Equaleyes d.o.o.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our company is working on a sleep and meditation app for children. I’m a product manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Equaleyes Solutions Ltd?

We’re a fairly small company, but we’re going through a lot of growth and changes. We needed a new team to help us develop this platform.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We originally contracted them to work on the frontend of an iOS and Android app. We’re currently developing a larger ecosystem for the platform, which includes a new backend system and an online subscription website. There are a lot of little projects involved within the larger process.

The app itself is subscription-based, but we allow users to test it for free before signing up. We add new audio content to the app each week, and subscriptions allow users to unlock content on various devices. They can also build user profiles, which help us get to know our customers and recommend more specific content to them.

What is the team composition?

We have one main iOS developer and two other developers for the backend project.

How did you come to work with Equaleyes Solutions Ltd?

The partnership was already established when I joined the company. One of our contractors suggested them to us, so it was something of an internal recommendation.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in January 2018, and the collaboration is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everything is going really well, and it's interesting to work with them to find new people with new skills that help us evolve the product. The app ratings are very good, and our users review us well. In a customer survey that we ran recently, 96% of users said they'd recommend the app to a friend.

How did Equaleyes Solutions Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

We don’t do much project management on their side. As communicators, they’re very good collaborators. They work with us daily for standups, and we communicate all the time through Slack.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve worked with other outsource teams in the past who were not as skilled as Equaleyes. Setting expectations with them is always easy, and they really act as a part of our team. They’re committed to the project and share in our successes. It’s a very positive experience.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We had some difficulty surrounding management over a holiday, but we resolved it quickly.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They're very caring about the profile of developers, beyond just the technical aspect. It's important to chat with them to work out the best person for your project. Personalities matter, and they're an important part of our collaboration.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the head of digital banking for Nova KBM d.d., Slovenia’s second largest bank.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Equaleyes Solutions Ltd.?

We engaged Equaleyes Solutions Ltd. to develop and deploy a new mobile banking app for Android and iOS.

What were your goals for this project?

Our existing app’s UI/UX required an update. We wanted to put out a more user-friendly and accessible app with added functionality.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Equaleyes Solutions Ltd. was the most skilled, enthusiastic, and scalable team among their competition. They brought fresh ideas, strategic oversight, and startup-like agility from the get-go.

Describe the project in detail.

Equaleyes Solutions Ltd. reengineered our mobile banking system. They provided suggestions to improve the UI/UX and flow, which they then implemented and tested. They supplied fixes for the existing software while also developing new functions. They also helped prepare promotional multimedia materials and integrated certain services into our information system. Lastly, the team served as tech consultants, advising us via strategic workshops and providing insights into the development process that strengthened the resulting product.

What was the team composition?

The team comprised a project manager, two Android developers, two iOS developers, a designer, and multiple QA testers. They collaborated with our backend developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new app has generated higher conversion rates. Over 50,000 users have installed the app and left very positive feedback.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We worked closely with the Equaleyes Solutions Ltd. team, functioning as one extended team with a common goal. We defined our goals and vision through strategic workshops and maintained a constant communication flow throughout the project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Equaleyes Solutions Ltd. delivered a fantastic solution on time. They incorporated our ideas, responded to feedback, and explained their approaches using clear rationale and diagrams. We recommend the team to anyone in need of fast, brilliant, and agile software development.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, we were highly satisfied with their work.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a senior advisor for the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of the Republic of Slovenia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Equaleyes Solutions?

We engaged Equaleyes Solutions to develop an Android and web application to raise awareness of cyber violence and harassment of women and girls and offer counter-measures to these problems.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted the app to educate people about cyber violence and harassment, both informing the general public and changing societal attitudes.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We published a public tender to find a technical partner for the projects. Of all the companies that applied, Equaleyes Solutions offered the most comprehensive solution and provided the best balance between deliverables and prices. They later proved that they had the right knowledge and experience for this project.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

Equaleyes Solutions started by reviewing similar existing solutions to our problem. They then prepared wireframes and an interactive prototype of how the app would look and function. They created images and graphic elements for the mobile app as well. The team then developed the Android version from scratch—including animations and in-app quizzes—and the web version using WordPress. After completing the final testing, Equaleyes Solutions published the mobile app on the Google Play store and are now in charge of regular maintenance and updates.

What was the team composition?

We worked with an Android developer, a web developer, a UI/UX designer, and a project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Equaleyes Solutions delivered a week ahead of the deadline, giving us more time to prepare for post-launch marketing and activities. The project went smoothly from start to finish, and they produced an app that functions perfectly and appeals visually to our target audience.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They managed their progress well, communicating with us on a regular basis about progress and project-related issues.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Equaleyes Solutions demonstrated responsiveness, professionalism, and dedication throughout the project. We felt like they were part of our team.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

No, we were very happy with their work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CTO at Vidleos Ltd, a cloud-based training provider specialized in the hospitality industry in the UK. We deliver traditional case-based training material via videos using our clients’ own staff to deliver the message.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Equaleyes Solutions?

Several of our clients reached out to us requesting a mobile application. At the time, our system was web only. We decided to build both iOS and Android applications. We were a young, small company with limited human resources. I was the only technical person and didn’t have the expertise to build a mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Equaleyes Solutions built our Android and iOS apps. They basically built a shell app that would be our web browser view on a native app of our web system. It allows users to sign-in once and stay signed in. They’re also able to upload videos they’ve shot on their mobile devices.

We gave them some wireframes which their graphic designers cleaned up. I liaised directly with the developers on the documentation so that I didn’t have to write up all of the specifications.

The bulk of the work was completed within two to three months but we’re still in development. We just did a full check of both apps and are in the final stages of fixing bugs from some updates. While the product is live, we continue to add new functionality.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with their CTO and, more recently, with a project manager.

How did you come to work with Equaleyes Solutions?

Equaleyes came recommended to us because they had worked with one of my business partners in a separate business. I think they built his mobile app for him. They were the first people we spoke with and we met them here in London. We were comfortable and happy to give them the work.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $15,000 so far and plan to spend an equivalent amount over the coming 18–24 months.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around October 2016 and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I don't have any data but I can say that our clients are very happy with what they've delivered.

How did Equaleyes Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated mostly via email and Skype. They’re responsive. They do what they say they’re going to do and get it done when they say they will.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They've been very responsive and great price-wise.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not at this stage, no.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I don't but I would highly recommend them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CEO of erento GmbH, an international rental platform that operates in Germany, Switzerland, and the U.K.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Equaleyes Solutions Ltd.?

We engaged Equaleyes Solutions Ltd. to support our internal development team as an offsite partner with the capacity for onsite collaboration. They needed to develop software for our web platform in Node.js and Angular.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted the team to provide quality software development services while having the right culture fit as our long-term tech partner. But moreover, Equaleyes Solutions Ltd. needed to ensure that our site performed at its best.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have heard about Equaleyes before and received a recommendation. Our team invited them to participate in our RFP process. Equaleyes Solutions Ltd. was the one company that met our expectations; they passed both our code challenge and technical interviews. With the team, we found that combination of expertise and flexibility we were hoping to get from a partner.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

The scope extends to ongoing development for and maintenance of our existing rental platform. They collaborate with our internal team while using the following technologies: Node.js, Angular, Amazon Web Services, Elastic Search, and Java Spring.

What was the team composition?

The team includes two web developers, one of whom is the lead developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've become profitable, which was a significant milestone for us. The team’s flexibility helps keep our costs down because we can focus more on delivering the product and less on recruitment.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They brought a fresh perspective to our company for how we work with agencies and remote workers. The team utilized an employee swap practice, which we hadn’t heard of before. As part of this practice, their developers work from our Berlin offices alongside our internal team, and our internal team works from their offices every couple of months as well. This setup effectively encourages team building.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They deliver quality services in a professional manner. Equaleyes Solutions Ltd. invests considerable effort in building a great team and culture. They feel more like an integral part of our team than a traditional service provider.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

When we first met them, I didn't notice the same level of confidence I saw with other agencies. They were a bit modest, which made us almost pass on them. But luckily, they came highly recommended, had a good interview, and scored the best on the technical challenge.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CEO of Fotonarocilo, a photo studio and photo ordering web platform. We provide photographic services for a variety of events and have a web portal, which clients can use to preview and submit orders.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Equaleyes Solutions Ltd.?

We needed to develop a new and improved version of our photo ordering platform, automate the payment process, implement missing features, and fix outstanding bugs.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to make our photo ordering platform safe, reliable, and secure while optimizing it for customer retention and conversion. We also wanted to have a stronger UX. This would ensure that our platform is user-friendly and allow us to nurture and improve our relationships with our clients.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was impressed by Equaleyes’ win at a hacking competition in London several years ago. I read about them and their other achievements on news sites and knew they were the kind of team I wanted to work with. In our initial meeting, they confirmed my expectation that we would be a perfect fit.

Describe the project in detail.

After the onboarding process, Equaleyes implemented the changes and features agreed on in the project scope. They reconstructed the platform’s login page, simplified the registration system for users, and upgraded the way conditional purchases and conditional pre-orders work.

They then applied new features like the ability to group orders from the same client and an automatic emailing system. They also developed and designed our payment system, conducting credit card and online bank implementation, which made it possible to import bank statements and close payments paid via utility bills.

What was the team composition?

They assigned a dedicated web developer and a project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After Equaleyes automated our work processes, more than 98% of our clients used the web platform to place orders. The team's modifications significantly improved the customer experience. They fixed bugs and performed continuous testing throughout to ensure that the best version of the platform would be released.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We’ve developed such a tight business relationship that it feels like we’re a united team; this has had an extremely positive impact on the project’s effectiveness. We’ve worked closely with Equaleyes during every step of the project, having had several strategic workshops together to ensure that we’re well coordinated. They’re available to jump on a call or into a meeting at all times, even if it's just to clear up uncertainties or expand on the project’s progress.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Equaleyes’ dedication to our project is impressive. As I’ve mentioned, we work closely together and they make us feel secure; we know that our project is in professional hands. We also appreciate their consistency. We’ve been working together for almost two years, now, and they’ve never let us down.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I can’t think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the digital content strategist at Autistica. We’re the leading autism research charity in the U.K. Our goal is to provide long, healthy, happy lives for autistic people and their families.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Equaleyes Solutions Ltd.?

We were looking for resources who could transform a paper-based cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) toolkit developed by Kings College London into an iOS/Android app. Because we didn’t have any app development experience, we wanted a vendor that we could trust. They needed to understand our vision for an accessible app that could make a difference in people’s lives.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create an app called Molehill Mountain that helped autistic people understand anxiety. The app aimed to build the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to self-manage the causes and symptoms of anxiety. Our goal was to reach 2,000 downloads in total.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Equaleyes Solutions Ltd. came personally recommended for their excellent working style, communication, and high-quality product development. After reviewing the work they’d done for other companies, we decided to go with them.

Describe the project in detail.

We’d already developed a UX design, an InVision UI design, and a content strategy for the app. After user-testing our prototype designs, we shared the feedback with Equaleyes Solutions during our initial meeting. Their team understood the project quickly and got to the essence of what we wanted to achieve.

Within a month, they used our designs to create a working app and joined us here, in London, to conduct usability tests with autistic users. They prioritized issues and fixes, dealing with them quickly and effectively. They’ve since supported the app through beta testing, completed the MVP, and submitted it to the App Store and Google Play, all within five months. Currently, they’re working to push the Android app live.

What was the team composition?

They assigned a team of 3–5 who executed all of the work.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Equaleyes Solutions pulled all the stops to ensure that we hit our launch deadline in early July. We’ve since exceeded our 2,000-download target with the iOS app alone, boasting 2,400 downloads within the first three weeks of its launch. User feedback has been positive, and the app is stable with almost no reported bugs.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We’ve really enjoyed working with them, and they’ve made the whole process a great experience. They’re collaborative, flexible, and responsive. Since our team works from London, Slovenia, and New Zealand, we coordinate via Slack, Google Drive, video conferencing, and WhatsApp. We were delighted to welcome them to our London branch to help us launch the app.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I appreciated their excellent attention to detail, responsiveness, and timely communication. We got along well from the start, which made the project run smoothly. They’ve developed a beautiful product that we’re all proud of, and we’re excited to continue our relationship and take Molehill Mountain to the next stage.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

LANCom provides integrated systems and IT solutions. We also created Passenger Information System (PIS) software for the Slovenian and foreign markets. Our mission is to understand the needs of our users and provide them with modern solutions. I'm currently the head of digital business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Equaleyes Solutions Ltd.?

Our company has made major moves in the recent years towards internal and external modernization. We wanted a new website to represent us and our work in the best way possible. Thus, we were the looking for the best web developers in our area.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted the new website to be transparent, advanced, and the best among our competition. At the same time, we wanted dynamic graphics, interactions, and a creative and flexible UI.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We looked at various vendors and their past projects. Equaleyes' dynamic approach, references, and communication convinced us to choose them.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

In the beginning, Equaleyes listed all our requirements and the key people involved in the project. Then, they helped us build a new website architecture, prepare content, and conceptualize graphics. They asked us to deliver the content within the set deadlines and organize a photo-shoot. Their designer organized our content (news, events and case studies) and images of our employees so users could identify us. Their team made sure our content was consistent throughout our various department pages. They carried out various tests through external organizations. 

What was the team composition?

The project team consisted of a project manager, two developers, a graphic designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received positive feedback from users and customers who regularly read our content. We received praise internationally as well. Our users really showed interest in our products and company. They ultimately succeed in helping our employees feel like a part of a united company.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

I am familiar with web development, so this was nothing new to me. We coordinated goals, communicated well, and implemented deadlines. The project was complex because of our large number of employees and diverse interests, but it went smoothly. The presentation of a company was professional and gave a sense of credibility. In the beginning, we worked with their directors in the designing of the project. Our employees were directly part of the project to prepare the web segments.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with their flexibility. Certain specifications changed during the project, but they never questioned our vision. We liked their hands-on approach to consulting. They were in contact with us all the time to warn us about deadlines and budget. We knew exactly what to expect. 

Are there any areas where they can improve?

Pre-sales, post-sales, and some aspects of project implementation could've been better.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and CEO of Iris Speaks. We are digitizing the delivery of speech and language therapy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Equaleyes Solutions Ltd.?

I hired them to develop the website for our telehealth service.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I had seen and admired their work for other companies. Since I knew that they had good communication and would adhere to my deadline, I chose them.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

It was a small project. Initially, I gave them the wireframes and designs of the screens. I also set up user testing at different stages of development. I asked them to use Amazon Web Services (AWS) because I had some credits, as well as APIs for TokBox and a whiteboard solution. They found the APIs and built everything.

What was the team composition?

A team of three executed everything over a four-month period. I was in touch with just one contact person.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They surpassed my expectations. I wanted to go live in October, so they didn't have long to get the project completed, but they managed to do it all within this time period. We now have paying clients through the telehealth service and plan to develop more features with Equaleyes in the future.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We had weekly meetings over Slack, where we had our own communications channel. We also used Trello to keep track of progress.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We greatly appreciated their responsiveness and communications skills.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

None that I can think of at the moment. It's the first time I've outsourced, and this experience has shown me how cost-effective it can be. Despite a remote setup, the communication was still effective.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there

PixelPin produced a login system that uses pictures instead of passwords, predominantly for use on websites or mobile applications. All of the work that we do is geared around that system. We have a cloud version and on-premise versions as well.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Equaleyes Solutions?

We did not have the development bandwidth to produce high-quality mobile applications. Our team was mainly only two developers, and I was one of those. With the amount of work that we had, the mobile development was getting left behind as we were updating the cloud system and changing designs. We needed mobile apps for both iOS and Android.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Before they were contracted to do the work, I had done the original mobile applications. We gave them the code we already had, and told them we needed it to look like a web app. We also needed visual improvements, and we needed it to be done using all the latest libraries, plugins, and iOS and Android versions. The original piece of work was really just to bring this up to speed and make it look the same.

As we got to trust them over time and have a good experience using them as a contractor, they had more input in terms of where software needs improving or updating. It’s become more of a conversation rather than being one-sided. As time has gone by, they've been developing the same apps but have been doing design updates and adding functionality to them. When we added two-factor logins, for instance, we got those guys to build the two-factor functionality into the app that they'd already developed. 

The most recent piece of work that they've completed is a login protocol called FIDO, which is something that PayPal, Google, others have really been pushing for. We contracted Equaleyes to implement the FIDO as part of our application. There wasn't much to do in terms of frontend development because it was already done, but it was a case of implementing specifications from FIDO and interpreting them into units of work.

What is the team dynamic?

The bulk of their development team, about 20 people, is based in Slovenia at the minute. They have a shared office in London, but as far as I understand, that's much more on the business development and project management.

How did you come to work with Equaleyes Solutions?

We actually met them in London, when we were both members of a startup incubator called Wayra.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $10,000–50,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with them since December 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Because the mobile app has always been a little bit on the back-burner, we don't have any customers who use the mobile app as a login. 

There are around a several hundred downloads, but we don’t know user demographics. We get very few crash reports. Most of the things that we see crash, we see that at the test stage and they don't make it to the release. Any of the bits that don't work properly are probably my fault anyway because I write the backend.

How did Equaleyes Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

They've been a great company in terms of owning the project that they've got. They don’t ask you questions every 10 minutes. We trust them with our mobile app; they know what it is that we're trying to do and how we're trying to get there. 

If we have a piece of work done, they send us either an APK to upload to Google Play, or they will put an iOS application either on iTunes or onto TestFlight for us so that can be tested and released.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The main thing that really sets them apart is they're just a very low-friction company. They're very accommodating, positive, and pro-active, so it's never any trouble.

At no point has Equaleyes ever been a problem for us. They've never been greedy, slow, or produced poor quality. They’re specialist mobile developers, so they really know what they're doing and they care about their work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I think that they seem to be a company that has a little bit of an inferiority complex; that they don’t have as much confidence as they should. For our point of view, that's not a problem, but I think it is possible that would come across in some of the meetings they might have with customers. I think they need to really believe in themselves because what they've done for us has been great, and the people who work there are great.

Advice for potential customers?

They’ve been very proactive and trustworthy in terms of owning the project and owning what needs to be done. These guys know what they are doing, so trust them in that. They're not impulsive. They're not going to do crazy stuff without asking you first. Go meet them and get to know them. If you're going to visit them, they'll treat you well, and you'll get to learn that they are great guys who know what they're doing. Just trust them to do what you want them to do.