District Deals sought to disrupt a stagnant space for local, limited-time deals. Despite heavy-duty requirements under the hood, we designed and developed a lightweight cross-platform app that helps users find coupons, promos, and deals in cities across the US.
A redesign and cross-platform app development project for District Deals, whose apps we redesigned, developed, and launched for iOS and Android.
Tech: Mongo, Express, React-Native, Node.js, Swift, Kotlin
When we first met with District Deals' founder, we were presented a set of mockups that didn't quite communicate the friendly, dynamic feel of the product as pitched to us. After a process that balanced competitor research with qualitative insights, we overhauled the product screens - and the branding in general - to create a brighter, more engaging look for the app. Similarly, we added a gamification layer that encourages repeat purchases from individual vendors, developing brand loyalty and improving user engagement with the product. Users can "level up" by undertaking certain actions, receiving in-app badges and exclusive discounts.
A clever, low-power GPS feature helps users find deals in their area, and allows them to set the update rate based on whether they're staying in their home area or traveling.
We implemented custom logic to turbocharge standard search so that users are served hyperspecific, hyperlocal deals - not the generic, tag-driven results that are typical of competing platforms.
Where most apps favor either the user or the product administrator, we went to great lengths to ensure that District Deals was useful and intuitive for both the end customers and the owners of the small businesses that feature their deals on the platform. A minimalist intake flow and low-touch setup ensures that neither side of the user equation is discouraged from joining or using District Deals.
