iOS Projects: Can I help clients realize what they're actually asking for?

[Zisko]

I do lots of freelance iOS work, and I've noticed that people approach me with "Ideas" that they would like implemented, but they are not fleshed out at all. For example, I get a request for a "textbook sales app which acts as a marketplace for students to buy and sell textbooks", with no business plan or specs whatsoever. How do I encourage more thought out plans, and what tools do I point the prospective clients to? in terms of user interaction/ stories/ design?

[timrosenblatt]

It sort of depends on what you're asking for.

If it's around the business model, the easy answer is to point them to a book like http://www.amazon.com/The-Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continu... There are great techniques in there for how to do customer development -- at this point it seems like required reading for business/product folks.

If you're looking for more mockups, something like Balsamiq is a good starting point.

Is there something else you're looking for?

[edwardballard]

Hmm, its really you know what they need? so what your style in convincing them that you know what they need?