Entering The Devvies contest shouldn’t be a daunting task, and we’re here to ensure it’s not! Follow this straightforward guide from our Developer Advocacy team to smoothly navigate the submission process. This contest is for all developers and practitioners! The evaluation criteria are tailored to your experience level and the details in your application, and we believe in being fully transparent. Take a moment to review The Devvies 2025 Contest Judging Criteria.
Key Requirements:
1. Select Your App
Start by choosing the app you want to submit. Consider how your creation has influenced and impacted your organization or a client’s business operations. Did it improve efficiency, increase productivity, or save valuable time?
The submitted app must be fully developed, operational, and implemented on a production instance by your organization or another entity. We will review various technical aspects of your app (e.g., a valid sys_app table record, global or scoped app status, creation via App Engine Studio or App Studio).
Submit early to give yourself time to fix any issues, ensuring everything runs smoothly during the submission process. If your app doesn’t align with these ServiceNow App criteria, we’ll ask for further details about your app’s architecture after submission.
2. Choose Your Entry Mode
You are eligible to enter The Devvies as an individual or a team. You can have up to five contributors, including yourself. Be sure to designate a team lead, as they will be responsible for submitting the application. Give yourself time to fix any issues, ensuring everything runs smoothly during the submission process.
3. Complete the Application
Once you have chosen a working app you wish to showcase, you can complete The Devvies contest application! Please ensure you submit your application in full to qualify for your free swag. Feel free to submit multiple apps—the more apps you submit, the higher your chances of becoming a Finalist. Submissions close on December 10, 2024. Click here to apply now.
We will notify you via email on or before January 6, 2025, if you advance to the Finalist stage.
4. Share Your Achievement!
Once your app is submitted, spread the word! Let your colleagues know you’ve entered The Devvies 2025 contest by tagging @Servicenow and using #TheDevvies in your post. Then, please comment the link to your social post on our Community blog to qualify for your free swag. After that, sit back and relax while we review the submissions!
After You Submit:
Claim Your Swag!
To qualify for your free swag, comment the link to your social post on our Community blog! After that, sit tight until the submission phase concludes. Once the submission phase is over, we will verify your entry and send instructions on how to claim your awesome ServiceNow swag.
If You Are Selected as a Finalist:
Stay Tuned for More Details
If you advance to the Finalist stage, you’ll need to produce a video pitch for your app. Your pitch video will be submitted to our panel of judges for a chance to win one of the coveted grand prizes! The video pitch should include testimonials from end-users and a detailed walkthrough or deep dive of your app. More details will be provided via email if you're selected.
For any questions, feel free to contact us at thedevvies@servicenow.com.
Best of luck and happy developing! Click here to apply.
Best Practices Guide: The Devvies Contest 2025
To stand out from the competition, ensure that your app’s problem statement and solution are clearly articulated. Avoid jargon and focus on how your app solves real-world problems. Highlight metrics such as time saved, revenue generated, or improvements in efficiency. Judges appreciate concrete numbers that demonstrate the value of your app.
By following these guidelines, you'll effectively showcase the impact of your app, making it easier for judges to understand its value and why it stands out from the competition.
Quantifiable Tips and Tricks
Provide Specific Metrics
Include exact figures wherever possible (e.g., "Reduced incident resolution time by 35%" or "Increased customer satisfaction by 20%").
Break Down the ROI (Return on Investment)
Explain how the app has driven financial returns, either through cost savings, revenue growth, or productivity gains.
Highlight Time Savings
Detail how much time your app has saved users or the organization. For example, "Decreased task completion time from 3 hours to 30 minutes.”
Use Before and After Comparisons
Show the difference your app has made by comparing key metrics from before and after its implementation (e.g., "Before the app, processing time was X; after the app, it was Y").
Quantify Productivity Gains
Highlight how your app has improved efficiency by boosting output with the same or fewer resources (e.g., “Increased employee output by 25% without additional staffing”).
Measure Error Reduction
If your app reduced errors, demonstrate how significant that impact was (e.g., “Reduced data entry errors by 50%, resulting in fewer operational delays”)
Showcase Cost Reduction
Detail how your app reduced costs, such as through automation or eliminating manual tasks (e.g., "Saved $100,000 annually through process automation").
Demonstrate Revenue Generation
If your app increased revenue, explain how (e.g., "Generated $500,000 in new sales by improving customer service response times").
Include Qualitative Impact Backed by Data
For impacts harder to quantify, provide qualitative insights with supporting metrics (e.g., "Customer satisfaction improved by 10% as measured by post-service surveys").
Qualitative Insights and Approaches
Use Visuals Effectively
Include high-quality screenshots or diagrams that showcase your app’s key features and user experience. Avoid generic images (e.g., lists or forms) and focus on unique visuals like custom portals or workspaces.
Highlight Innovation
Emphasize how your app uses the Now Platform’s tools in new or creative ways. Stand out by showcasing innovative problem-solving and functionality that sets your app apart.
Be Thorough, Not Overwhelming
Provide detailed but concise answers. Address each question, avoiding unnecessary information or over-explanation. Stay on topic and keep it focused.
Tailor to the Audience
Simplify your submission in a way that’s easy for a broad audience to understand, including those unfamiliar with technical jargon. Keep your explanations accessible and clear.
Show Reusability and Scalability
Explain how your app can be adapted to different environments or organizations. Demonstrate its potential for expansion and long-term use in various settings.
Proofread Before Submission
Check for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-polished, error-free submission leaves a positive impression and reinforces professionalism.
Tell a Compelling Story
Frame your app’s development as a story. Start with the initial challenge, outline your approach, and explain the resulting solution. This narrative helps judges connect with your app on a deeper level.
Make the User the Hero
Focus on how your app enhances the end-user’s experience. Share examples of how it has improved their tasks or solved specific problems. Testimonials and real-world endorsements can add a persuasive touch to your submission.
Mind the Details
Make sure all submission fields are filled out completely and accurately. Verify app names, scope names, and instance URLs before submitting.
App Must Be in Production
Only submit an app that is live and actively used in a production environment. Apps still in development or testing will not be eligible for consideration.
Important Reminder:
Please only submit an app that is live and actively used in a production environment. Submissions that are incomplete, or non-functional, will not be considered and will not receive swag. We can’t wait to see the impact of your apps. Thank you!
