KiwiChat
A mobile AI messaging app connecting inmates with their families through secure and accessible messaging.
Description
KiwiChat is a secure messaging platform for correctional facilities.
The app enables inmates to maintain essential communication with friends and family. The app fosters emotional connection and social reintegration through controlled technology.
-
Industry
Communication Technology
-
Type of project
Mobile
-
Team
4 members
-
Time
Dec 2022 - Ongoing
Key Features
-
Two-Sided Messaging System
Separate app experiences for inmates and external contacts
-
AI Content Validation
All messages are screened using AI to flag inappropriate content
-
Manual Review Integration
Correctional officers can monitor flagged messages for final approval
-
Photo & Audio Messaging
Share voice notes and pictures with safe delivery.
-
Multi-Platform Availability
Android for inmates via prison-issued tablets, and iOS/Android for families
-
Moderation Dashboard
The backend portal for oversight and manual moderation tools
-
Real-Time Syncing
Ensure timely emotional support and responsiveness with real-time messages.
-
User-Friendly UI/UX
Intuitive design ensures ease of use for incarcerated users and their families.
-
Scalable Roadmap
Future support for video messaging and additional media types is in active development
Core Technology
KiwiChat was developed using React Native, allowing us to support iOS and Android platforms from a single codebase. All design work was done in Figma for a consistent, user-friendly experience across device types.
The app was tested through manual QA to catch UI, usability, and functional issues specific to a sensitive environment. AI moderation features are powered by the client’s backend systems and integrated directly into the app’s workflows.
The client side manages the backend infrastructure and moderation portal, while Softermii is fully responsible for the mobile application development.
First Steps
Before the development, our team focused on aligning product goals with technical feasibility and compliance requirements. We needed to create a solid foundation for the app, especially given the complexity of its audience and the integration of AI validation.
-
1
Initial Communication
We worked closely with the client to define user roles, key workflows, and system boundaries. Our team mapped out how content moderation would work in practice and how the inmate and family user experiences would differ.
-
2
Development Process
A key focus was ensuring compatibility between AI moderation systems and user-facing content, particularly with media like audio and photos.
-
3
The First Launch
The first release covered the inmate-facing Android app and the public iOS/Android version for family and friends. This launch marked the completion of the initial development phase and established a stable product foundation for future enhancements.
Our Team Behind the Project
Since the AI backend was managed on the client side, our team had to work closely with their backend engineers to ensure messages were displayed accurately and consistently within the app.
The QA engineer carefully validated edge cases involving AI responses, UI behaviors, and cross-platform consistency. The designer adapted to layout changes driven by user feedback and technical constraints. The ability to react quickly and keep iterations moving without delays was critical to the project’s progress.
-
Client
-
1
PM/BA
-
1
Developers
-
1
Designers
-
1
QA
-
Considerable achievements
KiwiChat is a high-sensitivity AI-enabled product built for a complex environment, where user safety, content moderation, and cross-platform performance are critical.
-
AI Integration for Content
ValidationWe integrated AI-driven message validation into the app to screen all text, image, and audio content. Despite AI moderation being handled on the client’s backend, our team ensured the user experience remained consistent and intuitive, even when dealing with delayed or incomplete AI responses.
-
9267 Dual-Platform
LaunchThe app was developed and launched for two completely different user groups: inmates using secure Android tablets, and their family and friends on iOS and Android. Each version was customized to its environment without compromising functionality or performance.
-
Fast
IterationWe delivered the initial release within a compressed timeline, despite frequent updates to the design and scope. Our team maintained agile workflows, direct client communication, and a structure optimized for flexibility and fast execution.
Key deliverables
AI-Powered Message Moderation
To create and customize landing pages even faster, we developed a Magento module allowing to style CMS pages easier and quicker.
Secure Media Sharing
Inmates can share photos and audio messages in a monitored environment. The app is optimized to display all content cleanly, even with AI filtering enabled.
Platform-Specific Interfaces
Inmates get a secure and simplified UI, while their families enjoy a sleek, modern interface on iOS and Android.
Flow
Initial briefing
Discovering needs
Building a team
Hiring and onboarding
Engineering
Code development
Testing
Collecting feedback
Launch
First event
Support
Ongoing maintenance
Tech Stack
List of technologies we used to build KiwiChat:
-
Figma
-
Python
-
ReactNative
-
Node.js
-
React
-
AWS Lambda
-
DynamoDB
Testimonials
Softermii has a hard commitment towards the project delivery on time without any delay.
We ended up by having a very attractive product that can compete with any other virtual platform.
Softermii are great with time management and produce high-quality work.
Because of how satisfied we've been with their work on this project, we're exploring bringing them in on a new project as well.
They were really on top of everything.
They know how important my timelines were and they made sure that they're dead to them and got everything done quickly.
The team is really flexible with picking up urgent bugs.
I found that is a really good working relationship in that sense that the prices are very reasonable and they are accessible even over the weekend.
Softermii delivered a technically sophisticated app.
It integrates multi-party video conferences with social media dynamics. These guys proven to be a professional, reliable, and effective partner.
I would highly recommend Softermii for any programming needs.
I am consistently impressed by the quality of the work and team effort brought forth by everyone that we've worked with.
Excellent programming skills and timely delivery.
They were able to take our poorly documented description and deliver a world-class app.
They delivered amazing results and worked through holidays to make sure I could deliver on the project deadline.
The results were consistently top quality and the devs are friendly and responsive.
Get valuable insights
Discover the benefits of digital disruption in your industry
WebRTC
Best WebRTC Media Server: Tips how to choose one for your needsSlava Vaniukov, CEO and Co-Founder at Softermii
Telecommunication
9 New Video Conferencing Trends in 2024Slava Vaniukov, CEO and Co-Founder at Softermii
Don’t dream for success, contact us
Leave an inquiry or contact us via email and phone. We will contact you within 24 hours during work days.
-
Los Angeles, USA
10828 Fruitland Dr. Studio City, CA 91604
-
Austin, USA
701 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
-
-
Tel Aviv, IL
31, Rothschild Blvd
-
Warsaw, PL
Przeskok 2
-
London, UK
6, The Marlins, Northwood
-
Munich, DE
3, Stahlgruberring
-
Vienna, AT
Palmersstraße 6-8, 2351 Wiener Neudorf
-
Kyiv, Ukraine
154, Borshchagivska Street
