Locastic

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a cofounder and CTO of a company that makes robotic chefs

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Locastic?

We were looking for a solution for a self ordering kiosk in robotic restaurants

What were your goals for this project?

To create the optimal way for ordering food in our robotic restaurant.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I knew the founders since they are very active in the local IT community

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

We approached them with a whiteboard mockup of the application for our restaurant's self ordering kiosk. Together, we came up with the final mockups and app functionalities. Our team did the backend part and they did the design, slicing, animations and frontend development.

What was the team composition?

I worked with four people: two designers, one senior frontend developer, and a project manager. We provided the backend solution.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They worked together with us to, not only to design and build the kiosk, but to make it intuitive and easy to use. This made it a better product overall and without their professional input the product would be lesser than it is today.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

PM was excelently done. They used Jira for task management and time tracking, and Slack for comunication.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was most impressed by their approach to the project and excellent understanding of our business.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I’m completely satisfied

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CIO of Tommy d.o.o., a grocery store retail company — the fifth biggest retail chain in Croatia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Locastic?

We heard of Locastic for app development and e-commerce development. Because of Coronavirus, we needed a fast solution for the development of mobile application and make a good foundation for e-commerce systems for future development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built mobile apps for iPhone and Android where users can order food and delivery. They designed and agreed upon the app, and now we’re doing upgrades with them. We began in March with brainstorming. Locastic took our ideas and created a wireframe. With the wireframe, they did some changes and improved the development and design. They handled the design, UX/UI, wireframing, and agile development.

What is the team composition?

I worked with three people from their team directly, and they had more people working behind the scenes who I didn’t interact with.

How did you come to work with Locastic?

We’re based in Split and we have a lot of connections here. I heard about the Locastic team through connections in Split, and I saw that they did work with a telecommunications company I previously worked with. I asked their opinion and they gave me a positive recommendation for Locastic.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve paid around $40,000 thus far and the project is still ongoing.

What is the status of this engagement?

The work is ongoing and we began in March 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They have a really good team. They’re proactive, do their own research, and create creative ideas. They have a lot of UX and app development experience, allowing them to give us great ideas that we accepted and implemented. They have something extra that they can provide and are fantastic to work with.

How did Locastic perform from a project management standpoint?

It was a really good communication. They’re very friendly, easy-going, and openminded. They’re great to work with. We communicate with Excel sheets we share on Google Drive. I like this approach because it’s very detailed. They always quote two values — a very optimistic and very pessimistic target for times. This allows me to plan honestly and transparently.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They go above and beyond with extra research, coming up with ideas we never thought of.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I like their office, their atmosphere. They’re very friendly and I can’t say anything about how they could improve. They meet all deadlines and work extra to get the job done.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the strategic technical advisor for Digt AG, a startup e-commerce company that offers fringe benefits to companies. I’m in charge of the nearshoring of the platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Locastic?

We were looking for a team to help redevelop our platform.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We presented the concept to Locastic along with some higher-level specifications. They redeveloped the platform using the Sylius e-commerce framework based in PHP. Their first objective was to develop an MVP with all the basic functionality that could easily scale up for over 100,000 uses. 

The team worked within the constraint of making it easy to add multiple frontends. Our internal team did the design, and Locastic does the full-stack development. They’ve worked with us to integrate our logistics software into the platform.

What is the team composition?

I work with four people: two senior developers on the backend, a frontend developer, a server specialist who sets up hosting and scaling of the platform, and a project manager.

How did you come to work with Locastic?

They were recommended by a relative of mine who is a developer.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $87,000 with a pipeline for another $87,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in May 2019, and our engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Locastic is highly adaptable, providing flexibility when there are changes in the process. They work to understand the business model and goals and bring challenges on the technical side to ensure it makes sense. 

This results in a much better product. When we find bugs, the team is quick to react and fix them, even on the weekend. From what I’ve seen, their code is of high quality.

How did Locastic perform from a project management standpoint?

We use Jira for task management. When we have an upcoming feature, we draft a specification guide and meet via Slack to go over it. They estimate the cost, tweak it, get our approval, and then work on it. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Locastic’s biggest strength is that even though they are a remote team, it feels like we’re sitting in the same room working together. They feel like a part of the company.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There was some miscommunication in the beginning, on both sides, which resulted in more work needing to be done and higher cost. We made adjustments to prevent it from reoccurring.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a clear idea of what you want. Make sure both sides fully understand the scope to avoid surprises.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO of a hotel company in Croatia. We have five properties.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Locastic?

We needed to update our image through a rebrand of the mother company. Additionally, we needed to update our online image and technology.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, we started off with the creation of a website. We did one redesign and four completely new sites for different properties. From there, they focused on key branding deliverables. That included a new strategy for hotels that we’ll build in the future. They designed and coded the entire site. We’re in talks of developing our app.

They’re continuing to support us through the global pandemic. When we needed a few tweaks to the site to account for this, they complied and are allowing us to pay them on a delayed schedule given the circumstances. I appreciated that.

What is the team composition?

I worked with the founder and designer. There were two other resources that I was in contact with as well. 

How did you come to work with Locastic?

They were recommended to me by a friend. While I was skeptical in the beginning, our introductory meeting went very well. It was easy for me to communicate with them. That was essential because I’m not a designer or a developer. It was important that they understood my needs without needing technical explanations. They were outgoing and able to accomplish that, so we hired them. 

How much have you invested with them?

In total, we’ve spent about $150,000 HRK (approximately $21,600 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in January 2015, and our collaboration is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We became very visible in the market due to our professional websites. Individual guests we not our primary target, but we were still able to attract a significant number of new guests. The site gave us the professional credibility needed in our industry. That helped with our image as well. We noticed an increase in our Google Analytics data as well.   

How did Locastic perform from a project management standpoint?

I’m able to communicate my needs in layman’s terms, and they’re great about hitting our deadlines. If they’re not able to hit a due date, they communicate that. I was able to make unscheduled calls to them about urgent tasks because we had that open line of communication. We plan to keep using their services for quite some time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I never had to spend much time explaining my needs because they spent time getting to know my business. We’re always able to have open conversations.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’m completely satisfied with them. They’ve met all the deadlines that I gave them for large tasks. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open with their team because they’re simple, nice people that can get the job done.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a waste collecting company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Locastic?

Initially, we needed to develop a smartphone application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

For the first project, we had a couple of meetings to explain our expectations, and they developed the mobile app for us. It enables our users to locate containers and filter by type of waste, as well as provides them with instructions to find them. They did some graphical work, designing our logo, as well.

Currently, they’re upgrading the app and building a website for us.

What is the team composition?

There were three or four people working on the first project. There are six or seven people working with us on the current project.

How did you come to work with Locastic?

They were the first to show up on my Google search. I contacted them, we met to discuss the project, and we began our partnership.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $90,000. The first project was $50,000, including minor graphical work. The current project is roughly $40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from 2016–2017. The current project began in 2019 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They completed the first project in 6­–8 months. They look at the bigger picture, striving to create the best possible application for the budget given. They try to make the final product widely available.

How did Locastic perform from a project management standpoint?

Their delegation is superb; everything is being done by specialists. They are very responsive and always available, whether we want to meet in person or online.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were most impressed by the way they listened, asked a lot of questions, and came to understand our business. They gave technical advice and were able to look at the product through the eyes of the customer.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be ready to work together; it takes effort from both sides to make the project work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of LITTO Agency. Our main focus is on renting apartments and booking tours and excursions in Croatia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Locastic?

I needed to develop a web platform and a mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Their team created a website and two apps. The web platform allows users to book trips online. The first mobile application they developed helps visitors register quickly. It allows users to scan their documents and submit them to the system rather than having to write all their information out. They are currently developing another mobile app for booking trips to complement our website. Additionally, they helped with the design and brand identity of our company. 

What is the team composition?

I have two main points of contact, but there are an additional 7-8 people assigned to the project. 

How did you come to work with Locastic?

They are located nearby. I asked around and got great feedback about them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about €250,000 (approximately $270,000 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in January 2019, and it is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The development process was great. They were able to dedicate the time needed and make necessary adjustments and changes when I asked them to. My clients are enjoying the unique approach we’ve taken. I got good feedback on the brand design, it is very recognizable. I don’t think my business would be where it is without them.

How did Locastic perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication was very easy. They answered all my questions and were usually able to solve issues within minutes. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are professional, helpful, and funny. They have a lot of expertise and brought so much to my business by getting it online. I’m not very technologically savvy, but I’ve learned a lot from them. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Present your ideas, needs, wants and expectations to them, but be open to their ideas and advice. They probably know better than you, especially if technology isn’t your strong suit.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

 I’m the president and founder of a company that organizes cycling events and marathons around the world.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Locastic?

Because we host international races, we needed a centralized location online for our events to exist.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped us create a registration platform and user account capabilities within the site. That way, users have a consistent experience globally for all of our events. To start, we already knew what we needed, so we brought our requirements to their team. The completed platform showcases an individual rider’s results, basic information, and tickets. 

What is the team composition?

I typically work with three of their resources. They also bring in several others during more intense parts of the project. So, I’ve worked with as many as 10 people from their team at once. That includes a project manager, backend developer, and several others. 

How did you come to work with Locastic?

We were introduced through mutual connections. After explaining the scope of the project, they quickly asserted that they’d be able to assist us. Then, we began the project together. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $500,000–$1,000,000 on the project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in August 2017, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve transformed our series with this technology. We’ve been able to have consistent pre- and post-event interaction with our riders on a global scale. They’ve provided a centralized point that all participants across 120 countries can go to and get the same experience.

Their work has streamlined the way we process ticket sales and gave our riders the power to make changes to their own registrations. That way, they no longer have to go through our team. The functionalities they deliver exceed our expectations. They make our lives easier.  

How did Locastic perform from a project management standpoint?

They work hard to achieve our deadlines while delivering work that effectively addresses our needs. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were able to quickly grasp our needs, industry, and terminology. They’ve been amazing, understanding complex problems and parameters that are specific to our industry. From there, they’ve come up with systematic approaches to ensure that data and move securely through our database.   

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’ve already addressed any pain points we had in the beginning. They’re great communicators and analyze tasks thoroughly to make helpful recommendations. When I have no idea on how to handle a problem, I can count on them to develop a solution.  

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a strong idea of what you want your end product to look like. Spend a proper amount of time planning at the beginning to make the project run more smoothly. If things need to change further into the development, be flexible in accomodating that change.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of Symfonycasts and core Symfony team developer

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Locastic?

We hired Locastic to help us design a new "demo" site for the Symfony UX components: one that was functional, but fun, bright and inspiring.

SOLUTION

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

I personally know several people at Locastic and they're good people. So it was an easy choice to give them a try professionally.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

We met to brainstorm the requirements of the project and the over all mood and theme we wanted. From there, Locastic created mockups in the super-easy-to-use Figma system. Using comments & occasional video meetings, it was super easy to get to a result that we all love.

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

We worked with 2 members - effectively a project manager and a designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new site - https://ux.symfony.com - was released to the public and instantly got warm results, especially the design. It was exactly what we were looking for.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The team is a joy to work with: great attitude, responsiveness, and professionalism.

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

Communication & attitude: both were 100

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

none