Numpad Superpowers

Since launching Numpad Superpowers, I have had my software free-trial download hidden behind an email signup. No email, no download!

This made sense so I could build an engaged and active mailing list around my software.

However, I posted my software to Reddit and got a very angry response from people not wanting to enter their email addresses. This made me wonder how many people were being turned off from downloads by the email signup.

Logic follows that I should get people to download my software as easily as possible and let it speak for itself. The only downside is that I then have no way of contacting people who download without leaving an email.

Despite this, I gave it a go and immediately saw free-trial downloads jump by a factor of 7. This has continued at this level since three weeks ago when I implemented it.

My plan now is to implement a notification centre feature into the app so that even those who haven't left an email can receive a subtle notification about blog posts, updates and other events.

The first version of Numpad Superpowers was a learning curve - in every way - but mostly in software development. I learned drag-and-drop, desktop installers, servers and keystrokes, API requests and automatic updates... it was all there.

Unfortunately, this learning process had resulted in a code base that was the software equivalent of Frankenstein's Monster.

There were bits bolted on left right and centre, bugs solved by more code, not less. Legacy problems meant that even restyling was difficult, forget adding expansive new features.

With a heavy heart I decided to shoot the dog - I scrapped the app and took 4 months to completely rebuild it from the ground-up. I structured it pedantically, making sure that scalability and flexibility were built-in from the very foundations.

Now I can honestly say I am delighted - the whole application looks much better visually, like it deserves to be taken seriously. Both in the user interface, and in the code.

The real benefit is the mental limitations it has lifted from me. When a user suggests a new feature, I don't go 'oh god, how will I ever implement that'. I think - 'yes, that'll be fine, it'll just slot right in to the flexible structure I've already built'.

It's an investment for sure, but I would recommend anyone in this situation who sees a serious future for their project to get the software in a state that is ready to grow with you. Good luck!

At the end of 2017, I created a macro keypad called The Amazing Shortcut Keypad. It plugged into your computer and had a drag-and-drop interface for assigning keystrokes, keyboard shortcuts and other macros.

The software was great and was the main selling point, but I was also trying to do the hardware... and honestly, my hardware was rubbish. It was 3D printed and hand soldered. I couldn't compete on quality, volume or price, so I gave up.

Then it struck me, that most hardware manufacturers have the opposite problem - they have great quality manufacturing but rubbish software. Here I saw the opportunity to convert my keypad into a flexible piece of automation software for use with hardware people had already bought.

Thus was born Numpad Superpowers, a drag-and-drop keystroke automation software that can be controlled using your numpad, a macropad you've already bought, or using an on-screen prompt.