2020
Kik
As a team of Senior iOS Software Engineers at Kik, we focused on revitalizing the app's decade-old codebase, which was intricately woven with Swift and Objective-C. Our main objectives were to enhance the app's performance, streamline the code, and lay the groundwork for future feature additions. A significant milestone was the introduction of a dark mode, aligning with new iOS features and user expectations for modern app functionalities. This endeavor not only improved the app’s responsiveness and maintainability but also enriched the user experience for our diverse and active community.
Fix App Store issues
Develop algorithms and unit tests for them
Bug fixing and performance improvements
SDK integrations
Develop new UI and navigation flows
We embarked on a critical project to overhaul the app’s longstanding codebase, a complex amalgamation of Swift and Objective-C that had evolved over a decade. Recognizing the importance of this initiative, our goals were twofold: to significantly boost the app's performance and to clean up and refactor the code, thus facilitating the seamless integration of new features. Among the first new features we implemented was the highly anticipated dark mode, a response to both the latest iOS advancements and user demand for more personalized app experiences.
Our approach was meticulous and multifaceted. We began by diagnosing performance bottlenecks and outdated code patterns, prioritizing changes that would yield the most immediate improvements in speed and efficiency. This process involved not only modernizing the codebase but also rearchitecting parts of the app to embrace best practices in iOS development. By untangling and refining the interplay between Swift and Objective-C components, we enhanced the app's overall architecture, making it more robust and future-proof.
The introduction of dark mode was a hallmark of our efforts, demonstrating our commitment to align Kik with the latest user interface trends and accessibility standards. This feature not only offered users a more customized and comfortable viewing experience but also showcased our ability to adapt and evolve the app in line with emerging technologies and preferences.
Through these enhancements, we significantly improved Kik's performance, ensuring faster, more reliable messaging and social networking capabilities for our users. Our work facilitated a better foundation for future feature development, allowing Kik to continue serving as a dynamic platform where users can connect with friends, share media, and engage in group chats with ease. This project underscored our team's dedication to innovation, quality, and user satisfaction, reinforcing Kik's position as a leading messaging and social networking app in a competitive digital landscape.