Artjoker Software

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the Head of Mycredit’s Mobile Development. The company is engaged in online consumer lending (PDL) and is among the leaders in its segment of the Ukrainian market.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Artjoker Software?

My company ordered the creation of a mobile application for issuing online loans in the company in early 2018. It was necessary to create a mobile application that will help people get loans

What were your goals for this project?

My goal was to control the creation of a mobile application at all stages, from writing documentation, design to the release of the application

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The company Artjoker is one of the leaders in the development of mobile applications and has all the necessary team for this: designers, UX, programmers, as well as extensive experience in creating quality products

Describe the project in detail.

We had several meetings at the planning stage of the creation. Artjoker company carefully studied everything necessary for the most correct execution of the work, creating a work plan, preparing design layouts and coordinating everything with us.

After that, product development began directly. The execution of tasks was divided into sprints at the end of which, as customers, we received the final result. This method helped us to interact with the highest quality.

What was the team composition?

From the side of the developer (Artjoker): Project manager, designer, UX designer, two android developers. Communication took place mainly through the project manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The application "Mycredit" online loans to the card "entered the top 10 financial applications in the" google play market ", more than 100,000 people downloaded it in a year, it has a good rating (at the time of writing the review, the rating of the application is 4.6 stars).

On our own, we provide support for the application and some of its improvements. The application itself is well written. Artjoker has done an excellent job.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Project manager and head of development department Natalia B. did everything to make the communication process as simple as possible

What did you find most impressive about this company?

All Vrtjoker employees are always open to everything new, as responsible as possible in carrying out their tasks. Working with them is easy and laid back.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything was fine

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a digital agency specializing in social media marketing, PPC, SEO, and web design.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Artjoker Software?

I initially hired them to build a WordPress website. Since then, I’ve continued working with them and our relationship has evolved.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

A friend of mine who is an actor had put together a fake presidential campaign last year, for which Artjoker Software created the website. Now, they help me with Shopify stores. The team has also been working on a website for a commercial developer who mostly builds out law offices.

I usually provide them with designs and content, and the team then works on the development using the materials that I give them.

What is the team composition?

I work with Anna (Trainee Project Manager), who serves as our project manager, and Kate (Business Development Manager), who handles budgeting and cost.

How did you come to work with Artjoker Software?

I found them on Upwork. I ultimately decided to work with them because they got back to me quickly, were willing to work within the budget, and had done other projects that were similar to what I wanted to do. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in about June 2019 and our engagement is ongoing. We launched the first WordPress website and we’re still working on the website for the commercial developer. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve been easy to work with, but the work they do is a pretty small portion of our business.

How did Artjoker Software perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management has generally been good. Although it has happened a couple of times, Artjoker Software has been quite good about not overpromising on deadlines they can’t meet. We communicate via Skype and we brought them onto Asana, which is a tool we use internally. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Different developers are good at different things. Whenever we need a higher level of technical expertise, we reach out to Artjoker Software.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I had asked them to do some WordPress work for me, but they told me that they wanted to charge me a higher rate. This isn’t outrageous, but I’m an agency owner and I prefer a cheaper rate than most end-user clients.

So, I tend to lean toward working on Shopify projects with them because they seem to want more money for WordPress projects than the market demands.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

For agencies, Artjoker Software would be great. If you have experience working with developers overseas and you understand how technologies like WordPress and Shopify work, they are a great team. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, I would recommend hiring teams in the U.S.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Head of PM department

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Artjoker Software?

We as an agency work with a different stack of technology and were asked by our business partner to help with IoS & Android development, thus we needed to find a team capable of developing.

What were your goals for this project?

We were looking for a team that can take design and specs that were created by us and make the App work

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I've sent a lot of RFQ's to different vendors, and I really liked:

1. How fast their reaction was
2. What questions I've been asked for the project.
3. How our NDA was reviewed and signed
4. Quality of the Estimation and offer

Describe the project in detail.

Even though we already had specs, Artjoker insisted to create a new one, a more detailed one. And that's how we started.

We've been lead by their team starting with technology recommendation. Step by step, we were shown the progress by builds for IoS and any of our team ould test a small part of the app and give instant feedback - which was pretty handy.

Even though we found out some differences in specs that were created by our team and then revised by theirs (human factor, we all can miss things), some point that was missing in their one still has been implemented within the agreed scope of work.

What was the team composition?

We started communication with Business Analyst at the beginning of the estimate and when the project started we had a team of: Project manager Ios developer Android developer and QA

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Generally, all went smooth. We didn't have a very strict deadline, so some of the due dates were missed, but they were totally justified and the final outcome was good. My expectation totally matched to the result.

And even though we haven't launched the app yet because we still have to adjust a few things on our side, I'm glad that I know who will help in further development and maintenance.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

All the communication went through Slack. The project manager was fast on a reply. Moreover, separate channels were created where I could talk directly with team members if needed - but that depends on the level of involvement you need.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their quick replies and a problem-solving attitude—those were the most important things to me and what I found in them. When you don't have to wait for a reply to long and you receive a solution to any problem that may pop-up, and they definitely will, that's vital to have a team capable to suggest a better solution

Are there any areas for improvement?

There is always something to be improved. I found that I spend a little bit more time to QA the apps and pointing some obvious issues, but looking back at own experience of leading teams for web dev - it's impossible to give bugs free app.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the chief development officer at a financial microcrediting company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Artjoker Software?

We needed a company to develop a platform to provide online crediting based on a model of payday lending.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed an integrative platform that has full online processes for payments. They managed all the technical parts starting from website creation, then moving to software development. Finally, they integrated the software with the required external software.

We also have a new project and implementation that’s starting now.

What is the team composition?

We have a dedicated project manager.

How did you come to work with Artjoker Software?

We did a tender and based on that internal process, we selected Artjoker Software. They were the most competitive in terms of portfolio, quality of execution, and value for money.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2018, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The feedback has been positive, and the work has been a success. The solution that they delivered is adequate and exactly what we wanted. We were able to achieve the implementation and start our business in record time. The collaboration has been vital for reducing the timeline necessary for our startup.

How did Artjoker Software perform from a project management standpoint?

We interact daily from morning to evening. Their responsiveness is 120%.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very flexible, very fast, and extremely open for new projects. Compared to other developers I’ve worked with, they offer much more flexibility and have the ability to overcome obstacles.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could improve their day-to-day efficiency of managing tasks in a very fast-changing approach. It’s not necessarily a negative thing and we’ve made progress in the last month.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

No, I can't name anything.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of a startup called Cook@Home. It’s a C2C platform that will enable anyone with a passion for cooking to create a free profile and share dishes or menus.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Artjoker Software?

Using an in-house developer, we started the project almost three years ago. Back then, our ambitions and view of the platform were more limited, but, after redoing the UI/UX design of the website one year ago, we realized that the scope had to be broadened and a single developer would not be able to handle such a challenging project.

Previously, we found another Ukrainian company on Clutch, and they did a good job on our design. We wanted another partner for the web development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The product is based on JavaScript and the Laravel PHP framework, which is flexible and allows for better development. It’s a complicated e-commerce platform, with two kinds of users: the ones offering the service, and the ones looking to purchase. There are booking, payment, review, and social components. We also plan to integrate it with an ICO (initial coin offering) token system. The platform is almost as sophisticated as ones like Airbnb; we’ve tried to achieve the same kind of flexibility.

What is the team composition?

The initial email conversations were with the business manager. She described Artjoker Software’s work approach and the quality they provided, and we figured out an estimate and started the project. I was assigned a project manager and a small development team. Now, I interface with their project manager.

How did you come to work with Artjoker Software?

We couldn’t afford companies in the U.S. or Western Europe so we decided to work with Russian-speaking developers who had a reputation for being good programmers. We found a good price range in Ukraine, and we started to select our candidates from there. We finally decided to go with Artjoker Software.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve paid around $20,000 for their work. This was a low price compared to other studios, some of which were asking up to $100,000. This project required almost 1,000 hours to develop.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Artjoker Software at the end of May or beginning of June 2018. The work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

So far, the demo that Artjoker Software showed me worked. They’ve been making huge progress, and they’re usually ahead of time with deliveries by 5–6 days.

How did Artjoker Software perform from a project management standpoint?

We were in touch almost daily during the drafting of the project plan, which took almost three weeks. The technical specifications were complicated and long, taking over 40 pages just to specify how the website worked. Now, I hear from the project manager 2–3 times per week, aside from the thorough weekly reports. I provide further information as needed, such as access to API keys, but they work mostly autonomously.

We divided the development of the platform into two stages: the minimal viable product (MVP) and the final version. The MVP was divided into four sprints, and they’ve just started working on the third one. Once the first version is ready, we plan to go live with it. Our marketing team will collect cooks who are going to offer their services while Artjoker Software continues to develop the final version, which we’ll upload a few months later.

Sprints are decided upon before starting the development. They set up a Skype call at the end of each one during which they show me a live demo of what they did with a step-by-step breakdown of the sprint content. I’m happy with them and their work style.

The communication is done mostly through email and Skype calls. We use Jira for task management. I’ve always had access to their servers and development and testing environment.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re always friendly and willing to find alternative solutions to our problems. We’ve had some difficulties achieving some specific goals with the platform, but we were able to pin down doable alternative solutions with Artjoker Software’s help. Also, they have a competitive price/quality ratio.

Considering Artjoker Software’s quality and the speed at which they work, they’re very professional. They’re swift at understanding our concepts. Whenever we’ve had a problem with estimates or delivery time, for example, they’re willing to find a common ground.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Potentially, their weakest side could be English communication. They’re not native speakers and their proficiency is limited, but it’s good enough to produce a 40-page technical document. Sometimes I might ask them to repeat an answer or explaining a concept twice, but they’re smart in picking things up.

I haven’t found a downside to Artjoker Software, and I hope it remains this way.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Take particular care into drafting the technical documentation. The development contract will be based on that documentation, so it should be as thorough, deep, and specific as possible. Artjoker Software always tries to give us the best price, but they also warn us that, if we go outside of the specifications during development, they will ask for extra pay. Once those documents are approved, Artjoker Software will do an excellent job, but the documentation needs to be clear for both parts.

I recommend Artjoker Software to any client who might be interested in them. They’re truly skilled, professional, hardworking, and cost-effective.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m head of the sales department for FC Shakhtar Donetsk, a football club in Ukraine.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Artjoker Software?

We needed to create a mobile app for ticket sales.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app was created for fans that want to purchase tickets digitally. It’s currently available for Android devices but we will be creating an iOS version in the future. Fans are able to choose the section they want to sit in and then purchase the tickets through the app, which gives them a barcode that’s scanned when they enter the stadium.

What is the team composition?

We worked with their IT project manager and another person.

How did you come to work with Artjoker Software?

There were two or three other companies in Ukraine that could do this for us, but Artjoker, in my opinion, is the best company in our region. We felt that they would deliver and decided to have them work on this project.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent $11,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from December 2017 to February 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It’s a very dynamic app, and within only one month of publishing it in the Google Play Store, we had 3,000 downloads. After three or four football matches, we sold between 400–500 tickets through it. Our fans are very thankful because it makes it easier for them to purchase tickets, eliminating the need to visit the box office in person or print their tickets from home.

How did Artjoker Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re a professional company that works fast. They maintained communication with us at all hours of the day.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’re so happy with their work that we’ve decided to have them develop our iOS app as well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would recommend working with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of Wapit. We’re a web development company mainly focused on Magento and custom PHP applications.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Artjoker?

Initially, we needed additional Magento developers but as we saw their skill, we realized that it would be useful to increase their web development workload.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We came to them with clearly defined requirements, timelines, and technical expectations. The team worked in iterative sprints and used Magento for the initial web development project. As we’ve increased their workload, they’ve also used custom PHP code, Laravel, and WordPress.

What is the team composition?

Artjoker’s team consisted of a project manager and a front- and backend developer. Our internal team and project manager had direct contact with them.

How did you come to work with Artjoker?

A company I had previously outsourced some work to referred me to them. After their success on the first project, we decided to increase the amount we worked with them.

How much have you invested with them?

All of our projects together have totaled €24,000 ($27,839 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in October 2013 and still have ongoing engagements with custom Laravel and WordPress projects.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They have skilled developers that deliver high-quality code. I’ve been satisfied with all of their deliverables, and see them as a great asset to our company.

How did Artjoker perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication is very important to me, and their project managers are definitely responsive. We use the project and task management tool Work Section to update the progress of each task. We also use Slack quite often, and occasionally Jira or Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They begin working immediately when we give them clear project details and requirements. They see us as their partner, so they always follow up on their work and consistently provide feedback on how to improve our support.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’ve actually helped us improve some aspects of our workflow. For example, we would usually come to them with every facet of the project detailed. Now, based on their guidance, we include them much earlier in the process so that they can give realistic, technical feedback on requirements and timeline estimations.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

With every project, you need to make sure you’re in charge of the schedule and expectations.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder of Tag A Long, which allows users to connect and train with professional athletes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Artjoker?

We had an alpha version of the platform, and we needed outside assistance to handle software development, wireframing, and all design for iOS.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The initial version had basic functionality as far as which buttons would go to which screens. Artjoker increased that functionality with a backend administration panel, which allowed for easier access and faster changes. It is a catch-all platform that manages all users and athletes and allows for communication from both parties. After the upcoming iOS launch, we plan to build an Android version.

What is the team composition?

The business developer and project manager of the mobile department were our main contact points. The project manager was our liaison to the Ukraine-based engineers. 

How did you come to work with Artjoker?

We conducted an online search of local software development companies. I don’t have a lot of background in software development and tech, so I needed to find an organization that had a good reputation and provided all the services we needed. We compared portfolios and previous clients. We had three calls with Artjoker to discuss our goals, and they took extensive notes and sent recap emails to clarify the scope of the work. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $16,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in December 2017 and it is ongoing. We are anticipating a June 1 iOS launch. We are in the final 5-10% of the beta minimal viable product for our application and platform. We are also anticipating future collaboration on an Android version.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Although we haven’t launched the iOS yet, in terms of what I envisioned for this app and what it actually looks like, I couldn't be happier with it. It's exceeded my expectations. Hopefully, we can bring on one or two of their developers full-time to manage the user base and the company as it grows on the software side.

How did Artjoker perform from a project management standpoint?

From the beginning, Artjoker was concerned about the end goal. They understood the big picture from the start so I didn't have to micromanage. I was based in LA and they were based in Ukraine, so there was a limited amount of time each morning to work, but we would call or text regularly, and everything was efficient and seamless. Their engineering team spoke Russian, but very little was lost in translation. I was coming from a very non-tech background, but everything was explained to me in a much more basic way as to why we were making certain changes.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We've worked with several freelancers for different services, but Artjoker has the ability to provide multiple solutions. That makes them stand out. They also understood what the goal was and what steps we needed to take for completion. They adjusted swiftly to any changes I wanted to make.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Working in different time zones has been a challenge, but we worked around that. Given those circumstances, the fact that we've made the progress that we have in six months is why we'll continue with them as opposed to finding someone more local.

Any advice for potential customers?

Ukraine is generating many talented engineers, so it would be worthwhile to explore the options with Artjoker. I would recommend getting to know the leadership and development team on a personal level as well.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder and director of AVI Design Ltd. We're an e-commerce business specialized in contemporary furniture, home accessories, and anything with a pure design aspect.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Artjoker?

I needed to get Magento up and running as we were starting from scratch.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They came up with a plan of action. I signed up for the full package, meaning that they developed the platform and they run the project for me. We chose a template which was more suitable for the business model. They came up with all of the features and the design. They delivered all of that, plus they implemented SEO [search engine optimiztion] and the blog side of things.

What is the team dynamic?

My first point of contact is Roman Katerinchik [CEO, Artjoker]. I've also been speaking with Nikita Borisovsky [Business Analyst, Artjoker] who handles the SEO side of things along with Elena Halyavka [Chief Marketing Director, Artjoker]. I contact Roman and Nikita on a daily basis. They give reports every Friday. If there’s any backlog or anything like that, they'd let me know weekly. We'd stay in touch on WhatsApp on a daily basis. If there's anything I need, I usually just pick up the phone and send an SMS.

How did you come to work with Artjoker?

My IT director found them. When I was doing my research, I spoke to a few companies in U.K. and U.S. Unfortunately, the service wasn't great, plus the costs were 30% to 40% higher than Artjoker.

When I spoke to Artjoker, I realized they were really good. They're knowledgeable, they understand what the client requires, and most importantly, they deliver on time. It was down to execution versus time, meaning that they came out a bit cheaper, a lot quicker, and their service was really good. By far, it was probably the best out there that I've found, and I've spoken to about 10–12 companies.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent 9,000 to 10,000 euros [$10,800–$12,000].

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them since April 2015. They delivered the platform in November 2017 and since then I've signed a contract with them so they can be my support team. SEO is an ongoing project as well.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We're very happy with the work they've done. My expectations were quite high, but they've managed to perform better than expected.

How did Artjoker perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management is 9 out of 10. We mainly communicate through phone and email. They have a system for clients to keep track of things, but I didn't need it. We've been delayed only by two weeks, but that was because I was thinking about something.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their approach. They understand the client, they relate to them, and they understand the project. They've been mainly focusing on the Russian, Ukrainian, and European markets, and more recently on the U.S. too.

They look after their clients and that’s what made their approach a lot better than other companies. Some of the other companies didn't call me back or didn't follow up on the requirements. Artjoker always calls and goes out of their way to always perform better, asking if there's anything else they can do or suggest how to improve something. They think outside of the box.

Are there any areas they could improve?

If they refine they're doing and how they work, they will get a lot more business.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be as open as possible and give as much information as possible, so there's a proper dialogue between the client and the company. The client is always right, but that's not always the case. From the client's point of view, being open-minded can give way to even better ideas.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a program manager at Avia Lux, a helicopter training center located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. We provide flight and maintenance personnel with training for Mi-type helicopters.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Artjoker Software?

We needed to create a website for the training center. We had one previously, but it had grown outdated, so nothing was being taken from it. Artjoker Software started from scratch.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The website consists of information, pictures, and specific designs for questionnaires which potential students can fill in. These responses are sent to my email inbox, and there is also a feature for requesting phone calls.

We also have slides going from one part of the website to another. Everything is interconnected and logical, so if a person wants to see specific information, they are automatically taken to that part of the site. I find this functionality to be helpful in understanding the scope of work in the training center.

Artjoker software developed the website with a focus on the training we offer, since we aren’t selling a large range of products. The main goal of redesigning the website was to make it more user-friendly and to have more people engage with our company.

Artjoker’s website design is modern, and they incorporated everything we asked for. They are a professional team, and they know how everything works. The content for the website was provided by us.

What is the team dynamic?

We worked with a program manager who collected the overall idea of what we were expecting from the project, then this information was transferred to someone else who took care of website implementation. They managed a team of at least 3-5 people who were each responsible for particular aspects of the design. I was not in communication with the team, so I forwarded questions to my specific contact, and he always replied promptly.

Once the project was finished, a third contact took care of the maintenance process. I could address this person if I had any questions or issues after the implementation of the website.

How did you come to work with Artjoker Software?

A friend of mine recommended Artjoker. I compared prices with similar companies and looked at customer reviews, then decided they were right for the project.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested between $3,000-$5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Artjoker in February-April 2016, and the project was completed within 3 months. Afterwards, I addressed a couple issues from a technical point of view, including how to change some parts of the site. The last time I contacted them was 2 months ago, and they still helped me. We’re in touch on Facebook, so I don’t have a problem with writing a message or calling if something is wrong. Artjoker is an open-minded and easygoing team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Overall, I can say that Artjoker is a professional and responsive team. They really listen to the customer, and they make analyzations to try to find solutions, even for the craziest of ideas. This is impressive because not all companies actually want to hear what the customer wants. Their work was done quickly, so I would say they are reliable as well.

The website has been received well by customers.

How did Artjoker Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They were in contact with me 24/7. I could write a message at any time of day, and they would respond even if it wasn’t during working hours. I’m not sure who takes care of what, so having a single contact who manages the team and answers my questions is beneficial. We used WhatsApp, Facebook, email, and Skype for communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Artjoker distinguishes themselves from other companies by being a team of young professionals with open minds. It’s as if they are ahead of technology, and rather than us having to explain things to them, they tell us how things need to be done.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything.