Seventeen Magazine iPhone App
Kentech-U partnered with Hearst Communications to bring Seventeen Magazine into the digital age, designing and building the first iOS magazine app tailored for a teenage audience.
The Client
Founded in 1944, Seventeen was America’s first magazine for teenage girls. Initially focused on inspiring young women to be model citizens, the magazine later emphasized fashion, romance, and self-confidence, becoming a cultural touchstone for generations of teens.
The Goal
Hearst Communications sought a technology partner to modernize Seventeen for the digital era. The objectives were to:
• Increase engagement across iOS and other digital platforms
• Boost magazine subscriptions
• Introduce a seamless and engaging mobile reading experience
• Streamline editorial workflows and content delivery from multiple sources
Kentech-U’s mission was to map, design, and build an iOS magazine application that captured the spirit of Seventeen while delivering a modern, intuitive user experience.
Plan & Process
Kentech-U collaborated closely with Hearst’s design and editorial teams to ensure the app preserved the magazine’s identity while modernizing its delivery:
• Developed wireframes and UX flows to create a simple, intuitive navigation experience
• Built the iOS app to aggregate content from Hearst’s proprietary CMS and over two dozen other sources
• Consulted on editorial workflows and tagging systems for efficient content management
• Created a maintainable solution, enabling Hearst’s internal team to take over app operations seamlessly after launch
• Focused on performance, scalability, and a visually appealing design aligned with Seventeen’s brand identity
Results
The launch of the Seventeen iOS app led to:
• Significant increase in magazine subscriptions
• High audience engagement and social media buzz
• New ad revenue channels for Hearst Communications
• Recognition as a top-ranking Magazine and Newspaper app in the App Store
• A template for future Hearst digital magazine applications
The app successfully merged Seventeen’s editorial heritage with 21st-century technology, setting a new standard for mobile magazine experiences.
