Keyguard Designer
Assistive technology platform for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
The client provides assistive technology solutions for individuals using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. Their Keyguard Designer application enables therapists, educators, caregivers, and communication specialists to create customized keyguards that improve accessibility and interaction with AAC communication applications.
As the product evolved, the platform lacked several foundational capabilities, including cloud based project management, user authentication, subscription monetization, and support for custom AAC application layouts.
Mallow worked with the client to modernize the application by implementing secure user authentication, cloud based project storage and synchronization, subscription management through in app purchases, and a flexible custom template framework for AAC applications. The result was a scalable and commercially ready accessibility platform that provides secure cross device access, premium feature management, and expanded support for a wider range of communication solutions.
2022 – ongoing
iPhone and iPad application
Accessibility & AAC solutions
cloud based project synchronization with cross device access
authenticated user access with secure account management
subscription monetization through in app purchases
Key challenges and how we solved them
What was the client’s key challenge
The Keyguard Designer application lacked essential platform capabilities required for scalability and commercial growth. Project data was stored only on local devices, creating risks of data loss and limiting accessibility. The absence of user authentication prevented secure account based experiences, while the lack of in app purchases restricted monetization opportunities.
Additionally, the platform supported only predefined AAC layouts, making it difficult to create keyguards for custom AAC communication applications and reducing flexibility for diverse user needs.
AAC platform compatibility
Custom templates
Supports virtually any AAC application layout with flexible keyguard creation and seamless accessibility.
What was our approach
We modernized the Keyguard Designer platform by replacing device only storage with secure cloud based project management, enabling users to back up, synchronize, and access their designs seamlessly across devices. Secure authentication workflows were introduced to provide personalized account management, while in app subscriptions established a scalable monetization model for premium features.
To overcome platform limitations, we developed a flexible template framework that supports custom AAC application layouts beyond predefined designs. This expanded compatibility, improved accessibility for diverse communication needs, and transformed the application into a scalable, commercially ready platform with secure, cloud based user experiences.
Key functionalities delivered in the project
01
Cloud based project management
Implemented cloud storage and synchronization for keyguard projects, enabling users to securely back up designs, access them across devices, and recover project data without relying on device local storage.
02
User authentication and account management
Developed secure login and signup workflows, allowing users to create accounts, manage personalized project data, and access their designs through authenticated cloud based experiences.
03
Subscription and premium feature management
Integrated in app purchases and subscription workflows to support premium features, recurring revenue models, purchase restoration, and entitlement management across user devices.
04
Custom AAC template framework
Designed and implemented a customizable template system that enables therapists, educators, and caregivers to create keyguards for custom AAC applications, extending support beyond predefined communication layouts and improving platform flexibility.
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Technologies and capabilities to build and scale
Technology stack
Services offered
Frontend development
Designed and developed user facing features including authentication workflows, in app purchase integration, and a customizable AAC template framework for creating keyguards for custom communication applications.
Backend development
Implemented Authentication and Database for secure user and project data management. Developed Cloud Functions and Cloud Messaging solutions to support notifications and backend automation.
Testing and quality assurance
Performed functional, integration, and user acceptance testing to ensure application stability, reliability, and a seamless user experience across supported devices.
Deployment and release management
Managed App Store deployment activities, including build preparation, submission, release coordination, and production rollout.
How we approached and executed the project
The project began with a comprehensive review of the existing codebase, application architecture, and user workflows. We identified key functional gaps, including the absence of cloud synchronization, user authentication, subscription management, and support for custom AAC templates, and established an implementation roadmap based on business priorities.
We designed and developed secure user authentication workflows, including registration, login, account management, and session handling. Firebase Authentication was integrated to provide a scalable and secure identity management solution for end users.
The application was enhanced with cloud based data management capabilities using Firebase Firestore and Firebase Storage. Existing locally stored project data was migrated to a centralized cloud architecture, enabling secure backup, synchronization, and cross device accessibility.
A flexible template based framework was designed and implemented to support custom AAC communication applications. This allowed users to create and manage keyguards for communication layouts beyond the application's predefined templates, significantly improving platform adaptability.
Comprehensive testing was conducted across core user journeys, cloud synchronization workflows, authentication scenarios, subscription management, and custom template functionality. Following validation, the application was prepared for production release and successfully deployed through the App Store release process.
What impact did team Mallow deliver?
- Cloud based project synchronization eliminated dependency on device local storage, improving data security, backup reliability, and cross device accessibility.
- Secure user authentication enabled personalized user experiences, protected project ownership, and established a scalable foundation for cloud based services.
- Subscription and in app purchase capabilities introduced a sustainable monetization model and enabled controlled access to premium features.
- Custom AAC template functionality expanded platform flexibility, allowing keyguards to be created for communication applications beyond predefined layouts.
- Centralized cloud storage improved project management efficiency by providing seamless access, synchronization, and recovery of user generated designs.
- Firebase powered backend services streamlined data management, notifications, and application operations through a scalable cloud architecture.
Explore more on what really goes into shaping our client's successful outcomes?
No two journeys here follow the same path. Each story captures a different starting point, set of constraints, and path to execution. As you explore our portfolio, you’ll see how priorities shifted, what trade-offs were made, and how decisions evolved in response to real-world challenges. It gives you a more complete view of what actually shapes outcomes, beyond just what gets built.
