Empat

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the branch president of a nonprofit located in Newark, New Jersey. We’re a branch of the Ukrainian scouting organization called Plast, and we have 200 members.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Empat?

We wanted to create visibility for our branch online and we looked around to find good web developers that could support us with this project. We also needed support translating human language into technical requirements. As a result, we hired Empat. What we were looking for with them were a good turnaround and good cost and flexibility.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We gave Empat an idea of what we were expecting at a very high level since we weren’t able to create the designs ourselves. Their team then spent time creating designs and concepts for us. In addition, they made a lot of customizations for us, including payment integration and a registration system for our members and their family. 

We even had a calendar where we could create different events such as product sales and hiking trips. Furthermore, we used the platform to collect information about who would be in each specific group of scouts. We also worked together during the testing period, and we identified some small things that needed to be updated or changed quickly. Empat did everything, and they offered great support, too.

What is the team composition?

I think there were 3–4 individuals who worked on this project. The key account manager was our main point of contact.

How did you come to work with Empat?

We had been looking for developers in the US and outside. I couldn’t remember how we found them, but Empat was on the list of our potential companies to work with. I dropped them a quick chat and phone call, and we started working together on the initial quote and concept discussion. We finalized our agreement after that.

How much have you invested with them?

The project cost $20,000 or more. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from July 2021–November 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The first thing I really appreciated was Empat’s flexibility and support toward our ideas, questions, and requests. They’d simply take our question, give it a thought, and come back with a proposal. We weren’t technical people, so we couldn’t formulate how we wanted our website to be developed from a technical perspective. As a result, their team proposed solutions and supported us.

On the user side, I heard a lot of positive feedback about the platform, that it was bright and it simply looks great. That’s what we’d needed for a long time, to be honest. We had no complaints so far about our product. Overall, I look forward to working with Empat again, when we come up with some new requirements, on top of what exists now.

How did Empat perform from a project management standpoint?

We spoke to the key account manager practically every day during development and the questions and ideas phase. Our communication was more ad hoc at other times, and the deadline was met as agreed, and we went live when we wanted to.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We really liked how their designers were able to put together what we explained verbally. They put together a framework for our content, and they did their own homework and research because they didn't know us beforehand. They found out a lot of information about Ukrainian scouting, and we were surprised by that.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I couldn’t come up with anything significant that they could improve.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I highly recommend them. They’re creative people, and they’ll try to solve your requests and plans.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Global Medical Knowledge, Inc (GMK) is a non-profit corporation established to bridge the medical knowledge gap between developed and developing nations. I am President of the organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our aim was to develop a truthful source for doctors to have access to current, actionable medical information in developing countries and build collaborative partnerships among medical educators around the world.

SOLUTION

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

Nazar (CEO) presented a proposal that laid out what we should expect, what they would do, and pricing. We ultimately decided to hire them. They were very easy to work with, vey transparent, easy to reach and did amazing job

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

GMKA is a website that provides medical information on current medical standards of oncologic care in a multitude of languages to physicians and specifically patients in Ukraine and worldwide.

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

We worked with a project manager as well as front- and backend developers from Empat. Also, during the project, a designer joined us as needed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Once the website was completed my team was able to utilize the benefits immediately and seamlessly. This allowed us to focus on new markets with a demand for vital info on current medical standards of oncologic care.

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

When they work on client projects, we always had dates for deliverables. They always meet deadlines. Their team’s extremely responsive, which is what keeps us coming back. They worked tirelessly to ensure that we were on time and on budget.

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

Empat has taken my ideas and made them real. They have both creativity and a sense of direction.

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

From my perspective, there’s nothing else that needs improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Director of Sales & marketing for a company that has an enviable reputation as a distinctive destination property development and investment company, with residential and hospitality projects across the UAE. Our smart business approach that’s ingrained in everything we do and gives us the opportunity to lead our industry. It unites and connects our people and projects, and changes our business for the better. Most importantly, it helps us create game-changing value for our customers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Corporate Website Development
• Project Websites
• Social Media Account Management
• Technical Support

SOLUTION

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

Quality, pricing, professional team, timely delivery, and previous work experience.

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

Formulization until successful development of Corporate Websites and management apart from Social Media marketing and customer awareness via smart marketing campaigns. We used Micro, Figma, AWS, WordPress.

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

• Development Director
• Art Director
• Backend Software Engineer
• Social Media Planner
• Social Media Manager
• Designs
• Account Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

​​​​They had done a great job for us. The current website had been replaced with highly professional and result-oriented platforms, which eventually enabled us to position our brand and revenue at the best. After a successful upgrade of our existing web and social media platforms, we have seen a 250% increase in our sales revenues.

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

Communication moods were mainly Email Microsoft projects Live Figma

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

We were impressed with their discipline, timely deliverables, and the quality of their work.

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

Need to add more people to get more effective results

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

One Philosophy is a consulting group built around a shared sense of purpose — to create the reality we want to live in. It includes five agencies: Be—it Agency, One Health, Changers, Republic, and Solutions for People. My possition is an Operations Lead & Project Lead in the agency Solutions for People.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

To create an english-language repository of the truth about the war and the power of Ukraine "We are Ukraine".

SOLUTION

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

The project is the initiative of One Philosophy consulting group in partnership with IT company Empat and supported by volunteers.

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

English-language repository of the truth about the war and the power of Ukraine "We are Ukraine". The goal is to give understanding to people all over the world: today the future of humanity is being decided in Ukraine.

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

1 project manager, 2 frontend developers, 2 backend developers depending on the project/workload and 1 designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have just launched the website, and we are confident that the information provided on the site will help to convey truthful information about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We already have 13644 users only at the first 3 days after launch.

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

We had a kick-off meeting with Andrii, our project manager. Once our timelines and deliverables were clear, Andrii assigned developers, who would work on the project, and managed their work. Communication was clear, timelines were met.

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

Their desire to work and fulfill the set goals made us believe that the site would turn out to be really beautiful and selling. Communication with their team was carried out systematically, thanks to which the result was issued on time.

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

We implemented this project in a rush, so we requested faster execution from our partners at Empat. They generally operated very efficiently and quickly, but we would, of course, be pleased with even speedier execution.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the product manager of a children's experience marketplace, but I'm no longer with that company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Empat?

We were looking for a company to develop our digital marketplace product. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Empat took our initial idea and created a web-based platform to kick off the marketplace. They guided us through the design process by providing design and user flow ideas. Empat used their expertise to optimize our UX/UI — they made the platform better and more convenient for our users. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with nine teammates, including two frontend developers, a DevOps teammate, one senior UI/UX designer, 1–2 QA engineers, and project managers. 

How did you come to work with Empat?

We knew that Empat had taken other company's ideas and transformed them into an MVP to test a hypothesis. However, we'd already tested our and decided to hire Empat to only build the platform. 

How much have you invested with them?

My former company invested $140,000 with Empat. 

What is the status of this engagement?

I worked with Empat on this project from October 2020–September 2021. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After the project launch, 80%–90% of the customer feedback on the platform was positive. Overall, user engagement and sales metrics increased as well. I can't provide any additional data because I'm no longer working with the company that Empat built the platform for. 

How did Empat perform from a project management standpoint?

Empat had great project management and assigned a specific project manager to oversee the project — they were contactable 24/7. They had no problem with me asking to have a quick phone meeting to discuss the project. Most of our messages were via Telegram, but I was also a part of Empat's Slack channel. I also had access to their Jira to track their development progress. I was 100% satisfied with Empat's management skills. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Empat's team is high-quality — the UX/UI designer provided a lot of great ideas and had excellent attention to detail. The developers even came up with ideas on how to optimize our data usage. I can confidently say that Empat's teammates are some of the best on the market. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything for Empat to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I'd advise customers to go into the partnership with Empat a detailed project brief — the prep work should be completed before beginning the engagement. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an architect and I have my own studio in Ukraine. As a side project, I’m developing an app for nonverbal communication, which allows users to share their mood and biometrical information.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Empat?

They’re part of a team I’ve put together to design and develop my app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Empat is developing the front- and backend of my app, and designing its UI/UX. We developed it in parallel for iOS and Android.

I have an internal designer in charge of the color scheme, fonts, screen wireframes, and other elements, but Empat has created most of the app.

First, they created a backlog based on my ideas, and they consulted me on what I should and shouldn’t do. Then, their UI/UX designer made a mockup of the app. Next, I approved it, and they proceeded to the development.

Empat has also conducted interviews with around 25 users, and we’ve gotten feedback from 50 in total. We’ve tested the app in Ukraine and the US, and we have 3,500 users at the moment. We’re hoping to scale it to 20,000 by the end of 2021.

What is the team composition?

I’m in contact with Nazar (Founder) and one other person. Nazar has helped me find financial and legal specialists, and he helps with the team communication. The main part of the project is handled by their tech lead.

How did you come to work with Empat?

I had no app development experience, so I was looking for a team that could handle it from beginning to end. They were recommended to me by a friend who develops applications. I looked at three teams and Empat was the best of them. They weren’t the cheapest option, but they consulted me on how to build the app, whereas the other providers wanted to be told exactly what to do.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with Empat in December 2019, and it’s ongoing. We’re developing the second version of the app now, which will have additional features, customizations, and possible monetization. It should be ready in two weeks.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app is quite basic at the moment, concentrating on user moods. We have a lot of features in the backlog, and we’re working on them month by month.

The metrics we got on the first launch were really good, and Empat’s work was important for this. I’m always coming up with ideas, which Empat logs and consults me on. They advised me to first look at how users were interacting with the app, and decide what to do from there. They listen to me, but they also give me their vision. We’ve created a better app in this way.

How did Empat perform from a project management standpoint?

We’re working in two-week sprints, and they present the work to me after each one. They give me time and budget estimates for each sprint, and I have access to an online tool where I can see the overall progress, down to how much time is being spent on each task. The only budget increases were due to my own changes.

We use Telegram and Google Meet for communication. We have calls every week, and we’ve been in touch daily for the upcoming launch. They answer me even at night, although I try to avoid contacting them after hours.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’ve given me some great ideas during brainstorming sessions. We’ve created a new type of nonverbal communication with Empat’s help.

Are there any areas they could improve?

This was my first app development experience and I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to have in the end. Empat helped me develop my idea, and I’m happy with the results. I’m planning to spend less time on development and more on analytics and community feedback.  

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Urbankids — several kindergarten schools.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Empat?

We needed help with web development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We just explained what we wanted and showed some examples. They handled the design and development of the website from there. We didn’t need a large website with a lot of functions. They added some things to our website that we didn’t think of and made it very nice and functional.

What is the team composition?

There were more than five people, including a main point of contact. He’s a very polite and honest person. There’s also a developer, a manager, a web designer, and several other people who helped to make it very nice and beautiful.

How did you come to work with Empat?

They helped us develop several websites with another company. We started working with them a long time ago, but that was on another project. When we started this project, we asked them to help because we liked their earlier work.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $7,500 with them. It was several projects.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from January 2016 until December 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We love them and are satisfied with their work. They were always on time and made the website in our style and taste. They provided very good support during the whole process. They’re innovative and creative. They always find solutions to our questions. We’re satisfied and recommend them to other businesses. The website is very functional. It’s everything we need.

How did Empat perform from a project management standpoint?

We agreed on everything and there were no surprises. They had a high level of professionalism. They’re polite and honest, and we communicate via email, Messenger, and phone calls. They always kept in touch. They always gave answers very quickly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very innovative, honest, and quick to make corrections without argument.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing, in particular, I’d say they need to improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

We recommend working with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a co-founder and managing partner of Marshmallow Marketing. We’re an outsourcing agency that serves startups and medium-sized businesses. Our main service is digital marketing but we also offer strategy and implementation, as well as creative production.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Schrödinger’s Cat Laboratory?

We hired them to develop our website and help with branding when we were launching our business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We briefed them on our needs and expectations and then they started working on the website. They built a prototype and also started designing a logo for us. After that, we had several meetings and phone calls to provide our feedback, which they implemented in the final versions. Once we approved the logo design, they started assembling a brand book for us, as well as additional presentation and marketing materials.

With regard to the website, they still provide maintenance and update it whenever we contact them.

What is the team composition?

We worked with their managing partner, a designer, and our account manager.

How did you come to work with Schrödinger’s Cat Laboratory?

We evaluated several agencies and they offered the best pricing. Their portfolio was also appealing and we liked the branding work they did for other clients. We got in touch by filing a brief on their website detailing the services we needed.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $7,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in September 2017 and wrapped up in January 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They developed a very creative logo for us that’s eye-catching to our clients. Our website is really impressive and the professional design has helped us impress our clients since we launched the business.

How did Schrödinger’s Cat Laboratory perform from a project management standpoint?

We didn’t have any issues with them. Any delays happened on our side because we couldn’t decide what we wanted fast enough. They were very responsive and handled our feedback well. Whenever we gave them feedback via Skype or email, they were able to correctly interpret what we wanted and implement our changes.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re really attentive to their client’s needs. I felt like they listened well and gave us multiple design options to choose from, rather than presenting one thing and forcing us to adapt to it. With the website, we didn’t know exactly what we wanted it to look like or how best to structure it, but they used their expertise to advise us on how to optimize the site for our users.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Violet is a digital marketing agency, providing e-commerce services. I’m the CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Schrodinger’s Cat Laboratory?

I needed help with web development and brand identity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped me with web development. They wrote content for my website and also did some social media promotion.

What is the team composition?

I’ve known Hlib (Co-Founder, Schrodinger’s Cat Laboratory) for a while. He’s a very nice guy and helped me a lot. I also work with all of his team.

How did you come to work with Schrodinger’s Cat Laboratory?

I was looking online for a company in Ukraine. Their website is different and not like other agencies’. They’re unique.

How much have you invested with them?

$12,500.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from October 2016 until March 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The UI/UX design on our website is amazing—they produced high-quality content. They took my project very personally and didn’t just make a typical website for me. We have one of the best websites in Saudi Arabia. One of our clients said that the website was exceptional.

How did Schrodinger’s Cat Laboratory perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very respectful and responsible, sending reports detailing every step. They met deadlines. I didn’t feel stress at all. If I need to change something, they did it directly and didn’t complain.

What did you find most impressive about them?

If someone needs something creative, they have to go to them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They did a great job. The quality of their work is great and they always go the extra mile.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of a hobbies and activities marketplace where users can search for and book classes. It’s a place for providers who offer courses, classes, and products related to activities and hobbies. They can post their services on the website and get booked by clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Schrodinger’s Cat Laboratory?

I needed someone to design and develop my website. I had an idea and funding, but I didn’t have the skills to create the website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They did the backend development and frontend design of my website using Ruby on Rails and JavaScript. We’re tweaking the website now, after which it will be complete.

We use an advanced booking system. For example, the owner of a music school can create a schedule for their classes. They can add team members or branches and create schedules for each one. The booking system was the main challenge, but it works perfectly.

What is the team composition?

I worked with the whole team.

How did you come to work with Schrodinger’s Cat Laboratory?

My friend recommended them after having a good experience. I looked at their portfolio and talked to one of their managing partners, who said they could build the platform I needed. I chose them because they provide a lot of services and care about quality.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $25,000-$28,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in July 2017 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’re client-oriented and receptive to our needs. If we need to implement a solution that hasn’t been discussed, they’re flexible. Although we haven’t launched yet, the investor who gave me the money for development is very satisfied. He didn’t think it would be a great product at first, but we received better results than we expected. My friends think the website is amazing.

How did Schrodinger’s Cat Laboratory perform from a project management standpoint?

The project management is great. All tasks have been completed in time, and I haven’t faced any inconveniences. Their managing partner assigns tasks to the other team members. They were always willing to make changes or add features. We had Skype calls with all the team members to discuss everything.

What did you find most impressive about them?

To get high-quality service in Ukraine, you have to find good people who care. They are focused on quality and want to satisfy their clients.