Digital city magazine for culinary insider tips in the capital
Rethinking the city magazine
Berlin never stands still, and hardly any magazine knows the changes in our capital as well as Tip Berlin. That is exactly where the vision of the Tip Berlin Media Group began: the classic city magazine was to become a new digital experience.
Printed pages were to become an app that brings culinary insider tips, recommendations and editorial content straight to the smartphone, always up to date, personalised and available at any time.
At its centre was the wish to reach younger target groups in particular and to expand the existing business model over the long term.
Falling print figures and changing user behaviour
The editorial teams had long felt what figures and reach confirmed: the media landscape had changed fundamentally. Print was losing pull, while digital offerings attracted more and more attention.
Younger readers in particular expected content to be fast, mobile and interactive, requirements that a classic print magazine can only meet to a limited extent.
For the Tip Berlin Media Group, this made it clear: without a convincing digital solution, it would gradually lose touch with new target groups.
Digitalisation under difficult conditions
Developing its own app laid the foundation for the digital transformation. But shortly before the planned launch in spring 2020, the first COVID lockdown hit the project with full force and called the entire undertaking into question.
Instead of stopping work, everyone involved deliberately used the situation as an opportunity. The additional time went specifically into further developing the product, into new features and into a cleaner data basis.
The end result was not just an app, but a far more mature and future-proof solution.
An app for culinary discoveries
Werkdigital developed a modern smartphone app for the Tip Berlin Media Group that brings editorial content and culinary recommendations together in an intuitive, appealing user experience.
The app is complemented by a web-based editorial system that allows content to be maintained and updated efficiently. This keeps the offering up to date and relevant at all times.
Particular focus was placed on a clear structure and simple navigation, so that users quickly find suitable recommendations and discover new places.
The app combines the journalistic quality of the city magazine with the possibilities of modern digital platforms.
A new digital business model
In August 2021 the time had come: the final version of the app went live in the app stores. Since then, the application has been developed continuously and regularly extended with new functions.
For the Tip Berlin Media Group, this means a measurable step forward. Its own offering has been successfully expanded digitally and a new business model has been established.
The app makes it possible to reach new target groups, present content in a contemporary way and make the publishing business more independent of classic print in the long term.
A successful example of how traditional media break new ground with digital solutions and actively shape their future.
“Working together in a straightforward, fast, clear and direct way: if that is what you want, you should work with Werkdigital.”
Robert RischkeManaging DirectorTip Berlin Media Group GmbHBerlin city life at a glance
The Tip Berlin Media Group is a leading media company in Berlin that specialises in regional culture and event tips. It offers comprehensive information and reports on Berlin city life, including art, music, food and leisure activities.
The publisher’s offerings are an important resource for locals and visitors who want to explore the capital’s cultural scene.
From print magazine to digital product
Design of the city magazine app
Together with the Tip Berlin Media Group, the classic city magazine was reimagined digitally: culinary insider tips, recommendations and editorial content, always up to date, personalised and available on the smartphone at any time.
City magazine reimagined digitallyFocus on younger target groupsPersonalised, always up-to-date contentDevelopment for iOS and Android
With React Native, the app was built for both platforms in parallel, saving time and costs. On the server side, Node.js handles simultaneous communication with a large number of clients.
React Native for iOS and AndroidNode.js for many simultaneous clientsTime- and cost-saving developmentWeb-based editorial system
The app was complemented by a web-based system built on Pimcore, which the editorial team uses to maintain and update content efficiently, so the offering always stays up to date and relevant.
Maintain and update content efficientlyCustomised user interface built on PimcoreOffering stays up to date and relevantLaunch and continuous further development
The COVID lockdown shortly before the planned launch was used as an opportunity: product improved, features added, data basis optimised. In August 2021, the final version went into the app stores, and it has been growing steadily ever since.
Lockdown used as an opportunityLaunch in the app stores in August 2021New digital business model establishedFast, secure and state of the art
The user interface was implemented with React Native in order to develop for iOS and Android devices in parallel, saving time and costs.
The web server runs on the Node.js runtime environment, which ensures simultaneous communication with a large number of clients.
All data is managed in the open-source platform Pimcore and can be maintained conveniently through a customised user interface.
Would you like to turn your content into a digital product?
As with tipBerlin, we combine editorial quality with modern app development, for new target groups and new business models. Reserve your free consultation.
Book an appointment now
We value your privacy
We use cookies and other technologies on our website. Some of them are technically necessary, while others help us to improve this website and your experience. You can accept all cookies or adjust your settings individually and reject non-essential cookies.