endorsedCompleted

Desktop and Mobile App for Skullcandy Gaming Headset

Services Covered:

Custom Software Development • Mobile Application Development

Industry

Engineering & Manufacturing

Duration

27 months

Budget

200K - 999K

Start Date

1 January 2022

Team Size

1-5 Employees

Engagement Model

Onshore

Project Capability Score (PCS)

78/100

Good

Project Capability Score (PCS) estimates how capable Ravn is of successfully delivering a project like this, based on its past experience, track record, and ability to handle similar work. Learn more about PCS

Client

Skullcandy

Park City, United States of America

Project Summary

Ravn developed an alpha build of a desktop and companion mobile app for Skullcandy's new gaming headset line, integrating closely with the product's firmware and hardware. The team built the Windows desktop app using Electron, Node Addon API (mapped to Node.js), C++, and React.js, and implemented a firmware upgrade system delivered during app onboarding. Stakeholders praised Ravn's transparency, communication (Slack and 2–3x weekly meetings), and dedication; Skullcandy rehired Ravn engineers for a follow-on engagement.

Key Challenges

Needed a desktop companion app providing granular control for a new Skullcandy gaming headset line
Software had to be built lock-step with hardware and firmware and be live one week after firmware locked and went to mass production
Project was a net-new, high-complexity build with many dependencies, strict branding requirements, and a firm launch deadline

Project Deliverables

Alpha build of the desktop (Windows) application
Companion mobile application
Firmware upgrade delivery system integrated into app onboarding
UI/UX designs and design integration cycles
Foundationed architecture for future product evolution

Project Solution

Ravn onboarded quickly to the Skullcandy brand and prioritized locking designs and de-risking key milestones. They delivered an alpha desktop application in the first third of the timeline to validate core features and integrations. The Windows app was implemented with Electron, Node (Node Addon API), C++, and React.js, and the team devised a firmware upgrade mechanism to be delivered through the app onboarding flow. Ravn structured the app and architecture to support product evolution over the following 12 months with minimal additional development.

Project Outcome

Leveraged project learnings to realize process efficiencies and better predict engineering challenges
Built trust and a long-term partnership, resulting in rehiring Ravn engineers for a follow-on project
Maintained strong communication (Slack and 2–3x weekly meetings) enabling rapid pivots and transparency

Platforms

Desktop
Mobile

Tech Stack

Electron
Node.js
C++
React.js

Client Endorsement

Overall Review Rating

Timeliness

Cost Rating

Willing to Refer

Quality of Deliverables

“The resources provided by Ravn Software were passionate, dedicated, and adaptable, much to the client's delight. The team was highly communicative, and internal stakeholders were particularly impressed with the vendor's transparency, dedication, and creativity.”
Jenny Lathrop Buchar
Applications Project Manager
Date: 11/07/2022