About the client
Weight Loss Resources is a leading name in the UK’s health and fitness industry. Their web-based platform offers a range of tools, including a budgeting feature, a food database, an automatic calorie counter, and different weight loss challenges for the users.
Key outcomes
We enhanced a fitness-focused web app with new features, resulting in:
Higher user acquisition
Achieved a 25% increase in membership signups through improved functionality
Improved user experience
Enhanced search made content easier to find, increasing engagement and satisfaction
Reduced support issues
Faster resolution of device integration problems led to a noticeable drop in user complaints
Business challenge
Outdated codebase and lack of technical leadership
Weight Loss Resources is a membership-based health and fitness web application with tools and resources for users to keep track of their dietary intake and physical activity. With a dedicated user base and years of development behind it, the platform had become an essential wellness companion for many.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company faced a critical turning point. Their lead developer, who had been solely responsible for maintaining and evolving the platform for over 20 years, stepped away. This left the client with an ageing codebase built in Core PHP and no internal technical leadership to guide the team.
Legacy codebase: The application was written in Core PHP, with limited documentation and a structure shaped by decades of incremental development by a single developer.
Resource gaps: The in-house team was fragmented and lacked the expertise to manage and evolve the complex system.
Need for stability and innovation: The client sought a reliable development partner who could not only stabilise the existing system but also support future enhancements and scalability.
GoodCore was brought in to bridge this gap and take full ownership of the platform’s ongoing development and modernisation.
The solution
Project goals
The project entailed the following requirements:
- Successfully take over and manage a legacy codebase written in Core PHP
- Modernise the technology stack to improve maintainability and scalability
- Develop and integrate new weight loss challenges for user engagement
- Implement advanced analytical tools for the admin dashboard
- Add search and reporting features to enhance the customer-facing experience
- Redesign the UI/UX to make the platform more intuitive and visually appealing
- Extend existing functionalities to improve app logic, user engagement, and conversion rates
Our Process
Understanding the codebase: We began with extensive requirements gathering sessions involving the client and their outgoing lead developer. Our team studied legacy code and detailed technical documents to fully understand the platform's structure and business logic. This careful groundwork enabled a smooth and confident handover of the Core PHP codebase.
Technical assessment: After gaining access to the code, we conducted thorough unit testing and performed impact analysis to evaluate how new features would affect existing functionality. This step was crucial in identifying hidden complexities and helped us plan development efforts with precision and minimal disruption.
Feature development & testing: With a solid grasp of the system, we rolled out the first wave of new features, motivational weight loss challenges tailored to user needs. Each feature went through a structured QA process involving test cases to ensure stability and performance before deployment.
UI/UX improvements: Our team reviewed the existing interface and identified opportunities to improve layout responsiveness and usability across devices. Without altering the core visual identity of the app, we enhanced mobile-friendliness and optimised the overall user experience for better engagement and conversion.
System features and functionality
Motivational challenges
As part of the first development phase, we introduced a set of engaging motivational challenges to encourage healthy habits and regular physical activity.
- A variety of challenges based on daily eating habits, step counts, and physical activities
- Multiple formats, including token-based and calendar-based designs
- Custom game board layouts with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface
- Weekly progress tracking for users
- Admin-side visibility into user participation and engagement
Reporting and Analytics
To give our client more control over the platform, we added user-friendly reporting and content management tools to the admin dashboard.
- Monitoring of user activity and app purchases
- Easy data record management without developer assistance
- Ability to update challenge content directly
- Custom report generation from the database
Search Functionality
To improve user access to the app’s extensive database of foods, recipes, and resources, we built a powerful and intuitive search feature.
- Fast, keyword-based search for recipes, diet plans, and articles
- Easy navigation through a large nutritional database
- Enhanced user experience with quicker access to relevant information
Third-Party Integrations
To enhance functionality and streamline user interactions, we integrated key third-party APIs into the platform.
- IP Geolocation API: Automatically detects user location and pre-fills location fields in the signup form
- Trustpilot API: Embedded in system emails to collect customer reviews effortlessly
Maintenance and Support
We provided continuous maintenance and support to ensure the platform remained stable and reliable for users. Our support covered:
- Regular bug fixes and backend maintenance
- Ongoing support essential for a subscription-based service
- Collaboration with Fitbit, Garmin, and the client’s server provider to resolve device compatibility issues quickly
One of the major things GoodCore has done for us is create new challenges for our members. It is completely different from anything we’ve ever done before. The implementation of this new feature has resulted in a 25% increase in signups.
Tracy Walton, Managing Director
Weightloss Resources
The impact
- The new web app features developed by GoodCore have resulted in a 25% increase in membership signups
- Enhanced search functionality made it easier for users to find relevant content, improving the overall user experience
- Delivered admin-side reporting tools that reduced the client’s reliance on developers for everyday content and data updates
- Improved mobile responsiveness and layout usability, resulting in a more polished and accessible platform for users
- Faster resolution of device issues, resulting in a noticeable drop in user complaints related to Fitbit and Garmin integrations
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