A high-performance React Native mobile application designed to connect a global community of cyclists through seamless event integration and ride management.
What we did
- Comprehensive React Native codebase audit and inheritance
- Full UI/UX layout redesign for enhanced user navigation
- Integration of dynamic cycling events and group ride schedules
- Performance optimisation for cross-platform stability
- Implementation of real-time community updates and notifications
- Ongoing technical support and feature scaling
About the project
Hotchillee is a premier name in the global cycling community, known for hosting world-class events that bring together amateur and professional riders alike. From the iconic London-Paris journey to alpine challenges, their brand is synonymous with high-end endurance cycling and camaraderie. To support this thriving community, Hotchillee required a mobile presence that matched the premium quality of their physical events.
When Tinderhouse joined the project, the goal was to transform an existing digital asset into a central hub for the Hotchillee community. We took over a React Native codebase that needed professional refinement and a strategic vision. Our focus was on creating a platform where members could effortlessly access event details, join group rides, and engage with the global network of cyclists.
By focusing on a robust hybrid app development strategy, we ensured that the application provided a consistent, high-quality experience for both iOS and Android users. The project was not just about maintaining a codebase; it was about evolving the digital experience to reflect the prestige and energy of the Hotchillee brand, ensuring every user feels connected to the peloton, no matter where they are in the world.
The Challenge
The primary obstacle was the technical debt and limited scalability of the original application. Hotchillee faced several critical pain points that hindered their digital growth:
The previous development phase had reached a plateau, exceeding the technical skillset of the original developer and leaving several features half-finished.
The user interface was outdated and failed to provide the intuitive navigation expected by a high-end cycling community.
Integrating complex event data and ride schedules into the existing framework without disrupting the user experience.
Maintaining cross-platform performance across a wide variety of mobile devices used by cyclists worldwide.
Our Solution
Codebase Inheritance and Stabilisation
Our first priority was to conduct a deep-dive audit of the existing React Native environment. Inheriting a project requires a meticulous approach to ensure stability before adding new features. We refactored legacy code, updated outdated dependencies, and established a clean architecture that would allow for rapid scaling. This technical foundation was essential for the long-term health of the application.
UI/UX Redesign and Brand Alignment
We undertook a comprehensive redesign of the app's layout. The goal was to move away from a cluttered interface toward a sleek, performance-oriented design. We prioritised ease of use, ensuring that cyclists—often accessing the app while on the move or in high-pressure event environments—could find ride data and event schedules with minimal taps. The new aesthetic aligns perfectly with Hotchillee's premium branding.
Seamless Event and Ride Integration
The heart of the Hotchillee experience is its events. We developed custom modules to pull in dynamic event data, allowing users to view routes, start times, and support details directly within the app. By implementing a focused sports app development framework, we made the transition from "browsing" to "riding" seamless for the user, turning the app into a vital tool for event participants.
Scalable Feature Roadmap
Rather than attempting to overhaul everything at once, we utilised a minimum viable product strategy to deploy critical updates first. This allowed us to address the most pressing community needs, such as ride visibility, while gathering data for future iterations. This iterative approach ensured that the app remained stable during high-traffic event seasons while constantly improving.
The Results
The collaboration between Hotchillee and Tinderhouse resulted in a powerful community tool that successfully launched in 2023. Key outcomes included:
Enhanced Community Connectivity: A significant increase in user engagement within the app’s ride and event sections.
Professionalised Digital Presence: A modern, high-performance layout that accurately reflects the Hotchillee brand.
Improved Stability: A 99.9% crash-free rate following the codebase refactor and optimisation.
Operational Efficiency: The Hotchillee team can now manage and update event information with ease, reducing administrative overhead.
Future-Ready Architecture: The app is now positioned for further growth, with a clean codebase ready for the next phase of mobile app development features.
Technical Highlights
Framework: React Native for high-performance, cross-platform deployment.
Architecture: Modular component-based structure for easier maintenance and feature scaling.
State Management: Robust handling of real-time event and rider data.
Platform: Unified codebase serving both iOS and Android audiences.
Deployment: Streamlined CI/CD pipelines for rapid updates during the cycling season.
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