Raseef22 Goes Mobile: Putting Content At Your Fingertips

Move over, endless scrolling!

Today marks a milestone for us at Raseef22 as we launch our new mobile app. After over a year (and countless cups of coffee), seeing our logo on our phone screens for the first time made us incredibly proud.

Our story began with a vision: to deliver news, features, and cultural insights in a more accessible and user-friendly format, cutting through the noise of flashing news headlines. This wasn't just a technical challenge. It was a creative endeavor, driven by a desire to connect with our audience in a more meaningful way.

We knew our app had to be more than just a mobile version of our website. It needed to be an intuitive companion, able to provide fascinating stories at the click of a button, whether you're at the gym, on a work break, or winding down in the evening. Our idea was to create a reliable digital companion, always there to keep you informed and entertained.

Standing at the intersection of identity, freedoms and democracy, Raseef22 is an independent online media that delivers a dynamic array of news and perspectives tailored for the Arab world with all its ethnic, religious and gender minorities and its diaspora.

Raseef22 APP

Designing the app

Our main intention behind the app’s design was to minimize mindless scrolling and prioritize users' experience. We partnered with InkyLab, a Tunisia-based design company, as a reflection of our commitment to working with designers and developers from the Arab region. InkyLab worked to ensure that the Raseef22 App is clean and user-friendly while retaining our brand essence through colors, logos, and other design elements.

Before development even began, we — Raseef22's Product Development & Marketing Team (shoutout to Line Itani, Rokaya Kamel, Diana Khanaferو and Kamal Aoude) — embarked on an extensive period of planning. Picture countless meetings (fueled by snacks galore, of course) and heated debates discussing every detail, from the perfect wording to button placements. Collaborating closely with designers and editors, we debated colors, lines, logos, and banners, ensuring each element would enhance the user experience.

Let's just say our email inboxes were overflowing and the office coffee machine got a serious workout, all to craft the perfect user experience for you!

We pushed the boundaries, and the WhiteBeard development team kept pace! Their responsiveness and technical prowess were key to creating a seamless user experience.
One of the most challenging yet defining moments of this journey was the endless cycle of fixing bugs. With each bug we squashed, we'd stumble upon a room full of glitches. Yet, this only strengthened our resolve, as we tackled each new problem with laughter and determination.

Building an app isn't for the faint of heart, but the satisfaction of conquering every obstacle and beholding the final product is a thrill unlike any other.

Drum roll… Enter: Kimo

Tired of doomscrolling? Meet Kimo!

Like many of us, Kimo was drowning in a sea of mindless content. One day, a notification appeared. Initially, it seemed like yet another ad, but it turned out to be a beacon of hope in the digital abyss.

It was Raseef22, promising an escape from the never-ending scroll. Intrigued, Kimo clicked, beginning his journey to mindful swiping. Kimo, the star of our animated ad, illustrates the digital overwhelm caused by constant notifications and how Raseef22 offers a refreshing, user-chosen alternative.

The concept was conceived by our Reader Relationship team. Kamal led the crafting of the witty script and even brought Kimo to life with his voice-acting talents! Zahra Moneer, our amazing voiceover artist, voiced the narration. The animation is courtesy of the talented Romy Matar, under the direction of Line Itani.

What sets our app apart?

Customizable news feed: Our team poured over user feedback and market research to create a feed that lets you follow the topics, writers, and countries you care about most.

Save and access later: We recognize the need for flexibility in consuming content, allowing you to bookmark Raseef22 articles, videos, and podcasts to enjoy at your convenience.

Immersive listening experience: We've been wanting to diversify our content for a while to enhance your listening experience and offer more than just written content for you to enjoy. This year, we've integrated "Raseef aal-Sama'," our AI project that transforms written articles into mini-podcasts. In parallel, we're also working on a passion project, a fiction series titled "Zahma" (traffic). To support these new features, we've updated our app and website's UI (User Interface) to enhance your experience.

The result? An app that is not only feature-rich but also incredibly user-friendly.

So, why wait? Join us in this new era of mindful scrolling. Download the Raseef22 app today and elevate your content game. We promise: your brain (and your thumbs) will thank you for it!

Raseef22 APP