Mobile Social App
Cultivating Classroom Positivity: Unveiling Yass - The Ultimate Compliments App
Product design

Introduction

In today's digital age, the influence of social media and technology on school environments is undeniable. According to the Report on the Prevention of Bullying in Educational Centers, jointly prepared by the ANAR Foundation and the Mutua Madrileña Foundation, "95.2% of educators consider the improper use of social media and new technologies as the primary risk factor for the occurrence of bullying." This alarming statistic underscores the pressing need for innovative solutions that promote positivity and combat bullying in educational settings.

This case study explores the journey of YASS, a mobile application designed to foster kindness and tackle bullying among high school students. This application is currently in the development stage, with ongoing collaboration involving Jan Roures, co-founder of Brothapps.

Market insights

In today's digital age, the influence of technology and online platforms on the lives of Spanish youth is both pervasive and transformative. Recent statistics from different institutions and media reveal a deep engagement with digital spaces.

In today's digital landscape, the influence of social media giants such as TikTok, Instagram, WeChat, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Facebook is nothing short of staggering, with each platform boasting over one billion users worldwide. The business world has caught on to this influence, as a resounding 84% of companies are gearing up to join forces with social media influencers in the coming years. This surge in influencer collaborations underscores the growing prominence of influencer marketing as a pivotal strategy in the corporate playbook.

A remarkable trend emerges. Nano-influencers, those with 1,000 to 10,000 followers, are carving out lucrative opportunities, pocketing an average of $90 per post. The earning potential soars beyond $6,500 when their followers exceed half a million, painting a portrait of evolving possibilities within the influencer ecosystem.

Amidst these earning opportunities, YouTube stands tall as the most rewarding platform, offering content creators an average of $4,491 per post, closely followed by TikTok at an average of $3,514. These figures illuminate the financial horizons open to content creators, beckoning them to seize the digital stage. The steady growth of influencer marketing, with a 14% uptick over the last three years, signals a trajectory of enduring relevance, since it underscores the pivotal role influencer marketing plays in contemporary marketing strategies.

Furthermore, as gig economy models gain ground among the youth, platforms like OnlyFans are redefining personal branding and entrepreneurship. This shift reflects a changing landscape where individuals are carving their own digital paths, resonating strongly with today's young generation, and transforming the way we view online entrepreneurship.

The Success Story of TBH in the United States

TBH, short for "To Be Honest," emerged as a social media application that left an indelible mark on the American market. Its marketing strategy and unique approach contributed to its success in several notable ways:

  1. Fostering Positivity and Honesty: TBH stood out by creating an online space where users could anonymously share compliments. This fostered honesty and positivity in a digital environment that often leans towards criticism and negativity.
  2. Addressing School Bullying: TBH actively addressed the issue of school bullying by providing a safe and friendly platform for students to express themselves positively. This approach resonated with the student community and educators alike.
  3. Viral Growth Strategy: TBH implemented a smart growth strategy by limiting the app to specific schools and communities, creating a sense of exclusivity. This tactic drove demand and generated significant word-of-mouth.
  4. Focus on a Young Audience: Recognizing the growing significance of youth on social media, TBH zeroed in on high school students, a demographic often overlooked. This audience, eager for a platform that promoted kindness and positivity, enthusiastically embraced the app.
  5. Acquisition by Facebook: TBH's success culminated in its acquisition by Facebook in 2017. This acquisition underscored the impact the app had made in the realm of social media and its long-term potential.

In summary, the success story of TBH in the United States illustrates how an app that prioritizes positivity and addresses significant social issues can carve out a prominent place in the social media landscape. Its smart marketing strategy and focus on the student community make it an inspiring tale of innovation in the digital space.

Design Challenges

Design Strategy: Controlled and Anonymous Surveys

At the heart of YASS's design strategy lies the objective of cultivating a digital environment where positivity takes center stage. This goal is achieved through a thoughtfully curated system of controlled and anonymous surveys. In YASS, the central team takes on the crucial responsibility of selecting and formulating questions before they are made available for users. This meticulous approach serves as a protective measure, preventing any potential misuse or inappropriate content from entering the platform.

What sets YASS apart is its innovative use of surveys, enabling participants to choose from four random peers to provide compliments to. This distinctive approach significantly enhances the likelihood that all users involved will receive compliments at some point, promoting a continuous cycle of kindness and positivity. By structuring interactions in this manner, YASS encourages users to uplift one another, creating a sense of community and reinforcing its core mission to combat bullying while fostering a supportive online environment for high school students.

Business Model: Gems and Reveals

YASS operates on an innovative business model designed to enhance user engagement and interaction while maintaining sustainability. At the heart of this model are "reveals," a unique feature that adds an element of excitement to the platform.

Users have the opportunity to unlock reveals by acquiring gems, which can be earned through active participation in the app's activities or purchased through in-app transactions.

These reveals are a valuable currency within YASS, enabling users to unveil the first letter of the name of the person who selected them in a survey. For those seeking even more curiosity satisfaction, additional gems can be exchanged to reveal the full name. This intriguing system adds an element of mystery and fun to the YASS experience while also serving as a revenue stream to support the app's ongoing development and maintenance.

By offering a balance between free gems earned through gameplay and paid options, YASS ensures accessibility for all users while allowing those who desire a more immersive experience to further engage with the platform. This innovative business model aligns with YASS's mission to create a positive and inclusive space for high school students while also sustaining its long-term viability.

Key Design Elements in YASS

YASS boasts a clean and intuitive interface, focusing on user-friendly navigation, vibrant visual aesthetics, and engaging gamification elements. Users can easily access anonymous surveys, view their gem balance, and enjoy a visually appealing profile that reflects their YASS journey. With a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics, YASS delivers an enjoyable and interactive experience.

Emojis take center stage as a vital component of the platform's communication. Emojis are more than just colorful icons; they're a universal language of expression, particularly popular among today's young users. They allow participants to convey emotions, share compliments, and interact with a sense of fun and familiarity. The extensive use of emojis not only enhances the overall YASS experience but also reflects the app's commitment to aligning with the communication preferences of its youthful user base.

Coming Soon in 2024!

As we wrap up this glimpse into the world of YASS, it's important to note that the application is currently in the testing phase, fine-tuning its features and functionality to provide the best possible user experience. Simultaneously, our team is diligently planning a robust marketing strategy to introduce YASS to the world. We are excited to announce that YASS is set to make its grand debut between the months of December and November 2023. So, stay tuned for more updates, as we look forward to welcoming you into the YASS community and embarking on this exciting journey together!