I’m obsessed with biz apps
For years, I resisted getting Slack on my phone, convinced it would blur the lines between work and life. In fact, I really hated Slack altogether. But now that I have it on my phone, I love Slack, and I can’t imagine going back. Mobile Slack has transformed how I work—it lets me collaborate on the go, feel connected to my team, and stay updated in real time. It’s not just Slack; I feel the same about all my go-to work apps: Gmail, ChatGPT, Zoom. These tools turn my phone into a second screen I’m addicted to (for better or worse).
I grew up with iPhones, and I don’t love desktops. So clunky and overwhelming compared to the sleek efficiency of my beautiful iPhone. This preference for mobile-first experiences led me to pitch the idea of a mobile app for Rovo, Atlassian’s AI-powered search tool.
Why Rovo needs a mobile app
Rovo lets customers search across data, tools, and platforms to get contextual, relevant results and interact with AI agents to simplify time-consuming tasks. Here’s why bringing this functionality to mobile makes sense:
App pros
Accessibility anywhere: a mobile app ensures users can access the tool’s capabilities wherever they are, without being tethered to a desk.
Streamlined workflows: mobile-first design prioritizes simplicity, focusing only on what’s essential—a stark contrast to the hideous complexity of desktop interfaces.
Personalization: mobile apps can leverage device-specific features, like push notifications and voice commands, to create a more intuitive, proactive experience.
App cons
Small screens: mobile apps must condense complex functionality into smaller, simpler interfaces, which can limit advanced features.
Development complexity: building and maintaining a high-quality mobile app requires significant resources, especially when syncing with desktop counterparts.
Potential overreach: apps on personal devices can blur the boundaries between work and personal life, which some users may find invasive or distracting.
How my pitch went
I shared my vision with Atlassian’s head of AI design, emphasizing how Rovo could thrive as a mobile-first experience. To my delight, they’re exploring the idea—but likely for reasons beyond my pitch. Still, I’m thrilled to see this idea move forward. Mobile is where the future of work lives, and I’m excited to help shape it.
