Enterprise mobile app launched in only three months
The client had worked for months without getting anything launched, until Sketch helped them deliver their mobile app fast.
Mobile app for a pet care enterprise
Sketch partnered with a pet care company to develop a commercial-grade version of an application that had previously been prototyped. This app would enable users to edit and share pet photos with collections of stickers the user could select, resize, rotate and move. After creating the photo, the user could save and share via text, social media, or email.
Situation
Stalled on the road from prototype to launch
Even though the app had already been conceptualized, the Sketch team started by placing an emphasis on agile practices at the forefront. This ensured the team would be able to experiment through the build. That is, they weren't trapped by the initial prototype, so they were allowed to have more good ideas throughout the entire development process. We also kept the door open for adjustments that would make the app easier for the internal team to maintain for the life of the product. This approach was also something they could replicate to build any new apps at a faster and more predictable pace.
Challenge
Introducing agile software development practices
Why the client chose Sketch
This client partner was first introduced to Sketch after going through a few facilitated Agile Fundamentals Bootcamps. They realized the next step was to embed Sketch's software developers join the team to lead by example.
When things clicked
After the first day, the lightbulb turned on for the client’s leadership team:
This was exactly the approach they needed to leverage to get their newest app into the marketplace. The ideas were there, the team was in place, but the agile mindset and framework weren’t.
Sketch assembled a team of two developers and one agile coach. The goal was to co-develop, guiding their team to a successful agile development transformation and product launch at the same time.
Build faster
We'll show you exactly how we did this.
Enter Sketch
Solution
Consulting and custom software development
...at the same time
First, we needed to put agile methodologies into place for a team that didn’t know how to develop software following agile principles.
Our approach
After meeting with the developers, our agile coach and two developers crafted a 10-sprint development and training plan which included focus on all of the following:
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- Developing ceremonies
- Creating a backlog
- Defining refinement
- Writing stories
- Working on features
- Automating testing
- Structuring pipelines
- Eliminating silos
- Improving communication
These concepts establish a resilient foundation so the team could develop software long after our engagement ended.
Results
Enterprise mobile app launched fast
From stalled to launched in three months
Working software
After only three months of co-development with the blended team, the app had its first release into the Apple App Store. In the first six sprints, our developers and coach helped accomplish what the client’s team had been trying to do for over a year using a dated approach to new product development.
Better together
Agile coaching + custom software development
The success was due as much to the agile approach used as it was the top-notch development talent.
Measurable improvements
- Ceremony days had been cut in half and were running smoothly.
- Refinement was a thorough process.
- A full backlog had been built.
- Stories improved with the inclusion of more details.
- Releases were focused on smaller and more reliable features.
- Communication across the board was stronger, not only between the developers and product owner, but with the design team as well.
Three consultants, one direction
When teams work
The hybrid approach of bringing in two developers to help with the software development portion of this engagement, along with an agile coach, created a trifecta that ultimately made this endeavor a success.
Continued work
The engagement continued with the consultant providing agile coaching for six more months, and with one developer for a full year. Continuing the engagement ensured all the newly introduced agile fundamentals remained in place. Continued development support also helped the custom mobile app become a personalized, weekly guide to training and caring for your new puppy or adult dog.
Rewriting an old codebase
During this time, Sketch worked side by side with the client’s developers to not only develop this new app, but take an outdated framework of NativeScript and rewrite the entire app into React Native without disrupting the user experience.
Lasting benefits
Several years later, after a successful shift to an agile approach and the on-time delivery of multiple custom applications, this product team remains an ongoing success story we’re proud to be associated with.
CLIENT FEEDBACK
“They are GREAT partners, leaders, and consultants. Our entire team was new to Agile/Scrum processes. Our velocity and ways of working SIGNIFICANTLY improved.”
Product owner
Pet care enterprise
Technologies leveraged
Cross-Platform Mobile App Development
Native iOS Development
Native Android Development
React Native
Looking for something similar?
If you're interested in enterprise mobile app development, we're happy to talk about a custom engagement that fits your exact needs. The first few hours of consultation are always free.