Cross-Platform Dating App

Software reengineering increasing the number of users by 8 times

ABOUT
the project

Client:

Dating App

Location:

The Netherlands

Company Size:

20+ Employees

Industry:

Entertainment

Solution:

Mobile App

Services:

Mobile App Development

Custom Software Development

Technologies:

Node.js

Vue.js

Flutter

Dart

BLoC

Firebase

Veriff SDK

OAuth

WebSocket

AppsFlyer API

Facebook App Events API

Leobit played a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion and refinement of an advanced dating application for a Netherlands-based firm. Our team of skilled developers undertook a substantial code refactoring effort, enhancing the software architecture and introducing innovative solutions aimed at ensuring long-term maintainability. Furthermore, the collaboration extended beyond this initial phase, with our team persistently working on ongoing product development and the continuous enhancement of its features and capabilities.

This project was incredibly exciting as we had the opportunity to refine a complex application while introducing innovative solutions, providing an exhilarating dating experience for the users.

Andriana Shehlovych

Project Manager at Leobit

CUSTOMER

In 2020, our client set out to create a unique dating app that stands out from the rest. This app focuses on real-life activities, so users can quickly move from online to in-person dating. It ensures that everyone is active and engaged. With customer’s detailed questionnaire, users get to meet people who match their preferences perfectly. The app is all about finding that one perfect match and connecting with them.

BUSINESS
CHALLENGE

The dating app industry is saturated, with users frequently using multiple apps and often not taking the process seriously. Users are becoming frustrated with the lack of meaningful connections. The client recognized the opportunity to differentiate itself by offering a more authentic and serious dating experience. The main aim is to stand out by offering a unique approach to dating apps. This approach focuses on offline activities and seeks to bridge the gap between online and offline dating. To bring this vision to life, our client required a technical implementation partner.

Why
Leobit

Our client approached Leobit to resolve critical challenges with an unstable app developed by previous vendors. The existing architecture and code needed major restructuring and updates. Various inconsistencies and bugs greatly complicated the release of updates, expansion of functionality and required a lot of time and money for further scaling and maintenance. It also had a poor user experience, which was significantly decreasing the number of users.

In the pursuit of overcoming these challenges, our client specifically searched for a partner with profound expertise and extensive experience in the area of Flutter development, leading to our profound collaboration.

Project
in detail

Leobit developers utilized the Flutter framework, powered by the Dart programming language, both backed by Google. This choice enables the creation of cost-effective cross-platform applications, streamlining maintenance and reducing development expenses by eliminating the need for separate iOS and Android development teams.

In collaboration with the client, our team facilitated the definition of specific business requirements and assisted in the planning process. As a result, a new app version was released every 2-3 weeks, ensuring consistent progress.

Subscription plans and in-app purchases

We integrated Flutter’s in_app_purchase plugin for the subscription plans and in-app purchases feature. We configured billing information on prominent app stores like the App Store and Play Market. We engineered the necessary logic for unlocking premium features based on the user’s subscription status.

Secure User Verification

The implementation of Secure User Verification involved integrating the Veriff SDK through the veriff_flutter plugin, enabling a streamlined user verification process. Users were guided through the verification flow. Also we established a robust access mechanism to grant verified users exclusive access to certain in-app features, ensuring security and a tailored user experience.

Device location retrieval

To implement the device location retrieval feature we integrated the geolocator and geocoding plugins, which provided the necessary access to location data. Leveraging the location data, we provided location-based features, such as displaying nearby users and activities on a map. This comprehensive approach enhanced the user experience, making the application more interactive. To maintain privacy and adhere to permission requirements, we employed the permission_handler plugin.

Restaurant Booking Functionality

We implemented the restaurant booking feature through the integration of the Formitable API. This integration allowed users to efficiently browse through a curated selection of restaurants and reserve tables at their preferred dining venues. The system managed the entire reservation process, including confirmation notifications and updates, ensuring that users received timely information about their bookings and any modifications made.

Notification System

The notification system was implemented by integrating Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) through the utilization of the firebase_messaging Flutter plugin. This integration enabled the delivery of push notifications to users for a wide range of app events, including notifications for new matches, incoming messages, scheduled dates, and updates regarding activities. Routing inside the app was emphasized to handle user interactions with push notifications. This allowed users to seamlessly navigate to the relevant sections of the app by tapping on notifications, ensuring that they could effortlessly access and respond to the content or events associated with each notification.

Complex Integrations and Data Analysis

We integrated app with multiple third-party SDKs, specifically AppsFlyer, Firebase Analytics, and Facebook App Events. This was accomplished by utilizing their respective Flutter plugins, ensuring that data could be collected and shared with these analytics platforms. Additionally, a comprehensive user experience analysis was achieved by integrating UXCam through the flutter_uxcam plugin. These integrations allowed for the tracking various user data, ultimately facilitating informed decision-making and optimization of the application’s performance.

Swiping cards functionality

The swiping cards functionality was technically executed by integrating a card-swiping mechanism utilizing Flutter's sophisticated gesture detection and animation functionalities.

We designed custom widgets to precisely render user cards and manage user interactions, culminating in a seamless user experience that significantly optimized user engagement.

Google Maps integration

We harnessed the power of the google_maps_flutter plugin to seamlessly integrate Google Maps into the app. This integration encompassed several critical features, including the real-time display of the user's location on the map.

Moreover, the system facilitated the mapping of activity venues. Users can pinpoint these locations on the map, making it easier to plan and navigate to their destinations. Whether it's finding a nearby restaurant, a park, or a specific event venue, our integration streamlines the process of discovering and accessing a wide range of interesting places.

Google Calendar Integration

Our Google Calendar Integration is a game-changer for the dating app. With this feature, users can effortlessly sync their Google Calendar, making it easier to schedule dates and check their availability. This integration was implemented through the utilization of the Google Calendar API.

Additionally, the system was designed to enable users to send date proposals to their matches, leveraging the data from their Google Calendar to propose available dates. Once a proposal was sent, the system would await confirmation from the recipient before enabling further communication between the matched individuals.

Technology Solutions

Flutter framework helped to reduce development efforts and money for further maintenance, support and improvement.
Leveraging Flutter’s advanced gesture detection and animation capabilities to create swiping cards functionality.
Utilizing Flutter’s in_app_purchase plugin for in-app purchases and subscriptions.
Using the geolocator, geocoding, and permission_handler plugins to enhance user experience with location-based features
Implementing secure user verification by integrating the Veriff SDK through the veriff_flutter plugin.
Integration of the Google Calendar for easy date scheduling.
Integration of Google Maps using the google_maps_flutter plugin, showing different interesting places for different types of activities
Using Formitable API for efficient restaurant table reservations.
The notification system has been completely built from scratch using Firebase Cloud Messaging.
Integration of multiple third-party SDKs and UXCam to collect data about user behavior and facilitating data-driven decisions.

Value
delivered

The app’s unique features set it apart in the competitive dating app market, allowing the company to stand out and gain a competitive edge.
The number of users increased by 8 times.
The introduction of in-app purchases and subscription plans opened up new revenue streams for the company.