COUCOUVAN

Full-Cycle Software Development for Cargo Services Startup

About the Client

Our client is a French start-up who decided to put in place the idea of cargo ordering service via the “Uber for X” model. The client wanted to realize a convenient and modern solution and was looking for a software development company that can hold a full-cycle development for both web and mobile parts of the project, as well as create the visual concept of the project and UI elements.

The main goal

To develop a whole software eco-system (two apps for both clients and drives, a web application for clients, web-based admin panel and dashboard for dispatchers, a server-side) for an on-demand cargo ordering service startup.

Tasks

Design and development of CouCouVan client’s and driver’s mobile applications for iOS and Android;

Design and development of CouCouVan web application;

Design and development of the web-based dispatcher dashboard and admin-panel;

Design and development of server-side;

Project management.

Challenges

Admin panel

It was necessary to create an admin panel that allows a business owner to get a 360-degree overview of the application performance and change some modules of the app without additional technical support.

Dispatcher Dashboard

A web-based dashboard for dispatchers to manage cab dispatching, drivers and vehicle tracking in real-time.

Driver App

So the drivers can easily accept/decline ride requests in a single tap using the driver apps.

Client Booking App

To create a possibility for clients to book rides with iOS and Android mobile apps.

Third-Party Payments Integration

Payment commission was a key ingredient of the CouCouVan monetization strategy, so it was required to organize seamless payments through third-party APIs.

Integration with HERE.com

Mapping and geolocation part of the project logic should be realized through the integration with the here.com services.

Main functional

Features for Drivers:

Register/profile/status: with verification (tax number) and approval by an administrator, plus online status and schedule;

Booking: with options to accept or deny the incoming order, info on customer location and destination of a ride visible instantly, plus booking history;

Push-notifications: for order alerts, taxi booking data (location, payment, route), for order updates and/or completion;

Navigation: e.g. using Google Maps or Google Places to get optimal directions to a customer and his destination, could be voiced;

Cost estimation, reports, messaging, support.

Features for Clients:

Booking interface: a screen to enter the address to call a taxi to, select a cab type, set a location for pickup;

Tracking: to track a driver’s location, to make updates during or after a ride;

Price calculator: to check the estimated cost of a ride from point A to point B with certain cab type even before ordering;

Push notifications: to keep users updated on order status, estimated time of taxi arrival, and other details like car model, license plate;

Messaging, ratings & reviews, booking history.

The Solution

</Step1>

First of all, we analyzed the market and current solutions to develop the best concept.

The client told us his preferences, his thoughts on the interface and the design of the future application. Then, after discussion research results with the client, we made the final project decision. We came up with an idea to associate a small bird – a cuckoo – with the app. Since our client is from France, the cuckoo is "Coucou" in French, and since the application about cargo services, the word "van" was also added.

These ideas were the basis for our team to continue working on the application.

</Step2>

Our UX/UI designer has created the layouts. The image of the cuckoo and examples of maps were drawn. And after agreeing with the client about all the nuances of the design part and prototype presentation, our mobile and web developers began to work on.

</Step3>

As we decided that the project will be a 2 separated native iOS and Android and Web mobile application for client and driver with smartphone and tablet adaptation it was necessary to create a proper backend for the whole system to ensure 24/7 working capacity and avoid asynchronization.

</Step4>

The most important stage for the entire project was to test the whole system workflow under the heavy loads. After quality assurance processes applications were submitted to the Play and App stores.