This is a quick dissection of where I’m at with the Visual MOT app to date. Check out this post for an introduction to Visual MOT.
Towards the end of 2021 I launched a version of the app for iOS and Android devices. I also contacted a bunch of MOT testing stations requesting their feedback.
I had a reasonable number of downloads and responses / dialogue with several, mostly small, garages. The idea was liked by some who would be interested in using it longer term, but there were requirements for additional features that would be needed to benefit from using the app regularly. Additionally, some garages and MOT testers were resistant to the idea of the app believing it would create a greater workload for them. It is worth noting in this case only some of those with this reluctance had actually tried the app.
I implemented some initial bug fixes and published minor updates. I then resolved to introduce the extra features that would better tie the app together with the MOT testing process and address the concerns of those who felt it wasn’t an efficient use of their time. I was hoping to get to moving things forward at some stage in 2022.
Unfortunately my own workload is picking up and I no longer have up-to-date equipment to build new app versions for Apple iOS devices. If you’re curious about the costs of app development I wrote an article about this here. At a push I could borrow a newer Mac to create app updates and I’m sure I could make time for it too. However I always wanted this to be a sustainable project and that is not a sustainable way to continue supporting an app.
This combined with the initial response to the app not being as large as I had hoped leads me to the decision that for now I can’t really justify sinking more money or time into the project.
I will continue to keep Visual MOT available on the app store and collate feedback for as long as possible. Sadly the reality of app store regulations make it unlikely the app will continue to be available indefinitely or even within a year or two, unless I buy a new Mac and continue to publish updates. However I do still believe there is a decent proof of concept here and I can’t foresee what the future will hold so something may still come of it. I will consider publishing more details about how this could work in future and it will also be interesting to see, at a time when the government are flirting with changing MOT regulations, what changes could be implemented by the DVSA and how they will affect the MOT. I do hope those will be positive changes for MOT testers and customers alike, though I won’t hold my breath!
Credits and contact details
In the meantime I’d like to thank those helped me promote the idea wide enough to receive useful feedback and those that tried the app and provided feedback.
If anyone wishes to contact me about any aspect of Visual MOT feel free to email support@visualmot.co.uk
Personally I am not too worried about the direction this project has taken. It was a very useful experience for me and something I wanted to get done to just see where it went. I am comfortable with the limited time and money I’ve invested in the project, but now is definitely the time to put it on hold. If anyone likes the idea / wants to chat about it please do get in touch and if you want to sling me a few quid or more towards the project I would be happy to talk, and certainly consider continued development with such support. And as always should you want to you can buy me a coffee here.