"A small team of A+ players can run circles around a giant team of B and C players." - Steve Jobs
Stratosphere Digital is a small, elite team of digital experts, helping companies large and small tackle design and technical challenges quickly and effectively.
Our Clients
We helped develop the onboard fuel system module for the XB-1 supersonic jet and implemented real-time LSO (Landing Safety Officer) and PLAT camera (Pilot Landing Aid Television) views for flight simulation testing.
We redesigned and rebuilt the website of a health company that provides preventative care and cutting-edge wellness treatments.
We created an intelligent, ultra-efficient warehouse-management software tool for a cannabis grow house.
We designed and developed an iOS and Android app for the next generation of Web3 social media.
We built an early childhood development app for a nonprofit foundation that provides free, trusted resources to parents and health professionals.
We built the Facebook Messenger design team a suite of custom Figma plugins to optimize their internal workflows.
We designed and developed a Chrome extension and website for a media accessibility company that provides sign language interpretation on streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.
We built a web app for a medical imaging software company that provides nuclear cardiologists with digital tools for assessing patient health.
We helped build and maintain custom back-end systems and a responsive website and web app for Emulate, a Boston-based company that specializes in Organs-on-Chips technology.
We built a website, a cross-platform app, and custom internal
systems for a full-service online
pharmacy.
We designed and developed a new website for a business communication platform. We also redesigned their web and mobile apps and produced a pitch deck and a promotional video.
We designed and developed a suite of web applications for a non-profit home-delivery pharmacy.
We redesigned an international healthcare access company's digital tool suite for physicians, pharmacists,
patients,
and large healthcare organizations.
We developed custom internal data and reporting systems for a worldwide fitness brand comprising
70+ studios around the globe.
We designed and developed a suite of web applications for a medicine-donation platform.
We updated Discord's Android icons for Material Design.
We redesigned a web app for smart scheduling and calendar management in business and enterprise.
We designed a new way for healthcare providers to manage workers compensation bids more honestly and transparently.
We designed and developed a suite of brands, a website, and mobile apps for a healthcare startup
aiming to redefine healthcare with mobile technology at the core of the user experience.
We built an iOS app and redesigned a web app for an online
presentation and collaboration tool.
We rebuilt a website and web app that provides video-based
training for Android developers.
We redesigned a custom web and mobile app for the #1 microlearning platform for trainers and
companies.
We built a website, a web app, and custom internal systems for a food delivery startup.
We helped redesign a web app built for property managers to simplify sales, streamline operations, and scale
their
businesses.
We redesigned a fleet management web app and route-planning mobile app for a service that optimizes delivery
routes.
We developed new features and performed maintenance for the first ever medical alert Apple Watch app.
We helped build custom web and mobile apps for an online fitness startup.
We redesigned an enterprise voicemail system and a compact VoIP virtual business phone.
We redesigned a suite of product icons for a leading provider of mobile privacy, security, and
performance apps.
ShopTwigs
We built a responsive fashion boutique eCommerce website.
Web Video Caster
We redesigned an app that streams web videos to your TV.
Ping
We designed an iOS app for the world's smallest GPS locator.
Agora
We built a browser extension to improve online shopping.
Cookicons
We design the best Material Design app icons.
Papermill Collective
We designed a website for Material Design freelancers.
Our Services
Our services include, but are not limited to:
General Development
PHP
Node.js
Meteor
Python
Ruby
JavaScript (ES6/7, CoffeeScript, TypeScript)
Angular
React
Vue.js
HTML5
CSS (Stylus, Sass)
AJAX, WebSockets
MongoDB
MySQL
Cordova
AWS
C#
C/C++
Java
Objective-C
Swift
QS/1, HL7, HIPAA
React Native
iOS
Android
eCommerce
Architecture design
Technical documentation
Performance and optimization
Code reviews
Product analytics
Blockchain Development
Web3
NFTs
dApps
DeFi
Smart Contracts
DFINITY/Internet Computer Protocol
Motoko
Solidity
Governance/DAOs
Chainlink Adapters/Oracles
EOSIO/WAX
IPFS
Design
Web
Mobile
UI/UX
Iconography
Illustrations
Prototyping
Want to see what a final design deliverable looks like?
Project Management
Specification documents
Feature definition
Project guidance
Idea review
Budgets and timelines
Team coordination
User testing
Technical training
Testimonials
What our clients have to say
We’re lucky to have their team of incredible talent.
If you want your software to be visually appealing, functional, and ultimately successful, Stratosphere is a great choice.
Stratosphere is far from your average tech team and SignUp Captions would not be what it is without them!
I simply cannot imagine finding anyone else—even a dedicated internal team—as committed to understanding our business needs...
Working with Stratosphere Digital on our website and app UI/UX redesign has been a great experience.
We feel lucky to have found their team of talented designers and developers.
Working with Stratosphere Digital has been downright incredible.
...the Stratosphere Digital team has demonstrated strong teamwork and the
technical capabilities necessary to help us accomplish our goals.
I would recommend Stratosphere to any company...
Stratosphere's work is precise, elegant, and always well thought through.
Working with the Stratosphere team was an absolute pleasure.
The team was always available, friendly and knowledgeable...
We consider discovering Stratosphere one of the best breaks we've had thus far...
Stratosphere successfully executed on tasks that other developers didn't even think were possible.
Their developers were sharp and experienced, seamlessly working with our team to quickly implement effective solutions.
They are great listeners, great designers, and great developers, and are genuinely passionate about what they do.
...they were the elite group I’d been looking for.
It is clear they treat every project as though it were their own business...
I really appreciate their ability to quickly translate a verbal idea into a tangible product.
Stratosphere has repeatedly demonstrated an unparalleled level of creativity and innovation...
Their collaborative and innovative approach made the entire process seamless and efficient.
I highly recommend Stratosphere's team...
We really appreciate their creativity, intelligence, and how quickly they were able to understand our industry.
Stratosphere’s team came to the initial brief with exceptional concepts and consistently followed through on our vision.
Their work screams thoughtfulness and attention to detail.
Stratosphere has been an invaluable partner in our app development journey.
From the very first meeting, Stratosphere took the time to understand my vision and worked towards making it a reality.
We are incredibly grateful to the entire Stratosphere team and could not recommend them more highly.
The Team
Eliyah Finkelstein
Chief Executive Officer
Wesley Folz
Chief Technology Officer
Michael Cook
Chief Design Officer
Who are you?
Hi, I'm Eliyah (pronounced El-ee-yuh).
What would you like to know about me?
Where do you live?
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What's your favorite food?
Where are some cool places you've traveled?
What project management tools do you use?
Do you have any pets?
What books do you recommend?
If you could be hugged by anyone in the world, whom would you choose?
Who are you?
Hi, I'm Jonathan.
What would you like to know about me?
Where do you live?
What's your favorite tech stack?
How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
If you could be hugged by anyone in the world, whom would you choose?
Who are you?
Hi, I'm Michael.
What would you like to know about me?
How do you start your day?
What's your design stack?
What books do you recommend?
Have you had any other careers in life?
What's your favorite artistic medium?
What hobbies do you have?
If you could be hugged by anyone in the world, whom would you choose?
Why are you living in a small town in Iowa?
Who are you?
Yo! I'm Tom ✌️ Ask away!
Where do you live?
What do you design in?
Have you had any other careers in life?
If you could be hugged by anyone in the world, whom would you choose?
What's your favorite album?
Who are you?
Hi, I'm Luca. Here's some information about me!
Where do you live?
What are your interests?
Favorite Books?
What's your favorite food?
What's your ideal vacation?
Do you have any pets?
Whats an interesting talent you have?
Who are you?
Hi, I'm Wesley. What questions do you have?
Where do you live?
What do you do in your free time?
What's your favorite food?
What's your ideal vacation?
Do you have any pets?
Picard or Kirk?
What's your favorite programming language?
Who are you?
Hi, I'm Malinda! I love answering questions about myself. 😉
What hobbies do you have?
Do you have any pets?
Have you had any other careers in life?
What's something unusual that happened in your life?
If you could be hugged by anyone in the world, whom would you choose?
What's your favorite food?
Who are you?
Hi, I'm Rob
Where do you live?
What's one poor decision you made while on vacation that turned out less dangerous than expected?
Who are you?
Hi there! I’m Andrew.
Where do you live?
What do you like to do in your free time?
What's your favorite book?
How did you get here?
What do you have an irrational fear of?
Who are you?
Hello, I’m Antoine. What would you like to know about me?
Where do you live?
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What’s your favorite food?
Why software engineering?
Have you had any other careers in life?
Early Mornings or Late Nights?
Who are you?
Hi! My name is Jessie.
Where do you live?
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What's your favorite food?
Where are some cool places you've traveled?
What project management tools do you use?
Do you have any pets?
Have you had any other careers in life?
Tom Wellington
Senior Designer
Malinda Gosvig
Project Manager
Jessie Orne
Project Manager
Jonathan Cook
Senior Developer
Luca DeCaprio
Senior Developer
Rob Stanica
Senior Developer
Andrew Currier
Senior Developer
Antoine Robidoux
Senior Developer
Our Blog
Top 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Software Development
6 Questions You Should Ask Before Working with a Software Development Agency
The Benefits of Continuous Integration and Delivery in Software Development
Our Philosophy on Building Trust and Managing Client Expectations
Comparing JavaScript Libraries: Vue.js, Angular, and React
Frontend, Backend, Fullstack: What Do These Mean?
Avoiding Hidden Costs in Software Development
How to Maintain HIPAA Compliance in Software Development for Web and
Mobile Apps
Invisible Software Development Costs Caused by Technical Debt
How We Think About the Project Manager Role
Why You Should Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Why We Engage Almost Exclusively on Retainers
How Much is My Software Project Going to Cost?
Why You Should Write a Specifications Document Before Starting Any
Software Development Project
The Importance of a Single Source of Truth for Software Development Projects
What We Look for in a Client
How a Properly Executed Design Phase Saves Tons of Development Time
We tackle design and technical challenges quickly and effectively, giving your business the boost
it needs.
If you just want a basic website, there are plenty of people who can help. However, if your
ambitions require a custom-tailored approach—or if you need a little extra guidance in figuring out your
ideal end result—Stratosphere Digital is the agency for you.
Don't risk losing your client's business because of capacity overload or unconventional requests.
Has an important client come to you with a task outside of your team's expertise? No need to
expand your team just to fulfill the occasional request—we're here to make sure you can always say "yes" to
your clients without stretching yourselves too thin. And you can count on us to blow them away with the
result, leaving you looking like the heroes they expect you to be.
Boom Supersonic is transforming air travel with the world’s fastest airliners, optimized for speed, safety, and sustainability. Boom Supersonic’s aircraft fly at twice the speed of today’s airliners and are designed to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel.
"Working with Stratosphere’s flight software engineers was a refreshingly positive experience. They were able to absorb technical material with little guidance and independently arrive at well-thought-out solutions. Stratosphere provided debugging, troubleshooting, and analysis of our XB-1 Experimental Aircraft flight software as well as made significant contributions to the onboard fuel system module. They also expanded our X-Plane flight simulation capabilities enabling test pilots to prepare for the first flight of the Boom Supersonic Jet. We’re lucky to have their team of incredible talent."
The Solution
Boom needed support to finish their flight software system before moving forward with testing their first experimental supersonic jet, XB-1. We made significant contributions to the onboard XB-1 fuel system calculations responsible for accurately informing the pilots of their remaining fuel levels and implemented an extensive rework of the associated fuel system unit testing. We also worked closely with Boom’s avionics engineers to expand the capabilities of their custom X-Plane flight software simulation. We implemented simulated real-time LSO (Landing Safety Officer) and PLAT camera (Pilot Landing Aid Television) views of the flight model as well as accurately diagnosing and correcting simulation 3D model errors that were leading to a false feel of the sim for the test pilots.
The Services
C++ Development
Technical Documentation
System Level Architecture
Test Driven Development
System Integration Testing
Hardware Communication Protocols
Unit Testing
CI/CD
Code Reviews
The Stack
C++
Fluidd
Gtest
Jenkins
CMAKE
PTP Over UDP
X-Plane
Linux
Docker
Clang
Visual Studio
Bash Scripting
Supported Platforms
Linux
Windows
MacOS
XB-1 Flight Software Support
General support for the flight software team included interpreting aircraft data from engine and taxi testing, troubleshooting electro-mechanical device communication, debugging the extensive Jenkins CI-CD system, and facilitating feature requests from the many multi-discipline engineering teams responsible for XB-1.
XB-1 Fuel System Display
Working with Boom’s system engineers, we added a multi-tiered warning system to the existing fuel software calculations displayed on the onboard aircraft multifunction display (MFD). We coded fuel system interactions between hardware and Simulink computational models, including temperature readings, totalizer checks, center of gravity analysis, and fuel flow.
The XB-1 Simulation
We continually supported the primary test bed of the flight system, an X-Plane-based working replica of the XB-1 cockpit and damper actuators. Boom’s existing simulation model had significant errors that were difficult to pinpoint but led to an inauthentic flight experience for the experimental test pilots. For example, the 3d dimensional model of the plane used for the first person camera offsets never touched the ground, instead hovering ten feet above it when in a landed state. We worked with the mechanical modeling team to build an accurate representation of the XB-1 and seamlessly integrated it with the custom Boom physics engine layered on top of X-Plane simulation software in order to accurately represent flight and landing behavior.
LSO and Landing Camera Simulations
As part of the XB-1 Validation, Boom required both landing signal officer (LSO) and pilot landing aid television (PLAT) camera views. We helped build out the ability to have multiple simulations simultaneously running off of the same flight model, and then developed both LSO and PLAT views so that the ground control team could rehearse landing procedures in real-time.
Ways2Well
The Client
Ways2Well is a digital health company that provides preventative care
medical services. They focus on advanced blood chemistry analysis and
regenerative treatment solutions for patients throughout Texas.
"Stratosphere has repeatedly demonstrated an unparalleled level of creativity and innovation, consistently exceeding my expectations at every turn. From the moment I engaged their services, their attention to detail and dedication to excellence was evident in every aspect of their work. They are truly a group of elite experts dedicated to delivering high-quality software.
They are also always incredibly responsive to my needs and consistently go above and beyond to ensure that I am satisfied with the final result. They listen carefully and act autonomously, ultimately giving me peace of mind that my ideas will be turned into reality.
Overall, I cannot recommend Stratosphere highly enough. Their exceptional talent, professionalism, and commitment to excellence make them a true standout in their field."
The Solution
Ways2Well’s founder had been invited to go on Joe Rogan’s podcast, but the company’s site was hosted on Shopify, looked dated, and was not equipped to handle the influx of anticipated visitors. Additionally, Ways2Well wanted new site sections, including a browsable mail-order pharmacy. We re-designed and rebuilt their site to give it a more forward-looking feel, set it up to handle the anticipated traffic, and built out the additional sections in time for their launch.
Following the launch, we added custom patient scheduling and questionnaire integrations with CharmHealth, built out custom ecommerce solutions, and restructured their multiple user signup processes to be cleaner and more intuitive. We also redesigned their product labels and packaging.
The Services
Website Development
Website Design
Web Copywriting
eCommerce
Package Design
Brand Design
Design Systems
The Stack
Vue.js
HTML/CSS
AWS
Square API
CharmHealth API
HubSpot API
Supported Platforms
Chrome
Firefox
Safari
IE/Edge
Custom API Integrations
At the time we began working with Ways2Well, they were manually scheduling patient visits and manually copying and pasting information from forms submitted via their website. To lighten the load of their internal team, we built custom API integrations with CharmHealth, their EHR, to service patients with site calendars for scheduling and site questionnaires that automatically submitted answers to their EHR. When Ways2Well’s clinicians requested patient-specific limits on scheduling, we developed a scheduling allowance system that they could update as needed.
Additionally, we integrated all forms on the website with Hubspot, a CRM that allows Ways2Well to track and communicate with their contacts, including sending automated emails and text messages.
Brand Development
Ways2Well’s original site did not communicate their cutting-edge wellness brand. We spent a few weeks exploring UI concepts, color, style, spacing, and fonts, and ultimately settled on a instagram-style grid layout with large photography and minimal text. Additionally, we updated their logo and produced a style guide for them to use in social media marketing.
Landing Page
We streamlined the core landing pages to highlight Ways2Well’s treatments.
eCommerce
Ways2Well needed a variety of unique checkout workflows since some of their services require clinic scheduling, others require mandatory health forms, and others require shipping. We devised a solution that allows Ways2Well to host and edit the appearance, price, and description of their products and services on Square, while providing users with custom-tailored shop pages, cart, and checkout processes.
Sign Up Process
We took Ways2Well’s multi-page PDF patient intake form and translated it into a user-friendly online questionnaire.
Package Design
We designed new labels and packaging for Ways2Well’s products, including:
Supplements, Health Tests, IVs, Comprehensive Blood Work Testing
Animation
We wanted to give Ways2Well some life through animation so we provided an intro video and footer video.
Header
Footer
Design System
We built Ways2Well a custom set of styling and components to use across their site and apps.
Vangarden
The Client
Vangarden is a wholesale producer of a full range of cannabis products,
from flower to extracts to edibles.
"I simply cannot imagine finding anyone else—even a dedicated internal
team—as committed to understanding our business needs and partnering in
crucial design and development decisions. If the stakes are high and
you're looking for a team with critical thinking, collaborative and
creative problem solving, deep technical ability, on-the-fly
reprioritization, and straight-shooting communication, look no further."
Solution
We created an intelligent warehouse-management software tool for a
cannabis grow house—the most complex project we’ve taken on to date.
This visionary tool massively improves efficiency by automating task
management and training, creating a level playing field for employees and
empowering them to take control of their own career progression. For
managers, it cuts down on countless wasted hours, saving money and
administrative headaches, so they can focus on the ultimate goal of
harvesting a crop and turning it into a successful product.
With our work for Vangarden, we’ve transformed the grow house experience.
The Services
Design
Pattern Library
Mobile App
Development
Web App
Development
Product
Design
UI/UX
Brand
Development
Packaging
Design
Supported Platforms
Chrome
FireFox
Safari
IE
iOS
Android
Facility Map
We designed a bird’s-eye-view map of the grow house that indicates in real
time where everyone and everything is located within the facility.
Vangarden has incorporated RFID technology into their grow house, tagging
each person, plant, and piece of equipment and placing readers in each
doorway and every 10 meters of the hallway. This allows for assurance that
all products and supplies are accounted for and protected, and offers full
transparency as to the whereabouts of each employee to keep things running
smoothly.
Tasks
Based on Vangarden’s meticulously scheduled sequence of crop cloning,
cultivation, and harvest, we created a customizable task-management
interface that allows managers to define tasks that the system will then
automatically assign.
Administrators initially enter tasks manually, specifying what type of
task needs to be done in what room, on what day of the harvest cycle. They
define the roles within each task, how many operators each task requires,
and what materials are needed to complete each task. They can also
designate prerequisite tasks and set priorities. Administrators then list
directions for each task, telling operators what to do step by step, with
instructional text, images, and videos as needed.
From the operator standpoint, based on their location, each employee will
be assigned a task by the software. It tells them how long the task should
take, where in the facility it needs to be performed, how many people it
will require, what materials are needed, and whether there are breaks
involved in the task. Once the operator completes that task by following
the step-by-step instructions, they’ll be assigned a new task.
Scheduling
We implemented a scheduling app with settings that go deep, allowing
administrators and employees alike to view broad timelines as well as
drill down to manage specific shifts.
Managers have a host of tools at their fingertips to make sure all the
necessary shifts are covered. They can see who is scheduled for each of
the three shifts on a particular day, versus how many people should be
scheduled based on the tasks that need to be accomplished to keep the crop
cycles on schedule. Beyond overseeing detailed daily staff requirements,
administrators can edit week-over-week schedules, specify certifications
needed for certain shifts, add or remove people from shifts, view overtime
employees, and see operators’ shift-change histories.
In a novel approach, our app puts operators in charge of their own
schedules. Whether directly trading shifts with another employee, offering
shifts to a pool, or picking up extra shifts from said pool, operators are
in command of their availability. This puts the onus on them to find
replacements when they’ll be out sick or on vacation. Because the harvest
sequence is so precise, all shifts must be covered in order to stay on
schedule. But since employees figure it all out themselves—and our
interface helps them do so seamlessly—it takes the pressure off the
management team so they can focus on the bigger picture.
Crop Management
We set up a management tool for each crop, which is made up of
approximately 100 plants of the same type in the same location.
Administrators can create new crops; define each crop’s start date, end
date, and location; add notes; and specify strains.
The moment someone adds a crop into the system, a precise sequence of
tasks is automatically created. Certain tasks run simultaneously, while
others are prerequisites for others. These can include irrigating,
pruning, cloning, propagating, monitoring, performing spot checks,
transplanting, checking environmental parameters, and selecting the best
plants to nominate to become new mothers.
Strain Management
Similar to our crop-management tool, our app features a tool for managing
strains of crops, wherein administrators can create a profile for each
strain. They can specify yield per plant, terpene profile, and
variability; add notes; enter sales stats, including total sales volume
and profitability; and denote products linked to that strain, such as
gummies or vape cartridges.
Employee Management
We designed a clear, organized way to manage employee info—from basic
contact details and password management to scheduling preferences,
certifications, and room permissions.
Inventory Management
When operators perform tasks in the grow house, they often use products to
complete those tasks. We devised a thorough inventory-management system to
track task-based consumables like latex gloves and bleach, equipment such
as hard hats and tape, and office supplies like coffee and hand sanitizer.
Each product has a detailed page, listing pricing, amount left in stock,
consumption over time, and vendor info.
Vendor Management
Within inventory management, we offer space for detailed info on
Vangarden’s list of vendors. Similar to a CRM, this tool allows
administrators to link inventory items to vendors, add vendor notes, and
manage purchase orders and vendor invoices.
Product Management
We created an efficient management system for Vangarden’s products, with
robust filtering options for existing products and a simple way to add new
ones. All of their products, including bulk flower, pre-rolls, cartridges,
gummies, softgels, and chocolates, are listed here with notes,
corresponding SKU numbers, and info on product type and tier, brand,
strain, and weight per unit.
Forums
We designed user forums for streamlined communication within the company.
Administrators can use this space to post announcements—as well as delete
or moderate other posts—and users can post suggestions, either anonymously
or under their names. Featuring an easy-to-use interface with search
functionality, the forums allow everyone to stay in the know through
posts, replies, and notifications.
Reports
We created a way for users to report issues at the facility, whether
someone has been injured, there’s been a pest or mold sighting, a piece of
equipment is malfunctioning, or an item is low on inventory. Incident
reports are automatically tagged by location and can be submitted with
photo or video attachments. Administrators then instantly receive the
reports so that they can go about fixing the issue. Users can also report
app bugs and request new app features here.
Admin Dashboard
For ultimate transparency, we designed an admin dashboard for
administrators to see all their activity within the app, namely changes in
tasks, schedules, inventory, and vendors. They can track what has changed,
see who made those changes and when, and request features from our
development team. In this way, the administrators of the company work
together to refine their processes as they continuously strive towards a
more optimal workflow and product output.
Packaging Design
We designed product labels and brand messaging for OnlyEdible, our
client’s line of low-THC gummies. We crafted several iterations of label
designs and copy for the line’s three products: OnlyActive, OnlyRelaxed,
and OnlyRested.
Interface Component Library
Popset
The Client
Popset is a social app where artists, photographers, and creators alike can mint, share, and collect non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with other enthusiasts on a secure, on-chain platform.
"We had an idea for Popset but without a technical co-founder we lacked the skills necessary to get our project off the ground. Thankfully, we found Stratosphere, and it quickly became apparent to us that they were exactly the type of technical partner that we needed to bring our mobile app to life. Stratosphere served as a steady guide throughout the development process and ultimately delivered a better app to us than we could have initially conceived. We are incredibly grateful to the entire Stratosphere team and could not recommend them more highly."
The Problem
Traditional Web2 social media creators are often dependent on advertising partnerships to achieve financial success. This model benefits well-established creators but can be challenging for emerging ones who may not yet have the necessary reach and advertiser connections. Additionally, relying on advertising partnerships raises concerns about the authenticity and ownership of the content shared on the platform, and can often alienate the creator's audience.
The Solution
Co-founders Alex and Sergio aim to transform the system of content sharing and monetization through an innovative, on-chain social platform. Bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3, Popset incorporates familiar features from traditional social media platforms, allowing users to easily join, create, and share content. What sets Popset apart from legacy platforms is its ability to mint posts on-chain, as well as collect and own other creator’s posts. Collection fees can be enabled on posts, allowing creators to earn directly from their audience each time they collect, without relying on sponsored posts to monetize their content. This approach not only helps decentralize monetization but also enhances the value of the content, leading to more empowered creators and a more engaged audience.
The Services
Interface Component Library
UI/UX Design
Brand Development
Web App Development
Mobile App Development
Website Development
Custom API Integrations
Supported Platforms
Chrome
Firefox
Safari
Edge
iOS
Android
Mobile App
Minting
In order to pave the way for a new wave of Web3 users, Popset needed to be accessible to users unfamiliar with the technologies of Web3. Other minting apps require users to manage their own wallet and sign transactions. For the average Web2 user, these can be difficult obstacles to navigate.
In order to simplify wallet and minting processes, we utilize Crossmint: A 3rd party service that handles wallet creation, management, and minting on the backend. This allows users to sign up without needing an existing wallet and easily mint posts on-chain, so they can quickly get back to exploring the app.
Monetization
Due to the current App Store regulations around in-app purchases and NFTs, we needed to devise a creative approach to monetize Popset and cover gas fees, all while keeping crypto transactions separate from the app.
We decided to go with the Solana blockchain platform, as it offers lower transaction fees, which allows Popset to provide free, daily minting to users. If users run out of free minting credits, they can purchase additional credits using in-app purchases. This goes toward covering the gas fees for minting a post, while Popset also earns a small fee from the credit purchases.
Creators seeking to monetize their content can opt to use the paid post feature. Collectors can buy these paid posts directly from creators through in-app purchases. Payments to creators are settled in fiat currency, while NFTs are automatically airdropped into the collector’s wallet on the backend without the need for the user to manage their own crypto wallet.
Unlike a monetization system reliant on advertising, this approach grants creators more freedom and control over their content, fostering a more supportive and meaningful connection between them and their audience.
Collect & Connect
Users can follow friends, like and comment on posts, collect someone else’s post, and build a curated collection of on-chain posts within their Popset profile. Collecting a post means having a piece of ownership over another user’s content, forming a permanent link between the two users. Whereas traditional social apps only offer likes, comments, and shares as forms of engagement, collecting is a new and much more meaningful way to show a creator a deeper level of support and connection.
Earn XP & Rand on the Leaderboard
To encourage users to create, collect, and participate, we built a simple XP system so each time a user creates or collects a post, they automatically earn XP. Furthermore, they can view their rank among friends and other users within the Popset leaderboard.
Creator Portal
We built a platform for verified creators to track engagement, earnings, and top collectors on Popset. The Creator Portal web app lets creators analyze earnings from individual posts and collectors, helping them optimize content and deepen audience connections.
Interface Component Library
Pathways
The Client
Pathways.org, a partner with the Shirely Ryan AbilityLab, is a nonprofit
foundation that uses outcome-based research and tools to support each
child’s fullest development. Since 1985 they have provided free, trusted
resources to empower parents and health professionals in early detection
and intervention for children’s sensory, motor, and communication
skills. Their materials are developed by pediatric experts and supported
by the American Academy of Pediatric findings.
"Working with Stratosphere has been one of the best
decisions we've made. Instead of having to hire 3+ full time employees
who may only specialize in specific areas, we've had access to their
entire team of experts. This has allowed us to add features and designs
that otherwise wouldn't have been possible. Their commitment to our work
has also been exceptional. It is clear they treat every project as
though it were their own business and want it to succeed. I wouldn't
have any hesitation recommending them to any organization looking for
app development."
The Solution
Pathways came to us with a desire to bring their great storehouse of
childhood development tools and resources into a more modern, interactive,
and user-friendly format for busy parents: a mobile app.
The Services
UI/UX
Mobile App Development
Design Pattern Library
Supported Platforms
iOS
Android
All the information
All the information you might need to
raise a child – made more convenient than ever.
If you’ve ever searched for “baby
development milestones” on the internet, chances are you’ve come across
Pathways.org. Pathways has produced one of the largest NGO libraries of
parenting resources over the course of the past 35 years. You can find
their print materials translated in over 27 languages in doctors offices
across the world, and they have maintained an online presence since the
early days of the internet.
However, their online content wasn’t
“smart.” Their resources were sorted by age group, but not interlinked in
any comprehensive way, and their website didn’t allow users to keep track
of milestones or abilities their child had already completed. This made it
challenging for parents to discover tools and materials most relevant to
their child. In order to get Pathways’ content structured in a way that
would allow us to generate “smart” content suggestions, we needed to
create a custom content management system. We built a prototype CMS for
Pathways using Notion, and worked with their digital team to help them
sort and categorize their existing library of resources.
With this new blueprint, we were able to
build a mobile app that surfaces recommended content across categories
based on what the parent or caregiver has already shown interest in and
what stage of development their child is at.
Our Design Approach
We tailor our design process to each of
our clients in order to ensure that they get the results and resources
they need to succeed.
We tailor our design process to each of our clients in order to ensure
that they get the results and resources they need to succeed. For
Pathways, our approach included the following:
Style and brand exploration
UI/UX for their minimum viable product
Custom design system
App Store assets
V2 revisions
Style and brand exploration
Even though Pathways had a
strong brand prior to working with us, they wanted to see our concepts for
theming their new mobile app.
We spent a few weeks
exploring UI concepts, color, style, spacing, and fonts and ultimately
settled on an approach that blended a research-informed tone with a more
fun one to resonate with their baby-rearing audience.
Design system
As an agency, we try to set each of our clients up for
long-term success by building them a robust design system they can
continue to use for years to come.
For Pathways.org, this meant building out a brand-new,
mobile-centric set of components to elevate their users’ experience beyond
what was possible on their WordPress site.
In order to get their MVP launched, we made a series of
careful compromises that would allow us to launch the app quickly while
still laying the groundwork for later features and providing enough value
for their existing audience.
Tummy Timer
Tummy time is one of the first and most
important exercises for babies, as it develops their motor, visual, and
sensory skills. Since pediatricians recommend one hour of tummy time a
day, we built a custom tummy timer that allows Pathways app users to
track, record, edit, and view their baby’s progress over time.
Activities
Pathways already had a static library of
activity videos for parents. Using the content management system we
created for them, we built a database defining relationships among
activity videos and other app content. When parents select an activity to
try, they can see which milestones and abilities they are helping their
baby work towards, as well as related articles or other videos they might
enjoy.
Milestones and Abilities
Pathways milestones and abilities are
supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics findings. To help parents
track their child’s development, we designed an interface for milestones
and abilities that displays how much progress their child has made
relative to what’s appropriate for their age group, broken down by
category.
Explore
For parents wanting to browse Pathways’
extensive library resources, we built out an “explore” section of the app
that displays all content, linked by age-range and relevance, so that
users can have the full breadth of information at their fingertips.
Multiple Child Support
Since many parents and caregivers have
multiple children, we designed the app to allow for easy switching between
child profiles. Each child’s progress and saved content is maintained
separately, with no limit on the number of children a user can add. In
addition, we developed the ability to adjust for prematurity and create
profiles for babies who are not yet born.
V2+ and onward
Based on insights gathered from both user feedback and ongoing research,
we are continuing to refine and develop new features for the Pathways.org
mobile app, including:
Navigation updates
Multiple caregiver support with granular permissions
Onboarding tutorials and tooltips
Sharing functionality
Admin analytics
Single sign-on
Adding support for multiple caregivers
Adding age progress prompts
Adding support for multiple child profiles
Facebook
The Client
Facebook, Inc. is an American social media
conglomerate corporation based in Menlo Park, California. (You may have
heard of them.)
“Stratosphere didn’t waste time ramping-up, showed up
prepared and were easy to work with. I really appreciate their ability
to quickly translate a verbal idea into a tangible product. They were a
breeze!”
The Solution
The Facebook Messenger design team was
looking for a development partner to build custom Figma plugins to improve
their internal design processes. We worked with them to learn the ins and
outs of their workflows, understand their pain points, and identify system
limitations. We then built the Messenger design team a suite of Figma
plugins to improve design efficiency and team coordination.
The Services
Figma plugin development
Prototyping
Supported Platforms
Figma
Conversation Generator Plugin
This plugin enables designers to easily
build a conversation within Figma from pre-saved conversation bubbles,
profile photos, and other assets.
Theme Switcher Plugin
This plugin streamlines theme
implementation and customization. Rather than having to create separate
themes for every design asset, designers can now set theme colors and
instantly switch between color sets. In addition to improving the
end-stage design process, this also saves designers a huge amount of time
while allowing them to do their work in dark mode (which is easier on the
eyes) without the hassle of manually applying theme colors to each asset
afterwards.
Content Fill Plugin
This plugin automatically pulls text and
images into Figma from a custom database where the team can upload and
store content, enabling design assets to always be up to date with the
proper text and images from the content team.
SignUp
The Client
SignUp Captions provides media accessibility for the Deaf and and Hard-of-Hearing community through a free-of-charge Google Chrome extension that offers sign language interpretation on Disney+, Netflix, Peacock, and other streaming platforms.
"Stratosphere is far from your average tech team and SignUp
Captions would not be what it is without them!
When I was looking for my tech team I interviewed quite a
few companies. Stratosphere stood out for several reasons, but - above
all - I value their culture. Their team displays soft skills that match
the value of their technical knowledge. As well as being extremely
knowledgeable and innovative, Stratosphere is not intimidating to a
non-technical person, and they explain complex issues and solutions in a
digestible way.
This is an adaptive team, and they have come up with ideas
way beyond their remit. Our product needs to adapt to different
countries and platforms, and the Stratosphere team has met these
challenges head-on and with efficiency. Additionally, Stratosphere has
supported Signup by attending meetings and pitches. They have interacted
very well with clients and impressed potential partners. They have made
videos for me to share with stakeholders and provided visuals that have
been invaluable in showing our growth and progress. I asked them to work
alongside a branding agency who had offered Signup some work free of
charge, and Stratosphere's openness and willingness to collaborate ended
in very good results, both for our Chrome extension and our website.
Stratosphere is supportive, professional, extremely capable,
patient, friendly, and kind. Working with them makes my project and my
working day better!"
The Solution
Signup Captions had been scaling to reach a larger audience and provide additional accessibility content for their users, but their extension design was cumbersome and outdated and lacked needed functionality. We redesigned and rebuilt their extension to improve UX and expand functionality, and we also revamped their website.
The Services
Chrome Extension Development
Web Design
UI/UX
Web Development
Design Pattern Library
Supported Platforms
Chrome
Chrome Extension
Previously, SignUp’s extension required the user to manually navigate to a chosen video both within the extension and within the streaming service and then sync the two. We recoded this so that the user can now launch the extension from any site, and selecting a title from the extension interface will automatically bring them to the corresponding title within the streaming service.
We added support for TV shows as well as additional streaming platforms across multiple countries. We also implemented video resizing, favoriting, filtering, multiple language support and auto-syncing.
Website
SignUp’s website was functional, but it didn’t represent what the extension had to offer, nor was it particularly inviting. We redesigned SignUp’s website to grab users’ attention and showcase extension features. We built out new sections highlighting available titles, and integrated a color scheme and images that provided a welcoming visual experience. In addition, we improved accessibility by updating the site’s contrast levels, adding in a dark mode, and optimizing the code for compatibility with site readers.
When an external branding company wanted to support SignUp’s mission by providing their services free of charge, we integrated their work into our designs and offered guidance on using their deliverables.
Website accessibility
SignUp wanted to make sure that they were providing inclusive access to their content. To support their users with low vision, we designed and implement two additional high-contrast site themes:
Additionally, we refactored the website code to maximize compatibility with site readers and ensure that users could navigate through sections by hitting the tab button, without the need to click.
We also integrated the site with Signly, a synchronous reader that offers access to web content in sign language.
Content Management System
We built SignUp a content management system that allows them to upload new titles, update corresponding images, add blog posts, and manage featured content.
Donations
Since SignUp is powered by donations, they needed a way to invite users to support their service. We designed an in-extension prompt that appears at the end of a film or TV show and guides viewers to a page of donation options, including the ability to pay for a specific movie or TV episode to be interpreted.
Invia
The Client
INVIA Medical Imaging Solutions provides software for nuclear cardiologists and other medical professionals. Nuclear cardiology is the leading, non-invasive, imaging technique for evaluating a patient’s risk of cardiac disease, and INVIA’s core product, 4DM, provides these doctors with 4-dimensional quantification tools for assessing cardiac health.
"Stratosphere was a pleasure to work with and we are grateful we chose them to assist us in our web development. Their strength was in their simplicity; they were able to understand what we wanted after a single explanation, outline a straightforward plan for achieving the goal, and develop to that plan with very little deviation. Their developers were sharp and experienced, seamlessly working with our team to quickly implement effective solutions. Having a consistent, reliable, and predictable partner with us through this project made all the difference in our ability to complete it on time. We strongly recommend their services."
The Solution
INVIA’s core product, 4DM, has provided a 4-dimensional quantification and review environment for medical professionals for over 20 years. However, 4DM was built as a Windows application, and could only run on computers it had been installed on. INVIA hired us to help engineer a web-based solution: a “thin client” version of their product that could run in a web browser on any secured network.
Since both time and budget were key considerations, we worked closely with INVIA to find the most efficient path forward for their MVP. The solution we landed on was a hybrid: a combination of front-end and back-end rendering. We creatively engineered this dance between the server and client on a feature-by-feature basis to optimize for responsiveness.
The Services
Design System
UI/UX
Web App Design
React Development
Technical Documentation
System Level Architecture
Performance and Optimization
Supported Platforms
Chrome
Firefox
Safari
Edge
The App
Our design team worked closely with INVIA to improve 4DM’s user interface. We made incremental changes to modernize the application’s look and feel without alienating their longstanding user base.
Icons
We took INVIA’s original Windows application icons and translated them for the web. We optimized for efficiency by creating flat files and minimizing the colors involved. At each step, we triangulated between the original design choices, web standards, and more user-intuitive UI.
Func & Quant
MPI Summary
Screen Capture
4DM’s screen capture function allows users to capture an image or video. Since some of the web app’s canvas was coming from the server and some was drawn within the browser, we engineered a screen capture solution that composited server-side and client-side canvases into a single image or video.
Color Bar Slider
INVIA needed their users to be able to change the hue and saturation/contrast of images or video using 4DM’s color bar slider. In the web app, since the slider is on the client side and the images are rendered by the server, we programmed the interface to continuously pull updated frames in response to the slider position. To remove the risk of lag with animated content, we suppress animation while the user drags the slider and resume it upon release. We implemented similar solutions for the Magnification and “Cine” tools.
Scoring Maps
To improve UI responsiveness, we adapted this server-rendered feature to handle user input and render client-side.
Slice Control
This feature allows users to manipulate multiple cross-sectional image slices at the same time. We improved the overall UI, allowing synchronization of sliders and facilitating comparison of a given slice axis across multiple datasets.
Design System
The components we built for INVIA’s web-based version of 4DM can be used for additional features as new versions of the software are designed and developed.
Security Integrations
In order to serve up patient data to its users, 4DM must also integrate with multiple secure medical file systems. We worked with external partners to come up with authentication solutions that satisfy HIPAA security requirements while giving users seamless access to the 4DM web app.
Emulate
The Client
Emulate creates living products for understanding how diseases, medicines, chemicals, and foods
affect human health. Their Organs-on-Chips technology, which places human cells in micro-engineered
environments, provides researchers with a new platform that predicts human response more accurately than
cell culture or animal models.
“Stratosphere's expertise in building custom backend systems and designing and developing our responsive website and web app was truly outstanding. Their collaborative and innovative approach made the entire process seamless and efficient. We couldn't be happier with the results and highly recommend their services!”
Solution
Emulate contacted us in the hope that we could add functionality to their website and web
applications while maintaining their brand standards. We’ve improved their website, built custom back-end
content management systems, built a custom web app, and created a robust design library with components that
can be directly pulled into their codebase, enabling interface changes to be immediately propagated
throughout their applications.
Supported Platforms
Chrome
FireFox
Safari
IE
Services
Web Development
eCommerce
Architecture Design
Technical Documentation
Performance and Optimization
Error Reporting
Code Reviews
Product Analytics
UI/UX
Design System
Stack
AWS
WP Engine
PHP
JavaScript
Node.js
Vue.js
React
HTML/CSS
OneLogin API
Mandrill API
BigCommerce API
Zendesk API
Sketch
Abstract
Website and Back-end Systems
A Custom Website With a Custom Back-end to Manage It
We worked with Emulate’s designers to update their existing WP Engine website by coding
pixel-perfect responsive front-ends and performing quality assurance testing on all major browsers.
Improved page performance
A new navigation menu
A new footer
Parallax effects
Scroll-triggered animation effects
We built custom PHP modules for their back-end to customize almost every aspect of their
website, minimizing the need for them to hire developers to make minor changes to text, images, animations, and
layouts.
Web App
A Help Center, an eCommerce Store, and More
We built a web application that functions as a help center, enabling Emulate’s customers to
create accounts, review scientific protocols, view FAQs, submit and manage tickets, and buy Emulate’s products
through an eCommerce store. Additionally, we built back-end systems for Emulate to manage users, permissions,
and invites.
Pattern Library
A Design System Built For Code
Working with Emulate’s designers, we helped design and coded a Vue.js pattern library that
enables interface components to be directly pulled into code. This enables a robust and extensible development
cycle whereby any interface changes can be immediately propagated throughout Emulate’s applications.
divvyDOSE
The Client
A startup founded by Dr. Arvind Movva in Rock Island, Illinois, divvyDOSE is a full-service online pharmacy that sorts medications into personalized packs and delivers them to customer's doorsteps.
UnitedHealth Group purchased divvyDOSE for just over $300M in September, 2020.
"Stratosphere took us from conception to a fully functional customer facing online pharmacy with a website, web app, iOS app, Android app, and custom internal software systems to manage parts of our operations, all in less than a year. They are a very talented, efficient, and thoughtful team of software designers and developers. It’s clear that they genuinely care about the success of their client’s businesses. If you want your software to be visually appealing, functional, and ultimately successful, Stratosphere is a great choice. Or you could always have your cousin give it a go."
The divvyDOSE app provides a full-featured experience across the major platforms and browsers. We employed the Material Design visual language and a modular UI approach to quickly build a consistent, responsive experience that can easily adapt as the divvyDOSE feature set expands.
The app enables divvyDOSE customers to manage their entire pharmacy experience. Features include:
Medication reminder system
Medication adherence tracking
Online store for over-the-counter medications and vitamins
Real-time caregiver management system
Offline data syncing
Signup Interface
Calendar
Marketplace
Medication List
Interface Icons
We designed a set of custom interface icons used throughout the app.
WebsiteA Friendly Smile and a Helping Hand
We designed and built a website highlighting the benefits of switching to the divvyDOSE pharmacy. The website is responsive and works across the major browsers.
Illustrations
We designed a set of illustrations to showcase the friendly persona of divvyDOSE.
Internal SystemsBridging Digital and Physical, Legacy and Modern
We can't get into the gritty details because they're top secret, but building software that plays nicely with medical systems and industrial hardware is a tricky business. We developed divvyDOSE's internal software that interfaces with legacy pharmacy software, personal health information storage systems, and a pill packaging machine. We also built a custom labeling, shipping, and billing system.
Konverse
The Client
Konverse is an internal communication and productivity platform that helps companies reach their
employees in a timely manner, whether they’re in the office, on the go, or on the frontline. Their mobile and web
apps replace emailing, task management, shared drives, customer support ticketing, intranets, and more with an
intuitive, all-in-one solution.
“Working with Stratosphere Digital on our website and app UI/UX redesign has been a great
experience. Their design knowledge has been key to helping us implement a vastly improved user experience for
our clients that marries current design philosophies with the simplicity our users need. As an established
company with a large number of existing users, we needed someone who could ask the right questions, understand
our current challenges, and help us create a new experience that didn’t lose the simplicity and clarity of our
current design. The Stratosphere team was able to quickly get up to speed and become true collaborators in the
creative process. The success of our updates is in large part due to the collaboration, knowledge, and hard work
of the Stratosphere team.”
Solution
Konverse’s app was considerably more advanced and feature-rich than their competitors’, but their
design was outdated. As a result, they were losing business to apps with worse features but better UI/UX. We
performed a complete audit of Konverse’s existing design assets and then developed a new look and feel that
maximized user appeal, intuitiveness, and discoverability. From there we designed and built Konverse a new
website, crafted updated web copy, and produced marketing materials, including a promotional promo-video and pitch deck
template.
In addition, we redesigned the UI/UX of Konverse’s web and mobile applications to give users a consistent,
high-quality experience across their platform. This involved producing an extensive design pattern library that
could be easily themed with the different brand colors used by Konverse’s customers.
Services
Design Audit
Style Exploration
Design Pattern Library
UI/UX
Web Copywriting
Video Production
Website Development
Supported Platforms
Chrome
FireFox
Safari
IE
iOS
Android
Website
We designed a new website with custom animations and updated Konverse’s web copy to reflect a more
modern brand.
We created a collection of illustrations based on a set of style principles and practices to use
throughout the site.
Marketing Materials
Marketing Materials
We created a head-turning promotional promo-video by traveling to record on-site interviews with some of
Konverse’s key customers, and we designed a templated deck for Konverse’s sales team to pitch to Fortune 500
companies.
Konverse Promotional Video
Hyatt Hotels Case Study
Follett Case Study
@properties Case Study
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers Case Study
App
We redesigned Konverse’s mobile and web apps from the ground up. And to save their developers time and
effort, we also produced an extensive design pattern library so that their team could easily code the new designs
using components.
goodpill
The Client
Good Pill is non-profit home-delivery pharmacy driving the future of
healthcare forward by providing affordable access to prescription drugs
from donated surplus stock.
"Stratosphere has an incredible understanding of modern software
development applied to the healthcare space. Our ability to build out
our internal logistics systems and our consumer-facing applications has
become a lot easier since we began working with them. We feel lucky to
have found their team of talented designers and developers."
Solution
Good Pill has been growing rapidly and struggling to find technical talent
with experience in the pharmacy and HIPAA-compliant space. We built from
scratch a suite of HIPAA-compliant web applications to manage patient
data.
Services
UI/UX
Web App
Development
Design
Pattern Library
Supported Platforms
Chrome
FireFox
Safari
IE
Pharmacy Management App
We designed and developed an internal web application to manage patient
data, including patients’ prescription medication and order history,
making it easier to ship medications to patients that were donated by
healthcare organizations, as well as to keep track of medication inventory
to ensure that upcoming orders can be filled.
In-code Components
We built a library of components in code that are used across all of these
apps, speeding up development and making everything easier to maintain.
Axios
The Client
Axios International is a pioneering healthcare access company that has stood at the forefront of the
industry for nearly 25 years. They tackle access challenges in emerging markets with solutions that address the
changing needs of patients, the pharmaceutical industry, and government and organizational stakeholders. Their patient
access solutions have been implemented in more than 100 countries across the globe.
“Working with Stratosphere Digital was a great experience! The team was always available, friendly and
knowledgeable about web and app design. There was never any problem, always fruitful design discussions and
creative solutions. Once the style exploration was finished and a clear look and feel chosen, the screens were
designed quickly and qualitatively. Overall, it was seamless and the designs were delivered ‘key in hand’ for the
dev team to implement right away.”
Solution
Axios was preparing to launch a new generation of innovative digital solutions used by patients,
physicians, pharmacists and pharmaceutical companies involved in Axios-managed Patient Support Programs. They were
looking to enhance the UI/UX of their mobile and web applications, so they reached out to us to redesign their suite
of tools. We started with existing prototypes and explored style variations until we had a look and feel that Axios
loved. We retooled their UX to optimize intuitiveness and deliver an experience their users would enjoy. And because
we know what a headache design implementation can be for developers, we built production-ready assets using a design
system in Figma, ensuring that each piece of the project met industry standards.
Services
UI/UX
Iconography
Prototyping
Style Exploration
Design System
Supported Platforms
Chrome
FireFox
Safari
IE
iOS
Android
MyHealth for Patients
The MyHealth mobile app makes it simple for patients to track and manage their treatment.
With MyHealth, patients can:
View their upcoming medication releases
Quickly and easily pick up their medications from the pharmacy
Follow their program application status in real time
Easily upload program-related documents
MyPatients for Physicians
With the MyPatients mobile app, physicians can refer patients to a Patient Support Program with a few
easy clicks and then effortlessly follow up on their progress at their own convenience.
With MyPatients, physicians can:
Refer patients directly from the app
Upload the program consent form or sign it digitally
Track their patients’ progress in the program
MyPharmacy for Pharmacists
The MyPharmacy app allows pharmacists to seamlessly dispense medications to patients from one
centralized location.
With MyPharmacy, pharmacists can:
View patients’ upcoming Medpacks
Directly upload receipts and other documents
Validate documents using the integrated QR code scanner or security code
See payments and reconciliations
MyPrograms for Pharmaceutical Companies
The MyPrograms web application provides unparalleled live data access to pharmaceutical companies,
reflecting up-to-date program performance.
With MyPrograms, companies can:
View up-to-date aggregated and anonymized data
View the number of patients by status in the program
View number of physicians or hospitals referring patients to the program
View product distribution by commercial type or number of units
Patient Management System (PMS)
The PMS centralizes the data from all Patient Support Program processes into one platform, while
optimizing stakeholder management and engagement.
The PMS achieves this by:
Supporting program management activities from patient referral to treatment completion
Registering the treatment plan of each patient and their follow-up throughout the treatment
lifecycle
Recording where and when the medications are bought, and automatically creating reminders and
recording where and when the patient will need to get their new medications
Building reports about stock in and stock out to help health center logistics
Automatically and systemically generating and registering release letters
Integrating adverse event reporting, ensuring compliance, full follow-up and reconciliations
Style Exploration
We explored style variations until we had a look and feel that Axios loved.
Style 01
Straightforward, Crisp
Style 02
Friendly, Soft
Style 03
Clean, Spacious
Barrys
The Client
Barry’s Bootcamp is a global fitness brand that delivers high-intensity workouts by inspiring
instructors in a uniquely high-energy environment. Since its founding by Barry Jay and John and Rachel
Mumford in 1998, Barry's Bootcamp has been delivering The Best Workout in the World® to a legendary
following, including A-list celebs, models, and even Olympic athletes.
“We have partnered with Stratosphere for nearly two years to improve visibility
into our business and enable our teams to make more data-informed decisions. Over the course
of the partnership, the Stratosphere team has demonstrated strong teamwork and the technical
capabilities necessary to help us accomplish both our near-term and long-term strategic goals.”
Solution
We developed custom internal data and reporting systems for more than 70 Barry’s Bootcamp fitness
studios. We then integrated those systems with multiple fitness scheduling APIs, allowing for custom report
generation. This enables the studios to have daily and weekly reports automatically sent to them, rather
than having to manually create email reports, and gives each studio a clear snapshot of how they’re
performing across dozens of relevant metrics.
We also created summary reports for Barry’s executive team so that they can better understand
their business and make their important decisions based on real data.
Lastly, we helped connect Barry’s data to DOMO, a cloud-based data management platform which helps
executives manage their business.
Services
Python Scripting
AWS Server Management
Custom API Integrations
DOMO Connector
Sirum
The Client
SIRUM is a drug-donation platform driving the future of healthcare
forward by connecting people with donated surplus medications at
affordable prices.
"As a non-profit medicine-donation platform that runs largely on
custom-built technology, it’s crucial to find a team of developers and
designers who can understand how our business works and turn our ideas
into reality in a scalable and secure way. Stratosphere is that team.
Their deep understanding of the healthcare space has allowed us to
supercharge our design and development progress. They are great
listeners, great designers, and great developers, and are genuinely
passionate about what they do."
Solution
SIRUM has been growing rapidly since going through Y Combinator in 2015.
With that growth came the struggle to find technical talent with
experience in the pharmacy and HIPAA-compliant space. We jumped into
SIRUM’s tech stack and worked with their team to build a HIPAA-compliant
web application to manage donated medications, and a HIPAA-compliant web
application serving as a donor portal for organizations who donate surplus
medications.
Services
UI/UX
Web App
Development
Design
Pattern Library
Supported Platforms
Chrome
FireFox
Safari
IE
Donation Management App
We designed and developed an internal web application to track and manage
donations of medications from health facilities and pharmacies.
Donation Portal
We designed and developed a web application that serves as a portal for
SIRUM’s donor partners.
Inventory & Operations apps
To more efficiently sort and process donated prescription medicine, SIRUM
needed a web app that could integrate with their SureSort equipment and
allow their team to identify and stock new items with maximum efficiency.
We built them a set of apps to manage this process:
An inventory web app that allows them to
add scanned medicine into their database and edit associated details
A mobile app that helps them organize
and shelve new stock
A mobile app for picking and filling
outgoing orders
Drug UI
SIRUM needed a separate web application to manage details and
configuration for specific drugs. We designed and built an interface
that allows them to update their database of NDCs, acceptance
thresholds, prices, stock levels, recalls and more.
In-code Components
We built a library of components in code that are used across all of these
apps, speeding up development and making everything easier to maintain.
Discord
The Client
We worked with Discord to produce an updated series of logo icons in the style of
Google's Material Design.
"Stratosphere’s team came to the initial brief with exceptional concepts and consistently followed through on our vision."
Services
Icon Design
Supported Platforms
Safari
Calendar Bridge
The Client
CalendarBridge is a tool that allows users to sync all of their digital calendars in order to keep their schedules accurate and up-to-date, no matter which calendar app they are looking at.
"Stratosphere’s team jumped in and worked directly with our developers to design clean and beautiful UI/UX for our app. They quickly understood our product and customer base and was able to smoothly guide us through the design process while considering all of our technical constraints. They are incredibly talented technical designers and their work screams thoughtfulness and attention to detail. I feel lucky to have found their team."
The Solution
CalendarBridge came to us with a partially built design that they wanted us to improve upon. Their booking and syncing features were functional, but in a way that was not UX-friendly. They knew they wanted to upgrade their overall UI, as well as reduce the complexity of their product and save time on development.
We worked with their CEO to understand the project scope and priorities, met with their creative director to develop their branding, and strategized with their development team to identify and meet their unique technical constraints. We refined CalendarBridge’s web app’s UI and found ways to trim corners that not only avoided compromising product quality, but improved the overall user experience as well.
The Services
Design Audit
Style Exploration
UI/UX
Illustration
Design Pattern Library
Supported Platforms
Chrome
Firefox
Safari
IE/Edge
Web App
Scheduling
CalendarBridge came to us with a loose proof of concept for their scheduling tool, which we developed into a production-ready feature. This tool allows users to facilitate group event scheduling by finding times that work for everyone, regardless of which calendar programs they use or what organizations they belong to. In addition, the booking and syncing features allow users to set up automatic responses to invitations based on their availability.
Booking
CalendarBridge booking allows users to set up a schedule of availability and create a unique landing page where they can receive appointments.
Syncing
The system we designed syncs a user’s schedules across apps so that all their events display and update automatically.
Illustration
A set of feature illustrations for the app’s dashboard.
Full Design Library
In addition to improving CalendarBridge’s web app, we built them a full design library to support their brand continuity in future projects and across platforms
Opyn
The Client
Opyn (formerly Transparent Health Marketplace) is an innovative platform connecting payors and providers in
a new marketplace model for the procurement of workers’ compensation healthcare services. By automating
manual processes and eliminating redundancies, Opyn delivers greater efficiency and cost savings for payors,
new referral opportunities for providers, and better outcomes for all stakeholders in the workers’
compensation industry.
The Solution
Opyn had developed an innovative and intricate service that was ultimately difficult to understand and
navigate. They reached out to us in order to update their brand to be more modern and professional, to
improve their UI/UX to be more intuitive, and to design new information-rich dashboards that wouldn’t
overwhelm their users.
The Services
UI/UX
Style Exploration
Supported Platforms
Chrome
Firefox
Safari
IE/Edge
Internal Tools
Payor App
Submit and manage workers’ claims for providers to bid on.
Provider App
Review and submit bids on claims in the marketplace.
Admin App
Organize and streamline claim management between payors and providers across the service.
Web PR
Dashboard
See information at a glance and easily navigate through the app.
Reviews
View, search, and sort reviews.
Listing Presence
View, manage, and improve listings.
Analytics
Manage your audience and see your growth over time.
Mentions
Get involved in the discussion wherever it’s happening.
Vasa
The Client
Vasa is a healthcare technology company working to make home health services accessible,
interoperable, reliable, and affordable by connecting patients with mobile care wherever
they are with one low-cost monthly membership. They aim to become the gold standard for
on-demand healthcare in the United States.
Vasa—which means vessel in Latin—offers services including at-home IV infusions and blood
draws, telehealth, ambulatory care, comprehensive lab testing, prescription management,
remote patient monitoring, and nutrition counseling.
“I had a vision of the app I wanted to launch, and I needed a team to help me achieve just that. From the very first meeting, Stratosphere took the time to understand my vision and worked towards making it a reality. They were diligent and receptive to every minute change and took on the bigger picture for me. In them I found a team that understood what I wanted and took notes in every meeting to steer the project in the right direction. I trust Stratosphere with my project. Stratosphere's unique and meticulous designs and their viewpoint are bringing my vision into reality.”
Solution
We developed a suite of brands to enter the mobile healthcare market and designed and
developed a website, marketing materials, and mobile apps.
Services
Website Development
Mobile App Development
Web App Development
Web Copywriting
Brand Development
Style Exploration
UI/UX
Design Pattern Library
Brand
We developed a suite of brands for Vasa, giving them a robust collection
of platforms, programs, and apps with which to enter the healthcare market.
Marketing Materials
We designed a plethora of marketing materials to help Vasa represent and launch their brand.
Flyer
Event Invitation
Event Banners
Business Cards
IV Bag Labels
Van Wraps
Social Media Graphics
Website Landing Page
We designed and developed a landing page to capture interest in Vasa’s launch.
App Design
We designed and developed mobile applications to redefine healthcare with mobile
technology at the core of the user experience.
Interface Component Library
Wecora
The Client
Wecora is an online visual presentation and collaboration tool targeted at creative professionals, particularly interior designers. Wecora helps professionals collect products and inspiration, organize jobs, and facilitate discussions with clients.
We built a native iOS app using a modified Material Design style that we previously developed for Wecora’s web app. Our focus was on simplicity and clarity for non-tech-savvy users.
“We consider discovering Stratosphere one of the best breaks we’ve had thus
far with building out the Wecora solution. After many discouraging, overcomplicated
and costly partnerships that lead to painful hand-holding and uninspiring results,
Stratosphere’s approach was refreshingly relaxed yet extremely productive.
We simply provided the walls in which we wanted his team to structure our
app redesign, then they took the concept and ran with it in a way that was
thoughtful and attentive to even the most minute detail. After working with
these guys, we are confident now of where to land our ideas and already have
several on-going projects in their pipeline!”
Services
Native iOS Development (Swift)
Interface Design
Iconography
Front-end Development
Supported Platforms
iOS
Chrome
FireFox
Safari
IE
Wecora Capture A streamlined iOS app
We designed and coded a native iOS app using the Swift programming language and a modified Material Design style that we previously developed for Wecora's web app.
Wecora Web App Redesign An easy to use, responsive web app interface
The main focus of the Wecora web app redesign was to transition to a custom Material Design style and to simplify the interface for non-technical and older users who had difficulty reading or finding things on the screen. We increased the font size, placed visual emphasis on the primary user actions, and were deliberate about distinguishing different kinds of objects within the screen.
In the demo linked above, you’ll notice that all interactive elements respond to the cursor with gentle hover-and-click animations, offering ease of use and visual comfort to users.
The redesign also accommodates mobile screen sizes by making use of Material Design conventions.
Caster.IO
The Client
Caster.IO is an education platform for professional Android developers. The company works with top
developers in the industry to produce concise video tutorials on a wide range of Android development topics
offered through a subscription-based model.
“I come from a background of mixed media and design, so finding a group that matches my high expectations has been challenging. However, upon reaching out to the team at Stratosphere Digital, I found that luck had finally paid me a visit.
I hired them to design a custom logo and redesign Caster.IO. From the initial video conference consultation, I found their inquisitive, probing analysis of the project very welcoming. From uncovering concepts, design considerations, user experience recommendations, accessibility implementations, and more, Stratosphere Digital demonstrated that they were the elite group I’d been looking for.
From that point forward, they continued to deliver exceptional design, front-end development, and product direction that ultimately helped turn Caster.IO into what it is today: a learning destination for thousands of professional developers. Stratosphere Digital worked within the product specifications, stayed on budget, and delivered all projects before their deadlines. They continue to deliver outstanding results for all projects we have requested and we look forward to a long relationship with them.”
Solution
We designed a logo and established a new visual identity for Caster.IO. We teamed up with
developer Carlos Jeurissen for a complete visual and technical overhaul of their website and online
presence. We created over 60 course illustrations, as well as a template for generating new ones. We
continue to work with them to design and implement new features as their site and subscription base grows.
Services
Logo Design
Web Design
UI/UX
Illustration
Front-End Development
Website Redesign
New Logo
ConveYour
The Client
ConveYour is a microlearning platform that enables influencers, trainers, and organizations to
engage with their audience in a new and effective way—with personalized, bite-size content; mobile-first
courses and campaigns; and interactive challenges. By tailoring their content to the specific needs of their
audience, companies using ConveYour build a deeper connection to them.
“As a self-funded startup founder, I’ve had to get good
at wearing many different hats. For the longest time, the product
design hat was one I thought I wore just fine. Yes, user experience
and user interface design had always been an area of pain for our team,
but it didn’t stop us from shipping product. As ConveYour grew, it became
painfully obvious that user experience and clarity had to improve in order
to efficiently scale the business.
There was a time where building cool functionality and telling
people about it was a business model. Now there are over 7,000 marketing
tech SaaS companies alone. The customer has ultimate choice. One cannot
just compete on functional merits alone; the customer experience is paramount.
Working with Stratosphere Digital has been downright incredible. Stratosphere
brings a level of thought and earnestness to customer experience that I’ve never
seen before. Yet, their pace is fantastic. Stratosphere’s work has replaced many
of our okay product ideas with masterpieces that can contend with the biggest and the best in ConveYour's industry.”
Solution
We started our work with ConveYour by doing an audit of their existing design and UX. From there,
we established a set of initial goals for a complete redesign of the Learning Portal section of their app.
We worked closely with ConveYour to improve the structure, navigation, and feature set of the product.
The redesign was not only an aesthetic refresh, but also the establishment of a growing library of
design components, patterns, and assets for use in the current Learning Portal. When the redesign was
completed, we worked directly with ConveYour’s developers to support and oversee the implementation. We
continue to work with ConveYour on improvements to their app as well as new, unannounced projects.
Supported Platforms
Chrome
FireFox
Safari
IE
iOS
Android
Services
UI/UX
Prototyping
Branding
Themes and Whitelabeling
Our redesign needed to accommodate and improve the performance of the Learning Portal’s light and
dark themes, as well as allow users to set their own primary color and logo. We designed sets of interface
elements that worked well in both light and dark modes, and established a balanced, consistent use of
primary colors while maintaining high contrast for key content.
Design Library
Underneath the new interface is a collection of improved and expanded design components,
navigation patterns, and graphic assets. These elements accommodate responsiveness and themeability. Items
in the library are then built out as Vue components, enabling ConveYour’s developers to jumpstart the
creation of new features and products.
The Client
Fresher (previously Fitness Ration) is a startup based in Singapore that prepares precisely calibrated, nutritionally balanced meals based on specific fitness goals and delivers them to customer’s doorsteps.
“Stratosphere worked to understand our needs and tailored a solution that fit perfectly. They helped us build fully custom software systems to run the entire back end of our business and also coded our consumer-facing web application to be pixel-perfect based on the designs we provided. I highly recommend Stratosphere's team if you're looking for a solution that requires custom coding.”
Solution
Starting from designs provided to us, we built a responsive website to showcase Fresher’s beautifully prepared meals; an order wizard to streamline and simplify the experience of purchasing meals, user accounts to enable the managing of customer profiles, preferences, and order histories, and custom internal software to make processing, scheduling, and delivering orders easy and accurate.
Supported Platforms
Chrome
FireFox
Safari
Internet Explorer
Edge
Stack
Angular 1/2
TypeScript
Meteor
Node.js
PHP
MongoDB
HTML5/Stylus
Website
Starting from designs provided to us, we built a website that highlights Fresher’s prepared meal products, including an order wizard that takes the customer through a simple process to select which meals are right for them. The website is responsive and works across all major browsers.
App
Starting from designs provided to us, we built a responsive web app that enables customers to create an account and maintain a basic profile, which includes commonly ordered meals, allergy info, and an order history from which they can quickly reorder previously purchased meals.
Admin Systems
We built internal admin systems used by the Fresher team to manage the entire backend processes of their business. Features include:
A dashboard with the most relevant information for the day, including incoming orders and deliveries
An order management system that includes specific details about each order and offers the ability to
manually add orders and export or print order invoices in bulk
A product content management system that enables the editing of meals, prices, descriptions, and
nutritional information
A fulfillment management system that enables the setup of available delivery times and dates, as well as
anomaly triggers that prevent the ordering of too many meals within a specific time period
An inventory management system that enables the real-time tracking of stock for each meal
A promotion management system that enables the setup and management of coupon codes
A strategic partner management system to manage permanent deals with other companies that resell or buy
meals in large quantities for their employees
LeadSimple
The Client
Founded in 2013, LeadSimple seeks to help property managers “tame small business chaos.” Their sales
and workflow automation software combines CRM, communications, and process management into one easy-to-use system.
“Working with Stratosphere Digital was a great experience. They are very knowledgeable and were able to transform our product from it's previous design into something that was new and with more personality, but still familiar to our existing users. They were organized, made sure we were kept up to date on what they were doing and were fun to collaborate with along the way. I would recommend Stratosphere to any company looking for professional assistance designing a new software product or app or redesigning an existing one. Great work guys!”
Solution
LeadSimple’s team had begun overhauling their app’s visual design in conjunction with the development
of new functionality. We were brought in to assist their lead designer in both figuring out the new style and
developing new UI components and UX patterns around core functionality.
We started with a detailed review of both their existing product and the new feature documentation. Key members of
their team shared issues and goals that they hoped to address. With our support, LeadSimple was able to develop
and apply their new style and UX patterns app-wide.
Services
Design Audit
Style Exploration
UI/UX
Supported Platforms
Chrome
FireFox
Safari
IE
App
Sales and Workflow Automation for Property Managers
Relationships
Contacts
Settings
Deals
Tasks
Style Exploration
RoadWarrior
The Client
RoadWarrior is a multi-stop route planning service for drivers and dispatchers looking to cut time on
the road. Its apps combine custom route flexibility with algorithms that maximize efficiency and account for
variables ignored by other navigation software.
Solution
Both of RoadWarrior’s apps, RoadWarrior Mobile (for drivers) and RoadWarrior Teams (for dispatchers),
had been initially designed by in-house developers. RoadWarrior brought us in to take their existing, disjointed
designs and create a more consistent, contemporary product. We started with a full UI/UX audit of both apps to
highlight potential issues and opportunities for improvement. We then revamped the user experience and worked with
RoadWarrior to design new features and functionality. In addition, we created screenshots for the mobile app’s
listing and graphics for its user guide and website.
Services
Design Audit
Prototyping
UI/UX
Supported Platforms
Chrome
FireFox
Safari
IE
iOS
Android
RoadWarrior Mobile
RoadWarrior Mobile offers route optimization for couriers, delivery drivers, door-to-door salespeople,
or anyone with many stops along their route.
RoadWarrior Teams
RoadWarrior Teams gives dispatchers a way to handle the complexities of rigorous, multi-stop routes
and optimize fleet management. With the app, companies can easily keep track of their drivers and update routes in
real-time.
Creating a Unified Design
Our challenge was to come up with a design that felt familiar, but better and cleaner. And while we
freshened up and simplified some of RoadWarrior’s previous designs, we also built on their original concepts,
fleshing out the style ideas they’d been aspiring to.
To reduce extraneous UI patterns and establish a more consolidated and robust vision, we first performed an
inventory of each pattern component to account for any edge cases. We then created a set of unified UI patterns
that could be used across both web and mobile apps, minimizing developer workload and maximizing the intuitiveness
of the UX.
FallCall
The Client
FallCall is a Connecticut-based startup founded by physicians who wanted to provide elders and their
caregivers with an alternative to the bulky (and often stigmatized) “help button.” They offer simple, downloadable
monitoring and communication systems for mobile devices.
“Working with the Stratosphere team was an absolute pleasure. Their understanding of iOS and WatchOS is world class and their ability to tackle challenges on each of these platforms led to app performance enhancements that were greatly appreciated by our management team and our users. They are readily accessible and personable regardless of the problem. I highly recommend Stratosphere to anyone in need of a highly competent app development team!”
Solution
In addition to developing and launching new features, we performed ongoing maintenance, bug fixes, and testing for
FallCall’s iOS and Apple Watch apps.
Stack
Objective-C
Core Bluetooth
UIKit
WatchKit
StoreKit
The App
A standalone iOS App and WatchOS App that work together to provide:
Voice-activated Help Calls using Siri Shortcuts on Apple Watch, iPhone & HomePod
Caregiver system that sends notifications if emergency services are called, a fall is detected, or
the elder’s heart rate becomes abnormally high or low
Elder GPS location & heart rate data during Help Calls
24/7 central monitoring service staffed by trained emergency medical dispatchers
Real-time electronic text updates for all Care Group members during an event
Call center system testing to ensure elders are comfortable using the app
Zingfit
The Client
zingfit is a startup based in Boulder, Colorado, that offers online scheduling and engagement
software for boutique fitness studios.
“After working with several other sub-par developers,
Stratosphere jumped into our custom and complex code base,
making changes and improvements quickly and efficiently.
Stratosphere successfully executed on tasks that other developers
didn't even think were possible. I highly recommend Stratosphere
if you're looking for a top-notch team of software developers.”
Solution
We helped build and maintain the internal software that manages and deploys the web and mobile
apps of zingfit’s fitness studio customers from around the world.
Stack
iOS
Android
Fastlane
Node.js
Platform28
The Client
Platform28 is a leading cloud communications platform used by government agencies, private
enterprises, and the nation’s largest telecommunications providers. They offer a range of services,
including cloud-based telecommunication software, professional support, and advanced APIs.
“Stratosphere helped us with fresh designs for our
iconography, UI/UX, and graphics, and did a fantastic job.
We really appreciate their creativity, intelligence, and how
quickly they were able to understand our industry. Stratosphere
produces and provides excellent value.”
Solution
We provide ongoing design support to Platform28 in multiple ways. We create logos for their
products and services, design the UI/UX of their web and mobile apps, and create graphics for their
promotional materials and presentations.
Services
Iconography
UI/UX
Print Design
Illustration
Promotional Design
App Design
Presentation Graphics
Product Icons
PSafe
The Client
PSafe is a global leading provider of mobile apps designed to protect people’s freedom to safely
connect, share, play, express, and explore online. The company boasts over 130 million installations of
their innovative privacy, security, and performance apps.
“The promise I made to my client is that we will be creative, collaborative,
and utterly reliable. Talent like Stratosphere allows us to live up to that promise.
Stratosphere’s work is precise, elegant, and always well thought through. Unlike many
designers who can make beautiful things but can't explain why they make sense,
Stratosphere always has a strong and clear perspective on their work,
which is appreciated by my clients and by my wider team. There will always be
room on my squad for Stratosphere.”
Solution
We collaborated with Intrepid SF, a new agency in the Bay Area that was helping PSafe remodel its
brand architecture and revamp its visual brand identity in preparation for a major push into the North
American market.
Our particular focus was on refreshing PSafe’s suite of product icons. We merged two product
groups into one unified group and created a new visual style that was minimal, vibrant, and stylistically
balanced between the Android and iOS platforms. We designed a set of icons on top of a grid, with shapes
that adhered to a consistent set of style patterns.
The result was a reimagined set of icons that will serve as the foundation for future PSafe
product icons.
Services
Icon Design
Twigs
The Client
Twigs is a fashion boutique in Madison, Wisconsin that offers a mix of apparel and accessories from top designers.
Starting from designs provided to us, we built a responsive website on top of the Silver Earth eCommerce platform to showcase Twigs’s collection of fashion apparel and accessories. We worked directly with Silver Earth to develop an improved checkout process, a user review system, and improved product pages.
Supported Platforms
Chrome
FireFox
Safari
IE/Edge
Stack
HTML5/Sass
JavaScript
jQuery
ASP.NET
Silver Earth eCommerce
Website
Starting from designs provided to us and using the Silver Earth platform, we built a website to make it easy for customers to purchase products, create an account with saved preferences, write product reviews, and create and share wishlists. The website is responsive and works across the major browsers.
Web Video Caster
The Client
Used by millions of people, Web Video Caster is an Android app that streams videos from your favorite websites onto your TV. Not only does it let you watch movies, TV shows, sports broadcasts, and live news streams, but it also allows you to cast local videos stored on your phone.
"Stratosphere has been an invaluable partner in our app development journey. Since 2016, Stratosphere's team have provided exceptional guidance and expertise, transforming our initial concept into a reality. Their flexibility, knowledge, and collaborative approach make them a pleasure to work with. We highly recommend Stratosphere!"
The redesign focused on simplifying the UI and refining the Material details. The app now boasts a distinctive charm, thanks to its friendly mascot and a series of illustrations to help users with the more complex elements of the app, such as error messages and the initial onboarding experience.
Services
Icon Design
Interface Design
Illustration
Supported Platforms
Android
Interface Refinement
Harnessing Material Design conventions, each screen of the app was cleaned up and refocused.
Even the most reliable streaming video services can have issues occasionally. Personal and sympathetic messages, as well as illustrations with opportunities to contact tech support, help defuse frustration. Emotion-driven messaging and illustrations help defuse users’ frustration by offering empathy and providing opportunities to contact tech support.
Mascot
We designed a friendly mascot to help liven up the app, improve the onboarding experience, and increase conversions to the paid version of the app.
Icon Design
After extensive design exploration, we arrived at a new product icon that weaves together symbolism of Chromecasting, browsers, and video, while capturing the spirit of Material iconography. We made a careful effort to come up with an icon that was not too similar to the wider family of relevant Chromecast trademarks, but was similar enough to remain recognizable and familiar to the user.
Ping
The Client
Ping is the world's smallest GPS locator for kids, pets, bikes, luggage—or anything that moves.
The Solution
We designed an app and validated its interface by testing a wireframe prototype with a diversity of users in the client's target demographic. We then used user feedback to design the consumer version of the app, including a logo.
Services
Logo Design
Graphic Design
Interface Design
Prototyping
Supported Platforms
iOS
Interface Highlights
The app is designed to help new users quickly set up the Ping GPS device and sync it to their Ping smartphone app. Once set up, the app is ready to locate paired devices, providing confidence and comfort to users. The app design is clean and warm, with soft shadows, gentle color gradients, and bright accents.
Logo
The Ping logo establishes a visual link with the Ping GPS device and the Ping app icon. The letters have a consistent width and are based on repeating circles cut to different lengths, evoking a sense of reliability, friendliness, and simplicity.
Agora
The Project
Agora is an online shopping solution that overlays useful features on top of existing online
retail websites. We built a system to scrape the details of products across retail websites, as well as an
interactive Chrome extension that allows users to grab products right off the page from top retail sites and
save them in one organized place. This ambitious startup project is still in development.
Promotional Video
We worked with a video production agency to write, shoot, and edit a video to promote Agora.
Stack
We brought together many different technologies to create a single coherent product.
Grab products right off the page from top retail sites and save them in one organized
place.
Get quick access to expanded product images, reviews and more.
Compare the things that matter most with a customizable fullscreen workspace.
Shop in real-time with and get feedback from friends.
Iconography
We designed a set of custom interface icons used throughout the product.
Promotional Material
We designed a series of promotional materials to showcase the features of Agora.
Web Scraping System
We built a sophisticated web-scraping system to accurately get up-to-date product information
directly from the product page being viewed.
Cookicons
The Client
Cookicons is an iconography side project of Stratosphere designer Michael Cook. He has been commissioned by a wide range of clients, including independent developers, non-profits, startups, and established companies.
Michael makes vibrant, high-performance Material Design app icons for Android, iOS, and the web.
Material Design is a visual style and design framework introduced by Google in 2014. It centers around thinking about interfaces as sheets of versatile digital paper that cast shadows based on their elevation.
The documentation for Material Design contains a section on iconography with brief guidelines for sizing, geometry, color, and lighting. You can view those guidelines here.
Michael's deep familiarity with Material Design documentation has allowed him to take it a step further with Cookicons. He has homed in on the spirit and nuance of the style and uncovered many details present in Google's icons but absent from the guidelines.
Each icon is custom made through a process that considers an app's feature set, personality, and competitive landscape. These factors are brought together to present compelling symbolism with strong composition.
In addition to carefully considering the issues of clarity and aesthetics, Michael performed icon A/B testing during the design process to achieve a boost in install rates.
Services
Icon Design
Supported Platforms
Android
iOS
Cookicons Icon
Android Summit 2017: Adaptive Icons - Case Studies & Principles of Design
Droidcon NYC 2016: Material Icon Design Workshop
Papermill Collective
The Client
Papermill is a collective of Material Design enthusiasts who specialize in illustration; icon,
product, interface, and motion design; and mobile and web development.
The website is a demonstration of Material Design, a comprehensive design language produced by
Google for use on mobile and the web. The Papermill website meticulously adheres to the guidelines of the design
language, but also goes further with bold animation and illustration.
Services
Logo Design
Web Design
Illustration
Supported Platforms
Chrome
Firefox
Safari
IE/Edge
Logo
The logo reflects the core concept of Material Design: digital interfaces comprised of overlapping sheets of digital paper at different elevation. Papermill strives to be straightforward, proud, and hard working, and
the icon is designed to function as a mark of quality.
Illustration
Design Showcase
Submit the form below and we'll email you a PDF showcasing more design details from client projects
featured on our website as well as unpublished work.
After you’ve had some time to review our designs we will reach out to you about potentially working together.
Top 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Software Development
Software development is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution.
However, even the most experienced developers can make mistakes.
In this blog post, we will discuss the top five common mistakes to avoid in software development.
Failing to plan properly: Proper planning is essential for the success of any software development
project. Without a clear plan, it is easy to get sidetracked and lose sight of the project's goals. To
avoid this, make sure to create a detailed project plan that outlines the scope, timelines, and
resources needed for the project.
Not testing thoroughly: Testing is crucial to ensure that the software is functional and meets the
requirements of the users. However, many developers skip or rush through testing, which can lead to
defects and issues in the final product. To avoid this, make sure to thoroughly test the software at
every stage of development and fix any issues that are discovered.
Not considering scalability: As the user base of a software grows, the software needs to be able to
handle the increased load. If the software is not designed with scalability in mind, it may become slow
or crash under heavy usage. To avoid this, make sure to consider scalability when designing and
developing the software.
Ignoring security: In today's world, security is a critical concern for software development. Ignoring
security can lead to vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. To avoid this, make sure to
include security measures in the design and development of the software, and regularly test and update
the security of the software.
Not seeking feedback: Feedback from users is essential for improving the software and ensuring that it
meets their needs. Ignoring feedback can lead to a software that is not aligned with user expectations
and may not be used as intended. To avoid this, make sure to seek feedback from users throughout the
development process and incorporate their feedback into the software.
In conclusion, proper planning, thorough testing, scalability, security, and seeking
feedback are essential to the success of any software development project. By avoiding these common
mistakes, developers can ensure that their software is functional, reliable, and meets the needs of users.
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6 Questions You Should Ask Before Working with a Software Development Agency
Building software is rarely a simple task, and many businesses don’t have in-house
developers who can effectively develop and maintain the software they need.
That’s why many businesses choose to hire software development agencies to build and
maintain their software.
Why work with a software development agency?
A software development agency knows how to build software from the ground up and can turn
your ideas into software that is extensible and easily maintainable. They can write code that not only does
what it’s supposed to, but that also doesn’t cost a fortune to maintain. Many businesses don’t consider the
cost of ongoing maintenance and feature development of their software, which often ends up being
significantly more than the cost of initial development.
So how do you find the right software development agency to work with? Sure, it’s tempting
to just pick the first agency you find, but it’s generally a good idea to shop around before making a
decision. There are a number of things you should consider before choosing an agency to develop your
software.
Here are 6 questions you should ask a software development agency:
Can you tell me more about your agency?
This might sound obvious, but a lot of people skip this simple question.
Getting to know the agency you might be working with is an important step. It’s
the first step, in fact, of developing a relationship with them. You need to find out how their
agency works, how long they’ve been in the business of software development, if they outsource work
to junior developers, what they’re good at, and what they’re not so great at.
Can I see some of your previous projects?
Just like with any job, the hiring party should look for a portfolio or
compilation of past works to determine if the applicant is a good fit given the specific
requirements of your project.
You should look into their past projects to see how well they developed the
software and what the final products looked like. You should also try to get ballpark numbers
regarding initial cost and ongoing cost.
Would it be possible to speak with your past clients?
At job interviews, applicants are often required to submit character references.
This gives the employer a direct channel to individuals who know the applicant well.
The same applies when hiring an agency. It’s incredibly valuable to get insight
from people who have worked with the agency in the past. They can answer any questions you might
have, such as what it was like working with the agency, how well they communicated, how organized
they were, what problems came up, and how they handled those problems.
The benefit to speaking directly to past clients is that it gives you an idea of
the agency’s work ethic and general values, which can be equally as important as technical
experience. You don’t want to be working with an agency that might have very different values than
you.
How do you communicate with your clients?
Every agency should be able to give you a clear plan or technique for how they
communicate with their clients.
Having a software development agency work for you does not mean you get to sit
back, relax, and watch them do the job. Collaboration is essential, and developing software requires
hands-on participation from you as well. That’s why it’s important that you and your agency can
communicate effectively.
Asking this question will help you determine whether the agency communicates
effectively, as well as find out what tools they use to keep projects organized and on track. You’ll
then be able to gauge if communicating with them will be smooth and seamless.
Will you take charge of the maintenance of my software?
Software development is not a one-time thing. It requires regular maintenance and
new features are often needed after the initial launch. You need a developer who’s willing to work
with you in the long run. That means attending to updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements.
It should be clear how quickly the agency will respond to issues that arise and
what guarantee they are making in regards to their availability.
Do I have full ownership of the code?
Employees of a company should always acknowledge that any work they do is not
theirs—it belongs to the company.
It works the same way in software development. Once you pay the agency, all of the
code should be your property. It’s essential that ownership of the work product is transparent.
These are just a few questions that will help you find the right agency.
We hope they’ll save you from the headache of working with unprofessional or inexperienced
agencies. Before you pick an agency, make sure you can confidently dismiss any concerns you may have about
them by asking these 6 questions.
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The Benefits of Continuous Integration and Delivery in Software Development
Our Philosophy on Building Trust and Managing Client Expectations
Comparing JavaScript Libraries: Vue.js, Angular, and React
Frontend, Backend, Fullstack: What Do These Mean?
Avoiding Hidden Costs in Software Development
How to Maintain HIPAA Compliance in Software Development for Web and
Mobile Apps
Invisible Software Development Costs Caused by Technical Debt
How We Think About the Project Manager Role
Why You Should Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Why We Engage Almost Exclusively on Retainers
How Much is My Software Project Going to Cost?
Why You Should Write a Specifications Document Before Starting Any
Software Development Project
The Importance of a Single Source of Truth for Software Development Projects
What We Look for in a Client
The Benefits of Continuous Integration and Delivery in Software Development
Continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) is a software development practice that
involves regularly merging code changes into a single codebase, building and testing the code, and releasing
it to production. CI/CD aims to streamline the software development process and reduce the time it takes to
get new features and updates to users.
There are several benefits to using CI/CD in software development:
Faster time to market: By automating the build, test, and deployment process, CI/CD allows teams to
release new features and updates faster. This can give your business a competitive advantage by getting
new products and features to market faster than your competitors.
Improved code quality: CI/CD requires developers to regularly integrate their code changes with the rest
of the codebase. This helps catch defects and bugs earlier in the development process, which can save
time and money by avoiding costly rework later on.
Increased efficiency: CI/CD automates many manual tasks, such as building and deploying code. This frees
up developers to focus on more important tasks, like writing code and fixing defects.
Reduced risk of deployment errors: By automating the deployment process, CI/CD reduces the risk of human
error during the release process. This can help prevent costly downtime and ensure that new features and
updates are delivered to users smoothly.
Enhanced collaboration: CI/CD promotes collaboration between developers by requiring them to regularly
integrate their code changes with the rest of the codebase. This helps ensure that all team members are
working towards the same goals and that everyone is aware of the latest changes to the codebase.
Overall, the benefits of CI/CD in software development are significant. By automating the
build, test, and deployment process, CI/CD can help teams deliver new features and updates faster, improve
code quality, increase efficiency, reduce deployment errors, and enhance collaboration.
More Articles
Top 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Software Development
6 Questions You Should Ask Before Working with a Software Development Agency
Our Philosophy on Building Trust and Managing Client Expectations
Comparing JavaScript Libraries: Vue.js, Angular, and React
Frontend, Backend, Fullstack: What Do These Mean?
Avoiding Hidden Costs in Software Development
How to Maintain HIPAA Compliance in Software Development for Web and
Mobile Apps
Invisible Software Development Costs Caused by Technical Debt
How We Think About the Project Manager Role
Why You Should Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Why We Engage Almost Exclusively on Retainers
How Much is My Software Project Going to Cost?
Why You Should Write a Specifications Document Before Starting Any
Software Development Project
The Importance of a Single Source of Truth for Software Development Projects
What We Look for in a Client
Our Philosophy on Building Trust and Managing Client Expectations
Trust is foundational in our relationships with our clients. We aim to demonstrate to
clients right from day one that we are using their budgets well, that we are responding to their needs, and
that if any issues arise we will directly and transparently communicate with them.
As part of this philosophy, we do not obfuscate bad news or let it sit. Instead, we
immediately discuss it with our team and inform the client.
We err on the side of over-communicating
For example, while we always aim to anticipate technical limitations in advance, sometimes
we can encounter them unexpectedly on a project. When this happens, we communicate potential roadblocks to
the client as soon as possible.
Similarly, when communicating an estimated timeline to a client, we always acknowledge any
inherent uncertainties, and also reassure them that we will continue to communicate throughout the process.
We recognize that the estimated amount of time a task will take and the estimated date of completion can be
two very different things depending on other priorities that the client has. Again, we aim to communicate
both of these things clearly and distinctly.
When new tasks come up that the client wants to prioritize, we discuss with them to figure
out how they want to shuffle existing priorities, and then make sure they understand in what ways that
affects previous timelines.
We don’t say “yes” if we can’t back it up
Saying “yes” to a client will help maintain the relationship in the short-term, but if we
cannot deliver, it will almost guarantee the destruction of the relationship in the long-term.
We always want to under-promise and over-deliver, as this protects our team members from
having to overwork
themselves to meet expectations that should not have existed in the first place.
We believe that honesty, responsibility, and commitment to the work create a more healthy
and productive
work relationship than attempts at people-pleasing.
If we make a mistake, we acknowledge it
Misunderstandings and mistakes happen. When they do, we communicate about them
immediately. We see them as an opportunity to further develop trust with both our clients and our
co-workers.
Both building and maintaining trust with our clients is critically important. Once trust
is established, we can more effectively guide clients to better decisions that result in better software and
ultimately a more successful project.
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Comparing JavaScript Libraries: Vue.js, Angular, and React
Frontend, Backend, Fullstack: What Do These Mean?
Avoiding Hidden Costs in Software Development
How to Maintain HIPAA Compliance in Software Development for Web and
Mobile Apps
Invisible Software Development Costs Caused by Technical Debt
How We Think About the Project Manager Role
Why You Should Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Why We Engage Almost Exclusively on Retainers
How Much is My Software Project Going to Cost?
Why You Should Write a Specifications Document Before Starting Any
Software Development Project
The Importance of a Single Source of Truth for Software Development Projects
What We Look for in a Client
Comparing JavaScript Libraries: Vue.js, Angular, and React
Vue.js, Angular, and React are three popular JavaScript libraries for building web
applications. Each has its own unique features and benefits, and the best choice for your project will
depend on your specific needs and preferences. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the
differences between Vue.js, Angular, and React, highlighting the pros and cons of each.
Vue.js is a lightweight and easy-to-learn JavaScript library for building interactive user interfaces. It
was created by Evan You, an ex-Google employee, and has gained a lot of popularity in recent years due to
its simplicity and flexibility. Vue.js uses a template-based syntax, which means that you can easily bind
data to the DOM (Document Object Model) and create dynamic, reactive applications. Vue.js also has a small
learning curve, making it a good choice for developers who are new to front-end development.
One of the main pros of Vue.js is its flexibility. You can use it to build everything from
simple websites to complex, single-page applications. Vue.js also has a large and active community, with a
rich ecosystem of libraries, plugins, and tools that you can use to extend its functionality.
On the downside, Vue.js may not be the best choice for large, enterprise-level projects,
as it doesn't have
as many built-in features as some of the other popular JavaScript libraries.
Additionally, Vue.js is not as well-known as some of the other options, which means that
you may have a
harder time finding experienced Vue.js developers for your team.
Angular is a comprehensive JavaScript framework for building single-page applications. It
was developed by Google and is used by a number of large, well-known companies, including Forbes, UPS, and
The Guardian. Angular is a powerful tool that provides a wide range of features and functionality out of the
box, including a reactive programming model, dependency injection, and a rich set of built-in directives.
One of the main pros of Angular is its comprehensive feature set. It provides everything you need to build
complex, enterprise-level applications, and has a large and active community of developers and contributors.
Angular is also highly scalable, making it a good choice for large, long-term projects.
However, Angular has a steep learning curve and can be difficult for new developers to
pick up. It also has a larger footprint than some of the other options, which means that it may not be the
best choice for lightweight, performance-sensitive applications.
React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, developed by Facebook. It is
widely used and has a large and active community of developers. React uses a declarative syntax, which makes
it easy to build reusable, modular components that can be easily shared and combined to create complex user
interfaces.
One of the main pros of React is its flexibility. It can be used to build everything from
simple websites to complex, single-page applications, and is highly scalable. React also has a large and
active community, with
a rich ecosystem of libraries, plugins, and tools that you can use to extend its functionality.
On the downside, React is just a library, not a full framework, which means that it
doesn't provide as many built-in features as some of the other options. You'll need to use additional
libraries and tools to build a complete application. Additionally, React's syntax can be difficult for new
developers to pick up, and it has a reputation for having a steep learning curve.
In conclusion, Vue.js, Angular, and React are all popular options for building web
applications, and each has its pros and cons.
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Avoiding Hidden Costs in Software Development
How to Maintain HIPAA Compliance in Software Development for Web and
Mobile Apps
Invisible Software Development Costs Caused by Technical Debt
How We Think About the Project Manager Role
Why You Should Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
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Frontend, Backend, Fullstack: What Do These Mean?
Frontend, backend, and fullstack developers all play important roles in the software
development process, but they each focus on different aspects of the software.
A frontend developer is responsible for the design and functionality of the user interface of the software.
This includes the layout, visual elements, and interactive features that users see and interact with when
they use the software. Frontend developers use languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the
frontend.
A backend developer, on the other hand, focuses on the server-side of web development. This includes
building and maintaining the servers, databases, and APIs that power the frontend. Backend developers use
languages such as Python, Ruby, and Java to build the backend.
A fullstack developer has skills in both frontend and backend development. They have a
comprehensive understanding of how the two sides interact with each other.
In short, frontend developers focus on the design and functionality of the user interface,
backend developers focus on the servers and databases that power the user interface, and fullstack
developers have skills in both areas.
At Stratosphere, all of our developers are fullstack, and while there are circumstances
where it makes sense to split frontend and backend, we believe it’s important to have an understanding of
both in order to build software that functions well and is easily maintainable.
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The Benefits of Continuous Integration and Delivery in Software Development
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Comparing JavaScript Libraries: Vue.js, Angular, and React
Avoiding Hidden Costs in Software Development
How to Maintain HIPAA Compliance in Software Development for Web and
Mobile Apps
Invisible Software Development Costs Caused by Technical Debt
How We Think About the Project Manager Role
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Why You Should Write a Specifications Document Before Starting Any
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The Importance of a Single Source of Truth for Software Development Projects
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Avoiding Hidden Costs in Software Development
“What’s it going to cost?”
We love hearing this question. Not because we have some bizarre affinity for the
budgeting process, but because we see discussing cost with potential clients as an opportunity to get
clarity on project strategy. This will ultimately help you maximize the ROI of your product—and it
allows us to demonstrate
our value from day one, before we write a single line of code.
Some firms may rush or oversimplify the bidding process, which can turn into a major
liability for you
in the long term. We’re not the experts in your business—you are—but often, we find that we need to
recalibrate the expectations of our clients and educate them on the hidden costs of development
decisions.
We want your software to have the greatest impact it can—and to do that, we’ll help
you budget your
project to avoid unnecessary costs and delays caused by technical debt.
Technical debt is the invisible, costly drag on a project resulting from:
Solving the wrong problems (e.g., over-designing and over-engineering)
Solving the right problems in the wrong way (e.g., prematurely, or
based on incorrect assumptions, accelerated deadlines, or bad coding practices)
Technical debt doesn’t just lie hidden as cumbersome architecture in your software
codebase that needs
to be fixed or worked around. It also affects your bottom line by way of project delays, buggy software,
expensive
rebuilds, and, ultimately, user satisfaction.
While technical debt can be difficult to see, it can be avoided. First, ask yourself
detailed questions about your project—and make sure you’re being asked those
questions by the
developer as well (see our examples below).
In addition, if you have existing code, you should consider paying for a code audit.
Any reputable digital agency should be able to do this for you.
Here are some of the questions we often ask our clients before bidding a project:
What are the goals and necessary features of a minimum viable product (MVP) version of the
software? (This functions as a hypothesis of your value proposition—ideally, you’d get a chance to
refine it based on real data.)
What meaningful data can be gathered from the MVP version, and how can it be used to refactor
development goals?
What are the probable goals, features, and design decisions of an ideally finished product?
Do you want a web application, a mobile application, or both? If a web application, does the
software need to respond to different screen sizes? If a mobile application, should it be compatible
with iOS, Android, or both?
Do you have existing brand materials, style guidelines, or design libraries, or do these assets
need to be created from scratch?
Will the design of the application be simple and straightforward, or will it have embellishments
such as custom icons, illustrations, and/or animations?
How will a user be onboarded to the application? How sophisticated of a user onboarding system is
required?
What number of active users are you expecting in the short term and long term?
Are there any security or compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA, HL7, PCI)?
Do you have examples of other applications on which you’d like to model decisions?
If you’re not being asked these questions by a prospective software development
vendor, there’s almost no chance that their answer to the question, “What’s it going to cost?” will have
any real utility or reflect the quality of work needed for a high ROI on your project.
Please don’t be fooled by a low price tag. Simpler and cheaper decisions now are
likely to end up costing you more later—and by later, we mean pretty soon.
In conclusion, while cost is a necessary metric by which to compare vendors, we also
encourage you to take into account which vendors are capable of giving you the highest ROI on your
investment.
We take pride in our work and our ability to set you up for long-term success, and we
practice what we preach by helping our clients gain clarity around project strategy and planning even
before they’ve hired us.
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6 Questions You Should Ask Before Working with a Software Development Agency
The Benefits of Continuous Integration and Delivery in Software Development
Our Philosophy on Building Trust and Managing Client Expectations
Comparing JavaScript Libraries: Vue.js, Angular, and React
Frontend, Backend, Fullstack: What Do These Mean?
How to Maintain HIPAA Compliance in Software Development for Web and
Mobile Apps
Invisible Software Development Costs Caused by Technical Debt
How We Think About the Project Manager Role
Why You Should Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Why We Engage Almost Exclusively on Retainers
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Why You Should Write a Specifications Document Before Starting Any
Software Development Project
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How to Maintain HIPAA Compliance in Software Development for Web and Mobile Apps
With more and more software applications being developed for the medical and health
industries, from modern online pharmacies like PillPack and divvyDOSE to Amazon Alexa’s new health care
skills, developers are starting to have to take a hard look at the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) when developing web, mobile, or other software applications.
For developers, staying on top of what is required to maintain HIPAA compliance can be
incredibly overwhelming. The plethora of outdated and vague guidelines makes it all the more agonizing.
When we first started building HIPAA-compliant apps, we were stunned by the apparent
scarcity of information available from the software development perspective.
After having spent countless hours building HIPAA-compliant internal software and
consumer-facing web and mobile apps for clients like divvyDOSE,
SmartScripts, and Transparent Health
Marketplace, as well as other data-sensitive clients like Emulate, Barry's
Bootcamp, Zingfit, and ConveYour,
we’re confident that the information below will be a helpful starting point for anyone attempting to develop
software that requires HIPAA compliance.
A Brief History of HIPAA
HIPAA first came about in 1996 as an all-encompassing reform to the health insurance
industry. The bill has a whole section dedicated to the communication and protection of private and
sensitive medical data. If you aren’t familiar with what the software development and tech industry was like
back in 1996, here are a few facts to give you an idea:
Google was still just a research project at Stanford and was known as “BackRub”
Ebay.com had just been launched
Pokémon was introduced to the world
Only about 100,000 websites existed (compared to about 1.8 billion today)
A Brief Overview of HIPAA Compliance
There are two different components of HIPAA that you should be familiar with: the Security
Rule and the Privacy Rule.
The Security Rule deals specifically with electronic information and has set forth guidelines on how to
secure protected health information, known as PHI, which is basically any individually identifiable medical
information that is transmitted across any medium. The Security Rule breaks down PHI protection into three
different categories:
Physical – protections for actual physical devices
Technical – protections in regards to the information itself
Administrative – policies and procedures that help protect against a breach
While HIPAA’s guidelines can be quite ambiguous, the gist is that you’re supposed to “protect against any
reasonably anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information” by, among many
other things, “implementing a mechanism to encrypt and decrypt electronic protected health information.”
This is obviously far from clear. Luckily, there are industry standards for HIPAA-compliant encryption used
by the major cloud platforms (Amazon, Google, and Microsoft) that provide a great foundation.
The Privacy Rule attempts to determine who's responsible for making sure PHI-related data is handled
correctly. Any company or entity that deals with the transmission or storage of PHI—not just health care
providers or hospitals—may be liable.
The Privacy Rule divides entities into two categories:
Business Associate – Any person who collects, stores, transmits, or maintains protected
information on behalf of a Covered Entity. If a person or organization does not provide a service or
function that involves the use of PHI, or has very limited access to PHI, then they might not be
considered a Business Associate.
Covered Entities – Health care providers, health care clearinghouses, and health plans who
transmit any health information electronically in connection with transactions for which the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has adopted standards.
As a developer, you would be considered a Business Associate, which means you would have
to sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with the Covered Entity.
The Privacy Rule also mandates that Covered Entities provide their users/patients with a
Notice of Privacy Practices, informing them on how their PHI is protected. The regulations laid out by the
Privacy Rule are intended to increase awareness of PHI and how it’s used, as well as to give more control to
patients/users over who has access to their PHI.
HIPAA Compliance Tips for Developers
Please note that adhering to the points below is in no way a guarantee that your
application will be completely compliant. It may be best to seek out an expert HIPAA compliance consultant.
Offload Security to Experts
By using existing HIPAA-compliant tools, you can offload a lot of your security concerns.
The burden of expertise on HIPAA compliance should not be solely on you as a developer. Ideally, you’d be
able to work with a HIPAA compliance expert who would guide the security decisions for the application.
You’ll also want to find out what other regulations you might need to take into
consideration. There are tools available to help with that, such as this
guide provided by the FTC.
Avoid Handling Data Whenever Necessary
Try to minimize the data you are storing, accessing, or displaying to only what is
absolutely necessary. If you don’t need patients’ addresses, then don’t ask for them. Any personal
information used in your application should have a clear purpose.
If you plan to use cloud storage, be mindful that the transmission of data to and from the
cloud has to be secure. A BAA is also required in these kinds of situations.
Don’t forget about geolocation data. HIPAA defines geographically identifiable information
as any information that narrows a person’s location to a location smaller than a state. Geolocation can take
a seemingly harmless and insignificant piece of patient data and turn it into a massive liability.
Transmit and Store Data Securely
With so many HIPAA-compliant protocols and tools available to you today, there’s really no
excuse for not making use of them. If data is encrypted locally, stick with known protocols that have
withstood the test of time. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel, especially when it comes to security.
If your application sends text messages, be mindful that MMS and SMS are not encrypted
protocols, so avoid these when transmitting PHI. Also, push notifications are generally a vulnerable means
of communicating with your users. If your application is using these communication methods, be sure that PHI
is never displayed, as it’s just too easy for someone other than the intended recipient to see these
notifications.
Maintain Application Security
Consider all the different places in which your application is storing data. Backups and
log files are often lacking when it comes to security. If the app is consumer-facing, it should feature a
local session timeout which forces re-authentication.
The last thing you can do to be sure your application is secure and HIPAA compliant is
conduct security testing. There are plenty of tools
available for you to do this yourself. If you aren’t a
security expert, though, then it is in your best interest to seek out a third-party professional to perform
penetration testing on your application. Be sure to inform them that the application they’re testing needs
to maintain HIPAA compliance.
Protect Yourself with Insurance
If you’ve landed a project that requires HIPAA compliance, you probably have the extra
cash to protect yourself with an insurance policy. For about $2,000/year (the price will vary based on the
income of your business and some other factors), you can get a $1 million policy. To get insured, talk to an
insurance broker.
The policy you’re looking for is called Errors & Omissions insurance (E&O). The thing to
be aware of with E&O insurance is that they are Claims Made policies. This means that if you stop coverage
you will no longer be able to make a claim, unless you buy what’s called a “tail” or “the extended
reporting,” which is essentially just renewing your existing policy.
Maintaining historical coverage is important because it’s possible that years after you
last touched PHI, an investigation could determine you to be a liable party in a data breach.
Wrap-up
The guidelines set forth by HIPAA can seem convoluted and overwhelming, but by following
the points outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to building a HIPAA-compliant software application.
Top 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Software Development
6 Questions You Should Ask Before Working with a Software Development Agency
The Benefits of Continuous Integration and Delivery in Software Development
Our Philosophy on Building Trust and Managing Client Expectations
Comparing JavaScript Libraries: Vue.js, Angular, and React
Frontend, Backend, Fullstack: What Do These Mean?
Avoiding Hidden Costs in Software Development
Invisible Software Development Costs Caused by Technical Debt
How We Think About the Project Manager Role
Why You Should Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Why We Engage Almost Exclusively on Retainers
How Much is My Software Project Going to Cost?
Why You Should Write a Specifications Document Before Starting Any
Software Development Project
The Importance of a Single Source of Truth for Software Development Projects
What We Look for in a Client
Invisible Software Development Costs Caused by Technical Debt
When a software development team estimates how many hours a fix or feature will be,
there’s one factor they have to take into account that many stakeholders may not know about or understand:
technical debt.
“Technical debt” is a term that describes existing inefficiencies in a codebase that have accrued over the
life of the project. Sometimes these inefficiencies could be caused by shortcuts a development team took,
but others are simply an unavoidable result of the software development process.
For example, a development team works with a childhood education company to build an app
serving educational games to young users. The development team also builds a content management system (CMS)
that allows the company to upload new games, set the appropriate age range for each game, and add in
descriptive text.
At some point, the company decides they want to add video demos for a handful of games to
see how their users respond, but they aren’t ready to invest in building out video-adding functionality to
their CMS yet. The developers hard-code these new videos into the app. The games with videos perform well,
and the company decides that every game should have a video, which means they want to add a section for demo
videos to their CMS. The development team updates the CMS to offer this added functionality, but they will
also need to refactor the code to replace the original hard-coded videos with videos that are now pulled
from the CMS.
In this example, the company and the developers made optimal choices, but technical debt
accrued anyhow. Here the amount of technical debt was quite small, but there are times where technical debt
can become expansive.
Regardless of its scope or cause, technical debt increases the number of hours it takes to
implement new features, inflating costs and extending timelines. If left unresolved, it contributes bugs to
the system on an ongoing basis. And when it accrues, technical debt can demoralize your development team,
even up to the point where if it’s bad enough, developers may be unwilling to take your project on.
How does technical debt happen?
Technical debt usually happens in one of two ways. The good news is that regardless of how
it comes about, anticipation and practicing good code hygiene can keep it under control.
The first way technical debt accrues is unavoidable, because it’s the result of how
software is built.
When beginning a software project, it’s rarely possible to perfectly describe the exact
details of each and every aspect of the project. Think of it like a police sketch: you can tell the artist
hair color, eye color, face shape, if there’s facial hair, what kind of jaw structure, etc. but in many
cases the artist will be inferring certain details, such as average earlobe length.
The standard set of assumptions the artist makes based on unspecified detail is necessary
to prevent the sketching process from extending ad infinitum, but it does mean that if down the road you
identify some aspect that needs to change–say you realize your subject should have longer than average
earlobes–that change will need to be made.
In this analogy, technical debt is what happens when the artist (developer) draws new,
longer earlobes on request but doesn’t erase the original shorter earlobes. Why? Because this is where the
analogy falls flat: erasing an earlobe is straightforward, but developers can’t simply erase code. That
would break the software. They need to rewrite it, and rewriting it takes time, and they are often working
under deadlines to implement new features.
Under ideal circumstances, developers will be given the extra time they need after a
release to go back and “refactor” the codebase so that everything is clean and orderly. If they don’t have
that time, however, the technical debt begins to accrue. And once the technical debt accrues, the work that
follows will often take longer and be more complex–and more expensive.
In addition to this process, there are also new features that get added as a project
matures. To go back to our police sketch analogy, it’s as if you were to say, once the sketch was done, “now
give him a hat.” Parts of the picture necessarily need to be redrawn to give the subject a hat. The same is
true with code.
The other way technical debt accrues is if developers take shortcuts. A developer may opt
to take a shortcut if they are not thorough and conscientious, or they may have to take a shortcut out of
necessity to meet a deadline. There are many times where it’s actually in a business’s best interest for the
developer to take a shortcut to meet a deadline, and as a result most senior developers are constantly in a
dance with debt. In these cases, it’s again important to give the developer time to go back and refactor the
codebase.
Many times, development teams may not bother to try to explain to you that they are
working with technical debt, since it’s a concept that’s unfamiliar to most outside the world of software
development. Because of this it can be worth asking your team: “Is technical debt slowing this project
down?” or “Would it be worthwhile to take time to refactor the codebase to improve efficiency?”
How technical debt impacts projects
When technical debt is left unchecked, it can compound and become more complex over time.
This means that the longer you wait to address it, the more time and resources you'll need to fix it. In
some cases, the amount of time and effort required to address technical debt can take away from other
important tasks and delay the release of new features.
In addition to the time and effort involved in addressing technical debt, there is also
the issue of reduced efficiency. When technical debt is present, developers may need to spend more time
working around it, which can slow down their overall productivity. This can stretch out timelines, which can
have a negative impact on the success of your project. The best way to address this is to allow the
developers to resolve the technical debt first, and then proceed forward with greater efficiency.
If left unresolved, technical debt can also introduce bugs. This can lead to decreased
user satisfaction and loyalty. If your software is plagued by bugs and other issues, users are likely to
become frustrated and may choose to switch to a competitor's product, resulting in lost revenue.
Finally, technical debt can also lead to increased maintenance costs down the road. When
technical debt is present, it can be more difficult to maintain and update your software, which can lead to
increased costs over time. These costs can include everything from additional developer time to increased
hosting and infrastructure expenses.
Our recommended approach to technical debt
We’ve found that the best approach to dealing with technical debt is a one-two punch:
Always keep the big picture plan in perspective and limit the number of corners you require your
developers to cut when possible. This will reduce the amount of technical debt generated.
Allocate time for your development team to resolve technical debt as they need to in order to
maximize their efficiency.
Since it’s not possible to reduce technical debt to zero, the most sustainable approach is
to minimize it when possible and address it when it becomes an issue. By taking the time to resolve
technical debt, you can improve the long-term efficiency and success of your project and ensure that it
remains competitive and successful in the marketplace.
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How We Think About the Project Manager Role
We see the role of the software project manager role as both a service role and a
buck-taking role.
Our project managers are here first and foremost to serve their projects, and by
extension, to serve their teams and their clients. They are the point people who oversee all phases of a
software project from start to completion, guiding it through discovery, design, development, and then
ongoing maintenance.
Since our designers and developers are highly-skilled and responsible senior
professionals, our project managers don’t need to play a “babysitting” role. Instead, they find out what
their team needs to do their best work, and then they track that down and provide it. This entails
coordinating meetings, soliciting feedback and/or requesting additional materials, breaking down all
relevant communication into clear and organized tasks for their team, and following up as needed to make
sure that all parties have a clear understanding of priorities, timelines, etc.
Our project managers must keep both the big-picture goals of the client and the smaller
moving pieces of day-to-day operations in perspective. This means that at any given moment, they need to be
thinking about what the next steps are in order to line up that work, while also participating in, for
example, basic design review or user testing of a new release.
Our project managers are the point of contact for our clients and the go-to person for any
issues a client has. There is an adage that there are no bad clients, only bad client management. While this
is not true in all cases, our project managers always do what’s within their power to manage client
relationships effectively. This means making sure the client has realistic expectations, including a clear
understanding of timelines and requirements. This also means ferreting out ambiguities and asking clarifying
questions to get everyone on the same page. Our goal is to anticipate potential concerns and proactively
address them before they become full-blown issues.
At the end of the day, we believe that a project manager’s success has less to do with how
much they inserted themselves into the project process and more to do with how strategically they did so in
order to maximally serve their team, the client, and the outcome of the project.
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Why You Should Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
When building software, it can often be tempting to aim high and try to release a big,
impressive new application with all the bells and whistles your user base could want. However, while that
kind of approach may lead to success with material products, in the fast-paced, rapidly iterative world of
software it’s almost always better to release an MVP, or minimum viable product.
Why? Releasing an MVP allows you to test your product concept with reduced expenses, a
streamlined timeline, and with the ability to quickly course-correct, iterate, and otherwise improve on your
product based on initial user feedback.
Here are three reasons why starting with an MVP is important when building software:
It helps to validate the product idea: By launching an MVP, you can test your product idea with a small
group of early adopters and gather valuable feedback. This can help you to validate your assumptions
about the product and identify any potential issues before investing more significant time and resources
into the project. Instead of having a long cycle of R&D followed by a release, your initial release
becomes an R&D phase for the next iteration of your product.
It allows you to focus on the most important features: Building an MVP allows you to focus on the core
features that are most important to your customers. This gives your product a strong, cohesive identity,
and can help you to avoid building unnecessary features that may distract from the core value of the
product.
It reduces risk: Building an MVP allows you to test your product idea with a small group of users before
investing more significant time and resources into the project. This reduces the risk of building a
product that does not meet the needs of your customers.
Are there exceptions? There are. Notably, if you are releasing an iOS/Android app, it's
often worth considering launching with a more feature-rich product due to how impactful bad reviews can be
in the early days of a product launch.
In most cases, however, we recommend starting with an MVP for your software development
project. This approach allows you to validate your product idea, focus on the most important features,
reduce risk, and optimize resources. By starting with an MVP, you can ensure that you are building the right
product for your customers and can make informed decisions about future product development.
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Why We Engage Almost Exclusively on Retainers
We have made a deliberate choice to engage with clients almost exclusively through monthly
retainers rather than fixed bids.
Why? There are several reasons:
The Frustrations of Fixed-Price Agreements
Fixed-price agreements often start with a predetermined price and timeline for the
project.
However, a project’s requirements will inevitably change as new requirements are discovered and additional
needs are clarified. This leads to a need to amend the original agreement and adjust the price and timeline
accordingly.
These kinds of amendments necessitate back and forth, and are not only frustrating for
both the client and the software development team, but will take additional time that could have been spent
more efficiently working towards completing the project.
We have found that more often than not, fixed-price agreements give a false sense of
security. They obfuscate the fact that, at the start of the project, no one deeply understands the ins and
outs of what is being built in full detail. As a result, many software development agencies will inflate
their estimates in an attempt to compensate for this, or they will underbid with the intent to renegotiate
partway through the project.
We’d rather just be transparent about this inherent uncertainty from the start and charge
our clients for the work that’s actually necessary to complete the project.
Ambiguity of Scope
Even if a project’s feature set were to remain the same from start to finish, there is
still ambiguity about what is in scope vs. what is out of scope.
Take for example a spec doc that lists “password reset.” Does this mean a simple password
reset by email? Or does it mean a more elaborate two-factor authentication process with magic links? The
degrees of complexity here can be many magnitudes different, and it’s nearly impossible to have a perfect
understanding of a software project’s technical requirements right from the start.
This ambiguity can lead to disputes and disagreements about project boundaries, causing
strain on the client-developer relationship.
Rather than going over a spec doc with a fine tooth comb, discussing each line at length
before cementing it in a fixed-price agreement, and then inevitably renegotiating as issues come up, we
prefer to begin work with a clear, broad-strokes understanding of the project, and then go into the
nitty-gritty of each feature as it makes sense for the process of development.
With this approach, we guarantee that the client’s budget will be used as efficiently as
possible every step of the way.
Flexibility and Collaborative Approach
The retainer model fosters collaboration and flexibility because it allows the client to
actively engage in redefining their requirements as new data and solutions emerge.
This collaboration helps us gain a deeper understanding of our clients’ needs, and
together we can work towards most efficiently achieving their goals.
Avoiding Conflict and Ambiguity
Fixed-price agreements often become contentious when clients envision complex features
while the software development team aims for simpler implementations. This is because the fixed bid
agreement necessarily pits the objectives of the client and the agency against each other: the client wants
to get the most sophisticated feature for their money, and the agency is looking to implement the simplest
functional solution.
When working with an hourly retainer, we avoid this kind of conflict entirely. Instead we
can present our clients with the cost/benefit analysis for these kinds of features and let them make the
decision about what they want. This way, instead of being pitted against each other, we put ourselves on the
same team and can work together towards optimized solutions.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that fixed-price agreements are inevitably amended many
times throughout a project, and as such, are an illusion that creates a false sense of security at the start
of the project.
Ultimately, we’ve found that engaging on hourly retainers promotes a more productive and
aligned relationship between our team and our clients. We can avoid the frustrations, conflicts, and unmet
expectations that come with fixed-price arrangements, and instead forge an alliance that allows us to
navigate obstacles, embrace uncertainty, and build better software.
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How Much is My Software Project Going to Cost?
This is usually one of the first questions that comes up when considering building custom
software, and it’s one of the hardest to give an accurate answer to. Here’s why:
Estimating the cost of a software development project involves predicting the time and
resources required to complete a complex and fluctuating process.
One example we’ve used in the past is to compare building a piece of software to building
a house. With building a house, the materials are known commodities, the terrain is static, and the
blueprints are set. Additionally, unless you are building a truly unusual home, your workers are completing
a process they have done time and again with only some minor variations. And even so, the majority of
construction projects are not completed on time or on budget.
With building software, to extend the analogy, the materials involved are often new and
have never been combined together before, the terrain is shifting, and the blueprints change as you zoom in
on their details. As a result, building software has an even steeper uncertainty curve when it comes to
estimates than building a house.
Here are the factors that can impact the cost of a software development project:
One of the biggest challenges in estimating the cost of a software development project is
how frequently changes are introduced as the project moves through phases towards completion. Sometimes
these changes are a result of uncovered technical limitations, but more often they emerge because as the
project progresses, the client can better see how to improve on their original idea and make something more
valuable to their users. Changes like these benefit the success of the project in the long run, but they do
alter the scope and can impact the timeline and cost. Additionally, the development process itself is
iterative and incremental, meaning that it is difficult to predict the exact steps and resources required to
complete the project.
Another factor that can impact the cost of a software development project is the skill
level of the development team. Highly skilled developers can often complete tasks more efficiently and
effectively, which can result in lower costs. However, they may also command higher salaries, which can
increase the overall cost of the project. At Stratosphere, we only employ senior developers. This means that
we can guarantee consistent, high-quality work done in an efficient manner, but it also means the upfront
costs may be greater than those for a team that would do lower-quality work up front with higher maintenance
costs down the road.
Finally, the technical resources required to complete the project can also impact the
cost. This includes the hardware and software tools required, as well as any necessary licenses or
subscriptions.
In short, estimating the cost of a software development project can be a difficult task
due to the inherent complexity of the process, the skill level of the development team, and the resources
required to complete the project.
Many agencies may try to occlude this uncertainty by offering fixed-bid statements of
work, but in these cases usually one (or both) of two things ends up happening:
The agency has padded their initial fixed bid to account for inevitable unknowns so that they can be
certain they will turn a profit in the likely event that things become more complex than anticipated.
The agency has bid low with the intention of amending the statement of work partway through the project
as complexity unveils itself.
Instead of playing this game, we would rather charge only for the work necessary to
complete the project and be transparent about this throughout the project. This is why we prefer to work
with our clients on a monthly retainer model insert link to blog post. This process requires trust, but it
maximizes efficiency and prevents additional problems from being introduced.
At the start of our project we will work with you to estimate the time and budget
necessary to build your software, and we will keep you updated throughout the process on factors that impact
that estimated timeline and budget so that you can decide if and when to cut scope, extend the timeline, or
increase the hours put into your project.
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Why You Should Write a Specifications Document Before Starting Any Software Development
Project
If you’re thinking about starting a software development project, this blog post is for
you. You’ll learn why a software specifications document can make or break any such project.
Here’s the truth that most businesses don’t know:
Most software projects are delayed and over budget. Many of them never even make it
to launch day. Successful projects can often credit their achievement to a clear and comprehensive
written specifications document.
What’s a specifications document?
A specifications document is a detailed and specific plan of what you want to build and
how you want it to work. Basically, it serves as the ultimate guide for your developer. Without it, a lot of
things
can — and likely will — go wrong.
The importance of a specifications document
A lot of businesses end up hastily hiring agencies or developers to create their software,
thinking it will work out just fine to figure out the details as they go. It’s a common mistake to start
software
development projects with vague instructions, and one that can end up wasting a lot of your time and money.
If developers don’t completely understand what you’re looking to build, it’s unlikely that
they’ll be able to deliver it. This may also damage the effectiveness and of the software, and result in
significant
portions — or all — of the code needing to be rewritten.
How to write a good specifications document: be as detailed and clear as possible
Your software specifications document should be crystal clear. There should be no room
for confusion,
misinterpretation, or uncertainty.
Since the specifications document is a guide for your developer, you need to be as
detailed as possible. Include what you expect, why, where and how it will be done, and by when.
The key is to give details and explanations for even the simplest procedures. Your
interpretation of something might be different from the reader’s. So, it’s important to directly state what
you want. Put into words the pictures you are painting in your head. Once your developer sees what you want
to happen, they can carry the plans out accordingly.
Don’t be afraid to put in more detail if you feel like it isn’t enough.
As an example, how should a password reset feature be described so that it’s crystal
clear? Here’s the level of detail you should be including:
Password reset feature
On the login screen, at the bottom, there should be a text link titled “Reset your password.”
When the “Reset your password” link is clicked, a popup window should appear with the title
“Enter your email address to reset your password.” This popup window should have a “Close” button at
the top right. It should also have a text field for the user’s email address, as well as a “Submit”
button.
When the “Submit” button is clicked, if the user entered an incorrect email, an error message should
be displayed in red below the email address text field saying, “The email address you entered was
incorrect. Please enter a valid email address.” If the email entered was correct, the user should be
taken to a new page within the popup window with a message saying, “Success! We’ve sent you an email
link to reset your password.” Using the MailChimp email API, the “password reset email template”
email should be sent to the email address provided. Below the “Success! We’ve sent you an email link
to reset your password.” message, there should be a text link that says, “I didn’t receive the
email. Re-send it.” Clicking that text link should re-send the “password reset email template” email
to the email address provided using the MailChimp email API and a message should appear that says,
“Success! We’ve re-sent you an email link to reset your password.”
The “password reset email template” lives in MailChimp and should programmatically create a password
reset link with random characters in the URL to be included in the email. When the password reset
link is clicked, the user should be taken to a web page with the title text, “Enter your new
password into the fields below.” Below the title text should be two text fields for the user to
enter their new password twice. Below the two text fields should be a “Reset my password” button.
When the “Reset my password” button is clicked, if the text in both fields do not match, an error
message should be displayed under both text fields saying, “The passwords do not match.” If the text
in both fields match, the user should be taken to a new web page with title text that says,
“Success! Your password has been reset.” On this page, there should be a “Login” button that, when
clicked, takes the user to their account page. At the top of the account page, there should be a
banner with the text, “You are now logged in with your new password.” The banner should
automatically disappear after 10 seconds and should also have a “Close” button at the top right.
As you can see, this is quite a lot of detail for a password reset feature. However, all
of these details are necessary to impart to the developer in order for them to effectively implement this
password reset feature, as there are many other ways this feature could work other than what is described
above.
Takeaway: Write a specifications document before starting any software development
project.
When you write a clear and detailed specifications document before starting a project,
you’ll see a great reduction in errors and amount of rework necessary during and after your software is
built. The chances that your software will be delivered on time and on budget will increase significantly.
That’s why we highly encourage our clients to take time writing their specifications
document so it can be as clear and as detailed as possible. This should always be the first step of any
software project. It can be done in collaboration with a software development agency, but it’s important to
understand that only you know exactly how your software should work.
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The Importance of a Single Source of Truth for Software Development Projects
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The Importance of a Single Source of Truth for Software Development
Projects
Many software developers brief their clients on the significance of what’s called a
“single source of truth”:
A single, shared space where anyone can go to get all the information they need
about the project. Rather than being spread across a number of different communication methods, such
as email, Slack, phone, text, or project management software, all the information should end up on
one platform.
In truth, 90 percent of our clients fail to adhere to this recommendation a good
amount of the time.
We get it. It’s such an easy and innocuous act to send an email or Slack message. And
generally speaking, this isn’t a problem. The problem is when information that’s critical to the project
gets lost in the scattered messages rather than transferred to the project management tool acting as the
single source of truth.
So why do we swim upstream against such a pervasive behavioral norm? Is it really
worth the hassle for our clients and us to stick to a single source of truth?
The answer is yes—and we do this more for your benefit than ours.
For many years, we’ve tried it both ways—and after much trial and error, we’re
convinced that sticking to a single source of truth is in your best interest. Doing so can help you
avoid a number of hidden costs, such as:
Miscommunication or misinterpretation
Unanswered questions that get lost in the noise
Repetition of clarifying questions
Unchecked assumptions
Wasted time waiting for answers
Lack of clarity about who is responsible for what
Unnecessary task switching
Frustration from having to search through massive email or Slack threads to find
crucial information
General confusion and headache
All of this reduces efficiency and effectiveness, and costs you time and money. And
it makes the whole project frustrating to work on for everyone.
Software developers often speak about the need to immerse themselves and “get in the
zone” when writing code in order to be maximally efficient and effective, which is difficult to do when
they’re required to switch between technical and social tasks.
Having all of the information needed for a particular task in one place makes it much
easier for a developer to get in the zone and write high-quality code.
Derailments from a single source of truth are bound to happen—but they’re easy to
fix.
A few derailments are inevitable, especially when initially trying to get a client to
stick to a single source of truth. Typically, such a derailment takes the form of a long email thread or
Slack discussion.
Once you realize it’s happened, immediately translate that communication back to the
project management tool acting as the single source of truth and tag the relevant parties so that they
can continue their discussion inside the project management tool.
This simple act will make it clear to everyone involved that all crucial information
must be transmitted via the single source of truth.
Our goal is to make your job as easy as possible.
We know you’re busy with many other important responsibilities. In addition to saving
you time and money, we want to make your experience with us overwhelmingly positive and easy.
Software development that is poorly managed can be such a thorn due to delays,
unexpected costs, and/or low-quality final code. We believe introducing you to a single source of truth
is one of the most important things we can do to make your experience as smooth and streamlined as
possible.
Top 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Software Development
6 Questions You Should Ask Before Working with a Software Development Agency
The Benefits of Continuous Integration and Delivery in Software Development
Our Philosophy on Building Trust and Managing Client Expectations
Comparing JavaScript Libraries: Vue.js, Angular, and React
Frontend, Backend, Fullstack: What Do These Mean?
Avoiding Hidden Costs in Software Development
How to Maintain HIPAA Compliance in Software Development for Web and
Mobile Apps
Invisible Software Development Costs Caused by Technical Debt
How We Think About the Project Manager Role
Why You Should Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Why We Engage Almost Exclusively on Retainers
How Much is My Software Project Going to Cost?
Why You Should Write a Specifications Document Before Starting Any
Software Development Project
What We Look for in a Client
What We Look for in a Client
When it comes to developing custom software, the success of a project often hinges on how
well both the software development team and the client can collaborate.
Because of this, there are some of the key qualities we look for in our clients. These are
qualities we also bring to the plate, and we have found time and again that prioritizing them leads to not
only a better process for all, but in fact, more performant software and better software longevity.
We look for clients who:
Have a high level of empathy and kindness and are generally pleasant to work with
Collaboration is more effective and enjoyable when everyone involved is respectful
and supportive. By fostering a positive working relationship, we can address challenges, resolve
conflicts, and create an environment that encourages open communication and understanding.
Understand the significance of what they are undertaking in choosing to develop
custom software
Developing custom software requires a significant investment in terms of time,
money, attention, and ongoing maintenance. We seek clients who truly understand what they are taking
on, not only in the initial design and development process, but in ongoing maintenance as well. By
recognizing and appreciating the commitment required, clients can better align their expectations,
make informed decisions, and actively participate in the software development process.
Understand that all budgets and timelines are estimates and are subject to change
Unlike, for example, building a house, the software development process often
involves plunging into unknown territory and creating and combining elements of system architecture
that haven’t been combined before. And with house building, even with as many known variables as
there are, and even with the number of times it’s been done before, construction projects still
rarely hit their targets for timeline and budget. Building software has an even steeper uncertainty
curve: it’s like building a house on unexplored terrain with new and in-flux building materials and
blueprints that change as you zoom in on their details.
While we strive to provide accurate estimates for budgets and timelines, it's
essential for clients to understand that these can change based on unforeseen circumstances,
evolving requirements, or technological complexities that can impact the original plans.
In fact, one of the most common reasons we encounter for change is that a client
will change their mind about how they want a feature to work. In most cases, this is a good thing,
because as we get deeper into building a piece of software, clients usually start to figure out
better ways to achieve what they want.
It’s also worth noting that engagements based on fixed-price statements of work
have just as many unknowns. A “fixed price” is an illusion designed to create a false sense of
security. The reality is that these statements are inevitably amended many times throughout a
project, because budgets and timelines change no matter what. See Why We Engage
Almost Exclusively on Retainers.
We prefer to be transparent in how we approach the uncertainty inherent in
software development, and we value clients who can meet change with flexibility, adaptability, and a
willingness to collaborate with us on finding the best solutions within given constraints.
Have the financial, time, and attention resources to build good software and
maintain it long-term
Building good software and maintaining it long-term requires time, attention, and financial
resources. We seek clients who can allocate these resources effectively.
Software development is a team effort: we will need a client’s input and feedback
every step of the way. While it would be great if it were possible to just hire an agency, wait a
year, and then receive software exactly as imagined, the truth is that ongoing collaboration is
necessary. We need to communicate with our clients regularly to ensure that what we are building
matches their vision.
Sufficient funding, dedicated team members, and the willingness to devote the
necessary time and effort are all crucial for successful software development. By having the
resources for the scope of a project, a client can position themselves for long-term success and
growth.
Are building a product that seems truly useful to people rather than pursuing a
fad and trying to get rich quick
Our team aims to create genuinely useful products. We are committed to partnering
with clients who prioritize creating value for their target audience rather than jumping on a trend
or looking to make a quick buck. We’re most inspired and committed to working with clients who seek
to solve real problems.
When we choose to work with a client, we are choosing to build a strong and enduring
relationship between our teams. Our goal is to forge an authentic, collaborative, and mutually supportive
relationship that results in the best possible outcome for the software and our client’s business.
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How a Properly Executed Design Phase Saves Tons of Development Time
When building a new piece of software or website, it can be tempting to jump right into development as quickly as possible. You know what kind of product you want, you’ve described it in great detail, and your developers seem to understand–so why spend weeks or months on design?
The truth is, time spent up front on design actually reduces the time and expense needed to get a finished product to market, and more importantly, the cost involved in maintaining and extending that product over time. Here’s why.
It’s easier to update a blueprint than to remodel a house
No matter how thoroughly a feature is described, there is always ambiguity in how it translates into an actual user interface. In other words, making a product intuitive to users is not an intuitive process.
As a result, once there’s an interface to review, stakeholders can more easily see how that interface can be improved.
However, if the interface first emerges in development, the necessary changes will take exponentially longer to make than they would have taken in a design phase. As a result, while skipping or short-changing a design process can seem like a short cut, it actually leads to more time and resources spent doing coding work that should have been figured out in design, where it would have been less expensive to make changes.
Forcing developers to make design decisions slows them – and the project – down
If developers are forced to make design decisions, they will inevitably spend more time than a designer would, and they will generally produce less qualified results, which leads to changes being made to code that should have been made to designs.
By having a designer make key decisions up front you limit the choices your developers have to make, making them more productive.
In addition to saving time and money, this can improve developer morale: they are able to focus on the things they are experts in instead of investing precious mental resources on decisions that aren’t central to the work of engineering.
Good design constrains complexity, leading to simpler code and less room for bugs
A good designer will constrain the number of components used in a set of designs in order to minimize the work a developer has to do while still producing an elegant, user-friendly interface.
A design phase prepares a smart framework for the present product and future growth
The result is that not only are the designs faster to implement, the complexity of the code is reduced, minimizing the chance for bugs. This has the added benefit of reducing developer stress.
A design phase prepares a smart framework for the present product and future growth
Designers are trained to think globally about information architecture–both in the present phase of the design and with regards to laying the groundwork for possible future phases.
Without an initial design phase, you're more likely to encounter significant refactoring headaches due to
technical debt.
The bottom line
It’s common for clients to undervalue the design process, but they do this at their own peril. A well-executed design phase can save two or even three times the budget when it comes to development. Additionally, it almost always leads to a more elegant product, greater user satisfaction, lower costs down the road, and a less-stressed development team.
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The Benefits of Continuous Integration and Delivery in Software Development
Our Philosophy on Building Trust and Managing Client Expectations
Comparing JavaScript Libraries: Vue.js, Angular, and React
Frontend, Backend, Fullstack: What Do These Mean?
Avoiding Hidden Costs in Software Development
How to Maintain HIPAA Compliance in Software Development for Web and
Mobile Apps
Invisible Software Development Costs Caused by Technical Debt
How We Think About the Project Manager Role
Why You Should Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Why We Engage Almost Exclusively on Retainers
How Much is My Software Project Going to Cost?
Why You Should Write a Specifications Document Before Starting Any
Software Development Project
The Importance of a Single Source of Truth for Software Development Projects