App Development: Overcoming Writers Block

Writers block - the curse of no longer being able to produce creative content. It's affected writers for years, but is also a very common problem for app developers. When it comes to app development, what can we do about it?

The causes for app writers block are mostly similar to traditional writers block, for example:

• Running out of inspiration
• Illness (physical or mental)
• Financial pressures
• Sense of failure (see the depressing side of app development)

Since these are already known problems traditional strategies for overcoming them can also be applied.

• Cut off the Internet! Is procrastination your problem - too many notifications or fun things to look at elsewhere? It's amazing how productive you can be if you turn off the internet for 30 minutes - a kick start is all you need. 
• Exercise. You may not be doing any app development because you feel lethargic - exercise can help this and make you feel more alert. 
• Brainstorm ideas. Get a bit of paper, and write down mind maps or random ideas you have. 
• Change your location. A change of scenery can do you good - get out the house and head to a coffee shop or park and see if that can help inspire you. 

Picture by  photosteve101

The above techniques all transfer well to app development. However, the best technique I have found is to plagiarise! Ok - maybe not really plagiarise, but look elsewhere for inspiration. It's easy to think that you need to always do something unique, but taking another idea and making it better or with a different twist is a great way to get your creative juices flowing. Check out the top apps in various categories on as many app stores as you can. If you do only Android - check the iTunes store as well and vice versa.