Product Overview of Dine
Dine is a unique dating app designed to streamline the dating process by focusing on planning actual dates rather than endless messaging. Developed by a Japanese startup, Dine aims to create a more direct and meaningful approach to online dating, particularly appealing to those who share a passion for food and dining.
What Dine Does
Key Features and Functionality
User Profile and Matching
- Users set up their profiles by selecting their location and choosing up to three preferred restaurants or bars where they would like to meet their dates. The app is integrated with Yelp, allowing users to view reviews and make informed choices.
- Each day, users are presented with 1 to 5 matches, known as “Today’s Picks,” based on their preferences. The app’s matching algorithm learns from the user’s choices, improving the accuracy of matches over time.
Date Planning
- Unlike traditional dating apps, Dine skips the messaging phase and lets users directly propose a date by selecting one of their pre-chosen dining locations. Users can specify whether they will “treat” the date or prefer a group date with friends.
Profile Management
- Users can upload multiple photos, with the app automatically ordering them to show the most popular ones first, similar to Tinder’s Smart Photo feature.
- Profiles include basic personal information such as occupation, height, and ethnicity, along with an “About Me” section that allows for a more detailed bio.
Subscription Model
- Dine operates on a subscription model, with fees set at 6,500 yen (about $57 US) per month or 4,800 yen (about $42 US) per month if paid for three months upfront. This model applies equally to both male and female users, promoting gender equity and committed users.
Additional Features
- Dine Pass: In certain locations like New York and Los Angeles, matched couples can enjoy a free first drink at participating restaurants, enhancing the online-to-offline (O2O) experience.
- Expiration of Matches: Matches expire after 24 hours, encouraging users to act promptly and engage in meaningful interactions.
User Experience
- The app is designed to create a sophisticated atmosphere, aiming to make dating apps less embarrassing and more enjoyable. The UI is user-friendly and streamlined to facilitate quick and effective date planning.
Expansion and Availability
- Dine has been launched in several major cities in North America, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Vancouver. In Japan, it is available in Tokyo and plans to expand to other metropolitan areas like Osaka, Yokohama, and Fukuoka.
In summary, Dine is a dating app that focuses on facilitating real-world dates by leveraging users’ preferences for dining locations, ensuring a more direct and engaging dating experience. Its unique features and subscription model are designed to promote committed and high-quality matches.