Based on years of experience in multiple industries and deep understanding of business needs.

Cases

Blockchain is a versatile, innovative technology that can form the basis for any robust digital project. You can create a modern crowdfunding project using smart contracts for transparent and safe user transactions. Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, exchange, and carpooling projects are also possible with blockchain solutions. Other options include crypto exchanges, NFT games and marketplaces, voting systems, fake product identification apps, decentralized web hosting, charity funds, etc.

Development

What projects can you build with blockchain?

NFT is a booming crypto sector today, with many killer NFT projects 2022 launching every day. All-time favorites among the crypto community are the Bored Ape Yacht Club collection of NFTs (some costing up to $400,000), the move-to-earn project STEPN, Meebits NFTs from the creators of CryptoPunks, and Silks – a brand-new NFT P2E metaverse that allows users to become the happy owners of digital analogs of real-world exclusive racing horses.

Other

What are the best NFT projects?

The world of blockchain is changing fast, and industries everywhere are taking notice. According to <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/800426/worldwide-blockchain-solutions-spending/">Statista</a>, spending on blockchain solutions is expected to hit nearly $19 billion by 2024. Blockchain is becoming a vital part of our digital landscape. As we move into the future, we expect to see even more businesses embracing blockchain technology. From finance to healthcare, the benefits of blockchain - like transparency, security, and efficiency - are too good to ignore.

So, what does this mean for software development? Let's dive into the top 15 case studies from Artkai’s team to find out how blockchain is shaping the web3 landscape.

Huobi - Top-5 crypto trading platforms in Asia

case02_Huobi

About the project and business

<a href="https://www.htx.com/">Huobi Group</a> is a top blockchain company aiming to speed up the digital economy with groundbreaking advancements in key blockchain technologies. They work in various areas like enterprise and public blockchains, digital asset trading, crypto wallets, and industry research. Their users span tens of millions across 170+ countries and regions. Huobi Group needed to expand its range of services, adhere to regulations, and build a global ecosystem for the future digital economy.

Development objectives and challenges

The main tasks of Artkai’s team were to research the European market and adapt the mobile app to it with a customer-centric design approach. Our biggest challenge was to create a more intuitive user experience, especially for non-professionals. We had to reduce the learning curve and provide education and guidance throughout the app. Additionally, we needed to develop a marketing website tailored to the European market to promote the app effectively.

During the research phase, we interviewed traders face-to-face to understand how Europeans make decisions. From this data, we identified key insights for designing the platform with a customer-centric approach. Our team then created a design system for different age groups, testing fonts, sizes, contrasts, and colors. We prioritized text readability, especially for older users on mobile screens. 

Our development team implemented an intuitive interface with users’ control over their assets, quick access to main functions, and secure storage. We developed both day and night modes for continuous monitoring during OTC operations. Additionally, we designed a mobile-friendly marketing website, keeping the interface clear and structured for easy navigation. You can read more about this case study <a href="https://artkai.io/works/huobi-mobile-trading-platform">here.</a>

As a result of our cooperation, the client received $1,2 trillion of accumulative turnover, 50% of global share digital assets, and expand their operation in 130 countries with millions of users.

NDA - speculative tokenized trading service

case03_NDA_Trading_Platform

Our team collaborated with a client to develop a modern trading platform. The client wanted to create a user-friendly platform for trading various financial assets, catering to both experienced traders and newcomers to the market. The platform needed to offer a seamless trading experience, intuitive navigation, and robust security features to ensure user trust and engagement.

The primary objective was to build a trading platform that provides easy access to financial markets and offers advanced trading tools. One of the main challenges was to integrate real-time market data and ensure fast and reliable order execution. Additionally, the platform needed to comply with strict security regulations to protect users' funds and personal information.

We started with 3 months of research and UX/UI design, followed by 6 months of front-end and back-end development. We adopted an agile approach and conducted regular sprints to iterate on features and address any emerging issues promptly. 

Artkai’s development team simplified the platform based on our research insights. We enabled users to directly open trading accounts and access AI-generated trading ideas. We added analytical tools for easy visualization and facilitated order management and payouts. Also, we enhanced privacy features for user security and we introduced a day/night mode for user comfort. We created a distinct visual identity for scalability, with design components optimized for usability. To have more details, read <a href="https://artkai.io/works/tradingplatform">the full case study</a>.

The trading platform exceeded the client's expectations. It offers a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation, which allows users to trade various financial assets seamlessly. The platform integrates real-time market data with accurate price quotes and timely order execution. As a result, the trading platform has gathered positive feedback from users and has contributed to the client's business growth and success.

Coinhaven - an all-in-one platform for OTC, crypto trading, and exchange

case04_Coinhaven

Coinhaven is a crypto trading platform developed for African countries to help African people trade cryptocurrencies using their local fiat currencies. The platform is one of the most promising crypto projects today; it is an over-the-counter (OTC) service for people who simply want to buy crypto and trade crypto against local fiat currencies.

The goal of the Coinhaven platform was to deliver legally compliant and bank-approved OTC services to African countries. A unique requirement was to enable the platform to accept five major African fiat currencies.

Artkai’s responsibility was to create a custom OTC platform with a unique UX/UI design concept for web 3.0 blockchain projects and connect it with a white label crypto trading platform & exchange. We also managed the work of three independent service providers.  

The project took 3.5 months for research and design and 6 months for development and QA. 

During the research phase, we learned OTC services and crypto trading features, conducted industry analysis, and explored platform arrangement options. Our team implemented such features as easy onboarding, personal analytics, order management, and secure storage. 

We crafted a unique visual identity, incorporating colors, typography, and logo design. Besides, we developed both Day and Night UI kits for user flexibility and conducted extensive testing to ensure quick navigation and easy access to platform functionality on the website. Read more about this case study <a href="https://artkai.io/works/all-in-one-platform-for-otc-services">here.</a>

The result of our work was a perfectly designed three-in-one platform that gives its users the ability to:

• Monitor crypto news and exchange rates for African fiat currencies • Trade crypto against these currencies • Buy or sell crypto directly from Coinhaven using its OTC feature

case05 (1)

<a href="http://cex.io">CEX.IO</a> is an ecosystem that offers a range of products and services. It can offer multiple payment options and partner with trusted banks and payment providers. CEX.IO prioritizes security and offers diverse services with high market liquidity.

The project involved building an iOS and Android app for effortless cryptocurrency selling, trading, and earning. Artkai’s tasks included developing a user-friendly flow to help new users navigate the system smoothly from the start. Additionally, we focused on establishing a consistent visual system to speed up the creation of new pages and modals in the future.

The project took 3,5 months for research and design and 5 months for development and QA.

Our team conducted research to understand user needs in having simple access to crypto and blockchain technologies. Then, we built such new features as instant buy and sell for popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple using debit or credit cards. We made it easy to withdraw funds to Visa/MasterCard in any currency. Additionally, users can create personal trading pairs and swiftly exchange between any crypto or fiat currencies. By holding stackable coins on their account, users can earn rewards through hassle-free staking.

Our development team set price alerts to receive notifications when the market reaches specified prices and to stay informed about order executions through order notifications. Besides, we implemented convenient money management features, allowing users to easily manage deposits, withdrawals, and card additions. For more details read<a href="https://artkai.io/works/cex-io-bitcoin-and-crypto-exchange"> the full case study.</a>

The app enabled customers to engage with the decentralized economy in different ways, making it easier to access the open financial system. It made crypto and fiat transactions appealing and affordable for thousands of users.

CEX.IO was recognized as one of the Top 10 Safest Cryptocurrency Exchanges by CryptoCompare in 2021. Additionally, it received accolades such as Most Trusted Crypto Exchange and Most Secured Trading Platform in the UK by the International Business Magazine Awards in 2022.

Matrix Port - next-generation fintech unicorn

case16_Matrixport

Founded in February 2019, <a href="https://www.matrixport.com/">Matrixport</a> is a next-generation fintech company headquartered in Singapore with an open and progressive vision and strives to become a new, better generation of the banking system.

The client’s main objective was to create a new brand identity that would reflect the company’s progressive vision, innovative decisions, and fast growth in the fintech arena. The biggest challenge was to create a brand identity for a unicorn crypto trading platform.

After the research phase in which we explored the client’s objectives, market trends, and target audience, we went for a fresh and modern visual identity that evokes trust. Our team started with Logo design, implementing deep symbolism with cutting-edge design approaches. Then, we implemented the same visual guidelines for web design and all marketing materials.

We’ve delivered an awesome and consistent brand identity with a fresh and modern visual that evokes trust. Bright and “pure” colors, plus a font that supports more than 1,000 languages, including the main Chinese dialects, to highlight the brand's global presence. The logotype symbolizes a modern but reliable place for investments and growth. The down arrow is the key element of the visual language that enables composing all kinds of messages.

CoinLoan - A Web-based P2P Lending Platform

case06_CoinLoan

<a href="https://coinloan.io/">CoinLoan</a> is the first crypto-to-fiat lending platform for digital assets-backed loans with marketplace opportunities. Its primary purpose is to allow crypto holders to get fiat money without selling their digital assets.

Our client’s main objective was to create a web-based, informative, and intuitive lending platform with a P2P ecosystem, custom UX & UI design, and easy user flows for funds withdrawal via transfer as a competitive advantage. It had to be with a modern crypto space-related look to attract both fintech experts and enthusiasts. 

The project took 2 months to research and design and 4 months for development and QA.

During the research phase, we identified stakeholders’ expectations, requirements, business objectives, and KPIs to ensure project success. Key user benefits included customizable loan terms, guaranteed repayments, transparent risk assessment, and high security. Our development team implemented features like user ID verification, fund management, easy loan applications, and transparent loan terms setup. We benefited users with early loan repayment options as well. 

Artkai created a customer journey map for seamless omnichannel experiences, resulting in improved satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, we provided the client with three visual style options tailored to different user types, ensuring a suitable vibe for each audience segment.

OutcomesTogether with the client, Artkai’s team introduced an informative, useful, and appealing website and a convenient, easy-to-understand, secure P2P platform with custom UX & UI design. As a direct result of our collaboration, the CoinLoan.io platform has gained more than 100k active users. To see the solutions we came up with, check out the<a href="https://artkai.io/works/coin-loan?utm_source=outbound&utm_medium=email+linkedin&utm_campaign=crypto+blockchain&utm_content=blog+post&utm_term=blockchain+portfolio"> full CoinLoan case study</a>.

case07_LoyaltyLoans

<a href="https://www.loyaltyloans.com.au/">Loyalty Loans</a> is a digital asset-backed loan that lets crypto holders access fiat money without selling their assets. It combines traditional finance security with innovative terms. The platform provides loans and lending options, allowing users to use dApp tokens as collateral for interest. Plus, it seamlessly integrates into any dApp with a simple API configuration.

Our development team had to create a web-based solution for loan takers, lenders, and crypto exchanges. We also needed to integrate with various financial institutes, combining the best blockchain and finance management platform features into one solution. Besides, Artkai designs an intuitive and understandable user flow for the app with a strong and consistent UI system.

The development process took 3 months for research and UX/UI design, followed by 4.5 months for front-end and back-end development. 

The core idea was to create a digital finance platform that tracks all user transactions, provides easy access to the market, previous loans, and statistics, and offers flexible configuration for simplified and faster work. 

We also implemented various functionalities for the platform, from digital assets-backed loans and marketplace opportunities for lending and borrowing funds to integration with dApps, interest-earning options, and loan progress tracking. Read<a href="https://artkai.io/works/loyalty-loans-p2p-loan-platform-that-can-be-integrated-into-any-tron-dapp"> the full case study</a> here for more details.

Artkai’s team successfully implemented new features for the Loyalty loan platform. As a result, Loyalty Loans now offers a sophisticated platform with improved functionality, solid security, and favorable terms. Overall, these improvements have greatly benefited Loyalty Loans, providing a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience for their users.

case08_Nezha

<a href="http://www.nezha.fi">Nezha</a> is the liquidity engine that lets market participants earn without risking their original investment. Instead of betting stakes on uncertain outcomes, Nezha pools liquidity and uses smart yield routing across DeFi protocols to distribute profits to prediction market participants.

Our main objective was to create a web-based Blockchain prediction market protocol that appeals to investors, innovators, and gamblers. We focused on key values, such as investment appeal, fun, transparency, and engagement. Our biggest challenge was to blend the excitement of traditional lottery games with the security of blockchain technology, making it risk-free and attractive for investments.

The project took 3 months for research and design and 7 months for development and QA. 

We started with a 3-week thorough research phase to understand the client's needs, creating personas and customer journey maps. The main challenge was in blockchain development, as we needed to ensure transparency and leave the excitement of a lottery. 

Our team built features that improve user experience, such as user ID verification, personal profile pages with statistics, seamless wallet connections, access to digital collectibles, a blog with daily updates, and the Nezha draw for determining jackpot winners. Our design team built the brand identity around the bright neon accents to make users find themselves plunged into the atmosphere of a brand from the first second. To know more about this, read <a href="https://artkai.io/works/nezha-blockchain-prediction-market-protocol">the full case study</a>.

The end product is a complex solution with intuitive navigation that increases conversions and platform attendance. Nezha has received positive feedback from users. They appreciate the platform's intuitive interface, seamless user flow, and transparent operation. It gives the platform opportunities to expand its offerings and explore new opportunities in the blockchain and DeFi space.

Quanta - The first licensed blockchain lottery platform

In the rapidly changing landscape of fintech, significant growth lies ahead. According to <a href="https://es.statista.com/outlook/dmo/fintech/worldwide">Statista</a>, between 2024 and 2032, the global fintech market is set to expand annually by 16.8%, surpassing a value of $917 billion. As consumers demand more personalized and convenient financial services, embedded finance is the top trend for 2024. Other noteworthy trends include the evolution of regulatory standards, the simplification of bank reconciliation, and increased regulatory attention in e-money institutions. Notably, the global embedded finance market is projected to witness a staggering annual growth of 35.5% between 2024 and 2028.

As we continue to navigate the ever-changing fintech landscape, Artkai remains dedicated to shaping the future of finance. Let’s dive into our expertise through the top 10 fintech and banking case studies we implemented recently. 

case01

The ProCredit Group consists of commercial banks focused on development in South Eastern and Eastern Europe, South America, and Germany. ProCredit Holding, based in Frankfurt, oversees the group's strategic management, capital, reporting, risk management, and organization. In Georgia, ProCredit Bank has been operating since 1999, primarily financing small and medium-sized businesses with long-term plans. Additionally, it encourages savings among the general population.

Artkai had to transform ProCredit into a fully digital service with an app to ease the customer service workload, allowing more focus on financial advice. Also, our team had to provide access and sign up bank clients for services online and simplify existing features for user-friendliness.

The project took 4.5 months for research and design and 7 months for development and QA.

Our team gained insights into user goals, priorities, and pain points through a two-day onsite workshop and 21 in-depth interviews with ProCredit clients. We conducted 9 usability tests to optimize loan processes. Based on research findings, we established project goals, focusing on flexibility, control, consistency, relevant support, security, and awareness. 

Our team redesigned the web banking dashboard to consolidate main actions and provide fast access navigation. The mobile banking app integrated Video Identification tools for account registration and introduced a "My finance" feature for tracking transactions. Also, we streamlined onboarding processes and implemented a smart login system for enhanced security and user convenience. You can read more about this case study <a href="https://artkai.io/works/procredit">here.</a>

Through our collaboration, the client now accesses 99% of eligible banking services online, which allowed reducing operational costs by 48%. We've reduced the time it takes to make transfers via both the web and mobile banking apps by 1.5 times. Additionally, card blocking via the mobile banking app is now over 60% faster. Moreover, the mobile app offers 2X speed for logging in compared to the previous version.

Financial wellness application for Enterprise

case02-1

Red Rocks Credit Union provides banking services aimed at making financial management easy for everyone. To achieve this, they decided to develop the Red Rocks app, a digital tool specifically for B2B clients. This makes it stand out in the market. Artkai had to create this unique app, which will initially launch in the U.S. with plans for expansion to the UK and Europe.

Artkai's main objective was to create an app for Red Rocks that caters to businesses, helps employees with financial advice, builds a supportive community, and boosts work performance by reducing financial stress.

We started with 3.5 months for research and design, followed by 4 months for front-end and back-end development.

During the research phase, we dug into the industry and surveyed the audience to understand their needs. Our team designed over 400 screens for the app, focusing on user experience. The app aimed to help companies engage employees, improve communication, and support financial programs. Employees could use the app to manage their finances, set goals, and track progress. 

We included gamification elements like rewards and badges to motivate users. Our high-fidelity prototype showcased the app's design and functionality. Usability testing helped us refine the onboarding process. We also designed a customizable visual identity for the app to suit different organizations' needs. To have more details, read <a href="https://artkai.io/works/red-rocks-financial-wellness-application">the full case study</a>.

Users are really into saving, growing wealth, and investing. The solution that we built got great feedback from companies after launch. It proves that people need this kind of financial help, especially with the economic downturns in always changing environment. As the project is ongoing, we're planning to add more features to the app and improve its financial wellness system.

Building an investment platform for Real Estate

case03-1

iFunded, a German startup, focuses on real estate investments. They created an online marketplace for both private and institutional investors to easily invest in real estate. Investors can put money into selected projects and earn good returns. Real estate developers can also benefit by getting financing and early marketing for their projects. iFunded works with national and international developers to provide project information. They help investors choose projects, investment strategies, and stay updated on their investments.

Our client aimed to bring real-estate crowdfunding to Germany with a focus on usability. It was a challenge as no similar platform existed, especially in the regulated German market. We had to build a new investing website from scratch, blending crowd financing with technology for better investment options and user experience. 

The project took 3.5 months to launch an MVP and marketing website and 7 months for post-MVP product updates and scaling.

Our approach involved extensive research to ensure simplicity and ease of use for both individual and institutional investors. From the initial sign-up process to navigating their investment portfolios, our platform design exudes credibility and minimalism. Key features include educating users about the German real estate market, streamlining the investment process, providing industry news updates, and offering personalized dashboards for monitoring investment progress. 

Additionally, we created a marketing website and a mobile version of the platform, both with intuitive navigation and a focus on delivering content without unnecessary distractions. Our goal was to inspire trust and confidence among platform users.  Read more about this case study <a href="https://artkai.io/works/ifunded">here.</a>

We've created a special digital platform for global real estate investments, making them easy, transparent, and fee-free. Users find it incredibly helpful, simplifying what's usually a complex and stressful process. As a result, the client got 18 projects funded, totaling €90 million in volume and €18 million in raised capital.

Mobile-first service for international transfers with exchange rate hedging

case04

HedgeFlows, a mobile-first service, offers international transfers and exchange rate hedging, providing financial analysis and real-time market data. It serves hedge fund managers, financial institutions, and individual investors. The platform leverages algorithms and machine learning for optimized investment strategies, portfolio tracking, and risk management.

Artkai's project objectives included developing a unique visual identity for HedgeFlows' public page, designing a seamless onboarding process to educate users, creating a comprehensive dashboard for easy access to financial data, and developing a user-friendly interface for currency transactions.

Artkai’s team implemented such platform features as real-time market analytics, live sync with accounting, and an enhanced payment approval process. With them, the platform offers real-time market analytics, keeping users informed about market trends for better decision-making. It syncs live with accounting systems, simplifying financial management. The enhanced payment approval process minimizes errors and fraud risks. With tools for cost comparison, users can make cost-effective transaction decisions.

Over 8 months of development, Artkai's implementation of features such as real-time market analytics, live accounting sync, and competitive fees has empowered users with informed decision-making, simplified financial management, and minimized risks of errors and fraud. Plus, we ensured cost-effective transaction decisions.

case05

DNA Payments Group, established in 2018, is a leading omnichannel payments company in the UK and EU, assisting over 65,000 merchants with advanced solutions for online, in-store, and on-the-go businesses. Comprising nine companies and based in various locations across the UK, DNA Payments needed to enhance user experience and increase business growth. Artkai's task was to develop a comprehensive booking platform with additional tools based on client insights for an impactful solution.

Artkai had to create the onboarding process for the users, build a mobile version of the platform, redesign the current platform, and build the missing points to provide a seamless user experience across desktop and mobile devices.

The project took 4 months to research and design and 6 months for development and QA.

Our team conducted desk research and interviewed key stakeholders to understand the project and its field. We audited the current product to identify usability issues and created personas to empathize with users. Next, we mapped customer journeys, prepared and prioritized the backlog, and embarked on transforming the portal. We redesigned the onboarding process, improved the UI design with added features like an authorization stepper and explained roles in the registration flow.

Additionally, we enhanced the Merchant Portal with features like payment monitoring and management, payment links, virtual terminals, and online chat support. Finally, we integrated various payment methods and implemented a robust business reports section using Chart.js for easy analytics interpretation. To see the solutions we came up with, check out the<a href="https://artkai.io/works/dna-payments-an-intelligent-payment-ecosystem"> full case study</a>.

Our team's redesign of the portal had a big impact. By the end of 2022, DNA Payments had grown to serve over 65,000 merchants and was on track to become the 4th largest payment provider in the UK. They offer safe, quick, and easy payment solutions for both online and offline businesses, processing £900 million monthly with 100,000 terminals and checkout pages. Our redesign also led to an 18% growth in new users within the first few months and decreased the churn rate by 2.3 times during the first two weeks of user engagement.

PaymentCloud - tool for partnerships between businesses and banks in the US

case06

PaymentCloud is a merchant service provider. Their team decided to create a tool for outside sales agents to easily communicate with the PaymentCloud relationship management team, submit applications for processing, and upload documents for admins to underwrite and submit to their banking partners for approval and onboarding.

Artkai’s objectives for this project were to identify weaknesses, rethink, and redesign crucial user flows. Our team had to build wireframes and prototypes that represent redesign solutions and core user flow functionalities. Additionally, we had to design and code the interface of the solution.

The project went through such stages as discovery & scoping, prototypes & wireframing, 

UX/UI design, web development, and QA. Artkai’s team developed new solution features that enable uploading documents for submitting, communication with the Payment Cloud Team, and statistics on merchants approved with sales volume, net worth, returns, chargeback, etc.

Our collaboration resulted in building a streamlined tool for outside sales agents, enhancing communication with the PaymentCloud relationship management team, and facilitating application submissions and document uploads for admin review and approval. Artkai's approach focused on identifying and addressing user flow weaknesses, leading to redesigned wireframes and prototypes.

Hero7 - web platform for retirement advisers

case07

Hero 7 is a web application for advisors providing pension advisory services in the USA. 

Within its key functions, the app helps them search for companies, filter information, organize client and potential client lists, and make personalized offers using default templates.

Artkai’s main objective was to create a platform from scratch that would reduce the amount of retirement adviser’s manual work and increase their productivity to attract more investments. Besides, we had to take into account all the niche features and implement an advanced search of prospects by specialized criteria, advanced filtering,  companies database, and custom proposals aggregator.

The project took 3,5 months for research and design and 5 months for development and QA. 

We went through several stages, including discovery to understand the market and customers, creating several design concepts to pick the best one for further development, UI/UX, development, integrations, and testing. We implemented such new platform features as detailed search filters, automated prospect search, Benefit Gap Analysis, Impact Gap Analysis, and Plan Governance Index. Our team integrated the platform with The Form 5500 Series, iERISApedia, Apollo, Newsapi, and ALICE. Read the full case study <a href="https://artkai.io/works/hero-7-web-platformfor-retirement-advisers">here.</a>

Shortly after its release, the product attracted hundreds of retirement consultants, mainly through word of mouth due to its focused nature. These consultants, in turn, likely aided numerous companies, thereby enhancing the pension plans of many employees. As the platform expands, it promises to further revolutionize the retirement industry. Within six months of launch, over 1500 proposals were automatically generated, and the time taken from prospect identification to proposal formation decreased by 2.5 times.

Halo - redesign of the investment company's corporate website

case10

Halo Investing is an award-winning technology platform that provides access to protective investments, including Structured Notes, buffered ETFs, and annuities. It is the first platform that enables advisors to create custom Structured Notes. 

Artkai’s main objectives on this project were to design a new visual style for the company based on its new market positioning, update the website structure, and redesign all pages with updated content. Additionally, we had to refresh the visual style across all company branding materials, from pitch decks to printing materials.

The project went through such stages as discovery and research, concept, UI/UX design, development, pitch deck design, and redesigning of branding materials. 

Artkai’s team designed such website elements as a Company overview with information about Halo Investing, its mission, and the services it offers; Investment Solutions about the investment solutions Halo provides; Product Offerings about Halo Platform, index options, and other structured investment products; and Educational Resources with articles, blogs, or resources to help investors understand structured products and make informed decisions.

With a new visual style and updated website, Halo was able to better showcase its innovative technology platform, attracting more attention from advisors and investors. The redesigned pages and refreshed branding materials enhanced the company's market positioning and credibility, contributing to increased engagement and trust among its target audience.

Advanced markets - new website and branding for premium trading platform

case08

The client is a leading trading platform based in the UK. They wanted to consolidate its position as a premium liquidity provider and simultaneously launch a new B2C offering. Our task was to create new branding and a new website that solved certain UX & CX problems.

Digital Transformation

As businesses grow, their products often face the challenge of scaling to meet increasing demand and evolving new markets. BCG's recent study on digital proficiency and maturity surveyed about 2,000 global companies. Scaling individual digital solutions can boost revenue by 9% to 25% and save costs by 8% to 28% compared to the baseline. Scaling multiple solutions can lead to an enterprise-wide revenue increase of nearly 17% and a 17% reduction in costs.

Infogr_02-1

In this article, we explore the best strategies for managing product growth in the software development realm. We'll discuss key indicators that signal the need for scaling and new technologies implementation, steps to prepare for this transition, and effective approaches to product scaling. 

From understanding the signs to implementing successful scaling strategies, we'll provide actionable insights to help businesses navigate this crucial phase. Besides, we'll delve into the benefits of scaling and showcase how successful app scaling affects business. Whether you're a startup experiencing rapid growth or an established company seeking to expand your product offerings, this article will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective and fast scaling.

Top signs that your product requires scaling 

Based on our experience with more than 100 unique digital products, we can underline the top 6 reasons and signs that show you need to scale your app or product. Here they are:

You need to scale from MVP  to a full-fledged product according to industry standards

You’re scaling overall - It happens when your business and customer base are growing and you need to expand your app or product.

You need to stay ahead of competitors - Scaling offers better performance and new features, ensuring that your digital product can handle increasing demand.

Poor user experience - As user expectations evolve, scaling up may be necessary to incorporate advanced features, improve the interface, and enhance the overall user experience to retain existing customers and attract new ones.

Performance issues - Think about scaling when you notice slow load times, frequent timeouts, or system errors. These are all indications that your app is struggling with workload.

Resources are working at peak (or near-peak) capacity - An infrastructure operating at its limits (for example, at maximum CPU, memory, storage, or network usage) can lead to more frequent downtime and sluggish performance.

Based on our experience, the scaling process of an existing business application or digital product requires careful changes to avoid disrupting all project components and functionalities simultaneously, as it can create business-related blockers. In most cases, our clients prefer a customer centric approach that reduces the risk of disrupting the main product functionality already used by users and minimizes the resources needed for testing.

We suggest starting from Technical Audit or Research:

We conduct stakeholder interviews to gather business requirements and tasks and define scalability goals. Solution architects decompose the project and identify all its components to find bottlenecks. 

We identify limitations and scaling capabilities of each project component (front-end and back-end, communication channels, current infrastructure, storage, third-party services, and integrations), as well as performance and business process bottlenecks.

Once bottlenecks are identified, tech leads specializing in specific areas and tech stacks analyze code and conduct testing and performance logging. 

Then, we focus on finding <a href="https://artkai.io/blog/roadmap-to-solving-product-development-problems">targeted solutions for each bottleneck</a>, aiming to solve the problem without affecting the entire system at once. If there are multiple solution options, we outline the pros and cons of each approach and present them to the client.

Upon client selection of the preferred option, we create a backlog of tasks, prioritize them, and use it to develop a project plan and roadmap. As a result, project work on app/product scaling process begins based on this plan.

Best product scaling approach and strategy 

Picking strategy and scaling methods is crucial and usually involves two approaches:

Infogr_03-1

Vertical Scaling (Scaling Up) - This involves increasing the capacity of individual servers or machines hosting the application, such as by upgrading CPUs, expanding RAM, or enhancing storage. It doesn't require changes in architecture and processes and is resolved through infrastructure modifications.

Horizontal Scaling (Scaling Out) - This approach entails deploying the application across multiple servers behind a load balancer, distributing concurrent requests evenly. It may involve architectural changes, enhancing the reliability and durability of the entire system.

Undoubtedly, any digital product scaling starts with strategic planning. In most cases, we scale our clients' digital products in four major steps:

Infogr_01

First, we conduct optimization of an application for scaling. This process includes:

Refactoring, when you need to modify and optimize the code to improve performance and ensure it can handle increased loads efficiently.

Decoupling when you need to break down the application into smaller, independent components (like microservices) for easier scaling and maintenance.

Database Optimization when you need to ensure the database can handle increased queries and transactions.

Implementing scalability infrastructure that includes:

Cloud-based Solutions for easier horizontal scaling. Services like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer scalable infrastructure.

Load Balancers to distribute traffic evenly across servers and prevent any single server from becoming a bottleneck.

Content Delivery Network (CDN) which is used to reduce latency and improve user experience for geographically dispersed users.

Testing for scalability that involves:

Objective, when you need to ensure that the application performs well under various load conditions.

Process to perform load testing, stress testing, and performance testing.

Last, but not least. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement. This stage includes:

Objective that needs continuous monitoring of the application post-scaling to ensure it meets performance benchmarks.

Process with implementation of real-time monitoring tools to track performance, uptime, and user experience.

Adjustments to infrastructure, configuration, or code based on the monitoring data. 

What benefits does product scaling offer to businesses 

Basically, businesses experience 3x higher returns from scaling, up to 20% revenue growth, and 15-20% overall cost savings. At Artkai, we most often observe 6 extra benefits:

Allows businesses to scale - Scaling a digital product allows businesses to improve their market share and find new customers. A scalable business model is more beneficial in the long run.

Business agility - Ability to quickly adapt and react to changing market environments and situations.

Cost savings - Through scaling, businesses can reduce maintenance and operational costs, optimize infrastructure, and make the digital product development process more cost-effective, leading to substantial cost savings for businesses in the long run.

Improved performance and efficiency - Modernization can significantly enhance the performance and business operations of legacy applications, resulting in quicker response times and improved user experience.

Increase reliability and resilience - Scaling allows businesses to adapt and grow meeting increasing demand, ensuring continuity and stability in the face of evolving market challenges.

Better Customer Experience - Modernization often involves revamping the user interface and user experience, contributing to increased customer satisfaction and customer engagement.

How we helped our clients scale their products

Having experience with 100+ digital scalings and <a href="https://artkai.io/services/software-development-consulting-services">software development consulting</a>, we would like to describe two recent projects.

For the first, our development team helped a European telecom company to scale their solution by merging three newly acquired solutions into one cohesive SaaS system, branded as <a href="https://artkai.io/works/hub-ai-cpaas">Hub.AI.</a> With numerous stakeholders involved, the project aimed to streamline products seamlessly.

case1

The main challenge of the project was to align the different stakeholders' visions, develop a digital product scaling strategy for the future solution, and meet tight deadlines due to an upcoming marketing event.

We conducted 10 stakeholder interviews and 14 hours of workshops, creating three new customer journey maps and design concepts. Auditing the AI chatbot, campaign builder, and support platform, we defined the vision and requirements for the new platform.

As a result, our dynamic concept, based on real user feedback, ensured improved user flows and functionality. Stakeholders embraced the vision, initiating the next development phase with confidence in our high-end product development plan.

The second project involved working with a <a href="https://artkai.io/works/kmc-commander-unified-iot-platform">unified IoT platform</a> that helps control air quality, humidity, and temperature inside buildings. Artkai’s development team conducted a significant audit and made impressive enhancements to the platform. We added new features, helped enable the connection of additional devices, and facilitated gathering of more data. We made the system more comprehensive while keeping the design user-friendly and intuitive.

case2

Despite challenges aligning stakeholders' visions and outdated systems, we conducted an eight-month research and design phase, followed by over 12 months of development. 

Our strategy included client interviews, persona creation, backlog preparation, and the development of visual concepts and clickable prototypes. Leveraging React, Vue Native, and Node, we redesigned the system's dashboard, enabling customization, plugin integration, and intuitive onboarding.

The improved platform now has open protocol communication, user-friendly dashboards, system schedules, and robust security features. As a result, KMC Commander has become a leading smart building ecosystem, experiencing a 35% increase in average users and a 1.5x decrease in churn rate. Due to efficient scaling, they attract prominent partners like Intel and Amazon.

In this article, we've outlined effective strategies for managing scaling in software development. By identifying signs, preparing thoroughly, and implementing smart scaling approaches, companies can expand efficiently and boost their business operations. Product scaling brings numerous benefits, including cost savings, better adaptation to customer needs, and performance enhancements. Our case studies illustrate how scaling improves user flows and functionality resulting in business sustainable growth and increased revenue. 

Scaling your product is vital for maintaining competitiveness and meeting evolving customer demands. It's about adapting and growing intelligently. With the right strategies in place, businesses can flourish and achieve remarkable success. If you need our expert consultation about scaling for your business growth, contact us <a href="https://artkai.io/contacts">here</a>.

Legacy systems are outdated software, technology, or processes that are expensive to maintain and require significant effort to keep them running efficiently. An app becomes outdated when it can't meet important business needs anymore. When this happens, companies face a challenging decision: keep supporting the legacy product, update existing systems, or switch to something else.

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