Buzr: Prototype for a truly smart doorbell
We conducted a design sprint for Buzr, an innovative startup that is developing a smart doorbell. The outcome: a high-quality prototype, a technical architecture they can build upon, and a robust backlog for the launch version of the product.
Missed packages, missed visitors, or unwanted ringing when your baby is peacefully sleeping? According to Buzr, all of that should become a thing of the past. Buzr is creating a doorbell that revolutionizes our front doors. It can be used for any type of residence and doesn’t require expensive hardware or complicated installations.
The name Buzr? It originates from the English word ‘buzzer,’ the sound that old-fashioned intercom systems make when you let your visitors in.
Buzr’s Question
The three founders of Buzr had an idea for a truly smart doorbell. A software solution that combines a smartphone app with a simple NFC tag at the front door. They aim to completely disrupt the market for smart doorbells, not just in the Netherlands but globally!
Traditional smart doorbells require the purchase of expensive hardware, often costing several hundred euros, and a complex installation process. They also rely on Wi-Fi connectivity, which can lead to instability issues. Furthermore, they may not be suitable for every living situation, such as student housing or shared front doors in apartments.
Our Solution
We initiated a design sprint to further refine the concept in collaboration with Buzr's founders. We transformed our ideas into visual representations through a series of UX screens. Our focus was primarily on enhancing the user experience for both residents and visitors, and through a series of workshops, we developed a set of use cases and essential functionalities.
We then established priorities: how do we deliver as much value as quickly as possible to the end user? Thereby building a robust business model from day one. The insights and decisions we gained from these discussions served as the foundation for an initial clickable prototype. In addition, we provided a backlog complete with priorities and estimations, along with a design for the technical infrastructure.
This approach provided Buzr with a clear overview of expected costs and outcomes.
Building a rocket…
We embarked on this journey in the summer of 2023 and concluded the design sprint in the fall. It might seem like a considerable amount of time to dedicate to thinking and designing. However, we do this intentionally because we firmly believe in scrutinizing and testing ideas before translating them into reality. Launching a development project is akin to launching a rocket—it’s not something you do hastily. You carefully evaluate all aspects, conduct thorough research, and only then do you press the Big Red Button.
The additional time invested at the project’s outset pays off later on, as making changes to a prototype is infinitely more cost-effective than modifying a fully operational product.
“The expertise that Blis Digital brought in the fields of product design, product management, development, and architecture was highly valuable to the project and provided us with a significant advantage.” Pablo Buwalda, Co-Founder Buzr
We love companies like Buzr – companies that, driven by the passion and vision of their founders, come up with new innovations that create value for users and developers. Our collaboration with Buzr was designed to be more than just an execution. By partnering and looking ahead to the future value of the product, we are able to move forward quickly together.
Blis Digital set themselves apart from their competitors by approaching our relationship as a partnership. From the outset, the team at Blis Digital clearly demonstrated to believe in our idea which provided a good foundation for a strong partnership between us as founders and the team at Blis. Simon Lok, Co-Founder Buzr
Next Steps Toward a Successful Launch
With the design sprint completed, Buzr now possesses a high-quality prototype and a cost estimation for bringing the product to life. They can confidently present their idea to potential investors and customers. This great outcome was achieved collaboratively. The Buzr team kept us focused on business outcomes, while we, as their tech partner, provided the knowledge and experience necessary for a successful design and development journey.
The current prototype primarily serves as a tool to further understand the market, users, and potential business models. We will incorporate these insights into the first version that will go live. Therefore, we will continue to assist Buzr in finding the best technical solution for market success.
Blis Digital has enabled us to become investment-ready for our digital product. The team at Blis brought the right mix of technical, design and organizational skills to the table to make this early phase of our product development a success.Pablo Buwalda, Co-Founder Buzr
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