The Challenge
For the America’s Test Kitchen mobile app project, we were tasked to successfully translate an existing web experience into a mobile one for America’s Test Kitchen users nation-wide. We accomplished this by synthesizing elements from the America’s Test Kitchen family of brands to create a mobile application that is unique to the medium, yet familiar to ATK’s existing customer base. Working closely with the ATK team, we identified features that were core to the application and mapped out the intended user experience.
Identifying the Problems
When America’s Test Kitchen approached us to reimagine their existing mobile application, they knew they needed guidance from experts in mobile design and development to help them realize their vision. We quickly got to work to identify key areas of improvement. The main initiatives of the project were to showcase ATK’s extensive library of content in a way that was easy to navigate, and to create a more comprehensive application that was reflective of the web experience.
Revamping the Core Experience
A More Comprehensive and Personalized Dashboard
When America’s Test Kitchen approached us to reimagine their existing mobile application, they knew they needed guidance from experts in mobile design and development to help them realize their vision. We quickly got to work to identify key areas of improvement. The main initiatives of the project were to showcase ATK’s extensive library of content in a way that was easy to navigate, and to create a more comprehensive application that was reflective of the web experience.
When America’s Test Kitchen approached us to reimagine their existing mobile application, they knew they needed guidance from experts in mobile design and development to help them realize their vision. We quickly got to work to identify key areas of improvement. The main initiatives of the project were to showcase ATK’s extensive library of content in a way that was easy to navigate, and to create a more comprehensive application that was reflective of the web experience.
Refining the Subscription Model
In prior versions of the ATK app, the subscription model was all or nothing. One of the goals of the project was to introduce a free browsing experience similar to the one found on the web. This enables the user to sample the core offerings of the app without committing to a subscription.
Smarter Search Capabilities
Diving Deep with Reviews
Streaming Support
Keeping Content Organized with Collections
Tablet Support
The Results
With the enhancements to the mobile application, users will be able to:
- Explore and discover new content organically and organize their favorites into collections
- Stay up to date with new and trending equipment and ingredients via the reviews section
- Follow along with their favorite ATK culinary experts by watching episodes of America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country right from their mobile device or tablet
- Sample content from across the app before committing to a paid subscription
Key Takeaways
With careful consideration, we’ve been able to elevate ATK’s mobile experience while staying true to the expectations of the brand. If you’re a business operating 100% on web, you may find that you are limited in your growth potential. To migrate to mobile, here are some recommendations:
- Bring in the experts: When it comes to mobile technology, you don’t know what you don’t know, and too many unknowns can lead to an expensive and preventable disaster. Moreover, apps require ongoing support to keep up with software updates and customer expectations. For these reasons, it’s best to consult with experienced mobile designers and developers who will point you in the right direction and allow your app to thrive among a sea of competitors.
- Read up on App Store Requirements: If you’re planning to release on the App Store, do your homework! Apple tests for a laundry list of requirements to approve your app for release on the store. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a rejected submission, which can lead to costly delays.
- Design with Accessibility in mind: We recommend a design-first process that is focused on accessibility. There are many aspects of mobile accessibility to consider, and standards for accessibility are constantly evolving. If you’re not familiar with these standards, check out our guide on how to achieve accessibility for mobile designs.
Simply put, it’s a complex process and you do not need to go at it alone. Our team can support your mobile application transition; get in touch with us today by filling out our brief contact form.
