In 2024, diving into the world of development is like unlocking a treasure trove of opportunities! Software development not only promises a secure and lucrative future but also taps into the true essence of creation. It's not just about coding; it's about crafting solutions that tackle real-world problems, with everything else falling into place around this creative core.
Projects are the canvas where developers showcase their masterpieces, often collaborating within teams. But let's be real—forming a dream team and aligning priorities can be trickier than it sounds. Especially in the early hustle days, lacking a team might mean missing out on incredible chances to make a world-changing impact.
It's within this dynamic realm that we introduce the concept of the solo developer—a lone artist sculpting digital landscapes. The solo developer embodies a three-fold approach.
The Three-Fold Approach of Solo Developers
-
Freedom of Choice - The solo developer revels in the freedom of choice, a canvas where they paint their creations. This freedom extends beyond just coding; it encompasses the liberty to choose the domain, define the problem statement, and navigate the vast landscape of solutions. It's the joy of autonomy, allowing developers to infuse their unique touch into every creation.
-
Self-Awareness - A profound self-awareness of their work ethic becomes a compass, guiding them to projects that align with their strengths and limitations. This self-awareness streamlines project selection, ensuring a balance that prevents overwhelm.
-
Keen sense of judgement - It empowers the solo developer to analyze problems thoughtfully, keeping their limitations in check. Equally crucial, it fosters an awareness of the types of people to approach for support during the development journey. Solo doesn't mean solitary; it's an open arena for seeking help and sharing credit.
The third point of approaching the right people can transform the look and feel of the entire project! My development journey is a testament to the transformative power of gaining valuable insights through the right guidance from a subject matter expert.
My Bhajan Application Endeavor
Embarking on developing a Bhajan app was a personal endeavour that initially seemed like a solo mission. The vision was clear—to digitize a collection of 100 bhajans, making them accessible to a wider audience. Yet, challenges emerged, exposing the gaps in my mobile development and deployment knowledge.
The turning point came when I sought guidance from a subject matter expert, a professor in my college who specialized in this field. The impact was transformative, highlighting three key benefits of seeking expert advice.
1. INFORMED DECISION-MAKING
The subject matter expert delved into the core of my project, questioning my choices in tech stack and services. Initially, using Android Studio with Java and relying on Firebase seemed like a natural fit, given their familiarity and perceived seamlessness. However, the expert's scrutiny revealed critical issues that the use of these services could pose for the scalability of my system, prompting a reconsideration of my initial decisions. The shift to Flutter and the development of a custom backend became crucial. This process emphasized the importance of aligning technology choices with the project's broader goals. The saying 'The eyes are blind to what the mind does not know' resonates deeply at this stage, underscoring the need for expert far-sightedness to uncover blind spots and enhance decision-making.
2. SYSTEMATIC APPROACH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
I had developed a base version of my app with the assumption that the majority of my target users, ages 40 and above, should find the UI and functionality relatively simple. However, this “simple UI and functionality” perspective led me to skip the proper planning and designing stage, plunging into a direct, blind implementation sprint.
Recognizing a lack of systematic planning in my initial approach, the subject matter expert guided me toward developing a structured methodology. Embracing a systematic approach, from design to implementation, became a cornerstone. Figma files were updated diligently, and documentation became pivotal to prevent demotivation during potential setbacks. Small, systematic steps not only streamlined the development process but also boosted confidence during this significant pivot.
3. INTEGRATION OF UNIQUENESS THROUGH INNOVATION
The subject matter expert introduced a creative twist by suggesting the integration of images to enhance the app's appeal. Struggling with the fusion of spirituality and creativity for budget app visuals, the expert steered me toward cutting-edge AI tools like MidJourney and Playground. Exploring the possibilities of generative AI for images not only added a unique touch to the app but also provided hands-on experience with groundbreaking technology. This integration of innovation not only enriched the app's content but also elevated my confidence to share and discuss this novel approach within a broader community.
Before and After Visuals of the App
1. Splash Screen
| Before | After |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| The splash screen was conceptualized to provide a spiritual commencement to the Bhajan app. |
In contrast to a plain backdrop, the setting has been transformed into an authentic Sindhi Ajrak pattern, providing the user with a genuine cultural ambience. |
2. Landing Page
| Before | After (Landing Page + Index Page Clubbed) |
 |
 |
|
The landing page was designed to offer users a menu-driven option to either explore a complete list of Bhajans or directly search for a specific Bhajan.
|
Rather than having two distinct screens—one for displaying the menu and another for the index—the revised layout combines both elements. This approach creates a more immersive landing page, offering users greater exploration freedom. |
3. Index Page
| Before | After (Landing Page + Index Page Clubbed) |
 |
|
| In a well-organized format, the index page presented a comprehensive list of names for all bhajans. Additionally, the search functionality was emphasized for user attention. | Rather than having two distinct screens—one for displaying the menu and another for the index—the revised layout combines both elements. This approach creates a more immersive landing page, offering users greater exploration freedom. |
4. Contents Page
| Before | After |
 |
 |
| This page was crafted with two key design elements. Firstly, it adopted a method inspired by existing bhajan apps to alternatively display lyrics in various languages. Secondly, it featured the highlighting and fixation of repeated chorus lines at the top. | A gentle cultural background, a swipe feature for language adjustment, and the incorporation of images collectively enhance the overall user experience when compared to the previous model. |
Final Thoughts
Under the expert guidance of a subject matter expert, my Bhajan app journey took a complete pivot. The once-familiar tech stack was reshaped, the UI underwent a dramatic facelift, and even the backend transformed from relying on services to complete custom. Adding to the complexity, a surge of new content, particularly images, demanded a fresh perspective. It felt like a complete restart, a daunting yet exhilarating challenge that made me reevaluate every aspect of my project.
Yet, amid this upheaval, a sense of satisfaction emerged. The process, though akin to hitting the reset button, instilled a newfound confidence. The struggles weren't setbacks but stepping stones to a more refined, resilient product. It was a journey of reinvention, turning obstacles into opportunities.
It was no longer just about creating a functional app; it was about crafting a dynamic masterpiece that could thrive in the real world - a reminder that the right mentorship can be the compass guiding developers through uncharted territories, ensuring that every step, no matter how challenging, contributes to the creation of a robust and impactful product.
Connect with me
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidhita-jagwani-01b4741bb/
Enjoyed? Share this article with your friends.
For updates, news, fun and games follow us on -
Instagram - BuzzWorthy_O
Twitter - BuzzWorthy_O
Threads - BuzzWorthy_O
Facebook - BuzzWorthy Official
Got queries? Feel free to contact us via -
Gmail - buzzworthy.sv@gmail.com
BuzzWorthy - Contact Us Page
-- Buzzzz 🌸🐝 --