Mail App Built for Mac and Windows

Teamed up with fellow designers to develop a native desktop Mail app for both Mac and Windows platforms, receiving an enthusiastic response from our customers.

Nobody has time for lengthy case studies these days, I get it. I've saved the details for our calls or interviews later. Here's a quick read about what I worked on. Estimated reading time: 2-4 minutes.

Intro

In response to customer demands for native applications, our team conducted a comprehensive analysis of these requests and assessed the competitive landscape. Upon careful consideration, we concluded that developing native applications was not only a necessity but also a strategic move to meet user needs. Subsequently, we embarked on the development journey, creating these applications that not only catered to user demands but also contributed significantly to our business revenue.

Research

Research for this project encompassed an in-depth competitor analysis to identify industry best practices. Additionally, we sought to determine the features to adopt from both Mac and Windows platforms. Our research also focused on understanding the fundamental user requirements for a native application, ensuring that the end product would align with user expectations and preferences. Furthermore, we explored how incorporating native features from Apple and Windows operating systems could enhance the functionality of mail applications. There was not really a need to do user research before starting the project, because the goals were clear and we are going to replicate everything from the web.

UI and Flows

We began by crafting the core mail layout, the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), as the initial step. This MVP was put into the hands of a select group of early adopters for thorough testing and invaluable feedback. Following the MVP's positive reception, we proceeded to develop the Contacts module, offering users an efficient solution for managing their contacts seamlessly.

Subsequently, we introduced the Calendar functionality, allowing users to explore and assess its usability. With valuable insights gathered, we continued to expand the application's capabilities by incorporating essential features like Tasks, Notes, Meetings, and more. This step-by-step approach enabled us to iteratively enhance the product, ensuring each component underwent rigorous testing and refinement. The result is a comprehensive and user-centric native mail application that caters to a broad spectrum of user needs, all rooted in a carefully considered and user-tested development process.

Results and Metrics

Throughout the project, while specific metrics were not directly measurable, the outcomes of our efforts were evident in several key aspects:

Increased User Traction

  • Despite the absence of traditional metrics, we observed a substantial uptick in user traction following the introduction of the native desktop mail applications.

  • Approximately 60% of our web-based users actively downloaded and engaged with the new native apps. This demonstrated a significant user demand for this platform.

Revenue Diversification

  • An unexpected but highly positive result was the discovery of a new revenue stream.

  • We strategically offered the native applications exclusively to our Pro customers, providing them with added value. This approach not only enhanced customer retention among our Pro users but also introduced a new source of revenue.

User Satisfaction and Engagement

  • While not quantifiable in traditional metrics, user feedback and satisfaction surveys consistently reflected positive sentiments.

  • Users reported improved satisfaction and engagement levels with the native applications, attesting to their usability and overall value.

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