It Has Landed: the KLM App for iPad!

About a year ago we started with the development of a complete new app especially designed for iPads. We saw in our web analytics that more and more people were visiting the KLM website using their iPad.

[tweet text=”About 25% of all visitors of klm.com come from a tablet, of which 90% using an iPad.”]

To better serve this growing group of tablet users the idea to create the KLM App for iPad was quickly born. But not alone. To ensure that the content of the app matches the needs and expectations of users we knew that we had to develop it together with our customers.

Help of experts and fans
Therefore we asked for the help of an international community consisting of experts in the field of travel and design, and some of KLM’s social media fans. During the product development phase we were able to pick their brains for new features, enrich the apps’ core functionalities and improve the usability. Later on the beta version was also tested and improved by a group of frequent flyers. They found some serious bugs that we of course ‘repaired’. Phew!

The contribution of the customers and testers made us realize that we couldn’t have done without them. For future improvements we will DEFINITELY work together with users again. I sincerely believe that it is the best way to create a great customer experience.
For me personally it was a prerequisite to use 3D design technology in developing the app. This way we were able to show the scope of KLMs extensive network.

Mobile Boarding Pass
I believe this first version of the iPad App offers its’ users a mind blowing experience whether they are searching for future trip ideas, making a superfast booking, managing their flight, choosing their seat or showing their boarding pass at the airport. During the beta a customs guy said he was so happy not having to use his reading glasses to check a mobile boarding pass ;-)

A unique feature – which I think is really handy! – is that users now can search for their holiday destination using criteria like budget, temperature and flight time or theme (e.g. nightlife, culinary, wellness, family). And another one: on a 3D spinning globe one can see the KLM destinations where their Facebook friends live, and immediately book a ticket to visit them.

You can now download the KLM app for iPad from the App Store. It’s there for free. Let me honestly know what you think! And while browsing the app: don’t forget to stir your coffee ;-)