Rebuilding a Failed Astrology App Into a 4.6-Star Product

After a previous development team's efforts fell short, our mission was clear: rebuild and reimagine the app to fulfill Ricky Williams' ambitious vision. Faced with overhauling an underperforming product, our team combined innovative technical solutions with creative design and user-focused strategy.

The client's quest for astrological excellence

Known for his NFL career, Ricky Williams found his post-retirement calling in sharing the personal development potential of astrology with a broader public. Partnering with renowned evolutionary astrologer Steven Forrest, Williams aimed to create an app that would make the insights of astrology accessible and relevant to everyday life — a tool that could help users navigate life's challenges.

Despite a clear vision, the app's initial development was a disappointment. The overseas development team's output was misaligned with expectations, producing a product that lacked both aesthetic appeal and technical robustness. Williams needed a development partner who could align closely with his vision and deliver a genuinely high-quality, user-centric product.

Aligning technology with astrology

When the app first came to us it was facing significant challenges. The existing version lacked both in performance and in alignment with Ricky's astrological vision. It wasn't just about fixing bugs — it was about reviving an idea that had lost its direction.

Williams entrusted us with a multifaceted mission: redesign the app using Xamarin for robust cross-platform functionality, overhaul the UI/UX for an experience that accurately translated astrological concepts to a mobile screen, and optimize the backend for complex astrological data processing — leveraging orbital state vectors, among other things.

The project demanded more than technical prowess. It required an empathetic understanding of astrology's role in users' lives, so we went deep on the nuances of evolutionary astrology. Our strategy rested on three pillars: technical excellence to ensure reliable astrological calculations, intuitive design to engage a diverse user base, and adaptive content to make complex concepts accessible.

Collaborative workshops and continuous feedback loops with Williams and his astrological advisors were key to aligning our technical solutions with the spiritual essence of the app. By focusing on the user journey, we created an experience that was both informative and engaging — turning a difficult start into a successful launch.

Charting a course to engagement

Daily active users increased significantly, signaling that the app's new intuitive design and enriched content resonated with the audience. On the technical front, the number of bugs and glitches dropped dramatically, leading to a more fluid and frustration-free experience for users. That reliability translated into measurable user satisfaction, reflected in the app's reviews and ratings.

User feedback painted a picture of an app that had become not just a tool but a daily companion — guiding people with insights that influenced real-life decisions and personal growth.

Their transparency and integrity exceeded our expectations. It's so helpful to have people who deliver what they say they can when they say they will. You'll be blown away by how easy they are to work with.

— Ricky Williams, CEO & Co-Founder of LILA; Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL running back

A promising future

We addressed the initial challenges and unlocked new potential for the product, transforming a struggling app into a robust, user-friendly astrology tool that resonates with users globally. Plans are underway to introduce new features, expand the user base, and continue refining performance.