Ark Kaufman

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CIO and co-founder of shipshape.vc

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are shipshape.vc, the search engine for startup investment (VC, Angel, Strategic, etc)

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Ark Kaufman to accomplish?

• UI design - meet client needs
• UI design - create implementable design (based on Angular Material)
• UX - understand customer journeys and needs
• UX/UI research - investigation and recommendation of UX testing tools
• UX/UI research - execute market research
• Brand - create our visual brand identity
• Marketing and Sales collateral - create all visual assets

SOLUTION

How did you find Ark Kaufman?

Online Search
Why did you select Ark Kaufman over others?

• Great culture fit
• excellent understanding of UX/UI work shown in portfolio and in interview

How many teammates from Ark Kaufman were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

As a startup, we have moved from our first online app build through to our fourth generation app. Arkadiy has been with us throughout and has led and executed all design work. It was clear from the outset that we needed a skilled UX/UI designer to elevate our business. We were seeking an individual who could contribute their knowledge and experience to assist us in achieving our objectives.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have delivered for generations of exceptional search engines with great client engagement and reviews, with minimal rework at each transition, thanks to Arkadiy’s clear thinking and designs. He understands SaaS concepts well, and has a strong instinct for customer needs combined with a desire and aptitude for quality client research., Our audience expanded, attracting users who tried our services and were gratified with the experience.
For example and notably, a recent overhaul of our onboarding process, prepared by Arkadiy, significantly improved user engagement turning something that created a high bounce -rate into a positively-reviewed feature. In summary, Ark consistently delivered remarkable results in the realm of UX/UI design. Their wealth of expertise and extensive experience stands as a rarity in today's industry, leaving us genuinely impressed.

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

Arkadiy's project management was carried out as an embedded part of our team. We work Agile, with a fortnightly cadence. We work using the Atlassian suite, with normal Epics, Stories, Tasks, and Arkadiy fitted with this and embedded his work in Figma. Individually he managed the taxonomy of and library for all components, independently of and in conjunction with the full delivery team. 
Regarding user research and design choices, our decision-making process was influenced by both business acumen and data-driven outcomes. Ark actively engaged in a range of tasks, including testing concepts and hypotheses, enhancing user interfaces and overall user experiences, reshaping user journeys, and rigorously assessing the results.
Furthermore, he played a huge role in creating relevant 'boosting' services and refining our branding identity. For this he had control of and delivered a clean, comprehensive, usable suite of marketing assets. While the list is extensive, it encapsulates the significant areas where Ark made a profound impact.

What was your primary form of communication with Ark Kaufman?

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

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

We were fortunate to have Arkadiy join our team, as he undoubtedly ranks among the industry's exceptional designers. His work consistently delivered outstanding outcomes, spanning from prototypes to high-resolution user interfaces. Notably, his strategic prowess was evident in his ability to address complex challenges before delving into the design process. Arkadiy combines boundless creativity with a steadfast focus, making him an invaluable asset.

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

No specific areas for improvement have been identified.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a founder of a company, back there I was a product manager as well.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ark Kaufman?

Our company has worked on its own product — mobile music app 12 Pads https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1120733610. Ark Kaufman helped us to design a ‘music arcade’ mode. He created a system of levels and built the communication between app and users.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have chosen him by a recommendation. Factors: Overall good experience, the same stack, availability, quick response

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

We tested the ways of engaging new users in the music creation process. We described to Ark our vision and he has turned it into a good-looking UI.

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

Ark was a siding contractor for the design needs, he work in our team of 6 people.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We created the app gamification process, improved user engagement, refined UI Elements. Also, Ark helped us to change the logo, making it interactive which reflects the app idea and makes the app more involved.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had several rounds of changes. Ark understood the directions and was able to be back with the deliverables, which played a good role in our project. He also brought some good ideas which we are still using in the app.

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

A great skill set. Creativity and ability to solve certain tasks.

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

Not sure

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and Ceo of a technology company featuring the app tellascape. An experience media app that has received more than 1 million and funding. Available on the app store for both Android and apple.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ark Kaufman?

We desperately need an expert in ux and ui to use figma to design and help manage other designers for the original app and now the newest version', nearing launch

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Upwork. Online freelance site.

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

Research and development led to patenting of geofence technology. Raising funding we were able to hire experts like Arkadiy to assist with app enhancements. He works with the developers and organization to complete all design related tasks.

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

12 CTO CFO CMO Backend architect Backend developer Front-end developer Front end developer Business manager Assistant 3 designers

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Approaching series A everyone is impressed with Arks skillset

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Amazingly so. Arkadiy brought in a high-caliber skillset that set a positive tone.

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

Amazing company and availability. Understanding the core project and going above and beyond.

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

No