Ayman Suleiman.

DEARBORN — When Ayman Suleiman created an Android app called Tablified Market a few years ago, he didn’t think that it would be successful enough to pay off his first year of medical school. 

But the 27-year-old Dearborn resident was able to do just that with his innovative idea. 

Suleiman, a Yemeni-American, said he started brainstorming more than five years ago, when he purchased an Android tablet and grew frustrated in his quest for apps that were compatible with it. 

He noted that since the Android market is flooded with all sorts of devices, some apps are more difficult to navigate on a tablet as opposed to other devices, such as a cell phone. 

 “It got frustrating to look for apps on Google Play because they throw all the apps together and it’s up to the user to find optimized apps,” Suleiman said.

He developed an idea to compile a list of applications that would be user friendly for Android tablets. He created the website tablifiedmarket.com, which received positive feedback. 

Suleiman wanted to expand the website into an app.  The only problem was he had no knowledge of the field. He didn’t even know how to write a single line of code.

But he was able to teach himself how to successfully develop one, just by doing some research and watching many tutorials on YouTube. He said he never took classes or went to school for the field, but became skilled on his own.

Within a few months, he was able to successfully develop and launch the Tablified Market app. 

When it was made available on Google Play for free, the response was overwhelming. Users who wanted an extensive version of the app were able to purchase it for a one-time fee of $2.99.

Android Police, a website often frequented by Android users, proclaimed Tablified Market as “the best way to find Android apps.”

Tablified Market also won an Editors Choice Award by PCmag.com.

“They said I created the filter that Google forgot,” Suleiman said.  

When Suleiman was accepted to the Medical University of The Americas in the Caribbean, he said it was difficult for him to focus on his app. But after three years of dedication on his studies, he is now able to shift some focus back on developing more apps, while he studies for his board exam.

He’s developed two additional apps since the launch of Tablified; Lilypad messenger, an app that allows users to integrate all of their instant messages, and Slyde, an app that allows users to select their five favorite apps and create shortcut accessibilities.

Suleiman said what initially started off as a hobby is now something he will make a career out of, even as he aims to become an internal medicine physician down the line. 

He advises others who are interested in developing apps to pursue it, as the market is very large and always adapting to change.

“I didn’t know a single code, but I learned from people and I watched a lot of videos,” he said. “When I’m taking a break from medical school, this is how I collect my thoughts. It’s always important to keep in mind that you can always make something better. Competition always makes everything grow.”

He said he didn’t start the app endeavor with the intention for it to be profitable, but he’s delighted that it’s been assisting his financial needs. He routinely still gives away his app for free to family and friends.  

He has several ideas for apps pertaining to the medical field that he would like to develop. 

 “I have a secret book in my room that has all my ideas in it,” Suleiman said.  “Just yesterday, while I was studying, I got this idea to do an app. I would like to do medical apps that would assist people.”

To learn more about the Tablified Market app and to get the latest information on the newest Android apps, visit Suleiman’s website at www.tablifiedmarket.com. Tablified Market can also be found on Google Play.