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Since we're all discussing our dating app ideas, here's one I've had: Why does your interaction with the app end with the messaging thread? It feels like ever

by nlh 7y ago

Since we're all discussing our dating app ideas, here's one I've had: Why does your interaction with the app end with the messaging thread? It feels like every app decides that once you've been "connected", that's the end of their responsibility. I'd like to see an app that takes a more holistic approach: A good algorithm gets you connected, allows you to communicate but also helps set up the first (and second? or third?) date(s). Then gathers feedback on the dates -- what went well, what didn't, and uses that input to refine the matching algorithm (if necessary). The key here is that the current crop of apps aren't really "dating" apps - they're "first introduction" apps. Getting involved in the whole process could (maybe?) lead to better outcomes. This is of course assuming that the goal is better outcomes -- as other commenters have pointed out, some companies don't actually want that, they just want you endlessly scrolling (and subscribing). But assuming you build a business that does truly want to optimize for successful outcomes, this could be a start...

MisterTea 7y ago
> A good algorithm gets you connected, allows you to communicate but also helps set up the first (and second? or third?) date(s). That's like a lot of work, bro. Besides, I got a pocket full of ecstacy and a roof top rave party to spend my startup money on.
jfengel 7y ago
You'd think there would be money in that, too. Set 'em up at a Starbucks, or a bowling alley, and get kickbacks from the venue. I bet romantic restaurants would pay a pretty penny to get the attention of a man trying to impress a woman -- especially if he told the app that he was willing to spend $200 on a date. Sounds like a pain in the ass to implement, and you'd get all kinds of accusations of corruption, but they get that anyway.
generalpass 7y ago
I'll admit to not even looking at these services in a very long time, but OKCupid had experimented with setting up the first date more spontaneously, but it was before ubiquitous smart phones so they didn't go very far with it, IIRC. If you had the app on, and it knew you were in proximity to some sort of match, then it could notify each party and provide a message like, "would you like an introduction to so-and-so? You're both within walking distance of an art exhibit - meet a new person and enjoy some fine art!"

by nlh 7y ago

MisterTea 7y ago

> A good algorithm gets you connected, allows you to communicate but also helps set up the first (and second? or third?) date(s). That's like a lot of work, bro. Besides, I got a pocket full of ecstacy and a roof top rave party to spend my startup money on.

jfengel 7y ago

You'd think there would be money in that, too. Set 'em up at a Starbucks, or a bowling alley, and get kickbacks from the venue. I bet romantic restaurants would pay a pretty penny to get the attention of a man trying to impress a woman -- especially if he told the app that he was willing to spend $200 on a date. Sounds like a pain in the ass to implement, and you'd get all kinds of accusations of corruption, but they get that anyway.

generalpass 7y ago

I'll admit to not even looking at these services in a very long time, but OKCupid had experimented with setting up the first date more spontaneously, but it was before ubiquitous smart phones so they didn't go very far with it, IIRC. If you had the app on, and it knew you were in proximity to some sort of match, then it could notify each party and provide a message like, "would you like an introduction to so-and-so? You're both within walking distance of an art exhibit - meet a new person and enjoy some fine art!"