iOS Projects: Can I help clients realize what they're actually asking for?
I do lots of freelance iOS work, and I've noticed that people approach me with "Ideas" that they would like implemented, but they are not fleshed out at all. For example, I get a request for a "textbook sales app which acts as a marketplace for students to buy and sell textbooks", with no business plan or specs whatsoever. How do I encourage more thought out plans, and what tools do I point the prospective clients to? in terms of user interaction/ stories/ design?
Comments
It sort of depends on what you're asking for.
If it's around the business model, the easy answer is to point them to a book like http://www.amazon.com/The-Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continu... There are great techniques in there for how to do customer development -- at this point it seems like required reading for business/product folks.
If you're looking for more mockups, something like Balsamiq is a good starting point.
Is there something else you're looking for?
Hmm, its really you know what they need? so what your style in convincing them that you know what they need?