Station, Product Hunt's SaaS Product of the Year
About the project
Station is the first native app that aims to boost working efficiency. It makes it simpler to use various applications in your web browser: the platform aggregates all of the user's work apps within a single interface, so the app saves hours otherwise spent managing both work and personal applications.
600+ apps are available in a single place, including G Suite, Slack, Asana and Trello. Smart dock keeps the workspace organized, focus mode decides which app may interrupt, multi-account removes the sign-in hassle, quick switch searches across every connected application, and auto sleep saves energy overnight.
The Station team came to us with a very specific request. Their product scaled rapidly, and they wanted to improve both the frontend and the backend sides, with developers who had strong expertise in TypeScript, GraphQL, React and Node.js to work on the tech-specific part of the codebase.
Services
Tech stack
The combination of React for the front end and Node.js for the backend allows building innovative, user-focused SaaS platforms for web apps. We used the PostgreSQL management system to design and implement the complex app logic while following UI/UX principles for user convenience.
Smart dock to stay organizedThe app automatically arranges pages by application, so the workspace stays clean and organized. 
Focus mode to get stuff doneChoose when and which application can send notifications, so the important work stays interruption-free.
What the revamp took
Problem
A codebase that had to feel native
Solution
It was essential to ensure a native desktop experience, so a high-quality codebase was the first step. We did a secure source code review to be sure the code was bug-free and that nothing could affect the app's work in the future, and improved the existing frontend codebase along the way.
Problem
Technical optimization
Solution
We improved the app's Google Lighthouse metrics.
Problem
Data migration
Solution
To assure quick and easy organization processes between all user applications, we used Airtable. The service organizes anything and works like a spreadsheet while offering the full power of a database, so the data was migrated there to make working with multiple applications smooth.
Problem
Better UX and a complete redesign
Solution
We had to be sure about high product usability and that the visual representation of the app corresponds with the business logic. We improved UX by switching to GraphQL cache, which decreased server load time and significantly increased performance, and created a new layout with a full redesign.
Problem
Caching GraphQL queries
Solution
For backend tasks we changed the database structure and switched from the default Redux store to GraphQL caching. It reduces interaction with custom data structures, enables advanced features like optimistic response, and lowers server load, which positively affects overall app performance.
Problem
Frontend refactoring and new functionality
Solution
The team entirely changed the client's routing system, moving from a custom solution to React Router v5 with HashRouter, and refactored the existing frontend architecture to reduce performance issues. On top of that we added correct application search, infinite scroll, and editing and deleting of custom apps.
Multi-account to reduce any hassleMulti-account support signs into several accounts at once, with no repeated logins. 
Quick switch for multitasking activityAny to-do list, document or conversation is searchable across every connected application in a few clicks.
Results
Since Station was already an existing digital product, we paid careful attention to all the details to recognize the pain points of our client and provide top consultations and services. Our process is based on a simple premise: transparent communication and mutual cooperation between the developers and the client.
The initial goal was achieved: the Station app provides high usability and seamless performance.
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Questions about this build
Who built Station?
2muchcoffee built Station, a SaaS productivity platform that unifies 600+ web apps in one interface and was recognized as Product Hunt's SaaS Product of the Year.
Can 2muchcoffee build a SaaS platform that integrates many web apps?
Yes. Station is a native desktop app that aggregates 600+ web apps in one workspace, with single sign-on, multi-account handling, and a PostgreSQL backend engineered to stay fast as the number of connected apps grows.
