Hey fellow developers, I'm looking for some advice on a project my boss has assigned to me. He wants me to create a mobile app, similar to Instagram but specifically for mural artists. It should allow artists to post their work, users to hire them, and include features like renting painting spaces, reviews, user profiles, comments, Stripe payments, mapping, and a search form—all within 2 to 4 months. He believes AI will make this process easier and thinks I can handle everything solo, including the UI/UX. I've tried explaining that while AI is great for generating code, it doesn't eliminate the need for careful architecture, security, and testing. My boss seems to be underestimating the scope of the project. Am I being too cautious or is this expectation just unrealistic? How can I better communicate the challenges involved? Thanks for your help!
5 Answers
You could possibly get a basic version out in two months with a well-structured MVP. Focus on the core functions first, but make sure to communicate the amount of work involved regularly to your boss—he should see how complex this all is.
Absolutely! I want him involved, but I doubt he’ll keep up with the daily grind. His management style is pretty hands-off.
You're spot on about AI. It won't just magically create a fully functional platform, especially not in that short a time. Ask your boss for examples of similar apps made with AI—this could help him see the reality of the situation.
That’s actually a good angle! I haven’t thought about asking him for examples.
I think your concerns are valid. Your boss may not fully understand the complexity of app development. Break down the project into smaller milestones and set a realistic timeline. Highlight what’s a must-have against what can wait for later versions. This will not only showcase the effort needed but also help in managing expectations.
Don't forget to prioritize the MVP features; it'll help emphasize what can realistically be achieved!
Good point! My boss thinks his past experience as a developer gives him insight, but technology has changed a lot since then.
Feature complexity really matters here. If you're developing a native app for both iOS and Android in that timeline, it’s a stretch unless you're using a good framework like Expo. But you need solid design and planning.
I’m leaning towards Expo since I’m familiar with React, but I’m worried about the design aspect without a proper UX guide.
Honestly, if this app is just a simpler version of Instagram, it raises the question of why users would switch. Also, social media platforms are complex, and he might not be seeing the big picture.
Yeah, getting user adoption is a huge hurdle with established players like Instagram already out there.
Exactly! I’m just here to code, not evaluate the business idea. My boss is focused on getting the client to pay.
Agreed! Regular check-ins might help keep expectations aligned on progress and challenges.