With more than 10 billion apps downloaded from Apple’s App Store, many programmers have attempted app development.
Once such developer is University student Justin White, mechanical engineering junior, whose app was released in late February.
The free app serves as an electronic discount card for prescription medication. Users can download the app, add their information and present the app to any drug store in the country for discounts.
White got the idea when he had trouble keeping track of a physical card for prescription medication discounts.
He contacted the United Networks of America, the company that provides the discounts, and presented the idea of creating an app for them.
White created a developer account with Apple and made the app in a week, but had to wait six months for approval.
White said the app is customizable and easier to use than similar apps in the store. Users can find nearby pharmacies and even call directly from the app.
“Each card has their own custom number,” White said.
“Pharmacists enter the code in, and it automatically gives you the discount, no tricks. People think it’s a form of insurance, but it’s not.”
The app has been listed on the “What’s Hot” list of medical apps in the store, with more than 500 recent downloads.
Dana Crowe, a freelance photographer and friend of White, said the app is convenient and she has never had any usage problems.
“I downloaded the app because there are a few prescriptions I take and my family takes that are not covered by insurance,” Crowe said. “The app is also really helpful because I can’t keep up with the card.”
White said he is interested in developing apps more as a hobby than a career path, and he doesn’t make any money from the app. This was the first app he developed, but he plans to make more in the future.
“My goal is to have this app featured in the top 20 apps in medical,” White said. “Once one app is popular, you can use advertising to make other apps more successful.”
Crowe said the app is user-friendly, and she has been satisfied.
“I’m glad someone around here could come up with something like that,” Crowe said. “It’s great to get the word out and to get students to download it.”
White said he plans to make one more update to the app before moving to his next project.
“I’m definitely happy with it,” White said. “To be in the App Store is a great accomplishment.”
 
—-
Contact Morgan Searles at [email protected]