For some time now, we have been seeing "Progressive Web Applications" appear in the events landscape (but not only there). But what exactly are they? How are they an alternative (or not) to the native applications we are familiar with? Are they the right solution for your events? 🧐
Since the advent of smartphones, we have all become accustomed to using native apps. These little squares that appear on your screen and allow you to access your social networks, emails, calls, and texts... There are now billions of them, serving a variety of purposes: counting your steps, ordering food, finding your way... anything is possible (or almost anything).
But the "natives" are no longer alone on the market. And who knows, maybe soon they won't be leading the app market anymore? 🔮
Progressive Web Apps are gradually making their way into the landscape. But what is this new format?
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are mobile applications that are almost identical to native applications, with a few exceptions. For example, they are accessible via the web. There is no need to download them from the App Store or Google Play. A simple link is all you need.
• Its development time is half that of its native counterpart. The process is closer to that of a website than an application.
• Its cost is therefore also halved!
• A website that behaves like an application means natural referencing. Your PWA can therefore be found using your participants' search engines.
• No more delays in getting your application approved by the App Store or Google Play. A significant time saving for you.
• With no download required, PWAs won't take up all your phone's storage space.
• Just like a native app, a PWA can be saved to your home screen. No more searching for the link in your pile of emails.
• If you're an Android user, you'll have access to push notifications from the app. Apple users will have to wait a little longer...
• No more updates that cause the app to crash. You will always have access to the latest version without having to press a button.
• PWAs are lighter, so they load faster and are more environmentally friendly.
• Finally, they are responsive and therefore work with any operating system or device (phone, computer, tablet).
At AppCraft, we have chosen to adopt this new technology. Although we only offered native apps before COVID, we now offer PWAs to our customers. Why this change? Because we are convinced of the benefits of this technology, which we added to our catalog during the COVID crisis to offer you the best possible service.
This app will be very useful in the event of physical events. physical or hybrid. It acts as a compass, allowing your participants to find their way around and take control of their visit by choosing a personalized itinerary. Individualized programs, useful information available in advance, participant directories—all the information you need is in one place.
• The PWA has a cache system that means most of the content is already loaded when you connect. Even without an internet connection!
• It allows white labeling with customization of a manifest in the application code (your name, logo, and colors). This is not possible for a native event application.
• Most of your phone's features are accessible. For example, you can use your photos if you want to participate in your event's Social Wall.
• Interactivity is possible! Interact with other users on site or even those remotely with chat or other networking features.
Last but not least, PWAs have the advantage of being adaptive! So, if you are planning a physical event and then the health situation (or other circumstances) forces you to switch to a hybrid or digital event, there will be no problem. PWAs are responsive and adapt to screens of all sizes: computers, phones, or tablets.
According to this study published by La Niche YES! According to them:
Twitter saw a significant change in its figures thanks to its PWA, compared to its native app:
+65% of pages per session,
+75% of tweets sent,
–20% bounce rate
For Tinder:
–50% of its loading time on its PWA compared to its native app, which led to longer sessions.
Pinterest:
+40% of time spent by users on its PWA compared to its native app
+44% advertising revenue
+60% user engagement
For more information on AppCraft's PWA, hybrid event possibilitieshybrid or physical events, please contact our Sales team at hello@appcraft.fr or on +33 (0)9 72 51 22 90 ☎️
