Elixel

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Manager - Supergen ORE Hub of University of Plymouth

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

University of Plymouth

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Elixel to accomplish?

• To update and improve an online interactive 'research landscape' platform
• To increase and improve the user experience of the platform
• To increase the flexibility and usability for the platform administrators

SOLUTION

How did you find Elixel?

Tender invitation

Why did you select Elixel over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit

How many teammates from Elixel were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

As part of the Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub programme, run by the University of Plymouth (UK), Elixel developed an online interactive 'research landscape', which sets out the current research challenges for the development of offshore renewable energy in UK waters. As part of the programme the research landscape required updating.

Current issues with the Supergen landscape include limited visibility, insufficient industry-focus, unclear navigation, challenges in external linking, scalability, and content updating. Users also seek enhanced autonomy and better resource showcasing. The scope of the work Elixel were commissioned to provide were to improve user interface, navigation, content organisation, browsing, external linking, and promotion of the Offshore Renewable Energy sector collaboration

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

User Interface and Navigation Improvements:

• Implement a first menu on the left-hand side for better navigation and accessibility
• Integrate selectable user journeys based on motivation (e.g., "I am interested in...") and user type(e.g., "policy maker, academic, etc.")
• Increase flexibility to modify elements on the landscape

Content Organisation, Browsing Enhancements:

• Improve browsability with search and tagging features for themes and challenges
• Organise content hierarchically by themes, challenges, and projects
• Implement search filters for technology types, funding types, etc
• Incorporate links to external datahubs, such as metocean data or wind datasets, and connect them
• Create a map of the innovation landscape, linking to other pages like innovation bodies and initiatives

Case Studies and Best Practices:

• Develop a dedicated case study area to showcase best practices and successful projects under different challenges
• Highlight various forms of impact beyond just projects

Resources, Events, and Funding Opportunities:

• Add links to other resources and previous Supergen repositories
• Provide information on funding calls and events related to the innovation landscape

Industry Perspectives and Collaboration:

• Include an area in each theme for industry perspectives to promote collaboration between academia and industry

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

Their project management was excellent, with clearly articulated timeframes with delivery on time. Regular communication via a mixture of online and face to face meetings with follow up emails. Clear progress updates were provided and our requirements listened to and acted upon

What was your primary form of communication with Elixel?

Email or Messaging App

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

Ability to listen to client requirements and ensure the project delivery is timely with any issues addressed quickly and efficiently

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

No, there are no suggestions, as very happy with the delivery of the project

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the director of a sleep consultancy firm based in the UK.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with Elixel?

We wanted to create a sleep app for children and young people so parents and professionals could help them sleep better. We were approached by a nonprofit that wanted to do the same thing, so we created two apps; one for professionals or parents, and a second for young people. We hired Elixel for mobile app development. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The discovery phase took quite some time because there was nothing like this in the world, so we had to connect with many sleep professionals in various locations. We had a few meetings and went through several iterations of the app that people tested. Initially, we were planning to make an MVP, but one of the applications has been fully completed and launched already, and the other app is still in development.

Both apps are designed for Android and iOS. The application creates a sleeping profile based on how much users sleep, and directs them to different resources. It also allows users to create an avatar, add team members to a particular sleep plan, and set reminders.

What was the team composition? 

We have a project manager, a product design manager, and individuals in charge of development and user interaction. These are the primary employees from Elixel I’m in contact with although there are other people involved. 

How much have you invested in them?

We’ve invested around £120,000 (approximately $150,000 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement? 

We started working with Elixel in May 2021, and it is an ongoing collaboration.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

At the moment, we have a tiny number of paid users because we haven't publicized it yet. Although, once we have the diary added to the application, we will release 600 licenses to schools and institutions and begin promoting it.

How did Elixel perform from a project management standpoint?

They are very good and understand when to step back and move forward, which has been quite impressive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whenever we have any questions or requests, they get back to us right away with answers and proposals. We talk through Google Meet on a regular basis and use a Miro board, so we always know where we’re at in the project. 

What did you find most impressive about them? 

Elixel has been really great at guiding everyone involved in the process, and they go above and beyond for us, especially during a difficult time to work, like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

The only negative thing I have to say is that we did want a subscription feature, but we didn’t know that, and Elixel could have been better prepared and suggested that.

 Do you have any advice for potential customers?

In the initial stages, show them everything you think you might want, and they will sort it out for you. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of NetHabit, a mobile application that enables parents to improve the safety and well-being of their children while using online digital devices.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Elixel?

We engaged with Elixel to develop a proof of concept (POC) that could be further developed into a first product for the App Store.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we went through a process with Elixel to scope out the project based on our available budget and timelines, which helped us understand what could be done. Throughout this process, Elixel also helped us validate our user personas and create the mapping for the user journey.

As part of the initial process, Elixel did an analysis of the research we had originally done for the app’s design and testing. Still, they decided to explore the project further, so they did some surveys and worked with potential customers and parents to look at some of the assumptions we had made.

From there, Elixel built the MVP, for which they first created some wireframes. Then, they developed high-fidelity prototypes, after which they built the actual product.

Ours is a subscription-based app. Thus, Elixel put a lot of emphasis on the user-friendliness of the onboarding process so that users could capture the right data about their family’s composition and the devices to which they have access.

Our app provides users with content tailored to the family’s requirements, and parents can take action to improve the safety of their children’s device usage. Additionally, it has a gamification element included. As for the technology stack, this MVP is available for iOS devices, but we eventually want to develop an Android version. To build it, Elixel used Ionic as its framework.

What is the team composition?

I worked with Elixel’s managing director, who acted as the project lead; the design lead, who was the head of the design process; the CTO, who was responsible for the technical work; and another person.

How did you come to work with Elixel?

They were recommended to me by a mutual contact. Elixel was the right size and had enough capacity to deliver what we wanted for the first iteration of the product, and the recommendation was very important to us, so we hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around £80,000–£85,000 (approximately $97,000–$103,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from September 2021–June 2022. Although this part of the project has ended, we’ve been gathering data since launching the MVP so that we can develop the product further. We want to integrate AI technology and other important features, so we hope to start that development process shortly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since launching the MVP, the UX has been tested by some parent groups, and 100% of the parents who have tested it have told us that they would recommend it to other parents. Given that launching the MVP was just the first step to evaluating the app’s design and functionality, we don’t have significant metrics regarding app downloads to share.

Still, we’re now seeing results at a good pace. People enjoy using our app, and we haven’t experienced important bugs or crashes. Regarding the initial assumptions we made, some have proven to be more right than others, but all that information helps us keep investing in the project.

How did Elixel perform from a project management standpoint?

Elixel delivered on time and within budget, and we worked very well together. We used Miro to collaborate. When we started working on the project, there were still some restrictions in the UK pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, although Elixel was around a 2.5–3-hour drive away, we initially communicated via phone calls and video calls using Google Meet and Zoom. Once the restrictions were lifted, we met in person at Elixel’s office.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Elixel was very good at UX design and development, and their communication was great.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There was nothing Elixel could have improved on. If anything, they should be aware that they work in a field where the tools they have access to are constantly being developed. As part of our project, we used some tools and plug-ins that Elixel hadn’t used before, which caused some issues because they had to learn about those technologies. From a customer perspective, that part was a bit frustrating.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Spend time meeting with Elixel and going through the scoping process so that you can scope out the project properly.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of Pall-Ex Group Ltd, a national distribution service of palletized goods.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Elixel?

We were trying to design a driver mobile app for Android and iOS phones that allowed drivers to capture electronic proof of collections or deliveries, so we hired Elixel to help us out.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, I wrote a functional specification document and provided it to Elixel. Then, they reviewed that document and came back with a series of questions. Based on their understanding of the said document, we then set up a creative workshop, which involved several people from the organization.

For this workshop, we went through the process that a driver would go when using this app, after which Elixel designed interactive wireframes for it. Then, for weeks, we refined the process based on what we had discussed in the creative workshop until we got the wireframes we needed.

These wireframes worked as a prototype, enabling us to click through the different mobile app screens to go through the whole process. Elixel’s designs allowed us to visualize how the mobile app would work. Once we had the final designs, we gave them to the development company that would help us build the app for Android and iOS.

The app’s core feature was the ability to capture real-time signatures for freight collection or delivery; it was the core requirement. In addition to that, we requested a feature that allowed drivers to perform vehicle checks, as well as another feature to perform dynamic risk assessments in certain situations.

Additionally, we requested another feature that used Google Maps to allow drivers to review the collection and delivery points. Finally, we needed our warehouses to use this system for collection and delivery vehicles, as well as trucks, which implied a whole process behind that. Those were the main features we requested for this app.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Paul (Creative Director) and another individual from Elixel.

How did you come to work with Elixel?

During the tendering process, the development company we had hired for the project recommended Elixel because they wanted to use the interactive design approach that Elixel offered. Ultimately, the development company was the one that hired Elixel.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent roughly £25,000 (approximately $30,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started around September 2021, and Elixel completed their part around December 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our main success metric for this engagement was that Elixel’s interactive wireframes allowed us to see and understand how the app would look and function for users. That prototype was extremely helpful for our development company in building the app.

Once we had the app developed, we didn’t have to keep going back to tweak it and change it many times because they had understood how to build it from the get-go. Although we made some changes throughout the development process, those changes would have been a lot greater if we didn’t have the interactive wireframes delivered by Elixel. Ultimately, their designs were an important part of the product's success.

Some of our stakeholders were a little unreceptive to the creative workshop initially. However, after we were done, they were very happy with how everything was done because it gave them a vision of what would happen. Therefore, we ultimately got positive feedback on this project as well.

How did Elixel perform from a project management standpoint?

Although Elixel wasn’t in charge of project management because they were only a part of the whole project, they delivered their work on time and stayed within budget. Moreover, they were very quick and efficient at making changes to the wireframes. Paul was very supportive and receptive to those changes, so we had a very good experience.

As for collaboration tools, Elixel used a Jira board to manage the project. We also had weekly project calls via Microsoft (MS) Teams, and we communicated via phone calls and email exchanges as needed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

From the beginning, Elixel showed an impressive keenness to understand our business to ensure that what they were doing fit our purpose. Moreover, I was pleased to see their ability to produce interactive wireframes. They clearly had experience in designing screens to create a decent UX.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing Elixel could have done better. If anything, it would have been great if they had delivered everything quicker. However, they delivered on time, so I’m very satisfied with their entire work — it was worth the money.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a clear outline of your requirements and functional specifications so that you can provide them to Elixel. You’ll also require to provide them with a budget, timeline, and scope, as well as to have a clear project plan in place.

Moreover, be willing to allow them to access your business and see the area for which you need them to create wireframes. This will help them have a clear understanding of their goals. Throughout the project, it is helpful to set up weekly calls to keep track of the progress and deal with any issues as quickly as possible.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Head of Business Process Change, a health insurance company based in the UK.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We utilised Elixel to assist us with an independent design review of our mobile app in order to redesign this to add new features and improve customer experience.

SOLUTION

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

We had an existing business relationship with Elixel

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

The scope of work was to provide professional services / consultancy / designers to run workshops with subject matter experts from our business in order to redesign our mobile app, which is available to the totality of our customers.

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

Designer / Senior designer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project has not yet gone live, but internal reviews of the version we aim to deploy to live this month are very positive.

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

We did not have a project management focus, we dealt directly with the designers involved, who communicated with use directly remotely via video call or via email - due to Covid restrictions at that time.

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

An understanding of what works and what doesn't within app design, putting themselves 'in our customers shoes', so we have an app designed for our customers, rather than by insurance people.

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

We are very happy with Elixel's support throughout and the project outcome.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Business Analyst of a medical company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We safeguard people’s health and wellbeing in every corner of the world

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Elixel to accomplish?

• Create a mobile App for self serve claims administration
• Increase adoption of technology by members

SOLUTION

How did you find Elixel?

Online Search

Why did you select Elixel over others?

• Pricing fits our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned
• Existing work closely aligned to our requirements

How many teammates from Elixel were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The project involved designing a mobile App based on the current web based claims portal. 

• Discovery: The Discovery phase involved understanding the key problems, user types, and actions in the current claims web portal. An understanding of the business priorities, users’ needs, and competitors was built, along with a roadmap and full project timeline with specified milestones and deliverables. 
• UX Design: The Design phase involved the design of user flows in order to solve business and user pain points, and improve navigation and visibility of benefits to the users. Wireframes were used to test the user journeys. 
• UI Design: The Design phase involved the design of hi-fidelity visuals and prototypes for testing the user journey, ensuring consistency of visual language and a streamlines user experience. UI components were provided to our development team. 
• Development: The Development phase involved close liaison between our own development team and the design team, providing support to the development team, ensuing deliverables are on track, and quality assurance is met throughout the project lifecycle.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Discovery, UX design, and UI design that met our tight time schedule and high quality standards

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

Elixel's project management was excellent throughout the project, delivering a high quality design that exceeded our expectations. Communication between our team and Elixel's team was exceptional and they were always available for anything that we needed. Change requests were handled effortlessly, despite a very tight timeframe in which we were all working.

What was your primary form of communication with Elixel?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

We found Elixel to be professional, knowledgeable, and very easy to get along with. Nothing was too much effort. Elixel quickly understood our language and culture and were able to design a product that we are proud to show off.

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

During the course of the project we did discuss a few areas for improvement, such as ways of providing testing feedback and change requests. These were all taken o board and implemented in a way that improved the journey for the whole project team.