cre8

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We are a financial firm registered and regulated with the National Futures Association. We are an advisory brokerage firm. We operate a database of commodity trade advisers, which allows us to interface with people about different managers that they might consider allocating money to.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I’m one of the principle owners of the company. I run the day-to-day operations of the business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with cre8?

We wanted to work with them on to develop tools that we think would enhance the experience of registrants that come onto our site and use our services.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

They focus on design work, no training, or consulting. However, they do come up with their own ideas.

What was your process for selecting cre8 with which to work?

Eric [Gockel, design strategist for cre8] came as a referral from my brother who worked with him.

Can you provide a ballpark dollar figure for the size of the work that they’ve done for you?

It was $50,000 to $200,000

When was the work completed?

We have ongoing maintenance work currently. We outsource all of our IT [information technology] work related to the website to him and his company. There are always ongoing upgrades to our platform provider. We always have new ideas to enhance the user experience, so there are projects that we are regularly working on.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Do you have any statistics or metrics to track improvement from the project?

On some of the specific tools that they’ve implemented, I have specific feedback and it has all been positive. Our test users have been really pleased with the functionality and design of their work.

Are you satisfied with their performance?

I have been very satisfied with their performance. They’re responsive in getting things done. They’re very collaborative with assisting us with creating the user experience and making it a better process. Since web developers don’t often know the finance industry, we have to teach them. cre8 has done a very good job of picking that up.

Is there anything unique about cre8 that really makes them stand out, compared to other online marketing companies?

One of the things that makes them unique for us is that they’re accessible and local. We are able to be face to face, if needed. Accessibility is important when you’re outsourcing important functions. When I have major projects or a fire that needs to be put out, they’re right on it.

Looking back on the work so far, is there any area that you think they could improve upon or that you might do differently?

Sometimes as a small business owner, I need help and direction. I wish they’d be more specific about recommendations and industry trends. They’re good at giving me options, but it would be more helpful if they’d be more proactive with giving suggestions.

What advice would you give to a future client of theirs?

Detail out what you’re specifically looking for by creating a statement of work and come up with a defined budget for them. Be very specific with what it is you want.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We're a small advertising company that uses our website for client reporting and backend staff management.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire cre8?

Our Expression Engine site is woefully outdated and plug ins were beginning to break. We had Cre8 update applicable plug-ins and prepare our site for a larger upgrade in the future.

What were your goals for this project?

To get our site up and running well enough for it to function while we prepare for a larger update.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We wanted to find an expert in Expression Engine that had experience updating from previous releases and could work with us in developing a framework for a larger upgrade.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

We had a full site review and plug-in audit. Fixes were implemented where needed to get us up and running.

What was the team composition?

No need for a significant team. I felt like I was receiving personal service and responses were provided quickly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The work has allowed us to get our site up and running and with a couple of new additions.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We worked via Basecamp and all was fine.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Personal Service, Quick responses, and recommendations for alternate work flows.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None to note!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a legal service company providing a wide range of services for our clients. I am a software architect within the development division.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire cre8?

We have utilized cre8 on multiple UX projects. From design to implementation their staff was knowledgeable and great to work with.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were a simple and easy to use GUI.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We looked at vendors in our area and cre8 stood out as they employ a number of diverse employees who specialize in many areas.

Describe the project in detail.

We needed a single page application for a new cloud application we built. Cre8 performed 100% of the design and GUI implementation.

What was the team composition?

We have utilized both UX and programmers from cre8. We have been happy with all of the work performed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

End users have report that the application is very straightforward to use.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The team at cre8 was always willing to hop on a call to answer a question. They were also very good with communicating daily updates when needed.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

All of the employees have been a pleasure to work with.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None that I can think of.