Concise Software

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the managing partner at a design company. We work with integrative design, which combines several different disciplines, such as strategic consultancy on branding (both internally and externally), product development, service development, and communications. We have several different specialist units such as brand design, interaction design, and industrial design. Additionally, we have one central unit which focuses on user experience across all of these disciplines called experience design, which I manage.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Concise Software?

I work with Concise on a number of different projects, and usually, we work on product design and development, both frontend and at least consulting services on the backend. We tend to use our interpretation of design thinking, and they fit into that very well.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We typically start out with a user-based project phase and develop overall goals as part of the project plan, and then we transition to implementation and a sprint-based mode of operation. In terms of technology, we've worked in Angular and React, with a CMS they've built themselves. We've built mobile applications with them in Native, as well as hosting and more architectural projects. They've done technical consulting for one of our blockchain technology projects as well.

What is the team composition?

We've had some consultative projects with 2-3 members of their team, but we've also had some larger projects with them during peak times with 12 members.

How did you come to work with Concise Software?

They were recommended to me by a colleague. We went through a formal pitch process, at the time, and we selected Concise because they demonstrated a structured approach. They also showcased a clear understanding of our strategic goals as well as the technical requirements to achieve those goals.

Communication was also very crucial; in every complex project, whether it's service design or product design, you need to hold on to different people with different expertise, and different terminology to come together. If the communication doesn't work, you can have the smartest people in the world, but if the communication doesn't work, you won't get anywhere.

How much have you invested with them?

In my current collaboration with them, we've invested €20,000–€30,000 ( approximately $22,000 – 33,000 USD). Combining the work, they've done with my current company and my previous one, however, it's been €300,000–€400,000 (approximately $330,000 – $440,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

I first started working with them at a different company in June 2017. In my current company, we began working together in April 2019, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Generally speaking, they've demonstrated very good attention to detail, very high-quality technical abilities, a good understanding of our business goals, and the technological implications of those goals.

How did Concise Software perform from a project management standpoint?

From day one, they were very good at communication. Communication is channeled in a very structured manner, and we typically only have to talk with one point of contact, which is great. They’re really responsive and have a good understanding of the design process. They're great at taking feedback and have no ego, which is very important as well. They generally bend over backwards to meet their deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're very good at listening and understanding, which sets really sets them apart. They're also very nice people, which is not a trivial factor working with a lot of different people; it's relatively difficult to have everyone get along and have a good time doing it.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They are very enthusiastic and passionate about what they do, and sometimes that can be a good thing or a bad thing. They could perhaps reign in their energy at times.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice is to expose them to the bigger picture. I've found they've provided great value across multiple points, not just developing software; they're a real "people business" so it helps to connect with them on an individual level across teams to ensure things work well.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Mermaid Studios GmbH is a UX Studio based in Berlin. We design user-centred software solutions like websites and apps for small, medium-sized and big businesses. My role in the company includes Marketing and Project Management.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We redesigned a website for a forestry company to drastically shorten the information overload of the current website and include new functionalities like a map where they can search for activities in their area and several forms to request their services.

What were your goals for this project?

We hired Concise to bring our designs to life by developing the website. Challenges for this project were that we needed to set-up a high number of individual editing accesses for all the different forestry officer manager (around 40), which are only allowed to see and edit their own content and set-up the panel in a way that it is easy for them to manage the content. The project included front-end & back-end development, quality control as well as the migration to the server and bug fixing. One goal of the renewed website was to make it easier for users to find the content they are searching for by adding a prominent search bar and allow them to find & request different offers the forestry office digitally. Another goal was to enable the client to easily manage their content.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We worked together with Concise for a previous project and choose them based on their excellent performance on that project.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

The project started by handing over user stories & Figma designs to Concise. They created a joint Jira-board with all the tasks, which allowed a good overview of every Sprints goal and project status. The website was developed in Wordpress based on the customers' request. The key functionalities included a search function, a firewood inquiry request, a shop system (without payment) and the activity map mentioned above which is connected to an external API.

What was the team composition?

The tech team consisted out of front-end and back-end developers, dev ops and quality control. One of the developers also functioned as our tech project manager and was our contact for all request and kept us updated during the whole project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

The new website allows users to request the different offers of the forestry company in a quick and easy manner. Reducing the time the user needs to fulfil his or her goal. Through the thoughtful set-up of the backend the content creation on the customer side is much easier than before minimizing the time they need to introduce new content creators to the system and also creating and distributing their content.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The project management was very good. Through the joint Jira board there was an excellent overview of the project status at all time and progress such as blockers were clearly visible. Concise always named a contact person or a substitute which ensured we always had a personal contact to talk to.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The professional execution and thorough quality control are the best parts of working with Concise Software. The number of bugs is kept to a minimum with this set-up, which benefits all parties and makes the project runs smoothly.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The project was going really well. The only thing that could've been improved is more open communication of time estimates for certain tasks although we are aware that with dependencies it can be hard to estimate.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the director of the seamless mobility division of a product/service innovation agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We’ve hired Concise Software to work on a variety of different projects, most of which include technical design and planning, as well as software development and backend integration.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to design and build a suite of mobile apps and related admin platforms. We needed products that would allow retailers to integrate payment, vouchers, and loyalty features directly into their own infrastructures.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We ran a competitive pitch with three service providers, and selected Concise Software because of their intelligent approach to our business challenge. We also felt that their culture and methodology fit that of our design team.

Describe the project in detail.

Concise Software has completed several development projects for different segments of our business. They’ve designed and built multiple retail applications, many of which include payment features and rewards programs. They also provide backend support of these platforms.

What was the team composition?

Their team included a project manager, two backend developers, a four-person frontend team, and two QA specialists.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve been able to move from initial wireframes to a partial implementation within one year. The team worked extremely fast considering the complexity of that specific project, and we were pleasantly surprised with their efficiency.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Collaboration between our team and theirs has been fluid and dynamic, and everyone seems to understand how the tasks they are directly responsible for fit into the larger picture. Also, Concise Software has many senior members on their team, and their expertise has led to early identification of risks, smart decision-making, and precise communication.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

As an innovation agency, we often deal with a large number of unknowns. Only teams with the right level of communication skills mixed with a good amount of courage and curiosity can handle this kind of work. Concise Software is one of them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing I can say at this moment, they’ve been great.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there. 

I’m the project and marketing manager for Mermaid Studios. We’re a user experience studio based in Berlin that conceptualizes and builds UX/UI designs for digital products.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We approached Concise Software to help us build the MVP of a sporting event platform for a third-party client. The project consisted of an iOS app that fans could access while at a stadium and a web app for sports team managers. 

What were your goals for this project? 

The main objective was to produce a functional product using proximity technology to provide fans with a superior in-stadium experience. Additionally, we wanted to enable sports teams and stadium managers to easily set up promotions and engage with fans.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor? 

We were looking for a competent development partner that was familiar with newer technologies. Eventually, we found Concise Software through a personal recommendation. 

Describe the project in detail. 

Using our UX designs, Concise Software helped build a platform that allowed fans to engage continuously with stadium staff and sports teams through geolocation and beacon technology. Fans could use the iOS app while at a stadium to receive personalized offers, news, and messages via push notifications and hyperlinks. Stadium staff and team managers could set these promotions through the accompanying web app based on time, location, and user persona. 

What was the team composition? 

While we provided the product management and designs, Concise Software conducted the project management, iOS development, web development, backend development, and QA.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve just finished the product, so we don’t have any hard metrics yet. However, the client was happy with the results. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs? 

The way that Concise Software planned the development was excellent. We liked that they prepared a clear backlog of all of the tasks at the beginning of the project, which helped them keep to deadlines. They were also great at communicating with both our team and our stakeholders as well as following our protocols. 

What did you find most impressive about this company? 

Working with Concise Software just felt professional. Their developers are experienced and skillful, even when working remotely. Pawel (Android Team Leader, Concise Software) in particular was a big help. 

Are there any areas for improvement? 

During the project, our dedicated project manager wasn’t available for two weeks, so communication wasn’t as fluent as normal. But, once he returned, communication levels reverted back to their usual excellence.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m CEO and founder of Senzari Inc., a technology company that is a leading provider of data and intelligence solutions for the media industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

They developed a music and radio mobile iOS application from scratch.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to build a competitive music and radio mobile app for the U.S. and Latin American markets, with a target of four million new users.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Concise Software had the best offer and the most experience in the mobile development.

Describe the project in detail.

Concise Software developed the WahWah app, a free personalized radio that can be used for running, cycling, or driving. It’s built on the iOS platform and is compatible with iPhone 5 display. Technologies used include Objective-C, MapKit, ASIHTTP, QuartzCore, and XCode.

What was the team composition?

The team at Concise Software was composed of a technical project manager, two senior iOS developers, several QA team members, and an account manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app reached approximately six million users, which greatly exceeded our goal. The best success is that we sold the app to a bigger competitor.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The team was fast and efficient. They reacted quickly to fix any errors and had overall good communication.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team’s operating speed was impressive, and they provided excellent value.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of the app, Garden, a personal relationship management app that sends you regular reminders to reach out to the people who matter most in your life. It makes sure you never lose touch with friends, family, or your network.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed them for app design and development.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a functional app design, app development, and production release.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After interviewing several firms, I chose Concise because of their clear grasp of the project, as demonstrated by their well-thought-out wireframes presented in their pitch.

Describe the project in detail.

After working regularly with the various members of the team to iterate design and product flows, Concise started to develop the app. Their team proactively presented ideas and solutions to challenges throughout the project.

What was the team composition?

My project was relatively simple, and so I was assigned one designer, one frontend developer, and one backend develop. I mostly communicated with the front end engineer who then communicated with the rest of the team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was a total success and a tech writer wrote an article about the app. It also holds a top-ten spot on a third-party product website.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our workflow was very effective. Their clear understanding and passion for the project made it feel like they were members of my team. When I voiced concerns, I felt like they were heard, and I always saw satisfactory results from our notes and meetings. I always felt comfortable to push forward with my preference in the few cases where it contradicted their recommendations.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Concise has the very rare ability to see a vision and relentlessly help you navigate towards it—all the while pointing out obstacles and presenting efficient solutions.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Their communication with the main contact was great, but if he was on vacation, communication was a bit slower. They could've been more proactive in handing out the project. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CTO and CPO of hungryhouse, a mobile and web platform for ordering takeaway food online.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Concise Software to build, maintain, and grow our iOS and Android apps.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a mobile app development partner that would scale with us as our business grew.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were referred to us by one of our investors.

Describe the project in detail.

Concise partners with us to develop our iOS and Android apps by building new features, fixing bugs/crashes, developing prototypes for user testing, and interacting with our beta community. Their team also provides valuable analysis on user feedback and product/technology direction. 

What was the team composition?

Their team is composed of four iOS developers (including a team lead), and four Android developers (including a team lead).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Concise continues to be an integral part of our company's growth. Our mobile order percentages increased from 5% to more than 45%. Their apps consistently increase our conversion rates and help ship category-leading features.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Concise makes our workflow seamless. We use scrum to coordinate development and our teams communicate through Slack and Jira to make deliveries predictable. We meet in-person once per quarter to do in-depth planning.

They currently have four years of experience with us and feel like a part of our company. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Concise's developers are some of the most experienced, trustworthy, and skilled in the market. Their strong relationship with us is invaluable to our company. The agency's access to leading talent and consistent delivery of high-quality results keeps us happy.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I don't see any areas for improvement. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the COO of BRiN. We provide quality business education to anyone, at any time or place, through our mobile app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

They supported our onshore team with iOS mobile development.

What were your goals for this project?

To roll out desired features in a shorter period while also ensuring and maintaining quality.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We went out to people we knew for recommendations and researched each company. Then we spoke to each company to ensure we found the right fit.

Describe the project in detail.

Initially, we went through our requirements in great detail and provided an overview of what we had built to date. In addition to agreeing on how we would work together and which systems we would utilize, we also agreed on a reporting and invoicing format so that stakeholders in our business could see the progress and the value of their investments.

What was the team composition?

Concise Software originally provided a project manager and one developer, which later increased to two developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The collaboration between our onshore team and Concise Software enabled us to meet all our delivery deadlines with each release.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We continually worked on improving our workflow. From the beginning, we had weekly meetings, daily standups, and monthly progress reports.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their willingness to listen to what we needed and amend workflows to ensure seamless collaboration.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Outsourcing can be a challenge, but the Concise team was very responsive to our requirements and open to making workflow changes as required. We saw them as a valuable extension of our core team.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Senior Associate of a consulting company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Audit and Consulting (Big 4), I am a Senior Associate at a Digital Solutions team

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Concise Software to accomplish?

• Software Development
• Speed up the Product Development
• Main goal of the project was to give the app a brand new, fresh look. Besides it, there were minor adjustments and improvements, bug fixing as well as improving the analysis of customers financial data.

SOLUTION

How did you find Concise Software?

Referral

Why did you select Concise Software over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned
• Technical Fit

How many teammates from Concise Software were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

Frontend development using React.js framework. The project was managed by the Product Manager. Concise software frontend developer had the position of a main frontend developer in this project. His responsibilities were extended to also manage the frontend team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This project was completed successfully, which boosted our auditors’ satisfaction. Also a project team was very happy to work wit Concise Software expert

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

Deliveries, communication was always in time and brought a lot of comfort and support to the project team

What was your primary form of communication with Concise Software?

Virtual Meeting

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

Development seniority level, communication skills, ability to travel (they were able to work from our Frankfurt office many times).

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

We have already recommended Concise Software, so they only should keep up with the good job they are doing.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a web3 startup that builds ecosystem for kick start new projects. We are backed TradFi veterans.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Concise Software, and what were your goals?

We hired Concise Software for development of software. It's a launchpad for new projects/companies within web3, crypto, nft and blockchain industry.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We shortlisted 3 companies based on their experience and business terms (price, time to market, transparency) and decided to go with Concise Software.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We approached Concise at very beginning phase of our project. We had clear vision what we want to achieve. Concise helped us with shaping product and write down detailed concept that helped us to collect pre-seed round. After that we designed (UX/UI) and built an MVP together. Next steps was release and seed round as well as further development of the platform. Now Concise is maintaining our product.

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

Project Manager, 3 backend developers (node, solidity), 1,5 frontend developer (React), QA, BA, DevOps, Customer Success Manager (free of charge).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We had to change our initial timeline after product workshops and advise from Concise team. After setting a new timeline, Concise team was able to deliver everything on time. Thanks to that we were able to raise more funds from investors.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We worked in Scrum (2-week sprints), used Jira, email & Slack. CSM was available 24/7 for me.

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

Vast experience, self-confidence with challenging our ideas, really strong communication skills

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

Everything was super cool!