.png)
Building an app might sound like a job that's that done by seasoned app developers or software engineers but thanks to no-code platforms like Thunkable, you can build one with little to no experience. This is a great way of bringing your creative ideas to life. Whether you are a beginner or a tech enthusiast, Thunkable simplifies this process and eliminates the need for coding; however, I will warn you that although there's no coding involved it can be quite cumbersome and challenging, so you definitely need patience and flexibility with your ideas.
In my blog post, I'll take you through my journey of building my first no-code app, BloomYou, a mood based community social wellness app. By the end, you'll feel inspired to start creating your own app!
Why I chose Thunkable?
User friendly Interface: Drag and drop components
Cross-Platform: Apps can be published on both Android and iOS
No coding required: Semi-easy for beginners
Cost effective: Monthly subscription much more affordable than hiring a professional
My goal with BloomYou was to create a wellness app that provides:
Mood-Based Recommendations: Personalized suggestions based on the user’s mood.
Predefined Tasks: Easy-to-try activities for self-care.
Journal Entry Feature: A space for users to document their thoughts and reflect.
Self-fulfillment: I wanted to challenge myself!
For my project, BloomYou, I wanted to create an app that was simple that help users analyze their moods, get personalized recommendations, affirmations and the ability to jot down task and journal, if they see fit!
Step 1: Defining My "No Code" App Idea
The first step in my app-building journey was to clearly define my idea:
Problem: Many people struggle with managing their emotions or finding ways to stay positive.
Solution: A mood-based app that offers suggestions based on how a user feels and journaling to promote mindfulness..
Step 2: Designing the App in Thunkable
Thunkable’s drag-and-drop design interface made this part fun and intuitive. Here’s how I structured the app:
1. Creating Screens
I created three main screens:
Home Screen: Where users can analyze their mood and start exploring.
Recommendations Screen: Displays mood-based suggestions and predefined tasks.
Journal Screen: A space to write and save personal reflections.
2. Adding Components
I utilized these Thunkable components:
Buttons: To navigate between screens and initiate actions.
Labels: To display prompts and messages.
Text Inputs: For users to enter and save journal entries.
Step 3: Adding Logic with Blocks
Thunkable’s block-based coding system made it easy to set up the app’s functionality. Here’s how I implemented the main features:
1. Mood-Based Recommendations
I created a variable to store the user’s selected mood.
Each mood links to a list of tailored suggestions displayed dynamically on the Recommendations Screen.
2. Predefined Tasks
Users can select from a set of predefined self-care activities, such as “Take a 10-minute walk” or “Listen to your favorite song.”
These tasks refresh regularly, giving users new ideas each time they visit.
3. Journal Entries
The Journal Screen allows users to type their thoughts and save them locally.
Entries are stored for future reference, encouraging mindfulness and self-reflection.
Step 4: Testing and Iterating
Testing was an essential part of the process. Here’s how I refined the app:
User Feedback: I shared the app with friends who provided insights on navigation and usability.
Bug Fixes: Addressed small issues, like ensuring saved journal entries were accessible after restarting the app.
Design Tweaks: Made the interface cleaner and easier to navigate.
Step 5: Polishing the Final Product
Once the app was functional, I focused on improving its design:
Color Scheme: I chose soft, pastel colors to reflect a calming and supportive theme.
Text and Fonts: Clear, readable fonts made the app user-friendly.
Usability Testing: Feedback from friends helped fine-tune the user experience.
What I Learned?
Building BloomYou taught me that creating an app is about more than just assembling features—it’s a journey that challenges your creativity, determination, and resilience. Here are the key lessons I learned:
Creativity is Essential: Even in a world filled with countless apps, it takes imagination to carve out your unique concept. While others may have created similar tools, your vision and execution can make all the difference.
Drive Keeps You Going: There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and doubted my abilities, but pushing through those feelings was crucial. Staying motivated, even during tough times, made the process incredibly rewarding.
Grit is Non-Negotiable: The path to completing an app isn’t always straightforward. There were times when I wasn’t sure of the support I’d receive or whether I was heading in the right direction, but persistence and determination helped me overcome those uncertainties.
Courage Opens Doors: Stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on a challenge like app development required a leap of faith. It wasn’t always easy, but embracing the unknown led to growth and new possibilities I hadn’t imagined.
This journey was about more than just building an app—it was about building confidence, honing my problem-solving skills, and learning to trust in my abilities. If you’re considering starting your own project, know that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Remember: You Can Build an App Too!
I know this blog sounds like creating an app is super easy, well I won't tell you that exactly as this does take a lot of work from conception to final product but in the end its all worth it! Creating BloomYou with Thunkable was an empowering experience that showed me how accessible app development can be. They offer a community forum where you can pose questions or search previous issues that users have faced. There's also a document library with videos and if anything else fails look for tutorials on YouTube! Whether you want to build an app for fun, personal use, or a professional project, platforms like Thunkable make it possible to bring your ideas to life.
Are you ready to start your no-code journey? Share your app ideas or questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
Comentários