Resurrecting online dating
Dating apps; so interesting, but misleading at the same time. I have joined my fair share of dating apps and have noticed a couple big trends: dating apps charge ridiculous fees in return for more benefits from the app that should already be there for free and little to no apps have a good solution to the pandemic that is currently going on. My own experiences have caused me to notice that the dating industry is missing something that is difficult to resolve because of covid-19. The reason I chose the dating industry is because these apps are a complete rip off and without their subscription services it is more difficult to connect with others. The dating industry has also gained popularity because of the pandemic. People are bored, but do not know how to meet people and texting can be a boring.
The dating industry is a bit dry at the moment, so my app idea; Chirp, will most definitely spice things up. The reason my Chirp’s time to shine is now is because the most effect time for it to used is during the pandemic. Since it is dangerous to go out and meet people, my idea like various other dating apps is supposed to help connect people, but obviously my idea is different and will strive above other dating apps. Using the PEST analysis, I determined that I should not wait any longer. Social factors are the main reason why I need to push out my idea now. People do not want to risk going out to meet people because they do not want to get sick. A simple solution would be to use a dating app, the only downside is that they lose the in-person experience and they are at risk off getting cat-fished. Technological factors are also important because people are using phones as their form of communication during the pandemic. This means people are not opposed to meeting people online.
The number one problem is the competition in the field. There are numerous apps that are successful in the dating industry, for example, Tinder and eHarmony. Although these apps do not offer a form of video call they are known as successful apps and people will trust these apps over a brand new app. The solution Chirp offers, is that it is a video call only dating app. Basically if Tinder and Zoom had a baby that would be my idea. A popular dating app that has a video calling feature is Bumble. Bumble also offers other features and that causes the video calling feature to not be used as frequently as other features . My idea is to have the fundamentals that all these dating apps have except the main form of communication Chirp will use will be video calls. The reason this will work and compete against other dating apps is because people will no longer hide behind a screen and will instead meet people through a screen. I believe it will also build a lot of support because this resolve the issue of people going out to meet people while putting everyone at risk.
User research
User interviews are almost a must have in order to know what I will add or need in my app. My target market for my interviews were dating app users, the way I got them was by having friends use their accounts and having the ask their matches if they were willing to be interviewed. The reason I did dating app users instead of random people was because they would have the best insight on what dating apps are like. Common questions I asked were, “How has your experience been using dating apps?” and “What are you looking to get out of dating apps?.” I gained an insight on how dating apps are working out for people during COVID-19. Two interviewees said that they look for friends and relationships on the apps and one interviewee explained that it is difficult to make friends on most dating apps because others are looking for more.
For most people they said that COVID-19 is not stopping them from still meeting people in-person, but they are just more cautious. All my interviewee’s associate themselves as more introverted than extroverted and something interesting was that the male interviewees said they message a match first about 75% of the time and the female interviewees said they do not like to message first. Since all the interviewees identified as introverts it made sense that they all said they enjoy texting over talking through face-time or any other form. Most interviewees mainly used Tinder because they said it was the simplest and easiest to use.
After conducting these interviews it kind of felt like my idea was not as great, but I did interview introverts which are considerably more shy than extroverts so I still have hopes.
Product Design Documents
Chirp helps adults of all ages, connect with one another during the pandemic through video calls. These people that they meet can become their significant other or life long friend. This may sound familiar to you, some apps that might come to mind are Tinder, Omegle, Bumble, and/or Chatroulette. The only problem is those apps and websites are all full of flaws, Chirp has a unique twist to meeting people. COVID-19 has stopped people from meeting through dating apps and what I have done is take the dating aspects of dating apps and the video chat aspects from video chat sites and combine them into one app. Unlike video chat sites where one can be paired with a complete stranger, my app lets one be more selective. For example, if one wants to meet someone of a certain age range they will get to do so. The unique twist Chirp offers is that it is mainly video chat, so when two people match they will need to set up a time and date to video call, the perfect alternative to meeting people in person during the pandemic.
Having a user journey is important because it gives me an inside look at how someone stumbles upon my app and why someone uses it.
User journey example:
Im Bartholomew and I have had trouble meeting people during this pandemic because it is not safe to meet people in-person. Dating apps are not that useful because I can really only text and its not as authentic as it is to actually speak to someone. I recently found out about Chirp and it seems like a great idea. I am able to have an online date through video call and although it does sound quirky I am giving it a try because it looks like fun.
Final Process:
As a rookie programmer, I am yet to acquire the skills to create such an extraordinary app. Do not worry, I am studying day and night to be able to put out the app ASAP. If my calculations are correct expect to see Chirp out on the app store for free of cost by Summer of 2021.
