Interview with Michael from Foodler
1. What was your main objective or motivation for creating the Foodler mobile app?
Our objective was primarily to be where our users wanted us to be. As people continue to go mobile, they almost expect a mobile app to be readily available. Our audience sort of demanded it overtime and it was something we really wanted to do for them as well. We wanted the Foodler app to be an all inclusive platform to discover new restaurants, or even being planning dinner on your way home from work!
2. If you could describe the Foodler app in ONE word, what would it be and why?
Convenience. The app makes it super easy to access your next meal in just a few minutes.
3. What is the coolest or most innovative feature of Foodler?
I would have to say the recreate order feature as I'm sort of a creature of habit and I know a lot of our users are. We make it very simple to view your previous orders with a single click. Anything from toppings, side orders or substitutions are remembered in seconds.
4. Could you share a challenging factor of the development or marketing process?
The biggest challenge was figuring out which features to leave out of the mobile app. We have a plethora of functions on our website and wanted to deliver the same experience through the Foodler app.
5. Any unexpected surprises post-release of the Foodler app?
The coolest thing thus far has been the warm adoption of the mobile app. Overall, the response has been great and currently makes up for 20% of orders in just under a year.
Actually, the other day I was having lunch with a friend who didn't know that I was working at Foodler. I told him a bit about my position, what I was doing and he responded with “Oh, wow! I use your app about twice a week.” As an app developer its the most rewarding thing to hear when someone can incorporate the app into their lifestyle.
6. Do you plan to release an Android app as well?
We actually have, just about three weeks ago. Once again, our users were contacting us asking for an Android app and we had to deliver!
7. What is your favorite mobile app to date and which have inspired you?
The app that I enjoy using most would have to be TweetBot. Its just so simple to use and its one that I can keep up with using regularly. I also value utility over beauty. There are a handful of apps that I use consistently which offer great utility where I don't mind sacrificing aesthetics. I'm constantly researching new or trending mobile apps for their design or interface to learn what they're about.
8. What features do you hope to roll out to the Foodler app in the future?
There are many very basic features we would like to implement such as improving filtering and searching. Long Term plans involve improving the group ordering feature.