This post will give some brief overviews of existing apps with a similar functionality to our HobbyLink project.
Vero – https://www.vero.co/
The aim of the Vero app – “Vero” meaning “Truth”, as the developers point out – is to create a more authentic social media experience, by allowing for extensive customisation of what your network sees of your profile and information. Vero is fairly unique in that it implements a subscription model, meaning users are their customers, not advertisers. This lack of advertising means Vero is very much a customer focused model, making it unlike the leading social media platforms which aim to monetise user data and behaviour. Vero also claims that this will lead to a decrease of user manipulation typical from other leading social media apps. Moreover, Vero is conscious of social media addiction, and allows users to view personal metrics which can help overcome and mediate this. In short, Vero hopes to give back control of their social media presence to their users.
Meetup – https://www.meetup.com/
The aim of Meetup is to provide a simple interface as a means of connecting people with similar interests. While similar to HobbyLink in premise, Meetup is different in that it aims to unite both individuals and groups on a much wider scale than a university setting. Meetup is very wide ranging, having a global presence, but as a downside, this means users are much more reliant on trust to foster connections and ensure meetups take place. Meetup does charge some fees in relation to organiser subscriptions, and so is not totally free.
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/
Pinterest’s main goal is to help users discover their interests through a series of pages created by other people, both via desktop and mobile platforms. While not directly designed to aid offline meetups, Pinterest certainly mirrors our app’s functionality of matching people to their hobbies and interests. Pinterest has a huge user base, with over 200million global users who both create and consume content.
Facebook Dating App (in development)
Facebook has recently announced its intention to develop a dating app off the back of their current Facebook platform. This is a curious choice after their recent data scandal with Cambridge Analytica, but it perhaps a way for the company to garner back public trust with their claim that the new app will be designed with “privacy in mind”, while also hiding your dating profile from family and friends. It is not new for Facebook data to be used in dating apps, as popular app Tinder uses Facebook profile data for photographs and friend connections. The reason the Facebook dating app is interesting from our perspective is the idea that people will be matched “meaningfully” through interests. The below video showcases some mock up screens which allow people to match their interests to others.