Tips
To get the most out of your app here are some simple pointers to help you on your way.
What the judging panel will be looking for
- How are you making a difference? (Problem Definition)
- What does your new solution do? (Solution Design & Innovation)
- How does your solution work? (Technical Architecture & User Experience)
- How will your solution become a reality? (Business Viability)
How are you making a difference?
We are looking for apps that tackle issues relating to climate change, carbon management and energy efficiency. The apps should serve to raise business awareness amongst SMEs of climate change requirements, measure progress towards carbon reduction, or assist SMEs in either carbon management or enhanced energy efficiency.
What are the main climate change issues facing SMEs in Scotland? Identify some potential topics and think of many and varied ways in which you could solve the problem with an app.
How precise and relevant is the real world problem? How interesting or difficult to resolve - functionally or technically - is the problem being challenged?
What does your new solution do?
Once you have identified and researched the issue, think about the best way that software and available technology could be used in a novel or unique way to address the problem.
Does the application approach a new problem, or look at an old problem in a new way? Is the solution completely innovative or does it rely on an existing concept/technology? Does the application impact a large number of people very broadly, or impact a smaller number of people very deeply? To which degree does the application actually solve the current problem?
How does your solution work?
You may already have your own preferred way of building software and apps which is great. This is a chance to expand your repertoire and consider the best technologies available for the problem and audience. We are looking for ideas that push the boundaries and make use of the latest technology so this is your chance to really open up to what's out there.
Is the system architecture broken down into logical chunks and modules? Is the project technically open to some evolution? Is it only made with a monolithic block or does it present interfaces enabling extensions (SDKs or APIs)? To which degree are the HMI (Human Machine Interfaces) intuitive, ergonomic and user friendly? Does the application leverage the presence of fresh and updated data?
How will your solution become a reality?
The aim here is to develop an app which can make a real world difference. It could be the most technologically advanced software ever, but if it doesn't stand up to commercial scrutiny it may not have the ability to make a big impact.
Is the application technically and economically viable? Is this solution only theoretical or does it have a realistic application for commercial purposes? (Not necessarily here and now, but eventually in the future and/or for certain markets)
Devices and Operating System
Competition entries may be any kind of software application - for the web, a personal computer, a mobile handheld device, or any software platform widely available to the public. What devices will the app work on to maximise the availability to businesses in Scotland? There are many different platforms and devices on which to develop and your app can be mobile or desktop based.
Microsoft Technology Challenge Prize
The explosions of social technologies, cloud-based services, and access to web services through apps have given people around the world powerful new ways to connect and share. Modern computing focuses much more on people and apps than on the operating system.
If you plan to use Microsoft technologies to build or deploy your app, here are some useful resources for you. To be eligible to win the Microsoft Technology Challenge Prize your solution must use at least 2 of the following 4 technologies as an integral part of the solution
Further information can be found on the Microsoft App Hub http://create.msdn.com/en-US/.
Climate Change Resources
To find out more about Climate Change, please visit the links below.
Scottish Energy and Resource Efficiency Service
“This is a great example of Scotland’s public and private sectors working together to develop creative, practical and effective solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions”
Stewart Stevenson MSP
Environment and Climate Change Minister for Scotland
“The EnviroApp competition should produce another useful engagement tool, building on the impact of the Envirowheel.”
Brendan Dick
BT Scotland Director
“This is a chance for Scotland to showcase its commitment to the climate change agenda as well as its innovative software developer community on a global stage.”
Melvyn Ingleson
Convenor of the Digital Participation Action Group (DPAG)
“We hope the cream of Scotland's software developers will step up to the mark and come up with something truly innovative.”
Ian Marchant
Chief Executive of SSE and convener of Scotland's 2020 Climate Group
“I am sure we will be able to count on Scotland’s developer community to produce some great offerings that will engage businesses and stimulate engagement in the climate change agenda.”
Derrick McCourt
Director, Scotland, Wales & UK Local Government, Microsoft
“The App will be an excellent opportunity to add another dimension to the work of the SERES partners, providing an additional way for businesses to access information and support.”
Iain Gulland
Chair of the SERES Partnership