We’ve seen a lot of nice TV app ideas, but just a few of them actually made a huge success. So what those successful apps had in common (versus the other apps)? Here are a few points we noticed:

Purpose
The app should have a clear purpose. Apps “for everyone” are too generic, when successful apps are focused on one small niche. It can be an app for hotels, dental offices, or banks. These apps are made to satisfy very specific needs and tailored to specific industries or even one specific company.

Functionality
This might sound as an obvious point, but it just proves its importance. The functionality of successful apps is greatly thought-through and aligned with purpose. A great app is complete, so you will never think “I wish I could have this or that function here” because it is already there.

Simple Design
The simpler the better. The app shouldn’t distract users from the content. Instead it should facilitate the whole process. Simple and intuitive buttons, plain forms, smart use of colours those are common elements of great TV apps.

Ease of operation
If you can’t find what you are looking for within 4 clicks, this is not the right app. Simple menu with logical structure will give users total control and make them happy and this is what you want to succeed!

Flexibility
Listen to your users and make sure to update the app from time to time to add more functionality, more features, more usability. Ideal app should be flexible enough to evolve together with the changing needs of the user. At the same time, all the updates should be smooth from technical point of view (app crashes are no-no!) and noticeable to the users (“Oh, have you seen this new menu option it’s great!”)

It’s not easy to make a perfect TV app, but there are tools around to help make it a success.