Insulator collecting is a highly niche hobby that has traditionally been driven by an older demographic, with limited tools or visibility to attract a new generation of collectors. Cataloging collections has long been a manual, time-consuming process—often relying on spreadsheets or handwritten records—making organization and discovery cumbersome. With little modern digital presence or centralized platform, the hobby has struggled to evolve, connect collectors efficiently, or remain accessible to newcomers.
Mobile app design and development for Watts That Insulator
Watts That is a mobile app for collectors of vintage telephone line insulators, blending a classic hobby with modern technology. The app offers a detailed catalog of insulators with identification numbers, general information, embossing details, and estimated values, along with scan-and-identify tools to help users quickly identify and track finds. Collectors can build personal catalogs and wishlists, determine general value, and connect with other users to buy, sell, and trade insulators—making Watts That a centralized platform for discovery, organization, and community within the hobby.
The Main Problem
The Goal
Watts That aims to modernize this classic collecting hobby by providing an intuitive way to identify insulators, look up information, and catalog personal collections. The platform connects collectors through a shared community and simplifies how they buy, sell, and trade—bringing a timeless pastime into a modern, connected experience and appealing to a newer, digital-focused demographic.
The Stack
Platforms: iOS, Android
Core Stack
- React Native (with Expo)
- TypeScript
- JavaScript
UI Libraries & Components
- React Navigation
- FontAwesome
- Expo Vector Icons
- Lottie
- Reanimated
- Gesture Handler
- Safe Area
- Linear Gradient
Forms & State Management
- React Hook Form
- React 19
Expo Modules
- Camera
- Image Picker
- Font
- Asset
- Clipboard
- Status Bar
Backend
- Firebase (Firestore, Auth, Storage, Functions)
- Node.js 20
- Firebase Admin
Build & Dev Tools
- Expo CLI
- Metro
- npm
- TypeScript
- EAS Build
API Integrations
- Stripe
- Mailchimp
- Google Analytics
- Tag Manager
- YouTube API
- Printful