Categories
Product Projects

BatteryXchange Software Development Case Study

The Opportunity

BatteryXchange is a leading smartphone battery exchange platform in the country, offering clients access to a network of battery exchange locations nationwide, enabling them to quickly recharge on-the-go and save valuable time and resources. The company approached Plecco.net 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.”

Categories
Design Projects

Building Madame Dope Eyewear Ecommerce Website Case Study

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.

Categories
Design Projects

Building PowerTribe Community- A Software Development Case Study

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.

 

Categories
Design Projects

How We Built LifeTagger- A Software Development Case Study

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.

 

 

 

Categories
Design Projects

ISACA: A Software Development Case Study

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.

Categories
Projects

Why You Should Optimize an Existing Application

If your application is already live, there are many reasons why you should consider optimizing it. This article will cover the main steps of optimizing and scaling an existing application, from where to start with the optimization process to when to stop.

What is Application Optimization and Scaling?

Application optimization is a process of improving the performance of an application by making it faster and more efficient. The goal of application optimization is to ensure your website or app runs smoothly on all devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers. For an app, it involves ensuring smooth running on android and ios.

Application scaling refers to increasing a system’s capacity without adding more hardware or software components. Scaling allows you to work with less hardware than before because you can share resources with other applications running on the same server.

What are the essential requirements for optimizing and scaling an application?

Optimizing and scaling an application is a process that involves analyzing the current state of your application, identifying potential bottlenecks, assessing whether they can be addressed cost-effectively, and then implementing any necessary changes. The following are some of the essential requirements for optimizing and scaling an application:

  • Application performance – This includes how well your system performs under load and responsiveness to user input.
  • Application scalability – How many users can be supported by this system? How will this grow over time as new features or existing ones need improvement?
  • Application security – What measures do you take to protect sensitive information within this system (e.g., passwords)? Are there any significant weaknesses that could allow attackers access to critical data such as credit card numbers or social security numbers without authorization from authorized users? If so, how could those weaknesses be fixed without breaking any rules set forth by law enforcement agencies?

Critical Considerations for Optimizing and Scaling an Application

There are many aspects to consider when optimizing and scaling an application. The performance of an application is determined by its performance profile, which can be broken down into three key areas:

  • CPU Bottleneck – This refers to the time required to process data or APIs (application programming interfaces). If you have a bottleneck in your code, it will slow down or even stop other functions from executing correctly.
  • Memory Bottleneck – The amount of RAM used by each process on your server depends on how much traffic comes through it at any given time. As more users come online, they’ll need more memory to access their favorite sites as quickly as possible without delays or crashes!
  • User environment- Understanding your users’ internet quality is key to your app’s success. Research your target market’s constraints to know how different networks will impact your performance and optimization.

When Should you Optimize and Scale your Existing Application?

There are many reasons why an application might be running out of memory or disk space, including:

  • The application has grown beyond its original limits and needs to be rearchitected.
  • The application is slow (i.e., it takes too long to load).
  • More people are using the app concurrently(e.g., if there are only ten users but they’re all using the product at once).

You should also consider whether your app is scalable and user-friendly—if not, it may be time to scale up!

Step-by-Step Guide to Optimizing and Scaling your existing web application

Optimizing an existing web application is a complex process. It requires the right tools and a thorough understanding of how they work together to improve performance and scalability.

  • Identify bottlenecks in your application: You will need to identify what parts of the system are slowest or most resource-intensive to focus on improving those areas first. For example, if one page takes 2 seconds to load on average, it may be worth focusing your efforts on improving that page’s performance. This is easier than trying to improve the entire system simultaneously.
  • Identify the right tools for the job: You’ll want to use optimized tools for scaling out applications like Heroku; this means looking into things like Postgres and Redis, depending on what kind of data set needs optimizing (if there is any).
  • Implement the right tools for the job: Once we have identified our bottleneck within our codebase, we should begin implementing solutions.

Here are some reasons why you should optimize an existing application.

Reduce load on your application

The first reason you should scale and optimize an existing application is that it can improve the performance of your system by reducing the number of requests to load a page or lowering latency for users who use the site. If a user is frustrated with waiting for something to happen on their screen, they will leave in frustration before giving you another chance at gaining their business or attention.

Improve user experience

User experience (UX) refers to how well a product meets its users’ needs through design elements such as visuals, content, and interactivity within a given platform or device; UX also includes usability testing, where testers evaluate how well products function in real life situations versus theoretical expectations when designing them initially (elements like navigation menus are considered part of UX).

This helps ensure that everyone using your product gets what they need without asking questions about what those needs might be beforehand because someone already knows how these things work out loud right now!

While optimizing an application may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and team at your disposal, you can find ways to streamline your existing web application to improve performance, scale up with new features, and add new functionality. So talk to us, and we will save you time and money and increase user satisfaction!