POSTR
Highlights
- End-to-end product development from concept to release
- PWA tailored for mobile-first experience with cross-platform compatibility
- Swipe-based user matching
- QR-code based voting functionality for scientific events
- Profile system integrated with scientific background, affiliations, and project showcases
Challenge
The client, a university-based researcher from Norway, approached SoftTeco with an idea to create a social networking platform specifically for scientists. The goal was to provide a space where researchers could discover, connect, and collaborate with peers across disciplines and institutions.
Given the budget constraints, the client opted for a PWA format to minimize costs and ensure accessibility across various devices. However, ensuring smooth performance on iOS, Android, desktop, and macOS presented technical challenges — particularly due to Apple’s limited PWA support (e.g., notifications and offline storage).
Solution
SoftTeco delivered a fully responsive PWA optimized for mobile but accessible on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. We handled the full development cycle — from discovery and business analysis to UI/UX design and implementation.
The frontend was built using React and Redux to ensure responsive UI rendering and robust state management. We employed TypeScript to enhance type safety and maintainability throughout the codebase. For real-time data, authentication, and analytics, we used Firebase services like Firestore and Firebase Authentication. Our team successfully addressed iOS-specific challenges, including limited push notifications and storage, with architectural solutions and frontend workarounds.
The app features seamless authentication via Keycloak and Firebase integration, ensuring secure access across multiple devices. Additionally, to expand the platform’s functionality, we implemented a voting feature for scientific exhibitions and conferences.
Tech Stack
Backend
Firebase
Python
PostgreSQL
Keycloak
Django
Frontend
React
HTML
Webpack
Redux
Sass
TypeScript
How it works
The platform functions as a social networking app designed specifically for scientists and academic professionals. Users register through a secure authentication system powered by Keycloak and Firebase, creating a profile that includes their academic background, research areas, and institutional affiliation. They can also optionally link publications, personal websites, or social media accounts.
The core networking feature enables users to browse and discover other scientists by swiping through profiles, similar to dating apps — but with a focus on shared research interests and potential collaboration opportunities. An additional feature supports participation in scientific events. Researchers can register for exhibitions, conferences, or seminars directly through the app. During scientific events, attendees scan QR codes displayed on physical posters to vote for their favorite projects. All voting data is captured in real time and displayed in a dynamic admin dashboard, which enables organizers to track engagement and identify the most popular presentations.
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Results
The project was successfully deployed as a fully functional PWA and quickly reached production, attracting around 1,000 users from various research disciplines and institutions.
SoftTeco overcame all challenges related to PWA implementation on iOS, delivering a platform that fully aligned with the client’s vision. Today, it serves as both a proof-of-concept and a functional MVP, providing researchers with a new way to build meaningful professional connections and showcase their scientific work.
