/ENTERPRISE/newswire -- COMO, CO, ITALY -- SUNDAY, 20 JULY 2025, 09:37 UTC+1
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ITALY -- /ENTERPRISE/newswire -- Sep 09, 2024
Splash, designed by Junjie Xu, has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award 2025 for its innovative approach to instant offline social networking, enabling college students in Pittsburgh and beyond to effortlessly form real-world connections through one-click event matching and a frictionless user experience.
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Splash, the brainchild of designer Junjie Xu, has been awarded the Iron A' Mobile Technologies, Applications and Software Design Award for 2025, celebrating its unique contribution to campus socializing. Developed in Pittsburgh between September 2023 and March 2024, Splash addresses the common struggle students face in making genuine friends without the burden of excessive time or financial investment. Inspired by the instant matching model popularized by ride-sharing platforms, Splash streamlines the process of meeting new people, making spontaneous offline interactions accessible and safe.
The app distinguishes itself by offering one-click matching based on real-time availability, location, and user preferences, removing traditional barriers to socializing. Splash's design leverages smart notifications, real-time event creation, and second-degree connections to foster trust and ensure user safety. Its privacy-first approach includes end-to-end encrypted phone exchanges and GDPR-compliant data storage, while a minimalistic interface-crafted in Figma-prioritizes speed and ease of use. The backend, built on Firebase and Google Cloud Functions, enables seamless, scalable event matching for both iOS and Android users.
Extensive research underpins Splash's development, including a 500-person survey at Carnegie Mellon University and over 100 user interviews, confirming strong demand for a free, instant meetup app. The team's agile, data-driven methodology allowed for rapid prototyping and iterative improvements, resulting in a product that resonates with students' desire for low-effort, real-time social opportunities. By removing financial and time constraints, Splash is redefining how college communities connect, earning industry recognition for its practical innovation and positive social impact.
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