Simply Stocks:
Purpose:
Simply Stocks was an iOS application aimed at simplifying the stock investment process. Designed with the novice investor at its core, this app broke down the complexities of stock market metrics, offering clear, understandable insights into what each metric means and its significance in investment decisions. By prioritizing simplicity and education, Simply Stocks aimed to empower new investors with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices in the stock market.
Technologies
- Swift: programming language
- XCode: Apple's IDE for macOS
- JSON: Used for network communication
- Core ML: Appleâs Machine Learning API
- Revenue Cat: Utilized for managing in-app subscriptions and purchases
- MoPub: An ad serving platform
- Financial Modeling Prep: Restful API to pull stock information
Features
- Real-time stock information
- Interactive graphs
- Stock grades based off metrics
- Candle pattern detector
- Stock predictions
- Definitions for all stock metrics
- Compare stocks section
Challenges:
App Store Approval Process
Description:
My application faced initial rejection from the App Store, not once but twice. Each time, Apple's response was a generic template that cited reasons for rejection but lacked specific details. This ambiguity made it challenging to understand what exactly needed to be addressed.
Solution:
After thorough research and participation in developer forums, I uncovered a significant oversight: the absence of error handling for scenarios with no internet connectivity. The addition of this error handling led to my application being approved by the App Store immediately after resubmission.
Implementing Revenue Services
Description:
Making my App become a fully ad-supported model then transitioning to a freemium model presented a multifaceted challenge. The primary hurdle was ensuring compliance with a complex web of requirements: Apple's stringent App Store guidelines, MoPub's advertising standards, and the complication of federal privacy laws. Balancing monetization with these regulations was daunting and full of legal hurdles.
Solution:
A comprehensive review of all relevant documentation. This taught me how to implement features that respect user privacy, ensuring transparent user consent for ads, and offering a seamless transition between free and premium features.
User Interface and User Experience Design
Description:
As my first project aimed at a broader audience beyond personal use, the challenge was to design a user interface that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also intuitive for my user base. The initial design leaned towards a darker theme, which I personally favored. However, I received different feedback from my beta testers.
Solution:
Inspired by my love for the Harry Potter series, I decided to shift the app's theme from a dark mode to a lighter, more welcoming color palette. Based on specific feedback regarding the front page, I undertook a complete redesign. The new front-page layout aimed to be more engaging and easier to navigate.