Simplifying Shared Lists – Dev

What inspired you to create the app in the first place?

I was tired of digging through long, mixed-up text threads when planning errands with my partner. One day I texted her asking if she needed anything from the shop, and by the time I actually went, the message was buried among dozens of replies. I wanted a simple way for two people to maintain a shared list—whether it’s shopping, chores, or anything else—and have instant updates without hunting through chats. The goal was to make it as straightforward as opening a notepad and seeing exactly what needs doing, together.

What did you discover when researching the market?

I looked into popular list-sharing apps and found that many were packed with features—great for younger, tech-savvy audiences, but intimidating for users who only want simplicity (think parents in their 60s). A friend even told me he’d used a streamlined app before, but it faltered on sharing links: every time he tried to add someone, the app glitched or redirected him to a login screen. That told me there was room for an app that does one thing really well—shared lists—without the clutter or confusing workflows.

How did you approach design and development to keep the app user-friendly?

With minimal programming background (HTML dabbling and self-taught via ChatGPT), I broke the app down into its essential features:

Unique join code or link to share a list.
Real-time updates for both users.
Simple item management: add, remove, check off, reorder.
List management: reorder lists, delete (with clear owner vs. participant actions).
Basic modes: light/dark theme, sound on/off.

I implemented intuitive swipe gestures—swipe to delete (or leave) and clear ownership icons—so anyone can pick it up without reading a manual.

What feedback have you received from testers so far?

We’re halfway through a 14-day closed test with about 20 Android users. Early feedback highlighted bugs around input fields, list reordering, and theme toggles. In the past week I’ve rolled out five or six rapid updates, squashing crashes and fixing display issues. Now, testers—especially households and couples all on Android—are using the app for shopping lists, birthday planning, and more, praising its ease and reliability.

What are your next steps as you near the end of the testing period?

Over the next two weeks I plan to onboard a few more testers, then launch on the Google Play Store. Once live, you’ll see me in local towns handing out business cards with QR codes, pitching the app to families and friends of friends to spread the word. I want real-world downloads and user stories to fuel our growth.

What has been the most rewarding part of this journey so far?

Seeing people—some who barely know me—jump in to help test has been incredibly gratifying. Their unexpected support reminds me that this simple tool can truly make daily life smoother. Ultimately, I’m most excited for the day users leave glowing Play Store reviews: knowing the app has become a game-changer for them will mean everything.