WorshipOnline / LEGACY RAILS APPLICATION MODERNIZATION

A new interface. The Rails backend your business relies on

Rolled out a new interface gradually, retained the existing mobile API and kept the old interface available as a fallback.

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WorshipOnline: Ruby on Rails App Redesign

ClientWorshipOnline

Work deliveredSystem Design

Business resultStaged · User migration

THE EXISTING PRODUCT

Complete UI/UX overhaul without disrupting existing users

Successfully redesigned and migrated a Ruby on Rails application to a new front-end while maintaining zero downtime and preserving full functionality for existing mobile app users. The rollout used the existing Rails backend and preserved the mobile API.

Modernize an old Rails app while preserving the backend, mobile API, and existing service. A gradual interface rollout kept the old interface available while users moved to the new design.

THE BUSINESS CHALLENGE

A staged rollout with a fallback interface

We adopted the existing back-end for the new design and built a completely new front-end, seamlessly integrating it with the updated back-end architecture. We reported no downtime during the rollout. A gradual migration let users switch back to the old UI if issues appeared. Keeping both interfaces available reduced rollout risk; it did not eliminate it.

What needed to change

The existing Ruby on Rails application had an outdated user interface that was affecting user engagement and conversion rates, but a complete redesign posed significant risks to business continuity and existing mobile app functionality.

THE WORK WE DELIVERED

Improve the product. Keep the business moving

01
Introduce the new interface gradually
We implemented a sophisticated dual-interface system that allowed us to gradually migrate users to the new design while maintaining the old interface as a fallback option. The new front-end was built using modern technologies and seamlessly integrated with the existing Ruby on Rails back-end. We ensured that all existing API endpoints remained functional for the mobile app, preventing any disruption to mobile users.
02
Validate the transition with users
The migration strategy included comprehensive testing, user feedback collection, and real-time monitoring to ensure optimal performance. Users could easily switch between the old and new interfaces during the transition period, providing maximum flexibility and risk mitigation.

VALUE FOR THE BUSINESS

Ruby on Rails App Redesign: the results

User migrationStaged

Previous interfaceFallback

WideFix reported no downtime during the staged interface rollout, with the existing mobile API retained. The original engineering account, published August 30, 2023, describes the approach and reports revenue growth.

Earlier versions of this case listed 20% more daily signups and 30% revenue growth. The published account does not establish the comparison windows, signup measurement method or attribution to the redesign alone. Those percentages are therefore not presented as validated redesign outcomes here. No production observation window or independent uptime audit is published.

THE ENGINEERING DETAILS

More about the work

Staged Rails application redesign

The engineering account of keeping the old interface available during a gradual rollout.

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WE TAKE OWNERSHIP OF EXISTING RUBY ON RAILS APPLICATIONS

Need to modernize an old Rails app without rebuilding it?

Need someone to take over your Rails app? We maintain, stabilize and improve existing Rails applications, from production issues and upgrades to new features and infrastructure. Keep your product moving without unnecessary rewrites or rebuilding your engineering team.

Discuss your Rails app Ongoing Rails maintenance Incremental Rails modernization Explore existing Rails app takeover

MORE EXISTING PRODUCTS IMPROVED

Other issues fixed

Worship Online / Mobile App

Mobile App & Audio Engineering

React Native for iOS and Android, a custom C audio engine, and ownership through publication on both stores.

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Worship Online / Application Takeover & Long-Term Ownership

Rails Application Support & Maintenance

Took over an existing Rails app as its developer was leaving, fixed defects, added tests and delivered a redesign with specialists selected around project needs and budget.

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