DevStars Ltd

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a marketing director at a nutrition product company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with DevStars Ltd?

We used to be a part of another brand. When we became an independent company, we needed to rebuild our website and develop a new identity. We were looking for a vendor to help us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The website of our former company was very prescriptive. DevStars helped us identify what brings new and returning customers to our website, and what pages are relevant to them. Then, they used the designs provided by a design company to build a new website for us.

We used the database that we inherited from our former brand. DevStars developed the wireframes, built a CMS, and helped us create relevant content. We have some sensitive data, so we wanted to have a very secure website. Our customers can download a plan or find information on checking their BMI and tracking their weight. In addition, DevStars developed an e-commerce starter kit for us. They set up a payment system and a way to send emails to the fulfillment center. 

What is the team composition? 

I mostly work with two people, including our main point of contact and a backend developer.

How did you come to work with DevStars Ltd?

The relationship started when we were still part of a different brand. DevStars Ltd is doing an excellent job, so we continue working with them. 

What is the status of this engagement? 

We started working with them in May 2015 and the relationship is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've seen some very positive results, which is why we continue working with DevStars. The website is very educational and helps our customers along the journey when they decide to go on a diet. It's also user-friendly and mobile responsive, which is important to us.

How did DevStars Ltd perform from a project management standpoint? 

They're very efficient and deliver everything on time. They quickly resolve any bugs or issues that come up, and they're able to work collaboratively with other teams. We mostly use phone and email to stay in touch. We also have a test site, so everything is tested before it goes live. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

DevStars has a small team that understands our company and our needs. They've always been able to offer solutions that work for our customers. Also, they've established a very simple and efficient process.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Maybe they could offer more all-around services. If they had a design team, we wouldn't need to hire another design firm. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder and director of Sortyourfuture.com, a careers and recruitment website that connects employers with young people who are looking for jobs. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with DevStars Ltd?

We reached out to DevStars Ltd to develop our website, including the market research and initial design needed to get it ready for the market. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, DevStars Ltd designed and developed a prototype platform that we could test on our target audience. Then, we worked with a third-party UX designer to collaborate with them on the second phase of development. They used MySQL and PHP libraries for the backend and standard technologies for the frontend like JavaScript.

The subscription-based web platform enables employers to post jobs or competitions for young people with attributes or interests they want to target. At the same time, young people can set up profiles, select interests, and then choose from a variety of opportunities to apply to. 

What is the team composition? 

We work directly with Miles (Managing Director, DevStars Ltd), who manages other developers on the project. We also work with another director for any new business projects we want to pursue. 

How did you come to work with DevStars Ltd?

They were personally recommended by one of the directors of our company who knew someone on Devstars' team. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them since March 2017. Even though the majority of the development work has been completed for the site, we have a long pipeline of other projects for them to continue working on.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven't fully launched the site yet, but the platform has already received a lot of positive feedback during the early testing phase. Customer feedback has been excellent, and the platform performs well overall. They delivered a robust, reliable finished product. 

How did DevStars Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

They've always been great to work with. We have a strong relationship with our project manager, who is very proactive about suggesting alternative solutions and incorporating our feedback or change requests. They're also very responsive and agile, adapting well to our needs. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They've developed some complex algorithms to make the platform work, and they've been great about working through any challenges throughout the process. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They've done an excellent job. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

As with working with any vendor, it helps to provide as much clarity and background information as possible to maximize the time with their team. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Mystery is a brand design agency that specializes in bar and restaurant design, food packaging, and identity design. I lead the agency’s digital initiatives, which primarily involves web design and development. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with DevStars Ltd?

One of our clients requested a new website that caters to their target audience, so we needed to find more resources to build the platform. The site required a secure e-commerce software and the capacity for promotional content.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

DevStars was involved with frontend and CMS development. They also executed a few website integrations, which include an e-commerce payment gateway and a CRM database. Their current efforts are spent on security and maintenance.

What is the team composition?

DevStar typically scales their team to accommodate the project’s needs. For this particular engagement, we worked closely with a project manager, a lead developer, and an account manager.

How did you come to work with DevStars Ltd?

We have worked with them on a variety of projects over the years, and they always deliver amazing work that enhances our business offerings. There aren’t many digital agencies that can match DevStar’s professionalism and creativity.

What is the status of this engagement?

They first started working on the website in January 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Product sales are improving month-over-month in the UK and abroad. We look forward to working with DevStars to generate greater success in the future.

How did DevStars Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

They have a streamlined process that allows their team to be organized and productive. While they prefer to use online productivity tools for communication and status updates, they also provide direct contact via phone and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a personable approach to business that always makes us feel like a valuable client. The market is oversaturated with development agencies that strive for the bare minimum, but DevStars is willing to go beyond the original scope to exceed expectations.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I cannot think of anything that would need to be refined.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Our platform connects our clients to providers of transport services

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DevStars Ltd?

Devstars were brought on board to develop our website and help with designing our mobile application.

What were your goals for this project?

To offer a clear, simple and effective platform that clients would find enjoyable, intuitive and easy to understand

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Mainly through a series of interviews and portfolio inspections

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

they have provided us with everything on the website and with design on the mobile application. We particularly enjoyed working with them as we could discuss a vision and they would do everything else. From the colour choices, the user flow, the language and choice of action calls Devstars did more than just take a ticket and return work. We found their input at every stage value added

What was the team composition?

I believe we had access to a pool of more then ten but our contact point was always Stuart who we would have meetings, conference calls in which we would explain what our requirements were and he would internally distribute the work as he saw fit. The good thing with this approach is for us as a client his understanding of what we need and how we communicate. His also very flexible on timing as we have overseas offices.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Other than having a really nice website and alot of help with regards to our UI experience both on the web and on our mobile app. Devstars were useful in that they have shared their insights on other projects with us and have had an impact on many other aspects of our business.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We simply handed in our requirements, discussed timelines and costs agreed on deliverables. they were happy to reiterate as we went along and we almost had a one on one experience as all touch points were mainly with Stuart who constantly delivered. They delivered on time and on budget.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their work is of a very high standard. The turn around times have been consistently better than expected The availability with regards to questions, feed back , reiterations was very good

Are there any areas for improvement?

From our positive experience with Devstars we couldn't point at any weak areas.