Barterkey: technology, architecture and UX in one of Digital Templars' first projects
In 2016, when we were still operating under the name of Code Town, we began work on one of our first major projects - a platform BarterKey, a product exchange system for local entrepreneurs. It was a project that shaped us not only as a technological team, but also as creators who believed from the beginning that the good software starts with understanding the user.
Technological foundation
We built BarterKey on the basis of .NET Core - then still relatively new, but a promising platform from Microsoft. We focused on stability, modularity and scalability. We designed the backend of the system to be ready for integration with external services, which was already one of our strategic goals.
The data was stored in Microsoft SQL Server, which allowed us to provide:
Quick access to content and offers,
flexible reporting,
Efficient management of users and transactions.
We also created an authorization, login system and an administration panel that allowed us to manage the entire platform from a browser - simple, but effective.
Architecture: modularity and a forward-looking vision
Although this was an MVP project, we wanted it to be more than a one-off. Therefore:
we split the code into functional modules - including product catalog, negotiation, notification system, users and transaction logic,
we created clear API, which enabled further development (e.g., a mobile app),
We took care of the flexibility of the negotiation mechanism - not just "buy" or "sell," but real discussions about business terms.
From the beginning, BarterKey was intended to be more than an ad directory - it was to be connect people and companies, instead of just putting out bids.
User interface simplicity above all else
From our perspective, the interface design was as important as the code. We knew that we were targeting a platform to people who had not necessarily used online systems for product exchange before. This determined our working style.
We designed the UI to:
user didn't have to guess - Just click, watch, filter and negotiate,
categories were understandable and visually appealing (Home & Garden, Automotive, Services...),
The most important stocks (Log in, View Market, Add Offer) were at your fingertips.
We wanted users to feel "at home" right away. Not by the color scheme, but by flow of interaction - natural, calm, understandable.
Mascot with character: Businessek
One of our favorite elements was Businessek - mascot in the form of a friendly, somewhat local character who greeted users, explained the basics of the platform and eased the tension for those using the online cashless trading tool for the first time.
It wasn't a byline. It was UX-conscious tool, which provided an emotional sense of security.
Conclusions and experiences
BarterKey didn't become a nationwide hit - and we're open about that. But it has been The beginning of our conscious approach to software development. This project taught us:
✅ how to build systems that respond to real user needs,
✅ how to lead an IT project from zero to deployment, including communication with the customer,
✅ how not to be afraid to combine technology with the emotion and experience of the end user.
BarterKey was a key for us, also in a symbolic sense. It opened the door to further realizations, which we are doing today as a Digital Templars. And although today we are more experienced, better organized and have more resources, The values that were created then have not changed to this day.
