RhumAuction.com auctions rare rums, cognacs, and armagnacs not available in regular retail. Most bids come from a smartphone. Since December 2024, a dedicated mobile front end has been available to these bidders, drawing on the same inventory and the same auction history as the existing site. Both front ends run in parallel while the transition proceeds step by step.
Most bids are placed via mobile devices.
The existing website is optimized for desktop use. On mobile devices, bidders must zoom in and scroll to reach the input field and confirm their bid. Auctions end at a fixed time, and bids increase rapidly in the final minutes. Every extra step is critical.
An established backend manages inventory and auction history and must remain continuously available. The second access point could not disrupt existing users. These requirements defined the project scope.
Every view is designed for mobile devices first.
The new front end was connected to the existing interfaces, leaving the backend unchanged. The full history from the legacy system remains accessible. Every view is designed first for mobile devices, then for larger screens.
The design is understated and reflects the value of the bottles. Key actions are placed within easy reach of the thumb. A single tap confirms the bid, the current high bid stays visible, and the countdown runs alongside. Bids update in real time without reloading the page.
The system was developed with Next.js and Tailwind CSS. The initial view is delivered via server-side rendering, which is often crucial for timely bids on mobile networks. A cache layer reduces backend load during peak times before an auction closes. Online payment for post-auction settlement and a user management system with a personal area were also integrated.
Every change follows a defined process: a commit moves the code into the Git repository, where it is built, tested, and deployed via Kubernetes to a demo environment. The client can review new builds continuously in a real environment without waiting for a major release. The drafts, interface, and final application were produced by our team, working closely with the client's backend team and project lead.
The platform continues to grow on the same stack.
Where bidders previously had to zoom, scroll, and find the input field, a single tap now suffices. For RhumAuction.com, this provides a solid foundation for future enhancements, as new features are built on the same stack and use the same deployment process. The existing site remains accessible throughout the transition.
