Arts stock light gallery room with one person

Case Study

DataArts

Rescuing a custom application for collecting data and empowering the arts

01

The Challenge

To restart a complex data collection web application project that had stalled and needed new developers to take it across the finish line.

02

The Approach

Technical consulting, methodical bug fixing, strategic planning, and a thoughtful implementation to get the product to launch.

03

The Outcome

A complete rescue, redevelopment, and relaunch; delivering a maintainable application for collecting data to empower the arts.

Client Introduction

Empowering the arts

DataArts serves as a national resource for data collection, analysis, and insight about arts and cultural organizations. Working across sectors, DataArts provides data-based insights for arts and cultural nonprofits, grantmakers, researchers, and advocates–using the power of information to empower the arts.

Project at a Glance

What Our Team Provided

Solutions

  • Custom Software

Technologies

How it Started

Jumping in feet first

We partnered with DataArts to take over the redevelopment of their flagship software. The project had stalled under the care of another development agency, and we were called in to fix the existing architecture that was a work-in-progress, continue development, and launch the product within a tight timeframe.

The Context

How the platform works

The DataArts platform serves as an online financial management, data collection, and research tool designed to strengthen the arts and cultural sector. Non-profits, grantmakers, and researchers use the platform to access data-driven insights about the arts. Users are able to contribute to the dataset, generate reports, and make connections.

Development

Getting into the code

When we started working on the application, the backend was outdated, inflexible, and nearly unmanageable. To meet our aggressive deadline, we created a strict schedule and began fixing bugs immediately. As we addressed problems with the existing architecture, we also planned for the production of additional features needed to launch. We preserved viable systems where we could while also creating room for scalability and growth.

What we built

Data driven insights

The final product is a robust platform that allows users to enter and extract data with accuracy and ease. It includes an adaptable survey platform that gathers data on 25,000 non-profits, creating 360° profiles and intelligently pairing them with 250 of the nation’s leading grant-making organizations.

The End Result

A Robust, Easy-to-Use Platform

The final product is a robust platform that allows users to enter and extract data with accuracy and ease. It includes an adaptable survey platform that gathers data on 25,000 non-profits, creating 360° profiles and intelligently pairing them with 250 of the nation’s leading grant-making organizations.

Client Testimonials

"When DataArts needed to rebuild a complex data collection web application and migrate more than 20,000 active users, Foster Made stepped into the breach providing sound project management, quality code, and the flexibility to work in an aggressive agile environment with frequently shifting priorities. Foster Made provided more than developers; they were vital thought partners for our internal product team."

Blake HolmesDataArts, Director of Technology

Want to stay in the loop? Sign-up for our quarterly newsletter and we’ll send you updates with a mix of our latest content.