Prototypes

We made prototypes out of pictures, representing “pages” on the app. The main objective with the prototypes was to get the potential consumers to be able to fully grasp the idea, and the potential of the app, as well as for us to see how we could make it as user friendly as possible. As earlier discussed, it is important the app is easy to use, as it is supposed to substitute for more time consuming processes. With that in mind, the app will in many cases resemble apps that already exists, to make it as intuitively as possible

The app’s “front page” will the recommendations of all the people you are following with the newest post on top. This feed will be continuous, and will also be used as guide of inspiration and just for the curiosity sake – as the same way Instagram and Facebook work.

Another main page is the map of Barcelona. Here every place that someone you follow have recommended will be shown with a symbol. From the prototype testing we got a great insight, it was to label the symbols into a few different categorizes: bars, gourmet restaurants, casual restaurants and lunch restaurant. This way the user can easily see if they are close to the kind of restaurant they are looking for in the moment of search.

In the search window, the user will be able to choose to make a search in different categories. Either on people, on type of restaurant, on street names, on specific restaurants, on type of food etc. The different alternatives will then be shown in a order representing the best ratings.

The most crucial insight the testing prototypes gave us, was that importance of a “save” function, and the possibility to group and sort saving so that the user can easily find their way back to recommendations they saw a long time ago. This is where the platform distinguish itself from platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and truly become valuable for the consumer. Further, the testing resulted in an agreement that there is little to gain by trying to make it as original as possible. It is more important the user easily find what they are looking for, and gets a great eating out experience, as well as an incentive to share their own experience.

23 januari 2017 kl 13:33

Analog and Antilog

Competitors when it comes to function and usage:
Facebook
This social media has certain useful functions that the consumers can use and share, but facebook is not really a competitor when it comes to being an app for friends/followers recommendations of of good restaurants. At facebook you can tag/hashtag a place that is shown on a map and share it with your friends. You can also see all other people/happening hashtagged there. But you can not specialize it in a unique base with just restaurants and share it with friends and people you follow.

Google maps
The function in Rec/Me is different from Google maps because the maps in Rec/Me are used in the way that all the places you mark in the map stays there, as well as photos and recommendations/comments that are shared by the followers in a certain network.

Instagram
Instagram has the same function of following persons but without our function to review the place. It is also difficult to locate and mark the place at Instagram.

Analysis
There are already actors at the market when it comes to travel advices and social media. As we all the time are using more and more technology we can also assume that there will be an enormous range of digital alternatives. It is not logic to think that there should only be one or two big actors in a certain market - there is going to be a lot of competitors for the same market and segment. Just because the digital era is something new and happens right now, we have to realize that we are still a part of the development of society that once will be history as well. So, we mean that just because there already are big actors at the market, it doesn't mean that there is no interest in the specialized niche that Rec/Me is offering. Our target market wants to be a bit unique and special and try special things that not everybody has already tried. An excellent restaurant is not necessary the same as an exclusive restaurant. Tripadvisor leads often to tourist traps as many tourists make the reviews, in Rec/Me the initial phase with building up the ap, will be together with local people and their recommendations. There are a lot of other values like for example uniqueness, small scale business and excellent treatment that needs to been shown as well. We want it to be easier for the consumers to find and experience those places and right now there is no easy, simple and fun way to do that, that's why we have created Rec/Me.

24 januari 2017 kl 17:01

Prototypes

We made prototypes out of pictures, representing “pages” on the app. The main objective with the prototypes was to get the potential consumers to be able to fully grasp the idea, and the potential of the app, as well as for us to see how we could make it as user friendly as possible. As earlier discussed, it is important the app is easy to use, as it is supposed to substitute for more time consuming processes. With that in mind, the app will in many cases resemble apps that already exists, to make it as intuitively as possible The app’s “front page” will the recommendations of all the people you are following with the newest post on top. This feed will be continuous, and will also be used as guide of inspiration and just for the curiosity sake – as the same way Instagram and Facebook work. Another main page is the map of Barcelona. Here every place that someone you follow have recommended will be shown with a symbol. From the prototype testing we got a great insight, it was to label the symbols into a few different categorizes: bars, gourmet restaurants, casual restaurants and lunch restaurant. This way the user can easily see if they are close to the kind of restaurant they are looking for in the moment of search. In the search window, the user will be able to choose to make a search in different categories. Either on people, on type of restaurant, on street names, on specific restaurants, on type of food etc. The different alternatives will then be shown in a order representing the best ratings. The most crucial insight the testing prototypes gave us, was that importance of a “save” function, and the possibility to group and sort saving so that the user can easily find their way back to recommendations they saw a long time ago. This is where the platform distinguish itself from platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and truly become valuable for the consumer. Further, the testing resulted in an agreement that there is little to gain by trying to make it as original as possible. It is more important the user easily find what they are looking for, and gets a great eating out experience, as well as an incentive to share their own experience.