JLR InControl Remote Apps
Bamboo Apps helped JLR redesign and modernize a new version of the InControl Remote app suite.
Services
Architecture redesign
UX/UI design
Enterprise mobile development
Security audit
Unit testing
UI testing
Functional (BDD) testing
Technology
Java
Swift
Kotlin
RxJava
Challenge
A total revamp
Bamboo Apps took part in the development of the first version of the Jaguar Land Rover InControl Remote apps and were contacted to help the company create the second version of the suite. The team was to provide tech and design expertise that would help the brand offer its car owners an enhanced user experience.
More precisely, Bamboo Apps would aid in rebuilding the solution’s architecture, updating its mobile UI, developing the new iOS and Android versions of the app, as well as ensuring the product’s high quality and security.
Solution
Bringing a new look and feel
‘Beep & flash’
Vehicle security status check & alerts
Remote access control
Remote climate control
Since design and usability were the main focus, InControl Remote apps got a new upscale look & feel. Applications were aligned with the latest design trends and user expectations from connected services. JLR and Bamboo Apps teams have also rebuilt the architecture of the apps and enhanced their functionality and security.
The overall revamp made the app easier to update and scale across all platforms, with improved optimisation for iOS and Android. The design was also tweaked to better respond to user stories and reflect a more modern image of the JLR brand.
Elaboration
Improvements across the board
Refreshing the architecture
For both iOS and Android versions, a new architecture was implemented with native solutions based on clean architecture fundamentals, SOLID principles, the reactive approach, and CI/CD.
It allowed us to reduce dependencies between the layers of the system and make the apps more stable, scalable, and testable. Additionally, all business logic was now contained within a use case, and said use cases became easier to find and manage.
Enhancing the user experience
The InControl Remote UI was redesigned according to new business logic, use cases, and user stories. All interfaces were reorganized and simplified. The usage of polished graphics, smooth animations, and streamlined navigation made the app’s UX more intuitive, while the UI became more engaging.
The major updates included: a shorter user path to key functions, a new homepage with an overview of the vehicle status, and a new map view with a new, more comprehensive section for journey details.
Development
Creating a polished performance
Improvements across all versions
Bamboo Apps developed native iOS and Android versions of InControl Remote 2.0, ensuring compatibility with a whole spectrum of mobile devices. The Android version was migrated to Kotlin, which created a solid base for future updates to the product’s functionality. A reactive approach to the development process also allowed the team to use the same app layout and design elements across both platforms.
Building up security
Bamboo Apps helped JLR’s Connected Car Team detect potential vulnerabilities and apply safeguards to protect critical application files and data by following the OWASP framework. It included: following the newest requirements for data encryption and storage, using official Google and Apple libraries, and implementing certificate and public key pinning as stated in the OWASP guidelines.
Quality is key
Bamboo Apps’ developers and Jaguar Land Rover’s QA testers ensured the timely and quality delivery of the new version. For example, after a series of UI tests conducted with the use of the Kakao framework, the bugs in Android API (ver. 26 and 27) were identified, reported, and fixed before release.
Results
Well-organized delivery
The InControl Remote app suite was successfully released on the AppStore and the Google Play Store. The client was pleased with Bamboo Apps’ delivery, which was built on effective sprint planning, timely product demonstrations, and decision making based on comprehensive analysis.
The team’s transparent communication was also commended, as it involved multiple channels, including regular online meetings, conference calls, and frequent travel to JLR’s R&D center.
