Sara Vienna UX + Creative Leader

As a product designer, I get asked this question by clients often. Start by asking: Who is your user? What will this product help them accomplish? What does your brand offer in this space better that no one else can (your gift)? Are there inherent qualities in either platform that you must have in order for this to work? (For example, an accelerometer.)

It's less about pros and cons and more about proving your MVP through a technology that's most useful for your user. You may start focused on one and eventually build out the other, if you can prove the concept. Take the Spring shopping app as a great example.

The awesome team over at Crew built a tool to help. One of the main concerns is budget, but if you have a technical cofounder, you are one step ahead. http://appvswebsite.com

Let me know if I can help more over a call and good luck!

I agree with the answer above on test first. Also, David's advice to have a business strategy is key.

I'd start from user needs. Do people need (ok, want) this service in the area you might provide it? As a woman and a cosmetics designer, I can attest that most women want this service, but you need to check the following: Is the climate warm enough to sustain your business though the year? If not, what do you do in winter/off time? Think about diversifying your offer. Since this is a localized service, how about HHI (household income) in your town/city? For those within a middle income bracket, this kind of procedure is a luxury service.

Finally, if you're to really stand out among competitors, user experience should be your primary concern. For something as personal as laser hair removal, you will build your business on referrals (personal and digital via review sites like Yelp). Make sure every visit is impeccable. If you'd like to talk more, I'd be happy to dig in with you on crafting the ideal experience.

Based on my experience in Apple design reviews and industry best practices, a rule of thumb for apps is to always use the native iOS controls whenever possible. The laundry list of why is long, but the general idea is this is the most seamless way to take advantage of every iOS update for sharing and it's been vigorously tested and proven before release from Apple. (With proper testing on your app's implementation of course.)

The documentation is pretty easy to find on https://developer.apple.com but you have to become a member. If you are unable to sign up, an easy way to see this functionality visually cataloged is with Teehan + Lax's latest UI docs. http://www.teehanlax.com/tools

Once you see the native share control visually, go to your favorite apps and industry leaders to compare and contrast. You may even want to create a spreadsheet with screenshots of each and detail the interactions before you make a decision. (Or it may be totally obvious.) It all depends on your app's feature set and needs.

As for web, it's wide open and more information would be needed before I could recommend an approach. I'm available for a call and I'd be happy to dive in with you.

As a designer and manager who has actively recruited designers for over 10 years, I get asked to connect people with design talent often.

Starting on Linkedin might seem a bit spammy to designers you don't know. People's time is valuable, so I wouldn't expect most seasoned designers to jump up to meet you for coffee unless you have a pre existing relationship – or your idea is really *that good.*

How do you meet designers then? Ask your IRL network – coworkers, friends, family. Most people know a designer and you'll get referrals, but your job is to find someone who's a fit for you. You will want to filter out designers in the broader sense: keep to product and UX designers (as I'm assuming your product is mostly digital.) You can also post on job boards like Dribbble, Angelist, Unicorn Hunt, etc, but start with people you know and are close to you.

Generally, great designers are compelled to work on projects that will allow them to design solutions that are their best work yet. Start out by getting them hooked on your idea and then start to shape out how you might work together.

To respond to your question of senior vs junior, it would help to know your motivation: is this monetary/equity based? I would forget about level at this point and find someone who:
1. Has the nature of the work you're looking for in their portfolio or a strong conviction to create like work
2. Feels like a cultural fit with you
3. Believes in the concept itself

I'm happy to follow up with a call if you'd like to talk more. It would help a ton to know more about you. Are you a developer? Idea person? Marketer? I can frame out an ideal way to find your cofounder with a bit more information.