategic partner development lead, this article breaks down the three most critical steps for creating a winning app.

Step 1: Evoke Emotion in Users

A successful app isn’t just functional—it connects with users on an emotional level. As O’Neil explained, the best apps make people feel something. Whether it’s inspiration, excitement, or joy, an emotional connection keeps users engaged.

He cited a running and cycling app as an example. Beyond tracking fitness progress, the app allows users to share photos and videos with their friends, creating a sense of connection and achievement. O’Neil also highlighted a visually stunning game that felt like “playing a piece of art.” The unique aesthetic and immersive experience made it unforgettable.

Apps don’t need to be visually elaborate to succeed, but they must offer something distinctive. Whether through design, functionality, or storytelling, apps that evoke emotion create a lasting impact.

Step 2: Challenge Your Assumptions

Many developers fall into the trap of designing apps based on their personal preferences or assumptions about user behavior. O’Neil stressed the importance of stepping outside this bubble. Developers need to test their ideas against real-world feedback to ensure they align with users’ expectations.

Instead of guessing what might work, developers should actively seek input from potential users. This process often reveals surprising insights that can reshape the app’s design and functionality. By understanding what users truly want, developers can avoid wasting time and resources on ineffective features.

Testing assumptions is also crucial when catering to niche audiences. Developers may assume they understand their target market, but user feedback often exposes gaps in their knowledge. This iterative process of learning and adapting ensures the app remains relevant and user-focused.

Step 3: Focus on a Singular Mission

One of the most common mistakes developers make is trying to do too much. Michael Huang explained that apps often fail because they attempt to cater to too many audiences or solve too many problems at once. Instead, developers should focus on a single, clear mission.

An app’s primary goal should be solving a specific problem—and solving it exceptionally well. By concentrating on this core mission, developers can create an app that stands out in a crowded marketplace. Spreading resources too thin or adding unnecessary features often dilutes the app’s value and confuses users.

O’Neil reinforced this point, advising developers to “solve the problem, solve it really well, and see where that takes you.” This focused approach helps build a strong foundation for the app, making it easier to expand and innovate later.

Conclusion

Creating a successful app requires more than technical expertise. It demands a thoughtful approach that prioritizes user emotions, challenges assumptions, and stays focused on a clear mission. As Facebook’s software development team emphasized at the FbStart event, these principles can help developers craft apps that resonate with users and achieve lasting success.

By applying these strategies, developers can move beyond building functional tools to creating apps that inspire, engage, and delight users. With the right combination of focus, creativity, and user feedback, any developer can take the first steps toward building a killer app.