The Marin Convention & Visitor's Bureau (MCVB) struggled to provide visitors with reliable access to vital information due to Marin County's spotty cell reception. As a result, tourists and event planners found it challenging to explore accommodations, dining, and attractions. MCVB enlisted our team to resolve this issue.
We developed an offline-first mobile app that stored crucial information directly on users' devices. By conducting a thorough evaluation, we tailored the app to integrate MCVB's dynamic website content and worked around the limitations of their existing CMS. The app included a searchable directory and a feature for users to favorite listings, ensuring easy access to curated content even without connectivity.
The app dramatically enhanced the visitor experience, ensuring uninterrupted access to Marin County's offerings. Engagement and user satisfaction soared, as visitors could now explore the region's resources without connectivity concerns. By bridging the gap in information access, our partnership with MCVB transformed visitor interactions, aligning with their vision of a seamless and enriched experience in Marin County.
"We have been working with White Rabbit for over a year now to develop our new Marin visitors app. They are very professional, knowledgeable, offer excellent communication, and have made this process much easier than we expected. Overall we are more than satisfied in our choice of White Rabbit. An excellent company to do business with."- Mark Essman, Pres/CEO Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Challenge
- Parts of Marin County have poor cell service, so the app needed to function reliably in low-connectivity areas.
- Users should be able to save locations—such as hotels, restaurants, and attractions—for offline access.
- The goal was to help users better plan and organize their trips, even without an internet connection.
Our Solution
To address the connectivity issues in Marin County, we designed the app with robust offline functionality. Key data such as saved places, maps, and search indexes—are stored locally on the user's device, allowing the app to remain fully functional even when there's little or no cell service. This ensures a smooth experience in remote areas where connectivity is unreliable.
We implemented a “Save for Offline” feature that allows users to bookmark hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other points of interest. These saved items are downloaded with key details and imagery so users can reference them later without needing an internet connection. The design ensures that saving places is simple and intuitive, supporting seamless trip planning both on- and off-network.
To make the experience more useful, we also enabled offline search. Users can search through their locations using relevant filters and keywords, just like they would online. This added layer of functionality empowers travelers to navigate and explore with confidence, even in areas where traditional apps would fail.
Technologies Used
Pixel perfection, always.
