Those questions launched us on our mission to create a next-generation social networking and dating app that doesn’t suffer from the problems of its predecessors.
Going beyond dating
Getting the idea for this new app was like falling in love with technology again. The two of us talked for hours that Saturday night and then all Sunday, bouncing ideas off one another. For weeks afterward, we stayed up until 4 a.m. every night, brainstorming designs and features.
One of our critical decisions was to create a broad-based platform that could serve people looking for all kinds of relationships, not just romantic ones. That’s why we decided to offer three apps in one.
Named Crossed, our app has three separate modalities — one for dating, of course, but two others for Friendship and Business (professional networking). Just because someone might not be interested in dating doesn’t mean they should be cut off from other opportunities to expand their social connections. Users can be active in all three modes but can also refrain from participating in a given mode if it isn’t for them.
Another key decision was to prioritize geographic proximity.
Next-generation proximity-based matching
Unlike most social networking apps, which permit users to set their location manually and, therefore, also allow them to lie, our app uses geolocation technology on their devices. The app rides along with the members of our community as they go about their ordinary lives.
Maybe the person goes to the park to read a book, take their dog on a walk, or swing by the coffee shop for an afternoon pick-me-up. With every place they go, they open up possible connections without even trying since our app pays attention and scans the environment for other members of our community.
If two users cross paths, traveling within 150 meters of each other, the app alerts them to the possible connection. The users can then check each other’s profiles and decide whether or not to initiate a conversation. All communications on the platform are protected with the highest level of security.
The power of connection
The two of us met by chance, introduced through a mutual friend during our junior year of college. Before then, we had always seen each other around, but we had never actually talked. Once we were introduced to each other, however, we quickly became close friends, hanging out nearly every day. Now, we are business partners who have launched a business together.