5 Ways Creating Your Own NPM Package Benefits Your Organization
February 21, 2023|Jason Stokes
Node Package Manager, commonly known as npm, is a popular package manager used by developers to download and install open-source packages for their projects. But did you know that you can also create your own npm package? In this article, we will explore how creating your own npm package can benefit your organization.
What is an npm package?
Before we dive into the benefits of creating an npm package, let’s first define what it is. An npm package is a collection of files that contain reusable code, assets, and documentation. These packages can be installed by other developers and used in their own projects, saving time and effort in developing new functionality from scratch.
Benefits of creating your own npm package
1. Code reuse and consistency
Creating your own npm package allows you to package and share reusable code within your organization. This can be particularly useful if you have a lot of common functionality that is used across multiple projects. By encapsulating this functionality in an npm package, you can ensure consistency across all your projects and reduce the likelihood of errors.
2. Speed up development
By leveraging your own npm packages, you can speed up development by reducing the amount of time spent on repetitive tasks. This is because you can reuse code and functionality that has already been developed and tested, rather than starting from scratch each time.
3. Encourages collaboration
By creating and sharing your own npm packages within your organization, you can encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing between developers. This can lead to increased productivity and better code quality as developers can learn from each other and contribute to a shared codebase.
4. Eases maintenance
Maintaining code can be a time-consuming and challenging task, particularly when multiple projects are involved. However, by creating your own npm package, you can ease maintenance by ensuring that updates and bug fixes are made in one central location. This makes it easier to keep your codebase up-to-date and reduce the risk of introducing bugs into your projects.
5. Simplifies deployment
When you create your own npm package, you can easily deploy it to your production environment. This is because npm packages are designed to be easily installed and updated, which makes the deployment process much simpler and more streamlined.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating your own npm package can provide numerous benefits for your organization. By sharing reusable code and functionality, you can speed up development, encourage collaboration, and ensure consistency across all your projects. Additionally, creating your own npm package can make maintenance and deployment easier, which can ultimately lead to better code quality and increased productivity. So, if you haven’t already done so, why not consider creating your own npm package today?
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The New And Improved BatteryXchange
February 17, 2023|Jason Stokes
Exciting news from PLECCO as we announce the rebranding and redesign of our client BatteryXchange — now known as BXE. This project was a true team effort from start to finish, blending strategic thinking, creative design, and technical execution into a seamless delivery that we’re incredibly proud of.
Understanding BXE’s Vision
Before a single pixel was placed, our team sat down with the BatteryXchange leadership to understand their business goals for this rebranding initiative. What were they trying to communicate to their users? What friction points existed in the current experience? What did the brand need to say about the company’s direction?
These conversations are the foundation of every great product we build at PLECCO. Great design doesn’t start with aesthetics — it starts with understanding the business and the people it serves. The BXE team had a clear vision for where the brand was headed, and our job was to translate that vision into an app experience that felt unmistakably theirs.
The Design Process
With the strategic foundation in place, our design team got to work crafting a UI/UX experience fully aligned with BXE’s goals. This wasn’t a simple reskin — it was a comprehensive redesign of the entire user interface, touching every screen, every interaction, and every visual element of the app.
Our designers developed detailed layouts for each screen, created a cohesive icon system, and designed interactive elements — buttons, navigation components, input fields — that maintained consistency across the entire application. The goal was to create a visual language that felt modern, clean, and immediately intuitive to users.
One of the highlights of the design phase was the creation of custom map icon concepts. The BXE app is location-based by nature, so the map icons play a central role in the user experience. Our team developed multiple distinct concepts, giving BXE the freedom to choose the design that best communicated their brand identity and made the in-app map experience truly distinctive.
Cross-Platform Development
Once the design direction was finalized and approved, our development team took the reins. The challenge here was significant: implementing a completely revamped UI/UX across two distinct platforms — iOS and Android — while maintaining feature parity and ensuring each platform felt native to its environment.
Our mobile development team worked methodically through the implementation, translating each finalized design into functional code. Every animation, every transition, every micro-interaction was carefully developed to match the design intent while performing smoothly across a range of device types and screen sizes.
Cross-platform mobile development is one of the more technically demanding challenges in app development — what looks great on one device can behave unexpectedly on another. Our QA process ensured that the final product felt polished and consistent whether a user was on an older Android device or the latest iPhone.
The Result: A Modern App That Delivers
The result of this collaborative process is a sleek, modern application that authentically represents the BXE brand and delivers a user experience that customers genuinely enjoy. The app’s new interface is cleaner, more intuitive, and more visually compelling than its predecessor — while maintaining all the functionality users depend on.
This project is a strong example of what PLECCO does best: taking a client’s vision and executing it with precision across the full design-to-development lifecycle. From initial discovery through final launch, the BXE team had a dedicated partner committed to getting every detail right.
Want to See What PLECCO Can Build for You?
The BatteryXchange project is one example of the custom application development work PLECCO delivers every day. If you’re looking to launch a new mobile product, modernize an existing application, or bring a complex product vision to life, we’d love to hear about it.
Check out our case studies to see more examples of our work, or get in touch to start a conversation about your project.
PLECCO Launches Case Studies & Blog
February 15, 2023|Jason Stokes
Exciting news from PLECCO — we’re officially launching two new resources designed to give you an inside look at our work, our thinking, and the results we deliver for clients. Introducing the PLECCO Case Studies page and our ongoing blog.
Introducing Our Case Studies Page
At PLECCO, we’re passionate about delivering exceptional results for our clients — and now we’re pulling back the curtain to show exactly how we do it. Our new Case Studies page is a growing library of in-depth project examples, documenting the real challenges our clients faced, the solutions we designed and implemented, and the measurable outcomes we delivered.
Case studies are one of the most valuable things a technology firm can publish. They transform abstract claims — “we build great software” — into concrete evidence. They let prospective clients see themselves in the work we’ve done. And they give our team a chance to reflect on what made each project successful.
Each case study walks through the project context, the specific problems we solved, the technologies and approaches we used, and the results achieved. Whether you’re evaluating PLECCO as a potential partner or simply curious about how we work, the case studies page is the place to start.
Beyond the case studies, we’re launching this blog as a platform for sharing what we’re learning, observing, and thinking about across technology, business operations, and the industries we serve.
The technology landscape is changing faster than ever — AI capabilities are expanding monthly, cloud infrastructure is getting more sophisticated, and the expectations businesses have for their software are rising accordingly. We want to be a useful voice in that conversation.
Here’s what you can expect from the PLECCO blog:
Industry insights — Our perspective on trends shaping technology, fintech, and business operations
Technical deep dives — Practical content on development, architecture, automation, and AI implementation
Project highlights — Behind-the-scenes looks at interesting work we’ve done for clients (beyond the formal case studies)
Business strategy — Thinking on how technology decisions connect to business outcomes for mid-market companies
Why We’re Doing This
Transparency and education have always been part of how PLECCO operates with clients. We don’t believe in black-box consulting where deliverables appear and processes remain mysterious. We work collaboratively, we explain our thinking, and we try to leave clients more capable than when we started.
The case studies and blog extend that philosophy to the wider world. If you’re a founder, CEO, or operations leader trying to make smarter technology decisions — whether you’re a PLECCO client or not — we want this content to be genuinely useful to you.
Stay Connected
This is just the beginning. We’re committed to publishing regularly and building a content library that’s actually worth reading. Check out our case studies to see our work, follow the blog for ongoing insights, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to talk about a project or challenge you’re navigating.
More to come. We’re just getting started.
Celebrating 20 Years of Success!
February 15, 2023|Jason Stokes
It’s a milestone year for PLECCO as we celebrate 20 years in business. Two decades is a long time in any industry — in technology, where the landscape transforms entirely every few years, it’s a testament to adaptability, client relationships, and an unwavering commitment to doing the work well.
Where It All Started
PLECCO was founded in Charlotte, NC in 2005 with a clear purpose: give growing businesses access to the kind of technical expertise that had historically been reserved for large enterprises with large budgets. The founding insight was simple — mid-market companies were being underserved. They had real technology needs, real operational complexity, and real growth ambitions, but the options available to them were limited: hire expensive internal staff, work with generic agencies, or go without.
PLECCO was built to be a better option. A firm that combined deep technical capability with genuine business understanding — and could move at the speed growing companies actually need.
20 Years of Evolution
Over the past two decades, we’ve evolved significantly. The technologies we work with today — AI, cloud-native infrastructure, mobile platforms — barely existed when PLECCO was founded. We’ve grown our service offerings, deepened our industry expertise, and expanded our team of consultants and engineers.
But some things haven’t changed. We still start every engagement by listening. We still care more about business outcomes than deliverable checklists. We still believe that the best technology work happens when clients and partners are truly aligned.
Over 20 years, we’ve had the privilege of working with companies across fintech, rental operations, complex business services, and beyond. We’ve built mobile apps, redesigned broken systems, automated manual workflows, and helped leadership teams think more clearly about technology strategy. Every project has taught us something — and made us better at the next one.
A Special Offer for Our 20th Anniversary
To celebrate this milestone, we’re offering a special promotion throughout the anniversary period: 20% off all PLECCO services for 6 months. This is our way of saying thank you — to our existing clients who’ve trusted us over the years, and to new clients who are just now discovering what PLECCO can do.
If you’ve been thinking about addressing technical debt, automating a key workflow, or finally building that product you’ve had on the roadmap — now is the perfect time to get started.
What We’re Looking Forward To
Twenty years in, we’re more energized about the work than ever. The emergence of AI, the maturation of cloud infrastructure, and the increasing sophistication of the businesses we serve are creating genuinely exciting opportunities. We’re investing in new capabilities, deepening our team’s expertise, and continuing to expand the ways we can add value for our clients.
The companies that will thrive over the next 20 years are the ones making smart technology investments today. We want to be the partner helping them do exactly that.
Thank You
None of this would be possible without the clients, team members, and partners who have been part of the PLECCO story. To everyone who’s trusted us with their technology challenges over the years — thank you. This anniversary belongs to all of you.
Here’s to the next 20 years. If you’d like to be part of that journey — whether as a new client or a returning one — we’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk. And don’t forget to check out our case studies to see the kind of work we’ve been doing for businesses like yours.
Building Madame Dope Eyewear Ecommerce Website Case Study
January 24, 2023|Jason Stokes
The Challenge
In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the popularity of online shopping. Madame Dope, a premier provider of fashion accessories for women in the US, was established in 2018 and has achieved significant growth. The company approached plecco.net to develop an online presence and expand its reach by creating an e-commerce platform.
Project Objectives
In 2018, Madame Dope approached us, intending to enhance their online brand and achieve a higher conversion rate from their website landing pages. The company sought to provide fashion advice and connect with its target audience to increase sales through an SEO-optimized platform. Additionally, to align with its offline brand identity, Madame Dope requested the creation of a visually appealing and user-friendly e-commerce website.
In response, we developed a website that offers customers the ability to interact with Madame Dope through the creation of shopping profiles. Users have the option to create accounts, link their preferred payment method, and have the ability to leave the website, and continue their shopping experience at a later time. In addition, the platform is equipped to handle multiple checkouts simultaneously, providing a seamless shopping experience for users.
Tech Stack Used
WordPress Content Management System
How We Built Madame Dope E-Commerce Site
Our web development experts met with Madame Dope to thoroughly understand their business objectives and goals. Following this consultation, our graphics design team created mockups of the proposed website and home page design. In addition, the client provided feedback, which was carefully considered before commencing the website development.
The website was hosted on a secure platform capable of handling growth in site traffic. An SSL certificate was also obtained to ensure the protection of user data. The site was built on the WordPress platform, and the required themes and plugins were integrated. Seven pages were linked to the home page, including sections for apparel, jewelry, and sunglasses and a “Blog” page for fashion-related content optimized for search engines.
Our development team implemented a product filtering function to enhance the shopping experience for Madame Dope’s clients. Third-party integrations, including Google Analytics, were established to help the client monitor and analyze website performance. In addition, a payment processing system was integrated, utilizing Stripe based on our analysis of preferred payment options in the fashion accessories niche.
The website underwent comprehensive testing, covering all functionalities, from page load speed to checkout. Upon satisfaction with the checkout experience, the site was handed over to the client.
RESULT
Since its launch, madamedope.com has established itself as a thriving e-commerce platform, attracting a steady stream of orders daily. Throughout its growth, the store has expanded its offerings to include a diverse array of over 100 items. PLECCO played a vital role in the inception of madamedope.com, providing the original website launch. The site has since undergone modifications by another web design agency.
BatteryXchange Software Development Case Study
January 24, 2023|Jason Stokes
The Opportunity
BatteryXchange is a leading smartphone battery exchange platform in the country, offering clients access to a network of battery charging kiosks nationwide, enabling them to quickly recharge on-the-go and save valuable time and resources. The Charlotte-based company approached PLECCO to develop a comprehensive website and mobile application to support its battery exchange services.
The Solution
We developed a Battery Rental Application with the aim of providing a seamless online platform for renting rechargeable phone batteries. The objective was to simplify the process of renting a battery from a kiosk and returning it within 24 hours to the nearest location. The project entailed thorough planning, design, and implementation of multiple modifications to an existing system, including the creation of custom user interfaces for web and mobile devices, integration of third-party payment services, and integration of a mapping solution to facilitate the identification of the closest BatteryXchange kiosk.
Tech Stack
Android- Java
iOS – Swift, Objective-C
Website – WordPress, PHP
How We Built the BatteryXchange App and Website
In the first phase of the project, we conducted a comprehensive requirements analysis, engaging with potential customers to understand their specific needs and expectations for the battery exchange service, as well as holding discussions with the client regarding their business requirements. Additionally, we analyzed usage patterns to inform refinement of the user experience and user interface.
Our initial efforts focused on the development of the BatteryXchange website, which was built on the WordPress Content Management System. To enhance user-friendliness, we updated the homepage with improved graphics and created an ‘About Us’ page that outlines the client’s mission. To facilitate engagement with potential partners, we also developed a ‘Talk with Sales’ page linked with SavvyCal.
The primary goal of the website is to drive app downloads, and thus we integrated links to the Apple and Google Playstore pages for easy access to the BatteryXchange app. To expand the product’s market reach, we advised the development of both iOS and Android versions of the app. Our technical team finalized development of the iOS version, which was initiated by previous developers in Objective-C, and deployed it to the Apple Store. The Android application was developed using Java.
Our focus was on creating a user-friendly interface for the app, keeping in mind that it would be used on a need-to basis. The app’s ‘Home Page’ features a map that displays the nearest kiosks for battery exchange and a button that activates an inbuilt QR Code scanner for convenient access to batteries. The app is also linked to an e-wallet, which allows users to safely recharge using various payment service providers and provides access to the user board through a swipe to the right, featuring the wallet.
Notable Details
New Functionalities– The implementation of a notification system, providing real-time updates on battery exchange status to users. As well as the introduction of a ‘Pay-Per-Use’ model, offering greater pricing flexibility for users.”
Fining System– Introduced a loss recovery system, allowing for efficient management of lost battery charges.
Backend Changes– A metrics system has been implemented to aid administrators in evaluating the performance of BatteryXchange kiosks.
We also provide comprehensive management of the client’s cloud infrastructure to ensure the security and privacy of user data.
The Result
The BatteryXchange application has been a resounding success for the company. It has achieved over 500 downloads from the Google Playstore and Apple Store, with a daily user base in the tens and monthly user base in the hundreds. In recognition of its exceptional customer experience, the app was awarded the title of ‘Best Customer Experience’ at the 2021 Global EnergyTech Awards.
Since its launch, the app has facilitated the expansion of the company’s operations to new locations and growth of its customer base. The seamless compatibility of the app on both Android and iOS platforms has greatly contributed to its success.
In alignment with the company’s vision of providing affordable battery exchange services to customers throughout the US, the BatteryXchange app has eliminated the concern of a dying phone battery and made these services readily accessible to all.”
Working with the BatteryXchange group was a rewarding experience. Are you looking to build an app? Contact PLECCO now for a cutting-edge approach to business transformation.
All You Need to Know About Building a Peer-to-Peer Reservation App
January 24, 2023|Jason Stokes
Peer-to-peer (P2P) apps have become an increasingly popular way to rent and share everything from homes to cars. A P2P application lets you list your place, service, or event and get paid. They are easy to build and require little technical knowledge. Most of them allow users to create their listing pages where they can post pictures, videos, and text descriptions. If you’re considering building your P2P app, this guide will walk you through some key considerations that go into creating one.
1. Write Down Key Features Your Peer-to-Peer Reservation App Should Have
Create a user-friendly interface
Create an attractive user interface backed up by a seamless user experience. This simplifies things for users on your app. Use a simple design. Keep everything as simple as possible while still having it look good on all platforms and devices, including desktops, laptops, and phones of different sizes. Ensure the user can easily find what they are looking for by displaying only relevant information and removing all unnecessary clutter.
Build an easy-to-use and secure payment system
You’ve built a reservation application, which is awesome! But now you need to find a way to collect the payment for reservations. You’ll need to build an easy, secure payment system that you can integrate into your reservation application. The payment system should accept multiple types of payments and currencies and have a return policy in case something goes wrong with the transaction (e.g., if someone pays but never shows up).
Offer customer support functionality
One of the most important features of a peer-to-peer platform is customer support, and you should build it into your app. A good reservation app will provide various channels for users to interact with the company, whether that’s via email, phone, or live chat. You may also want to create a dedicated FAQ page where customers can read answers to common questions before they contact the support staff. Another valuable feature is an ‘About’ page that explains who you are and what you do as a company to build trust with potential customers.
Identity verification protocol
Features of a peer-to-peer reservation app
One of the key requirements for a reservation app is identity verification. You can do this in several ways, but you must choose a protocol that is easy to implement and maintain. It will also need to be secure and scalable, which means using the right technology for your specific use case. I recommend using a two-factor verification which sends notifications to a user’s phone or email in case a new login device is used.
Designed for mobile devices and browsers
With over 52% of internet traffic coming from mobile phones (set to rise to 72% by 2025), your peer-to-peer reservation application must work on all devices. Developing android and iOS versions will increase its marketability and improve your business. Your application must be compatible with phones, tablets, and even PCs.
Reviews
Adding reviews to your booking page is a great way to help potential customers decide. Reviews can also help you improve your service, increasing the likelihood of repeat customers. I would recommend a feature where users can write reviews directly from their phones on the go.
Booking management and availability calendars
A person using Airbnb, one of the most popular peer to peer reservation apps
Integrate with e-calendars to allow users to book travel directly from their calendars. This is an excellent way for people who don’t use a booking app to book their trip. It also gives you an easy way to import all their existing reservations into your platform. Users can also use this feature to check the availability of rooms or houses in the future and make travel arrangements based on this.
Listing pages with pictures, videos, pricing, and text description
For people to easily find and reserve listings, you’ll want to ensure hosts have listing pages with pictures, videos, pricing, and text descriptions. Listing pages are the most important part of the application. They should be easy to read and understand. They should also be easy to navigate so that users can efficiently find what they’re looking for.
Available anywhere in the world
While building your reservation system, ensure it works anywhere in your targeted market area. While at it, ensure your application works in areas with degraded networks like 3G.
User Profiles Section
The User Profiles section is a great way to build community and trust. You can use it to learn more about your users and understand their needs to improve your product or service. It is also a non-invasive way to collect user data that will help you fine-tune your app and streamline your marketing strategies.
2. Make design mockups of your app
After listing the functionalities your reservation app needs, it’s time to get down to work. You should mock up your app before you build it. Mockups are low-fidelity prototypes of the final product. They’re often hand-drawn, but some designers use computer software to create them. Mockups are great tools for communicating to others what the app will look like and how it will work and making their expectations clear before development begins.
The design process can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially when learning new skills and techniques. Using mockups will help get you started faster by allowing you to focus on one thing at a time rather than having everything come together all at once right away.
3. Build Your App
From the mockup, you came up with, research the tech stack you can use. When developing your P2P app, it is important to note that it will be the cornerstone of your business. A functional app could see your reservation business kick on fast, and a dysfunctional one could kill it. The key consideration in your choice of tech stack should be the business needs. Your app should serve its purpose while remaining simple and light enough for all phones.
I would recommend using the open-source MERN technologies:
React – A library for building user interfaces. Use React.js to build your application front-end.
js – An open-source JavaScript runtime environment for executing server-side scripts on the back end of the web application.
MongoDB – A NoSQL database compatible with Big Data and will allow scalability.
Javascript as the programming language
If building your P2P reservation app from scratch is too hectic, our team at plecco.net can do it for you!
4. Create your app’s graphic design
Design your app’s graphic elements, including its images and text. Make sure to keep the app’s look consistent across all devices so that users won’t be confused by what they see on their phone versus another device. Designing an icon for your application is important because users who have downloaded your app from an online store such as Google Play or Apple’s App Store will often be seen.
5. Put together an app marketing plan
The most important thing you can do as an app developer is to get your app noticed by users. Your marketing plan will help you promote your product and get people talking about it. This can be done on social media, with ads and banners, or even through giveaways or contests requiring participants to enter their email addresses.
6. Submit your app to the App Store.
After you’ve completed all of the above, it’s time to submit your app. create accounts on Apple Store and Google Playstore. Submit your app details, including pricing, and then wait for approval.
7. Market your app for maximum exposure.
Build a website for your app: It’s important to have a home base that can help you promote your app. You could also use social media for marketing your app. When setting up your website blog, you must consider Search engine optimization (SEO). This refers to writing content in such a way that search engines will rank it highly when someone searches for keywords related to the topic of your article or video blog post.
There you go, all you need to know before building your P2P reservation app. This can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Talk to us at plecco.net, and we’ll get your app online in no time!
ISACA: A Software Development Case Study
January 24, 2023|Jason Stokes
ISACA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing and promoting the profession of information security management through education, professional certification, and community outreach. They work with industry leaders, government agencies, and educational institutions to provide the resources needed to succeed in this exciting field. They approached plecco.net to provide technical support for the organization and build an online platform.
Tech Stack
Platform – Custom made
Python
React
Rails
How we built ISACA.org
Our team at plecco.net is passionate about helping business owners create custom websites uniquely tailored to their needs. The following case study will outline how we approached the development of a new website for ISACA, a professional organization that provides a networking and learning platform for IT players.
Domain choices
We started by working with our client to understand what they wanted to achieve with their website. We then created a list of priorities for the new site, which included the following:
A simple design that would be easy for clients to navigate on their own
A mobile-friendly interface
A simple way for clients to create accounts and log in securely
An efficient way for clients to learn online
An online resource for professionals and students in the cybersecurity field
From there, we created a wireframe prototype using Ruby and React to test out different layouts and designs before committing any resources to actual development work. We aimed to ensure all these features were possible within the framework before moving forward with actual coding. After the client approved the prototype, we proceeded to develop the site.
Our goal was to create a platform that would allow us to quickly update the site as new content is added without needing a dev team. We also wanted it to be easy for our client to access important information independently. We wanted to make the site simple and easy to navigate, emphasizing information delivery to ISACA members. We also wanted to ensure it would work well across all major devices and browsers, including mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Frontend Development
The website we developed is multifunctional. We’ve created a custom membership tier system for Isaca.org that allows the company to create a tiered pricing structure based on the membership’s value. You can sign up as a professional, a recent graduate, or a student. These tiers come with varying functionalities.
The system also allows for online training, which is accessible by all members at any time. From the backend, our client can create classes and courses for members and provide them with immediate access to their new course materials. They can also monitor which tutorials are popular among their users and focus on relevant fields.
We have also developed a credentialling resources system that allows our clients to easily track their progress in completing courses. We can also use this as another way to track member activity.
Finally, we created an events calendar so our clients can see all upcoming events and register directly through our website. This makes it easier for them to keep up-to-date with what’s going on in their industry.
To enable our client to scale their services quickly and efficiently as they grow, we set up AWS Lambda functions using python. as part of their serverless architecture. Using Python and the AWS Serverless Application Model, we were able to build a simple API service with some pre-built libraries that would allow them to serve their users without worrying about data storage.
Results
ISACA has gone on to become a home for over 165,000 professionals in the cybersecurity field. They’re present in 188 countries, with the most common point of reference being the website built by plecco.net. This site receives over three million visits annually and ranks among the top 25,000 websites globally.
How We Built LifeTagger – A Software Development Case Study
January 24, 2023|Jason Stokes
LifeTagger is a proximity platform app that serves different sectors of business with customized solutions. They pride themselves on offering business solutions that streamline the delivery of the right experiences to your guests and clients. It helps you engage with customers, employees and guests better by hyper-localizing engagement.
Our client wanted a tech team that would build them a website and iOS and Android applications for LifeTaggger.
Tech Stack
Platform – custom, Mobile (Android, iOS)
Worked with Javascript, React, Redux, and Swift
How we built LifeTagger
LifeTagger had a few specific goals: they wanted to have a more mobile-friendly site, and they wanted it to be easy for their customers to find the information they were looking for quickly. They also wanted us to ensure their content was as accessible as possible and that loading on any device didn’t take too long.
We started by researching what kinds of websites our client’s competitors use. Based on this research, we created a paper wireframe of the user experience and then developed it into a mockup. Then we worked with the client to create an overall design direction for their site. For this, we used colors and fonts from their current branding, which helped us choose which elements needed to be included in each section of the site. We also ensured that all of our code was structured so that it would be easy for anyone on our team to work on this project in the future.
When we started developing this website, we knew it needed to be simple and easy. We wanted to ensure it could work on all devices, no matter what screen size or operating system the user was using. We also wanted to ensure that it worked for people with disabilities and those who are visually impaired.
We built the site using JavaScript, which allows us to easily add new features as they become available. It also keeps our code clean and readable while ensuring no bloat. We don’t want our codebase to get so big that it slows down LifeTagger.Using technology like JavaScript allows us to create flexible sites for any device or operating system.
One of the critical things we did in this project was to ensure we had the right tools for the job. For example, we used JavaScript to build the entire site, which made it easy to navigate.
We also wanted to make sure that our client would be happy with how their new website turned out, so we ensured that they had access to all of their content throughout the design process and could make any changes they needed as soon as possible.
We used React to build the front end of the LifeTagger site. The main reason we chose React was that we wanted to make use of its quick rendering times. React also allowed us to maintain our codebase better by separating the front and backend. This meant we could change one area without affecting the other, which helped us avoid any potential conflicts or bugs. It also provides a componentized design that breaks up your UI into smaller pieces called components, which are reusable and easy to maintain over time.
Android App Development Stage
When our developers at plecco.com began working on an Android app that different commerce sectors would use to improve service delivery, we knew it would be a challenge. We had to ensure that we could provide the functionality and ease of use that everyone expects from their devices, but also keep in mind that this software was going to be used in hotels, and events and that meant it couldn’t have any bugs or security vulnerabilities.
The LifeTagger App
But with our knowledge of Java and Redux, we were able to make sure that our app could handle all of those demands. We started by building an application on Android Studio, which allowed us to create a user interface designed specifically for mobile devices while retaining all the functionality users would expect from an application like this one.
We used Redux as an architectural pattern for managing all state changes within our application. Redux helps us keep track of all information related to the application state and allows us to modify it as needed quickly. Redux is a predictable state container for JavaScript apps. We used it as we wanted the Life Tagger app to behave consistently and run in different environments.
iOS App Development Stage
When we set out to build the LifeTagger iOS application for our client, we knew we had to make it unique. Our client’s goal was to create a proximity app that the hospitality business, cities, and event managers could get people to use. They wanted something easy to use but also had a sleek design and was full of useful functionalities such as notifications, geotagging, etc.
iOS Mockup
Since the client was happy with the initial design of the android version of the app, we skipped the mockup phase and moved straight to the development.
We then worked with our designers and developers to develop a functional prototype using Swift. This prototype allowed us to test different ideas and ensure everything ran smoothly before moving into full production mode.
Once we were happy with how everything worked in the prototype stage, we began working on developing the actual app itself. This involved creating an icon for the app and designing its user interface to match our original mockup. Then we moved into development mode, where our developers built out all of the functionality needed for users to use the app without any issues.
Finally, we tested both apps and ensured they performed to the client’s satisfaction.
Things to Note
We worked with our client to build a dashboard for users. We had to look at their challenges and how they needed to manage their accounts and get real-time alerts based on their location. The result was a dashboard that allowed them to manage their account, send alerts based on specific areas, and monitor metrics from various sources. The dashboard also provides a great user experience that makes it easy for merchants to see what’s happening in real-time.
We worked closely with our client to develop library features so merchants could access their real-time data.
We also provided two full-time developers versed in Java, Swift, and React to our client to allow them constantly improve LifeTagger and create custom-made solutions for their partners.
Results
Since launching on the play store and Apple Store, LifeTagger has become the premier proximity app. The app also has a perfect 5-star rating on the play store.
We have progressively made the app a better place for users with the latest update allowing you to receive LifeTags from Bluetooth beacons. This is perfect for events.
The firm has received recognition from Google for Startups, Conscious Venture Lab, SCRA and Chairman Partners.
Building PowerTribe Community- A Software Development Case Study
January 24, 2023|Jason Stokes
PowerTribe was founded as a mentorship program for women of color in the corporate world to address the issue of the lack of black female representation in senior leadership positions within corporate America. The founder approached us to create a web-based platform that would provide a supportive community for black women seeking to grow and advance professionally while fostering personal growth and financial stability.
The client’s objective was to establish a digital platform that would facilitate connections between women of color across the United States and offer various membership options, including different levels of access and an events calendar page. Additionally, the client sought to create a space where women and mentors could connect and interact.
Product Description
The Power Tribe website is a membership-based platform with two tiers. Members can register as mentors or mentees with varying benefits and patent structures. The registration format allows the site to collect relevant information on its members, which is then stored securely. Members can create accounts where they will get notifications about upcoming events planned by Power Tribe. The site also serves as a platform for women of color in corporate America to share their experiences through the blog.
Technologies Used
WordPress site
The website is fully developed on WordPress CMS with responsive layouts, so it looks great on all devices. Additionally, we integrated WooCommerce plugins to set up the membership functionality.
How we built the Power Tribe Website
The first stage in creating the website was creating a brand for Power Tribe. We held several meetings with our clients to understand their inspiration behind creating this community. Our design team came up with several brand colors and a logo, with the client approving one.
The next step was developing the website. We used WordPress to build the site, which allowed us to create a custom theme for our client’s needs. The software also allowed us to seamlessly integrate many different parts of the site to create a robust platform that could handle all of these features in an easy-to-use way. It is also simple enough for users with zero tech skills to manage.
The client wanted to create a tiered membership system with different price points and access levels that would allow their users to sign up as community members or advisors. To make this possible, we needed to develop an intuitive way for users to manage their subscriptions. We set up this functionality with WooCommerce, which allowed us to create membership levels and access rules.
Using an event calendar page would be a great way to manage memberships. It also provided an opportunity for users who were yet to be members but were interested in becoming one later on down the line to see what was coming up without signing up or paying any upfront. This would help boost community numbers.
We designed the event calendar page to make it easy for members and non-members alike to find out what events are happening on any given day. The design is clean and minimalist and is a straightforward functionality for members to plan their involvement in community events. Only users with admin access can alter this page.
Publishing a blog on a WordPress site
Next up was the ‘Who We Are’ page. Finally, we created a page that captures the essence of what the Power Tribe Community is all about. We knew that this part of the website would be a central component for our customers, so we took extra care to ensure everything was right. We started with research on similar websites and noted what made them so appealing. We then used this information as inspiration while creating a unique ‘About’ page.
Finally, our dev team developed the Power Tribe blog page. This was the cornerstone of the entire project, as our clients wanted to share their experiences and those of other women of color.
Using an API, our tech team integrated the site with stripe, simplifying the membership payment process. The client can now receive funds automatically via credit cards and other digital formats while focusing on unleashing the potential of women of color.
Results
Our client has gone on to register dozens of members from the website. Since 2020, they have also organized several meetups across the states. In addition, the site has enabled them to have an online presence and made inroads on social media using the site-social media linkage.