Technology Stack

Our solution is built upon industry-proven technologies and best practice web application development. 

• Ruby
  With its Convention over Configuration philosophy, Ruby offers simplicity, speed of development, and a rich ecosystem of libraries, contributing to a cost-efficient, expedited development process. Its adherence to the MVC architecture ensures a robust, scalable, and maintainable platform.
• HTML/CSS/JavaScript 
  We propose using these technologies for developing a responsive and user-friendly front-end, with HTML and CSS contributing to the structure and style, and JavaScript enriching the platform with interactive features.
  
• PostgreSQL
  We plan to use PostgreSQL, a powerful open-source relational database management system, to manage all data. It's famed for its scalability, robustness, and compliance with SQL standards, making it a suitable choice for this project.

Development Approach

Adopting the Agile methodology, we propose regular sprint cycles to ensure a continuous and dynamic integration process. This iterative approach allows for regular feedback, leading to enhancements over the course of the project. 

• Version Control 
  Git, our chosen tool for version control, allows multiple developers to work simultaneously without conflict, and facilitates easy rollbacks to previous versions if required.
  
• Testing 
  Our rigorous testing process includes multiple levels of testing. These methods ensure that all components operate both individually and collectively, resulting in a reliable and high-performing application.
• DevOps 
  Our DevOps approach ensures seamless transitions from development to deployment through continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices. These mechanisms allow for frequent and smooth code changes and deployments to production, ensuring minimal downtime.
  
  

Privacy

Recognising the critical importance of privacy, we're dedicated to respecting and safeguarding the privacy rights of all users. We will ensure that the platform aligns with pertinent data protection regulations, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy measures will include establishing suitable privacy policies, cookie policies, and consent forms to guarantee transparency and user control over their data. We will carry out regular audits and incorporate security measures to prevent unauthorised access or misuse of personal data.

• Data Protection and Meta-tags 
  We plan to implement measures to protect images from unauthorised downloads and bot scraping attempts. Additionally, we will ensure that all pages are optimised with pertinent meta-tags for search engine optimisation (SEO).
  

Functionality

• CMS Backend: Database and Dynamic Tag System
  Our tailored solution leverages a robust relational database system designed to cater to the unique needs of your project. This system will enable a broad and intuitive classification and tagging of various tree species found in the Kruger National Park, enabling detailed, meaningful data capture. To enhance user engagement and learning opportunities, we propose a dynamic tagging system incorporating identifiers such as Species Name, Tree Characteristics, Leaf Characteristics, Flower/Fruit Characteristics, Habitat Information, and Other Identifiers. Moreover, we will design the database to handle a large volume of image uploads, offering users visual aids for tree identification and contributing to a richer learning experience.
• Search Functionality
  We aim to offer both global and advanced search features, facilitating the exploration of specimen (tree finder) and group search (species groups).
• Education Library
  The proposed Education Library serves as a comprehensive repository of information. It will facilitate user learning and engagement by providing dynamic linking to related content, promoting discovery, and creating learning pathways. This section will be accessible to all users, with options for logged-in users to bookmark their favourite articles. Regular updates will keep the content fresh and engaging, thereby fostering an interconnected web of knowledge that encourages exploration and makes learning intuitive and engaging.

Security

• Data Encryption
  All data will be encrypted both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorised access.
  
• User Authentication & Authorisation
  We'll implement robust user authentication and authorisation controls to ensure users only have access to appropriate data and functionalities.
• Firewalls & Security Groups
  Firewalls and security groups will be set up to control inbound and outbound traffic, shielding your application from malicious attacks.
• Regular Security Audits & Updates
  The Ruby community frequently releases security updates, which we commit to implementing promptly. Regular security audits will be conducted to identify and rectify any vulnerabilities.
• Durability
  To ensure durability, we will employ redundant servers across multiple geographic regions. This redundancy not only enhances the application's availability but also ensures that a server failure won't result in data loss. 

Design

Discovery & Planning

To prevent scope creep and to set expectations, we will do research and
planning before any design commences. This will include:

• Creating wireframes and establishing the site-map
• Defining user flow logic
• Defining additional elements (such as diagrams, infographics etc)

User Interface & Experience

In order to create the primary user-interface, we wil generate various style sheets to identity the best user interface. This will include graphic elments, buttons, swipe and scroll motions, menus, typography, colour specifications, image display styles, built-in animations and page transitions. Responsive layouts will also be designed based on optimal break-points ensuring a seamless user experince on various display sizes. 

Design Presentation

High fidelity mockups of the public-facing interface will be presented for final sign-off. This will include layouts of all subsequent pages. 

Brand Identity

A Brand Identity is needed to capture the unique vision and strategy behind this exciting project. A strong identity will help differentiate the platform and promote its unique offering. A key requirement is that the brand is future-proof and remains relevant as the platform grows and expands. The identity will include:

• Research and presentation of identity design options
  
• Development of colour scheme and typography for logo and wordmark
  
• Export of final artwork and supply of open files

Site Architecture

The following is a high-level illustration of the development framework and site map.

Timeframe

The estimated timeframe for the completion of this project is 6 - 8 months (including testing). Our aim is to launch the platform early Q1 2024

Investment

Please note:
This quotation is based on the information provided, and may change if additional information is forthcoming, or specifications change.

Exclusions:
This quotation does not include photography, stock imagery, externally commissioned research, font licensing, copywriting, paper, printing, third-party artwork, and/or material needed for the projects.

Payment:
This quotation is valid for 30 days. Upon acceptance of the quotation, a 50% payment is required unless otherwise agreed, remainder invoiced upon delivery of final artwork. 

Errors and omissions:
It is the Client’s responsibility to check proofs carefully for accuracy in all respects, ranging from spelling to technical illustrations. Walters & Co is not liable for errors or omissions. 

Walters & Co (Pty) Ltd
4 Plein Street, Anglo Building
1st Floor, Stellenbosch
South Africa

hello@waltersandco.com
+27 (0)83 514 1546