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Category 1: Apps of the Year
This category is for stand-alone apps for Smartphones and Tablet devices. It features four categories, the first three of which are not open to entry, and a fourth which is open and for which submissions are sought, as follows:
1a. Best Mobile App for Consumers: Based on statistical market evidence of success (Not Open for Entry)
1b. Best Mobile App for Enterprise: Based on statistical market evidence of success (Not Open for Entry)
1c. Judges Choice – Best Overall Mobile App: Nominations submitted directly from and selected by our Judges (Not Open for Entry)
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1d. Most Innovative Mobile App: For technical and business model innovation and advances underpinning App Development (Entry Closed)
The arrival and non-stop evolution of smartphones and tablet devices over recent years has heralded an explosion in the development of, and demand for, mobile apps of every form. Hundreds of thousands of free and paid apps on the market across a variety of OS platforms, have resulted in billions of downloads revolutionising mobile access to content of every kind.
The first 2 sub-categories (1a & 1b) are decided by the market, and will be based on market data and analysis as to which Consumer and Enterprise apps have not only been in demand globally across all OS platforms, but also those that have longevity and a useful life for the user beyond the download. It will be based upon Apps downloaded by customers from the leading App Stores in 2011.
The third sub-category (Category 1c) is for the Judges’ choice of ‘Best Overall Mobile App’. This is for the App that has, in the opinion of our expert judges, set the benchmark in for others to follow in 2011. Our judges will nominate their own preferences, and through discussion, select the shortlist and one ultimate winner.
In making their nominations, and selecting the final winner, our judges will be asked to consider the following App attributes:
- Apps that play to the strength of mobile - location, communications, community, spontaneity
- Great content, good quality design
- User experience: Simplicity is king, navigation is key
- Utilization of the hardware - the phones' key features and functions
- Availability across multi-platforms
- Innovation - what's new, different and absolutely useful
- Interface appeal and creativity
- Price point versus value for money
- Market success and potential for longevity
- Frequency of development and upgrades to enhance and improve
The fourth category (Category 1d) is specifically for technical innovation in the mobile app space, and is open for entry. Full details below.
Category 1d: Most Innovative Mobile App
Seeking all forms of technical and business model innovation in the development of mobile apps, this category aims to recognise game changing developers that are pushing back the boundaries and moving the market to the next level.
Covering development behind both B2B and B2C apps, we are looking for genuine technology and business model leadership in areas, for example of, augmented reality implementation, ‘in-app’ purchase and commerce solutions, social media integration, deployment and management behind cloud based apps, the use of device functionality such as sensors, HD or 3D, task oriented apps, modular design or creative UIs.
Eligibility:
This category is open to companies and organisations that develop or deliver mobile applications. These may include:
- Application Developers
- Vendors & Operators
- Content providers and brand owners
Please note, for innovation in apps, products and services specifically for the Health, Automotive, Utilities, Publishing, Education or Banking space, you may also be interested in entering Category 5, the Mobile Innovation Awards
The mobile app entered must have been launched and commercially available prior to the closing deadline of the awards Wednesday 07th December 2011 at 5pm (GMT).
Judging Criteria (for category 1d only):
In assessing and selecting the Most Innovative Mobile App, our judges will be looking for the following:
- What’s new, different or unique in terms of the technology or business model
- Complexity of technology/ business model converted into Simplicity for the user
- Makes good use of mobility
- Great quality design, compelling and sticky experience
- Utilisation of device hardware – the devices' key features and functions
- UI appeal
- Pricing and value for money
- Market success and longevity
Process:
The judges will shortlist five entries in this Category, with one winner announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on Tuesday 28th February 2012.
