Atlanta Falcons
Challenge
Streamlining Editorial Workflow in a Content-Chaotic World
The Atlanta Falcons’ editorial team was juggling content across multiple platforms, from Flickr to Twitter to SmugMug to YouTube, and publishing updates through a dated ASP.NET-based CMS. When we joined to assist with standalone pages, it quickly became clear that the real problem wasn’t just page design, it was systemic.Writers in the field were frustrated. Publishing was slow. Matching the right media assets to stories was manual and error-prone. And nothing was centralized. We listened. Then we built something better.
Solution
Designing an Intelligent Social Engine
We proposed and built a proprietary CMS that didn’t just solve the publishing pain, it redefined it.
At its core:
A smart aggregation engine that continuously pulls in content from all of their sources, Brightcove, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, SmugMug, and multiple blogs.
A real-time indexing system that made this content instantly searchable.
And most importantly: a content-matching algorithm that paired editorial content with the most relevant images and video automatically, no tagging or hunting required.Writers could now publish stories straight from the field, fast and friction-free.
Editors no longer needed to waste time sourcing media. And contributors? They didn’t have to learn anything new. Our system worked with the tools and platforms they were already using.
Result
Zero onboarding required. Contributors posted where they normally did. The CMS took care of the rest.
Massive time savings. Content publishing became seamless, even from the field.
Real-time storytelling. Social content became homepage content, automatically.
Best-in-class search. Within the NFL, the Falcons’ site was recognized as having the best content search experience among all team sites.
Can I Stream It?
An Urban Pixels project, we built a free web and mobile search tool, based on our proprietary content engine, that allows people to easily and quickly find streaming movies/TV availability (and pricing) to watch, rent or purchase across the major U.S. services.
It garners almost 1 million monthly visits across the world. We created a system to monitor performance and availability to help us scale between our own hosting infrastructure and Amazon EC2.
Whenever a news outlet talks about cord-cutting, they usually mention our website. Our system automatically kicks in and scales accordingly. While others worry about being mentioned on Buzzfeed, CanIStream.It? has been listed several times, and we handled it without any issues.
We created an API to enable our apps to present the same information as our desktop site. Our internal ingestion system, which we coined “Genome Engine”, is set up similarly to an Saas platform, where we are able to add new data feeds with an admin interface and tune the accuracy of specific search criteria via the web interface.
- Aggregated iOS downloads: 600k
- Over 400k Android installs
- Over 200k registered users
- 30k email mailing list members
- Award: Time.com best website of 2014
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Press
“It’s like Kayak for streaming services.” – Gizmodo
“It’s a nifty service for people who take a more decentralized approach to home entertainment.” – CBS News
“I still haven’t found a dream situation…but Can I Stream It may fulfill some of my cinematic fantasies.” – WIRED Insider
“Add this site to your bookmarks because I guarantee…you’re going to need it.” – Tech Crunch New Yorker Magazine: Digital Pick: Main Stream
Autocare Network
Challenge
When ACN, a beloved network of car washes in the Northeast, set their sights on nationwide expansion, they didn’t just want more locations. They wanted to build a smarter, simpler, and scalable digital experience that could grow from 80 to over 8,000 locations.
They had a bold vision: allow drivers anywhere in the U.S. to find, subscribe to, and redeem car washes through a single, seamless app, while giving operators at every franchise real-time visibility into how their business was performing.
But there was one big problem: their existing app wasn’t built for scale. It was clunky. Hard to navigate. And it lacked the backend tools needed to manage an operation of that magnitude.
Solution
Urban Pixels had already been collaborating with ACN on smaller product updates. But this time, the stakes were higher. We needed to redesign the app from the ground up, without losing momentum for the customers and partners already using it.
We started with the core redemption experience, the moment a user pulls into a wash and opens the app. It had to be fast. Frictionless. Clear.
So we stripped away the clutter. We focused on speed, clarity, and responsiveness, whether a user was in Boston or Boise.
Then we turned our attention to the backend. We worked hand-in-hand with ACN’s operations team to understand what their partners needed: metrics, user insights, subscription status, and regional performance.
That led us to integrate Salesforce Cloud and build out a custom analytics layer, so every franchise could see, at a glance, how their business was doing.
Result
Integrated Salesforce Cloud to centralize CRM, partner data, and regional analytics
Built a real-time dashboard for 800+ operators to monitor performance, engagement, and user behavior
Transformed the app into a subscription-ready platform for 8,000+ locations
Streamlined the in-app redemption flow to improve usability and reduce user drop-off
Positioned ACN as a tech-forward leader in a traditionally analog industry
With a cleaner user experience and robust backend powered by Salesforce, ACN is ready to wash cars at scale, anywhere in the country.
Estee Lauder - La Mer / Lab Series Apps
Story
East Media, a U/X focused digital agency, was awarded a large project to design iPad apps for two premier brands: La Mer, and Lab Series.
East Media engaged Urban Pixels to be the technical experts for this project.
The applications were required to have English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese menus, content, videos and subtitles.
The Estee Lauder team had a full feature list that included unique animation
Result
We created an architecture that built two apps using one source code. It was a multi-lingual, localized, application that pulls content from CDN. It also has geolocation to find the nearest store that sells La Mer or Lab Series products.
Exceeded Estee Lauder’s expectations on the quality of the application.
They were not expecting that all the features that they asked for were possible and would be in the initial launch of the applications.
MSL Vacations
Story
MSL Vacations, a Chinese travel agency has an idea for a travel app. It was the first of its kind in China: using machine learning to provide an intelligent app for planning a trip.
Their requirement: the app must understand English speech as well as Chinese.
As a travel agency, they relied on Urban Pixels to provide them with the knowledge of how to create an app, how to manage a digital product, and how to plan the roadmap for the product.
Result
We designed and built the prototype for them to enter a Chinese Government-sponsored content, where they were one of the finalists.
We came up with the name: Ava and the robot that is appealing to both the eastern and western culture.
We used Nuance Speech kit and Google Translate API for speech recognition and Natural Language API for intent.
Happyable
Story
Youtube Celebrity, Kati Morton, had an idea to utilize her large collection of self-help videos to come up with a way for her viewers to have a guided, daily well-being journey as an in-app experience.
Result
We developed wireframes and designs to show how a user would experience the daily journey.
We also provided a sense of the mood of the app and a color palette that will convey the sense of well being.
We even came up with the name, Happyable!
Although the app never went into production, it is an example of the innovative thinking, the ownership we take on app development, and the creative expertise that we have on top of our technical chops.
About Urban Pixels
We are a technology company that understands the power of ideas. We bring marketing ideas to life through simple and smart technology solutions.
Our experience servicing clients with a breadth of capabilities shapes our ability to adapt to provide clear, purposeful solutions for brands. We bring practical experience from across all scales of business to help companies grow.
We look forward to doing the same for you!
Dave Lin
Founder
dave@urbanpixels.com
David Saunier
Creative Director
david.saunier@urbanpixels.com
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History
We were born digital.
Urban Pixels began as Default Route, Inc. in 2009. We started as a web hosting company that hosted special clients like the Atlanta Falcons (full website, image and video library), Baltimore Ravens, and select e-commerce sites like WaterBobble, Rit Dye, etc.
In 2013, we rebranded as Urban Pixels and focused on creating and delivering innovative products to our clients. We launched products such as the Comedy Central Adult Swim iPad app, Estée Lauder La Mer iPad app, IBM Outhink microsite, LG G-Flex, G3, V20 websites, and more.
Technology + design are in our DNA. Clients (and ad agencies) know us as knowledge experts on digital innovation.
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Team
We bridge ideas and execution.
We are a team of passionate individuals who share a common vision and goal. We are valued for our point-of-view, integrity and commitment to delivering work that surprises and delights our clients.
When the challenge calls for it, we bring hand-selected, vetted team members from our network of talent to work with us in providing solutions for our clients.
Out team consists of a dozen seasoned professionals that cover various expertise. Below is a list of a few that you may have regular interactions with.
Dave Lin founder + Enterprise Architect / Mobile Architect
David Saunier Partner + Creative Director
Erik Wirtz Creative Director
Jeff Ng Digital Strategist
Charletta Bullard Project Manager
Bhrugesh Bavashi Full Stack Developer
Ali Lodhi Mobile Developer
Sharon N’Diaye Project Manager
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UI/UX
For Urban Pixels, Design starts with User Experience.
Team
The Urban Pixels design team is based out of Baltimore, Maryland and is comprised of 2 team members that work in unison on Creative + UX solutions. With an understanding of technology and standards, we develop deliverables that align with business needs. We iterate to provide the right experience that will satisfy stakeholders and delight users.
David Saunier
David is a senior creative leader that fundamentally believes there is no more important experience that a user experience. His areas of specialties are: art, editorial and web development direction, usability(UX) and user experience (UI).
With expertise in the creative, media and nonprofit spaces, David brings solid leadership, creative vision and savvy execution to all of his projects. David’s work has been recognized with awards from USA Today, Yahoo!, the Department of Labor, the Tellys, and the Webbys.
Erik Wirtz
Erik Wirtz is a seasoned UX/UI and product designer with over 15 years of experience transforming complex user experiences into seamless, intuitive journeys that drive measurable business impact. At Intuit, he led UX initiatives that optimized onboarding for 31.7 million users, increasing conversions by 1% and generating $4.5 million in revenue. His approach to design is intentional, human-centered, and accessible, combining creativity with data-driven insights from user research, analytics, and AI-driven UX to inform strategic design decisions.
Throughout his career, Erik has held senior positions at global brands like TaylorMade, Fila, Intuit, and several interactive agencies, delivering projects ranging from brand identity and logo design to global websites, mobile apps, and product photo direction. His collaborative approach and technical expertise have made him a valued partner across cross-functional teams, earning recognition for his customer obsession and ability to rapidly iterate on complex challenges. Erik maintains a humble, team-first mindset while staying at the forefront of emerging design trends and technologies, continuously learning and adapting to create user-centric digital experiences that merge exceptional craft with measurable results.
Tools & Deliverables
Scope > Discovery > Wireframe > Prototype > Design > Animation
The complete Urban Pixels process includes discovery through execution. Sample deliverables include: comprehensive wireframes, personas, use cases, experience maps, storyboards, design comps, usability reports and information architecture.
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URBAN PIXELS OUR CLIENTS
WE'VE WORKED WITH SOME AMAZING BRANDS TO TACKLE SOME INTERESTING CHALLENGES.
Featured Client Sites or Apps
Capabilities
Elegant Solutions to Interesting Problems
Our expertise spans web development (front + back end), mobile app development, ecommerce, responsive design, digital and content strategy, social media, SEO and analytics. Clients have also entrusted with us custom product development, business planning and brand strategy engagements.
Urban Pixels has partnered with an array of startups to bring MVPs and full product suites to life, including: SkillShare, What’s Up Moms, Daily Makeover, Capture Media, KPI (kpublic.net), Art Basel, WaterBobble, BNumbed, Sun + Navar, WeCliq, Hey! Neighbor, Paire and Socialistic.
Technology
Front End Development: Node.js, PHP, React, HTML, CSS3
Back End Development: Web Hosting, AI, Nix, Systems Architecture, Content Management Systems, DevOps, Containerization
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XR / VR / AR / MR / Mobile
OS (iPhone + iPad)
Android
React Native
Swift
eXtended Reality
Unreal Engine / Unity
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Product Development
Product Management & Roadmapping
Product Design
Package Design
User Experience
Persona Development
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Commmerce
WooCommerce
Magento
Shopify
Salesforce Commerce
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Marketing
Digital Strategy
Content Strategy
Google Analytics
Adobe Marketing Cloud
IBM Digital Analytics (Coremetrics)
Flurry Analytics
Social Media
Custom MarTech Integrations
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SEO
Best Practices
Sitemap Feeds
Reduced Content Duplication
SEO for Responsive Design
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Production
Project Management
Video Production
QA / Testing
Execution
The power of technology lies in providing simple and smart solutions.
Team
Urban Pixels builds solutions we design. Our team consists of senior hands-on technologists who lead with conviction while being hands-on to ensure code fidelity.
The Urban Pixels technology team is distributed, with members in Cleveland, NYC, Seattle, Charlotte, India, Pakistan, Cameroon, and led by David Lin. When the challenge calls for it, our team is supplemented by a large network of tried-and-true global technology talent.
Dave Lin – CTO
Dave is a results-driven technology leader and entrepreneur with an extensive track record in delivering impactful products & services. He believes in innovation through technology and is passionate about building solutions that make the world a better place.
Dave’s solid background of technology delivery has helped take ambitious brands to the next level. He excels at defining business needs and developing solutions that align with overall business goals and produce remarkable results.
Dave has held technology leadership positions at both agencies (Razorfish, Oglivy, ID Society) and respected brands (Ralph Lauren, Fila, Daily Makeover). Strengths include: critical thinking, problem solving, team leadership and complex projects in dynamic environments.
Recently, Dave helped IBM migrate their Drupal website (www.ibm.com) from Acquia Cloud to IBM Hybrid Cloud ( 1.4 million pages, 130+ countries, 30+ languages) and engineered the DevOps process for the IBM team. Dave was rewarded the OTAA (Outstanding Technical Achievement Award) rarely given to non-employees, for his contribution to DevOps to the IBM Marketing team.
Bhrugesh Bavishi – Presentation-Layer Developer
Bhrugesh is an expert on presentation layer technology. There isn’t anything on the front end that he can’t figure out. When it comes to WordPress, he’s got more experience than anyone we know.
Chad Drobish – Motion / Web Animation Architect
Chad Drobish is a seasoned Design Technologist with over 20 years of proven expertise in spearheading digital transformations and delivering cutting-edge interactive experiences. As founder of his freelance practice, Chad has successfully partnered with clients ranging from emerging startups to Fortune 100 companies, consistently driving business growth through innovative technology solutions.
Chad specializes in conceptualizing, designing, and implementing interactive digital products across mobile applications, web platforms, and immersive virtual reality experiences. His technical mastery spans the full development stack, including React/React Native, Node.js, WebGL, Three.js, and cloud infrastructure (AWS), enabling him to rapidly prototype and deploy scalable solutions.
Scott DeWitt – DevOps
A full-stack developer who has decades of enterprise software engineering for fortune 100 companies. He is a DevSecOps expert who has created performance monitoring systems for large infrastructures like IBM.
Jeff Ng – Product / Delivery
With over 20 years of experience in Digital Strategy, Product Development, and Growth, he is a seasoned leader who excels at building high-performance teams while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and strategic alignment. His expertise spans both B2B and B2C markets, where he has consistently driven product expansion, feature adoption, and enhanced customer lifetime value through data-driven insights. His collaborative leadership style effectively unites product, engineering, design, sales, and customer success teams to deliver impactful, user-centric experiences.
As a strategic executive, he has redefined visions and strategies for core B2B SaaS offerings, leading to the successful expansion of multiple business units. He has developed and managed unified roadmaps across diverse business streams, always ensuring alignment with organizational goals, customer needs, and resource constraints. His data-driven approach to measuring success through key metrics—including adoption rates, upsell/cross-sell performance, and customer lifetime value—has consistently delivered meaningful business outcomes and scalable product-led growth.
His entrepreneurial journey includes founding and leading Eastmedia, a Digital Product Studio focused on Strategy, Product, UX Design, and Engineering that served clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies including American Express, Verisign, ESPN/Disney, and McGraw Hill before being acquired in 2014. He later established a Strategy and Product Development firm specializing in ideation, stakeholder engagement, competitive analysis, and product roadmapping for major clients including Walmart, AT&T, and various Private Equity groups. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional ability to mentor cross-functional teams, prioritize mission-critical initiatives, and communicate compelling product visions to stakeholders at all levels.
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