CitrusBits

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the special projects director for Associated Students UCLA. We are the student association for the University of California Los Angeles.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CitrusBits?

We hired CitrusBits to develop an application for us to be launched on iOS and Android.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We have successfully launched our app for iOS and are getting ready to launch for Android. The app itself features the location and map directions to our various facilities around campus and the ability for admin access on the backend as needed for updating. The app is not too complex, but we had a very aggressive timeline of just two months for delivery, as we wanted it to be ready by freshman orientation. Aside from development, CitrusBits has also handled all the testing.

What is the team composition?

We work with a project manager and business manager, and have also spoken to their CEO and around six developers as needed.

How did you come to work with CitrusBits?

They came recommended from a colleague. We did look at around 10 other companies, however, CitrusBits made it clear that they could really lead the project without too much oversight, while the other companies wanted more information and direction than we were able to give. I think that really reflects CitrusBits’ industry expertise because they were able to take our general ideas and run with them.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we have invested almost $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We have been working together since April 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are very pleased with the delivered application and have received positive reviews from some students on campus. So far, we have been hitting our target download numbers on the App Store, and hope to do the same once we launch for Android.

How did CitrusBits perform from a project management standpoint?

They have been very upfront and honest about what is achievable while still meeting our aggressive timeline, which has made them a really good fit as a partner. They never promise things they can’t deliver, and they work hard to hit all their marks. We use Basecamp to manage the project, and they will post calendars detailing things like when bills are due and so forth. That being said, they are very organized, and if we ever need to change something on the calendar they are very accommodating.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are really customer oriented and have proven they have a wealth of expertise in the industry.

Any advice for potential customers?

I communicate a lot with CitrusBits and both sides have worked hard to have shared expectations. I think that has really allowed the engagement to be successful.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president and owner of a lifestyle and celebrity-based public relations firm that caters to special types of influencers. We do all kinds of PR, including social, digital, print, TV, and media exposure. We pitch both locally and nationally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CitrusBits?

We engaged them to promulgate a client’s very first app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We gave them the brand guidelines and they took the lead on wireframes and iOS development. They did their homework on our client and got quickly into her voice. They developed five or six categories within the app, which is a challenge-based lifestyle platform. We entered a huge volume of recipes and there are food and diet challenges at varying lengths and intensities.

Users can drag and drop specific recipes into the calendar and customize meal notifications. Later versions of the app will track nutritional data to help determine macros and micros. We anticipate a lot of questions from users, as this is the first app of its kind to use this space.

CitrusBits did a good job translating our concepts and made the UI understandable and simple. They spent a lot of time brainstorming the toggling between appropriate features and solidifying graphics. They also built a hefty admin panel that we will use when they pass the assets to us. That will allow us to actively integrate updates ourselves.

What is the team composition?

We work with Cyrus (Sr. Product Owner, CitrusBits), who assigns most of the work. We also work with Chandler (Art Director, CitrusBits) and a few other team members. They’re all fun to work with and make it easy to understand technical language.

How did you come to work with CitrusBits?

In the past, I worked with a couple of app developers on a very small scale. This was the first client we worked with on this large scale. A friend is an influencer in this space. She had an award-winning site that Cyrus designed and recommended him. Cyrus reached out to us inquiring about this client and pitched to us on behalf of CitrusBits. We liked his proposal and accepted his pitch.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested over $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in early 2017. We’re scheduled to launch in June 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve had a wonderful experience and everyone loves the look and feel of the app. I’ve sent the prototype to a few people and everyone is anxiously awaiting the launch. We’ve had some fantastic feedback on the challenges.

How did CitrusBits perform from a project management standpoint?

Cyrus was our main point of contact and is wonderful. We had a few Facetime meetings to get a feel for the team and they’re always transparent with expectations and timelines. They executed everything in a timely fashion and sent us updates in Basecamp. The design team is awesome. They understood our mission and jumped in without a large learning curve.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They gently followed up whenever we were busy doing other things. They were patient and good about updating us or checking in when they needed something. They always did their best to communicate and ensured we had a stress-free experience.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any recommendations. I didn’t really understand the process or the creative side, so I gave them carte blanche and trusted them to do the right thing. They were always willing to take ownership of their mistakes and everything turned out perfectly.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you have any milestones or specific executables, outline them at the beginning. They’re good communicators and will walk you through their progress. They do a great job with setting expectations.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a professor at a medical school on the East Coast.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CitrusBits?

We wanted to develop a hands-free camera system that could magnify an image within a field of view that we could use for surveys. The system would be an application for the Samsung Galaxy VR headset, and the image needed to be high quality and taken hands-free. We also needed the app to have barcode reading capabilities and it needed to be able to attach barcodes to each image to be scanned, downloaded, and processed.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When we approached CitrusBits we told them the problems we had with a company we had initially worked with on the project. That company offered a kind of voice technology to obtain images, but the voice technology did not work and the image quality was not sufficient. CitrusBits was able to complete the project and meet all the criteria we established by using the game controller from the VR headset and turning it into a foot pedal. We now have the product we wanted and it is able to scan barcodes, assign barcodes to images, and store the images through the phone system in the headset.

What is the team composition?

We initially interacted with the CEO of the company until he assigned us to a project manager. I don’t know the total number of people who worked on the project because we only interfaced with our project manager.

How did you come to work with CitrusBits?

A colleague of ours in California had been working with them for a long time on a similar project for people with low vision. He recommended them to us based on his experience with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent $40,000­–$43,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with CitrusBits in November 2017 and will conclude the project in April 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The biggest metric of CitrusBits’ success is that we presented them with a difficult problem and they solved it. We were able to pilot test the product at a clinic and then presented it to two international organizations, including our funding agency. Our funding agency was extremely pleased with the product and are excited about deploying it.

How did CitrusBits perform from a project management standpoint?

I thought their communication management was good. We had regular teleconferences with our project manager, but we also communicated weekly and most effectively over Basecamp. They established the platform for us and we put down any questions or issues we were having. Some of my colleagues involved in the project could also interject and put things in Basecamp that they wanted taken care of while we monitored progress. It ended up being a nice record of how things went as we moved along.

What did you find most impressive about them?

If our experience with the first company we worked with was any indication, we presented CitrusBits with a really difficult problem. The technology that we were asking them to develop was a pretty daunting task, but they understood the capabilities of the camera system we were working with and developed the insight to program within that system to enable our app to work. It ended up being a good marriage of our needs and the right company.

Are there any areas they could improve?

In our initial discussion with the head of the company, he implied that this was something that they could do very quickly and they would get us back on schedule. However, the first team at CitrusBits couldn’t seem to manage the project. As a result, we had about a month where there was no progress and it felt like there was a disconnect between what had led me to sign on with them and what they could actually deliver. Luckily, they reassigned the project to a different team who moved extremely fast and got us back on target. Thus, while the product was ultimately delivered on time and on budget, the initial communication between senior management, their team, and us could have been a bit better and more direct.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the president and COO of TLS Holdings. Our product is The Winning Seat, the one and only mobile sports sweepstakes where users play for free to win cash and prizes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CitrusBits?

When we reached out to CitrusBits we had been working with a provider who claimed to be one of the largest and best, but it turns out they weren’t. They never met a deadline, they were bad at communicating, and they were getting nothing done. We then met with CitrusBits and, after a long discussion, decided to transfer the project over to them.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They completely re-developed and coded our product—a native application for iOS and Android. It was a very extensive and intricate process that included a lot of frontend and backend development and UX/UI design. We are continuing to do research and development with them, and are getting ready to release the third iteration of the app incorporating new features. The app has a patented advertising and game notification delivery architecture that they developed, and they continue to work on new updates. CitrusBits is also helping us with a marketing campaign to grow awareness in certain markets.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with the CEO, our project manager, and a couple of people in their marketing department. They also have a huge team of developers that are working with us. We brought them in at a very deep level, and they function as if they are our employees.

How did you come to work with CitrusBits?

I met the CEO a while ago and he had asked how our project was going. When I told him about the issues with our development house at the time he suggested his own ideas and I took a chance on him. Working with them was one of the best business decisions I have made in the last three years.

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent around $250,000, with a growing development budget.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them at the end of 2016 and continue to use them every day.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The thing that matters most to me is the calendar. We are given deadlines as to when the app will be released to us for testing, and they have never missed a single one. I recently told their CEO that they are the very first company I have worked with that delivers on the date promised. What we need and require of them continues to be excellent.

How did CitrusBits perform from a project management standpoint?

Most of our communication is done through project management tools and weekly phone calls. However, the thing I like most about them is that they always pick up the phone. They are one of the most communicative groups I’ve ever met.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their high scale of execution and quality is outstanding. They do everything we expect of them and more.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There is nothing I can think of to date.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of a company that operates an on-demand dry cleaning and laundry app. We offer dry cleaning and laundry services with free pickup and delivery. You simply request pickup through a mobile app, and a driver picks up your dirty clothes to be cleaned and delivered back to you.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire CitrusBits?

I hired CitrusBits to design and develop the app, bringing my vision to reality.

What were your goals for this project?

My goals were to create a fully-functional iOS and Android app that could schedule pickup and delivery for dry cleaning and laundry services

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After searching online for a mobile app developer, they were one of the few I encountered. After speaking with a team member, they won me over. I’ve been a customer of CitrusBits since 2014.

Describe the project in detail.

The app was developed for the iOS and Android markets. CitrusBits handled everything, from wireframing to development. Even updates and bug fixes are a breeze with them.

What was the team composition?

CitrusBits is a totally different company today than they were when I first signed my paperwork. They had converted a garage into an office and had about five employees when I met with them. Through the years, they have grown into a full-service development firm with multiple locations and at least five times more employees than they had in 2014. Tasks were completed more seamlessly and quickly as years went by.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After bug fixes and updates, our app started to attract and retain more customers. My company has grown from a single employee to 10 employees within the past year.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had a rocky start, but once I understood their work habits everything became more effective and efficient.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by how quickly the company grew and became a great overall mobile app development company. Every email, phone call, or text message is answered accordingly, and every problem is solved very quickly.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I believe this company is headed in the right direction.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the vice president of professional and consumer outreach for IrisVision, a high-tech wearable low-vision aid that uses virtual reality (VR) technology and customized software to allow patients with conditions like macular degeneration to see clearly and live fully in all aspects of life. As the lead product evangelist for IrisVision, I work with end users and business partners to expand our customer base.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire CitrusBits?

IrisVision has worked with CitrusBits since 2015 to develop, launch, and maintain the custom software that allows our low-vision users to see clearly. They continue to support new software updates as well.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to build an Android-based custom mobile app that could integrate with the top wearable and mobile VR devices using live video feed and magnification capabilities to help people with low-vision conditions see clearly once again. In addition to providing an intuitive and convenient user experience (UX), the app needed to leverage the hardware's capabilities in an efficient manner and ensure reliable performance without draining the battery.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We already were familiar with CitrusBits’ work. Our collaborative discovery process helped us develop confidence in their approach, passion, and commitment to delivering an excellent product on time.

Describe the project in detail.

CitrusBits worked closely with our founder, product team, and supporting medical institutions like Johns Hopkins University, UC Berkeley, and Stanford University to understand and implement our requirements from multiple perspectives: UX, technical, and medical. Their design and development teams used an iterative process with Agile methodology enabled us to track and guide their process of building a UX that our customers appreciate and love.

What was the team composition?

We work with a product owner, an art director, and a design team from CitrusBits, as well as their technical/engineering leads. Their CEO has also shaped our overall app strategy.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In a short time, our product has generated a lot of interest and grown a passionate customer base. We regularly receive heartwarming testimonials from our customers telling us how the product has allowed them to see their loved ones clearly again, among other things.

Additionally, our product has been tested and validated by some of the world's top vision institutes, and we've established partnerships with leading hardware manufacturers and low-vision associations. None of this would have been possible without the excellent app that CitrusBits helped us build.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The collaboration between our teams was really strong from the beginning. In addition to holding regular calls with their team, we also communicate online through tools like Jira and Slack.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We’re most impressed by their commitment to delivering the best possible experience for our end users. Few partners approach a project as if the product they're building will be used by people they personally know and care about, but we found this to be the case with CitrusBits.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We are pleased with our ongoing collaboration and haven’t found any areas for improvement. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the owner and CEO of a startup called Virtual Take-Out Casual Games. Virtual Take-Out Trivia 2 Go is the first of hopefully many game apps to come.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire CitrusBits?

We hired them for their expertise in mobile app development to program a mobile trivia game that only existed as detailed storyboards along with graphic, audio, and motion sample elements.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to launch our startup with a top-of-the-line mobile casual game for iOS as its first product.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We searched online and contacted over a dozen viable mobile app developers. The clear choice was CitrusBits based on their website, case studies, and most importantly, their understanding of our project when we talked to them.

Describe the project in detail.

We came to them with the basic design and gameplay laid out in storyboards, graphic assets, and video motion test samples. We then had multiple meetings and with their guidance, it was made clear what was doable and how long it would take. After multiple stages of development with their highly-trained team, the app was completed in roughly six months.

What was the team composition?

We had the pleasure to work closely with a lead project manager and a production manager as well as several front and backend developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Virtual Take-Out Trivia 2 Go mobile app is now available on the App Store with its reviews to date being overwhelmingly positive. CitrusBits did a great job of pulling it all together into a fun and challenging trivia game and user experience.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective as they always had someone available to take a call or address any issues or concerns that came up, all in a timely and professional manner.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The most impressive thing about them is their people. They are a cohesive team of professionals who really care and want to do the best possible job.

Are there any areas for improvement?

As a client, you always wish things could go faster, however, the CitrusBits team worked very efficiently and pulled it all together in a more than reasonable amount of time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I lead the marketing team for HARMAN Embedded Audio. We provide complete audio and voice solutions for consumer electronics, IoT [Internet of things], enterprise, and robotics applications. We work with a range of companies, from startups to large multinational corporations. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Citrusbits?

Citrusbits created an Android demonstration app for a new software product. The app needed to be impactful, easy to use, and free of bugs.

What were your goals for this project?

The app needed to be completed with a fairly short timeline. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We talked with many vendors across the U.S. Citrusbits had an excellent grasp of the project, was highly capable, could meet our timeline, and charged a competitive price.

Describe the project in detail.

We provided an outline of what we wanted the app to do based on a previous demo app. We also supplied logos and content for Citrusbits to incorporate. Finally, we appointed a technical contact to clarify the functionality of the software that the app would demonstrate. We completed two iterations and a final tweak to address minor items before the app was complete. At that time, Citrusbits provided the final APK [Android Package Kit] file to us.

What was the team composition?

The project manager at Citrusbits acted as our primary point of contact and interfaced with the creative and technical teams. We also had periodic check-ins from Citrusbits' leadership team. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was a great success. We have shared the app internally and received highly positive feedback. HARMAN has high standards, so if anyone had concerns or issues, we’d certainly hear about them. We have also used the app with a potential customer, who was impressed with the software product, potentially generating a sale.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Working with Citrusbits was almost effortless: we provided input, and they executed. If they had any questions, we'd address them via email or a quick conference call.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Citrusbits is impressive in many respects, but their results stand out the most. We have a great app that allows us to demonstrate our product and produce revenue.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I have no suggestions for improvement. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of a campaign service app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Citrusbits.

I needed someone to perform all aspects of the coding. I had ideas on how I wanted the app to be, but needed help creating the end product.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They were responsible for all aspects of development of the backend. For right now, it’s only an iOS app, but we’re saving up to bring the app to Android as well. The main goal was to give people the opportunity to create a campaign or certain goal, and see their friends or other people helping them. They contributed to design on the frontend; I provided ideas and we discussed a plan for the app to be unique. They now remain responsible for maintenance of the app.

What is the team dynamic?

My primary contact was their CEO, and I worked with a team of about 4–5 people. I met many of the designers working on the project.

How did you come to work with Citrusbits?

I was looking around and they were recommended by a colleague. I checked out the apps they did for other people and I liked the way their process helped you reach a certain ideal. I decided to go with them.

How much have you invested with them?

I have invested under $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2015, and the engagement is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app was just released to the Apple store several days ago, and we’re in the middle of promoting it now. There are no problems with the functionality or with the upload to the store platform. We’re very happy.

How did Citrusbits perform from a project management standpoint?

They treated me very well. I was content with the work they did. We primarily communicated through phone and email and would have regular meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Nothing in particular, but they’re a great app company. They treat their clients well and I haven’t been disappointed yet.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t think so. Sometimes mistakes happen, but that happens with everyone so I can’t say anything based on that.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They will treat you right.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our organization is called Subliminal Vision Boards. I am the owner, along with my parents and girlfriend. My position is in marketing, and I manage our relationship with Citrusbits through the whole process.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Citrusbits?

The law of attraction is a cool concept, and my girlfriend, and I believe in it. It’s quite a big thing today and a lot of people use vision boards. When people create vision boards, they usually cut up pictures from magazines. But, sometimes, they can’t find exactly what they want in a magazine. We figured a mobile device would help. For example, if you want to manifest a red Ferrari into your life, just go to Google Images and type in "red Ferrari." I also came up with the subliminal part because I know that attracting things subliminally can make things happen much faster.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Citrusbits focused on designing and programming an Android app for us, which turned out well. We supplied them with colors and fonts, and they covered the technical aspects. Before implementation, they made sure we were happy with everything. They wanted to make sure we were 100 percent satisfied before moving on because they did everything in phases. We had to mark off things saying, "It’s completed, move on to the next phase," which was nice. They made sure that we were on board with what they were doing. For example, there’s a feature within the app called Subliminal Take Five. A user can select this when creating a vision board. It allows all the images and text affirmations on a vision board to be subliminally inserted into the subconscious mind. At the end of the five-minute session, the app gives you a summary of how many times the images and affirmations passed into your subconscious. This accelerates the law of attraction.

How did you come to work with Citrusbits?

I was not familiar with the app industry, so I just started doing research online and contacting companies a year ago. Citrusbits was the only company that was willing to take on the challenge. Many companies said the subliminal aspect of the app was impossible. Citrusbits said, "We can make it happen," and they did. I definitely went with them because no one else wanted to take it on.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Citrusbits in March 2015 and the target completion date was December. It took them a while, but we wanted to make sure everything was perfect since our app is not your average app. The subliminal technology especially took some time, but they did a good job on it. Soon, Citrusbits will start working on the iOS version of the app. We’re excited about that.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

The response has been amazing, and the app is starting to take off. Thanks to Citrusbits, we’re getting great reviews and ratings in the Google Play Store. We’re currently rated number one in the Google Play Store for vision boards.

How did Citrusbits perform from a project management standpoint?

From a project management standpoint, Citrusbits was on top of things. If we needed anything, they’re right there. We worked with Stacey Lee and coordinated using Basecamp, a software that Citrusbits recommended. It allowed us to communicate any issues back and forth. Michael [Greff, director of products and cofounder at Citrusbits] was great and responded within two seconds. There was no waiting time as all of them responded quickly. They were always available for conference calls. If they had questions, we were always involved. That was the main thing. They never did anything without our knowledge. It was a great experience working with people who made things happen as quickly as they did.

What did you find most impressive about Citrusbits?

What distinguished Citrusbits was their determination and willingness to take on a project that no one else wanted. Everyone said that it couldn’t be done, and Citrusbits managed to find a way to make it happen. I had interviewed quite a few other companies, and they weren’t ready to take on a challenge like this because of the whole subliminal aspect. They were also very detailed, and it was nice working with them. They called us up any time they had questions. I was impressed with all that they’ve done. To this day, if we need anything, they’re right there and took care of it – no questions asked.

Are there any areas Citrusbits could improve?

I don’t think there are any areas that need improvement. Citrusbits went above and beyond the call of duty.