Client
Our client, Imray, Laurie, Norie and Wilson Ltd, has been guiding sailors since 1904 with their trusted nautical charts and cruising guides. They're legendary in the sailing community for creating and distributing meticulously detailed maps and guides for popular sailing destinations.
Challenge
To elevate their offerings, Imray set out to create "Explore with Imray," a mobile app packed with features that meet modern sailors' needs:
Offline functionality: Essential for sailors navigating the high seas, where connectivity can be a ghost.
Dynamic content integration: Needed seamless integration with their current Umbraco CMS.
Efficient search & filter: Users wanted effortless exploration of over 18,000 location points.
The Tech Backdrop
We crafted a powerful tech stack to anchor the app’s development, featuring:
Swift & Node.js: For high-performance mobile and backend development.
AWS Services: To handle online content caching and offline availability.
Umbraco CMS: To keep content fresh and relevant.
React.js & JavaScript: Powering dynamic user interfaces for an engaging experience.
The team
Our A-team was composed of:
1 Backend Engineer
2 iOS Developers
1 QA Specialist
1 UX/UI Designer
1 Tech Lead
1 DevOps Expert
1 Agile Project Manager
What we accomplished together
Build a mobile App with offline access
We implemented a robust caching mechanism, using proprietary tech to download and store critical content—like maps, guides, and images—when connected to the internet. This ensured that users could access all necessary information even while out at sea, with background data synchronization keeping content up-to-date.
Integrate Umbraco vontent into the mobile app
Through a RESTful API-based solution, we connected the app to the Umbraco CMS to dynamically fetch and display content such as destination details and exploration guides. We optimized performance with AWS caching, ensuring content was accessible offline.
Search and filter Among 18,000 location points
Developed using Swift, our efficient search tool connects to a Node.js backend. Core Data was employed to store location points locally for quick, offline access. We optimized queries using indexing based on users’ locations, showing results in the visible phone area only.
Work with stakeholders to refine user stories
Iterative collaboration with stakeholders began with collecting initial app requirements. This deep dive helped craft detailed user stories outlining desired features. We held regular review meetings to refine these stories ensuring alignment with business objectives and user needs.
How we rolled
Collaboration was our compass. We engaged in iterative and dialogue-heavy sessions with Imray’s stakeholders to fully capture their vision. Our agile Kanban approach ensured dynamic task management and feature prioritization, allowing us to nimbly adapt to new requirements and feedback.
Business impact
The app transformed sailing with its user-centric design, providing easy offline access, dynamic content updates, and intuitive navigation features. This enriched user experience has significantly boosted customer satisfaction and retention, steering Imray towards sustained growth.
In our client’s words
"Working with Looming Tech has been an absolute game-changer for our iOS app development. Their team brought not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of our business needs, ensuring every feature was perfectly aligned with our goals. The seamless communication, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering a high-quality product made the entire process smooth and efficient."
- Guy E., CTO at Imray
Let's get moving!
There you have it—a transformative journey with Imray, where tech and navigation met seamlessly. Are you ready to set sail on your own digital transformation? Contact us at blooming@looming.tech, and let’s create something remarkable together!
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