Visuals2Go
Mobile / Tablet App
Development -
Educational Software
Reimagining an Educational Staple:
Cross-Platform Accessibility
& Advanced AAC Features
Empowering Communication for All
Visuals2Go is the ultimate all-in-one educational app designed to support individuals with communication and learning challenges. Originally a highly successful iOS-only application with hundreds of thousands of downloads, the platform required a strategic overhaul to reach a wider audience. Designpluz was tasked with creating Version 2; a cross-platform, enhanced iteration of the existing application with a focus on accessibility and subtle monetisation.
Focus Area:
- Assistive Technology (AAC)
- Special Education & Learning Support
- Cross-Platform Availability (iOS & Android)
- Content Management & Monetisation
Features
- Text-to-Speech Integration
- Karaoke-Style Word Highlighting
- Custom Card & Album Creation
- Printing Templates
- Choice Board & Core Words
- User Profile Management & Sharing
- Customisation Through Settings
- Dedicated Admin Portal
- In-App Purchases & Subscription Management
- Pixabay Integration
- Offline Capability
Project Duration
12+ Months & Ongoing
Enhancing the User Experience
We carefully analysed the existing application to understand the core functionality before suggesting and finalising new enhancements with the client. The new user journey begins with a streamlined onboarding process, allowing educators and parents to configure profiles, select, download albums, manage core words / choice board and customise the interface for the specific cognitive needs of the user. As users interact with the app, advanced features come to life. The app now supports “Karaoke word highlighting,” which visually reinforces language acquisition by highlighting words in sync with audio playback. To ensure inclusivity, we developed the application using React Native, allowing us to target the untapped Android user base while maintaining a native feel on iOS devices.
Project Challenges
Legacy Migration & Cross-Platform Consistency The primary challenge was modernising a legacy iOS codebase that had successfully served hundreds of thousands of users but was technically confined to a single ecosystem. We needed to migrate this massive user base without data loss while simultaneously replicating the fluid, native experience on Android devices. Our approach eventuates into a self-serve style migration, where users can optionally choose to move to the new version of the application and migrate data as required, or sign up from scratch. Given the success of the first version of the app, we’re launching each version in parallel and considering slowly suggesting that users upgrade over time rather than a strict cut off.
Balancing Complexity with Accessibility Our team had to ensure that while the backend logic became more complex—supporting subscriptions, cloud fetching and admin management—the frontend remained intuitive for users with communication disabilities. Through iterative design and testing, we delivered a solution that introduced advanced settings and monetisation features without cluttering the interface or increasing the cognitive load for the end-user.
Project Team
Content Control
- Global Card Management:
Create, edit, and deploy core vocabulary cards to all users instantly. - Album Organisation:
Curate thematic albums for different learning stages. - Subscription Management:
Monitor active users and subscription tiers.
Admin & Content
Management
To support the app’s scalability, we developed a robust Admin Portal that serves as the backbone of the Visuals2Go ecosystem.
User Data
- Profile Migration:
Seamless handling of user data from legacy versions. - Cloud Syncing:
ensuring user settings and custom cards are saved securely via Azure.
Third-Party Integrations for the Visuals2Go:
Firebase
- Used for user authentication, real-time database, and cloud syncing.
- Handles media file storage and remote configuration.
- Firebase Crashlytics provides live crash reporting and stability monitoring.
- Cloud Functions enable serverless backend logic and automation.
Realm Database
- Provides fast local data storage.
- Supports full offline-first capability with background sync to Firebase.
- Ensures seamless access to data even without internet connectivity.
In-App Purchases (Apple StoreKit)
- Manages subscription billing and entitlement access on iOS devices.
- Supports native App Store subscription flow and secure purchase validation.
- Handles purchase restoration for returning or reinstalled users.
Stripe
- Used for secure payment processing outside native IAP when needed (web/cross-platform).
- Supports subscription management and recurring billing logic.
- PCI-compliant and supports multiple international payment methods.
Sentry
- Provides advanced monitoring, error logging, and debugging insights.
- Tracks performance bottlenecks and helps maintain app reliability.
External APIs
- Enables integration with backend systems and business logic layers.
- Supports data exchange, feature modules, and third-party service integration.
- REST or GraphQL-based depending on functional requirements.
Iterating through designs, challenging and evaluating client feedback, we delivered an exceptional tablet application ready for the future and a growing user base.
Want to understand the scale of this educational
platform?
Visuals2Go Next is set to shake up the communication sector amongst educators and users alike. By successfully leveraging React Native, we unlocked the Android market, significantly expanding the user base. The application now supports a high volume of daily active users with minimal latency, backed by a scalable Azure PaaS infrastructure that handles media content and user library requests seamlessly.
Technology & Key Metrics
Platform
Backend
UI Styling
Navigation
State Management
Networking Layer
Authentication
Offline Storage
Cloud Storage / Backup
Media & Content Integrations
Video Rendering
Speech & Audio Engine
Push Notifications
Subscription (Android)
Subscription (iOS)
Analytics & Logging
Advertising
File/Image Manipulation
Connectivity Awareness
Deployment System
App Distribution
High-Level Architecture Diagram
Compliance & Accessibility
- Offline-first architecture for disability-friendly usability
- Speech features for assistive accessibility
- Subscription system compliant with Google Play + App Store billing guidelines
- GDPR-aligned user data handling and cloud sync model
Codebase & System Scale
Total Source Lines of Code: ~450,000–500,000 lines (excluding node_modules)
Total Source Files: ~5,000–6,000 files
Key Modules:
Auth, Profile, Albums & Cards, Speech & Sentence Builder,
Backup & Restore, Subscriptions, Notifications, Ads
Third-Party Dependencies:
94 npm
packages
Primary Tech Stack:
React Native + Expo, TypeScript / JavaScript
Key Project Considerations
This project required a delicate balance between modernising technology and preserving the simplicity required for special education tools. Our team focused heavily on “subtle monetisation” strategies that drive revenue without disrupting the learning experience, ensuring the app remains a trusted tool for therapists and families.
I have been delighted with the service offered by Designpluz. Over the whole process, from initial design to implementation, delivery and iteration they have been professional, responsive and highly helpful.
Developing a specialised AI product in a highly regulated environment is no small task, and I would thoroughly recommend Designpluz. Huge thanks in particular to Shaun, but also to Jag, Murugesan and the rest of the team. Strongly recommend this team.
