Strategy meets technology

Somara started as a “vibe coding” experiment at Flywheel, using AI to rapidly build a collaborative platform for teams. What began as a quick MVP evolved into a powerful product, then was rebuilt from scratch to address scalability and technical debt. Along the way, we learned hard lessons about scope creep, AI-driven development, and the balance between speed and long-term stability.

Successful app development isn’t just about code, it’s about collaboration. At Flywheel, we’ve seen that the strongest products are built when founders bring industry expertise, a deep understanding of their users, a focus on marketing and sales, and a collaborative mindset. When clients partner closely with us, the process is smoother, the vision stays intact, and the final product delivers real impact.

AI-native development marks a new era in software creation. FlutterFlow’s DreamFlow blends visual editing, code access, and AI assistance to build apps faster than ever. It trades pixel-perfect control for unmatched speed and flexibility. Ideal for developers and startups seeking rapid prototyping, it demands technical clarity but rewards it with power.

Product Managers thrive in the unseen space between client vision and final product. They translate abstract ideas into scoped features, align teams, manage risks, and ensure smooth delivery. From discovery to testing, PMs bridge business goals and technical execution—keeping projects on track, clients confident, and apps thriving through trust and precision.

At Flywheel, security isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into every layer. Using FlutterFlow and WeWeb, we combine no-code speed with enterprise-grade protection. From granular database rules and App Check verification to force updates and secured cloud functions, we design apps that are fast, scalable, and secure. Low-code doesn’t mean low standards—it means smart, safe, and built right.

Flywheel built a Bluetooth-powered IoT location tracking app in FlutterFlow, proving the platform can handle complex hardware integrations with custom code. Using event-driven architecture and reactive streams, the app links a smartphone’s GPS to nearby devices for efficient, battery-friendly tracking. It’s a fast, flexible way to validate IoT concepts with real-time precision.

Push notifications are key to user engagement, but not all platforms handle them equally. Native apps (iOS & Android) offer full, reliable push support—rich media, background sync, and automation—ideal for real-time apps. PWAs, while cheaper and faster to build, have major iOS limits and basic push features. Bottom line: go native if push is core; PWA if it’s optional.

HIPAA compliance isn’t about tools—it’s about architecture and accountability. Flywheel built a fully compliant telehealth system using FlutterFlow for UI, Supabase for secure backend (with BAA, encryption, RLS, and audit logs), and WeWeb for staff dashboards. The result: a fast, HIPAA-safe build proving low-code speed and enterprise security can coexist when done right.

Building an app today is easier than ever—but the real challenge is knowing *how* to start. From AI-powered “vibe coding” to no-code tools, technical cofounders, freelancers, or agencies, each path has tradeoffs in speed, cost, and control. The key? Choose based on your skills, goals, and learning appetite. There’s no magic tool—only smart strategy and execution.

When your app is live in the App Store, understanding how users engage with it and how to track key metrics is crucial for growth. This guide, based on insights from Flywheel Studio, walks through essential app metrics and how to interpret them.

Building a mobile app can be an exciting venture, but there are many challenges that developers and founders often don’t anticipate. Here’s a breakdown of the key insights shared by Erik from Flywheel Studio, which shed light on what really goes into developing, launching, and maintaining a successful mobile app.

Increase app visibility with App Store Optimization, including Product Page Optimization, Custom Pages, and In-App Events.