A modern physical access experience, integrated into Apple Wallet

The challenge

The project had two important goals: a successful integration with Apple Wallet, which led to a showcase in front of Apple representatives, and a worldwide release of the app for HID’s clients.

Key challenges of the project:

• Integrating HID’s proprietary SDK, which handled Bluetooth communication.
• Working with proprietary Apple methods designed specifically for HID Global, to create a proprietary integration between HID cards and Apple Wallet.
• Extensive QA of the app and stress testing across HID lock mechanisms, especially for HID’s custom gestures such as “Twist & Go”.

The process

Development started with an initial sprint in which the whole team met for a comprehensive briefing, working closely with HID Global to document processes and transfer the specialised knowledge the project needed. This included reviewing HID Global’s technical architecture and its integration with external systems. We then validated assumptions and dependencies, defined and prioritised the product backlog, and set clear acceptance criteria.

UI/UX design process

Research into the old app’s UI/UX issues led to effective strategies for overcoming them. The team built the design on standard iOS components, which sped up front-end development by reusing existing code, and supported developers with resources and detailed documentation throughout.

• Research Research identified effective solutions to the app’s UI/UX issues, giving the team a deeper understanding of the challenges and how to overcome them.
• User Flow Clear user flows and edge cases gave stakeholders a better understanding of the app’s experience and gave the development team greater clarity.
• Design The design used standard iOS components wherever possible, so the front end could be built quickly from existing components and their code.
• Framework Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines, atomic design and Figma methods gave a scalable, reliable design framework that saves time on future changes and features.
• Development Designers worked closely with the developers, providing resources, detailed documentation and support to deliver the proposed features.
• Client Management Workshops, research and open communication with the client led to solutions that improved the old app’s UX and visual appeal.

Development process

The new app’s most exciting feature was its integration with Apple Wallet, so we worked very closely with HID Global’s development department, as one team, throughout the project.

In the discovery phase, an extensive briefing allowed a detailed analysis of the requirements. Specialised knowledge was transferred, and a proof of concept integrated HID’s proprietary Origo SDK for Bluetooth connectivity. We also designed a scalable app architecture with SwiftUI for the UI layer.

In the execution phase, features were developed incrementally, guided by user stories defined with the HID team and technical decisions made by Salt & Pepper’s team. Our priority was a seamless integration between the app and Apple Wallet, and reliable communication between the app and HID readers, with an exceptional user experience throughout.

• Proof of Concept Validation HID’s Origo SDK was a core component of the new app, so our first step was to validate the custom SDK integration and make sure its API worked as expected.
• App Architecture Design The architecture prioritised scalability and compatibility with Apple’s APIs, with SwiftUI for the UI layer. Designed with the HID team, it minimises maintenance updates for a long life span.
• Mobile App Development Together with HID’s development team, we built a robust, scalable and feature-rich app that works at the edge of what’s possible in Apple’s ecosystem.
• Extensive QA and Stress Testing Thorough testing ensured compatibility with HID readers and a seamless integration with Apple Wallet. Stress testing with the readers made sure the custom gestures worked flawlessly.
• Agile Way of Working With a SCRUM methodology, we worked with HID’s development team as one unit, delivering in two-week sprints. Regular reviews and demos kept stakeholders aligned.

The outcome

The team delivered the new HID mobile access app, integrated with HID readers and Apple Wallet. A demo-ready Apple Wallet integration came first, followed by the full application, improving the access control experience for HID’s clients around the world.