Launchpad App Development

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Errander, a one-stop, on-demand skill-sharing app. Users can pay other users for help on micro tasks and manual errands.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Launchpad App Development?

After coming up with the concept, I needed help with developing my mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Launchpad App Development has built the app for iOS devices only — we have an Android version on our future roadmap. The team was responsible for end-to-end development, including ideation, wireframes, the UI/UX, and building the app itself.

The app has nine categories of errands and skills; they were refined over multiple sessions since I first came up with the idea. It also has a tracking feature, chat functionality, and integration with third-party payment systems like Stripe.

Multiple times, we’ve had to pivot on specific ideas. Launchpad App Development took those changes in stride, taking my suggestions on board and offering ways to improve on their own. The app is now in a solid enough place that we’re ready to launch.

What is the team composition?

Jay (Product Director, Launchpad App Development) has been my partner consistently throughout the project. Whenever I have an issue or a feature I’d like to change or add, I go to Jay. I also stay in touch with our account manager Vivian (Digital Producer, Launchpad App Development). She gives me daily updates and serves as our one point for all information.

How did you come to work with Launchpad App Development?

I reached out to about three developing houses in Melbourne, including Launchpad App Development. Launchpad App Development was the only one who got back to me promptly. I checked their reviews on Clutch, and they had really positive feedback. Our first meeting was the thing that convinced me: not only were they prompt, but they also seemed like they cared about my project and my success. As a result, I hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $100,000 AUD (approximately $68,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in March 2018 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t launched the app yet because we’re waiting for App Store approval. However, we’ve retained Launchpad App Development for their marketing services. So far in those campaigns, we’ve seen a lot of interest in Errander, especially in engagement on social media. Launchpad App Development has been a key part in getting our message out, and we’re thrilled with this success so far.

How did Launchpad App Development perform from a project management standpoint?

Launchpad App Development is excellent at project management. Having a two-point flow of information through Jay and Vivian has been extremely helpful to me as a non-technical person. I’m always updated on where the project is. Vivian is my liaison between the development team and me. We use WhatsApp to communicate.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Launchpad App Development has been able to streamline our app without losing sight of our vision — that this app will be a one-stop-shop for all of our users’ errand needs. The team has embedded our functionality within the technology and a logical set of processes that work well. 

We’ve made a lot of changes and improvements along the way, but Launchpad App Development has remained open to our changes. They advise on whether something will work based on their experience. They don’t seem in it for the money; they genuinely care about our project and its success.

Are there any areas they could improve?

As someone new to app development, I feel like Launchpad App Development has exceeded my expectations. They’ve ticked all of the most important boxes for me. However, there has been some turnover on their team that nearly affected our project. We have a different point of contact now than when we started. But the person who took over our project was well-briefed, ensuring business and knowledge continuity. As a result, the changeover was seamless, so I can’t fault them at all.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re an online marketing platform for the ethical sale of pets. We provide the platform and our users upload the advertisements of pets that are for sale. Other users can come on the site to look for pets available for purchase.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Launchpad App Development?

I’ve been with Launchpad App Development since the beginning. I had a business idea in my mind and approached their team to develop an application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’re in the early stages. My brother and I co-founded the business, figuring out the concept and what we exactly wanted. Initially, I wanted a mobile application, but considering their advice, they believed we should start with a website first. The plan is to grow the website before tackling the application.

What is the team composition?

Since the beginning, I’ve worked with Dane (Founder & Managing Director, Launchpad App Development) and four others. Besides Dane, we’ve mainly engaged with web designers and marketers.

How did you come to work with Launchpad App Development?

I reached out to several other companies, but Launchpad App Development seemed the most responsive and suitable for us. I saw some of their work online, along with speaking to their team on the phone. They appeared to be a young, helpful company that was willing to go the extra yard. We were on the same wavelength from the beginning.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent nearly $60,000–$70,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement with Launchpad App Development began in April 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Launchpad App Development worked quickly to make our idea a reality, launching the website in December 2018. It is the first of this idea within the marketplace. We’re trying to get as many people on the site as possible. We started with one or two decent ads a week to that amount per day. The hardest part is finding people to advertise their animals, but we’re receiving a lot of traffic in terms of users searching for pets. We’re at about 10,000 views a month.

How did Launchpad App Development perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management style is fantastic. We receive regular updates through email, teleconferencing, and face-to-face meetings. Since the website is quite new, there are small issues that need to be ironed out. As soon as they or we pick anything up, their team quickly works on the problem. In that regard, they’re very responsive. I can’t imagine working with anyone besides Launchpad App Development.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their professionalism has been exceptional. Like I said earlier, our teams are on the same wavelength while working together. If I suggest an idea, they’re fully on board and understand what I want. There’s no disconnect at all. Their design skillset is also excellent. From day one, everything has been great. I’m really happy that we chose Launchpad App Development.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Everything’s been very good, and there’s nothing that stands out. I haven’t been disappointed in anything their team has done.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would say definitely go for it because you won’t regret working with them. Launchpad App Development is a great organization, and we’re certainly glad that we found them. Our business wouldn’t be here or doing what we’re doing without them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a director at Boebus Pty Ltd. My project, JAHWOW, is an app that helps parents design invitations and manage the invites for their children’s parties.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Launchpad App Development?

I was looking for a company to bring my idea to life.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I had completed an attraction lab with another company, so I had an idea of the design and process flow I wanted. After passing that to Launchpad App Development, their team produced wireframes before moving on to developing the app for iOS and Android.

After downloading the app, users can set up a profile and fill in their kids’ names and birthdates. If there is a child’s birthday, confirmation, bar mitzvah, or any other occasion, users can use templates to make invitations. Parents can choose a blank card to write their own messages and add their own pictures. They can also update a template by changing the background color or adding a photo. We also have 20-second video invites available. Once the design is created, users input event details that include the addresses and gift ideas.

Once the invite is created, it pulls up a contact list where users can put who they want to receive an invite. If the contact isn’t listed, users can enter it manually. Parents will get a message about the invite, and then have to download the app to receive the notification. It shows the cards and details, which users view before responding whether they can attend or not. If recipients RSVP, they can view who is attending and if there are any dietary requirements. The host of the event gets a notification if a person responds and can see a running tab of who’s attending and who isn’t.

What is the team composition?

I’ve dealt with their design team and about five of their company members based in Melbourne. I believe their code writers are based in India.

How did you come to work with Launchpad App Development?

I interviewed 13 development companies. I was attracted to Launchpad App Development because the company is based in Melbourne, Australia. They’re close enough that I can talk to them face-to-face if I need. After speaking to them on the phone a couple times, their team invited me to their office for a no obligation meeting. It went well, and we signed an NDA. They put together a package of what services they offer, and then we went from there.

How much have you invested with them?

In total, we’ve spent between $85,000–$90,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Launchpad App Development in January 2018, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’m looking to sign off on the project either at the end of this week or by next week. The app will be free for download once it’s submitted to the app stores. I’ve given test builds to friends and family, receiving nothing but praise. Launchpad App Development is helpful and accommodating. If any issue arises, I can easily talk to their team. I’ve had no problems with them during the engagement.

How did Launchpad App Development perform from a project management standpoint?

Usually, our communications are through email. If I need to, I’ll organize a call, and we will schedule a time as soon as possible. We speak every two weeks. Sometimes it has to be once a week, depending on what arises.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Launchpad App Development’s attentiveness makes them stand out from other vendors. When I call and have to leave a message, they get back to me right away. They’ve addressed anything I’ve asked of them, never changing the subject or never getting back to me. Their team is upfront about their skillset. If they can complete a task, they explain why. It’s been a transparent process.

Are there any areas they could improve?

When I ask questions about wireframes and design, I would’ve liked a more detailed explanation. This could be a problem on my end as well. I’m new to app design, so I could’ve picked up on a few things. In the end, it all worked out.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend working with Launchpad App Development. They’re a group of young and talented developers that are upfront and transparent. I have nothing but praise for their team.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the owner and director of Genesis Health Clubs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Launchpad App Development?

We engaged Launchpad to build a website that would allow our team to prescribe exercises to members digitally throughout our health clubs.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Launchpad designed and developed a website based on our requirements and ideas, creating a unique system in the process that enabled us to create exercise programs for clients. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with Jay (Director and Lead Product Manager, Launchpad App Development) the majority of the time, who managed a few developers on his team.

How did you come to work with Launchpad App Development?

I found them through an online search and chose them based on their reputation and positive reviews.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested about $140,000 AUD (about $100,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from July 2017–February 2018, delivering the product three months ahead of time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In addition to delivering the product three months ahead of time, they also came in under budget. Launchpad enabled our team to effectively offer customers digital plans, while streamlining internal processes. Since launching the program, we've experienced a significant decrease in client attrition rates.

How did Launchpad App Development perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very responsive and communicative throughout the project, meeting or exceeding each timeline expectation.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their willingness to produce something they're proud of sets them apart. They still follow up with us on occasion to see how everything's going, so their passion for what they do is very evident.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. Their services and delivery have been outstanding.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I'd definitely recommend working with them, especially considering the fact that their directors are very involved with projects and have high communications standards.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and CEO of Buddy & Co Australia. We connect restaurants and customers on a marketplace platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Launchpad App Development?

We partnered with Launchpad App Development to design and develop our platform from the ground up.

What were your goals for this project?

We were looking to create a user-friendly marketplace platform for restaurants to create engaging profiles and provide users with exclusive information. However, after a 10-hour workshop with Dane (Founder & Managing Director, Launchpad App Development) and his team, we also decided to include beacon technology in the final product.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We hired Launchpad App Development because they were a startup like us. They demonstrated a genuine interest in our team’s success and a passion for turning our vision into reality.

Describe the project in detail.

We started with a ten-hour workshop to establish our vision for the app. I came in with only an idea, and Launchpad App Development took that and handled the rest. They started by supplying idea screens, sample landing page designs, and wireframes. The team then developed the app itself. Features include business module development, a payment management system, web portals for businesses, and an SSL certificate. They organized workshops to design the UI/UX. They built a promotional landing page website and even set up our company email. Lastly, Launchpad App Development incorporated beacon technology into the app, a technology that the team had not worked with before.

What was the team composition?

Our initial meeting was with the founding members and a designer named Julian (Creative Director, Launchpad App Development). As the project progressed and became more demanding, the team brought in a project manager named Jay (Lead Product Manager, Launchpad App Development) with whom we were in constant contact.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our app has seen overwhelming praise from users since its launch. Our incorporation of beacon technology, of which we are an early adopter in our market, has also taken off successfully.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Launchpad App Development made the collaboration seamless. They delivered quality products with speed and efficiency.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They remained professional and collected even when the work became challenging at times.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, we were highly satisfied with their work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our startup has developed an app for people working away from home. It was designed to help users stay connected with family and friends while they are away. Our company is run by a team of 3 people.

I am the founder of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Launchpad App Development?

I work away from home a lot and came to be separated from my friends and family. I found that many social media platforms weren't aimed at people such as myself. I wanted to create a social media app which allowed users to easily share their work calendar with friends and family. I got in touch with Launchpad in order to create this app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Launchpad developed my app for iOS and Android, also building the CMS [content management system] for it. I have an admin panel through which I can manage its data. They handled design, based on the color scheme and logo requested by me. They were very good in translating my idea and launching the app to the market.

Our app features a countdown timer which notifies contacts of the time remaining until the person working abroad is coming home.

How did you come to work with Launchpad App Development?

I used clutch.co as a reference. There were many Australian developers available, but I was looking for someone who could work with me in designing and coding it in just the right way. Based on the feedback I read for Launchpad, as well as their pricing, they appeared to be the most suitable choice.

Costs in Australia can be quite excessive. The cheaper companies haven't proven themselves as developers. Launchpad, as well as having an established reputation, were quite cost effective.

How much have you invested with Launchpad App Development?

The total development cost with Launchpad was around $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The app has been completed for a few months and has a growing user base. We're working with Launchpad on making an update to it and fixing small issues, but my work with them is largely complete.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

Since the app has launched, it has been great to see that there is a user validation for it, which just keeps growing. We have a 3.7 star ranking on the Google Play store and 4 stars on the Apple store. Both versions are quite good and have proven useful to users, helping them while they work away from home.

They captured the goal of the app and delivered exactly what I needed. I couldn't be happier in this regard.

How did Launchpad App Development perform from a project management standpoint?

Given that this was my first app development project, Launchpad made the process easy for me, clearly explaining the Agile methodology.

What did you find most impressive about Launchpad App Development?

Everything worked well, and throughout the process, Launchpad didn't simply go with what I said, but they also considered ways of making the app better. I feel that I made the right choice with Launchpad. They've brought the app to what it is today, which is great.

Are there any areas Launchpad App Development could improve?

It's always hard to deal with an overseas company. Communication was a bit tough, but besides that, there wasn't much which could be improved upon. I understand that working within the Australian time zone was difficult for Launchpad.