Make an app for that!

My stretch goal for this year is to (learn how to) make an app.

I've been researching my project, and I have a few potential apps in mind, First of all, I've decided that I want to make an app that has some kind of relationship with the field of Learning & Development, without calling it a learning app per sé. Also, I will make what I call a 'concept' app. That's a fully functioning app that does what it means to do, but clearly not made by a professional app developing firm. (Let's be realistic!). So I will think of security, but MI5 will likely be able to bypass it. I will think of a beautiful design and user interface, but stick to what is standard available in the tool I'm making it with. The app will work, but it might not be the fastest around.

So according to the list of 'the first 20 hours' of skill acquisition, I'm here:

1. Choose a lovable project: I will make a concept app, useful for learning.
2. Focus your energy on one skill at a time: Programming the app. I have made websites before, so I'm good with basic HTML and basic graphic design. What I lack are the specific mobile app building skills.
3. Define your target performance level: A concept app, not a fully professional app with all bells and whistles, security features, performance optimization and the lot.
4. Deconstruct the skill into subskills: First I need to make a 'wireframe' for the app. It is a mock-up that explains how the user experience will be. Then I'll need to build the UI, and program all the logic. I will need to have a cloud database too and create and populate it.
5. Obtain critical tools: I have looked around and I've decided to go for the tool Appery.io. It is a cloud based platform to author and publish apps on Android, iOS and Windwos devices. That way I can make a generic app without having to select a specific platform. Appery.io uses standard software to do so, especially standard HTML and CSS, jQuery Mobile and Cordova (a toolkit to create cross-platform apps). For building Javascript functions I still have Visual Studio installed which I know from one of my previous stretch goals to make a 2.0 web site. I still don't know if I'll be using a specific tool to create the wireframe or not. There are some good sites out there, but I don't want to spend tons of money on this hobby either. 
6. Eliminate barriers to practice: It is going to be time. I'll have to carve out the time, and set myself goals every week. This week I've started watching the Appery.io video tutorials and making a 'hello world' app. One thing that will help me is that I made my project intention public, so I'm sure my network of close friends and colleagues will remind me ... 
7. Make dedicated time for practice: Mostly weekends.
8. Create fast feedback loops: I'll send out the app for feedback regularly. Programming in itself also gives a fast feedback loop - it works or it doesn't.
9. Practice by the clock in short bursts: Mmmmm. Sometimes when you are behind your computer screen you forget about time. That's not a bad thing, is it?
10. Emphasise quantity and speed: Alright, already!

Next post: some candidate apps.