The Wayback

Helping Those with Dementia Relive Precious Memories

Who

The Wayback is a virtual reality (VR) film series created for people living with dementia and their carers. It recreates cherished moments from the past, helping to spark memories and conversations that bring comfort and joy to those who struggle to remember. By providing a sense of familiarity and connection, the series offers a powerful way to improve the emotional well-being of individuals and their loved ones. Founded by Kevin Thomas, Dan Cole, Andy Garnett, Phillipa Thomas, and Trent Simpson—each with an impressive background in filmmaking—The Wayback has gained widespread recognition, winning prestigious awards like the Challenge Dementia Prize and Invest in Great. With such a promising start, the team needed a partner who could help transform their award-winning concept into a market-ready product that could reach more people and make a tangible difference in their lives.

What

At the time, their prototype was raw and unpolished, lacking essential features such as payment options and security protocols. It was clear that The Wayback needed a tailored technical solution that not only supported their vision but also enriched the brand’s identity and user experience. We began by immersing ourselves in their world—conducting in-depth interviews and workshops with stakeholders to understand their goals and challenges. The task was not just to refine their product but to help them achieve long-term commercial success while staying true to their mission.

The project included:

Up to date digital strategy

End-to-end operational model

Subscription payments website

VR mobile app for Android and iOS

How

The first step was to develop a robust paid subscription model. Rather than opting for a standard model, which would see a significant portion of revenue lost to app store fees, we devised an innovative solution using Stripe and Firebase for secure payments and account management. This approach ensured that more revenue stayed with The Wayback, empowering them to reinvest in their mission. Alongside this, we developed two mobile applications for iOS and Android, leveraging Unity to deliver a high-quality VR experience. By testing two versions, we ensured the final product offered maximum immersion while remaining accessible to users with lower-end devices. The apps also included essential features such as offline mode and custom Analytics to monitor and mitigate misuse.

When the apps launched in June 2020, they received widespread acclaim, with multiple five-star reviews on both app stores. The collaboration was a true partnership, built on trust, shared goals, and a commitment to excellence. By working closely with The Wayback team, we not only delivered a technical solution but created a product that embodied the heart and soul of their brand, helping them connect with their audience in a meaningful way.