Mobile Social
Mobile-FB
A React Native social experience exploring feeds, profiles, and GraphQL-driven mobile data flows.
Year
2024
Status
In Development
Platform
iOS & Android (React Native)
Role
Full-stack Developer
Timeline
April 2024 — ongoing
Collaboration
Solo
Tech
React Native, GraphQL, Apollo Client, Node.js, MongoDB, Redis, Expo
Project Overview
Mobile-FB replicates core social networking patterns on mobile using React Native, Expo, and a GraphQL API layer.
- —Feed-driven home experience with engagement actions.
- —Profile views for identity and user-generated content.
- —Apollo Client cache strategy for responsive UI updates.
The Challenge
Social feeds need fast mobile interactions, nested data, and responsive UI that stays coherent across network conditions.
- —GraphQL queries must avoid over-fetching on constrained devices.
- —Feed scrolling should remain smooth with media and text mixed.
- —Auth and session flows must feel native on mobile.
The Solution
React Native + Expo client with Apollo Client, backed by Node.js, MongoDB, and Redis for scalable social data patterns.
- —GraphQL schema models users, posts, and relationships.
- —Apollo cache keeps feed interactions snappy.
- —Redis supports caching and session-oriented workloads.
Mobile UX Direction
Native-feeling feed density, touch-first interactions, and clear hierarchy between posts, profiles, and actions.
- —Feed cards optimized for thumb reach and scan speed.
- —Profile layouts that surface identity and activity clearly.
- —Loading and empty states designed for mobile context switches.
Responsive & UX System
Breakpoints
- Phone-first layouts with safe-area aware spacing
- Tablet layouts reuse feed density with wider media
Interactions
- Touch targets sized for primary actions
- Pull-friendly feed scrolling with stable list performance
Accessibility
- Readable type scale on small screens
- Sufficient contrast on feed cards and profile headers
Tech Stack
Mobile
Data Layer
Backend
Infrastructure
Hosting
Expo development builds; API on Node.js
Backend
Node.js GraphQL server
Database
MongoDB
Storage
Document models for users and posts
Monitoring
Local/dev logging; production monitoring TBD
Key Features
Mobile feed
Scrollable feed of posts with engagement affordances tuned for touch.
Central social loop for the application.
User profiles
Profile screens present identity, bio, and user content in a familiar social pattern.
Supports discovery and personal branding within the app.
GraphQL data layer
Queries and mutations fetch exactly the nested data each screen needs.
Reduces payload size versus REST-heavy mobile clients.
Cache-aware UI
Apollo Client keeps optimistic updates and cached reads responsive.
Improves perceived performance on slower networks.
Process
- 01Model
Define social graph schema
Mapped users, posts, and relationships in GraphQL before UI implementation.
- GraphQL schema
- Resolver plan
- 02Build
Ship core mobile screens
Implemented feed, profile, and auth flows in React Native with Expo tooling.
- Feed screen
- Profile screen
- 03Optimize
Tune mobile performance
Refined list rendering, cache policies, and loading states for smoother scrolling.
- Apollo cache config
- Empty/loading UI
Deliverables
Mobile codebase
React Native application with Expo workflow and GraphQL integration.
View deliverableAPI layer
Node.js GraphQL server with MongoDB persistence and Redis support.
Outcomes
GraphQL
API model
Nested social data served through a typed schema.
Cross-platform
Delivery
Single React Native codebase targeting iOS and Android.
SEO & Performance
Performance
- Optimize list virtualization for long feeds
- Cache hot GraphQL queries via Apollo
SEO
- Case-study page metadata for portfolio discovery
Technical checks
- Imgur-hosted screenshots compatible with Next image config
Extended Narrative
Mobile-FB is a React Native social prototype with a GraphQL API, MongoDB, and Apollo Client on the client. It explores mobile-first feeds, profiles, and posts—the core patterns behind consumer social apps without claiming production-scale operations.
Expo speeds up device testing; the Node.js API centralizes auth and data contracts. Structured sections above cover design direction, features, and infrastructure; this closing summary ties the portfolio story together for readers scanning the full case study.
Planning a mobile social product?
Mobile-FB demonstrates feed UX, GraphQL integration, and full-stack mobile architecture.