This article is only available in Dutch 🇳🇱
Earlier this month, we launched a series of apps for EQOM that control smart toys via Bluetooth, including the EasyConnect app for EasyToys and Amorelie Play for AMORELIE. A project our internal team won't soon forget, full of exciting first times. In this article, team members each answer the question: 'What was your ultimate project peak?'
Glenn (UX/UI Designer)
'Finding creative solutions to operate the app with one hand (or even with eyes closed) while users work towards their peak - was my ultimate peak.' The payoff 'The app designed to be used with one hand' came to life very quickly within the team and even got its own spot in the app. We responded to this specific user need by integrating haptic feedback and a light sensor that prevents users from getting out of the heat of the moment when they put their phone away. The combination of design, technology and teamwork actually make this project one big highlight. With the icing on the cake being the bright pink EasyToys design, from which the brand feeling drips.'
Jelmer (Android Developer)
'This project had more than one highlight for me. I enjoy working with external hardware anyway, but this time we were also closely involved in its development. Together with the hardware supplier, we had to come up with a series of products that work nicely with an app and are easy to control. For this, I worked out the BLE protocol myself and coordinated with the supplier. Despite my necessary experience with Bluetooth, this was also new for me. The implementation of the protocol on the app side was then further enhanced by the Long Range Play feature. Combining Bluetooth control with real-time network communication was quite a challenge. Especially with everything that could go wrong in the chain of devices. The fact that everything works and is in stores gives me, and hopefully many others, a good feeling.
Douwe (Digital Project Manager)
'As a project manager, you have to keep a close eye on the iron triangle of time, cost and scope, functionality and quality. My absolute highlight was to see how efficiently everyone worked together from his or her own discipline (Design, Development and Test). Internally, but also with the customer. With this type of app you can of course think up all kinds of extra features, but together with EQOM our team defined and realized a realistic first MVP version. The professional knowledge, short lines of communication, pragmatic choices and passion to make the best of it together create enormous synergy. We are all proud of the apps that are there now.
Bas (Backend Developer)
'My highlight was the moment when we could let the toys be controlled (near) real-time by other remote users, with the person with the toy not noticing any delays. We used HTTP/2 technology for this, therefore there were no adoption problems. Users play a game of single- or multiplayer just as easily.'
Rosanne (Software Tester)
'This project has two ultimate highlights for me. The first was the moment I was asked. I said yes immediately, even though I was initially slightly uncomfortable with the fact that I would constantly have a toy in my hand during testing. This quickly changed to enthusiasm, as the app is really quite bold and has features I haven't tested in apps before. Think of the Free Touch Canvas found in various features in the app. The second highlight was setting up the first working Long Range Play connection between toy and app. A milestone! The Developers did a great job, worked closely together and developed a smooth-working flow that I tested with many different devices and combinations.'
Jos (UX/UI Designer)
'The end result! I was mainly active with the concept and design direction at the beginning of the project and then unfortunately had to hand it over to Glenn because I went on vacation myself. Fortunately, much of the original concept remained intact, making the final product something to lick your fingers at. A nice working app with a lovely design. EasyToys is, as a Designer, a brand I really wanted to work for and with, because they are so wonderfully ad rem and try to break taboos with humor. This app has a few subtle easter eggs to nicely tap into that humor. I am curious to see who can spot them all.
Youri (iOS Developer)
'My first highlight was when I heard that I got to do this project for this unique client. During the development of the app, I developed a Bluetooth SDK that takes care of the communication between the app and the different toys. Another highlight was the moment when I was able to send the first commands to the toys from the app. I then used the SDK to develop the rest of the app and realize features such as the Free Touch Canvas. My ultimate highlight? The moment we completed the Long Range Play functionality and we could control device B's toy from device A without being directly nearby. I look with pride at the app we have created with the team.
Want to know more about this project? Read the interview with Kim van der Wijk, Project Lead Brand Design at EQOM, here.
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