Development timeline
Take time to make your gadget great.
How long you'll need to develop your gadget will depend on how complicated it is. Simple gadgets with limited built-in functionality can be executed in just a few days. Complex gadgets will require more detailed planning and a few weeks of development. Here's a general timeline for building a gadget from scratch:
Week 1: Planning and design
Spend this week defining your vision and goals for your gadget. Based on your design and resources, determine which gadget building option is right for you. Then outline your gadget ideas and goals in a creative brief.
Week 2: Prototyping
Have your developer build a prototype of your gadget based on your creative brief, and used it to evaluate your gadget. Will you be satisfied with the end product, or are there other features or elements of your gadget that you want to include? Take this week to refine your gadget design.
Weeks 3 & 4: Implementation
Use this time to get your gadget working. Remember: just building a gadget doesn't guarantee increased traffic to your website. Anticipate the feedback your users will give you and try to address their needs now.
Week 5: Test, test, test
You're in the homestretch. Make sure your gadget works flawlessly and look for opportunities to make it even better. When it's done, publish it to the gadget directory and spread the word.
Next: Promoting your gadget »