Constructor Mobile App: React Native PoC Roadmap

Constructor Mobile App: React Native PoC Roadmap

A phased approach to build a Canvas-like learning experience with React Native and mobile-first web interfaces

Proof of Concept Approach

This roadmap outlines a pragmatic approach to developing a mobile app using React Native for the core app structure while leveraging mobile-optimized web interfaces for content-heavy features. Starting from our existing TestFlight deployment, we'll focus on demonstrating key user scenarios to secure C-level approval for a dedicated mobile team.

The strategy prioritizes upgrading our current web interfaces to mobile-first designs and embedding them as webviews within the React Native shell, allowing us to showcase core functionality quickly while laying groundwork for future native development.

Phase 1: Mobile-First Web Interfaces Weeks 1-2
Week 1: Mobile-First Authentication & Navigation
  • Adapt authentication screens for mobile viewport web
  • Create responsive navigation patterns for web interfaces web
  • Implement institutional SSO support for mobile browsers web
  • Design unified mobile navigation across all web interfaces web
Week 2: Course Catalog & Content
  • Redesign course catalog for touch interfaces web
  • Adapt course content pages for mobile viewing web
  • Create touch-friendly video controls for mobile browsers web
  • Implement mobile media queries for responsive layout web
Phase 2: React Native Shell Enhancement Weeks 3-4
Week 3: Core App Structure
  • Enhance existing React Native shell with bottom tab navigation native
  • Implement deep linking between native components and webviews native
  • Create native-to-web communication bridge for data passing native
  • Improve webview performance and caching native
Week 4: Authentication & Push Notifications
  • Implement secure token storage for authentication native
  • Set up Firebase Cloud Messaging for Android native
  • Configure Apple Push Notification Service for iOS native
  • Create notification preference settings UI native
Phase 3: Key User Scenarios Weeks 5-6
Week 5: Calendar & Assignments
  • Create mobile-optimized calendar interface web
  • Build assignments list and submission flow web
  • Implement file upload from device to assignments native
  • Add native calendar integration for events native
Week 6: Offline Access & Basic Conferencing
  • Implement content download manager native
  • Create offline indicators for saved content native
  • Build basic webview integration for video conferencing web
  • Add camera/microphone permission handling native
Phase 4: Polish & C-Level Demo Weeks 7-8
Week 7: UI Polish & Performance
  • Optimize React Native performance for both platforms native
  • Refine transitions between native and web content native
  • Implement user onboarding tutorial screens native
  • Add visual feedback for app state changes native
Week 8: PoC Finalization & Demo
  • Conduct final QA and bug fixes native
  • Prepare analytics for usage tracking native
  • Create executive presentation highlighting demo flows native
  • Publish TestFlight/Internal Play Store build native
Technical Approach
React Native + Webview Strategy

Our proof of concept leverages React Native for the application shell while embedding mobile-optimized web interfaces in webviews for content-heavy features. This approach allows us to:

  • Utilize existing React Native TestFlight setup
  • Leverage current web development expertise
  • Demonstrate core functionality quickly
  • Migrate gradually to more native features
  • Validate user experience before full team investment
Native vs Web Component Decisions

Native Components (React Native):

  • Application shell and tab navigation
  • Authentication token management
  • Push notifications handling
  • Device storage for offline content
  • Camera/microphone permissions

Web Components (Mobile-First Web):

  • Course catalog and content display
  • Authentication screens and flows
  • Assignment submission forms
  • Calendar and scheduling interfaces
  • Discussion and messaging features
Key Milestones
Mobile-First Web Interfaces Complete
Week 2
React Native Shell with Authentication
Week 4
Core User Scenarios Implemented
Week 6
C-Level Demo Ready
Week 8
Technology Stack
⚛️
React Native
Core application shell with cross-platform UI components
📱
Responsive Web
Mobile-first design for content-heavy interfaces
🔔
Firebase + APNS
Cross-platform push notification delivery
🔄
React Navigation
Tab-based navigation with deep linking support
🌐
WebView Bridge
Native-to-web communication for data sharing
💾
AsyncStorage
Local storage for offline content and authentication

Next Steps After Successful PoC

After demonstrating the proof of concept to C-level management and gaining approval for a dedicated mobile team, these would be the recommended next steps:

  • Hire dedicated mobile developers with React Native expertise (2-4 developers)
  • Establish formal mobile development processes and CI/CD pipeline enhancements
  • Gradually migrate key webview components to native for improved performance
  • Implement advanced offline capabilities and content synchronization
  • Build analytics for user engagement and feature utilization data
  • Create a long-term strategy for maintenance and feature parity with web platform
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