Work for Impact case study – Ruby on Rails MVP & support
A startup making a positive impact on the world
USEO helped build Work for Impact, a Ruby on Rails platform connecting freelancers with nonprofit projects, saving $200K+ yearly on infrastructure
A startup making a positive impact on the world
A visionary’s idea brought to life by the power of right people and the right tech
What we did in this project
- Recruitment
- Frontend development
- Backend development
- Custom app development (Electron)
The Client – a visionary ex-pilot striving to make an impact
Geoff Hucker has combined his career as an international pilot for a major Australian airline with a deep commitment to helping those in need. The foundation he established has supported over 2,000 orphaned children in Ethiopia and Nepal. During his work with the foundation, Geoff often struggled to find freelancers who could assist in achieving his mission. This challenge inspired him to create Work For Impact, a startup aimed at connecting freelancers with organizations dedicated to making a meaningful, positive difference in the world. Work For Impact focuses on projects and activities that not only offer professional or financial benefits but also contribute to social, environmental, and economic improvement.
The Problem – finding a trusted partner to co-create the vision
The client faced the challenge of turning his idea into reality. He had a clear vision and a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector’s needs, but lacked the technical expertise to create a sophisticated web platform. Geoff needed a partner who could not only provide a technology solution but also become a co-creator of his vision, helping transform his idea into a functional and profitable platform with the potential to make a real impact on the world.
The partner would:
- Advise him strategically, helping plan and execute the project from the ground up.
- Understand his vision and values, ensuring the platform aligned with his mission to make a positive difference.
- Select the best technologies and tools, ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.
- Build and lead a team of professionals to execute the project as envisioned.
- Take technological responsibility and bring the project to the MVP phase, enabling a quick market entry.
- Provide him full control over the platform’s future development, offering necessary training and support.
"Having worked with many digital agencies and independent developers over the years, it was so refreshing to find and indeed work with USEO, their integrity, expertise, attention to detail and solution centred approach, has allowed us to exceed our goals many times over with the projects continually come in under budget. I highly recommend USEO for any organisation.
The Solution – understanding the challenge and building the right team
In-depth analysis of the client's needs
We began by thoroughly understanding the client’s vision, the challenges faced by the nonprofit sector, and identifying key project priorities and constraints. This allowed us to design a tailored technology solution that addressed the client’s specific needs and the expectations of its target audience. Given that the client lacked a technical background, we adapted our project management approach to ensure clear communication and alignment.
Recruitment and team building
We carefully selected professionals who not only possessed the necessary technical expertise but also aligned with the Work For Impact mission. This was essential to maintaining consistency with the client’s vision throughout the project.
Platform development
Our focus was on building an intuitive, scalable platform designed specifically for the needs of nonprofits and freelancers. We developed a tool that effectively connects passionate professionals with projects that have a positive impact on the world.
ESCROW Payment System
We designed and implemented a secure payment system that acts as a reliable third party between clients and freelancers, ensuring safe and transparent transactions.
External Integrations
To improve the quality and credibility of the freelancer base, we integrated the platform with advanced tools such as Sumsub and QCheck for identity verification, as well as Interview Mocha for qualification testing.
Optimization and Project Handover
After completing platform development and functional testing, we handed over full control of the system to the client. We also provided comprehensive training and technical support to empower the client for future platform enhancements.
Tech Overview
Backend – We used Ruby on Rails (RoR) for its speed in web application development and its ability to facilitate rapid MVP implementation.
Frontend – The frontend was built using VueJS and HTML/CSS. VueJS’s server-side rendering capabilities enhanced both platform performance and SEO optimization.
Search and Indexing – To ensure fast and efficient searching through large datasets, we implemented ElasticSearch, a critical feature for improving the user experience.
Desktop Application – Built using Electron, the desktop app leveraged web technologies to streamline development and integrate seamlessly with the platform.
Real-Time Communication – We integrated Talk.js and Jitsi to enable interactive, real-time communication between users, enhancing platform usability.
Identity Verification – Tools like Sumsub and QCheck were integrated to ensure user credibility and enhance security on the platform.
Freelancer Skills Tests – By integrating Interview Mocha, the platform allows organizations to evaluate freelancers’ skills, ensuring high-quality service.
Hosting – We chose Heroku for its ease of use, scalability, and ability to eliminate the need for a dedicated DevOps team.
Containerization – Docker was utilized to simplify environment management and automate deployment processes, boosting overall efficiency.
System Architecture – The platform was designed with a clean architecture, separating business logic from technical details. This approach ensures modularity, simplifies code management, and prepares the system for future feature expansions.
Business Benefits – a secure and scalable platform to quickly enter the market
Rapid MVP Implementation
Within just 8 months, we delivered a functional and scalable MVP, enabling the client to enter the market quickly. This agile approach allowed for early user testing and provided a competitive edge.
Team Building
By recruiting and assembling a team aligned with the client's mission, we minimized costs associated with hiring external specialists while creating an effective solution tailored to the client's needs.
Reduced Operational Costs
Leveraging Heroku as the hosting platform eliminated the need for a dedicated DevOps team, significantly cutting infrastructure expenses. Total savings: USD 188,000-286,000 per year.
Growing User Base
Post-launch, the platform experienced a consistent increase in registered freelancers and organizations, expanding its reach and unlocking greater business potential.
Transaction Security
The integration of an ESCROW payment system ensured secure financial transactions between freelancers and organizations. This fostered trust among users and established a reliable environment for collaboration.
Scalability and Future-Ready Design
The platform's architecture and technology stack were designed to support seamless scalability and the integration of advanced features, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance freelancer-to-project matching.
Conclusion
Collaborating with Work For Impact, we successfully transformed Geoff Hucker’s vision into a reality, delivering a scalable, functional platform in just 8 months. Our approach emphasized deep client understanding, close collaboration, and strategic project management. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Ruby on Rails, Heroku, Electron, and Next.js, we ensured rapid MVP delivery, product development flexibility, and minimized operational costs.
Our role extended beyond technology, encompassing the recruitment and assembly of a team of professionals aligned with the project’s mission. By integrating features like the ESCROW payment system, user identity verification, and a desktop time-tracking application, we created a secure, transparent, and user-focused environment that supports a growing community.
Our expertise positions us to help other visionaries turn their ideas into impactful products that address market needs. The platform’s scalable architecture and future-ready technologies ensure continued growth and seamless integration of new functionality, enabling long-term success.
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