Every startup needs a great idea. Something unique and compelling. Startup businesses succeed when they find a customer need that they can fulfill. Startup businesses and independent software developers constantly search for just such needs. A startup business has a great time and past success, so they search for their next big idea. Or a developer just out of university wants to test their skills and the attention of potential employers or investors. Or a developer working in a corporate job wants to branch out and work on a side project. In any case, a great idea, proper execution and hard work prove critical to success.

Let’s take a look at projects for developers and then a look at projects for startups.

What are beginner and complex software projects ideas?

Projects for beginners or developers require very small teams. More complex projects will require a cadre of developers and other players. Below are ideas for developers to tackle on their own and for startups. More complex ideas require more time and investment.

8 Project ideas for developers

1. Find a parking space
   This application idea would help the users find a parking space using GPS. Their phone would scan nearby for available spaces on the street and in parking garages. First, the app would pinpoint the user’s current location. Then it would scan the streets and retrieve data from municipal and private parking areas to find a spot.
   
   Difficulty: Medium
   Demand: High
   Potential for great return on investment: Good
   Inspiration/examples: Parkify

   

   
   

2. Recipe Organizer
   This app would allow users to scan or type in their favorite recipes. Then they could search, sort and add photos of the completed meal. The app should also have the ability to share the creations on social media.

Difficulty: Medium
Demand: Medium
Potential for great return on investment: Great
Inspiration/examples: Recipe Keeper

1. Message master
   This app would allow users to check all their messages in one application. Instead of going to What’sApp, FaceBook, Twitter, iMessage, Viber, or Skype they would just use Message Master. This app would save time and clicks, something every person with a smartphone appreciates.

Difficulty: Medium
Demand: High
Potential for great return on investment: Great
Inspiration/examples: Shift

1. Get me there, fast!
   This app would use real-time traffic data and public transport schedules and data to help users plan their journey. If the metro will be faster than a taxi or driving, this app will give you the details on the best option.

Difficulty: Hard
Demand: High
Potential for great return on investment: Great
Inspiration/examples: Waze

1. Map my walk

This app would allow users to track where and how far they have walked each day. Then they could compare maps. They could set themselves challenges and track their progress. The app would save every map and allow the users to review their walks by day, location and duration.

Difficulty: Medium
Demand: High
Potential for great return on investment: Goo
Inspiration/examples: Footpath

1. Recycling locator
   This app would show the user the nearest recycling for a number of items. Using GPS the app would scan the local area. Then it would show the user a map of the location of the nearest recycling facilities for plastic, textiles, glass, metal and paper.
   
   Difficulty: High
   Demand: Medium
   Potential for great return on investment: Good
   Inspiration/examples: RecycleBank
   

7. Charity finder
This project would allow users to input interests and causes they care about. The system would deliver results based on a set of pre-vetted charities and organizations that match the user’s requirements.

Difficulty: Medium
Demand: Medium
Potential for great return on investment: Good
Inspiration/examples: Charity Navigator

8. Rain intensity
Our default apps show whether it will rain or not. But they do not show intensity, so you might bring your umbrella for a light mist. This app would fix that, using data from satellite weather data to show users how heavy the rainfall will be outside.

Difficulty: Medium
Demand: High
Potential for great return on investment: Great
Inspiration/examples: Rainviewer

8 Project ideas for Startups

Startups have the potential to take on larger projects, let’s take a look at some ideas that would make any founder proud. Here are some more complex and advanced project ideas.

1. Grocery lists
   This app would allow users to create different shopping lists. They could sort the list by store, department or food type. Users could scan barcodes or manually input their shopping list items. 

Difficulty: Medium
Demand: High
Potential for great return on investment: Great
Inspiration/examples: Our Groceries

1. Augmented reality Scavenger hunt

This project would create a scavenger hunt application for mobile devices. Game players would receive coordinates and then search for hidden items using their phone’s camera.  Scavenger hunts would follow a theme and have different difficulty levels.

Difficulty: High
Demand: High
Potential for great return on investment: Good
Inspiration/examples: Pokemon GO

1. Social network for pet owners

This app would connect pet owners with other pet owners. It would allow them to chat and exchange advice. Businesses could promote their services through curated and paid advertising and promotion.

Difficulty: Medium
Demand: High
Potential for great return on investment: Good
Inspiration/examples: Pet Pro connect

1. Laundry Service

This project would create an app and infrastructure for a laundry service. The service would offer to pick up and delivery services that users would request in the app interface.

Difficulty: High
Demand: High
Potential for great return on investment: Great
Inspiration/examples: Rinse

1. Dinner delivered

This app would allow users to specify preferences and food allergies. Then the app would source meals from specality restaurants and deliver a themed dinner to the customer. This would lend an element of surprise and fun to mealtimes.

Difficulty: High
Demand: High
Potential for great return on investment: Great
Inspiration/examples: Curate meals

1. Mobile Auto services

This app would allow users to order car washing, maintenance, basic repairs and fluids. For instance, if the customer needs gas and an old change, a mobile team would come to their car after the user sends their request via the application interface.

Difficulty: High
Demand: High
Potential for great return on investment: Great
Inspiration/examples: Your mechanic

1. Virtual Interior designer 

In this application, customers would take photos of the space they want the designer to beautify. Then they would answer a series of questions about their style and color preferences. The app would then offer a list of suggestions. The customer would then make a  purchase and receive white-glove delivery of their new interior items.

Difficulty: Medium
Demand: Medium
Potential for great return on investment: Good
Inspiration/examples: Grit Interiors

1. Healthy habits

This application would allow users to record their daily fitness tasks. They could share and comment on the achievements of their friends and family who also have the app. 

Difficulty: Medium
Demand: Medium
Potential for great return on investment: Good
Inspiration/examples: fitbit

Need more variations on what to develop? Read on top bespoke software solutions and best SaaS and micro-SaaS ideas. For even more options check out our list of web application ideas.

Blocshop works with Agile processes to deliver results on time. Our expert engineers, designers and developers will help you see your full potential. Here, at Blocshop, our budgeting process is mastered and we help our customers reduce costs up to 30%. Read more on how much the software development cost at Blocshop depending on the size of the software, technology is being used, and team size. If you need a custom price estimation, contact us.