Courtesy of Our A-Team
Early Explorers, welcome!
Updates January 01, 2024 by Pascal
Hello Pioneers!
We're excited to have you on board! As early users, your discoveries are key to shaping the best urban exploration tool.
Make Your Mark: Sign up, create posts, and share your favorite spots. Your contributions are vital in building a rich, community-driven space.
Explore with AI: By signing up, you will be able to use our AI search feature to discover gems and hidden treasures based on collective insights.
Limited Now, More Soon: Not all cities have extensive content yet, but as more users contribute, our platform will naturally grow to reflect each city's unique character.
We Value Your Feedback: As we grow, your feedback is crucial. Help us improve and evolve by sharing your thoughts.
Be part of a community that reflects the richness and variety of cities around the world!
Cheers,
The Concrete Team.
Explore Selected Cities, More to Follow!
Updates December 31, 2023 by Pascal
At Concrete, we're passionate about urban exploration and community engagement. As we roll out our unique city exploration app, we want to share some insights and updates with you.
Where the Journey Begins
We're excited to announce that users will find an extensive array of information in the following cities:
- San Francisco
- New York
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Houston
- Austin
- San Diego
- London (United Kingdom)
- San Jose
- Dallas
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Seattle
- Portland
- Denver
- Toronto (Canada)
These locations have robust data for our users to enjoy an immersive exploration experience.
A Gradual Rollout to Ensure Quality
Concrete's mobile app is currently in the midst of a carefully managed, slow rollout. Our goal is to craft an exceptional city exploration experience, one city at a time. We're dedicated to providing rich, meaningful content that truly represents the heart and soul of each locale.
Patience is Key: Cities on the Rise
As with any grand endeavor, building a comprehensive platform takes time.
We want to set realistic expectations for our early users: not all cities may return a wealth of content just yet. The beauty of urban landscapes is their constant evolution, and our app is no different. As more pathfinders and collaborators come aboard, the energy of Concrete's community surges.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we populate the app with the stories, sights, and experiences that make each city unique. It's a collaborative effort, with our staff working diligently and community members sharing their local insights.
Stay Tuned for More
We are committed to keeping you informed as more cities become rich with content through the collective activity of our community and the dedicated work of our team. Keep an eye out for updates and announcements as we expand our reach.
Join us on this journey; your understanding and early support are invaluable as we bring the city's stories to your fingertips. Together, we'll uncover the heart of urban landscapes and build a community of city explorers and storytellers.
Thank you for being part of this adventure from the start. Welcome to Concrete—where every city has a story, and every story counts.
Keep Exploring,
The Concrete Team
Upholding User Trust By Navigating Away from Dark Patterns
Technology October 31, 2023 by Pascal
In the fast-paced digital world, user experience (UX) design plays a pivotal role in the success of mobile applications. However, not all UX practices are created equal. Some are designed to manipulate users into performing actions that may not be in their best interest, a phenomenon known as “dark patterns.”
At Concrete, we are committed to ethical design practices that prioritize user well-being and autonomy. In this blog post, we will delve into many prevalent dark patterns in mobile apps and discuss why we consciously choose to steer clear of these deceptive practices.
The Infinite Scroll: A Bottomless Pit of Content
Infinite scroll is a design pattern where content continuously loads as the user scrolls down, creating an endless stream of information. While it may seem user-friendly at first glance, promoting seamless browsing, it can lead to unintentional overconsumption of content and contribute to digital addiction. Users often find themselves scrolling for extended periods, losing track of time, and experiencing decreased productivity.
At Concrete, we believe in empowering our users to make conscious decisions about how they spend their time online. We opt for design choices that promote healthy digital habits, such as implementing clear stopping points and providing tools that help users manage their screen time effectively.
Forced Login: Stifling User Freedom
Another common dark pattern is forced login, where users are required to create an account or log in to access basic functionalities of an app. This practice not only disrupts the user experience but also raises privacy concerns.
Concrete values user privacy and autonomy above all. We design our apps to be accessible and functional, even without user registration. Users should have the freedom to explore and utilize our services without feeling coerced into surrendering their personal information.
Disguised Ads: Undermining Transparency
Sometimes, advertisements are designed to blend in seamlessly with the content of an app, making it difficult for users to distinguish between the two. This can lead to accidental clicks and unintended interactions.
We prioritize user trust and transparency, ensuring that all advertisements and sponsored content are clearly labeled and easily distinguishable from the rest of the app’s content.
At Concrete, we are dedicated to fostering an ethical digital environment. We understand the impact that design choices can have on user behavior, and we strive to ensure that our practices promote transparency, respect, and empowerment. By rejecting dark patterns like infinite scroll, forced login and disguised ads, we are taking a stand for responsible design and contributing to a healthier, more user-friendly digital landscape.
Join us in our journey towards ethical design and experience the difference that conscious choices can make.
It's Almost Time to Explore!
Updates September 01, 2023 by Olga
Exciting developments are right around the corner! Concrete, our innovative city exploration app, is gearing up for its release on both iOS and Android platforms. This app is your ultimate guide to uncovering the hidden gems of your city with ease. No invitations needed, no geographic limitations, no restrictions - it's all about effortless urban exploration.
Anticipate an exceptional app experience coming your way! Our team is hard at work ensuring that Concrete, our groundbreaking city exploration app, delivers a seamless and delightful experience on both iOS and Android platforms.
We're dedicated to crafting an app that transcends boundaries and brings effortless urban exploration to everyone, regardless of their device. Concrete is your passport to uncovering the hidden treasures of your city, whether you're an iPhone aficionado or an Android enthusiast.
Concrete makes it a breeze to discover those tucked-away treasures, from charming cafes to captivating street art. You can snap photos and share valuable tips, enhancing the experience for fellow adventurers. Plus, thanks to AI-powered recommendations, your urban adventures will always be fresh and tailored to your preferences.
Stay tuned for the release date, and get ready to rediscover your city like never before with Concrete. Stay connected with all the latest updates from our dynamic social team by following us on our various socials!
Celebrating Small Towns
Culture August 25, 2023 by Olga
In a world where big cities often steal the spotlight, it's easy to overlook the charm and character that smaller towns and rural areas have to offer. But at our explorer-centric app, we firmly believe that hidden gems can be found anywhere, not just in bustling metropolises. In this article, we'll dive into why we welcome cities of all sizes, celebrating the unique experiences and diversity that smaller communities bring to our vibrant explorer community.
Smaller towns and rural areas often offer a more authentic experience compared to their urban counterparts. The people, culture, and traditions are deeply rooted in these communities, providing explorers with a genuine glimpse into the heart of a region. Whether it's a family-run restaurant serving up local specialties or an annual town festival, these experiences can be both enriching and eye-opening.
If you're an explorer who loves the great outdoors, small towns and rural areas are a treasure trove of natural beauty. From rolling hills and pristine lakes to dense forests and charming countryside landscapes, there's no shortage of breathtaking scenery to immerse yourself in. Whether you're hiking, biking, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, these areas offer a chance to connect with nature on a profound level.
One of the most endearing qualities of smaller towns and rural areas is the warmth and friendliness of the people who call these places home. In these close-knit communities, you're more likely to strike up a conversation with a local at a cafe or receive a warm greeting from a passerby. These connections can turn a simple trip into a memorable journey filled with heartwarming encounters.
Big cities may have their famous landmarks, but smaller towns have their own unique attractions and quirky finds. Whether it's a museum dedicated to an obscure hobby, a roadside attraction with an unusual theme, or a historic site with a fascinating backstory, these hidden gems can add an unexpected element of surprise to your exploration.
Exploring smaller towns and rural areas can also have a positive impact on local economies. Your visit can help sustain small businesses, family farms, and local artisans who often rely on tourism to thrive. By choosing to explore these areas, you become an integral part of preserving their way of life and ensuring their continued prosperity.
For many, the allure of exploring small towns and rural areas lies in the opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's a chance to slow down, unwind, and embrace a more laid-back pace. Whether you're savoring a farm-to-table meal or gazing at a star-filled sky, these experiences can be both rejuvenating and soul-soothing.
At our explorer-centric app, we believe that the world is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and they can be found in cities of all sizes. We celebrate the unique charm, character, and diversity that smaller towns and rural areas bring to our community. So, whether you're seeking authentic experiences, connecting with nature, or simply looking for a warm and welcoming community, don't underestimate the magic that can be found in the heart of smaller communities. Join us in exploring the world's hidden treasures, one small town at a time.
