Technology Upgrades & API Creation Solves Online Library Service Client's Usability Challenges
This local startup purchased a website service that offers users account tiers for reading books online. The website's CMS, reader technology and infrastructure was far outdated and the ability to use the service by modern devices was difficult, at best. This fourteen-month engagement required updated website components as well as a couple custom solutions to allow the client to reach their goals.
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We need updated hosting infrastructure
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We need to ensure book reads are being counted reliably
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We need to replace the Flash player
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We need to update the audio player
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We need an API to share book content with partners
PROCESS
The client team was small, consisting of the previous website owner and the new website owner—both with full-time jobs outside of the business. As this scope of work was riddled with unknowns, I continued to push the project team forward, while translating information to the correct level language fit for the client's technical ability. Outside of status meetings, I kept the client informed via their Slack channel, as well as facilitating tech demos and discussions to lock down unknown requirements. It was through these guided discussions, heavy research and whiteboarding that we were able to find the correct solutions that fit requirements. Outside of account management challenges, I led the team in an iterative process to ensure each new component did not break new or existing components and continued to pass business requirements. Knowing we had to tiptoe through our improvements to protect the fragility of the site, I continued to document what was done and what needed to be done, in order to set the project team up for success.
SOLUTION
Working through each prioritized step in the project, we delivered critical backend components that allowed the website to be much more accessible to users. Separating the website and content hosting was a critical first step to ensure website integrity was solid. After solidifying the website infrastucture, replacing the Flash player was the next critical step. PageFlip 5 seemed to be the best option to both remove Flash from the website, but also provide a responsive solution to an otherwise non-responsive website. It was key to ensure the client's service worked on something other than a desktop or laptop. It took some critical thinking about the nature of the client's business and the client's desire to retain content security, but we decided to forgoe the move to a new book data schema. It was these moments where we really provided that extra value as digital leaders. I turned everyone's focus to the API next, which had the main focus of delivering book content to paid partners. The requirements were to deliver book content, ensuring reads were trackable, content was not easy to steal through a set of API endpoints. In the end, the client walked away with a website that was very usable, updated with the latest infrastructure and security, with a solution that connected Drupal and the API for sharing content to increase business earnings.
HIGH-LEVEL USER STORIES
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As a site owner, I want to be able to track reads each time a full set of book assets are requested so that business integrity is not compromised
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As a site owner, I want infrastructure updates to ensure the site is working efficient and securely
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As a user, I want to be able to read books without a Flash requirement so that I can read books across my many devices with ease
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As a user, I want to be able to listen to audio books so that I can explore books in different formats
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As an API user, I want documentation to be provided so that I know what to expect in our new relationship
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As a site owner, I want API-requested book assets to only be available for twenty four hours so that book reads can be counted, per business requirements
WHAT CONTRIBUTED TO SUCCESS?
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Pushing the project team for intelligent solutions
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Strategic management of a semi-absent client and periods of client-imposed inactivity
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Intuitive judgement on when to pushback and protect scope & budget
CONTACT
Want to hear more about Troy's experience? Fill out the form or send Troy an email.
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Tel: 612.741.9402