Founded in Kyiv in 1995, KLO is a well-known gas station network recognized for its commitment to innovation and environmental initiatives. Over the past 25 years, KLO has grown into a leader among Ukraine's fuel market operators. Today, the company serves over 2 million customers through its loyalty program "ДякуYOU" and operates 64 gas stations offering not just fuel, but also various services, including restaurants, cafes, and car washes.

Recently, KLO approached us with the challenge of completely revamping their mobile app and developing a new web identity to meet modern user needs. The company initially had a React Native app that required significant improvements in performance, functionality, and design.

Objectives and Approach

Our task was to fully rebrand KLO's existing app, which included:

• Development of Native Mobile Apps: Transitioning from a non-native React Native platform to separate native apps for iOS and Android, developed with Swift and Kotlin, respectively.

• Backend Improvement: Replacing MSSQL with PostgreSQL to enhance performance and reliability, and implementing a backend using Nest.js, which allowed us to create a modular and scalable architecture.

• AWS Integration: Migrating the infrastructure to AWS, reducing server costs by 70% through optimized resource management and ensuring the app's stable operation.

• RabbitMQ Implementation: Utilizing RabbitMQ as a message broker to integrate with various POS systems, improving transaction processing and communication between services.

• Design and UX Development: Creating a new design, which included developing KLO’s web identity, a design kit for web elements, and a complete UX redesign to ensure intuitive and user-friendly experiences.

Project Execution

The project was structured into several key phases:

Research and Analysis:
We conducted a thorough analysis of the existing app and its backend infrastructure. This allowed us to identify weaknesses and set a direction for improvements.

Concept Development:
Based on the data collected, our team developed a concept for the new app, taking into account the needs of KLO's customers and business processes.

Implementation and Testing:
After the design was approved, we began developing the app using Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android. The backend was adapted to meet new requirements, including the implementation of new features such as fuel voucher sales and integration of KLO Pay for convenient payment processes at gas stations.

Infrastructure Migration to AWS:
Migrating to AWS optimized server costs and ensured the stability of all services, significantly reducing KLO's operational expenses.

Launch and Support:
Following the completion of development and testing, the app was successfully launched. We continue to provide support and develop new features, including the option to book car washes online through the app.

Results

Through close collaboration with the KLO team, we successfully delivered a comprehensive project that covered both technical and design aspects. Transitioning to native technologies improved the app's performance and stability. Integration with AWS and RabbitMQ optimized the company’s business processes, enabling better customer service and efficient resource management.

Thanks to the new web identity and interactive mobile app, KLO not only enhanced user engagement but also reinforced its position as a leader in the fuel services market by implementing innovative solutions to improve the customer experience.

KLO’s app now scales effortlessly and delivers a top-tier user experience, with a 4.8 rating on both iOS and Android, and over 65,000 positive reviews. Through native technologies and smart optimizations, we helped KLO go from an underperforming app to one loved by its users.