Futured

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the manager of Skoda, a car manufacturing company. I’m mainly responsible for data analysis and quality assurance, as well as some tools dedicated to data collection from external customers. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Futured?

We were looking for a vendor to help us develop an internal app for gathering feedback.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Futured built and developed our internal mobile app that connects to a database where we can process and monitor data.

We started by discussing and finalizing the requirements and basic framework, which led to its actual development and implementation of functions. Once that was done, they delivered an app that was compatible with both the Android and iOS platforms.

What is the team composition?

We mainly worked with the project manager and technical director.

How did you come to work with Futured?

They were selected by our IT department as the best fit for this project.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around €100,000 (approximately $109,900 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership ran from June 2019–December 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app has been a valuable and beneficial addition, as it made our process more efficient. We used to utilize Excel Sheets in our operations, but we can now share documents, report findings, and attach files seamlessly straight from the app.

We were satisfied with our partnership with Futured because they were very crafty in coming up with their own ideas and solutions.

How did Futured perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed well from a project management perspective as they strictly adhered to the timelines.

We used to communicate in person, but since the COVID-19 pandemic started, we mostly interacted through email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were impressed with their unique perspective on the project and agile response time.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything as I was very content with the cooperation.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would advise you to hire Futured because they’re the right vendor to be doing this type of project thanks to their creativity and unique development perspective.

Provide them with all the necessary information and be clear about your expectations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was a CEO of a Restu, a restaurant guide adn reservation platform, in Liberec, CZ.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed an app that would be an alternative to our web page service. I should allow our users to explore, book and review restaurants of their choice on the go, enjoing the the benefits of an mobile app.

SOLUTION

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

We had a good referrence from other project run by our then-owner. After discussing our ideas about the app with Futured team, we felt we're on the same page.

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

We had a kick-off meeting where we aligned on the key features as well as technology to be used. After that, the cooperation was more on a continuous improovement basis. Our team would provide wireframes and fedback from our users as well as request for new features. Futured would provide a solution and update the app.

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

We had a project manager assigned and a number of programmers for respective platform.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Both apps qot adopted by our users well, adding significantly to the traffic and conversion from the web app.

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

The communication has always been very open and timely. We used mainly Slack, Asana, as well conf calls if more detailed info was needed.

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

Technical skilled, strongly customer- and solution-oriented people. They thought about the product with us not only from the technical side but also from our customer's point of view.

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

Double-checking on some of the requested features might have saved some og the later hot-fixes, but nothing dramatic in fact.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The National Museum is the largest museum in Czechia with collecting, scientific, educational and methodological functions. I am Head of Department of Information Systems responsible as a Project manager for development of the new mobile application.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

As a cultural organization we are dependent on public procurements. Therefore we were thrilled when Futured won. We hired them for development new mobile app for our National museum.

The new app replaced the old one and offers our visitors Tours with Audioguide, Navigation, and a possibility to Buy a Ticket and skip the line when entering the museum. Last but not least we are also preparing Augmented Reality for presented exhibits. The key goal is to develop a modern mobile app that will meet and exceed the world's largest museums' apps.

SOLUTION

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

They won the public procurement that was divided into two parts – 50% price, 50% qualitative criteria. Altough the price was higher, they presented the best offer consisting of excellent references, detailed analysis, modern UX and design, and latest frameworks.

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

We meet every friday on a regular two-hour status. In the beginning these were affected by the pandemic situation due to the covid-19. First six months were therefore online meetings. But that hadn't affected the motivation and enthusiasm Futured showed at every meeting. The project was divided into three parts and is currently still in the last phase.

We started with meetings to discuss our goals and quickly moved to wireframing that was presented to us every week. The project managment was agile and our feedback was projected into the app every time. Futured used Kotlin for Android app, Objective-C for iOS with AWS hosting. Local development uses Docker. The CMS for the app is also integrated with Aruba Meridian Editor that is used to deliver a Bluetooth Low Energy navigation via BLE beacons inside the buildings.

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

A project manager was assigned directly to our project, that changed once during the year but it hasn't affected the development in any way. Transfer of information was flawless. Then there were dedicated one backend developer, one UX and graphic designer, one iOS developer and one Android developer. If needed additional programmers were added to the project.

Overall we communicated with 5 to 6 people during the whole project. What really impressed me was regular message from the CEO if we are satisfied with the current status.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The mobile app is currently still under development and hasn't been released yet. So there are none measurable outcomes that we could provide.

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

Klara with Vladimira were both really easy to communicate and we enjoyed working them. They've always delivered what they promised. Also, informed us in advance if a deadline wasn't going to be met. We had regular status meetings every friday. For quick messages Slack was used. If necessary phone calls were user. Documentation of the project management is in Notion.

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

I have to emphasize their tolerance to cultural organization that has a very complex structure as ours. That can sometimes project into requested changes. They also showed very professional experience with aquiring any framework or technology that was needed to meet our goal.

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

The segment of cultural organizations can be sometimes tough and full of changes. But Futured showed their interest in solving any challenges that occurred. It was a pleasure to work with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Czech radio is a national public media broadcaster in the Czech republic. I am the Project Manager for the online projects..

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Wi hired FUTURED for development new news app IROZHLAS. The new app replaces the old one and offers many news services like listening radio brodcasting and news podcasts, Customization, offline content etc.

SOLUTION

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

We hired Futured as the winner of the public procurement. They presented the best services, product references and price.

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

The project consists of two phases. The first was to create new hybrid app, the second phase is to develop and implement new services. New app wes developed in three basic steps: finishing and explaining technical documentation of the project, development and testing.

The app has been released in October 2021 and now we are getting ready to start the second phase including online subtitles of live broadcasting or usage of synthetic voice and other features.

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

A project manager, who changed during the development, but it has not affected the development in a negative way. Tha architect and iOS lead developer, the lead of Android version development and the UX designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within 12 days we have had 35K active users with this new app and the trend is growing. in 2 years we woul like to get over 100K active user and 300K downloads.

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

We meet every weekend usually with all development leads, UX designer and the project manager. For the communication we usually use Zoom and Slack, occasionaly phone calls. Till these days we did not have to solve any project management problem.

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

They have good skills and are open to accepting requested changes by the client. Also, change them to keep the application fairly consistent.

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

The world of news is different and specific, new voice services and other AI technologies require constant self-improvement on both sides.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Our company is one of the world’s largest sporting goods designer, manufacturer, and retailer, with more than 1500 stores in 50 countries. I'm working as "Country Operations Director".

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our target was to propose locally in our stores a new experience of shopping for our customers : order online, be delivered in store and pay in store. Before that project, we were only able to pay these packages online.

SOLUTION

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

Futured worked with us to develop from scratch a mobile application, used by our teammates in store to manage the payments of these online packages.

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

We worked with Futured teams in all the steps of the project, from the need analysis to the deployment in store. They delivered us the designs of the application, they chose the technologies the most adapted to our needs (android / kotlin).

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

We were working directly with all the teammates involved on the project >> this was a request from our side. We worked with the Project manager, the developers and the testers directly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The application delivered has 5 stars in our internal review system. It is really appreciated by our teammates in store.

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

We had direct communication by slack + regular visio to check the status of the on-going developments

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

Super communication, super adaptability, The application was really qualitative. The developers were able to understand quickly our technical context, and connect their development to our internal IS.

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

NA

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am in charge of software development at Golden Gate CZ which is a company offering precious metals savings plans.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We wanted to provide our customers a mobile application they can use to manage the portfolios they have with us.

SOLUTION

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

We contacted a few vendors that were recommended to us by our network of contacts and asked each one to submit a proposal to us. We thought the Futured's one had the highest quality to price ratio.

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

We provided Futured with an access to our web application and sent them requirements document containing which features of the website version we would like to be available through the mobile app as well. After they came up with the first designs, we had review calls to refine the final wireframes which were subsequently implemented.

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

I've been mainly in touch with the project manager, the designer, and the lead developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A mobile application had been long time pending for us, often requested by our clients. Since the launch 1 month ago we received a lot of positive feedback. The app has been downloaded over 2 500 times so far.

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

We had weekly status calls with occasional e-mails in between. The project manager always made sure I had the latest update on the progress.

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

The designs were delivered through Figma which made it very easy to get the idea how the app is going to feel like once developed. This was especially the case when the on-the-phone clickable prototypes were built by Futured for some specific parts of the app. They designed and developed at quite a fast pace.

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

There is always room for improvement no matter what we do. What's great about Futured is they are proactive about gathering feedback and looking to improve their communication and processes for the furutre. After the first phase of the project we had a retrospective meeting where all the project's participants had a chance to express themselves.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Managing Director of Hyperinzerce (company Inzeris)

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed to develop a mobile app for the most extensive online marketplace in the Czech Republic where customers can sell and buy quickly and conveniently with a few clicks. It needed to be a modern, timeless and easy system for creating the offers and their administration.

SOLUTION

How did you select Futured and what were the deciding factors?

We were looking for a well-experienced team that already has a similar project in the portfolio. The Futured team was able to deliver just what we needed in the time that was predetermined concerning the upcoming marketing campaign – we only had three and a half months. Moreover, they came with new ideas for the app as well.

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

The team had divided the project into four complex parts, which they proposed solutions. The moment all the observations were incorporated, the team started with the work.

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

The project manager (who is also a QA) was assigned to me and my team and was the primary contact during our cooperation. In total, two designers and two developers were working on the app with the occasional help of few other developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within three and half months, the app was released. The team created a great app with features a modern app should have. As a shopper, you can search the app by categories, keywords, and even item distance. You can also sort the offers by price and the time seller added them. The app is an easy system for creating offers and their administration.

 The application also offers a simple messaging system where you can easily communicate with the buyer or seller directly.

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

Since we didn't have much time, the team came up with a proposal to make the process more efficient. We dealt with technical and business issues at Slack, where we were in daily contact. The team worked closely and resolved the topics and problems instantly. The app was delivered in time.

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

We were a demanding client, and the Futured team delivered fantastic results. We are glad that we have chosen them as the supplier, and I believe that our cooperation does not end with the release of the application, but on the contrary, it begins.

Further development of the application and possibilities awaits us, and we will be happy for long-term cooperation with the Futured team.

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

After delivery, we had a common meeting where we discussed the process. There is nothing for me I would change, cooperation was professional, but also full of ideas and inventions from the supplier's tear.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and CEO of the Gastromapa platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I wanted to develop a mobile app for foodies to access my gastro tips from their phones while traveling. I needed to find a way not to spend much time creating content yet still adding significant value.

SOLUTION

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

Futured team reached me. They didn’t like the way the online Gastromapa looked. They tried to find a review of a specific place on my Facebook page, but it took time, and it wasn’t their choice when already hungry. They offered app development. Moreover, they are pros – well experienced in the gastro segment. How could I say no?

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

We had few meetings, and I was amazed by the team's proactiveness. They tailored the solution for me and my needs. They found a way to still publish reviews on my Facebook page but with tags and hashtags insert them into the app.

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

The project manager was assigned to me and was the primary contact during our cooperation. In total, two designers and four developers were working on the app.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within three months, the app was released. The team created a super-user-friendly platform that was easy to use and easy to update from an admin perspective. Based on reactions on social networks, people simply love the mobile Gastromapa, and it’s already been downloaded by more than 100 000 users. It won several app awards.

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

I received daily updates and we have valuable meetings. The app was delivered in time.

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

Their mobile app development skills, proactiveness, and creativity blew me away. They were in charge of every step, and they walk me through the whole process.

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

No.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the mobile application team coordinator for Skoda Auto a.s., a car manufacturer in the Czech Republic.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Futured?

We needed someone to build a mobile application for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Futured developed a mobile app from scratch for iOS and Android. They also built web pages for administration on the backend.

The app shows how large our luggage compartments are. It includes an animation that teaches users how to load their baggage, as well as a tool that allows users to estimate if their baggage will fit inside by inputting its measurement. The app also recommends how to effectively load the baggage, suggesting positions for each piece.

What is the team composition?

We worked with five people: Jana (Project Manager), Lukas (CEO & Art Director), an Android specialist, an iOS specialist, and a teammate working on the backend.

How did you come to work with Futured?

We opened a vendor page about the project. Out of the five qualified companies, Futured had the best presentation, so we hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We had spent 1 million Czech koruna (approximately $47,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from January–June 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We conducted QA after accepting Futured’s code, and we neither had complaints nor did we find anything that needed fixing. We also tested the pilot version among our employees before sending the app to our production team, where it was incorporated into a bigger application.

How did Futured perform from a project management standpoint?

Futured was cooperative and performed well once they learned our internal system. We used Jira and Confluence for the project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Futured is a growing company with a young and friendly team that used agile processes. Working with them was easy, and they made it simple for us to add graphic proposals and implement changes on the app.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could improve their ability to adapt with different work systems. However, once we explained our system to their team, they performed better.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Futured’s team is supportive, and they will help make the partnership become smooth and functional. They’ll deliver the product, even though they have a small team.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a co-founder and CEO of Nesnezeno. We are a mobile app company that is fighting food waste.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Futured?

We were looking for someone to develop our mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Futured is working on an existing app, as we had another developer before. The app is developed for both iOS and Android. 

When restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores have leftovers at the end of the day, they can use our app to sell these leftovers at a discount. Our users can buy cheap food and avoid food waste at the same time.

What is the team composition?

We are working with about seven people. 

How did you come to work with Futured?

Lukáš (CEO) asked us if we would like to partner with them. I knew their company and that they built good mobile apps, so we arranged a meeting — that’s how we started working together. 

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent about €100,000 (approximately $119,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership began in about January 2019 and it is ongoing. Futured has a small share in our company, and we are still developing the mobile app.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The cooperation is very successful. We have received a lot of positive feedback and good publicity. People like the idea that we are fighting food waste with our app.  

How did Futured perform from a project management standpoint?

We have a lot of meetings because we are in the same city. We also communicate through Slack, email, Messenger, and video calls. They are very good at meeting deadlines. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I really like the CEO’s ideas. He has good insights about how to build the app. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of any. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You should present your idea and talk about it with them. You can brainstorm with Futured. I’d recommend them.