Boxfish Studio

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of electronics R&D at Fazua GmbH, an electronic bike company. We produce the drivetrain — the battery, motor, and sensor in the pedal — for the e-bikes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Boxfish Studio?

We needed an external company to help us develop some technology.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Boxfish Studio's collaboration was based in three different fields: firmware, desktop applications, and the web.

For the firmware, they helped us to develop different functionalities using an ARM-Cortex M3 microprocessor. It uses I2C drivers and USB communication. Using the same micro but with different peripheral hardware, they develop a functional test — simulating and analyzing digital and analog signals — after it was integrated in the needle test of the Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) production line.

For the desktop applications, the application called "service toolbox"  —implemented in Java — is our interface between the bike — an ARM processor — and the user. It has USB and Content Addressable Network (CAN) functionality as well as communication to a cloud server. They have helped us improve our Common Interface (CI), which is built in Java FX, as well as add new features and increase the possibilities of the CAN and USB communication.

They helped in two projects for the web. The main one was a Manufacturing Executing System (MES) that helps keep track of all the pieces during the production line. They helped with the backend using Django as well as the frontend development using React. The second project was the webpage.

What is the team composition?

We started with two people: Augustin (Head & Co-Founder) who worked on the electronics, software, and backend; and Begonia (Heart & Co-Founder), who worked on the frontend and desktop application. They then added a web developer.

How did you come to work with Boxfish Studio?

Some of the team worked for our company in the past; I’ve known them for a long time.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $130,000–$140,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in June 2018. We’re still working together, but we don’t have a project right now as we don't have enough development force in-house. Our last project ended a few months ago.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They have a good overview of the technologies, are flexible, and do a great job at implementation. They do high-quality work.

How did Boxfish Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

We use Jira, and I’m able to track everything they’re doing. The communication is very good; we have no misunderstandings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a clear idea of what they need to do and jump right in, quickly producing something we can work with.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s okay to know what to do and ignore how to do it. Ask them, trust their recommendation. They will offer different ways and help you choose the best technology and solution.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the chief marketing officer of Lookiero, an online personal shopping service. Users can take a style questionnaire on our website and, based on their answers, we send them a collection of clothing, which they can decide to keep or return. We currently operate in seven countries in Europe, with plans to expand.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Boxfish Studio?

We needed to optimize our homepage in order to increase our conversion rate.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We engaged Boxfish Studio to redesign our landing pages to be used in our performance marketing campaigns. They developed the page in Unbounce, which facilitates both A/B testing and iterative updates. 

After the first project of the phase was completed, Boxfish Studio continued to follow up and provide support. 

What is the team composition?

We interfaced with two members of their team. Begoña (Co-Founder) was our main point of contact, and we were also in touch with Agustín (Co-Founder).

How did you come to work with Boxfish Studio?

We considered a few options, but decided Boxfish Studio would be the best fit.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $10,000-$25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project took place from September–October 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The code is solid and well-structured; we can implement updates without interfering with the responsiveness of the page. The entire process was smooth and fluid. They’re experts in their field.

How did Boxfish Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

Boxfish Studio initially estimated the project would be completed in one month, and they actually took less time. The team provided immediate responses and were quick problem-solvers with a strong attention to detail. They added us to their Slack channel to stay in touch, which kept communication smooth.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The experience working with them was extremely satisfying. If we ever have a need for another development project, we’ll absolutely turn to Boxfish Studio. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing I can highlight specifically that Boxfish Studio could’ve improved.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you collaborate as much as possible. Give Boxfish Studio frequent feedback and follow up often. You’ll be much more aligned, and the project will go in a great direction.