Web app development
Custom web app development: platforms and portals built by one team
Material Lab designs and builds custom web apps and portals, with the scope agreed before we build and the code yours from day 1. Two client builds are in use today: RTB, a hiring platform, and Vikas Setu, an operations portal.
Last updated 21 September 2026
How we decide the scope
A web app is for people who sign in and do something: apply for a job, record a payment or manage a client list. Scope follows the user roles, workflows and approvals, integrations, data to import, and reporting you need.
We agree what belongs in the first release before a build starts. If visitors only need to find you and get in touch, read the website design page instead.
The kinds of web app we have built
Our web apps are products where different people need different views of the same data. Three examples, each with who built it:
- A hiring marketplace, for a client. We designed and built RTB end to end for Rotaract Talent Bridge (Logisense AI): portals for students, employers and administrators, with an AI resume parser, job matching, a 4-step job posting wizard, interview scheduling, a threaded message board and analytics.
- An operations portal, for a client. We built Vikas Setu for Perhitsiksha Foundation, an education non-profit in Lucknow. It holds student, contributor, mentor and payment records, including payment proofs. Data security and maintenance are ours to run.
- A product, for ourselves. Gymbo, our own product for independent personal trainers, has a web app beside its iOS app on the same backend. It is not a client delivery.
We are strongest where a business needs one system that several kinds of user can pick up without training.
Who does what, and who owns what
Material Lab does
- Scoping: what to build, what to cut and what it will cost
- Product and UX design, and the design system
- Engineering: the front end, the backend and the database
- Testing and launch
- After launch, security and dependency updates through the care plan, or a monthly build sprint, if you want one
You own or provide
- The process you are digitising and every product decision. We advise, you decide
- The code, from day 1, with no lock-in contract
- Your users, and getting them onto the app
- Third-party service bills, which are billed at cost
Where we run something for a client after launch, such as Vikas Setu’s security and maintenance, it is named in the scope. Anything not named there is yours.
How it runs, and how long it takes
- StrategyMonth one starts with scoping: what to build, what to cut, and what it will cost.
- Design systemOne system for your brand, website, sales material and product, so everything looks like it came from one team.
- BuildThe same senior team designs and builds. You see working software early and often.
- Stay onAfter launch we keep it running with a care plan, or keep shipping with a monthly build sprint.
How long a web app takes depends on its scope, so we do not print a number here. We agree the timeline in writing during scoping, before any build starts. You see working software early and often while it is built.
For reference, RTB started in April 2026 and is in private beta now. The Perhitsiksha engagement, which includes Vikas Setu, started in August 2025 and is ongoing.
Web apps we have built
Two client builds and one product of our own. Each card says which is which.
Questions people ask
How long does a web app take?
It depends on scope. We agree the timeline in writing during scoping, before any build starts.
What is the difference between a web app and a website?
A website tells visitors about you. A web app lets people sign in and do something. Some businesses need both, and we build both.
Can one app serve several kinds of user?
Yes. RTB has separate portals for students, employers and administrators. Each sees what it needs, and administrators oversee all three.
Do you build AI features?
RTB includes an AI resume parser and job matching. We also use AI on routine work to move faster. Product and design decisions stay with people.
Who owns the code?
You do, from day 1. There are no lock-in contracts.
What happens after launch?
We can stay on for agreed changes, security and dependency updates, or you can take the code and go. It is yours, with no lock-in.
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