Believing that app development is not limited to trained developers, Thunkable unlocks the potential of non-coders by providing them the opportunity to build professional-grade mobile applications. Stemming from the MIT App Inventor project, Thunkable offers an intuitive design system that allows users to create full-functioning apps ready to be deployed on both Android and iOS platforms. As a result, around 1.5 million apps with approximately 16 million monthly active users have been developed on Thunkable, catering to various objectives such as entertainment, education, and profit-making.
Using Thunkable's easy-to-use drag-and-drop tools, app builders have designed innovative solutions, including a highway alert system for Thailand's roadways, an English learning app for Iraqis, and a dice-rolling application developed by Oregon teenagers that has surpassed 500,000 downloads. The flexibility and accessibility of Thunkable's platform aim to empower people to become active creators rather than passive consumers of technology, as stated by Thunkable CEO and Co-founder Arun Saigal.
Starting in 2015, founders Saigal and WeiHua Li initially focused their efforts on studying the needs and desires of MIT App Inventor users to determine how to optimize their platform. They discovered that users sought a more tailored service capable of creating professional-grade apps suitable for deployment on both Apple and Android devices. By continuously integrating user feedback into the development process, the team behind Thunkable has managed to address users' most dominant concerns and requirements, even incorporating monetization features and collaborations with companies like Google Maps and Microsoft AI.
With a strong emphasis on community, Thunkable encourages its users to share their creations, experiences, and knowledge with others facing difficulties, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. The platform serves as a testament to the creative and problem-solving potential of individuals across various backgrounds and industries. Tools like Thunkable and AppMaster.io facilitate the democratization of app development, allowing users to build comprehensive solutions for real-world problems without extensive coding knowledge.
One such example is Anwar Al-Haddad, a Yemeni resident who recognized the challenges of solar power usage during the country's civil war. Leveraging Thunkable, he built an app that simplifies solar panel installation, operation, and even controls solar panel tilt based on the sun's position. Upon its release in 2015, the app has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times, demonstrating the real-life impact of democratizing app development. By providing non-coders with accessible tools for mobile app creation, Thunkable is enabling countless individuals to address their communities' issues.
