An app that can do more than just save money.
The new Caritas Market app “Bonus+” is much more than a digital loyalty card. It bridges the gap between social engagement and cutting-edge technology. With exclusive savings on selected products, delicious recipes, and the latest news, the app makes shopping at Caritas markets even more attractive for people living on the poverty line.
Client
Our services
Caritas markets are an indispensable resource for financially disadvantaged people in Switzerland. They offer thousands of households access to high-quality food and everyday products at greatly reduced prices. Despite its great success, however, the cooperative lacked statistical data on its customers. This information is valuable to Caritas and partners such as the Federal Statistical Office in order to better understand poverty trends and structures in Switzerland and to be able to take more targeted action.
The result: a digital tool that offers customers real added value while enabling data collection in a manner that complies with data protection regulations and is anonymous.
The new Bonus+ app offers three benefits and is a worthy example of digital inclusion:
Simplified shopping: The digital QR code in the app replaces the physical KulturLegi card and simplifies the verification of eligibility at the checkout. Users can shop quickly and easily at the checkout by simply showing the app.
Additional savings: Customers benefit from exclusive weekly bonus promotions and a particularly affordable “weekly special” that is only available to app users.
Networking & support: The app provides information about the latest news, inspiring recipes (tailored to the products in the Caritas market, including nutritional values and costs) and practical tips on other Caritas services such as free debt counseling or educational programs.
«The app allows us to provide direct relief to people while also gathering valuable information about where poverty is most acute. This enables us to tailor our services even better to the needs of those affected.»
Thomas Künzler
Genossenschaft Caritas Markt
The Caritas Market app is based on the cross-platform framework Ionic with Angular, which enables maximum code reuse for iOS, Android, and the web with native performance. A special focus was placed on offline capability. Thanks to service worker technology and local caching, the app works reliably even without an internet connection. The central KulturLegi QR code is therefore available at all times, and recipes and offers remain accessible even offline.
For the backend, we rely on Firebase with hosting in Zurich, which guarantees high availability and meets Swiss data protection requirements. The cloud-native architecture easily handles usage peaks and ensures a lean, low-maintenance infrastructure.
From the outset, the development of the Caritas Market app followed a human-centered approach to guarantee maximum added value and intuitive operation for users. Building on Caritas’ initial concept sketch, we jointly expanded the concept in efficient workshops, sharpened the focus, and emphasized ease of use.
Due to the limited budget, we specifically chose efficient methods of user-centered design in order to make rapid progress. The physical proximity and close cooperation of our team enabled us to accelerate specification processes and save effort.
The design is deliberately based on internationally known and proven UI patterns. This minimizes the cognitive effort for users, as they can intuitively operate familiar components, while also enabling more efficient technical implementation. A particular focus was placed on usability and accessibility.
To take language barriers (foreign languages and different levels of education) into account, we avoided long texts and used simple, easy-to-understand language instead.
«Working with Bitforge AG was a complete success from start to finish. We received excellent support from the concept and design stages through to development and launch. I would particularly like to highlight the clear communication, excellent technical expertise, and dynamic yet well-structured approach, which allowed for flexible adjustments during the process. We wholeheartedly recommend Bitforge and would like to express our sincere thanks for the fantastic collaboration.»
Tim Murer
Geschäftsführer, Caritas Markt
As a founding member of the Swiss Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIS), we are committed to breaking down digital barriers in Switzerland, because accessibility is a matter close to our hearts. The Caritas Market app has been reviewed by our experts and optimized for accessible use.
At the Best of Swiss Apps Awards 2025, the app won the highest award in the accessibility category and received the gold medal. The jury’s verdict is as follows:
“With its well-balanced contrasts, flexible text enlargement, and logical structure, the Caritas Market app impresses in key areas of digital accessibility. It is very easy to use with a screen reader. Particularly noteworthy are the careful wording of the alternative texts and the sensible grouping of content, which can be accessed efficiently using swipe gestures. This shows that accessibility has been considered holistically here.”
We are proud of this award and remain committed to promoting digital inclusion in Switzerland. It is important to note that accessibility not only benefits people with disabilities, but also improves the user experience for all users through simpler operation and a well-designed user experience.
Before we talk about features, scope, timings, or prices, we would like to understand your goals, wishes, and needs in a free welcome workshop.
