Instantly connect with 300 nearby singles with Razzou.
Using the GPS capabilities of smartphones, Razzou allowed its users to instantly connect with singles by proximity, send and receive messages, swap pics, and even search in other cities!
Razzou’s Features:
Fun Fact: The name "Razzou" was inspired by Razzoo’s Bar and Patio, a lively nightclub on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. I chose "Razzou" for its unique, catchy sound and modern feel, perfectly capturing the essence of a fresh and exciting dating experience—far from the generic names like SpeedDate or Connections.
The Opportunity
In 2010, the iPhone exploded onto the scene, revolutionizing how people connected and unlocking a flood of billion-dollar opportunities for developers.
At that moment, mobile dating apps were virtually non-existent, and the few available options were stuck on clunky desktop computers. These "traditional dating services" were pricey and focused mainly on middle-aged adults looking for long-term commitments.
But the landscape was ripe for disruption. A sleek, modern mobile dating app could transform how 18 to 35-year-olds met and connected—bringing an exciting, new era of dating to life.
The Story of Razzou
Leaving my small Louisiana hometown with a business plan and big dreams, I embarked on a cross-country adventure—from New York City to San Francisco. I crashed on couches, bartended at night, and pitched my idea to anyone who would listen.
Through unwavering persistence, I raised six figures to launch Razzou in the Apple App Store. The app soared, gaining over 100,000 users globally and reshaping the mobile dating landscape.
CEO at 23-Years-Old: Managing an Early-Stage Start-up
Day-to-Day Activities: I proactively identified and resolved technical issues, created thorough documentation, and collaborated closely with the development team to ensure swift resolutions. For example, when the app’s server failure resulted in the loss of thousands of profile photos, I quickly implemented a recovery plan and established safeguards to prevent future occurrences.
Brand Adherence: I meticulously crafted every element of Razzou—from icons and marketing materials to the color scheme and even the name—to resonate with and engage our target audience.
User Experience Design: To keep Razzou innovative and visually appealing, I consistently refreshed the user interface, ensuring it remained modern, user-friendly, and in line with the latest design trends.
Project Management: I oversaw multiple concurrent development projects, managed budgets, and led a small team of graphic designers, project managers, software engineers, and web developers.
Investor Relations: I maintained strong relationships with company investors and regularly provided updates on progress, ensuring continued support and alignment with business objectives.
Razzou’s Grid v. Tinder’s Swiping
Razzou’s grid shows hundreds of matches at once, while competitors use swipe-based apps that show one match at a time.
We surveyed users to gather feedback on each design and understand its impact on finding a match.
Grid Feedback:
“I’m tired of swiping and having this hope that the next person you swap may catch your eye. GRID THE WAY!”“It saves time, it's more convenient to see an entire list rather than keep swiping on and on.”
Swiping Feedback:
“Swipe allows me to focus on one user at a time. If I'm using a modular grid, I will probably glance over a few people because my eyes aren't fixated on one specific item.”“Swiping allows me more time to deeply consider a person. I feel like I might be more prone to looking over people if I feel spoiled for choice.”
Small v. Large Photos
To determine the most optimal design, we asked 40 participants to choose between two formats and explain their preference.
Small Format: A design featuring more potential matches with smaller photos.
Large Format: A design with fewer matches but larger photos.
The Results: 85% of participants preferred the larger photos.
“Bigger photos because you can see more of the face to make a better and faster assessment.”
“Too many people on the smaller one made my eyes jump around too much without remembering any one person or anyone standing out.”
“Fewer users with larger photos. It’s overwhelming to see a bunch of people all at one time.”
Mobile Dating Preferences
Through interactions with 75 participants, my team and I employed various UX research methods, including semi-structured interviews, surveys, and usability tests.
Key Research Insights:
Social Acceptance: Since Razzou’s launch in 2013, mobile dating has become more socially accepted, shedding its previous stigma. Safety features like mutual matching and profile verification badges have boosted users' confidence, especially among women.
Pandemic Trends: At the start of the pandemic, many participants reduced in-person meetings but continued using dating apps. For some, app usage actually increased due to boredom and feelings of loneliness.
Usage Patterns: Users typically spend 1 to 5 hours a day on dating apps. For many, especially those approaching 30, usage ramps up due to societal pressures to settle down, leading to an increase in premium subscriptions.
Premium Subscriptions: Users are willing to pay for premium versions of dating apps to save time and increase their chances of finding more compatible matches.
Impact on Self-Esteem: The number of matches and messages a user receives can have a significant effect on their self-esteem, either boosting it or causing disappointment.
Most Popular Filters
We surveyed 50 participants to determine which filter settings on Razzou they would prioritize when looking for compatible matches.
Results
The "Age" filter was deemed the most important, so it must be available for all users, not just premium subscribers.
"Political View" and "Education Level" were the second most preferred filter settings.
The "Body Type" filter received negative feedback, leading us to replace it with "Exercise Habits."
Razzou Demo
Click below here to watch a demo of Razzou! Please note: the demo includes sound.