Parents
Parents can create profiles for their children, manage their children’s deals, and top up their e-wallets.
QniQr
A marketplace where children can start their own stores and improve their money management skills
Client’s request
Our client Marcelo came up with an idea for QniQr when he realized there weren’t any money apps aimed at kids and teenagers. He thought it'd be interesting to build a product that would let children buy, sell, and swap things and thus improve their money management skills. He ran a few interviews with parents and children to test if the product was going to be successful. Once the concept was proven, he started working on QniQr, a marketplace where young users would sell anything from books to toys to clothing and accessories.
Today, QniQr is not only a great way to introduce kids to money through trading and doing business but also a great way to help the environment through reusing things and buying less.Solution
Together with our client, we created:
a landing page where adults can learn all about the QniQr platform
a marketplace for children. Adults aren’t allowed to log in to this marketplace
an adults/parents dashboard where adults can create accounts for their kids and manage deals if necessary
User roles
Kids
Kids can create their own shops and buy, sell, and exchange items.
Results
Duration:
March 2020 – June 2020
Team:
BA - 1 PM - 1 Designer - 1 QA - 1 Backend - 2 Frontend - 1
Design
We crafted the design for QniQr from the ground up and chose a color scheme that appeals to both genders: blue for adults’ accounts and green for children’s accounts.
We opted for rounded fonts, as they’re well received by children. They also go great with round buttons and design elements.
For children’s security and privacy, photos of children are prohibited on QniQr, which is why a user’s profile picture keeps changing (from a set of pictures) every time the user logs in to the platform. Additionally, children are not allowed to give their real names ― but they can create nicknames.
To make the platform more lively and appealing to kids, we added animations.
Backend and frontend development
We developed the front end of the app using React and used Next.js to optimize the website’s speed and SERP ranking. For the frontend architecture of the website, we used Redux. Redux is strict about how code is organized, which makes code more consistent and easier to work with. Also, the code structure provided by Redux makes the platform easier to maintain and develop further.
For the back end, we used Python and Django along with PostgreSQL for database management. For caching and task queueing , we implemented Redis. In addition to standard backend technologies, we used the Centrifugo WebSocket server to enable real-time messaging.
Third-party integrations
Mangopay. Even though QniQr is designed for kids, all items on the platform can be purchased for real money. To make this possible, we integrated Mangopay, a UK payment solution aimed at marketplaces, since QniQr targets UK users.
Mangopay was the right solution for QniQr since it features e-wallets. QniQr gives every child their own e-wallet and parents can add funds to these wallets. With Mangopay, parents can create as many digital wallets as necessary and split payments between them.
Image moderation. Since QniQr is a children’s platform, we paid close attention to content and image moderation. We picked Besedo for this. It’s a content moderation service powered by artificial intelligence filters and highly trained professionals. We set up automated moderation so images are reviewed prior to publication. No images are posted until they’re moderated.
Text messages with Twilio. We used Twilio to notify parents about their kids’ activity. We also used it for sending verification codes during login.
Zendesk support. On QniQr, children can not only trade and buy but also bargain, which means they can leave comments. To moderate comments and item descriptions, we used Zendesk Support. We also integrated Zendesk widgets to provide feedback forms where users can easily report inappropriate content or comments. This feedback is seen in the Zendesk admin panel and is sent directly to the administrator’s inbox so the admin can quickly respond.
Retrieving addresses with getAddress. Parents can set the postal address associated with an account, which is required for billing purposes. An address is also necessary for kids to be able to finish deals (by meeting in person or making a delivery). To make filling in the address form more convenient, we used getAddress. This service helps users easily find UK postal addresses by postcode.
No ads or hidden costs
Parents have a full overview of their kids’ actions on QniQr and can set spending limits and controls for each child individually. Additionally, QniQr respects users and doesn’t run any advertisements. The platform has strong safeguards and anti-bullying policies in place.
Implemented features
Parents and guardians can create and set up children’s accounts, activate e-wallets, and set age-appropriate controls.
A parent or guardian reviews a child’s deals to purchase, sell, or exchange items. Once an adult approves or doesn’t approve a deal, the child is notified about the decision.
Only adults can top up their children’s e-wallets. Additionally, adults can set spending limits.
Young users can create and personalize their stores. They can design their shop’s virtual storefront by choosing colors, background patterns, and fonts.
To sell an item, children need to include photos of it, create a good description, and set a price. After that, children should wait for approval from an adult.
Children can buy goods at the asking price or offer other goods in exchange, possibly alongside some additional cash.
Children can find tutorials on how to use the platform in text, video, and audio formats. They can also find tips and advice on managing finances.
Technology stack
Client's feedback
"Steelkiwi’s pool of talented resources continues to strive hard to meet our expectations."
Marcelo Travaglia, CEO of QniQr
