Quantive (Gtmhub) struggled to consistently provide customized recommendations for their customers. The self-service nature of creating OKRs often became cumbersome, and navigating to the right Insight was increasingly difficult.
Needed a solution to help users find useful Insights quickly and auto-fill fields to boost customer satisfaction.
Approach and solution
Implemented LSTM-based neural network for automatic form fill-ins using TensorFlow.
Deployed a pre-trained Transformer model to provide real-time recommendations for Insights, facilitated by microservices fetching events from a Kafka data stream.
Established ML pipelines using TensorFlow, Jenkins, and MLFlow to consume new datasets from Kafka, triggering model re-training for ongoing accuracy and relevance.
Impact achieved
Achieved over 95% accuracy in automatic entity recognition and form completion.
Significantly increased customer engagement.
Boosted the usage of OKRs and Insights by customers.
Expertise and scope
Technology Stack: Python, TensorFlow, Keras, MLflow, Docker, Jenkins, SonarQube, Azure Data Lake, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse, PostgreSQL
Overview
Quantive (previously Gtmhub) is a leading strategy execution software and services company inspired by the objectives and key results (OKRs) methodology. Their platform supports organizational alignment, improved visibility, and the creation of a result-driven culture.
Challenges
Rising digitalization with a relentless focus on operational excellence is driving product companies to innovate at higher speeds. In a modern/niche market, consumers often opt for data-driven products enabling intelligent, and seamless digital experiences.
To turn their product vision into reality, our client needed help with data-driven enhancements that make the most of customer insights and place them ahead of the competition in a multimillion-dollar market category of their own.
Solution
Our transformation journey started by performing agile analytical work in various segments of customer and product data to grasp key concepts and gain knowledge about the product.
For the analytical workloads, we developed a PostgreSQL database that we connected to an automated data pipeline within Azure Cloud, thus leveraging Azure Data Lake and Data Factory to source data from MongoDB. As development efforts progressed, we enabled Azure Synapse to handle data orchestration and supersede Azure Data Factory.
Once enough insights were gained, we proposed to develop a Long short-term memory (LSTM) deep learning model based on TensorFlow and integrate it as a core natural language processing (NLP) feature in the product.
Our new feature provides real-time semantic suggestions inferred from customer-supplied text fields. Once the user writes out the text, this information is sent over to the model API and predictions about the form fields are returned to the front end. As product architecture is based on microservices, embedding the model service within this context was done using gRPC.
By leveraging technologies such as Docker, MLflow, Jenkins, and SonarQube, we achieved complete automation of the data science and machine learning operationalization workflow for seamless model training, testing, evaluation, and deployment. As part of the ongoing monitoring setup, we developed Grafana dashboards with KPIs and metrics to monitor the real-time accuracy and performance of the service in production.
Results
Our model service exists in a live Kubernetes cluster serving thousands of customer requests daily. Throughout vigorous code optimization and testing, we achieved mean response time of 150 milliseconds per request and model accuracy of 92%. We continue to bring value to the customer by researching, building, testing, and delivering new, data-driven product features.
Goodlord needed to integrate a remote team into their established onsite work processes in London, proposing fresh solutions and software improvements despite their lack of experience with external remote engineers.
Approach and solution
Analyzed the existing architecture and proposed core system improvements, migrating legacy functional code to OOP modules in Symfony (PHP) for better scalability and maintainability.
Implemented unit and end-to-end tests to simulate various loads and prevent defects, and reorganized the MySQL database and migrated the web interface to React components.
Impact achieved
New Architecture: Based on Symfony and Scala, leading to improved scalability and maintainability.
Database Reorganization: Enhanced the performance and efficiency of the MySQL database.
Web Interface Migration: Transitioned to React components for better user experience and performance.
Test Coverage: Achieved comprehensive unit and end-to-end test coverage for major functionalities.
Goodlord is a UK Based software service provider for landlords, agents, and tenants. The company specializes in the preparation and maintenance of the required documentation for renting offices and residential spaces such as electronic forms and contracts between landlords and tenants, choosing suppliers of gas, electricity, water, etc.
Their services utilize electronic signatures, invoices, and a wide array of online payments. Notifications to involved parties as well as automated contract extension and termination are included as well.
Challenges
Goodlord was looking for experienced software developers to join their existing in-house team and assist with migrating the core of their web-based software from legacy functional PHP to Symfony, get involved in support, new features implementation, and test integration. The company’s specific requirement was for the software developers to be able to take on various multi-tech tasks in all areas of the platform.
Overall, Goodlord’s desire was to hire team members who will be tightly integrated into the existing work processes but will also propose fresh solutions to support issues, and suggest software improvements. This was a risky endeavor considering the company’s established practice of onsite work only in their London office and the fact that they hire external remote engineers from another country for the first time.
Solution
We started with an analysis of the existing architecture, understanding the specific details and issues in discussions with the onsite software engineers and support team, meeting with Product Managers to get acquainted with the business objective and goals of the system and each individual component.
Based on this, we were able to propose improvements to the software core system and started getting involved in the migration of the legacy functional code to OOP modules in Symfony (PHP) in order to improve the architecture, code scalability, and maintainability, and to allow for faster implementation of new features.
Additionally, unit and end-to-end tests were implemented and integrated to simulate various loads, as well as tests for every new feature to prevent defects.
Furthermore, we have been supporting the client by importing all end-customer data received from different systems to the client structure. To achieve this we developed ETL processes based on SSIS.
The client needed to gain a deeper understanding of their customers and market dynamics to optimise customer satisfaction through tailored products and services.
Lacking comprehensive knowledge of their customers’ preferences, habits, and feelings, they risked not meeting customer expectations, leading to potential dissatisfaction and inefficient utilization of resources.
Approach and solution
We used advanced analytics techniques like K-means clustering, DBSCAN, Regression analysis, ANOVA, and PCA to segment the customer base by attributes and preferences.
Using XGBoost and Random Forests, we developed predictive models to forecast behavior, make personalized recommendations, and optimize marketing.
With insights from customer behavior, we tailored effective loyalty programs for specific segments.
Impact achieved
Enhanced understanding of customer segments and behaviors led to more targeted and effective marketing campaigns.
Tailored loyalty programs improved customer retention and engagement.
Robust systems allowed for better monitoring and analysis of key performance indicators, supporting strategic decision-making.
Overview
Kaufland, a leading international retailer in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, operates over 1,500 stores and warehouses across eight countries, along with an online marketplace in Germany.
Challenges
Kaufland faced the challenge of understanding their loyal customers and market dynamics to optimize customer satisfaction through tailored products and services. With limited insights into customer preferences, habits, and sentiments, they risked falling short of customer expectations, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and inefficient resource allocation.
Solution
To address these challenges, we implemented customer segmentation and advanced analytics. Utilizing techniques such as K-means clustering, DBSCAN, regression analysis, ANOVA, and PCA, we identified distinct customer segments based on a variety of attributes and preferences.
We then employed XGBoost and Random Forests to develop predictive models that forecasted customer behavior, enabled personalized recommendations, and optimized marketing strategies.
With these insights, we designed and implemented effective loyalty programs tailored to specific customer segments. Additionally, we established robust KPI tracking and transparency systems, enabling data-driven decision-making and facilitating comprehensive business performance evaluation.
Bosch wanted to transform itself into a digital organization to meet consumer demands.
At the same time Bosch must stay competitive against other big industrial players from the US and Asia.
Approach and solution:
AI/ML research and PoC projects related to knowledge graphs.
Development of Android applications.
Digital anti-counterfeit solutions for physical goods.
Open-source cloud stack for developing applications.
Impact achieved:
Remarkable success in multiple projects.
Improving manufacturing at scale with digital tools based on Java and Angular.
Digitizing the customer experience
Expertise and scope:
Tech Stack: Java, Python, php, DevOps tools
Overview:
As with many international companies, Bosch Group, the global industrial conglomerate, faces a dual challenge. On one hand, it must transform itself into a digital organization to meet consumer demands. On the other hand, it must stay competitive against other big industrial players from the US and Asia.
On top of that, the company is keeping an eye on emerging AI/ML technologies that set the market pace today. Bosch is well-positioned to benefit from this trend since it has accumulated large amounts of data. However, for a company to stay ahead of the competition, sometimes it all boils down to having the right talent with a skill set at the forefront of innovation.
Solution:
In 2021, Wiser became a partner of Bosch.IO. Thе company, now called Bosch Digital, is an IT subsidiary of the global enterprise. It works on IoT, AI, and other digital technologies in the fields of industrial engineering, energy, automotive, building solutions, and others.
Wiser’s role is to contribute to the creation of software engineering teams that drive the digital transformation of Bosch and its software product development. While Bosch boasts excellent in-house engineering staff, it also benefits from external help that brings fresh perspectives and know-how. Together, we collaborate on numerous projects, with the most captivating focusing on:
Improving manufacturing at scale with digital tools based on Java and Angular.
AI/ML research and PoC projects related to knowledge graphs.
Development of Android applications.
Digital anti-counterfeit solutions for physical goods.
Open-source cloud stack for developing applications.
Frequently, the collaboration happens in a hybrid mode. Joint teams work together either remotely or in the offices of Bosch and Wiser. Depending on the unique project needs, our colleagues travel to Stuttgart or other Bosch locations for workshops, tech conferences, or other face-to-face events.
In the ever-evolving landscape of video streaming, growth often demands a transition to more powerful and flexible platforms. Recently, we faced such a challenge with a client who had outgrown their current platform hosted on Vimeo. The task at hand was not just a migration – it was a strategic move to a dedicated, robust, Over-the-Top (OTT) platform tailored to meet the growing demands of their audience.
The steps
Content Migration
User Data Migration
Integration with 3rd Party Platforms
Payment System Transition
Switch Over Planning
Content migration: A herculean task
Migrating content is the most visible and critical part of the transition. This isn’t just about moving video files—it’s about transferring the entire ecosystem: video assets, metadata, subtitles, artwork, and more. The complexity and volume of data made this task more time-consuming than anticipated, highlighting the need for meticulous planning and execution in content migration.
User data migration: Maintaining continuity
User data migration is a sensitive and intricate process. Our task was seamlessly moving user accounts, profiles, settings, watch history, and recommendations. The challenge lay in mapping the legacy data architecture and transferring relevant data to the new system. A crucial aspect of this was handling passwords, which had to be transmitted in hashed form to maintain security and user trust.
Integration with 3rd party platforms
The new OTT platform demanded the integration of fresh APIs, SDKs, and infrastructure. This step was crucial to support the enhanced features and functionality we envisioned for the platform. Adapting to these new technical requirements was a significant hurdle but essential for the long-term scalability and flexibility of the platform.
Payment system transition: InPlayer integration
A subtle yet vital aspect of our migration strategy was the integration of InPlayer for payment processing. This switch was a technical update and a strategic move to enhance user experience and streamline revenue generation.
Switch over planning: The final leap
The final transition from the old to the new platform required careful orchestration. Our goal was to minimize subscriber impact and avoid confusion during the switchover. This phase demanded precise internal communication among our teams and externally with our client’s audience.
Conclusion
This migration project was more than just a technical task; it was a natural learning curve for us. Tackling these challenges sharpened our ability to handle complex OTT platform transitions. We’ve gained many practical insights from this experience, which we’re excited to apply in our future work.
Looking back, we see this project as more than just a platform switch. It was a significant change for both our client and our team. We’re pleased to have managed this complicated process successfully, and it’s given us a new level of confidence in our work in video streaming development.
#1In green recovery & tech development in Bulgaria
since 2012Leader for IoT solutions in Bulgaria
Problem statement
Sentra Systems set out to develop an Internet of Things (IoT) solution for a large enterprise. The aim was to replace an outdated system that monitors dams and reservoirs. The project focused on enhancing scalability and user experience
Approach and solution
We developed a user-friendly web app featuring live data feeds, photo capture, and 3D visualization from 100+ sites with over 2000 sensors.
The solution
28 000+ data points collected & analyzed per minute
Live alerts for extreme events, i.e. very high water level and risk of overflow (or low level and upcoming drought).
Impact achieved
The web application we developed for Sentra’s enterprise customer is a notable improvement compared to their legacy monitoring system. It’s characterized by live data feeds from each location, photo capturing capability, photo archive, customizable screens with sensor data, and 3D site visualization.
Our solution is capable of digesting and analyzing 28 000 data points per minute. It covers around 100 physical locations with over 2000 sensors.
Sentra’s enterprise customer benefits from our solution because it is a user-friendly web app suitable for use on mobile devices – an important aspect when infrastructure technicians are on the go. It is also a notable improvement over the old software program.
The dams monitoring system we created has a critical importance for the overall management of physical infrastructure. It helps local and state authorities to anticipate and manage risks like floods, droughts, etc. The app’s live alerts warn users of extreme events , e.g. very high water level and risk of overflow (or, conversely, very low water level).
Sentra Systems creates and operates end-to-end Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that track and control various aspects of the physical world like homes, utilities, public infrastructure, smart city systems, etc. By partnering with some of the world’s leading developers in the IoT domain, Sentra’s data-driven products tackle specific real-world problems. Each solution helps end-users manage their connected devices while overcoming the inherent constraints of a given use case.
Challenge
Working for a large enterprise customer, Sentra develops a state-of-the-art monitoring system for physical infrastructure that should replace an existing legacy platform.
Sentra’s business challenge was to achieve greater scalability and improved user experience while ensuring 24/7 uninterrupted on-site monitoring and a seamless transition to the new system. With its expertise in scalable back-end and front-end software, Wiser have been engaged by Sentra in creating a solution that is stable, user-friendly, and future-proof.
Solution
Upon investigating the state of the legacy platform and researching suitable technologies, Wiser planned and developed the new system having in mind other potential use cases like monitoring of parking lots and municipal water supply infrastructure.
The solution followed a successful Discovery phase, completed together with Sentra. It resulted in: 1) Clear project scope with defined business needs, addressed problems, and the things making the product unique, 2) All-in-one storage of requirements serving the development team, including criteria for the project’s success, and 3) Identified technologies matching the requirements as well as the architectural design of the system.
With the back end connected to the front end in December 2020, Both parties moved forward to introduce the new user interface. It features notable improvements such as a live data feed from each location, including photo capturing capability, customizable screens with sensor data, and 3D site visualization.
Wiser’s approach to work closely with Sentra’s engineering and development team also proved helpful. Each development phase was followed by a mini-demo where the team showcased the latest features to Sentra. Feedback and user needs were incorporated as we progressed with development.
The project in numbers
Around 100 sites to be monitored with the new system
All locations will have over 2000 sensors in total
Automate tasks of the customer support team to achieve faster, more convenient, and responsive processes.
Identify and verify customers quickly during initial interactions to save agents’ time.
Approach and solution:
Developed an IVR BOT to identify callers and display their info to IT reps.
Created a Teams BOT to join calls, listen for keywords, and provide real-time information.
Implemented speech-to-text for transcriptions and email summaries.
Integrated Face Analysis for insights during video calls.
Impact achieved:
Faster Identification: Reduced time for customer identification.
Increased Responsiveness: Improved response times and efficiency.
Enhanced Customer Service: Provided real-time information and insights, improving overall customer experience.
Expertise and scope:
Tech Stack: .NET Framework, C#, Azure, Azure Web Services, Azure Bot Framework, Microsoft Graph API, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Skype SDK
Overview
Technology Services is a trusted Microsoft partner with over twenty years of experience supporting the technology and business needs of midsize and enterprise institutions. The client was looking for a solution for internal use that would automate certain tasks of the customer support team in their IT department to achieve a faster, more convenient, and more responsive process as well as enhance the customer experience.
Challenges
The client was looking for a way to automate certain tasks of the customer support team in order to make the process faster, smoother, and more efficient. When a customer phones our client’s organization, for example, identification and verification usually take place during the initial 30 seconds of interaction. Identifying a caller’s identity can take up a large part of the agent’s time. Thus, the client wanted us to find a solutiоn with MS Teams that will automate the process in some way and will help them achieve their goal.
Microsoft provides tools for real-time manipulation of audio/video stream data from an MS Teams call and LUIS – a tool for keyword detection. However, the output from MS Teams calls does not match the input required for LUIS, making them unable to interact with each other in a direct manner. To solve this problem, we had to split the entire data stream from MS Teams calls into bits and put them back into the type of data required for LUIS.
Solution
We completed two different mini-projects, both related to demo BOTs in Microsoft Teams. The first project was on an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) BOT that allows the user to place audio calls and communicate via their keypads. We enabled the BOT to intercept incoming calls, identify who is calling, then redirect the call to the IT department and show a popup with the caller information on the screen of the customer service representative answering the call. The information gathered about the caller can vary depending on the industry and client needs and aims to reduce agent handling time and increase operational efficiency. Ultimately, this demo is designed to work not only with Microsoft Teams but also to allow you to attach a phone number to the BOT. This will be implemented as soon as Microsoft allows it as an option, which they are currently working on.
The second BOT is again connected to calls, but this time the user does not connect to an automated system but enters a call room in Microsoft Teams. When a customer service representative is in a call room with a customer, he can connect the BOT to the call and the BOT will enter and start listening for keywords. The entire conversation is processed in real-time, and the keywords that the BOT should detect can be customized using third-party software. When a certain word is detected, the BOT displays information about the respective keyword on the screen of the customer service representative. This eliminates the need for the representative to search for information during the conversation, which again facilitates and speeds up the process.
In addition, sentiment analysis is performed to detect when the words that the customer uses are negative. When this happens, a red flag is raised and the BOT notifies the supervisor of the respective customer support representative that the customer they are talking to is not happy with the conversation and provides the supervisor with two links through which he can either connect to the customer support rep via chat or directly join the call.
We also implemented a speech-to-text functionality that transcribes the conversation whilst collecting the names, timestamps, and emails of participants, and automatically sends them the transcript via email at the end of the call.
Last but not least, we implemented Microsoft Face Analysis, which offers the possibility to analyze the face of the customer when the camera is on and provide insights about their face and behavior. This could be used to build engaging customer experiences and maximize their satisfaction.
Nova Broadcasting Group (NBG) is part of the United Group (UG) and one of Eastern Europe’s largest multi-platform media and technology companies. NBG had already been using a prominent streaming services provider, but needed more independence and greater flexibility.
Approach and solution
We gathered requirements and developed a complete OTT solution, including architecture, product definition, infrastructure, admin back-end and front end apps.
Native client apps – any current web browser, iOS, Android, AndroidTV app, and Chromecast.
Two streaming services – Nova Play (live and AVOD) and Play Diema Xtra (live, PPV and SVOD)
It provides a 24/7 live stream of linear programs and an on-demand watching of video content.
Impact achieved
Migrated seamlessly users, plans, payments and content in 2 independent OTT services.
Achieved zero user base churn during the process.
Started with 4 linear TV channels and added later 2 new.
Increased user base to 600k active users
17% increased watch time (resp. ads revenue per user)
No vendor roadmap lock – client shapes and leads its own custom features roadmap.
“We are truly delighted by the high level of competence and responsiveness of Wiser Technology's team.“
Video streaming background
Video streaming started as a proof of concept back in the 90s. What pushed its growth was the development of MPEG-DASH standard in 2012, which allowed YouTube and other video streaming platforms to move from Flash to HTML5. Ever since then, video streaming has been growing steadily. The latest COVID-19 pandemia and other socio-economical and generation-behavioral factors boosted the video streaming market. The competition in the content provision field has become immense, involving even the traditional TV channels and broadcast service providers.
Nova Broadcasting Group inquiry
Such is the case with Nova Broadcasting Group (NBG), part of the United Group (UG) and one of Eastern Europe’s largest multi-platform media and technology companies. NBG had already been distributing content using a prominent streaming services provider known for working with respected global brands. However, the high-quality content distribution services offered by the platform were insufficient for NBG. The media company was looking for more independence and greater flexibility. Its management has realized that it is not just about streaming content anymore but about providing a user experience. Swift time-to-market (TTM) and a personal attitude catering to the audience’s demands are the keys to success. NBG reached out to Wiser Technology to develop a proprietary streaming platform to add value to their audience while introducing a modern and reliable back-end streaming infrastructure.
Wiser Technology’s video streaming solution
...scalable solution that could meet the market dynamics and respond to the constantly growing user base...
Wiser Technology developed a custom video streaming solution based on the fusion between a proprietary OTT platform and a third-party streaming service. The streaming solution included a complete OTT platform with a smooth administrative back-end and a stylish user interface. One of the most significant tasks for Wiser Technology was to create a scalable solution that could meet the market dynamics and respond to the constantly growing user base of the media. The platform was split into two streaming services – Nova Play and Play Diema Xtra with four live TV channels – NOVA Play Live, Diema Sport 1, Diema Sport 2, and Diema Sport 3. The OTT platform provides a 24/7 live stream of linear programs and an on-demand watching of video content serving over 200k active users.
Usability of the custom OTT platform
The streaming service runs smoothly on any current web browser, such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and iTunes. In addition, it supports native iOS and Android applications, including the AndroidTV app and Chromecast. The streaming solution provides a flawless user experience on the front end and effortless administration of the back end. The platform allows easy management and ads serving on the free content. In addition, it offers user registration and pay-per-view (PPV) or a subscription-based approach for more exclusive content. The end-users can enjoy features such as user profiles with push notifications and watch later options. Continuous play across multiple devices is another very convenient feature that allows the users to continue a previously initiated stream on the same or different device when logged in with the same profile. The implemented DVR functionality allows browsing within the video content back and forth in live or a recorded programs.
Refined backend
The OTT platform provides sophisticated content management with smooth media ingestion and a broad range of supported formats. The adaptive bitrate optimizes delivery to any device on any network to secure optimal streaming quality. It simplifies and optimizes the content delivery path, thus guaranteeing fast and high-quality streaming regardless of the viewer’s location. The system offers secure monetization and Digital Rights Management (DRM) functionalities to protect the customers and the content owners. Multilayer Analytics and intelligent marketing tools are integrated to deliver a better user experience.
Robust infrastructure
NBG’s platform guarantees extreme stability even on high-volume operations while providing the best video delivery QoS – 96/100 Mux video rebuffering score and the industry’s best live streaming quality unaffected by traffic volume. It is highly scalable and reliable, utilizing multi-CDN distributed deployment, auto-scaling, and full redundancy. An end-to-end encryption performing cloud encoding, transcoding, and packaging ensures secure stream delivery.
Technical challenge
During the development process, we encountered a significant issue concerning the MPEG-DASH. The problem we faced was related to MPEG-DASH’s disadvantage: once its stream production is set up, it is pretty static and cannot be adjusted or relocated. It is impossible to alter the DVR window size, corresponding to the time frame the consumers can seek back in a live stream. Once the encoder or packager starts producing the stream, the user cannot change the output resolutions and the live edge. All these resulted in a poor user experience related to buffering and even stream freezing.
The solution
Although we have utilized one of the most popular and reliable third-party OTT streaming platforms, the shared efforts with its experienced tech crew did not yield positive results. It took us multiple attempts and considerable time to figure out an effective workaround. Finally, we developed a MPEG-DASH live stream proxy solution that enables the content/streaming service provider to perform MPEG-DASH stream modifications and relocation. The relocation involves progressively downloading the latest MPEG-DASH manifest and fragments to a new location and modifying the manifest.
Project structure
The NBG OTT streaming platform development project followed the Agile/Kanban approach, split into several phases. Each phase had a duration of three to four months. The result after each stage was the release of one or two major features and several minor ones. The team consisted of Project and Product Managers, a Software Architect, a DevOps Engineer, Web, iOS, and Android Developers, CMS/Backend/API Engineers, QA and Testing engineers, and Support Engineers.
The outcome
Wiser Technology has been growing video streaming expertise for almost a decade. Applied in comprehensive OTT video streaming platforms, such as the one for Nova Broadcasting Group and FITE, or mission-critical projects, like NATO AGS, the team has always strived for perfection and refinement. Dirk Gerkens, Nova Broadcasting Group CEO and United Media Director of Programming, Production, and Advertising Sales, sums up the outcome “We are truly delighted by the high level of competence and responsiveness of Wiser Technology’s team.”
Lack of trust in traditional aid funding due to poor governance and financial control in charities.
Prohibit NGOs access to fiat money and facilitate collaboration between different finance organizations to ensure the effective use of resources and hold institutions accountable.
Approach and solution
Created a token-based peer-2-peer ecosystem that securely connects worldwide donations directly to the beneficiaries in need.
Ensured transparency, traceability, and secure funds allocation to those in need with micro-transactions with zero fees.
Impact achieved
Ensured complete traceability of all transactions, enhancing trust among donors and beneficiaries.
Minimized overhead through efficient blockchain mechanisms and zero-fee micro-transactions.
Facilitated direct interaction between donors and the communities receiving aid, fostering a more accountable and responsive aid process.
Expertise and scope
Technology Stack: Sketch, InVision, Adobe Xd
Overview
AIDONIC aims to transform traditional aid funding by creating a token-based peer-2-peer ecosystem that securely connects worldwide donations directly to the beneficiaries in need. The client wanted to develop a blockchain platform that ensures traceability and provides 100% transparency, secure funds allocation to those in need and micro-transactions with zero fees. As an early-stage startup, Aidonic required both our consulting and development services regarding the UX/UI design of their platform.
Challenges
The lack of trust is a major problem in traditional aid funding. The poor governance and financial control in charities and generally the lack of transparency make you wonder whether investments are contributing to development outcomes and how you could be sure without information on results. Without transparency, we lack the tools to facilitate collaboration between different finance organizations in order to ensure the effective use of resources and to hold institutions accountable. The solution we had to develop ought to tackle these challenges and satisfy the client’s requirement to prohibit NGOs access to fiat money. Furthermore, since the client was a startup company seeking potential investors to increase capital and funds, the project was highly time-constrained.
Solution
The Aidonic Platform aims to facilitate charity campaigns and enable NGOs to raise funds from donors in a transparent way, displaying the cash-flow in real-time until beneficiaries receive the aid. As an early-stage startup, Aidonic required our consulting services regarding the UX/UI design. In two months the team helped Aidonic form the concept and vision of the product and decide on its design. The product would be a blockchain-based platform that serves as a communication channel between the involved parties and provides traceability of fund transactions. During the UX phase, we developed for the client an interactive prototype of a web-based platform using high-fidelity wireframes. The team specified the platform actors and defined all communication paths and workflows including these for the fund donation, transferring and management processes. We also developed the information architecture of the functionality and User registration type, profile (Unlogger/Donor/NGO/Beneficiary/Retailer), and management. We further specified how to proceed with both successful and unsuccessful campaigns. On the UI side, we created all visual components, the UI visual guideline, and all desktop screens for the platform.
Thrive Community wanted to develop a platform that takes the guesswork, disruptions, and guilt out of caring for aging loved ones. We developed an app that simplifies the process of getting updates, coordinating people, and doing virtual appointments so that seniors, their families, and the care circle can feel supported and encouraged.
Challenges
Thrive Community wanted to build an app that makes caregiving less stressful by bringing doctors, nurses, family, and other caregivers into a central place and reducing the number of apps they need to get everyone on the same page. The client had a great idea but lacked the resources and expertise to develop the product and trusted us to turn their vision into reality.
Solution
We developed an intuitive, easy-to-use iOS application designed with seniors’ involvement and caregiver responsibilities in mind. To reduce the number of apps needed for the coordination of care plans, the team enabled users to add up to 7 circle members, health practitioners, and doctors to the platform. The app is easy for seniors to use, allowing them to set up an account with one click. It also provides the option for seniors to share how they feel with a single tap on the “check-in mood” icon letting the care circle know if they’re sad, neutral, or happy. We also added the option to set up a schedule for how often seniors need to check in every day. This allows caregivers to look out for missed check-ins or sad notifications and in case something is not quite right ask questions that mitigate the risk of deterioration in health or a sense of loneliness.
To keep seniors engaged the team added a news feed layer for photo sharing and a separate news module allowing caregivers to set permissions for news providers. The app was also integrated with Amazon to allow seniors to purchase suitable products for them. In addition, the team added HIPAA-compliant video call and private chat features for iPhone and iPad through a VoIP SDK integration allowing members of the circle to stay in touch with the senior and manage virtual check-ups. The chat offers an easy way for sharing updates, reminders, and tasks. For maximum ease, we enabled seniors to make video calls to family and caregivers simply by tapping the “face” icon of the person they need to speak to.
After the launch of the product, the client received a large number of requests from Android users, which required the development of the application for Android. To save Thrive future maintenance costs, we recommended developing the applications in Flutter. After approval by the client, we developed all the features using Flutter for both the Android and iOS applications, while making some enhancements to the existing Onboarding journey.
Furthermore, to improve the call and chat stability we changed the VoIP provider to ConnectyCube which also allowed us to add new features such as receiving calls and messages while the app is offline using VOIP push notifications. In addition, we were able to offer a seamless user experience through Platform-specific API integrations.
