As more and more customers prefer to manage their financial affairs via mobile devices, the usability of digital services is becoming a key competitive factor for financial service providers such as VisualVest GmbH. With the relaunch of one of its apps, the company aimed to set new standards in the field of ‘mobile business’.
VisualVest is a so-called robo-advisor that allows users to manage their investments digitally and automatically. Founded in 2015 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Union Investment Group, VisualVest now manages assets of more than €7 billion via its platform, which is used as a white-label solution by hundreds of institutions.
In 2019, the product was set for a comprehensive relaunch. To cater for increasing mobile usage, the VisualVest app was to be redeveloped from scratch. In addition to revamping the existing user interface, this also involved a significant expansion of the range of functions. The aim: a fully multi-client-capable application that meets the highest usability standards and offers a seamless mobile user experience.
iteratec supported the client from the outset with the technological redesign. This ranged from advising on the selection of a suitable technology stack, through the implementation of an initial ‘proof of concept’ (PoC), to providing support during the launch in the app stores. Furthermore, the project team ensured a continuous transfer of knowledge through the active onboarding of developers on the client’s side.
To ensure the highest possible usability and customer-centricity of the new app, the iteratec development team chose Flutter as the core technology stack. Cross-platform development of the user interface (UI) enabled development costs to be significantly reduced compared to a purely native implementation – whilst retaining full access to smartphone functionalities such as Touch ID/fingerprint or Face ID. At the same time, thanks to flexible functionality and design within the framework of multi-tenancy, this approach ensures the app can be deployed for other customer groups.
Another key component on the path to a first-class user experience is an end-to-end process that is seamless from the user’s perspective. In addition to connecting to various back-end systems and integrating third-party providers, iteratec ensured this continuity by developing a new pushTAN app. Developed as a standalone, native application with a focus on stability and multi-tenancy, the app features direct integration with the VisualVest app, thereby ensuring a seamless user experience.
With the successful relaunch of the app, the client took an important step forward in its ‘Mobile First’ strategy. Increased user numbers, improved ratings and various awards for the product since its relaunch in December 2020 confirm this progress.
VisualVest GmbH is a digital asset manager (robo-advisor) founded in 2015 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Union Investment Group. The company combines the financial expertise and security of one of Germany’s leading fund management companies with the flexibility and speed of a fintech start-up.
