Drumroll…. we have been testing our new mobile app for the past few weeks and we think it is now ready to be released into the wild!
Having re-launched the 16-year old Community 4 years ago we've seen use rocket across all member grades. While we designed it to be mobile-friendly we noticed earlier this year that mobile traffic was well over 40% of all visits and this pushed us to aim for a better member experience by building a dedicated mobile app.
It will be a gentle roll out and current community members are the first to be invited to download the app onto your phone and to give it a whirl. The aim has been to keep the app relatively simple and provide you with a way to catch up with Community discussions on the go. I like to think of it as the Community ‘in your pocket’!
You can also access a convenient digital version of your membership card via the app – another reason to download it!
HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE APP
Simply search for "CIPD Community" on the app stores.
As you would expect, there is an iOS version for iPhone and an Android version.
USING THE APP
The first time you use the app you will need to log in using the same details you use to access your CIPD online account (i.e. how you access the Community on your desktop). This is particularly important if you are a CIPD member and wish to be able to view your membership card within the app.
There is more information about the app on this page.
MORE ABOUT THE APP
I’ve been working on this with a project team at the CIPD on and off since the Spring and I hope you like what we have done and will find it useful - particularly when you’re commuting or away from your desk and want to catch up on what’s topical on any given day. As on the desktop, you will receive notifications when someone replies to your posts or creates a new discussion in a forum you are following. You will be able to post, reply and ‘like’ comments… and whatever you do will of course be reflected on the desktop version: it’s the same Community.
As with all apps, this is only a first release. We’re aware of one or two very minor issues, which we are continuing to work on… but nothing at all that should affect how you use the app… but please do tell me what you think.
There are a few things you will not be able to do on the app that you might be used to doing when using the Community on the desktop. For example:
- You will not be able to send private messages to other community members.
- You will not yet be able to change your profile photo.
- Search within the app
If the app proves successful, we will continue to improve functionality and add features in future releases.
If at any time when using the app you have any ideas for further developments please keep me posted via: cipdcommunitymobile@cipd.co.uk
That’s enough from me… please download the app!
Steve
