Having written six apps and now reviewing lots more, I’m starting to get a sense of what quality looks like. My son Lex furthers that understanding by bringing the Net generation sensibility. By outlining the requirements for a great construction phone app, I’m hoping to help the entire industry get better. Here are our requirements:

1. Clear, Descriptive Name. Since many of us will have dozens of construction related apps, we need to easily be reminded what we have and what it does.
2. Solves a Reasonable Problem. Multiplying three numbers together and diving by 27 to obtain concrete  volume doesn’t need an app. It shouldn’t be a toy, it should be a productivity game changer.
3. Clear Purpose. A useful app shouldn’t try to accomplish too many different tasks…unless they can be easily delineated and selected. Generally, an app should limit features of limited value and be focused.
4. Help Screens that Lead a Novice Through the Steps. The help screens should both show the steps and show a worked example when possible. Terms must be defined, even basic terms.
5. Clear Inputting. Too many apps have tiny input screens, difficult to manipulate and read on the jobsite.
6. Professional Graphics. Screens should be easily readable. Color is a plus, but not a requirement.
7. Simplicity. Remember the best training advice ever. Keep it Simple Stupid (KISS). Clear, simple and brief is the goal.
8. Ability to Share Results. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth saving. Results must be able to be texted and emailed.
9. Don’t Require Memorization. We all have enough things in our lives that we struggle to remember. Forcing the memorization of construction calculator steps shouldn’t be added to the mix.
10. Have a Strong Website and a Great Response Time. Customer service matters. There must be the appearance of great customer service.

We’re excited about construction phone apps because they could greatly enhance jobsite productivity. As the construction phone apps get better, we all win.