When to rebuild, not refactor
For MoreThan’s Smart Wheels app, minor adjustments weren't sufficient. Tracking issues were diminishing trust, and the outdated codebase made updates both risky and costly. What was intended to incentivize safe driving had begun to frustrate the very drivers it aimed to assist. Smart Wheels works with a black box to monitor speed, distance, and behavior, providing feedback and rewards to help young drivers improve. However, when the data seemed inaccurate, trust eroded quickly. Drivers were penalized for errors they hadn’t committed. The app's reliability, and consequently its value, were at stake. “If drivers didn’t trust the data, the foundation of the app collapsed.” We took a step back and conducted a comprehensive technical assessment using our Springboard Development Framework. The conclusion was clear: simple fixes wouldn’t suffice. The existing codebase lacked the stability required for growth. A complete rebuild wasn’t just wise; it was necessary. So, we started anew. A single, clean, cross-platform codebase now supports both iOS and Android, reducing costs and enabling fast, reliable updates. The tracking system was entirely revamped as well. We eliminated erroneous assumptions and introduced precise point-to-point data, creating a more transparent and fair experience. By working in two-week cycles, we kept MoreThan involved at every step. Features were tested early, feedback was quickly implemented, and the app progressed steadily without costly rework. The outcomes are impressive. The new Smart Wheels app is smoother, more efficient, and ready for the future. Users are re-engaged. Trust in the data has been reinstated. Additionally, MoreThan has developed a product that is simpler to manage, more cost-effective to operate, and true to its goal: rewarding safe driving.