Project Overview

The all-new carsales Windows 8 app was developed to capitalise on the unique aspects of the new Windows platform and the exciting new possibilities it presented in terms of user interaction. The focus on touch devices for this iteration of Windows allowed us to create a fantastic car search app, taking advantage of the best aspects of both Windows 8 platform and carsales product.

"A truly excellent and user friendly app which works great, and looks even better. Shows how good a Windows 8 app can be." said Donovan

Organisation

carsales.com.au

Team

carsales.com.au team

Project Brief

The release of Windows 8 highlighted an increased focus with touch devices and applications. To ensure our users on this operating system had the best possible experience, the team at carsales decided to develop a native application for Windows 8 devices. The new application runs on several different tablets using the Windows 8 operating system, including the Microsoft Surface along with tablets from Dell, Asus, HP, Sony, and also desktop PCs.

Taking advantage of key Windows 8 design patterns and navigation gestures, we sought to build an application that felt integrated with the OS, whilst preserving the carsales.com.au platform experience. Complementing our native applications for iOS and Android, we now provide dedicated offerings for all key mobile platforms.

Project Need

The carsales Windows 8 app utilises the Microsoft operating system’s unique ability to pin live search results to the start menu/screen. In the initial release of the carsales’ app, priority has been given to search and viewing of cars for sale. More features will be added via regular updates including a wider suite of research/editorial tools and the ability to sell your car.

We've removed the need for more frequent updates, by building an all new API, which delivers both the content/data and UI to the application. Allow carsales to deliver the best experience possible, with minimal effort.

User Experience

Use of Windows 8 design patterns and common gestures was cructial in delivering a successful app in the eyes of our consumers. Features such as pinning saved cars and searches, horizontal navigation, Windows 8 Charm functions and snap view, will be easily understood by Windows users.

Other functionality including full screen galleries, special offers and RedBook data integration round out the complete car search experience.

Project Marketing

The carsales mobile strategy has been consistently supported with on site digital creative, SEO landing pages and heavily promoted by a product based TV campaign. In addition, the Windows 8 app has been featured in the Microsoft Surface Pro TV campaign in Australia as well as being featured in the Microsoft app store.