15 Game-Changing Features Every Mobile App Should Have
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When it comes to keeping users glued to your app, there’s no room for blandness. The newest generation of users expects slick design, solid security, and a sprinkle of fun. Below we’ve re‑imagined the essential ingredients that will set your app apart from the endless sea of competitors.
Table of Contents
1. Responsive Interface
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2. Simplicity of Design
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3. Security‑by‑Design
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4. Chat Support
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5. Privacy Options
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6. Multi‑Factor Authentication
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7. Push Notifications
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8. Search Function
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9. Social Media Integration
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10. Tutorials
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11. Multi‑Device Synchronization
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12. AR Integration
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13. Machine Learning
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14. User Feedback Options
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15. Offline Functionality
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Conclusion
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Creating a mobile app isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about building an ecosystem that feels friendly, secure, and fast—all while delivering a hint of delightful surprise. Take this checklist to the next level, sprinkle in some personality, and watch your app go from freckle‑filled to star‑shining. Happy coding!
Mobile App Features You Need
Responsive Interface
Say Goodbye to Mobile Design Chaos
Why Responsive Design Is Your New Best Friend
Ever feel like you’re juggling a circus of screens? From tiny iPhones to gigantic tablets, each one wants a different view of your app. The good news? Responsive design is the magic trick that lets your app adapt on the fly.
What Responsive Design Does
- Auto‑Adjusts: Whether your users are on an iPhone or an Android tablet, the layout shifts like a shape‑shifting superhero.
- Consistent Experience: No more squinting on the big screen or scrolling left‑and‑right on the small one.
- Time & Money Saver: Build once, deploy everywhere—no extra pexels or patches needed.
How It Helps You (and Your Users)
Imagine launching a new feature: you get to focus on the feature itself instead of wrestling with pixel ratios. And your users? They’ll enjoy a polished interface no matter the device—think less “Did I touch the wrong button?” and more “Nice, that’s actually fast!”
Ready to Drop the Duplicate Designs?
Kick that extra workload to the curb. By weaving responsive design into the backbone of your app from the get‑started phase, every screen becomes a stadium, every device a VIP. Let’s make your app look great on every gadget, without lifting a finger—literally.
Simplicity of Design
Why Your App’s Looks Matter (And How To Fix It)
Let’s face it: no one likes a clunky, clutter‑y app. Even the slickest features won’t save you if the UI feels like a digital junk drawer. Users won’t wait around for a smooth ride — they’ll click away faster than you can say “reload.” In fact, 90 % of folks quit an app simply because it’s a nightmare to use. That’s a hard sell for developers who want their app to be the next big thing.
What Users Demand
- Zero clutter. Space is your friend – think less shouting, more whispering.
- Intuitive navigation. If the next button isn’t obvious, you’ve lost a user.
- Fast performance. Lag is like a bad haircut – it leaves a bad impression.
Using UX & UI to Elevate Your App
Good design is like a warm hug: it welcomes users and keeps them cozy. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Define your layout. Give each element a place where it belongs – no random stuffing!
- Keep it simple. One tap, one glance. Don’t pour your entire interface onto one screen.
- Make testing a habit. Trial, test, tweak – repeat until it feels just right.
Bottom Line
Great aesthetics + solid UX = a winning combo. Every element should contribute to a seamless experience; otherwise, users will find a better alternative in a flash. Put your design on toes, keep it minimal, and your app will be the star of the town.
Security-By-Design
Keeping Your Apps Safe: Why Security Should Be Your Best Friend
In today’s digital playground, cybersecurity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must‑everywhere— from fintech to fitness apps. Think of it as the fair‑weather umbrella that keeps your users’ data dry when the rain of hacks starts pouring.
The Shift‑Left Revolution
- Early Birds Catch the Bugs: Start thinking about security right at the ideation stage—yes, right when that spark of an idea is forming.
- Architecture Smarts: Design with a safety mindset—cast strong walls that resist the inevitable attacks.
- Code that Catches: Test for vulnerabilities as you code, not after the fact. It’s like checking your shoes before you walk, not after you’ve slipped.
- Stage‑by‑Stage Audits: Incorporate security testing into every sprint. It’s a habit that builds muscle over time.
- Release with Confidence: When you ship, you’re not just pushing a product; you’re handing over a fortress. The fewer “Open Sesame” doors, the happier your users.
Why It Matters (And Why It Won’t Cost You a Fortune)
Many developers think “security is expensive.” Truth? A robust security framework can actually save time (and headaches) in the long run. Bugs that surface after launch can lead to lawsuits, brand damage, and costly patch rollouts. By catching them early, you keep your budget—and sanity—intact.
Quick Tips to Keep the Hackers at Bay
- Don’t leave user inputs unchecked—sanitize like a chef chops veggies.
- Use strong encryption for data at rest and in transit.
- Add automated scanning tools—think of them as your guardian angels, but less sassy.
- Conduct regular penetration tests—if a hacker finds a loophole, we can patch it before they exploit it.
Bottom line? Shift‑left is the new magic wand. It turns development into a secure, efficient process that keeps your app—and your users—happy and safe. So grab that wand, and let’s cast away the vulnerability curse together!
Chat Support
Why Chat Support Is a Must‑Have for Your Mobile App
Ever wondered why users are constantly pushing through an app only to swat a tiny “Help” button and feel a little lost? It’s because modern users are predictable—they expect instant, hassle‑free fixes. Give them the time‑travel experience they’re craving, and you’ll keep them happy and loyal.
Typical Pain Points (and what’s making them worse)
- The Untenable “Leave for Support” Loop – Shuttling users to a web page feels like an extra mile in a marathon.
- Phone Calls That Turn Into Time‑Plays – Waiting on hold? That’s an invitation to let customers binge stream or binge snack.
- The “I’m Upset” Playlist – Any loss of context (leaving the app, scrolling for a call number) turns frustration into full‑blown disappointment.
How an In‑App Chat Fixes the Whole Equation
By slipping a chat widget right inside the app:
- It keeps everything in one place—no more mental gymnastics to find a phone number.
- It speeds responses to real‑time—fast replies = happy users.
- It reduces abandonment rates by cutting out the friction that crops up with external sites or calls.
Turn Support Into Growth
Good support is a secret sauce for customer retention and word‑of‑mouth promotion:
- Happy users share positive stories—like “That chat was a lifesaver!”
- More visibility into user errors means you can proactively fix bugs—and sharpen your product’s layout.
- Support in the app reduces the churn caused by “i‑couldn’t get help” complaints.
Bottom line: adding chat support is not just a nice feature—it’s a strategic step toward a smoother, faster, and more delightful experience that keeps users coming back and new ones coming in.
Privacy Options
Why Throwing a Privacy Party is a Must for Your App
Honesty about data basics: Long before you worry about GDPR, you need to let users know exactly what you’re doing with their personal info. Think of it as microwaving a cake—if it smells like sugar, everyone knows you’re sweet.
What Happens When You Skimp on Privacy Notices
- Trust drops faster than a cup of coffee left outside.
- Users feel blurry—like they’re scrolling through a foggy lens.
- Your brand’s reputation might get a spoiler alert.
Show Up With a Bold, Upfront Notice
By putting a clear, friendly privacy blurb on the first screen or somewhere visible, you’re basically saying, “Hey, we care!” This honesty doesn’t just meet regulation—it builds a feeling of safety for users, and they’ll thank you by sticking around.
Benefits in One Snapshot
- Boosts brand brownie points.
- Improves overall user experience (no surprises).
- Reduces the risk of compliance hiccups.
Bottom line: A transparent privacy notice is the best way to show you’re a value‑adding app, not just another data collector.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Keeping Secrets Safe in the Digital Age
Why Data Needs a Security Superhero
Imagine your personal information as a prized eggplant in a bustling farmer’s market. Pass it out to anyone that strolls by and you’ll have a bunch of unwanted salad in your garden. That’s the reality of the internet today: data is flowing faster than a cat video, while privacy laws scramble to keep everything on track.
The Grand Plan: Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA)
Just like you’d lock a high‑profile jewellery locker with a combination, a keypad, and a fingerprint, a good app should do the same for sensitive data. MFA is the three‑step dance everyone must do before getting backstage access.
- Step One: A password – the classic “open sesame” move.
- Step Two: A code sent via text, email, or an authenticator app – that’s the “pin” on your phone.
- Step Three: Something you’re – a fingerprint, face scan, or even a voice print, because “One thing” is never good enough.
Why MFA is the Hero Every App Needs
Because nobody loves the feeling of hand‑held “You’ve Been Hacked!” notice. With MFA in place, you’re giving the bad guys a head‑start in the line of a highly inconvenient queue.
How to Make It Work for Your App
- Integrate MFA from the start—don’t add it in as an afterthought.
- Use standard, battle‑tested libraries that manage the heavy lifting. This keeps the code clean and the bugs moderate.
- Test with real users; make the experience smooth, but keep the stakes high.
The Bottom Line: Trust but Verify
Think of it like this: you’d never give a key to a stranger on the street, right? With MFA, you’re essentially saying, “I trust you’s a person, but I’d like a two‑way handshake before you see the inside.” It keeps the data safe, the apps strong, and the users happy.
Push Notifications
Boost Your App Engagement with Push Notifications
Imagine this: Android lovers pop open their phones and boom—push alerts are already set up, boasting an 81% opt‑in rate. iOS folks, on the other hand, have to hit that slider manually, so they sit at about 51%. No wonder Android feels like the party that never ends—notifications just magically arrive!
The Direct Link to Your Users
- Instant and Personal: Push alerts deliver your message straight to the screen—no scrolling through boring feeds needed.
- Exactly What They Want: Tailored content means you’re showing people the info that matters to them, right when it matters.
- Highly Customizable: From tone to timing, you can mix and match to keep users happy.
Say It Like a Sports Fan
If your app is all about local sports, you can ping fans with:
- Game‑Kick Alerts: “The next match starts in 10 minutes!”
- Live Score Updates: “Your team is up 2‑1—Hit the home button for full details!”
Push notifications are a win–win: you stay connected, and your users get the scoop precisely when they crave it.
Search Function
Unleash the Power of Advanced Search
Picture this: you’re digging through a library so big it makes the Bible look like a pocket notebook. The last thing you want is a broken compass—like an advanced search that’s gone haywire. Thankfully, a well‑crafted search feature turns that maze into a straight‑ahead highway to exactly what you’re hunting for.
Why It Matters
- Speedy navigation – Find content in seconds, not minutes.
- Zero frustration – No more “Where did I see that last?” moments.
- All‑user accessibility – From first‑timer to power‑user, everybody gets the right info at the right time.
Think of it as a friendly tour guide that never gets lost in the crowd. When a top‑tier app offers an expansive content library, an advanced search turns overwhelm into a blissful browsing experience.
Social Media Integration
Why Social Media Integration is a Game‑Changer for Your App
Remember the good old days when a status update was just a quick tap and a picture was your entire social life? Those days are long gone. Today, if you want to keep your app relevant, you’ve gotta bring people together, no matter which platform they’re on.
What Social Media Integration Gives You
- Instant Collaboration – Users can chat, share, and work alongside one another, even if they’re not using the same app.
- Boosted Organic Reach – When people share your content, more eyes see it. That naturally pulls in fresh users.
- Seamless Sharing – Sprinkle share buttons on every screen and let the spread happen effortlessly.
Got an App? Get People Talking!
Think of your app as a party. Social media integration is the playlist that keeps everyone dancing. Add a handy share button on each page, and your users become spontaneous promoters.
Quick Tips to Make It Work
- Place share buttons where they’re glamorous (top corners, sidebars, or always visible).
- Customize the message so it feels personal—“Check this out!” turns into “Look at this cool feature we just made!”
- Track who’s sharing where; that data helps you tailor future updates.
Don’t let your app be a silent whisper in a noisy world. With social media integration, you’ll hear loud cheers from your audience—because when people share, they’re not just talking, they’re inviting everyone to join the conversation.
Tutorials
Why Every App Needs a Handy Guide
Remember when installing a new app was just a single button tap? Those days are long gone. Today’s apps juggle endless features—think of them as a Swiss Army knife that keeps adding new blades. If your users aren’t tech‑savvy, the first install can feel like walking into a maze. That’s why a clear, friendly tutorial is no longer optional—it’s essential.
What Makes a Great Tutorial?
- Instant Onboarding: Get people started fast—no tedious steps. Think of it as a quick Intro “Hey, this is your app!”
- Progressive Demystification: Show just enough now, leave the deep stuff for later. It keeps the learning curve low.
- Single‑View Flows: One screen at a time—so users don’t feel overwhelmed with a barrage of options.
- Context‑Sensitive Hints: When the user hits a button that’s confusing, a pop‑up says, “Here’s how that works.”
- Interactive Coaching: Brief touch‑point tutorials that ask users to try something—then tell them, “Nice job!”
- Global Glossary: A quick reference for terms like “API,” “Sync,” or “Push.” Not scientific, just basic.
- Help Hub Links: A one‑click FAQ or help page that feels like a personal assistant.
- Feedback Loop: Let users flag confusing bits and shout “That part got me!” to improve the guide.
- Offline Option: The tutorial should work for users who are in the middle of a coffee shop with spotty internet.
- Customizable Paths: Let users skip over features they already know—no one likes a redundant lesson.
- Dynamic Updates: When you release a new feature, the tutorial updates automatically without manual intervention.
- Accessibility First: Voice‑over, high‑contrast, and adjustable font sizes for everyone.
- Product Tour Videos: A short 30‑second clip shows the main panes in a funny, engaging way.
- Real‑Time Analytics: See which tutorial steps are stuck on. Adjust accordingly.
- Exit Strategy: A bold “Got it! Continue” button that instantly moves users to the main app life.
Putting It All Together
When you lace a compelling tutorial into your launch, updates, and even crash‑recovery scenarios, you’re telling users, “Hey, we’ve got your back.” And that builds trust, reduces support tickets, and turns casual downloads into loyal fans.
So, next time you polish a new feature, remember: a simple, friendly guide is the secret sauce that turns tech wizardry into everyday magic. Happy guiding!
Multi-Device Synchronization
Why Your App Should Be a “Device‑Juggler”
In our hyper‑connected world, getting the tone‑on‑tone feeling that your data just keeps moving around is pretty much a must. Picture this: you’re halfway through a form on your phone, the screen’s too cramped, the keyboard’s a horror, or you just feel like it’s high‑time to finish on a website. Red flags!
Enter The Real‑Time Switch‑Office
Give your users the smooth transfer between devices, and watch your experience karma rise.
How It Plays Out: One Day, One Bad Form, No Problem
- Start on phone – type up a few messy bite‑sized inputs.
- Slide to tablet – the same data re‑appears. No lost stamps or scrolling agony.
- Finish on desktop – all your changes are saved instantly, blissfully convenient.
The result? A slick, real‑time sync that keeps frustration at bay, turning a potentially frustrating task into a wind‑through‑the‑trees joy. For every company, that’s a secret weapon that not only keeps users happy but also turns one‑time visits into continual engagement.
AR Integration
Augmented Reality: The Real‑World Remix
Remember when Pokémon GO turned every sidewalk into a digital playground? That game didn’t just set a trend—it opened the door to a whole new way we can interact with the world. Now, folks who’ve never held a Poké‑ball are buzzing about AR, looking for the next big thing that blends the real and the virtual.
Why Mobile Gamers Love AR
- Instant Immersion – Just point your phone and the game jumps onto the table right before your eyes.
- Phone‑as‑Lens – No extra gadget needed – the screen is your portal.
- Social Fundraiser – Where a game is shared over a single screen, life-size creatures pop up in living rooms, and instant replay brings friends together.
Developers on the AR Frontier
Today, ARKit on iOS and ARCore on Android are the go‑to tools. They let creators paint virtual stickers onto floorboards, stack overlaid data on real wires and, honestly, drag the line between “real” and “virtual” to the next level.
But the possibilities don’t stop at gaming. Here’s a quick sampler of where AR’s influence is expanding:
Examples of Cutting‑Edge AR Projects
- E‑Commerce – Try on shoes in your living room before you buy.
- Education – Chemistry labs where you can see reactions in 3‑D without Bunsen burners.
- Industrial Maintenance – Mechanics follow step‑by‑step overlays directly on their machinery.
- Health Coaching – Virtual physiotherapists guide you through custom stretches.
Future Outlook: It’s Going to Be Epic
While the tech is current, the “wow” factor is still ahead. Imagine a future where your phone is your very own magic wand, turning coffee mugs into temporary gaming arenas or turning everyday trips into treasure hunts. It’s a world where humor and emotion blend with tech—think jackpots of laughter, “I can’t believe that’s real” moments, and a sense of wonder that only AR can deliver.
Even though AR may feel like it’s tech‑slick, the truth is, it’s all about making reality more colorful and interactive—one tap at a time. And that’s a twist no spreadsheet or grocery list can ever beat.
Machine Learning
Why Data Science is the Secret Sauce In Your Business Playbook
Picture this: you’re running a business and the folks on your team keep shaking their heads when you ask for “the data.” Turns out, data science and machine learning are the real MVPs that keep the cash registers ringing.
Target on Target
Ever wish you could shout, “Hey, you in the corner office? Coffee with a splash of espresso?” Machine learning makes that kind of speak possible. It digs deep into your customer data and spots exactly who’s looking for what—fast. So you can be the one shouting the right pitch at the perfect moment, driving those sales up the charts.
Cool Insights from Crazy Behaviors
Think of all those clicks, scrolls, and random out‑of‑context shares. Analytics teams turn those quirks into gold. They see patterns everyone else misses, giving you the power to tweak layouts, test offers, and keep users hooked.
Not Just E‑Commerce, the Whole Party
- Retail: More personalized recommendations that feel eerily accurate.
- Healthcare: Predictive models that help pinpoint patient trends.
- Entertainment: Curated content that keeps binge‑watchers glued on.
- Finance: Smart risk assessment that catches trouble before it hits.
In short, data science is your new best friend for smarter decisions. If you’re still waiting for it to arrive, grab a coffee and let the algorithms do the heavy lifting.
User Feedback Options
Let Your Users Speak Up!
Picture this: your app’s fans are itching to spill their thoughts, feelings, and raw feedback. Why hold back?
Why Instant Feedback Rocks
- No Time‑Travel: There’s no need for smug messages to hop through server lags. They arrive in the blink of an eye.
- Zero Delays: Your ears stay perked and your inbox stays sane. Think of it like a direct line to the user’s brain.
- Speedy Tweaks: When adjustments are suggested, you can flip the switch fast—no long wait for the “lights on” button.
- Efficient Resource Use: You’re not chasing vague complaints; you’re getting concrete, actionable nuggets.
Make It Easy for Fans to Talk
Drop a sweet, quick feedback menu right in the app. Add a tiny button that says “Got thoughts?” and the rest will flow smoothly.
Small Steps, Big Impact
• Show appreciation. “Thanks for your insight!” triggers a warm thumbs‑up.
• Offer quick actions. A simple toggle to turn features on/off assures users their voice matters.
• Keep it short and sweet. The shorter the prompt, the more honest the responses.
Wrap It Up
Give your users the instant mic and watch as feedback stops being a back‑off archive and becomes a lively, real‑time conversation. Your app will grow faster, better, and with a style that feels grown‑up yet real.
Offline Functionality
Staying Connected… Even When There’s No Connection
Every call, text, or frantic “Wi‑Fi?” comes with an invisible safety net: the promise that your phone will keep humming, even if the signal dies out. But what happens when the network goes MIA? Don’t panic—your app can still keep dancing.
Why Bother With Offline Mode?
Picture this: you’re hiking in the mountains, a summer picnic off the grid, or that “hay‑bale‑shelf” incident in the office. With no data, a decent app turns into a stone‑throwing relic. Offline business is the real hero.
How to Make It Work Without the Net
- Local Storage is King: Slip all your crucial data into the phone’s memory. Think of it as a secret diary that only the app can read.
- Sync When You Can: When the signal returns, resync everything. The app should be smart enough to recatch up without user fuss.
- Graceful Degradation: If part of the app can’t run, let the rest shine. It’s like putting the UI on “low power mode” while still throwing notifications.
Taming the Security Beast
Your phone isn’t a public storage unit—save your sensitive data like you’d secure a diary. Encrypt everything, add a pass‑code lock, and make sure the app will destroy outdated data when it’s no longer needed.
Smart Moves for Sensitive Data
- Encryption Everywhere: Keep your data wrapped in crypto armor.
- Data Minimization: Store only what you really need.
- Secure Deletion: Zap data when it’s popped out of use.
In short, the best apps keep the lights on even when the network goes dark, all while staying as tight as a bank vault on sensitive info. If vendors want to make it happen, it’s all about clever local storage, smart syncing, and a dash of encryption magic.
Conclusion
15 Must‑Have Features That’ll Make Your Mobile App the Talk of the Town
Why You Can’t Afford to Skip These Game‑Changers
For every app out there, user expectations are skyrocketing faster than a drone in a rainstorm. If you wanna stay ahead of the curve, you have to pack your app with stellar features that deliver value without throwing a wrench into the user experience. Skipping a few of these gems? Sure, you can still survive—just expect a lot more hammers coming your way.
1. Lightning‑Fast Performance
Speed kills. Delays have a 0.6 probability of turning a happy user into a rage‑filled, thumbs‑down reviewer.
2. Intuitive UI/UX
Design that feels as natural as pulling a smoothie out of a stand‑alone blender. No “where do I click?” moments.
3. Auto‑Save & Sync
Because nobody loves losing progress, especially when the Wi‑Fi dies the instant you’re on the cusp of becoming the next big thing.
4. Push Notifications (Smartly Delivered)
Keep folks in the loop without drowning them. Triggers should be relevant, timely, and preferably accompanied by emoji.
5. Offline Mode
Support users when they’re on a deserted island or a strip mall. Let them use the app even when the network goes kaput.
6. Robust Security & Privacy
Encrypt data like a vault, hide personal info like a stealthy ninja. Trust is the new currency.
7. Multilingual Support
Welcome folks from every corner of the globe—no one likes a language barrier that feels like a big fog.
8. Social Sharing (Low Thirst Factor)
Let users brag, share, and if they are clever, brag the next step leads to more downloads.
9. In‑App Analytics
Track what works and what doesn’t. Knowing why people swipe left on Section 7 is a hot ticket.
10. Customization Options
Let people tweak themes, layouts, or even the tendency to change transparency to avoid eye‑strain.
11. Virtual Assistant or Chatbot
Turn FAQs into friendly conversations—AI can be a loyal co‑pilot on Apple’s sky-high ways.
12. Gamification Elements
Rewards, badges, streaks make users keep coming back for the next level.
13. Accessibility Features
Support screen readers, high‑contrast modes, and voice commands so everyone—regardless of disability—can enjoy your app.
14. Regular Updates & Hotfixes
Show users you care by fixing bugs faster than a superhero in a coffee‑shop sprint.
15. Seamless Cross‑Platform Sync
Give your users the freedom to jump between phone, tablet, and computer without losing any progress or feeling lost.
Putting It All Together
One of these features will never be “just a nice‑to‑have”—they’re the building blocks that drive engagement, retention, and correct. Don’t forget to keep an eye on trends and listen to feedback— the only way your app stays fresh is by staying true to what people actually want.
