Custom Group Finder Plugin – KvdN Vlaardingen

Client: KvdN Vlaardingen  •  From outdated plugin to modern custom build  •  Fully manageable via WordPress  •  Done in 2 hours

WordPress Plugin Claude Code Custom Build Side by Side Church & Community 2-hour turnaround

The challenge

KvdN Vlaardingen had been using a purchased WordPress plugin for years to help visitors find a local small group. The plugin did its job, but had accumulated enough shortcomings to make it increasingly frustrating to use.

The website administrator knows WordPress inside out and keeps the site running smoothly. But the plugin was purchased externally, the source code was closed, and customisation simply wasn't an option. Meanwhile the plugin kept falling further behind modern expectations.

The old situation

  • Searching was cumbersome and slow
  • Outdated design no longer fitting
  • Could not be customised by the administrator
  • Functionality frozen; plugin no longer maintained
  • Frustration for both administrator and visitors

The new situation

  • Fast and intuitive search by location & type
  • Fresh, modern design that matches the website
  • Colours adjustable via WordPress backend
  • Manage groups from the familiar WordPress environment
  • Easy to extend further
The question

"Can we replace that old plugin with something that looks good, is easy to use, and that I can manage myself via WordPress?"

The result: the new Group Finder

Below you can see the new plugin in action on the KvdN Vlaardingen website — modern, clear and fully in line with their house style.

kvdn.nl › groups
Screenshot new Group Finder plugin on KVDN website

  Place the screenshot as cases/kvdn-kringvinder.png and remove the comment markers in the HTML to make it visible.

How we approached it

What makes this case special is the way we worked together. No lengthy intake, no weeks waiting for a quote. We simply sat down together and built it on the spot.

Defining the new design together

Sitting next to the administrator, we discussed what was wrong with the old plugin and what the new one needed to do. Sketch on paper, exchanging ideas — within half an hour we knew exactly what we wanted.

Building the plugin with Claude Code

With Claude Code as AI development partner, the new WordPress plugin was built step by step. The administrator could watch along and give feedback while the code was being written live.

Direct activation — it worked straight away

Deactivate old plugin, activate new plugin. No migration issues, no technical hassle. The Group Finder was live on the website immediately and did exactly what it was supposed to do.

Fine-tuning design & backend

We then refined the look together so the plugin blends seamlessly into the website. The WordPress admin screen was also set up so the administrator can easily adjust groups and colours themselves.

Live — and ready for further development

Within 2 hours everything was rebuilt and live. And that's not the end: there are already ideas for additional features, and the collaboration continues.

What the new plugin can do

A fully custom WordPress plugin, with everything the old plugin lacked — and an admin environment that feels immediately familiar to the administrator.

Fast and intuitive search

Visitors quickly find a group using filters by location, day and type. No more cumbersome searching; straight to the right result.

Colours adjustable via backend

The administrator can adjust the primary and accent colour of the frontend via a simple settings screen in WordPress.

Manage groups in WordPress

Add, edit or remove groups from the familiar WordPress environment. No external tools or technical knowledge required.

Responsive & modern design

The plugin looks great on every screen. Fully responsive, with a fresh and modern design that matches KvdN Vlaardingen's house style.

Seamless WordPress integration

Just place one shortcode on a page. The plugin loads styles and scripts correctly, without conflicts with the existing theme.

Ready for further development

The code is clearly and modularly structured. New features — such as location-based sorting or sign-up forms — can easily be added.

Technical implementation

The plugin is built as a real WordPress plugin: its own admin screens, shortcode integration and a clean separation between frontend and backend.

WordPress Plugin

Real plugin structure with activation/deactivation hooks and its own database table for groups

Custom Post Type / Admin

Clear admin screen in WordPress to add and manage groups

Settings page

Colour options and display settings adjustable directly from the WordPress dashboard

Live search & filter

JavaScript-based filter logic without page reload — fast and smooth to use

Technologies used

WordPress Plugin API PHP JavaScript CSS3 Shortcode API Claude Code WordPress Options API

Results

2 hours

From sketch to live working plugin

Full control

Administrator manages everything via WordPress

Better user experience

Visitors find the right group faster

No licence costs

Own plugin, no dependency on external party

Ongoing collaboration

Already ideas for new features and improvements

What makes this approach special?

Aspect Detail
Side by side No lengthy projects or long lists of requirements. We simply sat next to the administrator and built together. Direct feedback, direct results.
AI as development partner Claude Code wrote the plugin while we determined the design. The human steers, the AI builds — and that goes surprisingly fast.
Autonomy for the client The administrator can now do everything themselves: manage groups, adjust colours, add new items. No dependency on an external supplier.
Ongoing relationship This is not a one-off project. We keep collaborating, improving and developing — at a pace that suits the church.

Also have a WordPress plugin that no longer meets your needs?

Whether it's an outdated plugin, functionality that could be better, or a new idea — we'll build it together. Often faster than you'd think.

Get in touch

Ready to build something great together?

From a simple plugin to a fully custom platform — we think along, build fast and make sure you stay in control.
Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation.

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