George Ushahemba Ayoois and Gbenga Abraham of Tech Bridges Associates in a interview with BusinessDay’s Lehlé Baldé speaks on the inspiration, opportunities and what the future holds for their brain child, SeeDoo TV,a fully interactive TV that features a micro blog, news, video channel amongst others.
In an era where innovation and idea generation is the order of the day, what problem(s) is the SeeDoo TV App solving?
People usually have to wait a lot in receptions, lounges and other spaces. They wait to see the doctor…they wait for a service. They wait for their trip to end, usually in traffic. In the case of traffic, about 8 million Lagosians are on the road for one reason or the other. Imagine the psychological trauma of being caught in one of the traffic situations. Part of what SeeDoo maximizes is that “waiting” and “pain”, SeeDoo manages and enhances waiting and travelling.
SeeDooTv offers a fantastic option for engaging entertainment to people in very unique conditions. Basically you get some of TV features as well as some of the social media platforms in the back seat of the car.
To the event promoter, Business Owner/service provider: SeeDoo TV unlike other traditional modes of advertising, SeeDoo TV offers a captive audience that engages with our varying content; from news, to comedy skits, Instagram posts, animations and many others. We give advertisers real time feedback on adverts placed on SeeDoo TV. Our technical team provides real time and useful analytics to our clients as often as needed.
How did you come about the name SeeDoo TV?
The Name SeeDoo TV is inspired by two young girls- ‘Seember’ and ‘Dooter’ See-Doo, ages three (3) and six (6) whose love for inspirational YouTube and streaming videos online inspired us greatly at the early stages of this project. This also inspired a kiddies channel, which proved successful in a survey that we did to understand behaviors and interest. As the idea was contemplated, we discovered some interesting numbers on people’s behavior towards online. We saw some interesting reports about Nigerian behaviors online. Some insights from Ericson mobility reports were particularly insightful.
We discovered today, video content receives ten times more views, likes and shares that other types of content out there. We realize that people of all ages consume videos and they want it now. (Hence the concept of ‘SeeDooTv-video on demand’.
How is the SeeDoo App different from its competition, the likes of Taxi TV, etc?
Amongst others, SeeDoo offers multiple channels of information and entertainment and is available in over 400 points in Lagos. Secondly, SeeDoo TV has multiple used cases. SeeDoo TV is deployed in vehicles, hotels lounges and private lounges. Contents can be tailored as per location needs.
How long did it take to develop the SeeDoo TV App?
For about 14 months, we conceptualised and commenced development of the application from May 2017.Following several builds and mock tests.
How do you decide what content is relevant and uploaded on the App?
We have an in house Content Management Team that develops, schedule and screen every piece of content to be deployed. We also have a screening criterion for 3rd party content.
Our content team is driven by the zeal to tap and promote local content and we are open to partnerships with local content producers.
SeeDoo is offering alternative non-traditional advertisement for companies in a digital format,what technical challenges have you faced on this journey?
Challenges mean opportunities for us. Capturing and analysing unique user behavior on the platform was initially tasking. Also? Sourcing developers with certain skill set.Overall, we have benefitted from having to understand the challenges…and yes, there is room for more…and also yes, SeeDoo is one hundred percent Nigerian.
On average, how many people interact with the SeeDoo TV App on a daily basis in Lagos and other cities?
In Lagos, where we are stationed, numbers vary from time to time. Also people do share screens in certain spaces. So giving you a number now is the equivalent of giving the numbers that are assumed for people who actually see outdoor billboards and screens and respond. For us we give latitude to the length of time particular contents are reviewed, as well as the number of times people touch the screen contains a world of data unimaginable. The lessons we have learnt is key. For now, SeeDoo TV is focused on Lagos Nigeria
How many people do you want to be able to serve this App by the end of the year?
We have a target of deploying at least 700 devices before the end of the year, at different points.
What other cities in Africa do you plan to use SeeDoo TV App?
We have been talking with some friends in Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia and South Africa in the coming months. The Nigerian lesson is very strategic and searching for partners is key.
What growth do you envision for the App in 5years?
We see SeeDoo TV adopting newer technologies becoming a house hold platform in mobile entertainment and we see our application spreading to many more cities within and outside Africa.
George Ushahemba Ayoois spear headed the development of this product- He is the head of Product Development at Tech Bridges Associates Ltd &….and Gbenga Abraham is the Opportunity Manager- he manages the Business of SeeDooTv, as the Head OF Business Development, Tech Bridges Associates Ltd
