Revamping Dasher FAQ Hub Through Server-Driven Content and WebView
Article Summary
DoorDash's team cracked a classic mobile dilemma: how do you push FAQ updates instantly without waiting weeks for app store approvals? Their solution cut deployment time from 2+ weeks to under 24 hours.
Kent Lee, Jason Prasad, Siddharth Utgikar, and Josephine Chen from DoorDash's Customer Enablement Team rebuilt the Dasher FAQ hub using WebView and server-driven content. The old system scattered support resources across channels, forcing Dashers into long support calls. Their hybrid approach delivers native-feeling experiences while maintaining web deployment speed.
Key Takeaways
- WebView deployment takes under 1 day vs 2+ weeks for native mobile releases
- Server-driven JSON content enables instant updates without app store friction
- Promise-based messaging protocol bridges native and web communication seamlessly
- Content configuration tool eliminates manual JSON formatting and duplicate platform work
- React Query handles caching while BFF transforms HTTP to gRPC for backend
Critical Insight
By wrapping a React web app in native WebViews, DoorDash achieved same-day content updates while avoiding duplicate iOS and Android development work.
