Interviews

Exclusive Interview With Dot-to-Dot iOS App Developer, Reza Farhad

Dot-to-Dot is a universal app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, for one or two players, it is a variation on the traditional Dots game, where the objective of the game has been to make squares by connecting adjacent dots. In this version, by changing the grid of dots, you can either form a triangle or a square, making the game more visually interesting and challenging. Also by having a timer and a spinner, that introduces a factor of luck, the characteristics of the game can be changed, introducing a different tactical approach for the different settings.

We are currently reviewing this app but in the meantime we wanted to interview the developer, Reza Farhad to find out how this app came to be materialised and especially how she managed to make it so addictive, fascinating and downright entertaining. Read this exclusive interview now…

 

The Beginning

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1      Please explain how your app was originally thought of and what were your thoughts behind the marketplace, specifically?

The app is based on a childhood game and my son came up with the variation on the theme. There are many single player games for the iPad and iPhone, however this one  is really to be played with 2 people creating interaction between the players like other traditional gams such as checkers, chess and backgammon. the challenge was how through a game with simple set of rules one can create an interesting experience both in game play and interaction between the players.

Design

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2      Explain the design, how you came up with the colors and themes.

The game is mimicking traditional board games such as chess, backgammon and checkers, and as an architect the visual language was very import part of the design process

Target Market

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3      Who do you see as the main target market for this app in terms of age, genre and expenditure?

It is a puzzle game from 7 and upwards and also a great game for an adult, such as parents, to play with their children

Production Process

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How long did it take from the original planning to the production process of this app?

The project took approximately 6 months.

Sales

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How do you predict sales to be, is there a good solid market for this style of app?

Unpredictable. It is very difficult to market for such an app.

Obstacle

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What has been the hardest obstacle you have had to overcome regarding this app development?

The real challenge was to code for the autoplay as it needed to be able to assess the best move from a large set of possibilities quickly

Third Parties

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 Would you consider developing apps for third parties?

No

App Store

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What have you learnt from the App Store?

Down to the point

Apple Support

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Have Apple supported you well with your App development?

Yes, great tools and documentation.

The Future

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10  What next, are you developing another app, would you go for the same genre again, if not which?

Yes we are in the process of developing another app for the iPad and which is going to be for the professional sector. I cannot say anymore about it.

Our Support

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What do you think about TheAppWhisperer.com? Have we helped you? Would you recommend us?  Have we been supportive?

Frankly I did not know about theappwhisperer before but you have been both encouraging and supportive. I hope it will lead to good result.

This app is available in the App Store for $0.99 and you can download it here.

Joanne Carter is a British photography journalist, editor, curator, and the founder of *TheAppWhisperer.com*, one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to mobile photography and art. Since its launch in 2009, TheAppWhisperer has become an international hub for artists of all levels to discover, learn, exhibit, and engage with contemporary photographic practice.Built on principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and artistic excellence, Joanne has spent almost two decades championing mobile photography as a serious artistic medium. Through interviews, critical essays, exhibitions, competitions, and education, she has helped shape and document the evolution of mobile art on a global scale.Her work has taken her internationally, lecturing on photography and mobile art at institutions and events including the Museum of Art in Seoul, South Korea, alongside appearances in the UK and Europe. She has served as a juror for international photography and mobile art awards across Portugal, Canada, the United States, South Korea, Italy, and the UK.Joanne is also the founder of *TheAppWhispererPrintSales.com*, one of the first online galleries dedicated exclusively to collectible mobile art, connecting artists with collectors across Europe, the United States, and Asia.Before founding TheAppWhisperer, Joanne worked extensively in print journalism and photographic publishing, including roles at a paparazzi photo agency and as deputy editor of a leading photography magazine. Her freelance journalism, criticism, and commentary have been published widely in both the UK and the US, with bylines in *The Times*, *The Sunday Times*, *The Guardian*, *Popular Photography*, *NikonPro*, *DPReview*, *Which?*, *Vogue Italia*, *LensCulture*, the *BBC*, and more recently, the *Financial Times*, where her published letters on photography continue to contribute to wider conversations around the medium.Alongside her editorial and curatorial work, Joanne’s own photographic practice has been exhibited internationally across the UK, Europe, South Korea, and the United States. Her work increasingly explores themes of grief, loss, death, memory, and the body.Her current research interests centre on grief, death, and poverty, with forthcoming postgraduate study leading towards doctoral research in these areas.Joanne is currently developing new long-form writing and photographic projects and is available for commissions, editorial projects, speaking engagements, and collaborations.Contact: joannetheappwhisperer@gmail.com)