High Contrast

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We design, build and deliver end-to-end CX for many of the world’s most respected digital-born and vertical leading brands.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We wanted to create a local recruitment website since our recruitment needs have substantially increased over the last years.

SOLUTION

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

We searched to work with a local supplier with a nice portfolio when it comes to web developing and UX. We were impressed about their creative work they've done especially in recruitment area.

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

We had a nice kick off meeting, followed by a thorough brief sent by the agency. Then we calibrate ideas, and had two different concepts to choose from. We worked closely with a project manager that support to integrate our ideas/culture/brand guidelines into their creative concept.

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

A project manager was our direct contact, but also we got the opportunity to meet the entire team that was working on our project: copywriter, graphic designer, art director and even the owner.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received positive feedback from our stakeholders regarding the creativeness of the new website: playful and catchy. Also, we managed to increase our recruitment capabilities.

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

Open and friendly communication, we used various communication tools for this project, they promptly and positively reacted to our feedback in a prompt and open manner.

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

We really enjoyed their creative input and their out-of-the-box solutions.

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

Not really

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Highclere Consulting (HCC) is a small SME from Brasov, established in 2006. We provide high quality consultancy, training and policy analysis services for governmental and non-governmental organizations working on agricultural, rural development and environmental issues in south-east Europe and beyond. I am the communication specialist at HCC.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We are working on a Horizon 2020 project, AgriLink, and the initial website was outdated. We needed a new approach and a more elaborate presence on-line. The goal was to have a better design and a more intuitive and user friendly website (we are targeting several target audiences), and also an elegant and professional tool to disseminate our results.

SOLUTION

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

I worked with High Contrast in the past, in many other projects and I knew that they were the right team for this job.

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

We had several meetings and discussed our vision and the project objectives. The process of developing the structure and design was smooth and we were always supported in understanding the solutions proposed and how we can make the best out of them. They explained all the unclear issues and help our team to use this tool and we have nonstop admin support.

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

I am working with a dedicated account manager, but I was also in contact, now and then, with the CEO. Also, I was in contact with 2 members of the implementation team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our partners (we are a consortium of 16 organisations) were very pleased with the new website and with the progress. The website was well received by our monitoring team and our visitors. We are planning to continue working with them after the project is over, with a different website.

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

We communicate regularly, very smooth and on point. We have face to face meeting, exchanging emails and phone calls if necessary. From our side, the process of approval takes some time, but we found great understanding in receiving the input and deliverables on time.

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

We were impressed by the way that they organize their work, the highly creative approach, the willingness to understand our needs (is a different type of project for sure), and to make sure they deliver the best.

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

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work as a communication specialist for HOSPICE Casa Speranței, a non-profit organization founded in 1992 in Brașov. HOSPICE introduced the concept of palliative care in Romania and is the largest foundation in the country that offers free specialized services of this type.

The organization has two hospitals with integrated services, in Brașov and Bucharest, mobile teams in four cities - Bucharest, Brașov, Făgăraș and Zărnești, six offices for palliative care and education and over 100 beds for hospitalization and related activities for people diagnosed with incurable diseases. In its 28 years of existence, HOSPICE has brought relief and hope to over 35,000 children and adults.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire High Contrast?

Every year, we organize an intensive marathon through which we raise awareness and involve the local community in fundraising for free services of palliative care for children and adults. High Contrast is in charge of the identity of the event (cross illustration and collateral materials).

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to have a visual identity and a strong online campaign that would promote our annual event and create awareness for our social cause. The end goal was to motivate as many people as possible to take part in the cross in order to raise more funds than in previous years for our patients’ care services.

SOLUTION

How did you select High Contrast?

We met at a networking event and they clicked with our cause. We were impressed by their portfolio and they agreed to offer their creative services in order to raise the awareness of our actions.

Describe the project in detail.

We wanted to change the identity of the previous annual cross event, so we had an initial discussion to set together what will be the main directions for this year, what to change and what to keep from last year, as we worked with them in the past also.

We kept on communicating through mail or calls and offered feedback along the way. They helped us create all the materials for the event: a new logo for the event, social media materials, website banners, posters, diplomas and so on.

What was the team composition?

The team was made of a creative director, a project manager, an illustrator and a copywriter.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

More than 3200 people responded as being interested in our event and almost 2650 decided to participate actively in it. The funds raised at our running event this year reached over 37,000 euros.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Everything was great, as in our previous collaboration, we had clear and transparent communication and we were kept in the loop constantly throughout the creation process. They understood our needs very well and were extremely patient and helpful, especially when facing short deadlines. We received very good feedback from our followers, runners and sponsors on the fresh and creative design.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are very responsible and professional. They never hesitate to ask if something is unclear and are very supportive in providing additional feedback and solutions if they see fit for our vision and objectives.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There is always room for improvement, but I would not hesitate to contact them directly and tell them my honest opinion as our collaboration is transparent and our discussions are always productive and understanding.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the marketing manager of an IT company that provides outsourcing services and automotive software.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with High Contrast?

We hired them to help us with our brand identity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

High Contrast helped us with our brand identity. They created a new logo as well as internal and external materials. We also did some social media campaigns with them.

High Contrast also designed and developed a new website for us. They made the site more candidate-oriented, as the company’s goal was to hire more candidates through the website. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with two designers, a copywriter, and a project manager. We also worked with Rares (Creative Director) and Emilia (CEO).

How did you come to work with High Contrast?

I previously worked with High Contrast to help create a new brand for a different company within the same group. When I moved to this role, we needed to change the brand identity, website, and logo. I wanted to work with High Contrast again because they did a great job on the previous project. They came up with cool, fresh concepts.

How much have you invested with them?

The budget was between €10,000–€25,000 (approximately $12,000–$30,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The project ran from February—December 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

High Contrast made it much easier for candidates to apply through the website. Once the website launched, many more candidates applied through it, which was the purpose of the project. The website was more responsive, cool-looking, and fresh.

Our company’s visibility on social media also improved thanks to the great campaigns that we did together. I was satisfied with the quality of their work and liked working with High Contrast — they always had fresh ideas.

How did High Contrast perform from a project management standpoint?

The team’s deliverables were always on time. We held weekly meetings to discuss the progress and what was next. Our teams communicated through phone and email, and we had face-to-face meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I loved High Contrast’s designers — they had great ideas for designing online campaigns, internal materials, and so on. They delivered very fresh ideas and different perspectives.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could move closer to us and open an office here. High Contrast could also hire more people and create a bigger team.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you want a different point of view and a fresh, well-designed website, hire High Contrast.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Spectra offers UV systems for water, air and surfaces disinfection. Our mission is to guide clients in choosing the most appropriate UV disinfection solution for their business. I am the General Manager of Spectra.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire High Contrast?

We hired the High Contrast team for a full branding package. They helped us create the brand positioning, the visual and verbal identity and all the collaterals for Spectra mapped in a complete brand manual. Then, they took care of designing and developing our website and we currently have an ongoing maintenance agreement for the brand and website.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a brand that is aligned with the activities of the company and enables us to reach more visibility in our target market in order to have a growth of 100% in our clients.

SOLUTION

How did you select High Contrast?

We analyzed local and national agencies, checked portfolios and had a meet and greet chat with all of them. Also, someone from my business network recommended High Contrast based on previous experience with them.

Describe the project in detail.

After we made our collaboration official, we established together the deliverables, timeline and our way of communication. We had an initial discovery meeting to make an analysis of the brand, market, competition and trends to better understand and define the needs and objectives of the brand.

Then, the team started the creative process and we kept constant communication via e-mail/phone. At each material created, we set feedback meetings to have a final say in the main direction selected and proceed further based on the things discussed with the final versions of all the deliverables.

At the end of the project, we had the brand positioning, naming, logo and all the visual elements of Spectra together with a ready to launch website

What was the team composition?

The project manager from the Beneficiary was Mr. Aurel Caras. The project manager from the Consultant was Ms. Emilia Jercan The team from High Contrast: Rares Dragan Senior Consultant Gabriel Raileanu Designer Bogdan Dobrescu Designer Ioana Cotrus Copywriter Delia Dinca Content manager Marius Ioance Developer Tudor Barbu Developer Andrian Solomon Tester

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All the materials were delivered at the promised quality and our expectations were met. We have our branding complete, guidelines to keep taking advantage of its potential and a functioning website that keeps on bringing new promising clients.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was a very efficient process, we kept the communication with the Project Manager that made sure our feedback was implemented and we were always aware of what is the status of the project and made sure we were actively involved in its creation.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They're very involved in the process by contributing new ideas, offering suggestions for improvement, and guidance based on the current reality and being always so proactive in implementing our feedback and adding more to it for the quality of the project overall.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There are always things that could have been improved, but through honest feedback and transparent communication we always managed to discuss and solve any issues or clarify any aspect in a quick discussion with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Neo Vision, a full service technology agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire High Contrast?

We've worked with High Contrast on multiple of projects involving UI&UX, Branding and Digital Strategy. We've recommended them as our Marketing Partner to our clients on projects where we needed design and we also worked with High Contrast at our own branding and website design project.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to change our website (both design wise and structure wise) in order to better reflect the stage that our company has reached now. After planning with High Contrast we decided to go through a full rebranding process.

SOLUTION

How did you select High Contrast?

We've met High Contrast at a Digital Conference in Bucharest. We've seen the opportunity of a long term partnership since we felt like we're complementary companies. We've analyzed their past projects, work process and company culture and realized we're a great match.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We've went through a few discovery meetings in order for High Contrast to learn about our brand and company and they started working on our new brand and website design. They went the extra mile in order to deliver a perfect product.

This included over 20 logo concepts until they finally presented the shortlist and multiple website iterations until they got an outcome they were proud to present.

What was the team composition?

We've worked along 2 designers, 1 copywriter, 1 project manager, Rares - their creative director and Emilia, their CEO.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The engagement we got from our website and our new brand was over the top. This has been measured in career applications on our website page, lead generation from our website and traffic increase.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We share a similar company culture and set of values so we really felt like we worked with our own internal team.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their obsessiveness for delivering the perfect result. They will only show you their work if it passes through their feedback process and they will not shy away from starting over if they feel like the direction isn't the best one.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Hire more people and get a bigger team in order to deliver your products to more businesses.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Admnistrator of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired High Contrast to re-design our website in WordPress. It was a big challenge since the products are 100% customisable online directly by the user. The goal was to simplify the ordering process, create a unitary design and improve the customer experience overall. The team did a great job not only with the design but also with integrating our own views into it, and the communication all along was very good.

SOLUTION

How did you select High Contrast and what were the deciding factors?

We needed a reliable company which understood our needs, and from the first conversation, they already had ideas that they could convince us with.

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

1. Initial meeting where they gave their view and feedback about what needs to be changed and where they understood better the product and our brand vision.
2. They presented us with a proposal, which we amended together and then, they started implementing it.
3. There were several changes needed throughout the process, which was done through constant communication

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

3: designer, project manager, head of the company

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We receive very good feedback from our clients about the design.

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

We communicated by mail and had online face-to-face meetings when more elaborate discussions were required.

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

They gave a great visual identity to our brand which is not easy to explain in words.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Some things would have been easier to communicate by phone, than by mail.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Founder and CEO of Footprints for Retail, a tech company that in just 5 years has developed, tested & validated a proprietary AI that uniquely transforms Indoor Location Intelligence into high impact advertising.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire High Contrast?

We hired High Contrast to help us in redesigning our website, including modern illustrations that help us better explain our technology, and recreating some of our brand elements like PowerPoint templates, demo videos, newsletter design, Social Media templates and case studies.

What were your goals for this project?

By redesigning the website, we wanted to develop a narrative on the footprintsforretail.com homepage that clearly states and illustrates the SaaS solution offered by Footprints and destined to Shopping Centers to understand, predict and address the behavior of their shoppers. We needed our homepage to have a much friendlier approach of our solutions in terms of language and design.

SOLUTION

How did you select High Contrast?

We were actually approached by them and had a discovery meeting to see how we can work together. We felt a good chemistry, they understood what we do better than other agencies and that had a major impact on our decision.

Describe the project in detail.

We had an initial talk to clarify the main aspects of the project. We wanted us to be on the same page in terms of what Footprints does and what are our plans for the future and how they can integrate in our objectives for the website design. Then, the team started working on the project and we kept on offering feedback.

We received each proof of concept either through a quick call or communication via e-mail. Finishing the homepage design and the illustrations, we moved on to also having some side materials created:

• PowerPoint templates
• demo video
• newsletter design
• Social Media templates
• case studies.

What was the team composition?

The team included a creative director, a project manager, a web designer, an illustrator, a motion designer and a copywriter.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our website has been redesigned and we can see how the traffic on the website has increased since then. Our initial vision for the website is very well aligned with the outcome. The website has a much friendlier approach now while still looking professional while the product and services are clearly exposed through fresh illustrations.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I believe our communication was very fast and concise. The Project Manager was the main intermediate between us and the design team and made sure we are always informed about all the changes and updates throughout the project, and for us to have the final word on them.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were very eager in not just delivering the materials, but also suggesting points of improvement if they saw fit based on their experience. We felt heard and understood because our feedback was always implemented, but also guided and helped during the process.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Sure, but we already mentioned during our discussions these types of aspects as our communication has always been transparent, honest and productive.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Talent Reimagined. We are in the management consulting space, and we support organizations with talent acquisition transformation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with High Contrast?

I engaged with High Contrast to support me with my brand identity and the development of my website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had a number of deliverables which started with the brand positioning and the analysis of my company’s identity. They did all sorts of creative work including logo design, color palette selection, fonts, and everything that would represent the brand moving forward.

From there, they supported and translated the design onto the website. They also worked on the content and copy, the testing, and eventually the launch. They used WordPress to develop the website.

What is the team composition?

I was in contact with at least four people. There was Delia (Account Manager), a website developer, Amelia (CEO), and Andrea (Designer).

How did you come to work with High Contrast?

They were recommended to me by a mutual contact who had worked with me to produce brand videos and corporate photography. Before I reached out to them, I went online and spoke to a couple of other companies, too. 

What I liked about High Contrast was the freshness of their website. I also liked the fact that they were working on new and disruptive brands because that’s what I wanted to bring into this space. I also met with Amelia and liked her approach and the model that she was developing. That’s how it started.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around 15,000 CHF (approximately $16,900 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working from February–November 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It’s a bit too early to tell. I’ve been tracking the analytics of people coming to the site, but I’ve yet to understand where or what to improve on. So far though, I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from people about the functionality and look and feel of the website.

For me, I wanted to give a sense of being in a consulting space but also bring something different into it as well. The people who provided the feedback liked the fact that they are coming to a space that speaks to strategy but isn’t bombarded with information and over-idealized frameworks.

The site doesn’t show off content that doesn’t resonate with people. It’s easy, reassuring, it’s visual, and they get what we do. I think it has a lot to do with the design and the simplicity of it describing a solution that’s not so simple.

How did High Contrast perform from a project management standpoint?

I thought they performed well based on the way that they work. I was a bit unsure of the process in the beginning because I was thinking there would be some project management tool like Asana or Basecamp, but it was just Delia who was my main point of contact. 

Her reaction was so fast that any time I wanted to find out more about where things were at, I could just send an email and there would be an immediate response.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I think they are really creative. Everyone I met had a certain edge to them. They’re a young, dynamic team that is rethinking the whole concept of work, and I get the sense that they’re all very connected.

When there were things that we didn’t agree on or that needed work, they were willing to flex, adjust, support, and take on feedback.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The only thing they could improve on is the transparency and the reporting they give around the management of my projects. It’s nothing big, but if I were investing 10 times the amount, I’d want to know where we were, and I would want more structure around updates.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice would be to aim to have more time up front. Do more brainstorming and workshopping together because I think it will create efficiencies downstream.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Habitat for Humanity Romania is a non-governmental organization, present in Romania since 1996. We build decent houses for low-income families, public utility centers in vulnerable communities, and we also run advocacy programs. I'm the PR & Communication specialist of the organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We chose to hire the High Contrast team for the development and maintenance of our websites: habitat.ro, malawi.habitat.ro and voluntarvirtual.habitat.ro. They also helped us with the creation of the volunteer brochure for our annual event, BIG BUILD, as well as with the graphic materials for the "20%" campaign.

SOLUTION

How did you select High Contrast and what were the deciding factors?

We were looking for a team of professionals to help us in a very short time to develop our ongoing projects. The materials were always delivered to us in due time, and the feedback was always well received. An important factor in our collaboration was the good energy they gave to us in our meetings. They were always open to new ideas and ready to help to put them into practice.

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

Constant communication and openness to new challenges were the key elements of our collaboration. Right from the first meeting we set up recurring meetings, in which we discussed the following steps and set our goals. Although we had our offices in different cities, we met constantly in video calls and their response to our emails was always fast.

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

We worked directly with two people and their positions were CEO and Marketing and Project Manager, as well as with the people from the web development team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After developing the website page, users had a much better and easier online experience. The results of the campaigns have been improved, as well as the organization's visibility on social media.

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

We had meetings with the project manager, and then she communicated the tasks to the development team. We met on Microsoft Teams, by e-mail and Skype.

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

Their team's energy, creativity and professionalism were impressive.

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

There were a few small things, but they were solved or improved in a short time, and our projects were not affected.