Statement of work:

A leading technology solutions provider for the Retirement Industry wanted to re-imagine their participant portal as an intuitive mobile app based self-service platform for employees that would align with their broader product ecosystem. On the basis of our experience in developing disruptive platforms for Financial services Industry, using latest technologies, we were selected.

While the specifications were clear, the journey from concept to delivery required careful planning, agile execution, and seamless collaboration between teams.

The Challenge

We had to deliver the Mobile app in record time and within a tight budget. The solution required integration with multiple API’s while maintaining consistency with their existing products. The app had to be developed in React Native technology and had to work seamlessly in both iOS and Android devices supporting multiple form factors.

Our Approach

We adopted an Agile delivery model to stay aligned with evolving needs and accelerate outcomes.

• UX First: We began with static UX samples for early feedback, ensuring quick iterations. Our designers refined the portal experience while suggesting best practices for the customer’s existing products.
• API Mapping: We created a detailed API mapping document, capturing integration points and stories, which became a shared reference between teams.
• Parallel Development: While design progressed, our developers built reusable components and delivered early stories in sprints, ensuring momentum and visible progress from day one.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any real-world project, we faced hurdles:

• Customer availability: With their team stretched, we documented queries with supporting videos and screenshots to streamline responses.
• Changing APIs: API updates required iterations, but in the end, made the product more robust and resilient.
• Innovation: While we would have liked some of API’s designed specifically for Mobile app, we adapted well with the existing APIs through clever innovation minimizing multiple backend calls.
• Testing: The testing posed enormous challenges as there were multiple user types and multiple options for each user type resulting in a huge number of permutation and combination. We dedicated 2 testers and trained them well. They had to really stretch, but at the end delivered results

The Power of Collaboration

One of the highlights was the way both teams worked as one unit:

• Developers from both sides were available for urgent syncs.
• QA teams collaborated seamlessly, accelerating testing cycles and enabling timely production releases.
• The successful outcome was possible, thanks to the active involvement of all the stakeholders in the customers organization, starting from their CTO.

The Results

The outcome was a modern, mobile based participant portal that not only delivered on promise but also:

• Stood out as a highlight in the customer’s internal technology symposium
• Improved compliance, accessibility, and performance
• Fostered a culture of trust, transparency, and responsiveness between teams