Client

DinLokaleBodega, Ballerup, Denmark

Din Lokale Bodega

Mobile application for beer drinkers and other bars and cafes visitors

The mobile application project that we took over from Indonesian colleagues, primarily related to the tectonic changes brought about by the obligation to use a newer version of Java (version 18) for Android versions of mobile applications conditioned by the Google Play store.

Apart from Java, the rest of the code was also outdated, especially the part with the payment processor and 3DSecure transaction verification, which did not exist, and some users simply could not make payments anymore. In addition to classic payment for products and subscriptions via cards, we have also implemented ApplePay and Gpay as one-click payment methods.

We authenticate the user through Firebase, and there was also a need for a refresh in the form of adding a larger number of authenticators such as Sign in with Apple for iOS users and Sign in with Google. Logging in via Facebook also no longer worked because the application itself violated the standards and was disabled.

In addition to these obvious shortcomings, it was also necessary to optimize the rest of the code and improve the user experience. The decision was made to rewrite the entire application because patching and fixes no longer made sense.

Design

As design standards have changed significantly since the last version of the application, which was released in 2020, and as the user’s workflow is also changing due to new functionalities, we started by creating a new design based on the old idea and visual identity. The new design served primarily to present the changes to the client, because a picture speaks a thousand words, and to our programmers to create the program code. The screens that have undergone major changes are;

  • Login to the application
  • User registration and verification of email address and phone number
  • Payment methods management - added possibility that credit cards can be added, edited and deleted even without the actual purchase process
  • Purchases history - an overview of the history of transactions has been added
  • Subscriptions and products are clearly separated
  • The ability to search by name was added to the list of bars
  • The current location of the mobile application user is actively used
  • The ability to navigate to the bar (café) has been added
  • The so-called Checkout during payment/collection has been upgraded to support and track 3D transaction verification
     

Management system (CMS)

We have also created a management system which serves to view statistics, generate and manage discount codes, manage bars, manage sponsors and the like. The management system for this mobile application is not the most complex, but it certainly makes everyday business easier for the client.

Mobile application

We created the mobile application for Android and iOS as standard, and adapted the screen display for both tablets and MacOS.

The product itself that users consume through the mobile application is primarily beer or another drink that can be consumed in one of the bars in the program. In total, the program includes more than 400 bars throughout Denmark.

Subscription;
Package “Permanent Guest” - The duration of the subscription is 30 days. One beer or coffee or soft drink every day.

One-time products;
Cards - The duration of the product is one year. One beer or coffee or soft drink every day, ten in total. After consuming ten drinks, it is possible to buy another ten. Shots - The duration of the product is 30 days. Ten spirits whenever and even all ten at once. After consuming ten spirits, it is possible to buy another ten.

The secret is that each subscription package is many times cheaper than buying a drink at a bar.

So - cheers!

Frequently asked questions

Why did you rewrite the whole app instead of just patching the old one?
We inherited the project from another team, and the codebase was already a few years behind. Google Play started requiring a newer Java target for Android, the payment processor had no 3DSecure verification (so some people just couldn’t pay anymore), and the Facebook login had been disabled for breaking the platform’s rules. Once you stack all that up, patching becomes more expensive and riskier than a clean rewrite. So we rebuilt it from scratch on top of the existing visual identity and the client’s original idea.
What can people actually buy through the app, and how does the subscription work?
There are two models. The ‘Permanent Guest’ subscription runs for 30 days and gives you one beer, coffee, or soft drink every single day. Then there are one-time products: ‘Cards’ last a year and give you ten drinks total (one per day), and ‘Shots’ last 30 days and give you ten spirits you can use whenever, even all at once. When you run out, you just buy another batch of ten. The whole point is that it works out much cheaper than ordering the same drinks at the bar.
How do payments work, and is the 3DSecure verification handled properly now?
Yes, that was one of the main reasons for the rebuild. The checkout now fully supports and tracks 3D transaction verification, which is what was missing before and what was blocking some users. On top of regular card payments for products and subscriptions, we added ApplePay and GPay as one-click options, so most people can pay in a single tap without typing card details every time.
Which platforms and devices does the app run on?
Both Android and iOS, and we adapted the layout for tablets and MacOS as well, so the screens are not just stretched-out phone views. For sign-in we use Firebase, with Sign in with Apple for iOS users, Sign in with Google, and the usual email and phone verification. We deliberately dropped Facebook login since it had already stopped working and was a maintenance liability.
How do users find a bar, and how many bars are covered?
The app covers more than 400 bars across Denmark. You can search the list by name, and it actively uses your current location to show what’s near you. We also added navigation, so once you pick a bar or café you can route straight to it. Behind the scenes the client manages all of those venues, plus sponsors and discount codes, through a CMS we built for them.
Do you also handle the back office, or just the customer-facing app?
Both. Alongside the app we built a management system (CMS) for the client. It’s not an overly complex tool, but it covers the day-to-day: viewing statistics, generating and managing discount codes, managing the bars in the program, and handling sponsors. The idea was to give the client everything they need to run the business without coming back to us for routine changes.

Key Results

400+
bars covered
Throughout Denmark
Android & iOS
platforms
Adapted for tablets and MacOS
Multiple payments
ApplePay & Gpay
One-click payment methods
Firebase auth
authentication
Sign in with Apple, Google, etc.

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