Why Didn’t I Download This Sooner?
Have you ever downloaded an app only to find it to be…useless? I’ve recently experienced this with my new Click and Grow (an indoor smart garden). When I first unboxed it, I was thrilled to see a postcard sharing that there was an app for this product. Amazing! I thought. This app will probably help me track the growth of my plants! Good guess, but no. The laggy app merely shares the exact same information the product comes with. I personally found my Notes app more helpful with tracking the progress. I thought to myself, why did I download this?? Needless to say, the app was quickly deleted. (P.S. I love you Click and Grow, please take this as constructive criticism, there is so much potential!)
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Joss & Main’s superstar app supported me throughout my quarantine home makeover mission. There are undoubtedly a large amount of apps available that need improvement, but that just makes it even more exciting when you find a great one.
Joss & Main is an online marketplace for stylish furniture and home decor. I had used their website to purchase some essentials when I first moved to the city and throughly enjoyed my experience. The products were fairly priced, high quality and beautiful.
I have never been an admirer of home decor, but I have also never spent so much time at home. But of course, 2020 has different plans for me. During lockdown, my petite New York City studio apartment suddenly also became my office, my bar, my yoga studio, my cinema… you get the point. It was about time I brought more life to my home, which led me back to Joss & Main. When I started browsing the website again, I happened to be using my phone this time. I decided to check out the app, and I am so glad I did.
I was thrilled to discover that the beautifully designed app had helpful features such as the Room Ideas. This element consists of design inspiration photos (listen up Pinterest lovers!) with all products conveniently linked. For someone like me who is not design savvy, this was a great way to find inspiration while skipping the step of endlessly searching for similar items.
In the case that you find inspiration outside of the Room Ideas, the app also has the option to Search by Photo. Simply snap a photo within the app and you will automatically be displayed the most similar items available. The website also has this feature, but it is much easier to take a picture within the app.
Another aspect that was extremely helpful to me was the 3D View In Your Room function. Just as it sounds, this feature allows you to visualize items in your home using your smartphone camera. I tested many items with this method and found it to be extremely user friendly. You simply turn your camera 360° around the room to activate the function. When looking at images online, it can be difficult to imagine what products will look like in your space. Although the 3D view is not entirely realistic, it truly helps you get an idea.
You can also opt to turn on notifications for exclusive deals. I know many loathe push notifications for this type of update, but I am a sucker for sales, so I have kept mine on since downloading the app (and discovered great deals!).
These are just some of the key features that stood out to me when using this marvelous app. The overall user experience is seamless; it is easy to browse, there are design tips included throughout, and the product categories are very well organized. With all of the bonus features on top of that, why would I go anywhere else when I need furniture/decor?
As for how I felt while using the app, I certainly never asked myself why did I download this?? Rather, I asked why didn’t I download this sooner??
