Before launch you still have time to change things. After launch every change costs you ratings and users. A short, planned round of feedback is the cheapest insurance you have.
This is a two-week plan. Adjust the days to your release date.
Week 1: prepare and collect
Days 1-2: you (the owner). - Run through the app yourself and fix anything obvious. - Write a short brief: who the app is for, the three things to try, known bugs to ignore. - Decide what you will do with the answers before you read them (see the decision rules below).
Days 3-7: testers. - Ask for feedback from people who do not know the app. A mix works: someone from your target group and a few other developers. - Ask the same questions to everyone, so answers can be compared.
Good questions: 1. What did you expect the app to do when you opened it? 2. Where did you get stuck or hesitate? 3. What was unclear, in words or in layout? 4. Did anything crash, freeze or look wrong? Which device and OS version? 5. Would you know what to do on day two?
Week 2: read, decide, fix
Days 8-9: sort. Group answers by theme. Count how many people hit the same thing.
Days 10-12: decide. Simple rules: - Blocks the core action or crashes: fix before launch. - Several people mention it: fix, or explain it in the app. - One person mentions it, it is a taste question: note it, leave it. - One person mentions it, it is a clear bug: check it; if you can reproduce it, fix it.
Days 13-14: check. Send the fixed build to two or three of the same people and ask only: is it better?
Where AppReviewX fits
AppReviewX gives you private, structured feedback from other developers. One feedback you write earns one credit, and one credit buys one feedback on your app. New accounts start with 0 credits. Feedback stays private, and nothing is traded for store reviews or installs. Developers are good at crashes, flow and unclear screens. They cannot replace your real target group on questions of taste or price.
Start with AppReviewX and write your brief for the first round.
Related: Test your app yourself before testers get it, Private feedback on your app from other developers. Back to the overview.