Cross-Platform Dating Application

Custom MVP development for a Tanzanian startup in the social networking domain that helped the company quickly test the market with Android application

ABOUT the project

Client:: Mobile Startup
Location:: Tanzania
Company Size:: 10+ Employees
Industry:: Entertainment
Solution:: Custom Software

Services:

UI/UX design

Custom Software Development

Mobile Software Development

Technologies:

Flutter

.NET

Figma

SignalIR

SQLite

Leobit built a cross-platform dating app tailored for the African market, mostly oriented towards Tanzania. The solution provides a safe and engaging user experience. It includes traditional match-based dating algorithms with private chat functionality. Our customer has many plans for continuous improvement of the app, including differentiating forums that will allow users to engage in discussions based on interests, lifestyle, and social topics.

With the Flutter BLoC design pattern, we ensured proper project structure and clear separation of concerns. This allowed us to build a clean, maintainable codebase that works seamlessly on Android and can be almost fully reused for iOS, enabling fast and efficient cross-platform app outreach.

Maksym Marina

Software Engineer

Customer

Our client is an ambitious startup from Tanzania aiming to build a cross-platform dating app for the African market. Their vision centered on a swipe-based matching experience typical of modern dating platforms.

Business Challenge

The customer required a team with a strong cross-platform development expertise to launch a minimum viable product (MVP). They needed specialists capable of providing a proactive, rapid, and cost-effective approach to the development of the product’s early version.

Why Leobit

We attracted the customer with our strong Flutter expertise, which ensured advanced capabilities for cross-platform app development. Our specialists also showed experience in developing design prototypes and embracing iterative approaches to product development.

Project
in detail

The customer had a vision of an app and its core functionality, while planning of the solution’s design and development roadmap was delegated to our team. Our specialists used a phased approach to building the app’s MVP.

Developing the design prototype

Our UI/UX design specialists created a concept for the solution’s interface. We used Figma to prepare a convenient UI/UX design for mobile devices. The customer was satisfied with our concept and the app’s unique branding. After that, we built the app’s cross-platform UI/UX using Flutter.

Building the app's key functionality

Our specialists used .NET to build the app’s back end. We also used the SignalR library to ensure real-time data exchange that powers the live chat functionality. In addition to the chat, we built basic matching mechanics based on user swipes, user authorization mechanics, editable user profiles, and real-time notifications.

App deployment and continuous development

Upon building the solution’s MVP, we deployed its Android version to Google Play. The customer has long-term goals, including launching the iOS version of the solution, expanding its functionality, and introducing paid subscriptions through the integration with Stripe. Our team is ready to contribute to the continuous expansion and optimization of the application.

Swipe-Based Matching Mechanics

We created a matching mechanic using the flutter_card_swiper library. App users create editable profiles that include photos, key interests, and a brief self-representation. They configure profiles they will see based on factors like gender, sexual orientation, location, activity level, and preferences. After that, users can browse a stream of profiles and express interest by swiping right or disinterest by swiping left. If two users express interest, a match is created, and private messaging becomes available.

Cross-Platform UI/UX Design

We used Flutter’s BLoC design pattern to efficiently separate the business logic of an application from its user interface. This offered us more control over building the app’s convenient and intuitive UI/UX design. Currently, the application is available on Android devices, but Flutter’s code reusability allows us to quickly and efficiently adapt it for iOS as well.

Convenient Dating Experience and Long-Term Optimization Possibilities

The app’s MVP includes a simple and convenient real-time chat with basic messaging functionality. We also implemented real-time notifications to inform users about new matches, messages, and profile visits.

In the future, the customer plans to expand the app with media sharing capabilities, including images, videos, and voice messages. They also intend to introduce a premium subscription that will allow users to see who has liked their profile and get access to premium matches. Stripe will be used for handling payments for this subscription type.

Technology Solutions

Cross-platform UI/UX design built with Flutter BLoC design pattern.
.NET-based back end enhanced with SignalR components for real-time messaging.
SQLite database engine used for efficient data storage and caching.

Value Delivered

An MVP including the app’s core functionality built in around two months.
A proactive UI/UX design approach focused on user convenience and distinctive branding.
The solution’s early version deployed to Google Play.
Excellent opportunities for continuous expansion of the application.