AuPairWorld - global au pairing platform
CHALLENGE
AuPairWorld, the world's leading matching platform for au pairs and host families, required an upgrade of its web technologies to improve user experience and facilitate connections between au pairs and host families worldwide. Migrating to a decoupled system was key to improving performance and long-term flexibility but posed challenges due to the site's high traffic and the need to protect sensitive user data. The platform also required a design relaunch to meet modern accessibility standards. It was essential that any updates would not disrupt the live website's service.
SOLUTION
A strategic realignment of the system architecture, decoupling the website and communication platform improved performance and scalability for future development. A custom-built React application with real-time, secure messaging enhances functionality and communication for users. Alongside these technical upgrades, a complete design relaunch delivered a fresh, accessible interface that adheres to global accessibility standards. This ensures the platform remains inclusive and available to all users, crucial for a communication hub designed to connect people worldwide.
HIGHLIGHTS
Au pairs and host families can register on the site, use a purpose-built search tool, and receive personalised match suggestions based on their individual criteria, making the connection process fast and effective. Added functionality is available to Premium users promoting uptake of this membership option, boosting revenue for AuPairWorld. With a modern, accessible design and restructured architecture, the platform is now faster to use and stands as a state-of-the-art communication portal, combining advanced communication tools with intuitive design to deliver an exceptional user experience to a global audience.
AuPairWorld
AuPairWorld is the world’s leading matching platform for au pairs and host families and a high traffic website with 1000's of active users. Founded in 1999, AuPairWorld has transformed the way au pair placements are arranged, placing a clear focus on self-determined searches and providing users with relevant information about their au pair experience.
The original website has evolved into a sophisticated matching and communication portal with personalised profile suggestions and extensive country-specific guidance, the site makes the matching process straightforward while also providing resources on contracts, visas, and insurance. With multilingual support, a large international network, and regular profile checks, AuPairWorld is a trusted choice for those seeking flexible, self-managed au pair arrangements providing a reliable means of communication between au pairs and host families.
Strategic system decoupling and enhanced functionality
The AuPairWorld website has been continually evolving since its initial launch in 1999 and has grown to be a vast platform connecting families and au pairs worldwide. In order to keep innovating and provide greater functionality, AuPairWorld needed to overhaul its backend system and upgrade its technology stack.
The first development phase focused on migrating from Drupal 7, a complex challenge involving the migration of content from various supporting legacy systems. Given the high traffic on the site, with thousands of active users, it was critical that the migration process ensured data integrity, secure communication, and zero downtime for the live site. The migration was completed smoothly, with no disruptions.
In the next stage, a strategic architectural realignment was implemented by decoupling the website from the communication platform. Previously, both systems shared a single technical foundation, making any changes complex and interdependent. By separating them, each can now be managed and scaled independently. A single sign-on ensures a smooth transition between systems, invisible to users.
New features were added to promote responsible use of the platform, boost engagement, and improve usability. A full design update introduced a more accessible, user-friendly interface, with an improved dashboard and advanced search filters to help users find better matches. Additional functionality including real-time messaging has transformed AuPairWorld into a state-of-the-art communication platform.
Backend data structure
A thorough cleanup of the backend data structure was carried out to enhance scalability and streamline maintenance processes. Now, the leading au pairing platform can easily adapt its functionalities to evolving user needs.
1xHOSTING
Hosting is managed by 1xINTERNET on the Google Cloud Platform, a great solution for a high traffic site such as AuPairWorld as it is scalable and able to deal with traffic peaks. We also provide AuPairWorld with full 24 hour support.
User Safety & Safeguarding
Intelligent image and text filters offer a safeguarding feature for AuPairWorld users by checking for inappropriate or offensive images and flagging inappropriate texts that violate the use of the service.
Facts about the AuPairWorld website
Since the latest relaunch the AuPairWorld website has seen huge improvements in performance and user engagement. Separating the public facing website from the private communication platform has enabled faster instant messaging and more efficient matching for both au pairs and host families.
"Thanks to 1xINTERNET, we were able to successfully complete the relaunch..."
"We have been bringing au pairs and host families together online since 1999. Thanks to 1xINTERNET, we were able to successfully complete the relaunch of our multilingual online platform, giving it a completely new technical base. This provides the foundation for us to be able to continuously develop AuPairWorld for our customers."
Heike Fischer, Managing Director, AuPairWorld
Functionality for an engaging user experience
The new functionality and messaging tools were designed to foster direct and rapid communication, ensuring user safety, and convenience within the platform. Full access to the functionality provided on the platform is only available to au pairs and Premium users creating a powerful incentive for families to upgrade to Premium membership, thereby boosting AuPairWorld´s revenue.
Personalised match making
AuPairWorld’s platform delivers a highly personalised matchmaking experience, enabling users to find better matches through smart, intuitive search features. Powerful filters that reflect individual preference guide users to relevant matches on their personal dashboard. The “EasyFind” feature, powered by Elasticsearch supports rapid data processing and flexible matching logic. Daily notifications are sent to registered users of suitable matches based on their personal requirements.
Feature rich messaging service as a catalyst for Premium Membership growth
To create a seamless and engaging real-time messaging experience for users we developed a custom-built chat feature that is fast, intuitive, and offers all the functionality expected of a modern communication platform. AuPairWorld's messaging feature is a prime example of the synergy between Drupal and our custom-built technology, delivering advanced capabilities that exceed expectations.
Non-Premium users have access to an 'icebreaker feature,' offering a selection of pre-written texts which they can send in limited quantities. To access the full messaging experience, users are encouraged to subscribe to Premium membership. This tantalising glimpse of the Premium benefits serves as a compelling incentive for users to upgrade, ultimately driving increased adoption of Premium memberships. Implementing this technology was a strategic move that not only enhanced user satisfaction but also contributed to AuPairWorld's growth by attracting more Premium users.
State of the art functionality and safeguarding for AuPairWorld users
Premium membership allows users to contact each other using a safe secure messaging system. This state-of-the-art messaging service mirrors the familiarity of WhatsApp style messaging, facilitating connections between au pairs and host families. All communication is documented within the website, email reminders and prompts are sent to ensure users don’t miss important communications. Additionally, certain conversations can be "starred" to highlight them as favourites, allowing users to prioritise the most interesting profiles.
There is comprehensive safeguarding for users as all messages take place within the AuPairWorld website. An image filter identifies and flags inappropriate images from being uploaded to user profiles and a feature was incorporated which prevents users from sending private phone numbers, enhancing overall safety for users.
A modern, accessible design for a global communication portal
The redesigned AuPairWorld platform reinforces its position as a state-of-the-art global communication portal, combining a fresh design with an intuitive interface.The design stays true to the company’s established brand identity while adhering to global accessibility standards. More than simply meeting compliance requirements, the new design reflects AuPairWorld’s commitment to inclusive digital experiences and its leadership as a global communications portal.
Structured data for scalability
Drupal was a good fit for this project, owing to its great flexibility and ease of adaptation to the complex functionalities required by a leading platform like AuPairWorld. The emphasis on structured data, a core advantage of Drupal, was one the main advantages in the restructuring. Given the success of the Drupal 7 version of the AuPairWorld website, the logical decision was to continue developing with Drupal and upgrade to the latest version.
Other projects
Maggi.de - successful repositioning
