Arounda

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a startup with an on-demand delivery platform. I'm the CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Arounda?

We hired them to help with design and general business strategies.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We discussed our strategy, they gave us some guidance, and we started on first drafts of our UI/UX designs. They built the entire framework of our app, and they've done brand guidelines, vision, and brand books. The whole app was designed in Sketch.

After the app was finished, they created marketing materials, icons, and stationery design. They created newsletters, flyers, business cards, and other small print materials.

What is the team composition?

We're in contact with one or two individuals, but there were also two or three designers and one or two people who worked on our brand guidelines.

How did you come to work with Arounda?

We found them on Upwork. We looked at their portfolio, and we liked their style. We reached out to them, and they were very easy to communicate with. They were willing to take the lead, which we liked.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent €150,000-€200,000 (approximately $167,000-$223,000 USD) over the course of our engagement.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working in January 2018, and they finished the big project in September 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We receive good reviews from our userbase, and the design is modern, fluid, and self-explanatory. They realized our vision, and we love the results. They have high standards, and they always delivered excellent work. They help us stand out from our competition.

How did Arounda perform from a project management standpoint?

We really liked their project management, and they sent us regular updates with explanations of the decisions they made. They offered a lot of transparency, and they met most of our deadlines. They used InVision to share prototypes, and we worked a lot via Google Drive.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They often took the lead, and their designs are very on-trend. They always tried to make us the best in our field.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Because they expanded so rapidly, we didn't always know who to contact. After a few days, we expressed our concerns and they assigned a fixed account manager. They could still work to manage their scaling a little better.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They have high-quality standards, so be prepared for them to take their time. If you are looking for a fast solution, look elsewhere. They take their work very seriously, and they dedicate time to their projects.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the director of marketing at Metricly before it was acquired by Virtana. We were a SaaS IT company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Arounda?

We were looking for a partner to lead the design and user experience of our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Arounda provided us with UI strategy, design, and development. They also created graphics for us. We were building on WordPress at the time. Arounda used Bootstrap to create the frontend frameworks and designs that we’d then implement on WordPress.

For each task, we came to Arounda with an idea for a new page on the site and an outline of the content we wanted. Arounda came back with some light UI sketches that we modified or improved. After that, they gave us high fidelity mockups. Once we gave our approval, they moved into the development phase to build and publish the page.

What is the team composition?

We worked with 3–4 people, including a UI designer, a UI developer, and a project manager.

How did you come to work with Arounda?

I originally worked with them on some personal projects. I brought them in to work on our company’s UI.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $10,000–$20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The collaboration ran from June 2018 to May 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Arounda delivered enterprise-grade work that outperformed anything we’d had before in terms of design and functionality. The blog they built as part of our site directly contributed to a 400% increase in SEO traffic (combined with our own content strategy). They brought our site and aesthetic to a new level that we couldn’t have achieved on our own.

How did Arounda perform from a project management standpoint?

They were highly organized and paid very close attention to detail. They provided us with a project management system where we could log in and view progress for each task.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Arounda was extremely flexible and quick to pick up a product’s requirements. In many cases, we gave them minimal direction, and they’d take that and turn around something that fully matched our vision.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We had to collaborate with them at first to work out some issues in project management. We wanted more precise expectations about costs and timelines for specific pages. Overall, however, it was good.

Any advice for potential customers?

Absolutely work with Arounda. You won’t be disappointed.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of the app, which purpose is to help people develop mental strength, boost motivation, make better decisions and improve performance.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Arounda?

Mobile app UX/UI development. Landing page UX/UI and development.

What were your goals for this project?

Design user attractive yet intuitive mobile app. The challenge was to organize right structure of many sections that app has, so the user won't be lost.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I made a search on Upwork and saw high rating for this agency and affordable price.

Describe the project in detail.

I gave them design from the previous company which I did not like that much and also made my own iteration based on it suing Sketch. Decribed to Arounda the whole idea and asked to improve it. After they gave some thinking to it they proposed to start from scratch and work on the prototype screens and focus first on UX, test them, iterate and then work on the UI.

After many iterations, we have agreed on the final prototype and started to work on it, which also had quit many iterations. Some of them I did not asked for and they were coming up with new ideas and always trying to look with fresh eyes and challenge it. This obviously made design much better.

What was the team composition?

Project manager, designers and developer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app is now in the final stages of development. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Super effective. Arounda Project manager always in contact with me and patiently answered my requests and came proactively with some proposals.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Ability to challenge me, my ideas, think proactively, test assumptions. This is quite a rare skill. Most would do what is asked. They focus on delivery of great quality work.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing that comes to mind

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We're an adult video on-demand company. I'm the co-founder and CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Arounda?

We didn't have a set team of designers, and we outsourced various parts of our design to separate individuals. As a result, we didn't have a uniform image. We wanted a team that could join us, understand our products and our brand, and create a more professional, consistent brand.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They do all of our website design. That includes the backend and our admin area, email design, and various offline assets like flyers and event materials. They also do some code work for us. We have our own in-house development team, and they work along with our staff. They do some of the frontend code of their designs, and our developers work on the backend elements that go along with them. They fully realize the designs they provide, and they often take on entire tasks from start to finish.

They use InVision and Sketch, but I'm not sure of the other technologies they use. InVision is helpful to share those designs with our team. We recently sponsored a film festival, and they did all the design for those related materials. They also do some animation, and we've added their graphic work to some of our videos.

What is the team composition?

I have one main point of contact, but I was originally onboarded by one of their directors. They have various departments, so we also work directly with a UX lead and a traditional branding team for logo design.

How did you come to work with Arounda?

I found them on Dribbble, along with a few other possible agencies. Because of the nature of our business, we're fairly restricted. They were willing to work with us, and we had a few conversations with them. We started with some low-level tasks, and we went from there.

How much have you invested with them?

We pay for features as they arise, and we work anywhere between 10-40 hours a week with them. Our most recent contract was about $8,000 at a rate of $28 per hour. I'd estimate we've spent somewhere between $50,000-$200,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in February or March 2018. The collaboration is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They have a very modern approach for an affordable price. Their quality is comparable to UX firms that charge more than double their hourly rate. They never compromise, and their work is cutting edge. They've helped us improve our conversion rates, but I don't have any solid metrics to share offhand.

How did Arounda perform from a project management standpoint?

We have a Trello board set up, and we create tickets for them in their incoming task list. Our main contact then assigns tasks to the designers on their team. We also communicate regularly via phone or Skype about anything outside the brief or anything that is unclear. In general, their project management and availability are major strengths. I never wait longer than an hour for a response, and our product manager fully understands our products and our needs.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I've worked with other design firms, but this is definitely my most positive experience. Their turnaround is quick and efficient, and we rarely need to change much. We can usually trust them to come back with something we'll like, and they often go beyond what we initially had in mind. They have knowledge our team doesn't have, and they come up with good solutions. Their initial results are almost always what we want, and we never get locked into endless iteration.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They're not as comfortable on the phone as they are via text. That may be due to a lack of confidence in their language skills and might be an area of improvement for them. There is also occasionally a lack of communication in the design process. The rare misunderstandings could be avoided with a little extra clarification. That's only happened once or twice, and there's very little they could improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you're looking for a designer, look over their portfolio. Everything they present is as it seems, and they're a very good team. Their process is straightforward and self-explanatory.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Deputy CEO of Lviv IT Cluster

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Lviv IT Cluster - the largest business association of tech companies in Ukraine. We develop the technology industry in the region and the country together with government and education representatives

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Our primary objective was to redesign the UX/UI of our platform so that it could better serve tech companies, partners, startups, investors, and the wider public, while also strengthening our identity as a forward-looking innovation hub.

SOLUTION

How did you find Arounda?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select Arounda over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Arounda were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Arounda approached the collaboration with a deep understanding of both digital design and ecosystem-driven platforms. Their work began with an exploration of how different user groups interact with our content and services. Based on these insights, they restructured the information architecture, redesigned key user journeys, and developed a visual system that balanced institutional credibility with modern tech aesthetics. The scope of deliverables included detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, a comprehensive design system, responsive UI layouts, and guidelines that ensured consistency across web and mobile environments. They also aligned the design with our long-term strategic goals, ensuring that the platform could evolve alongside the Cluster’s growth.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The results of the project were tangible and encouraging. We observed increased engagement across our digital channels, longer session durations, and a noticeable improvement in how users navigated our resources and initiatives. Feedback from member companies and partners highlighted the clarity and professionalism of the new interface, while internal teams reported smoother content management and communication workflows. These outcomes demonstrated that the redesign was not merely visual but had a direct impact on usability and perception.

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

Throughout the project, Arounda’s project management stood out for its clarity and reliability. They maintained consistent communication, delivered milestones on schedule, and showed a strong ability to adapt when our requirements evolved. Their responsiveness and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue made the collaboration feel more like a partnership than a standard vendor relationship.

What was your primary form of communication with Arounda?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What impressed us most was their ability to translate the spirit and complexity of a large tech community into a coherent digital experience. Arounda managed to capture both the strategic vision and human dimension of Lviv IT Cluster, creating an interface that feels dynamic, inclusive, and future-oriented.

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

If there is any area where they could further enhance their contribution, it would be in providing deeper insights into long-term user behavior after launch, although this was beyond the original scope. Overall, the collaboration with Arounda significantly elevated our digital presence and helped us communicate our mission more effectively to the global tech community.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the COO of Infrakit

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Infrakit is a map-first construction management platform purpose-built for large infrastructure projects. It connects teams, machinery, and data in real time across brands, systems, and project phases. By centralizing designs, models, schedules, and documentation on a live map, Infrakit eliminates rework and accelerates delivery all on an open platform that integrates seamlessly with industry-leading tools like Trimble, Leica, and Topcon. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Our objective was to redesign the UX/UI so that complex map-based data, real-time collaboration, and multi-system integrations could be understood and used effortlessly by engineers, project managers, and external stakeholders. We wanted the interface to become more intuitive, visually structured, and scalable, while also strengthening our brand identity across digital touchpoints.

SOLUTION

How did you find Arounda?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select Arounda over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Arounda were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The scope of Arounda’s work was comprehensive and strategic. They began by analyzing our existing platform architecture, user workflows, and interaction patterns across different project phases. Based on these insights, they redesigned core user journeys, improved information hierarchy, and developed a new UX framework tailored to a map-first environment. Their deliverables included detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, a unified design system, high-fidelity UI screens, and responsive layouts optimized for desktop and mobile use. They also provided clear documentation and visual guidelines to ensure that our internal development teams could implement and scale the design consistently across future product updates. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The results of the collaboration were both measurable and impactful. After the redesign, we recorded a significant improvement in user engagement and task completion speed, while feedback from clients indicated that navigating complex project data had become noticeably easier. We also saw a reduction in usability-related support requests and faster onboarding for new users, which confirmed that the new UX/UI was not only visually appealing but also functionally effective. 

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

Arounda’s project management approach was structured, transparent, and reliable. They adhered closely to agreed timelines, communicated progress regularly, and were proactive in addressing potential challenges before they became issues. Whenever we requested changes or refinements, the team responded thoughtfully and efficiently, balancing our feedback with design best practices to maintain consistency and quality throughout the project.

What was your primary form of communication with Arounda?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What stood out most about Arounda was their ability to deeply understand a highly specialized, map-driven construction platform and translate that complexity into a clear and elegant user experience. They demonstrated a rare combination of analytical thinking, technical awareness, and creative design, which allowed them to deliver solutions that were both innovative and practical. Their ability to align design decisions with real operational needs made the partnership particularly valuable.

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

If there is one area where Arounda could further enhance their offering, it would be in extending their involvement into post-launch optimization and user behavior analytics. While their design work was excellent, deeper ongoing insights into how users interact with the new interface could have added another layer of value. That said, this was outside the original scope and does not diminish the overall success of the collaboration.

Overall, working with Arounda significantly elevated the usability, clarity, and strategic positioning of Infrakit’s platform, and the project delivered lasting value both for our users and our internal teams.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Senior Director of Intego Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Intego Group is a global technology consulting company that provides high-end software engineering, clinical research, and data science services. Intego Group is the collaboration of Intego Solutions, Intego Clinical, and Intego Data Science. About our subsidiaries: - Intego Solutions. Specializing in full-lifecycle software development and high-end solution implementations across various technologies by using transparent and flexible engagement models. - Intego Clinical

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Arounda to address a growing challenge: our digital platforms across Intego Solutions, Intego Clinical, and Intego Data Science were increasingly complex, making it difficult for clients and internal teams to navigate services efficiently. Our main objectives were to streamline the user experience, unify the look and feel across all our platforms, and ensure that our highly technical offerings were presented in a clear, engaging, and intuitive manner.

SOLUTION

How did you find Arounda?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select Arounda over others?

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

How many teammates from Arounda were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Arounda tackled the project in a highly structured and collaborative manner. Their scope included conducting detailed research into our current user journeys, interviewing stakeholders across all three subsidiaries, and auditing existing interfaces for usability issues. They then designed comprehensive wireframes, interactive prototypes, and a cohesive UI system that covered desktop and mobile platforms. 
Key deliverables included a full design system, reusable component libraries, updated iconography and typography, and interactive mockups for each platform. They also provided recommendations for onboarding improvements, workflow optimizations, and visual storytelling to make complex data science and clinical research concepts easier to understand. The result was a fully integrated, scalable UX/UI solution that brought clarity and elegance to our multi-faceted services.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The results exceeded our expectations. Users reported faster task completion and significantly fewer navigation errors, while internal teams found the platform far easier to manage and update. Metrics showed a 30% reduction in support queries and a noticeable improvement in workflow efficiency across the board. 
Overall, the redesigned platforms improved user satisfaction and engagement, aligning perfectly with our goals of clarity, professionalism, and operational efficiency.

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

Arounda’s project management was highly professional. They set clear milestones, communicated progress consistently, and were remarkably responsive whenever we requested modifications or clarification. Even when adjustments were needed mid-project, they accommodated changes without delays, demonstrating both flexibility and reliability.

What was your primary form of communication with Arounda?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What stood out most was their ability to understand highly technical and specialized domains and turn them into interfaces that were both functional and visually compelling. Arounda combined analytical thinking with creative design in a way that felt rare, ensuring that the user experience matched the sophistication of our services without overwhelming the end-user.

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

If I were to suggest one small area for enhancement, it would be additional post-launch analytics support. While their designs were excellent, a deeper layer of guidance on tracking user engagement and behavior after launch would have added even more value. That said, it was a minor consideration and did not detract from the overall success of the project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-Founder of Whoof

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The Whoof project aims to create the best platform connecting future dog adopters with professional, reputable, and passionate breeders.

Our project is supported by numerous breeders and partners, and developed by a team that is both highly skilled in technology and deeply passionate about the canine world.

A little patience Whoof will be launching sometime in 2024. In the meantime, you can find us on Instagram or visit our website!

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• We needed the platform to clearly explain how breeders are selected, how adoption works, and why Whoof is different, all while remaining easy to navigate for users who may be emotionally invested and cautious at the same time.

SOLUTION

How did you find Arounda?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select Arounda over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Arounda were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Arounda approached the project with a clear understanding that this was not just a design task, but a mission-driven product. Their work covered user flow planning, UX structure, wireframes, and detailed UI design across the platform. They took time to understand how adopters search, compare, and build confidence before reaching out to a breeder. The team delivered thoughtfully structured screens, a consistent visual language, and layouts that guide users naturally through discovery and decision-making. Every design element served a purpose, from how information was grouped to how interactions encouraged calm and clarity. The final deliverables gave us a complete, ready-to-build design foundation that aligned perfectly with our product vision.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The impact of Arounda’s work was evident as soon as we began sharing the designs internally and with early partners. The platform instantly felt more credible, organized, and welcoming.

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

Our development process became smoother because the designs were clear, detailed, and logically structured, leaving little room for confusion. Arounda managed the project with professionalism and consistency, meeting deadlines and staying responsive throughout the collaboration. When feedback was shared, they listened carefully, offered alternatives, and refined the designs without losing momentum.

What was your primary form of communication with Arounda?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What stood out most was their ability to understand the emotional context behind dog adoption and reflect that sensitivity in the interface.

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

If anything could be improved, it would be involving them even earlier in future strategic discussions, as their perspective added value beyond design alone. Overall, working with Arounda felt reliable, thoughtful, and genuinely collaborative.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Lead Developer of beespace technologies ltd

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Beespace develops intelligent hardware and intuitive software that make building management simpler, smarter and more sustainable

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• UI/UX design
• Animations

SOLUTION

How did you find Arounda?

Online Search

Why did you select Arounda over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit

How many teammates from Arounda were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

UX/UI figma design
Animation flows for the website

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Delivery of the design within specified timelines.

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

Set up a slack channel to provide consistent and timely updates on the design. 
Regularly checked in with updates so we could provide real time feedback.

What was your primary form of communication with Arounda?

Virtual Meeting

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

Arounda had a good work ethic and was very transparent throughout the process.

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

More consistancy through figma files. The designer -> dev flow was a bit difficult.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of Pulsar Finance

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Biotech Startup

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Branding
• Landing Page Design
• App Design

SOLUTION

How did you find Arounda?

Online Search

Why did you select Arounda over others?

Good value for cost

How many teammates from Arounda were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Great designs for UX and Branding

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Deliverables

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

Great project management, and communication

What was your primary form of communication with Arounda?

Virtual Meeting

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

Arounda has excellent designers.

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

None