Lessons Learned from my Journey with iGraal Card: A Project Gone Too Soon

Working on the iGraal Card project for nearly two years was a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and ultimately, disappointment. As an iOS Staff Engineer at iGraal, I was deeply involved in this project from its inception, from brainstorming to development. iGraal Card aimed to provide users with a free Visa card that offered cashback rewards on purchases made through iGraal. This blog post shares my experiences and the valuable lessons I gained, despite the project's untimely demise.

The Genesis of iGraal Card:

From the moment I joined iGraal, I had my sights set on working on the iGraal Card project. It promised an innovative approach to customer loyalty, combining financial services with cashback rewards. The concept was intriguing, and I was eager to contribute to its success.

Key Features of iGraal Card:

- Free Visa card for users

- Cashback rewards on purchases made through iGraal

- Multiple top-up options, including wire card payments and cashback top-ups

- KYC (Know Your Customer) validation for app usage

The Rollercoaster Ride:

The journey was not without its ups and downs. We faced technical challenges, made tough product decisions, and had to adapt to changing market conditions. Despite these hurdles, the team persevered, constantly learning and growing.

The Bittersweet End:

After two years of dedication and hard work, it was disheartening to learn that the board of directors decided to shut down the iGraal Card project.

Lessons Learned:

1. Technological Growth: I acquired a wealth of knowledge about cutting-edge technologies during this project, including SwiftUI, Combine, and XcodeGen. These skills have expanded my professional horizons.

2. Management Skills: Managing a project from inception to closure taught me essential project management skills, which will benefit me in future endeavors.

3. Personal Growth: The challenges I faced during this project pushed me to enhance and improve myself, both as a developer and as a professional.

A Missed Opportunity:

Despite the disappointment of iGraal Card's shutdown, the experience gained during those two years is something I will carry with me. While it may not be showcased on my CV or portfolio, the lessons learned and skills acquired are invaluable.

Conclusion:

The iGraal Card project may not have had the ending we had hoped for, but it was a journey filled with personal and professional growth. Sometimes, even when a project doesn't succeed as planned, the lessons learned and the skills acquired are worth the effort. My journey with iGraal Card will always be a part of my career story, even if it doesn't appear on my resume.