In 1998, our TimeBanking software was floppy disks on standalone computers. In 2004, we pioneered online timebanking with Community Weaver (CW), designed to reflect input by coordinators of timebanks who gathered to explore use-case scenarios with an interface designer. After release, monthly feedback sessions assured ongoing improvement. In 2009, with CW1 aging, we turned to open-source developer Geek Gene.
Where CW1’s single set of databases was partitioned for multiple timebanks, CW2, built on Drupal, gave each timebank an individual URL, allowing the construction of individual packages. Released in 2011, CW2’s open-source approach had too few software developers, no strong “maintainer” team for shared, enforced standards, and lacked robustness.
We then worked with proprietary software development, called Market Acumen, who recommended PhP for CW3 to replicate the core functionality with individual urls for ongoing flexibility, a more robust database structure, an easier interface, and more agile improvement.
A tech liaison and user group met weekly through the CW3 build and testing periods, providing ongoing feedback on usability and new functionality needs, and have continued that role. CW3 was released in 2014. A simplified smartphone interface was added in 2016. CW3 is well-liked, but users are calling for expanded functionality.