ABOUT PROJECT
At Roobykon, we pride ourselves on developing innovative and impactful platforms, and our project, BlueMountain, is a testament to this commitment. This online chalet renting platform seamlessly connects guests with hosts, fostering memorable vacation experiences in the picturesque Blue Mountain area. Developed with precision and creativity by the Roobykon team, this marketplace is more than just a booking site; it’s a gateway to exceptional stays and adventures.
The core mission of Blue Mountain Accommodations is to facilitate a connection between those seeking a special getaway and the owners of the finest homes, chalets, and condos in Blue Mountain. What sets this digital marketplace for vacation accommodations apart is its dual focus: it offers guests a variety of premium lodgings to choose from and guides them in discovering the perfect adventure. Whether exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains or seeking thrilling outdoor activities, the platform ensures each guest finds an experience that resonates with their interests.
Key Challenges
The journey of creating the BlueMountain rental platform innovation, conceptualized by Roobykon in late 2019, unfolded against a backdrop of extraordinary challenges, primarily fueled by the unexpected onset of the global pandemic. The project’s initial phase coincided with a high point in skiing popularity, as evidenced by the sale of approximately 700,000 snowboards worldwide that year. This surge in interest in winter sports presented a promising opportunity for the project, aimed at enhancing the vacation experiences in the Blue Mountain region.
However, the sudden advent of the pandemic dramatically altered the landscape. One of the immediate impacts was on planned events and activities, a cornerstone of the BlueMountain experience. With quarantine restrictions in place, many events had to be canceled, causing significant disruptions to the platform’s offerings and the expectations of its potential users. This scenario necessitated a swift and strategic response from the Roobykon team to adapt the equipment rental marketplace to these changing circumstances.
The pandemic’s ripple effect extended beyond event cancellations. The airline industry, a critical conduit for tourism and travel, plunged into a prolonged crisis. This downturn in air travel directly impacted the potential influx of guests to the Blue Mountain region, challenging the fundamental premise of the BlueMountain platform. Addressing this issue required innovative thinking and flexibility in platform features to accommodate the changing travel patterns.
TECHNOLOGY STACK
core API
Solution Highlights
We brought BlueMountain to life using Sharetribe Flex for its adaptable marketplace core. React Router was employed for smooth navigation, while Final Form handled form operations with security and efficiency. On the server side, Express and Node.js were chosen for robust server-side functionalities and high-performance back-end processes. Finally, Digital Ocean’s cloud infrastructure was used for hosting, offering a flexible and reliable platform that can handle high traffic volumes. This blend of technologies resulted in a functionally rich, visually appealing, and scalable rental platform, ready to adapt to the evolving market needs.
The process
01
Discovery phase: The journey of the Roobykon rental platform success story began with the discovery phase, where active brainstorming sessions were conducted to determine the scope of work. This phase was crucial as it helped in understanding the market needs, the unique selling propositions of the platform, and the technical requirements. It set the foundation for the entire project.
02
Scope division and sprint planning: Following the discovery phase, we meticulously divided the scope of work into separate sprints. This approach allowed us for a more manageable and organized development process. Each sprint focused on specific functionalities or features of the marketplace, ensuring detailed attention to every aspect.
03
12-Week build phase: The actual construction of the platform took place over a 12-week build phase. During this period, the Roobykon team diligently worked on integrating all the agreed-upon features and functionalities. Simultaneously, a user-friendly design was developed to provide an intuitive and engaging user experience.
04
Integration and development: Throughout the chalet booking platform development phase, we carefully implemented various integrations. This included setting up payment gateways, user authentication processes, and other essential features that would ensure the platform’s robustness and scalability.
05
4-week regression phase: Following the build phase, we initiated a 4-week regression phase. This phase was characterized by rigorous testing to ensure the minimum viable product (MVP) met the desired quality standards. It was a critical phase for identifying any potential issues or bugs that needed to be addressed.
06
Identification and development of bottlenecks: The results from the regression phase testing were used to identify bottlenecks in the system. This step was crucial for understanding areas that required further development or optimization. The team focused on refining these aspects to enhance the property rental marketplace optimization and user experience.
Main Features
Simplified sign-in
A notable feature of BlueMountain is the ability for users to sign in using their Google or Facebook accounts. This functionality, developed from scratch by the Roobykon team, offers a seamless and quick login process, removing barriers to entry and making the website more accessible.
Intuitive home page with specific querie
This e-commerce marketplace is designed to provide users with all necessary information right from the home page. Users can input specific queries and immediately access relevant information, streamlining their search and decision-making process.
Diverse listing categories
BlueMountain introduces three primary categories of listings: Accommodation, Equipment Rentals, and Adventures. This categorization helps users easily navigate and find exactly what they’re looking for, whether it’s a place to stay, equipment to rent, or an adventure to embark on.
Different booking processes
Each category features a distinct booking process. For instance, booking accommodations or selecting tours requires landlord approval, specifying dates, and the number of people. Similarly, when sharing boards or skis, clients must specify the amount. This tailored approach ensures that the booking process is appropriate to the service’s nature.
Dynamic pricing
The platform enables brand representatives and companies to vary prices for specific periods and events. This feature resembles airline sites where calendars display current prices for specific dates. Users can pay for different durations and types of access, like a weekend, a one-time pass/visit, or a general price.
Calendar synchronization
A significant feature of BlueMountain is the synchronization of bookings with the Apple calendar of the brand owner. This integration ensures that reservations are reflected in the brand owner’s schedule, facilitating efficient tracking of current events, warehouse processes, and available slots.
RESULTS
The creation of the BlueMountain case study has yielded impressive results, marking a significant achievement in the online marketplace sector. One of the most notable outcomes of this project is the elevated level of user engagement and satisfaction. The platform’s intuitive design, coupled with its diverse range of offerings, has attracted a wide user base. Users have particularly appreciated the ease of navigation and the seamless booking processes, significantly improving the overall user experience.
The platform has also positively impacted the businesses and service providers involved. By delivering a streamlined and efficient way to reach customers, BlueMountain has opened new revenue streams and opportunities for growth. Its ability to handle different types of bookings and services under one umbrella has been particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises in the Blue Mountain region.
Lessons from BlueMountain
The development of e-commerce for ski equipment rentals has been a journey rich in lessons and insights for Roobykon, contributing significantly to the company’s evolution and growth in the digital marketplace sector. The most interesting challenge Roobykon faced was integrating third-party authentication methods, like Google and Facebook sign-ins. This task, while enhancing user convenience, required a deep understanding of external APIs and security protocols. The successful implementation of this feature taught Roobykon valuable lessons in working with third-party services, emphasizing the importance of security and data privacy in user authentication.
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