This document provides tips for building a learning habit by asking questions during different stages of building an app. It suggests asking questions to determine if an app idea should be built, get feedback on early sketches, understand how people use an initial beta version, learn how people are gaining value from the app, and get ideas for how to expand the app. The document also provides examples of questions to ask during exploratory interviews, when responding to support emails, and responding to app store reviews to continually learn and improve.

1. Building a Learning Habit
Questions to ask as you’re
building your (awesome) app
Cindy Alvarez
Mobilize 2017

2. idea

3. Should I build it?
Tell me about how you _______...
If you already had _______, how
would your life be better?

4. sketch

5. I’m starting to build it…
What would you want to do here?
Show me how you’d _______...

6. beta

7. Some people are using it!
How long did it take you to ____?
What did you expect to be able to
do?

8. value

9. How do we get more of them?
In the past week, how have you used
______?
How would you describe the value
you’re getting?

10. expand

11. Learn a little every day!
@cindyalvarez | microsoft
bit.ly/learnhabit

12. Need an exploratory interview?
Hi [interviewee’s name],
I’m trying to learn more about [subject] and would like to hear more about
your experiences because [interviewee’s qualifications].
Could you help me out by joining me on a 20-minute call?
[one-click option for agreeing and scheduling]
Thank you so much!
[just your name, downplay company or ‘expertise’ status]

13. Responding to support email?
…I hope this answers your question!
While I’ve got you, can I ask you a quick question?
[question]
Any details you can share will help me make this app better!

14. Responding to app store reviews?
[acknowledge, apologize for poor reviews; thank them for great ones]
…Can you help us out by taking 1 minute to answer our 2-question survey?
[survey link}