ClearSummit

Pedal

Case Study
React NativeSocialAutomotive

Overview & Process

Pedal is a social app for car people. The client wanted the interactions to feel familiar, the way any social app does, and the look to be nothing like the others, so the design work went into how it looks, not into teaching anyone new mechanics. It was a bootstrapped launch on a fixed budget and they wanted both app stores at once, so we built it in React Native and dropped into native code only where we had to.
1

Design

Crafted an image-centric interface with familiar social interactions that was visually distinct from existing platforms.
2

Development

Built the iOS app with photo-first social features, feed algorithms, and engagement mechanics tailored to the automotive community.
3

Launch

Shipped the MVP to the App Store targeting car enthusiasts with a curated early-adopter community.
4

Maintenance

Ongoing iteration based on user feedback, refining the social experience and scaling infrastructure as the community grew.

Our Challenges

Bootstrapped Startup Needs Quick Launch

Our client wanted to launch simultaneously on iOS and Android. We also needed to be mindful of their budget and leave room for updates and improvements after launch.

Consolidate Frontend Code

We employed React Native so we could use one codebase for both iOS & Android instead of building two separate frontends

Let Design Drive

Pedal is a visual-first product that allows the user generated content to live within a branded interface

Long Term Relationship

We have continued to support Pedal for 4+ years, keeping up as technology advances and making sure the code is current

Our Solutions

A Distinct Experience

We dove straight into designing high-fidelity screens, since most of the app’s UX structure would be similar to existing apps.

Attention Grabbing Visuals

Our team worked to give visual movement to the interface by using slanted lines instead of right angles, while drawing inspiration from stock photos of both classic cars and modern automotive masterpieces.

Bringing Our Client's Vision to Life

We used car and driving-related iconography along with bright, eye popping colors and an in-app photo and video camera. With the users in mind, we created the ability to “rev” posts - a function that gives users the ability to post three levels of positive feedback: tap once for yellow, twice for orange, and three times for red.

Push Social Engagement

For the Discover portion of the app, we displayed some hashtags from the posts, to encourage users to browse makes, models, or events within the app - ultimately creating a one-of-a-kind experience for the users. We also made it easy to send users push notifications about local events for car enthusiasts.

Multiplatform Availability

React was new in 2016 and we took the bet. One codebase covered most of the app, and we dropped into native code where we had to. The device camera, mainly.

The outcome

Full Throttle

Since launch, Pedal has been featured on Mark Greene’s Cars Yeah podcast and in articles on Must Tech News and Mark Cuban's Three Commas.