DURING a year when many feel disconnected and technology is the only thing keeping people together, Jenny Sich’s app Cardlet is rekindling relationships.

Using the Cardlet app, senders can mail high-quality, physical greeting cards with augmented reality (AR) surprises and voice messages. Recipients scan the cards and make the “magic” cards come to life right on their screen.

Jenny and her husband Matt, Cardlet’s chief technology officer, released the app in May. Although there are other apps like Cardlet available, the Siches’ invention offers features and options designed to make every moment special.

“We’re delivering joy and happiness through these cards worldwide,” Matt said. “Knowing that we’re helping create these little moments is just so powerful for us and it really motivates us.”

Cardlet is made to make card giving easier and more enjoyable for everyone. It starts with the sender, who downloads the app and chooses a design to mail. The Siches and Engle have loaded the app full of designs for almost every holiday, feelings like sympathy and love and for those fighting the pandemic on the frontlines.

Once senders choose a card, they’re directed to a page to add the recipients name and address. Cardlet guarantees each card to be delivered by a certain date, as long as it’s within two to four days with the exception of weekends and holidays.

From there, the Siches and Engle do all the work. Each card is made to order and cut and creased by hand in Knoxville. Cardlet uses matte cardstock paper that is heavier than the industry standard to ensure recipients receive a card they can cherish for a long time.

Cardlet updates the sender every step of the way from printing to mailing. The Siches know timing is everything when it comes to delivery, so each card always arrives on time. Finally, a recipient opens the card, which is sealed with a Cardlet sticker instructing them to download the app. The custom message inside is printed to look like handwriting, but the most personal touch happens when recipients scan the card. Cards sing, dance and even talk, depending on the sender’s selection and customization.

“The whole AR experience really does feel like magic when you take your phone and tap it to the card and it can be experienced,” Matt said. “AR technology enriches the tradition of card giving to make people feel connected in a way they couldn’t before,” Jenny added.

The interactive displays and sounds are available on Apple and Android devices and can be opened without the app. Recipients can scan the card as many times as they like to experience the AR and recorded voice elements, they can save the card to Cardlet’s Memory Box, a digital collection of Cardlet deliveries.

COVID-19 affected parts of Cardlet’s business model including delivery times, making the first few months a challenge for the Siches. Ultimately, they have been able to work out the kinks and are anticipating adding many new features in 2021.

(SD-Agencies)