Case Study: Developing an Airtime and Data Purchase App for African's Talking API
Background:
African's Talking is a platform that provides developers with easy access to telecom resources such as SMS, USSD, and Airtime APIs. As part of a regular monthly hackathon organized by African's Talking, I decided to create an app that would consume their Airtime API. The app would allow users to purchase airtime and data, pay with a card or USSD transfer, and gift friends data and call cards with personalized messages.
Designing and Developing the App:
As a regular participant in African's Talking hackathons, I was already familiar with the platform's APIs and how to integrate them into an app. This gave me a head start when designing and developing the airtime and data purchase app.
One of the unique features I wanted to add to the app was the ability to send personalized messages when gifting airtime or data to friends. To test this feature, I conducted a small survey in the hall and asked fellow contestants if they would like to send personalized messages.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many participants said that they often gift airtime or data to friends and family members, and being able to add a personalized message would make the gesture even more meaningful. Some participants also suggested that the app could include predefined message templates for common occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and graduations.
Taking this feedback into account, I added the personalized message feature to the app, along with a few predefined message templates for common occasions.
Once I had completed the core functionality of the app, I spent some time testing it to ensure that everything worked as intended. I also made some minor tweaks to the UI to improve the user experience.
Splash Screen:
The splash screen is the first screen that users see when they launch your app. It displays the African's Talking logo and creates a visual introduction to the app. This splash screen helps to establish brand recognition and trust with users.
Sign-Up Screen:
After the splash screen, users are taken to the sign-up screen, where they enter their mobile number and click on the 'Sign Up' button. Your app has been designed with security in mind, and to ensure only the user with access to the phone number can sign up for the app, an OTP (one-time password) is sent to the user's mobile number. This process adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that the app is safe and secure for users.
Once the OTP is verified, the user can set up their profile with basic details such as their name and email address. The sign-up process is quick and easy, making it easy for users to start using your app right away.
Log-In Screen:
After signing up, users can log in to the app using their mobile number and the OTP sent to their phone. Once logged in, users can browse airtime and data plans, make purchases, and gift airtime and data to friends with personalized messages.
Home Screen:
The home screen of your airtime and data purchase app has been designed to make it easy for users to navigate and select the network they want to purchase airtime or data for. Users can easily select their network by clicking on the logo of their network provider.
Once the user selects their network, they are taken to a page where they can browse and purchase airtime and data plans. The home screen also allows users to add phone numbers from their contact list and gift airtime or data to friends with personalized messages.
Adding Numbers from Phone Contacts:
Your app makes it easy for users to add phone numbers from their contact list by clicking on theContacts' button. This feature eliminates the need for users to manually enter phone numbers, making the process of gifting airtime and data more convenient.
Personalized Messaging Feature:
Your app allows users to personalize the messages they send when gifting airtime or data to friends. Users can add a personal touch to their gift by typing a message that will accompany the airtime or data gift. This feature makes the gifting process more meaningful and enhances the user experience.
In conclusion, your app's home screen has been designed to make it easy for users to navigate and select the network they want to purchase airtime or data for. The addition of the Contacts' button and personalized messaging feature adds convenience and a personal touch to the gifting process, enhancing the user experience.
More Screens
Results:
The app was well-received by the judges and attendees of the hackathon. Users found it easy to use, and the ability to send personalized messages was a popular feature. As a result, I was approached by some attendees who wanted to know more about how to use the African's Talking APIs and how to build similar apps.
As a regular participant in African's Talking hackathons, I continue to develop new apps and features. I am also part of the team that organizes the hackathons every last Thursday of the month. This involves reaching out to potential participants, setting up the venue, and providing support during the hackathon.
Conclusion:
Participating in African's Talking hackathons has allowed me to develop my skills as a designer and to share my knowledge and experience with others. The monthly hackathons provide a great opportunity to meet new people, work on exciting projects, and learn about new technologies. I look forward to continuing my involvement in the hackathons and helping to promote African's Talking APIs to a wider audience.
