DreamWalk App Development

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of I Love Audio Books.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with DreamWalk App Development?

I needed help with developing a website and an app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I tasked DreamWalk with developing and designing our website and app — I was looking for something similar to Audible. First, they built a prototype for the site, after which they designed and developed it entirely from scratch using custom coding. Then, they were in charge of designing and developing the app.

What is the team composition?

I worked with Rebecca (Delivery & Operations Manager) and Karl (Managing Director).

How did you come to work with DreamWalk App Development?

I found them online. They said they had over 10 years of experience, so I trusted them.

How much have you invested in them?

I spent $190,000 AUD (approximately $120,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

I worked with them from June 2019–March 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.

Working with DreamWalk turned out to be a waste of money — they did a very bad job. When they delivered the website, everything was a mess, and it didn’t work correctly. Unfortunately, I had already paid them, and when I brought those issues to their attention, they asked for more money to fix them. Moreover, they never finished the app.

I ended up going to another company for them to review DreamWalk’s work and see if they could fix it. However, they told me they couldn’t because everything had been built using old technologies, and they weren’t willing to touch it. Ultimately, I asked this other company to build a new app for me so that I could launch my business.

I deeply regret going with DreamWalk. In the end, I couldn’t publish either the site or the app because their work was rubbish, and I wasted a lot of money I could have spent on a different company. I even had to sell my rental property to pay them.

How was project management handled?

DreamWalk’s project management wasn’t very good. They kept asking me for money whenever I requested changes and even charged me extra for a feature that never worked. We communicated through Zoom meetings, phone calls, and emails, and we had a few in-person meetings.

Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?

There’s nothing positive I can say about DreamWalk. Although they seem to be a big and trustworthy company due to their nice location, they only took my money and didn’t deliver.

In what specific areas can they improve?

There’s nothing specific I would have them improve on — they should restart their business from scratch. Even during our initial meeting, I was disappointed with their approach because they talked about certain things that weren’t suitable for my project.

What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?

I would recommend going with anyone but this company; they’re one of the worst companies I’ve worked with. You will get a better job done by a freelancer.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Impactr, a startup with a vision to shift the entire worlds spending to trusted sustainable impact.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DreamWalk?

I engaged Dreamwalk to complete the full App design of our product to move it to be ready to build.

What were your goals for this project?

Complete App design and clickable prototype end-to-end, ready to build.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I observed that Dreamwalk is a leading agency in Australia with an Ethical development charter, and having a proven track record with App Store #1s and Features.

Describe the project in detail.

I had initially prepared a mockup mapping key parts of the app and some designs, and provided this to Dreamwalk to base the new design on.

What was the team composition?

The Founder & Creative Director personally designed the App himself.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since producing the design & clickable prototype, we have had exceptional feedback and a lot of excitement around the product. It has breathed life into the concept and it smartly integrates all the many key functions in a smooth way that is not overwhelming or complicated.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective because we understood each other and had a structured way of sharing feedback via email and where needed on video calls.

Dreamwalk established a very good understanding of the App in the first place which allowed them to take more time to work alone and produce a good result after some time.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Dreamwalk's app design capability is world-class, and their experience shines through in the kind of attention to detail and polish that only comes with masterful design and a genuine understanding of the objectives of your product.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I was very happy with the outputs and Dreamwalk have the experience to trust they will meet the client´s satisfaction first time around.

However there is no wiggle room for changes after a progress delivery unless extra hours are charged as client revisions, which would have made it difficult to stay on budget if initial design outputs were not already "on point" and awesome the first time. So lucky for me they were great!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and co-founder of Snackr, which provides food and beverage delivery for spectators at stadiums. At the moment, we’re a small team based in Perth, Australia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with DreamWalk?

We engaged DreamWalk to help us develop our MVP. We needed software that would allow us to deliver to stadiums, including client-facing functionalities as well as a backend enabling vendor input.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had a workshop where we shared some wireframes, which they took to develop user stories.

DreamWalk developed a consumer-facing application where users can order food and drinks from vendors. They integrating supporting applications—in the form of progressive web apps (PWAs)—to allow vendors and deliverers to offer their services.

These are for the App Store as well as Google Play. The progressive web app can be used on any off-the-shelf Android device, and the mobile is for both iOS and Android. The backend is written in Elixir, and the frontend for the consumer app relied on React Native.

The progressive web apps are in Node.js. We’re using Stripe for payment progressing, and Firebase Crashlytics, Tulio, and Forest Admin were the other technologies we used.

What is the team composition?

I worked with a project manager, but their whole team consisted of around six people.

How did you come to work with DreamWalk?

We created a list of potential developers and went through an interview process to shortlist 3­ that were based in Melbourne (which is a 5-hour flight away from Perth). We went through a series of meetings, and DreamWalk presented the best pitch. They understood the project’s potential challenges better than others, who glossed over the complexities of our goals.

How much have you invested with them?

Our initial budget was around $90,000, but scope-creep brought the final investment to be around $105,000 USD.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started engaging DreamWalk in May of 2019. The actual development ran between August 2019–February 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re only just launching the product now, so it’s a little early to tell. The product has been accepted by the Apple Store, and we’ve used the app to land our first customer. These are the best success metrics we can point to.

How did DreamWalk perform from a project management standpoint?

It was a mixed bag—they were very good at keeping in touch and keeping us updated on project progress. Having said that, they could have provided us with a more accurate understanding of the hours they allocated to different parts of the project. I understand that that can be difficult to do, especially when you’re operating in sprints.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their design is outstanding. I think their real strength is in their ability to focus on UX/UI to deliver clean, effective designs.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Earlier communication about the potential increase in work hours would’ve been appreciated. It would’ve also been great to see their team integrate better with our own developers, even despite the different areas of expertise.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Even though they offer project management, I encourage you to rely on your own PM resources. That’ll help you stay on top of how time is being allocated. In addition to that, you should definitely partake in the workshop that they hold at the start of the engagement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the head of design at Planet Innovation, a global product development company that designs and commercializes products and services for companies in the medical space. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with DreamWalk?

Although we have an in-house development team, we needed additional support when we had an opportunity to develop an app since most of our developers were already working on other projects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

DreamWalk developed a native mobile app for both Android and iOS platforms, using designs we provided through Sigma Software. They also guided us through the launch process within the respective app stores, setting up the privacy policy in the process.

What is the team composition? 

We mostly worked with the director, a project manager, the creative director, and a lead developer.

How did you come to work with DreamWalk?

I researched vendors online and came across good reviews from previous clients of theirs. We also liked that they were local and, after speaking with Karl (Director, DreamWalk), I felt like he did a good job of outlining some of our needs and presenting their capabilities.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested about $74,000 Australian Dollars (about $52,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from November 2018–March 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The quality of their output was great overall. Our working relationship was also fluid and seamless. From the start, they understood the project very well and put us at ease.

How did DreamWalk perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed very well, planning the project thoroughly from start to finish and creating the necessary requirements. There weren't any surprises; they were able to keep to the schedule and provided a lot of transparency throughout the engagement. They used Workplace by Facebook and Slack, which made it very easy to collaborate and reach them immediately. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their client-centric approach sets them apart. They made themselves very accessible and used project management tools that allowed us to reach them almost instantly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could've done a better job of anticipating some features outside of the scope of work they created, so we weren't spending too much time discussing them during sprints. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be openminded and collaborative, because many of the user experience and layout decisions will require input from both ends. Fortunately, they offer a lot of creative solutions and solid design options.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the COO of a development consultancy that researches and develops new ideas for startup nonprofit organizations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DreamWalk?

We needed to develop a web app that allows consumers to make procurement choices based on the social profile of their service providers.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted the platform to be responsive and capable of providing a smooth consumer experience.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We’d been in contact with one of the founders for several years. They were able to provide a much better value for money than our other options, as well as accommodate our needs in terms of timing and functionality.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They were responsible for building the front- and backend of the web app. We provided the UX and UI, and they made design decisions where necessary. They developed the front- and backend of the platform so it can be integrated with our website. They coded the platform in React, which will allow us to quickly scale to a native app when we receive additional funding.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a project manager and several developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They were able to get the platform working in time for us to present it at a global conference. It worked perfectly, and we received much needed attention for the product. They also stayed within our budget.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They managed the project on Facebook workspace, which works well for us. They provide high-quality customer service and excellent communication.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They show great patience and incredible flexibility working with inexperienced entrepreneurs like us.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None, they were great.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the senior campaign manager of a company who provided print and out of home and print media across Australia for, predominately, government, arts, and entertainment organizations. We also provided media solutions to the consumer goods, housing, and automotive industries.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DreamWalk?

We needed someone to design the UI and UX for an internally developed app—a way for clients to order marketing campaigns and set the printing and distribution preferences.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to have an easier way for our clients to book campaigns and track their reach and availability across venues.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We liked that DreamWalk had extensive experience despite being a relatively small team, which convinced us that they would give our project the care it required.

Describe the project in detail.

We laid out our project plan at the initial meeting, and they recommended new features that would streamline our processes streamlined. Three weeks later—a timeline we loved—they delivered wireframes.

What was the team composition?

We worked predominantly with DreamWalk’s two founders, one acting as a project manager and the other as a lead designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received a beautiful, seamless design that adheres to our style guides and is easy for customers to navigate.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The DreamWalk team was easy to work with and completely transparent with their processes. They sent many progress videos and our project manager was available at any time to chat via the instant messaging service they set up for the project. They were accommodating with our tight schedule and allowed us to tweak the design as often as we requested, even daily.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

DreamWalk distilled the core ideas we needed in our app, advising us to forge excess features we didn’t need, and thus, saving us money. Their strategic knowhow not only created a user-friendly app but also streamlined many of our internal processes for our clients. Their design was clear and beautiful, and we felt like we were in great hands.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We’re extremely satisfied and would love to work with DreamWalk again.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and CEO of The Hug App, a transaction-based social platform that allows parents to connect with their trusted network of family and friends to coordinate the transportation and care needs of their dependents. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DreamWalk?

I engaged DreamWalk to redesign the app's entire frontend.

What were your goals for this project?

My goals were to improve the UX/UI and build a stable, market-ready product.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Not only does their track record speak for itself, but I also had a previous relationship with DreamWalk’s co-founder.

Describe the project in detail.

The overall intent of the redesign was to correct existing bugs and improve the UX. Because we were improving an existing app, the project was well past a need for wireframes.  DreamWalk was responsible for correcting mistakes made by previous developers and delivering a state-of-the-art solution that addressed both user needs and my requirements, such as GPS tracking of dependents while in the care of others. The app is available on iTunes and Google Play for mobile and iPad platforms.

What was the team composition?

I’m not sure of the exact composition, but three of the company’s founders were very active in this project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app is stable. Although it is too early to publish any metrics, the quality has received positive feedback. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was excellent.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They foster a high level of trust. I was also impressed with their transparency, speed of work, and their ability to troubleshoot, adapt, and innovate.  

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything was good from my perspective.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m one of the founders of eenemo, a mobile app that allows users to post two photos so that other users can vote and help with choice making.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DreamWalk?

We engaged their team to turn an idea for an app into a reality by creating and uploading eenemo to the App Store.

What were your goals for this project?

Our initial goal was to have a workable app on the App Store at the end of a 36-hour, non-stop proof program. DreamWalk continues to act as our advisors and developers for further improvements and additions to eenemo.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We searched online for app developers and DreamWalk stood out as an ethical, trustworthy, and professional company. We also really liked the look of their past projects. After speaking on the phone with their directors—who were positive, knowledgeable, and excited about our idea—we made the decision to engage their services.

Describe the project in detail.

They made things very easy in terms of communication from the very start. We had a number of telephone meetings and email exchanges before flying interstate to the DreamWalk offices for a 36-hour intensive workshop, where we acted closely with them to produce eenemo. We have since kept in regular contact for improving the app, marketing, and future plans.

What was the team composition?

We dealt with their mobile app strategist to begin with, who fine-tuned our idea and pitched it to the rest of the team. We worked on the product with DreamWalk's creative director, CTO, and lead developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app has received five-star ratings and is being downloaded more and more. We haven’t had any negative feedback and hope to see momentum build towards it being the next big thing!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

All members of the DreamWalk team were easy to work with. The project has stayed on track and has remained true to our original idea.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Before developing eenemo, we had no real experience in mobile app technology. The team at DreamWalk explained everything that we needed to know in terms that we understood; not once did they make us feel inferior due to our lack of knowledge. Their advice has only added value to our app and they took on the creation of it like it was truly important to them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We’re satisfied with service provided to us. Things can always be done faster but the team stuck to doing things properly rather than quickly, and we appreciate that attitude.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am owner and founder of 2 companies: Energetic Education and Bottoms Up Fitness. I run professional development for teachers and personal trainers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with DreamWalk?

I needed help creating my first educational app for primary and high school teachers.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

DreamWalk took my ideas and turned them into 2 amazing apps. They did everything, from concept and design to development.

One of the apps, ClassBreak, is a one-stop shop for resources, ideas, and games in the classroom. It is available for iOS and Android devices. I did the marketing myself.

How did you come to work with DreamWalk?

I found them through a Google search. I chose them because I found them helpful, friendly, and easy to deal with.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent less than $50,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together 5 years ago. The project took about 4 months from start to finish.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They made my ideas come to life. ClassBreak has been ranked number 1 on the Australian education App Store 3 times. It has also received a number of 5-star reviews.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

They were fantastic. They did everything they said they would do.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was happy with the service, the price, and the end result. They were amazing. I’ve dealt with overseas developers before, and this was the best experience I’ve had creating mobile applications or websites. I am extremely grateful for the professional help that they provided me. Not only did they make my dream come true, but they were also really fun to deal with. I did a lot of research, and DreamWalk didn’t let me down.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I was extremely happy with them and what they were able to provide.