Antique Identifier - Relic

What it does

Relic is a mobile app designed to be an "antique expert in your pocket." It uses a phone's camera and AI to identify various collectibles, from pocket watches to vinyl records and stamps. After scanning an item, the app provides an estimated value, historical context, and details like origin and material. It also allows users to organize their scanned items into distinct collections to track their total value.

Where it shines

Relic's strength lies in its simple and focused user flow. The journey from opening the app to getting a valuation is swift and intuitive. The home screen (00:45) provides a clear call-to-action to "Scan an item." The scanning process itself is well-guided, with an overlay to frame the object (00:58). The results screen (01:13) is comprehensive, offering not just a value but also a description, history, and similar listings, providing a rich context for the user's item.

A particularly clever feature is the "Refine Result" option (04:29). This allows users to add textual information, such as whether an item is signed, to get a more accurate valuation. This interactive loop makes the user feel in control and builds trust in the AI's appraisal.

UX highlights

Gamified Milestones: After the first scan, a banner appears prompting the user to "Add 3 items to your collection" (01:55). This creates an immediate engagement loop and encourages repeat usage.
Organized Collections: The app allows users to create and manage multiple collections (e.g., "Clock," "Vinyl"), providing a structured way to organize and track the value of different item types (01:43).
Dual Scan Methods: Users can either use the live camera or upload an existing photo from their library (02:07), offering flexibility in how they add items.
Comprehensive Results: The item detail screen is well-structured, providing estimated value, name, description, history, similar listings, and item details in collapsible sections (01:16).
In-App Feedback System: The app proactively asks for feedback with simple "Good" or "Needs work" buttons and then follows up with a rating prompt (01:32), creating a channel for user sentiment.
Actionable Item Management: From the results screen, users can easily share, save, or delete a scan through a simple menu (02:51), making item management straightforward.

Monetization & growth

The app's monetization strategy is front and center. The entire experience is gated by a paywall presented immediately after the initial feature carousel (00:23). It offers a 3-day free trial that converts to a yearly subscription. The paywall design is notable for its visual timeline, which transparently communicates when the trial ends and billing begins, a trust-building tactic that can reduce user anxiety and increase conversions.

Who it’s for

Relic is targeted at casual collectors, hobbyists, and anyone curious about the value of items they own or find. This could include people at flea markets, estate sales, or simply those sorting through inherited family heirlooms. The app serves both as a utility for quick appraisals and a tool for organizing and appreciating a growing collection.

Notes & opportunities

The app experience is smooth, but the mandatory paywall before any interaction could be a point of friction for users who want to test the technology first. A limited number of free scans could potentially improve initial adoption. Additionally, while the item history is shown on the home screen, the collection management feature is somewhat hidden behind the "Add to collection" flow on the results page. Surfacing the "Your Collections" screen more prominently on the home tab could enhance its utility as a portfolio management tool.