GoodWorkLabs to develop the Star Rating for Schools App

GoodWorkLabs has announced their association with the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) to develop the Star Rating for Schools app which is being funded by FedEx.

iRAP is a renowned charity dedicated to minimizing the road deaths across the globe. The Star Rating for Schools mobile app will use road inspection data which has been amalgamated over the years by measuring and determining the level of safety for school kids. This can be used both by parents and teachers as well.

iRAP gives ratings to roads across the world.

The project is funded by FedEx and will be developed by  GoodWorkLabs, which has an  impressive track record on delivering dynamic mapping functionality. GoodWorkLabs already has an experience of developing apps for kids. It had developed the Sesame Street game for Android and web which is fun to play but also has some serious messages about using resources carefully and sensibly.

“Every child has a right to an education. We share a unified vision of a world where all children can travel safely to and from school. We feel very privileged that GoodWorkLabs has been chosen to deliver this vital application. We look forward to make this vision a reality along with iRAP.” expressed Sonia Sharma, Founder and MD at GoodWorkLabs.

Vishwas Mudagal, CEO and Co-Founder at GoodWorkLabs emphasizes on the practical purpose for developing an app to help save kids’ lives around the world. “ We pride ourselves on our wide ranging experience in games development. In fact, gamers are among the most demanding of app users, requiring the highest levels of interactivity and responsiveness in data heavy applications and are continually pushing for improved performance. The Star Rating for Schools app will be intuitive, swift, reliable and secure. It would work on tablets and at different band widths, delivering great performance each time. In practical terms, the more data that is collected and the more schools surveyed, the more kids’ lives are going to be saved. I am delighted that iRAP has chosen to partner with GoodWorkLabs to develop the Star Rating for Schools app.”

GoodWorkLabs has worked with clients worldwide to deliver more than 100 apps and have been proud winners of multiple awards. Their expertise comes in helping the project in every step of the process from concept, through to development, launch and continuous ongoing improvement of the product.

“Over the last few months we’ve looked at many app and product developers around the world. We think that GoodWorkLabs has just the right mix of experience to help us create a truly dynamic tool that is going to deliver great results.” says, James Bradford, iRAP Global Product Director.

The way UX will be perceived in 2017

UX designs have been constantly changing over the years. However, this year, we predict some key changes in UX that are going to change the way companies look at design.

In this infographic, we aim to highlight the key changes are that going to re-define UX strategies in 2017.

Every thing boils down in creating a great experience for your customers. If you feel like there are more such elements that can be added that will create a more lasting and fulfilling experience for customers, then just let us know!

Google Announces Certified Partner Agencies

This week, in a press release, Google announced six more certified partner agencies as part of this program and GoodWorkLabs is one among them.

Read the full story covered in Economic Times and Indian Express here.

The Google Developers Agency Program allows companies to receive dedicated training and access to Google’s latest products and API’s, in turn enabling the companies to create world class applications.

Agencies will be able to develop their expertise in using Google technologies and will be recognized as ‘Google Developers Certified Agency’.

Additionally, developer agencies will receive world class and on the go training on latest Google APIs, developer technologies and safe practices. Apart from these,  invitations to events specially designed for software development agencies, recognition and opportunity to showcase applications, participation in Early Access programs will also be a part of the program.

Launched in 2015, the Developer Agency Program impacted more than 100 apps in India last year developed by these agencies with cumulative count of over 100 million users.

“Being certified as a Google agency proves our credentials and as well as opens up opportunities for us to expand our horizons. It is indeed a proud moment for all of us.” added Sonia Sharma, founder of GoodWorkLabs.

Apple Rolls out iOS version 10.3

Apple keeps updating its OS regularly and every time it is supposed to be the next big change. With iOS 10.3 just launched, Apple has claimed it will change the way you use your Apple products. The community of iOS developers will soon give its verdict, but let us have a look at some of the new features in iOS 10.3

1. Find My AirPods

The new version is centered around the ‘Find My AirPods’ feature within the Find My iPhone app. AirPods owners will be able to locate them by using the iCloud-based feature to call upon the wireless pods to play a sound. However, if AirPods are not Wi-Fi and GPS enabled, they’ll only be discoverable if they’re within Bluetooth range which is around only 5 meters.

If they’re lost outside the home then it’ll be a case of trial and error, in the hope that the bluetooth connection can be resumed.

2. Better Storage

The new iOS 10.3 debuts  with a new file system called AFS, which replaces the existing HFS+ system. Users are unlikely to notice anything, but it might boost your available storage space. It also allows for better organizing of files into different categories. 10.3 promises for a better storage experience even for the small storage users.

3. Siri Update

A feature that catches eye of many is Siri’s support for cricket scores from the ICC and the Indian Premier League. You can now use Siri with supported third-party apps to check the status of your accounts and pay bills, and schedule rides in advance with apps like Uber. In addition, if you have a car whose app supports Siri, you’ll be able to check its fuel level and lock status, and hit the horn or turn on the lights.

4. Regular Updates

As with most iOS updates, Apple has taken the time to slip some updates into several of its stock applications. This time around, Music, iTunes, Maps, Calendar, Podcasts, Safari, and Mail get a few new perks.

5.App animation

Apple has tweaked the animation for opening and closing apps very slightly. As they open, apps now have more rounded edges, a difference that’s noticeable on apps that open slowly.

6.The Map Update

Maps gets two nice little features in iOS 10.3. First, you can press firmly on the weather indicator (using a 3D Touch-compatible device) to view an hour-by-hour breakdown of the day’s weather, and press fully to enter your current area’s full weather listing in the Weather app.

The other noteworthy feature includes iOS 10’s “Find My Car” feature in Maps, with Apple now letting you search for “parked car” to find where your iPhone last last saw your vehicle.

7. Apple ID Settings profile

There’s a new “Apple ID” profile option that’s displayed at the top of the Settings app. It shows all Apple ID info, including all devices you’re signed into, and it has links to iCloud, iTunes & App Store, and Family Sharing. All of these options used to be listed under an “iCloud” setting.

Here’s hoping iOS 10.3 is user-friendly and revamps the way iPhones and iPads are used around the world.

Let us know what you think about the iOS update!

Being A UX Designer

UX designers are changing the way people see the world. An in-house UX design studio solves most of the problems in today’s era. Being a UX designer is lots of fun, but  just like any other job profile, there are instances which are really frustrating for a designer on a day to day basis.

However, on a lighter note, here are a few instances and reactions that most UX designers experience at work.

1. When someone questions your color choices.

2. When you have not saved your project and your system crashes.

3. When you want to leave early, but you cannot.

4. When your designs are not getting approved.

5. When your designs get approved in a go.

6. When you finish a tough project, and the next one is even more complicated.

7. When you are hungry and still have to meet a deadline.

8. When your project manager explains design to the client.

9. When your co designer has finished his project and starts irritating you.

10. When a client calls at ungodly hours.

But amidst all of this, design thinking approach is all set to become the mainstay for all organisations globally and UX designers are soon to become the backbone of most businesses.

Recruiting and retaining skilled UX designers can increase the design value of your company.

UX designers are changing the way world sees itself!

So, handle them with care!

Images sourced from Giphy and Tumblr.

ID Verify Wizard is the US-based risk management and ID authentication portal. It helps businesses and outside government offices to access data to ensure theft and fraud protection.

How did GoodWorkLabs help ID Verify Wizard build their platform? 

GoodWorkLabs is leading software and mobile app development company in India, the US, and Europe. Being a pioneer in the industry, they have immense expertise in developing beautiful, effective, and efficient technology solutions. They help brands grow by using trending technologies like – AI & ML, AR & VR, big data, software and mobile app development, etc. Likewise, the experienced team at GoodWorkLabs helped ID Verify Wizard develop enterprise software for mobile devices.

GoodWorkLabs was proposed with the challenge to upgrade and expand the usability of ID Verify Wizard’s software on mobile devices. The team at GoodWorkLabs started with revamping the designs and UX/UI of the portal. Our technical architects developed an easy to use mobile platform that allowed ID Verify Wizard to expand its reach to mobile users. This made the ID Verify Wizard portal extremely mobile-friendly.

Client Testimonial

Paul Simpson, Founder ID Verify Wizard says:

“GoodWorkLabs built a solution that expanded our platform’s usability on mobile environments. We upgraded our platform with the newest plug-ins and looked at GoodWorkLabs for providing these services. Working with them has been a phenomenal experience. The knowledge they provided, especially their in-house architect, was fantastic. My expectations in terms of quality, service, and cooperation were far exceeded. The dollar-to-dollar value was tremendous. There are times when you receive more than what you paid for, which was the case here.”

Read the complete review on Clutch.co

What were the salient features of this software application? 

• Compatible on all devices – mobile, tab, laptop, etc
• Real-time direct source ID
• Subscription Management for companies and individuals
• Transaction reports made available for users

What were the achievements of this web app development?

• Flawless execution and launched ahead of schedule
• Helped many businesses verify and access data seamlessly
• Enabled high user engagement
• Helped company and individuals comply with anti-theft norms

Technologies used:

• Ruby on Rails
• MySQL
• JS

Snap Help is a US-based mobile application for CRM by a start-up named Audetemi. It is a self-service platform for enterprises and individuals. The purpose of the mobile app was to create a simple and easy-to-use platform that changed the way enterprises and customers looked at customer servicing and support.

How did GoodWorkLabs help Snap Help build a CRM application? 

GoodWorkLabs is an award-winning mobile app development company in India, the US, and Europe. The company comes with in-depth experience in building mobile applications that are beautiful, easy-to-use, efficient, and engaging. The company is committed to developing cutting-edge technology solutions that solve real-world problems very effectively. GoodWorkLabs helped Audetemi develop a CRM mobile application that aimed at both – the enterprises and consumers.

Providing great customer experience for consumers is seen as the main aim of all enterprises, however, Audetemi noticed that the products tend to be aimed at enterprises only. They aimed to develop a mobile application directed at consumers which they would offer to enterprises. Therefore, GoodWorkLabs had to address customer support and servicing while developing this app. The challenge here was to create an engaging and intuitive UX/UI that helped users stay connected to the application. Extensive user research coupled with attention to detail helped GoodWorkLabs create an outstanding product for Audetemi. The team at GoodWorkLabs worked on the design for both – the consumer and enterprise side of the CRM application.

Client Testimonial

Ashish Joshi, CEO, Audetemi says:

“GoodWorkLabs did a good job of designing the user experience. For example, a left-handed person will sweep their thumb from right to left, while the opposite applies for a right-handed person. This is the kind of customization we considered when sketching out the app. I found the right attention to detail with their team. I would say their attention to detail is what sets them aside. They insisted on coming up with a design of their own before discussing my ideas, in order to not influence their designers and to allow them full freedom of creativity. When I showed my colleagues from the Business school of Berkeley the UI designs made by GoodWorkLabs, they appreciated the level of detail present in it. ”

Read the complete review on Clutch.co

What were the salient features of this software application? 

• Log-in using their email ids
• Information can be exchanged with service users via video chat, text messaging, photos, voice, and social media
• Audio reports

What were the benefits of this app development?

• Helped Snap Help increase user interaction and engagement
• Successfully streamlined the process of CRM process

Services Rendered:

• UI UX Design
• User Research

Understanding Offshore Development

You’re comfortably relaxing on your couch and enjoying a football match. The television suddenly switches off and the switch box explodes with sparks flying around. You have no clue what has happened and you look up on the internet searching for an electrician. The local electrician is charging $100, whereas a veteran electrician from the neighboring community is ready to visit your place and rectify your electrical setup for just $30.

Whom will you call?

Keep these options in your mind as we dwell into the concept of offshore development.

From the past decade or so, an unexpected trend has arisen in the technology sector. Multi-national companies, start-ups, and even local businesses have started adopting the business models of offshore development services. Offshore development was something that only large global companies engaged in many years ago due to the geographical and language challenges that existed. Today, these are not a factor as communication and transparency challenges have been both negated due to the technology that has come into everyday life.

First, let us discuss what exactly is offshore development as well as why it has become such as a popular option for companies worldwide.

Offshore development means the process of outsourcing your development needs such as web, mobile or even custom software to countries such as India, Philippines, China and so on. The reason why people look at offshore web or software development is mainly because of the cost-savings and the time that can be saved. Also, it minimizes internal overhead costs. The offshore model has been around for a long while but with the world becoming more global and technology making it easier than ever before to communicate to anyone no matter where they are located, the demands for offshore development have increased substantially.

The Offshore Development model is used for multiple things: offshore software and offshore web development or services such as customer service, data-entry, cold-calling along with BPO or KPO processes. The main reason is that a person in India or any other developing country will cost significantly less when compared to the US, UK or Australia. The bottom line is that if you are able to find a good offshore development partner, you can really save yourself time, money, HR hassles and other operational expenses. The key is to find a good offshore partner who has the experience, expertise and technical skills to accomplish what you need. Ranging from a simple website or even a fully operating customer service center, your offshore partner must be well equipped to handle your requirements.

Professional offshore development can be beneficial in the following ways:

Reasonable services :

Not all the countries boast of a talented pool of web developers and designers in abundance which makes it difficult to get work done at a nominal amount. The reason being that they charge substantially as they develop products knowing that they are in monopoly. It turns out to be quite expensive build a website or mobile app. Offshore development can disrupt the monopoly and be more cost effective.

Quality:

One of the best things about the offshore software companies is that they have a vast pool of talent and can render top notch development services. This ensures that the quality of the projects is superior and also matches the international standards.They also ensure that they utilize the best tools and technologies to create highly competitive products.

Communication:

Technology has ensured that there is no delay in any communication between the client and the developers. Offshore developers tend to be more approachable and communication friendly. This ensures that the process does not go haywire during any stage.

No deadline delays:

Following deadlines is a big aspect when it comes to product development. The entire marketing and operations of a company depends on the product being delivered according to the stipulated time. Offshore development can cut down these hassles as they have the flexibility of employing more resources at a lower cost.

24×7 availability:

Round the clock availability sometimes becomes a norm for a global company and offshore centers offer workflow accordingly which might not be possible in the parent country due to cost and labor-force constraints.

Conducive Environment:

Outsourced processes, usually are very strenuous in nature. The workforce needs to be seated in an environment that can boost productivity and reduce stress levels. It is one of the main factors why Offshore Development is a good option since infrastructure is available cheaply as compared to the parent country.

Security:

Security of confidential data and client properties is a buzzing concern when dealing with offshore companies. Most of the offshore development companies offer high end security protocols and systems to ensure the client’s data is never compromised.

And now, back to the electrician conundrum. If a veteran electrician with years of experience is ready to travel to your house at a cheaper rate, any sensible man would choose him over the $100 electrician. The same logic may also be applied to the concept of offshore development.

So, sit back and relax as your offshore partner takes charge of your processes and product development and frees you of the basic organizational hassles.

Offshore development may seem a far fetch off for most of the most organisations, but if the current global trend is to be observed, it is one of the most trusted and cost effective options for an organisation that is looking to cut down on costs and build quality products.