

Ref Hub simplifies and accelerates the reference checking process with intelligent automation and advanced assessment tools. Purpose-built for recruitment agencies, it streamlines pre-employment checks, reduces turnaround times, and delivers deeper candidate insights all from one secure, easy-to-use platform.

Project Brief
Client: Refhub
Industry: Recruitment and HR
Project
Duration: 5 months
Services Provided: End to end system design, full stack development, and secure cloud deployment tailored for performance, scalability, and user centric functionality.
A leading recruitment service provider faced challenges with manual reference checks from time-consuming workflows and human error to limited visibility into candidate insights. They needed a smarter, faster, and more reliable solution.
Our mission was to design and develop Ref Hub an AI-powered platform that automates reference checking, integrates intelligent assessment tools, and delivers real-time insights to support faster, data-driven hiring decisions. The result: a streamlined recruitment workflow with enhanced accuracy, speed, and compliance.
Project Outcome: Smarter Hiring at Scale
Ref Hub transformed the client’s recruitment workflow by replacing manual reference checks with a fully automated, AI-powered platform. Reference feedback is now delivered in under 24 hours consistently structured, verifiable, and free of human error.
In addition to smart reference automation, Ref Hub introduced AI-powered candidate assessments, giving recruiters deeper insights into soft skills, risk indicators, and hiring fit all in real time.
With seamless integration into leading platforms like Bullhorn, JobAdder, and Vincere, Ref Hub has become a mission-critical tool for high-volume recruitment teams.
Design Process: Streamlined UX for Fast-Paced Recruitment
Our design approach centered on delivering a frictionless user experience for recruiters while surfacing actionable insights through clean, intuitive interfaces. From discovery to final UI, every decision was guided by clarity, efficiency, and real-world user needs.
.avif)
User Research & Experience Mapping
We conducted stakeholder interviews with recruiters to uncover key frustrations around manual reference checks. These insights informed detailed user personas, journey maps, and defined goals that shaped the overall product direction.
.avif)
Interaction Design & Prototyping
We developed wireframes that optimized task flows for speed and simplicity. These evolved into high-fidelity interactive prototypes, validated through usability testing to ensure intuitive navigation and minimal learning curve.
.avif)
UI Design & Accessibility
The interface was crafted using a modern design system, aligned with accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1) and responsive behavior across devices. The final UI enables recruiters to initiate, monitor, and assess reference checks with minimal effort all within a branded, polished experience.
The design process prioritized accessibility, responsiveness, and integration with the client's brand identity.



Development Process: Engineered for Speed, Accuracy & Scale
The development of Ref Hub focused on building a secure, high-performance platform that automates reference checks and delivers real-time recruiter insights. Leveraging a hybrid delivery model combining Melbourne-based technical leadership with a skilled offshore engineering team we ensured cost efficiency, agility, and rapid delivery.
.avif)
Technology Stack & Cloud Architecture
Ref Hub was built using React.js on the frontend and Node.js on the backend, with PostgreSQL as the primary database. The platform runs on a cloud-native AWS infrastructure, enabling elastic scalability, high availability, and seamless performance. We leveraged advanced AWS services such as Amazon S3, RDS, CloudWatch, Lambda, and Cognito to enhance automation, monitoring, and identity management all within a highly secure, compliance ready environment.
.avif)
Workflow Automation & Reporting Engine
At its core, Ref Hub delivers end-to-end automation of reference checks using customizable templates, dynamic workflows, and automated response tracking. The system also features built in fraud detection algorithms and generates data rich assessment reports to support confident hiring decisions.
.avif)
API Integrations
To fit seamlessly into recruitment workflows, Ref Hub offers secure, well documented APIs integrated with platforms like JobAdder, Bullhorn, and Vincere allowing recruiters to trigger and manage reference checks without leaving their ATS environment.
.avif)
Quality Assurance & Testing
We implemented a multi-layered QA process, including unit testing, regression testing, and UAT cycles ensuring platform stability, data integrity, and a flawless user experience across all supported browsers and devices.
.avif)

.avif)
Release & Post-Launch Success
Ref Hub was launched successfully within the agreed timeline, following a smooth deployment process and thorough stakeholder onboarding. Our team provided dedicated post-launch support for three months, addressing issues promptly and ensuring platform stability through real-world usage.
Recruiter feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with the platform delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, reporting accuracy, and overall recruitment speed. Ref Hub now serves as a critical tool in the client’s hiring workflow, driving consistent value and operational cost savings.
Driven by Australian Accountability.
Global Execution. Unmatched Results.
At 9byte, we help forward-thinking businesses turn ideas into intelligent, scalable software from AI-powered mobile apps and smart warehousing platforms to custom SaaS solutions and IoT integrations.
Led by Australian architects and technical experts, our global delivery team executes with speed, precision, and care. From design to deployment, we move fast — without cutting corners ensuring every solution is built to perform and scale.