Migrating a 1,000-user app from Code to Bubble

Camarage is an innovative platform that bridges generations by connecting seniors with young adults for shared living arrangements.

In a strategic move to bolster its offerings and streamline operations, Camarage aimed to transition from its custom-coded SaaS platform to a no-code solution using Bubble.io. This shift was designed to accelerate development, decrease reliance on developers, and grant the internal team greater control over platform management.

The main challenge for Camarage lay in redesigning and migrating its database while preserving data accuracy and ensuring service continuity. Handling sensitive payment and subscription data added complexity to the process, necessitating careful planning to prevent disruptions and safeguard user trust.

Transitioning from a custom-coded platform to a no-code environment came with inherent risks. Chief among them were potential data loss or discrepancies during migration and replicating sophisticated functionalities like real-time property searches. Ensuring the platform's scalability and empowering the admin team to operate independently were also vital for long-term success.

To navigate these challenges, I spearheaded the project by rebuilding the database architecture from the ground up and creating a Conceptual Data Model (CDM) optimized for Bubble’s framework. A phased migration strategy was employed, beginning with small data sets to rigorously test data integrity before progressing to larger transfers. This approach helped preemptively identify and resolve issues, ensuring a seamless final migration phase.

Phased Data Migration: An incremental migration strategy with real-time validation checks to uphold data accuracy and reduce potential risks.

Google API Integration: This feature was implemented to provide an interactive, user-friendly property search map, enhancing navigation and search functions.

Admin Independence: The system was designed to enable the Camarage team to manage the platform autonomously, reducing future dependency on external developers.

The migration process, which spanned several weeks, involved careful testing and development on Bubble.io. Key phases included database restructuring, step-by-step data transfers, and integrating advanced features such as interactive mapping powered by Google API.

The entire platform was developed using Bubble.io, chosen for its robust automation capabilities and adaptability. The integration of Google API ensured dynamic mapping features, enhancing the user experience by providing interactive and intuitive property searches akin to those of leading platforms.

The no-code solution significantly improved platform performance and equipped the admin team with the tools to manage operations independently. This shift minimized the need for ongoing developer involvement, allowing the internal team to handle updates and daily management more effectively.

The revamped platform, with its interactive property search tool, offered users a more seamless and engaging experience. The enhanced interface and added functionalities were well-received, contributing to increased user satisfaction and higher levels of interaction.