Build My App winner celebrates the launch of its new app

The UK-based charity Signalong was chosen as the winner of Studio Graphene’s Build My App initiative, a competition offering to design and build a not for profit app idea completely free of charge. Studio Graphene, a London-based agency that builds blank canvas tech products, launched Build My App to show how organisations can effectively harness the power of technology to improve the way they engage with wider society in a cost-effective manner.

More than 65 entries were received, with organisations, charities and individuals proposing app ideas to help bring about positive social change. Tom Catnach, Digital Product Manager at Studio Graphene, said that Signalong was selected because its idea effectively fulfilled two key criteria – an idea for the public good that was also technically viable. “Their app concept is possible with current day technology, and could be delivered within a reasonable timeframe,” he explained. “What’s more, it will deliver real value to people which is the main objective of the Build My App initiative.”

The app was built over three days at TechXLR8 2018 in London. Working closely with Signalong, Studio Graphene assigned a project manager, developer and designer to the project. The successful launch of the Signalong app demonstrates how affordable digital solutions can be quickly built to a high standard in order to help organisations become more sustainable in the long-term.

Tracy Goode, CEO of Signalong, said: “Everyone in the Signalong office is completely overwhelmed at what Studio Graphene has achieved, particularly in such a short timeframe – the final app far exceeds our expectation. The office is buzzing with excitement, and we are very much looking forward to our new partnership with Studio Graphene. The app will help the charity move significantly forward in the digital market.” 

Ritam Gandhi, Founder and Director of Studio Graphene, added: “We were taken aback by the high quality of entrants we received for this initiative. There were some really creative not for profit ideas, and we were impressed by Signalong both in terms of its proposal but also in the way that existing technology could be used to really enhance the charity’s services – the team is delighted to have created this mobile solution that will help a huge number of people with communication difficulties. 

“Importantly, Build My App has demonstrated how small organisations can effectively harness existing technology to improve the way they engage with their customers – what’s more, they can do so quickly and without breaking the bank. Based on the positive response we received to this initiative, Studio Graphene will be looking to launch similar projects over the coming months!”