Competition Period
Mon 10/24 to Tue 11/15, 11:59 PM
What’s Your App? Boundaryless App Prototype Competition
The app competition is underway. For participants, you can set up meetings by contacting boundaryless@nau.edu.
Have an idea for an app? This is your chance to make it, take it to the next level, get feedback, showcase your work, and secure continued support. During the competition you will developing a testable prototype. We are there to help you along the way as needed. Winning team(s) receive up to $500 and server space hosting support and all participants receive coaching; our goal is to help your app idea become a prototype that you can hone and get it out into the world on whichever platform you choose.
How it Works
- Apply before 10/24/2022 at 11:59 PM
- Meet with the Boundaryless team; set up a meeting today: boundaryless@nau.edu
- Work on your app throughout the competition period (10/24 to 11/15/2022)
- Meet with the Boundaryless team during the competition at least once
- Attend the final awards ceremony; there may be multiple winners funded
Application Requirements Accordion Closed
- Apply to the competition
- Be a full-time NAU undergraduate or graduate student during competition period
- Be willing to share your app prototype with judges; all ideas are yours and won’t be stolen
- Commit to abiding by all competition rules
Competition Rules Accordion Closed
- No app ideas promoting/facilitating adult content, alcohol or drug use, violence, defamation or discrimination, or any other similarly harmful content
- App ideas may be rejected at the discretion of competition management
- All deliverables must be submitted by 11:59 PM the final date of the competition
FAQs Accordion Closed
- Do I need to know how to code?
No coding required. In fact, no code solutions are encouraged. We are looking for compelling solutions to problems and if you have that and a good no-code prototype you can win. We will connect you with students who can code if you go further. - Can I work on a team?
Yes. Team can be any size. All team members must be full-time NAU students. - What do you mean by “app?”
Any software application that solves a problem and provides value–it does not have to be an iOS or Android store app for a mobile device; we welcome and encourage plugins, Chrome extension, Slack apps, bots, and apps built on the many other platforms, including existing apps (e.g. an app or plugin for Instagram) etc. If you’re not sure about an app reach out and we can help clarify. - Can I use an existing app idea?
Yes. But you must meet with the Boundaryless team to review your app during the competition. - Is my app idea safe? Do I own my app?
Yes to both. All app ideas are your intellectual property and we will not steel or use your app idea. Remember, there are many app ideas out there–the danger isn’t your app idea being stolen, it’s that your app idea may never get off the ground. - Does my app have to be original?
Originality will be a judging criteria so do your homework. We are OK with you doing something similar to an existing app but you’ll need to be improving and/or approaching with a unique new solution.
Judging Criteria Accordion Closed
- The Problem: Your app idea solves a clearly defined problem and you articulate how it provides value to the world. The clearer the problem-solution relationship, the better your score in this area. UX, graphics, everything else… it’s all secondary to the problem you’re solving.
- Testing Feedback: Users who test your app critique the problem that’s being solved and how well your testable prototype articulates the problem and solution. Note, your prototype only needs to show a representation of your apps functionality. While looks/aesthetics should aim to convince the tester that it’s a real app, the problem that the app solves and the functionality of the app are the most important factors to get feedback on if your app is solving a problem. Be sure to talk with the Boundaryless team about this throughout the process.
- Prototype Testability: Your prototype is developed to the point where someone can interact with it and get a basic idea of the value it provides and how it functions. This can be a rough/rapid prototype, see here for examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMjozqJS44M.
- Originality: Your app solves a need in a unique and novel way. If it is addressing a need that other apps are already addressing, it is doing so in a way that is unique from existing solutions.