A powerful SaaS platform

scbwi.org
Release
2024
Client
SCBWI
Team roles
Proxy Product Owner; Scrum Master; Solution Architect; Back-End Developer; Front-End Developer; Product Designer
What we did
Alignment workshops; MVP scoping; Solution architecture; Budgeting and execution plan; Iterative UX/UX design to kick-off; Plan and execute development sprints; Agile mentorship; Test-driven development

What is SCBWI?

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is a professional organization specifically for authors, illustrators, and other professionals involved in writing and illustrating books for children and young adults. Founded in 1971, SCBWI provides resources, support, and networking opportunities for its members, helping them navigate the children's publishing industry.

Why did SCBWI seek a development partner?

The previous system was outdated and lacked the functionality and user-friendliness required for efficient business operations. SCBWI needed a solution that could scale and offer better control over content and event management. After considering whether to purchase an external, 3rd party service or build their own system, they decided to develop a custom solution tailored to their needs.

Solution

SCBWI 2.0 is a robust platform designed to simplify the entire event management process, from planning and promotion to registration and payments. It allows admin users to effortlessly create and customize content pages, manage registrations and ticket sales, and engage with attendees through personalized content and communications.

What problems does SCBWI 2.0 solve?

In simple terms, SCBWI transitioned from outdated technology to a modern platform. The new system provides full control over daily IT infrastructure needs, eliminating the need for an in-house development team. This shift reduced operating expenses, requiring development only when system tweaks or new features are needed. Autonomy was a key focus throughout the design and development of the solution.

How did we develop the solution?

We follow and apply Design Thinking principles. With a diverse team of experienced professionals from various specialties, we collaboratively built an infrastructure that effectively addresses key business needs.

Workshops (WS)

Design Thinking workshops were conducted throughout the entire process, from start to finish, until we resolved all bottlenecks and difficult decisions. Over the course of the 9-month delivery timeline, we held more than 10 workshops.

Iterative design process

  • Repetitive Cycles: The process involves repeated cycles or "iterations," where each cycle builds upon the previous one.

  • Feedback-Driven: After each iteration, feedback from users, stakeholders, or team members is gathered and incorporated into the next version.

  • Continuous Improvement: With each cycle, the product is improved, addressing issues, adding features, or refining design elements.

  • Flexibility: This approach allows for adaptability. Changes in user needs, market conditions, or new ideas can be incorporated at various stages.

  • Prototyping: Sometimes when complex features are at play, an initial prototype or version is created, which evolves over time into the final product.

Design system

A collection of reusable components, guidelines, and standards that help create a consistent look, feel, and experience across a product or platform is built during the development. It ensures that design elements like buttons, colors, typography, and layout are standardized, making it easier and less time-consuming for developers and designers to build and maintain products.

Technology tools we used

  • Tools: Django, Postgres, Poetry, Redis, Docker, Swagger, pytest, u18i, Azure, PostGIS, Celery, VITE, Next.js, Chakra UI, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Eslint, Cypress, Jest, Figma, JIRA, GDrive
  • Integrations: Stripe, Authorize.net, Mailgun

Challenges and takeaways

The product goal shifted midway through the delivery, resulting in increased development costs and added pressure on the development team. Additionally, the organization's technological maturity required extra guidance and explanations on effective ways of working.

 

 

Usability tests

 

The goal of usability tests was to identify potential issues early, allowing us to fix them before entering development. This approach helps reduce costs and minimize the risk of missteps during the development process.

 

 

Testing KPIs

 

Each complex feature must meet specific performance thresholds before being approved for development. This process ensures that only usable, value-driven features are released to the market.

 

 
Challenges we encountered

 

Working remotely posed challenges in maintaining effective communication and thorough documentation, requiring extra effort from the team. Additionally, when the project goals shifted, an increase in the budget became necessary to accommodate the new requirements.

Business impact

Our product delivered measurable value to the business in several key areas:

  • A reliable user database provided accurate data for revenue forecasting.
  • Product maintenance costs were significantly reduced after the active development phase concluded.
  • The business gained full ownership of the Event Management System.
  • The brand underwent a successful facelift, enhancing its market presence.

How it improved daily life for users

The enhanced UX and UI significantly improved the user experience. The introduction of personalized member accounts allows users to easily access all essential information about life at SCBW in one convenient location.

Key takeaways

  • Effective communication is essential for successful remote work.
  • Avoid scope creep by maintaining clear project boundaries.
  • Ensure there is a single decision-maker to keep the delivery deadlines and budget intact.