We are currently a bit over 25% of the way through a weekend app development project. We started the 48-hour marathon today (Saturday) at 8:30am, and will have the app submitted to Apple and Google by 8:30am on Monday.
Having been involved in developing two successful app projects at our Energy Savings Startup, as well as another project that has been quite delayed, I have really enjoyed this fast process so far. In fact, the project was suggested by my developer Trevor, who lives in NY and has had success with this concept in the past.
A huge plus of getting all the parties together and cranking out the app in one crazy weekend is obvious to anyone that has been involved in a traditional development project. Projects are always delayed and drag on past deadlines, unless you have an huge amount of cash to throw at the developers. As much as it drives me crazy as an entrepreneur, it also is not fun for the developers when projects and deadlines drag on (unless they are being paid hourly).
It is also fun. We each have our strenghts in contribution to the project, and those are ampliphied when working together. I made a big pot of Gumbo for dinner (like I said, we all have our strengths), and we are taking turns playing music and making coffee.
There are two big downsides to this method though, especially to a new father that just turned 34. I can't quite handle the lack of sleep like I could ten or fifteen years ago, and of course being away from my daughter for an entire weekend is rough.
Here is a screen shot of the app, which will be a mobile app stopwatch to measure cost and environmental impact of running different appliances and electronics.
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If you want to follow our process throughout the entire 48 hours, check out our energy efficiency blog or the feed on @verdeL3C on twitter. I might even post the Gumbo recipe, if pressed.
