PhorestGo - React Native Rebuild
PhorestGo was built using native language for iOS and Android, updates were not regular or consistent between both platforms and was causing a lot of repeated work for developers as both platforms had to be updated separately. To address this, choosing a react native build meant that updates could easily be pushed to android and iOS simultaneously and did not require an app download each time, this did however meant a rebuild of the app from scratch.
Designer
2021 - 2023
Phorest
Challenge
Rebuild PhorestGo from scratch while keeping the mental models users already relied on so that there was no disruption to wotk. The goal wasn't to reinvent features, it was to improve them where possible, without asking people to relearn the app. 'The same, but better' became the team's guiding principle.
Results
The redesigned app addressed concerns of the user, improved features where it was needed without compromising speed and effeciency.
Any bugs raised have a much higher rate of resolution due to easier deployment using React Native
Process
Using the design thinking framework at each stage with iteration
01
Empathise
Interviewed salon staff on pain points for each feature being rebuilt — Roster, Stock Take, Cashup, Appointment management, and Checkout. Gathered feedback from Canny on the features that could be improved with little effort
02
Define
Scoped functionality and technical limits with the PM and engineers. Set "the same, but better" as the bar for every feature before design started.
03
Ideate
Worked out which native patterns could carry over as-is and which needed to change. Reused proven interactions , barcode scanning, calendar views across features.
04
Prototype
Using Figma and Maze I produced high fidelity interactive prototypes capturing time on task, task completion and SUS. The prototype was shared with beta users but also shown in semi-structured interviews with our users.
05
Test
Testing was carried out mainly in semi structured interviews in order to facilitate probing questions and Think Aloud protocol, Releasing a MVP product to early Beta users helped guide the app through it’s development.
“ The same but better ”
Rebuild projects guiding principle
Conclusion
The rebuild was delivered on time while also improving features where it was possible within the expected timeframe. I personally gained valuable insight and understanding in regular stakeholder communication, agile development and the importance of clear developer handoff.