Useful resources

A toolbox for the bit before building

Free, practical material for founders preparing to commission software. Use the checklist to see what you already know, then dip into the reading list.

Idea-readiness checklist

Tick what you can already answer. Nothing here is a test; the gaps simply show where a first workshop session would be most useful.

0 of 8 ready

I can describe the first people who will use it.
I can say what problem it solves in one sentence.
I know how those people cope today without it.
I know the single most important thing it must do.
I know what personal data it would need, if any.
I have a rough budget range in mind.
I know when I would like a first version.
I know who will look after it after launch.

If you accept optional storage, your ticks are kept on this device only. Rejecting clears them.

Plain-English glossary

Prototype: A clickable model of a product used to test ideas. It looks real but has no working back end.
MVP: Minimum viable product: the smallest release that delivers real value to real users.
Cross-platform: One codebase producing apps for both iOS and Android.
Back end: The server, database and logic behind an app that users do not see directly.
Store review: Apple's and Google's checks before an app appears in their stores.
Design system: A documented set of reusable interface parts and rules.

Trusted external guidance

GOV.UK Service Manual — clear guidance on researching and designing services.
Information Commissioner's Office — UK data protection guidance for organisations.
App Store Review Guidelines — Apple's rules for published apps.
Google Play policies — requirements for Android apps.
WCAG overview — the web accessibility guidelines we design against.

Photography on this site

Photographs are illustrative stock images from Pexels and Unsplash, used under their licences. They do not show Gopalut staff, premises or client projects.