Replatforming a children's language app
Adding new features & migrating a mobile app to a React Native codebase
The client
La Jolie Ronde is an award-winning provider of French and Spanish language learning for children, delivered in a range of settings, as well as supplying language resources to primary schools, academies and prep schools. In addition, La Jolie Ronde has a dedicated music player app, created to enhance and compliment the language learning experience.
The opportunity
Having been available in app stores for a while, it was considered an appropriate time to undertake essential maintenance tasks on the music player app, ensuring continued compatibility with current and upcoming device operating systems. An upgrade of the technologies used to create the app was planned, alongside which its users would enjoy some design and functionality improvements.
The user experience would be improved with the addition of new features, including the ability to create favourites and playlists, as well as improved access to downloaded tracks for use offline. All of this would be packaged in a refreshed interface.
The solution
- Update the design and layout of the app to improve user experience
- Adapt the design of the already familiar interface to include easy access to new features
- Replatform codebase from Ionic Framework to React Native to extend product shelf-life
- Include security and platform updates for Android and iOS
Implementation
Using the experience and knowledge of the La Jolie Ronde team, the user journey was carefully considered, addressing any existing pain-points in order to provide an improved experience. User journey mapping not only accounted for student use (parents/children), but also that of class teachers (network of franchisees). It was important to design new features and functionality that would work well for both parties.
Following a carefully planned schedule of work, including interactive prototypes and weekly opportunity for client feedback, the project progressed well through the design and build stages, ultimately being successfully submitted to both Android and iOS app stores.
