Untile

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Buzz Me Up

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Turning building intercoms into intelligent access points. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Untile to accomplish?

• Build an MVP
• Manage ongoing builld
• Turn MVP into Beta and Production

SOLUTION

How did you find Untile?

Referral

Why did you select Untile over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Untile were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

1.1 Purpose
This document details the user requirements for a call forwarding service tailored for apartment buzzer systems. It outlines features and functionalities that cater to various user scenarios, including residents, Airbnb operators, and temporary visitors.

Idea is to build useringo.com with updated features and an iOS app. Twilio for the phone number generation. Start with Canada, USA, UK, France and Germany. They’ve created a market segment but run ro ads. They have less than 5000 customers and all traffic is organic. They are only based in Canada for now. The website hasn’t been updated in some time but they are running a lot of infrastructure so it has to make money.

Roommates, Airbnb operators, temporary guests, vacation rentals all need the ability to update their intercom access but it costs $99 to program this. We generate phone numbers that users submit to enterphone systems and we can forward to any number they choose, providing flexibility they can’t have using the existing system.

We run marketing on tik tok, targeted at gen z around end of / beginning of the month for when programming of enterphones happen. Also focus on niche reddit communities. Look for large apartment owners to let us market in their buildings for a 20% kickback over 3 months. Local leasing companies like Vancouver Luxury Real Estate and Orca Realty. 

1.2 Scope
The service includes a web application and an iOS mobile application, enabling users to manage call forwarding settings, generate temporary access for guests, accommodate calls to multiple residents, and a party mode.

2. Overall Description
2.1 User Needs
Ease of managing call forwarding settings.
Flexibility to quickly change forwarding numbers.
Option to forward calls to multiple recipients, simultaneously or sequentially.
Temporary access for guests through a secure, time-limited system.
2.2 Assumptions and Dependencies
Dependence on reliable internet connectivity.
Integration capability with various buzzer systems (local phone number generation via twilio).
In order to interact with SMS, we may need some short URL functions.
Users possess basic technical proficiency for app usage.
3. System Features and Requirements
3.1 Functional Requirements
3.1.1 Registration (Unregistration) and User Profile Management
Secure user registration and login process. Social sign on + email. 
Flow 1 - Master Account (Web, Mobile App, and SMS sign up flow)
Flow 2 - Guest Account (Mobile App, SMS sign up flow)
Profile management for personal details and forwarding settings. Shared account access with master user and sub users for apartment / roommates. 
Verification
Phone 
Email
What happens when someone moves out?
3.1.2 Forwarding Number Management
Generation of a unique forwarding number for each enterphone system (address). Generate the numbers using Twilio based on the address (country). 
Ability to add, remove, and edit forwarding numbers.
Options for simultaneous or sequential ringing to multiple numbers.
History for all apartment access
3.1.3 Temporary Access Feature
Generation of temporary, shareable access links via text or email.
Time-limited and single-use links for guest access.
Party Mode - autobuzz people in!
3.1.4 User Interface
Intuitive and responsive UI design for both web and mobile platforms. 
Consistent user experience across platforms.
pay via cc (stripe) online and via app store on mobile devices

3.1.5 Plans and Payment

Manage different plans
Collect payment and recurring payment
Payment exception flow
3.2 Non-functional Requirements
3.2.1 Usability
User-friendly interfaces with intuitive navigation.
Accessibility features for diverse user needs.
3.2.2 Reliability
High system availability with minimal downtime. 99.5% minimum.
Efficient management of high call volumes.
3.2.3 Performance
Quick response times for user interactions.
Smooth synchronization of user data across platforms.
Manage rate limit on Twilio
Review security measures on Twilio
3.2.4 Security
Secure handling and transmission of user data.
Compliance with privacy and telecommunications regulations.
3.3 System Interfaces
Twilio API for telecommunications services.
Integration with existing buzzer systems.
3.4 User Interfaces
Web and iOS application interfaces.
Dashboards, settings panels, and notification systems.
3.5 User Scenarios
Detailed scenarios covering typical interactions such as setting up forwarding, changing numbers, and granting temporary access.
4. External Interface Requirements
4.1 User Interfaces
Web interface compatible with major browsers.
Mobile application for iOS devices.
4.2 Hardware Interfaces
Support for standard smartphones and computers.
4.3 Software Interfaces
Backend integration with Twilio for call management.
Secure database for user data storage.
4.4 Communication Interfaces
HTTPS for secure web communication.
Use of APNs for iOS push notifications.
5. Specific Application Requirements
5.1 iOS Application
5.1.1 iOS Dependencies
Xcode, Swift, SwiftUI/UIKit.
Apple Developer Account for App Store distribution.
Integration with APNs for notifications.
Twilio
5.1.2 iOS User Flows
Onboarding, registration, and login.
Forwarding settings management.
Temporary access link generation and sharing.
Receiving push notifications for call events and account updates.
5.2 Web Application
5.2.1 Web Dependencies
Front-End: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript (React.js/Angular).
Back-End: Node.js, server-side framework.
Cloud hosting services for deployment.
Web security protocols and tools.
Twilio
Stripe
Google Analytics
Zendesk/Intercom
5.2.2 Web User Flows
Registration, login, and dashboard navigation.
Management of call forwarding settings.
Creation and handling of temporary access links.
Email notifications for important events.
Call History.
6. Additional Considerations
6.1 Cross-Platform Consistency
Unified branding and UX across iOS and web applications.
6.2 Scalability
Design for scalability to accommodate a growing user base.
6.3 Localization and Internationalization
Future provision for multi-language support.
6.4 Analytics and User Feedback
Implementation of analytics for data-driven enhancements.
Mechanisms for collecting and incorporating user feedback.
6.5 Compliance and Data Security
Adherence to legal standards in telecommunications and data privacy.
Robust security measures for data protection.
7. Marketing and Outreach
7.1 Branding and Communication
Clear communication of value propositions in marketing materials.
Consistent branding across all platforms and promotional materials.
Name ideas: Doorman, Concierge, Access, OpenSesame
7.2 User Engagement Strategies
Features encouraging user sharing, such as temporary access links.
Autogenerate an email to property manager/strata. “Hey I have a new number i’d like to replace my existing one in the enterphone. Please let me know the process for this” etc
Incentives for referrals and user promotion.
“Did your roommate fall asleep again? Change your buzzer to a Doorman number and never miss a delivery or get locked out again” 
“Tired of living under one buzzer tyranny? Doorman works with every phone buzzer system.” 

7.3 Customer Support
Comprehensive support system including FAQs, live chat, and email support.
User guides and tutorials for ease of use.
Why do we need your address? We need to associate with the phone number for emergency services.
8. Future Enhancements
8.1 Feature Updates
Regular updates based on user feedback and technological advancements.
Addition of new features to enhance user experience and service utility.
8.2 Platform Expansion
Potential development of applications for additional platforms (e.g., Android).
Exploration of integrations with other smart home or security systems.
Look at B2B products
8.3 User Community
Building a user community for feedback, support, and engagement.
User forums or platforms for sharing tips and experiences.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Untile completed the MVP within budget - this was a big success. 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Timing and responses we're in line with industry standards

What was your primary form of communication with Untile?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I'm impressed by their communication skills and design language.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Untile could have done differently?

Scoping deeper into problems, taking care if the product was your own.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head of Engineering of STX Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

STX is a leading global Environmental Commodity Trader, and a Climate Solutions provider for corporations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Untile to accomplish?

• End-to-end data extraction kafka consumer

SOLUTION

How did you find Untile?

Referral

Why did you select Untile over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Untile were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We required the team to operate autonomously to build robust, defensive code that would extract information from several Kafka topics to our private APIs. We relied on the team to deliver an end-to-end solution with a high degree of test coverage. During the development process we introduced new topics and data sources, and relied on the team to disambiguate, validate and troubleshoot the data. The team was vital in raiding our data quality standards and reducing ambiguity.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Deliver all datapoints, as mapped as required in our MVP launch goals for Beta
• Assist evolving the datapoints and mapping as we validate our assumptions
• Deliver answers and solutions resulting from data deepdives on edge cases
• Build an easy to maintain, and scale, framework for data extraction

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They were consistently delivering on time, adjusting and increasing working hours if needed.

What was your primary form of communication with Untile?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

We enjoyed the proactive approach and high standards of quality.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Untile could have done differently?

At this point, no.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Digital Director of Grupo Renascença Multimedia

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Grupo Renascença Multimedia (Renascença Multimedia Group) is a portuguese media company, headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal, that manages a portfolio of 3 radio stations, both broadcast and online. The portfolio includes news coverage, custom entertainment content creation, several digital outlets, media distribution and marketing services. Grupo Renascença Multimedia (Renascença Multimedia Group) has a workforce of approximately 250 employees.”

“Grupo Renascença Multimedia (Renascença Multimedia Group) is a portuguese media company, headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal, that manages a portfolio of 3 radio stations, both broadcast and online owned by the Portuguese Catholic Church. The portfolio includes news coverage, custom entertainment content creation, several digital outlets, media distribution and marketing services.
 
Radio Renascença the foundational radio station of the group, began transmitting in January 1937. What was, at the time, a groundbreaking communication service for the Portuguese Catholic Church has since become the country’s foremost radio corporation. Broadcasts are diverse, being distributed among 3 segmented channels: Renascença (Music/News), RFM (AC music) and Mega Hits (CHR). These are transmitted on AM and FM and also online, using 8 Web based channels.
 
The group later evolved to the production of large audience events, such as concerts and festivals, maintaining a steady growth on the number of events produced over the years.

More recently the integration of digital services on the group’s portfolio led to the development of new products, that range from advertising on digital platforms to social networks content creation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Untile to accomplish?

Build a mobile app

SOLUTION

How did you find Untile?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Untile over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Untile were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Our project involved the development of a mobile app called Popcasts, built using React Native for iOS, Android, and Huawei platforms. The app serves as a comprehensive platform for Portuguese audio podcasts, videocasts, and web radios, featuring content from our radio channels RFM, Renascença, and Mega Hits, as well as third-party contributors.

The app integrates with an API that retrieves all content from our website Popcasts.pt. This setup ensures that the app stays up-to-date with the latest podcasts and videocasts, providing users with a seamless experience across platforms.

Key Deliverables:

 1. Mobile App Development (React Native):
• Platforms: iOS, Android, and Huawei.
• Features: Audio and video streaming, webradios from RFM, Renascença, and Mega Hits.

 2. API Integration:
• Connection to Popcasts.pt for real-time content synchronization.
• Support for both proprietary and third-party podcast content.

 3. User Experience:
• Simple, user-friendly interface allowing easy access to various types of media content.
• Continuous updates to ensure stability and new features.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Expected Outcomes:

1. Increased user downloads
2. High user retention rates
3. Extended average session duration
4. Growth in content consumption (podcasts, videocasts, webradios)
5. Positive app store ratings and reviews
6. Stable API performance with minimal downtime
7. Increased engagement with in-app features
8. Growth in monthly active users
9. Enhanced brand visibility and recognition

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The project was managed efficiently, with clear communication and well-structured timelines. The team consistently met deadlines, delivering each milestone on time and ensuring that all key features of the Popcasts app were implemented according to the agreed schedule.

They demonstrated a proactive approach to addressing our needs, showing flexibility when adjustments were required and providing regular updates throughout the project. Whenever we raised concerns or made requests, they responded promptly and effectively, adapting their work to align with our evolving requirements. This responsive and collaborative management style ensured the project stayed on track and aligned with our expectations.

What was your primary form of communication with Untile?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stood out the most about this company was their ability to combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of our business goals. Their ability to adapt to complex requirements and deliver a solution that not only met, but exceeded, our expectations was truly impressive.

Additionally, their proactive communication and responsiveness made the entire process smooth and efficient. The team’s dedication to ensuring the app was user-friendly, while incorporating advanced functionalities like seamless API integration, set them apart from other companies we’ve worked with.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Untile could have done differently?

While the overall experience was highly positive, one area for potential improvement could be related to initial project scoping. A more detailed upfront discussion regarding timelines and resource allocation might have helped prevent some minor delays in later stages.

That said, the team quickly adapted and demonstrated flexibility, ensuring the project stayed on track. A more structured approach to change requests and documentation could also enhance future collaboration.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Software R&D director of the company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Electric Vehicle charger’s manufacturer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Untile to accomplish?

• UX/UI for the EV charger User Interface
• UX/UI and development of a mobile application.
• Web Application UX/UI

SOLUTION

How did you find Untile?

Referral

Why did you select Untile over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Untile were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

• Definition and tests of the UX/UI for an EV charger. The deliverable was the UX/UI to be implemented in the charger.
• Definition of the UX/UI and development of a mobile application for an EV charger. The deliverable was the UX/UI and the mobile application for our chargers.
• Definition of the UX/UI and development of the user interface of the web interface of the EV charger. The deliverable was the UX/UI and implementation of the web interface.
• Definition of the UX/UI of the web interface of a cloud platform. The deliverable was the UX/UI of the web interface of our cloud platform to manage the chargers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The UX/UI presented.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The project management was very good due to the project status updates and the alignment of results.

What was your primary form of communication with Untile?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The process used to develop the UX/UI and the quality of the final work.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Untile could have done differently?

Improve the integration tests with the real application.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive at UCO Network

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Software design and development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Untile to accomplish?

• To develop the architecture of our software through meticulous user journey planning
• To develop comprehensive user flows and wireframes
• To strategically achieve optimal overall user experience

SOLUTION

How did you find Untile?

Referral

Why did you select Untile over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Untile were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Untile was tasked with designing the software to make it intuitive and visually appealing. This involved creating a modern design that aligns with existing branding, current trends and user expectations. Untile developed detailed user flows that outline users' steps to complete actions within the software. These flows were essential for identifying pain points and opportunities for simplification. 
They produced wireframes for each major screen or feature, providing a visual blueprint for the development process. These wireframes were instrumental in visualizing the end product and facilitating discussions around functionality and design. A key aspect of their work was to map out comprehensive user journeys, which illustrate the user's complete experience with the software from initial contact to regular usage.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The engagement with Untile resulted in a series of deliverables, including a designed user interface, structured software architecture, detailed wireframes, and a strategic plan for user journey enhancements. These deliverables have played a crucial role in building our software’s functionality and user satisfaction.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Untile's project management was exemplary; they delivered all items on time, maintained clear and consistent communication, and were highly responsive to our needs. They managed the project through regular updates, real-time tracking tools, and proactive problem-solving, ensuring high-quality deliverables and smooth execution. This approach met and often exceeded our expectations, facilitating a successful partnership and project outcome.

What was your primary form of communication with Untile?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stood out most impressively about Untile was their unique blend of professional expertise and a genuinely pleasant engagement culture. Their team displayed a high level of professionalism and expertise in software design and user experience, which was evident in the quality of their deliverables. 
Each aspect of their work, from technical architecture to user interface design, was executed with meticulous attention to detail and a clear understanding of the latest industry standards and technologies. Untile's culture of pleasant engagement made the collaborative process exceptionally smooth. They fostered a positive working relationship through their approachability and willingness to understand and adapt to our needs. 
This positive interaction was not just about meeting deadlines or accomplishing project goals but also about ensuring that the process was enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved. Their ability to combine high-quality, expert work with a friendly and engaging approach was unique and crucial in making the project successful. This balanced approach fostered a productive partnership, making them not just a service provider but a valuable strategic ally in our endeavours.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Untile could have done differently?

Given the success and satisfaction with Untile's performance on our project, there are no clearly identified areas of improvement at this time. Their expertise, professionalism, and the quality of their deliverables were exceptional throughout our collaboration. 
The seamless integration of their services into our project goals, coupled with their responsive and pleasant engagement, speaks volumes about their capabilities and the strength of their team. We congratulate Untile on its outstanding work and commend its team for maintaining such high standards in all aspects of our partnership. Their commitment to excellence is evident. We look forward to potential future collaborations with such a commendable company.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-founder / CEO of Value Negotiation Technologies

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Negotiation systems for procurement teams

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Untile to accomplish?

• Product strategy and design

SOLUTION

How did you find Untile?

Referral

Why did you select Untile over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Untile were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Full product & roadmap documentation, restructuring strategies, development of new, complex features, genAI inclusion and prototyping

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

99% well delivered features, some of them of higher complexity (both algorithm and UX-wise) - these guys take serious ownership on your products and prepare for in-depth, almost equal to equal discussions with your team. Nothing left to chance. 

The missing 1% comes from a (smaller) feature where I didn't provide enough guidance, ending up in something we actually use less than expected. Projects come within budget and timing, although sometimes we feel they do an extra stretch to deliver on time.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Athough we have now a more informal way of collaborating, they do have a strict organizational and project management. I am probably seen as a difficult client as I tend to shift priorities or reiterate a bit too much. Yet, they to their best to adapt, timewise. So far, Untile has hold to the deadlines both at quality and cost, sometimes pulling a rabbit out of the hat.

What was your primary form of communication with Untile?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I'm impressed by their people and their culture.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Untile could have done differently?

In certain occasions, keeping things simpler. Understanding the strategic view of the whole and realizing that delivering at a good enough level, is, sometimes, enough.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Uphold is a multiasset trading platform that combines the features of a crypto exchange, a forex trading app and an online brokerage. I am SVP Engineering for the Enterprise group at Uphold.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Untile, and what were your goals?

The Enterprise group at Uphold needed to start development on 2 projects but skilled resources were scarce. We hired Untile to provide a small team, augmenting our own, so that we could move forward on the projects.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We were already using them for another group within the company and received great feedback.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

The partnership started with the designers. We engaged in daily sessions to explain our needs and started iterating from there. The designers are VERY focused and disciplined, provided daily progress videos and took us through the process step-by-step: initial exploration, wireframes, look&feel and finally layout. After that we were able to split the product in multiple phases and engaged with Untile for development itself. We took on Untile members as part of the team and they were able to deliver a high-quality product within our expectations of timeline. Just fantastic. Culturally, they fit like a glove. The relationship was friendly and we even met a few times in person for some team events. I consider them part of the (extended) Uphold family.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Throughout the 2 projects we ended up working with 2 designers, 1 project manager and 6 developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Launch is very near but we're very confident in saying it will be a success. The level of quality put into the product is amazing.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We had daily standups, a retrospective, daily videos from the designers and frequent updates from the developers. There were a few moments where we asked for estimates and roadmap, and the team always provided them in a timely manner.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They are not a typical "mercenary" agency. You can tell they really care about the products they create. There were a few times where they even put in extra work because they weren't happy with the outcome. More than that, they really try hard to integrate with the team they're working with. We ended up creating a lasting relationship and a true sense of team.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Really, nothing. I'm very happy with them and would not trade them for another agency.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CIO of a cryptocurrency exchange platform called Uphold Inc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Untile?

We hired them to help us build out a partner portal for B2B partners.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Untile has helped us develop a partner portal from scratch using various key technologies, such as JavaScript and Node.js. They’ve also conducted QA testing and will be providing us with maintenance support.

What is the team composition?

We work with four developers from their side.

How did you come to work with Untile?

It was through a recommendation.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested about $250,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in January 2021, and our collaboration is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Our internal team is very pleased with the quality of their work.

How did Untile perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve done a great job of managing the project — they always meet deadlines and stay on budget. We use Jira to manage tasks and communicate through Slack.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their professionalism, knowledge, and experience are impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve on?

No, we’ve been very happy with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be involved and define your requirements clearly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Head of design for a SaaS platform that provides SMEs, accountants and advisors with business insights, credit profile insights and funding opportunities from one platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Untile?

We hired Untile to help us with a couple of UX/UI design projects.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were looking for a design partner who could assist us with some UX/UI design projects which we had coming up and didn't have the capacity to take on ourselves.

We had initial calls with Untile to explain our projects and requirements and to better understand their offering and process to see if there would be a good fit working together.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Our product team worked together with Untile on a few different projects, from UX design through to high fidelity UI designs and protoypes.

Depending on the project requirements and goals, Untile were involved from early stages of the project from discovery and wireframes, through to final UI design and developer handover. We worked collabotatively as if they were a part of our team.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We primarily worked directly with two product designers, as well as Untile's head of design who gave oversight and direction on the design.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Having a small internal design team ourselves, we were very pleased with the way in which Untile embedded themselves into our current workflow and processes. They quickly onboarded into the projects and were able to deliver final UI work packages that were then handed over to our engineers and successfully shipped.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Untile quickly onboarded into our current workflows and processes, and essentially felt like part of the team for the duration of those projects. We would have regular daily standups, reviews, workshops and calls throughout the projects which they were a part of.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their eagerness to understand the project goals and user problems while also working within a fast paced environment allowed us to quickly iterate through designs.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

It was the first time we had worked with Untile and while I'm sure we could optimise and improve on some things for next time, we felt overall the working relationship was a great success.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of technology at a personal shopper business. We sell luxury goods that we source from other people over social media, including Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Untile?

Our existing resources were dedicated to other projects, and we identified a project that could be broken down into separate projects. With the kind of product development we do, we didn’t have the visual development and animation skills required to do this new project, as we mostly work on internal products for inventory and sales orders. Untile came on to provide our web design.  

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We already had the designs from another vendor, and Untile helped us with the build and implementation, as well as with creating some of the interactive and animated features of the design. They filled in little pieces that were missing.

It was very important for us to work with technologies that we used internally, as we wanted to take control of the website once it was finished. Untile worked out of our GitHub repository for the development and used our integrations for the deployment. There was a good combination between them acting as an internal contractor and an external company.

What is the team composition?

We had a good project manager on their side who would keep us up to date on the timing and how much of the budget we were using, making it clear if we were falling behind or if there were delays.

How did you come to work with Untile?

Someone we’d worked with referred us to them.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost was around €25,000 (approximately $26,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March–August 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We don’t have metrics, as the project was most similar to branding, but our leaders were able to show off the site when they were talking to people, as well as use it to hit our fundraising goal in a crowdfunding campaign.

The other big result was that we didn’t have to divert resources from other projects to work on the website.

How did Untile perform from a project management standpoint?

I always knew where we were. Everything turned out to be ahead of schedule, and we finished with some extra budget. We then made a few more requests on top of what we originally asked for. We tracked worked in a Gantt chart, and they were very transparent. They were even waiting on us in some respects, as we had to organize a few things.

Communication happened over a number of platforms, including Zoom calls and emails. They communicated weekly updates. If they had any doubts, they were very quick to communicate them. We agreed on this practice early on and it certainly helped us avoid delays. The communication was free-flowing; we had a dedicated Slack group in case we needed to reach out directly to the developers.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their honesty and transparency stand out the most, as did their communication.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There may have been small things throughout the process that came up, but we addressed them early on so I don’t even want to mention them. They handle feedback and constructive criticism well. We don’t have any issues that need to be handled.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Because they are honest and transparent, customers should also be honest and transparent about their needs, potential budgets, and any foreseen issues.