SSL Generator

How DesignX and Lankan.org simplified SSL certificate generation

SSL Generator is a web application developed by DesignX in partnership with Lankan.org.

The project started from a simple problem. Many website owners and developers need SSL certificates, but the process can become confusing when the hosting provider does not offer automatic SSL setup.

DesignX and Lankan.org wanted to create a simple tool that guides users through the process without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

Live Application: https://ssl.lankan.org/

The problem we wanted to solve

SSL certificates are now a basic requirement for almost every website.

The problem is that generating one manually is not always straightforward.

Users may need to verify domain ownership, work with DNS records, request the certificate, download the required files, and then install them on the server.

For experienced developers and server administrators, this may be familiar. For many other users, it can be confusing.

We wanted to make the certificate generation process easier to understand and easier to complete.

Planning the experience

We looked at the main steps involved in requesting an SSL certificate and tried to remove unnecessary complexity from the user interface.

The process was divided into three main stages:

Configure > Verify > Download

This became the main structure of the application.

Instead of showing users many technical options at once, the system guides them through one stage at a time.

Step 1: Configure

The first step allows the user to enter an email address and the domain names they want to secure.

The email address is used for Let’s Encrypt registration and certificate-related notifications.

The application also supports multiple domains when required.

We kept this step simple so users only need to provide the information required to start the request.

Step 2: Verify the Domain

Before an SSL certificate can be issued, the user needs to prove that they control the domain.

This is an important security requirement, but it can also be one of the more confusing parts of the process.

We designed the verification stage to clearly show the user what needs to be done.

Once the domain has been successfully verified, the certificate request can continue.

Step 3: Generate and Download

After successful verification, the application requests the SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt.

Once the certificate is generated, the required files are made available for download.

The user can then install these files on the required hosting environment or web server.

Building the application

The project involved both frontend and backend development.

Behind the simple interface, the application handles domain information, certificate requests, domain verification, communication with external services, error handling, and generated certificate files.

One of our main goals was to keep all of this technical work in the background.

The user should only need to understand what action is required at each stage.

Keeping the interface simple

SSL certificate generation can involve many technical details.

We did not want users to see all of that complexity.

The interface was therefore designed around a simple flow:

Configure > Verify > Download

At each stage, the application provides only the information required to continue.

This keeps the process easier to follow and reduces the chance of users becoming confused by unnecessary technical details.

Working with Lankan.org

This project was completed in partnership with Lankan.org, which also hosts the live SSL Generator service.

The partnership allowed us to take the project from an idea to a working public application that can be used by website owners and developers.

For DesignX, it was also a good opportunity to work on a project that combines web development, server-side processes, security, and user experience in one solution.

What we learned

This project gave us practical experience with SSL certificates, HTTPS, domain verification, server-side processes, external services, and user interface design.

It also reinforced something we believe at DesignX.

Users do not need to see how complicated the technology behind a system is.

A good application should make the task easier for the person using it.

The result

The final SSL Generator provides a simple web interface for requesting SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt.

A process that can normally involve several technical steps is presented as a clear and guided workflow.

For DesignX, this project represents the way we like to build digital solutions.

We identify a real problem, understand the technical process behind it, work with the right partners, and build a simpler way for people to get the job done.