Development process

For the success of the startup, we needed to create a convenient platform on which three types of users could interact comfortably: parcel senders, drivers and service administrators. Through careful research, planning and well-constructed communication with the customer, we managed to successfully solve this task. Now we will tell you how exactly the technology took place.

1. Analysis of the market and competitors

In order to create a simple but at the same time effective project architecture, we conducted a detailed market analysis: we identified the main competitors and then studied their strengths and weaknesses.

2. Prototype

Based on the received data, optimal user scenarios were thought out, mind maps and interface warframes were created. Special attention was paid to the design of the functionality, because on the ByTheWay platform users must interact directly, which means that a large part of the processes had to be automated. The result of the stage was a carefully thought-out prototype of the project. It made it possible to understand how the site and the program will work after the release and how long it will take to develop them. Next, we coordinated the plans with the client and started the implementation.

3. Design system

We decided to remove all unnecessary graphics from the UI, which would distract users from the main content. As a result, we got a clean and minimalistic design, understandable at the level of intuition. The main colors were yellow and blue. Firstly, they perfectly harmonize with each other, and secondly, on an emotional level, they evoke feelings of comfort, friendliness and peace.

4. Technical development

The ByTheWay platform has a standard architecture: data work is performed on the server, and the client part simply displays content and forms new requests.

We decided to use a single backend for the web platform and mobile application, which brought a serious positive effect:

• Users use one personal account to work in all versions of the platform.
• Administration of the site and the program is performed using a single admin panel.
• The client reduced development costs.

If we talk about the stack, we used the Django Python framework for the backend part. It can work on different platforms and provides a developed infrastructure of libraries and plugins, which has significantly accelerated development. The client part of the mobile application was implemented on the Flutter cross-platform SDK, and the web version - on Vue.js and HTML/CSS.

5. Testing

After the completion of the development, the entire functionality of the platform was thoroughly tested, bugs and problems in the system were identified and eliminated.

Main features of the mobile application

• Marketplace

We have created a peer-to-peer marketplace where users can buy and sell goods without intermediaries. To overcome the language barrier, we implemented WebSocket-based online chat with automatic translation.

• Paid features

The module "TOP ads" was added. It helps users sell goods faster and more efficiently, and is an important element of monetization for the platform.

• Routes

Drivers and travelers who want to monetize their trips indicate their planned travel route and receive requests for accompanying transportation. The number of orders is not limited, so at ByTheWay, everyone decides for himself how much he wants to earn.

• Ratings and reviews of drivers

Real reviews and a rating system help users find reliable and honest drivers to transport their cargo. For the carriers themselves, this is an opportunity to build a positive reputation and increase the number of orders.

• Parcel tracking

We have made sure that users can track the location of their package in real time. This feature requires the driver to provide access to their location.

• Online payment

Integrated payment systems for quick and secure payment of services and goods.

What has changed in the web version of the platform?

The web version of the ByTheWay platform has almost identical functionality. The main difference is that it has a blog that helps the company communicate with existing customers and attract new ones. For example, here you can publish news from the life of the company, useful tips, reviews and any other information. To make it convenient for users to search for content, we have additionally added a convenient system of filters and categories.

Admin panel: how the platform is managed

We have created a single admin panel to manage the mobile and web versions of the platform. This helped reduce the operational burden on the company's staff, and made the administration of the service more convenient. The main features of the admin panel:

• Management of databases: senders of parcels, drivers and user announcements.
• Moderation of content and publication of blog articles.
• SEO optimization of the site
• Tracking of various business data to monitor the company's performance.