Popl
A mobile app for creating and sharing digital business cards via NFC and QR code, built to make networking between people fast and effortless.
Networking & B2B services
Industry
2024
Year of release
Popl
Client
Project goal
The core objective was to build an intuitive app that simplifies exchanging contact details and networking, helping people build and maintain professional relationships more effectively.
About the client
Popl is a US technology company behind a digital business card platform and NFC networking accessories. The product combines a mobile app, the Popl Pro subscription and a range of physical NFC devices.
What we did
Features
#01 SHARE VIA NFC AND QR
Users share their card with a single tap of an NFC accessory or by showing a QR code, and the recipient does not need to install the app.
#02 CARD BUILDER
Multiple cards for different roles, colour and layout options, links, social profiles and contact details, all edited directly in the app.
#03 LEADS AND CONTACTS
Everyone who receives a card lands in the Leads section, where contacts can be saved, sorted and exported for follow-up.
#04 ENGAGEMENT ANALYTICS
Link engagement and card view statistics show which channels and contacts actually deliver results.
#05 QUICK ACTIONS IN PROFILE
The recipient sees a profile with Call, Email and Send Message buttons and can reach the card owner in a single tap.
Development process details
We started by researching how people actually exchange contacts at meetings, conferences and in follow-up conversations. We analysed usage scenarios for NFC accessories and QR codes, reviewed existing solutions on the market and gathered requirements for analytics, lead capture and the Popl Pro subscription. This gave us a map of user journeys and a prioritised feature list for the first release.
From there the team worked in iterations, validating each stage against real card-sharing scenarios.
- UX research and prototyping: we mapped the flows for creating a card, sharing via NFC and QR, saving contacts and viewing analytics.
- Design and mobile development for iOS and Android: we built the card builder, lead screens, link engagement statistics and a profile with quick actions.
- Integrations and testing: we connected NFC accessories, the Popl Pro subscription and the referral system, then ran QA across a wide range of devices.
Design and interface
The interface rests on a strict monochrome base: white screens, black accent buttons and thin grey dividers, so the user's card and QR code always stay in focus. Colour appears only where it does a job, in the card customisation palette, status indicators and engagement charts. Large cards, clear labels and a minimal number of steps make sharing a contact a one-tap action, while the dark profile screen with Call, Email and Send Message buttons highlights quick actions when a card is received.
Unique solutions and innovations
One sharing flow for NFC, QR and links
Every sharing channel runs on a single data model: the card is updated in one place and changes are instantly reflected in the NFC accessory, QR code and web link.
Sharing without app installation
The recipient opens the card in a browser and saves the contact to their phone, removing the main barrier to exchanging details at meetings.
Built-in referral system
A bonus mechanic for invited users is integrated into the app and became one of the main growth channels after launch.
Benefits for business and users
INSTANT CONTACT EXCHANGE
Users share their card in a second and never lose contacts after a meeting, while businesses collect more saved leads.
ALWAYS UP-TO-DATE DETAILS
A new job title or phone number is updated in one place, with no need to reprint paper cards.
MEASURABLE NETWORKING
Link and lead analytics show the value of every contact, and the Popl Pro subscription unlocks advanced tools for teams.
Marketing support and promotion
The following solutions were implemented to increase conversion and attract new users:
- 1.Referral programme:A referral bonus system for inviting friends and colleagues, which drove a 50% increase in new users after launch.
- 2.Popl Pro subscription:A free base version plus a premium subscription with analytics, extra templates and integrations, forming the product's monetisation model.
Result
Within the first three months after launch, the app reached 30,000 downloads. Users report a high level of satisfaction with its functionality and ease of use. The referral bonus system drove a 50% increase in new users, and customer retention over the first quarter reached 75%.
Contact us
Planning a digital business card app or another networking product with NFC and QR? Get in touch and we will discuss your goals and propose a solution.
User reviews
Phenomenal!
I am very happy with this service. I have friends with other digital business cards and this one is the best for sure. The NFC items are key in the si…
A must for Anyone in the hair industry!
As a hairstylist committed to eco everything I can for this planet and the people on it, this is a product I couldn't ignore. Popl is a digital busine…
Outstanding
Update: The CEO himself reached out and showed there is a way to edit lead gen form on their website. 5 stars. This is a great tool. I'm a military re…
Strong first impression
The first few days have been impressive! The app is very easy to use and your profile takes less than 30 minutes to have running. There's a decent amo…
An Indispensable Business Card Replacement
The concept of networking is broken, event connections aren't organic, & being handed business cards at a function makes only one thing certain: you'l…
Networking made easy
This app has made networking events fly by. When you add a new contact the app allows you to write a note about the event to help you remember the con…