How Technology Keeps Families Closer Than Ever
Is it possible to create custom software for better relations with family? Let’s check! First, imagine you have to spend one day without your phone. Amongst other things, you’d probably feel a bit of anxiety from a lack of contact with your closest contacts. At least, digitalization touches every generation.
CHALLENGES
Our client – Family Fabric, provided an initial piece of application which had been created by an external company. In brief, Stermedia was asked to analyze its effectiveness. The results of the code review were not satisfying. So, Family Fabric decided to change its former provider to Stermedia.
Consequently, Family Fabric’s goal was to create a safe and friendly ecosystem for families by improving family communication. Moreover by enabling shopping together in trusted places and providing safe content for children and parents.
RESULTS OF PREPARING CUSTOM SOFTWARE
After consultations, decisions about technologies and platforms were made. As a result, we developed some custom software: mobile application and web service FamilyApp.
So, the platforms contain:
- Threads – user can chat 1:1 and in groups (secured by End-to-End encryption) or share links and events
- Channels – user can share thematic articles like recipes, parenting tips, public events and signup forms pre-populated with accurate family data
- Events – user can create and share private events
- Fabric – managing family settings by changing pictures or adding and removing new family members
TECHNICAL SIDE OF THE PROJECT
The project used the following technologies:
Mobile (Android and iOS) as below:
Technologies: React Native
Continuous integration: Bitrise
Database: async storage
Integrations: Branch.io
Tests: Manual tests
CMS (component channels) include:
Technologies: Python Django (backend) and React (frontend)
Continuous integration: GitLab Ci
Database: Postgres
Tests: Django e2e test (backend)
Backend:
Technologies: Ruby on Rails
Continuous integration: GitLab Ci
Database: Postgres
Tests: Rspec, capybara
The application is still being developed by Stermedia experts in SCRUM methodology.
CLIENT’S OPINION
‘I stared work with Stermedia 2 years ago with another project. We’re really impressed by the quality of the developers here.’ – Thomas Lyons, Co-founder and Head of Innovation and Dev Ops – At any rate, I’d recommend Stermedia to a friend or colleague because I know they are very reliable and they do very good work.’
PROJECT IN NUMBERS
In total, the project lasted for 68 months or 11 341 hours with a team of 6 people.
ABOUT FAMILY FABRIC COMPANY
FamilyApp™ is a new messenger dedicated to the family life. They provide one place for your loved ones, so you’ll never have to deal with fragmented family communications again. FamilyApp™ is like your family operating system. They provide one place to connect all generations, so you’ll never have to deal with fragmented family communications again!
