Behind the launch of the StoryFolder Desktop App

In this post I'll share some behind-the-scenes details on turning the StoryFolder web application into a native app for desktop users — It starts with feature voting system and results in the debut of a desktop app. During this time I implement features requested by users,  try to balance a software launch with a cross-country move, and experience the excitement of launching my first paid software product.

The Feature Voting Experiment

After launching the web-based version of StoryFolder I introduced a feature voting system, enabling users to vote on potential enhancements for the application. Presented in a survey format, users could request new features, or upvote other features they wanted to see developed.

After several months of gathering data, the results were in. Although I can't recall the exact ranking of the features, I distinctly remember that the most upvoted individual feature was a desktop version of the app.

This really made sense and the comments made it even more clear as the primary pain point for users seemed to be how long it took to upload their videos to the site.

So, with the results in, I knew what I had to do.

Venturing into Desktop App Development

Admittedly, I am not a native app developer; my experience is more in developing web technologies. However, in my previous company, I gained experience in creating a desktop app using web-based technologies, specifically the Electron framework; the same framework companies like Slack and Spotify use for their desktop apps.

Before development, I identified a handful of other features from the feature voting survey that would substantially enhance its utility. These features included adjusting shot discovery sensitivity, visualizing output as a storyboard, making adjustments as necessary, adding notes to shots, and previewing the storyboard prior to exporting. I planned to incorporate these features before releasing the app publicly.

I got to work and started focusing on developing the brand new desktop app. Simultaneously, I was planning a cross-country move from Brooklyn, New York, to Tampa, Florida. As time crept forward, I realized that launching such a relatively ambitious product in the middle of moving wasn't the right move.

Ultimately, I scheduled the StoryFolder Desktop's release for a week after moving in to my new place in Clearwater.

The Launch

A few weeks after settling in Florida, I updated the website, uploaded the app, and dispatched the inaugural batch of emails to those who had previously utilized the web-based application. The reception was encouraging, resulting in a handful of paid customers on the first day alone. This marked my debut as a paid software product creator and instilled a profound sense of pride and accomplishment.

As ecpected, a handful of bug reports came in. They were squashed pretty quickly and uneventfully, releasing new patches and a few minor versions of the app.

Summary

The launch of StoryFolder Desktop has been a fun and enriching experience. It's helped me put my values of embracing user feedback into practice in a practical way that's created more value for my users. It's also given me the thrill of successfully launching my first paid software product — which is a deeply meaningful milestone in my life and career as a software developer.

I'd also like to express my gratitude to my customers and users for their support and enthusiasm for StoryFolder, and give a special thank you to the talented open-source team behind Electron JS, whose efforts made it possible for StoryFolder Desktop to exist.

Together, we will continue to enhance and expand StoryFolder, ensuring it remains an indispensable tool for storytellers and creatives alike.