Interview about Bits'n'Bites Mobile Application, winner of the A' Mobile Technologies, Applications and Software Design Award 2024
The name Bits'n'Bites suggests small snacks and friendly chats. This is a reminder of a time when face to face interactions were more common. In today's digital age, bites points to the idea of using small digital pieces for larger projects. The logo captures this blend of technology and warmth. Its is a symbol of both the joy of real life conversations over coffee and the sharing of information online. It reflects a modern yet cozy approach, where technology enhances human connection.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsWhen we started working on the Bits'n'Bites Mobile App, our team at More By Us wanted to make sure we kept things real. The idea was to use technology to help people connect better, not to get in the way of genuine interactions.We got the whole team involved, from our seasoned designers to our stakeholders, and talked a lot about what makes conversations meaningful, both online and offline. We wanted our app to be easy for anyone to use, whether they’re tech-savvy or not, so we listened to lots of different people to make sure we were on the right track.The app itself is pretty straightforward to use. It has a friendly look and feel, making you feel like you're stepping into a coffee shop where everyone knows your name. We added features like customizable profiles and real-time connections during events to help people kick off chats that feel natural and engaging.This blend of simplicity and warmth is what got Bits'n'Bites noticed and appreciated, even earning us the A' Design Award. Our main aim was always clear: to make sure technology brings us closer, not keeps us apart.
For the Bits'n'Bites Mobile App, our research really highlighted how much people were craving real, genuine connections. We talked to lots of potential users and found that while they appreciated the quickness that AI and tech bring to communication, they didn’t want it to take over the whole experience. They were looking for something that felt more personal and less automated.What really struck us was how many people missed the simple joys of chatting over coffee or sharing a meal. They wanted the tech to help them get there, not replace it. So, we decided to make sure our app helped set the stage for those real-life meetups rather than feeling like you're just chatting with a machine.This insight led us to design features that encourage more personal interaction, like connections based on interests that help start deeper conversations, and settings that encourage users to meet up in person. We really focused on making the tech thoughtful and helpful, without letting it get in the way of a good, old-fashioned chat.
When we set out to design the interface for the Bits'n'Bites Mobile App, we wanted it to be intuitive and simple, yet fully equipped to meet the needs of business professionals. Our goal wasn’t to outdo everyone else; instead, we aimed to integrate with the most popular tech platforms already being used. This way, we could add value without pulling users too far from their comfort zones.Our team took a very user-centered approach to this challenge. We started by mapping out the key features business professionals need, like networking options, event calendars, and direct messaging. Then, we looked at how people were using existing platforms and figured out how to make those interactions smoother and more natural in our app.We focused on designing a clean, easy-to-navigate interface. This meant big, clear buttons, straightforward menus, and a layout that feels familiar from the moment you open the app. By integrating with platforms our users were already comfortable with, we made sure they could jump right in without having to learn a whole new system from scratch.Ultimately, by respecting our users' habits and preferences, we created an app that doesn’t just try to be better than the rest—it complements and enhances the digital tools they’re already using, making networking a breeze.
When we were crafting the visual design for the Bits'n'Bites Mobile App, we chose vibrant colors and dynamic imagery with a very specific purpose in mind: to make the app not just a tool, but a welcoming space that invites users to connect and share. We went with bright, energetic colors because they reflect the lively, vibrant nature of the conversations and connections we hoped to foster through the app. These colors are meant to stimulate engagement and make the user experience more enjoyable and inviting. You know, colors can really set the mood, and we wanted to create a positive, uplifting environment that makes people feel good.For the imagery, we opted for dynamic and relatable visuals that represent diverse interactions and communities. This helps users see themselves and their potential connections in the app. It’s all about creating a sense of belonging and community, right from the first glance.These aesthetic choices are strategic because they support the app’s goal of fostering meaningful connections by making the platform more approachable and engaging. We wanted users to feel excited and energized every time they opened the app, ready to dive into conversations that feel both meaningful and fun.
Developing the Bits'n'Bites Mobile App as a hybrid solution for both iOS and Android brought its unique set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was ensuring a consistent user experience across different devices and operating systems, which can vary widely in terms of display, performance, and user interface guidelines.We tackled this by focusing heavily on responsive design from the start. Our developers and designers worked closely to create a flexible layout that adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and resolutions. This was crucial for making sure that no matter the device—whether a small Android phone or a large iOS tablet—the app looked good and worked well.Another technical challenge was dealing with the different capabilities of iOS and Android platforms. Each has its own strengths and limitations, especially regarding available APIs and integration possibilities with other apps and services. We had to carefully choose features that could be supported well on both platforms, often opting for third-party solutions that work across the board to maintain functionality without sacrificing performance.These constraints influenced our design decisions by pushing us to prioritise simplicity and flexibility. We had to be strategic about which features were essential and how they could be implemented in a way that wouldn't compromise the app's performance on any device. This led to a cleaner, more streamlined app that delivers a robust user experience while staying true to our goal of fostering meaningful connections.
Scanning QR codes at events is a common habit, and we built on that with the QR code feature in the Bits'n'Bites Mobile App. We saw how event apps and LinkedIn connections often lose valuable info after events, and we wanted to make QR scanning more useful.When you meet someone and scan their QR code with our app, you can immediately save notes about what you talked about and any shared interests. This info stays in the app, and you can link it to your LinkedIn and various other tech solutions. This way, you remember not just who you met, but why they were interesting to you.This makes networking more effective and keeps the important details ready for when you need them, helping you build stronger connections.
A significant moment in the development of the Bits'n'Bites Mobile Application was presenting it at the Web Summit in Lisbon and Slush in Helsinki this November. These events were crucial for us, as they provided a platform to showcase our MVP to a diverse audience that included investors, peers, and actual event-goers—our target users.The feedback we gathered there was invaluable. Investors provided insights on scalability and potential growth strategies, which were instrumental in refining our business model. Our peers in the tech community offered technical feedback and shared their perspectives on user experience and design, helping us identify areas where we could enhance the app’s functionality and interface.Most importantly, the event attendees, who are the app’s end-users, gave us firsthand reactions to our QR code integration and the overall ease of use. Their input was particularly valuable as it confirmed that our app effectively addressed the primary networking challenges they faced. They appreciated the seamless way they could capture and retain meaningful details about the people they met, confirming that we were on the right track.Presenting at Web Summit and Slush not only validated our concept but also opened up new opportunities for collaboration and improvement, pushing us closer to creating a truly comprehensive networking platform.
We recognise that successful networking is not exchanging contact information anymore; it's about creating connections.Our system allows users to send personalised messages and invitations that are far from standard templates. We've included features that enable users to reference specific details from their initial interaction, whether it's a shared interest or a discussion from a previous event.
As we approach the launch phase, we're particularly excited about putting the app into the hands of actual users and seeing it in action in real-world environments. This phase is crucial for us because the firsthand experience and feedback from our initial active users will directly inform how we refine and evolve the app.One of the things we’re most eager to introduce is the way the app adapts based on user interactions and feedback. We plan to use the insights gathered from these early adopters to not only improve existing functionalities but also to simplify the user experience even further. Our goal is to develop features that truly meet the needs and preferences of our users, making professional networking more efficient and personalized.We're excited to see how users navigate our interface, utilize the personalized messaging system, and take advantage of the integrated meeting scheduler. Based on what we learn from this initial phase, we aim to enhance the app’s capabilities to better serve our community, making each update more intuitive and user-friendly based on real, actionable feedback.
I’m honestly surprised that in an era where we talk about AI every day and see so much tech progress, we still don’t have a solid app that keeps all our professional connections intact without losing valuable pieces of information.Bits'n'Bites is using technology to bring people together, and I believe it will transform professional networking by making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
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