Exotic Pet Technologies

It's Not You, It's Me

As a co-founder of a software company focused on mobile solutions, I’ve had countless conversations about someone’s “great mobile app idea.” My wife teases me, saying I seem anti-mobile app because I often explain why someone shouldn’t—at least initially—pursue their app dreams.

The truth is, I know what it takes to deliver a solid solution and maintain it. Changes are inevitable early in a product's life, and maintaining a solution can be daunting. My analogy? A tiger cub is cute and manageable, but it grows into a tiger—and you’re not Mike Tyson, Siegfried, or Roy. You must be prepared.

Too often, solutions are built on trendy technologies instead of solid principles. In this post, I’ll highlight three technology traps that can derail great ideas when they become too tightly coupled to the technology rather than the problem. If you’ve encountered this, I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.

Mobile: Does Your App Deserve the Space?

Everyone wants a mobile app, but not every idea justifies one. Does your solution deserve to be a first-class citizen on someone’s device? Does it leverage features like location, camera, or biometrics in a way that provides exceptional value?

Even if your idea seems app-worthy, consider whether you can validate it with simpler technologies first. Web apps, lightweight prototypes, or even manual processes allow you to iterate and mature your concept before committing to the complexity of mobile development. By the time you create an app, you’ll have a clearer understanding of user needs and how to address them effectively.

The Allure of Silver Bullets

Certain technologies promise to solve every problem, only to fade into obscurity.

• Blockchain: Unless your solution needs decentralization, immutability, or tokenization, blockchain might overcomplicate your idea.
• Cross-Platform Tools: Frameworks like React Native or MonoTouch often lock companies into ecosystems that don’t evolve as quickly as native platforms.
• Buzzwords (e.g., RFID, NFC, AR, VR): Shiny trends come and go, but no technology is a one-size-fits-all solution. Remember, technology is a tool, not the goal.

Artificial Intelligence: The New Frontier or the Same Trap?

AI, today’s shiny object, holds transformative potential but is often misapplied. Too many entrepreneurs see AI as a magic wand that will automatically make their solution smarter, faster, or more appealing.

AI requires clear goals, substantial data, and ongoing maintenance. I’ve seen companies invest heavily in AI-powered tools like chatbots without validating whether users needed those features. Simpler systems could have achieved the same outcomes with less cost and complexity.

Before diving into AI, ask: Does my problem truly require AI, or am I using it because it’s trendy? Start simple, validate your concept, and only incorporate AI when it’s the best tool for scaling or enhancing your solution.

Technology Should Support the Solution, Not Define It

The theme across mobile, silver bullets, and AI is clear: technology should enable your solution, not define it. Too often, entrepreneurs force problems to fit a technology rather than letting them guide their choices.

To avoid this pitfall, focus on first principles:

• What problem am I solving, and for whom?
• Can I validate my idea with the most straightforward implementation?
• What risks am I taking by tying my solution to this specific technology?

These questions might not be as exciting as imagining your app on the App Store or your AI model setting benchmarks, but they are the foundation for sustainable success.

The Tiger Analogy Revisited

Every idea starts as a manageable tiger cub—small, fun, and full of potential. But as your solution grows, so does the complexity of maintaining it and adapting to user needs. Avoid overcommitting to specific technologies too early, or your tiger may become uncontrollable.

A tiger will grow, but with the proper tools and perspective, you can train it to work with you rather than against you.

Final Thoughts

This article isn’t intended to discourage your dreams but to share hard-earned lessons gathered over years in software development. Successful solutions start by understanding the problem deeply and choosing the right tools for the job—not the flashiest ones.

So, if you have a mobile app idea or a concept involving blockchain or AI, ask yourself: Is the technology driving the solution, or is the problem guiding my choices? Start small, iterate often, and let the situation dictate the path forward.

What are some technologies you’ve seen overused or misapplied in startups??

Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences!