Milo Creative

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Chime Group (Harvard) is a technical communications agency based in London. As the head of production, I work directly with our creative and client teams to deliver on projects and campaigns.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Milo Creative?

One of our clients submitted a brief asking us to help capture global headlines around their cow innovation project. So, we came up with the idea to create a cow connector mobile app. To bring the concept to life, we needed a development/creative partner that could help us think through the logistics and build the actual solution.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Over a couple of months, we worked hand-in-hand with Milo Creative to develop a cow connector app. It’s a cross-platform solution for iOS and Android. Using 5G technology, users could connect with their own individual cow and track its movements online.

Milo Creative’s team refined our vision and guided us through the project. Our expertise isn’t in development, so they drove the UX/UI design and handled the implementation and execution. 

A big challenge that we faced was data importation. All of the cows wore sensors that would feed information into the app through our partner’s API. However, about halfway through the project, we realized that that technology wasn’t ready. 

Instead of going into a crisis mode, their team worked with us to come up with a solution. They created an algorithm, gathered the necessary data from our partners, and synthesized it themselves to be functional with our app, all while keeping to the same timeline.

What is the team composition? 

I worked with Elena (Product Director, Milo Creative), Paul (Creative Director, Milo Creative), and a development lead who focused on the coding. They interacted with me every day throughout the process, from the initial brief all the way through to post-launch support. There was also a team of engineers working in the background.

How did you come to work with Milo Creative?

We reached out to a few app development companies, and Milo Creative was one of the few that went above and beyond with their presentation. This just proved that they would be really good partners from the beginning.

Moreover, I liked that they had developed kids’ games previously as well as other applications with a similar end user. We got the sense that they understood our audience. That knowledge and previous experience ended up being invaluable.

What is the status of this engagement?

Their work lasted from November 2018–March 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within the first few days, the app earned over 10,000 users, which was great for such a niche app. It was the perfect tool to get our client’s project in front of journalists to generate awareness. The app was featured in an Android blog and garnered over 800 million pieces of global coverage from several prominent news and media outlets. 

Since then, Milo Creative has continued to provide support throughout the app’s lifetime. There were some minor bugs to fix post-launch, but we haven’t found any issues after that, which is unheard of in my experience.

We’ve recently discussed adding more features to expand our client’s project, and their team has generated great ideas on how we can enrich the user experience. The client has ultimately decided to wrap up the project instead, but the next steps would’ve been impressive.

How did Milo Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

Milo Creative added a lot of value to our engagement and helped us troubleshoot unforeseen obstacles as they came up. Throughout the project, they were always communicative, getting back to our questions right away. They introduced a tool that allowed us to track everything and interact with resources, which was so effective that we’re considering implementing internally.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Aside from their invaluable knowledge and expertise, their passion really came through. I appreciated that they were as equally invested in this project’s success as we were. When we told them that we couldn’t get our partner’s data into the app, they helped us solve the issue and still managed to deliver on time. No other vendor would’ve stuck with us through that hurdle. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we couldn’t have picked a better partner for this project. If we needed support on weekends, they would be there alongside us testing the app, which is a testament to their commitment to delivering a quality product.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Include them in your discussions as early as possible because they have a lot of valuable creative input. You should also keep an open mind instead of coming in with your mind made up on a concept.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the philanthropy manager at London’s Air Ambulance Charity. We save lives in London through rapid response and cutting-edge care.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Milo Creative?

We received funding to create an educational app that engages with the local community and raises awareness about our work. The solution would primarily be used in schools, offering activities related both our medical missions and school subjects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They were responsible for the design and development of the application. The team used a Unity platform to build an Android and iOS app, as well as a web version for school computers. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with four people at a time, and my day-to-day contact was an account manager. Milo Creative’s founders communicated with us frequently.

How did you come to work with Milo Creative?

We contacted and met with a few app developers in London. Milo stood out as a passionate team that understood our aims. Well-attuned to our goals, they responded to the project brief with creative solutions. Their location is close to our helipad, and they were already aware of our charity. Also, they offered a competitive price because of a strong interest in the project. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in September 2015, and the partnership ended in June 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app has been downloaded over 8,000 times. In partnership with Centre of the Cell, we’ve successfully used it in schools across London, and it also helps us raise awareness for our services among those that are interested.

How did Milo Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

The founders were passionate about the project. They answered emails immediately and expertly guided us through the process. They used Basecamp web application to effectively manage the project and coordinate communications with our charity and our partner Centre of the Cell.

Whenever the schedule shifted, the team adapted well. They ensured we created and delivered the solution within grant deadlines. As we didn’t dedicate an internal project manager, we appreciated their patience throughout the process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their passion for our mission was impressive. They were very attentive to all of our needs.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It was a positive experience.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Clients should be honest up front and offer a project brief at the beginning of the timeline. Using that information, Milo Creative will come up with innovative ideas.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Maths Whizz is an education company that works with schools and ministries of education around the world to provide personalized learning to children aged 5–13. Our mission is to enable communities to reach their full potential through individualized learning. In addition to being a UX researcher and designer, I currently act as the standing product manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Milo Creative?

For 13–14 years, we’ve had the same student experience for our web-based learning app. Students log in, we do an initial assessment to understand their math level within each topic, and then we provide personalized learning through animated exercises and tests. Milo Creative joined our project to revamp the student experience based on user feedback.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

One of the core goals of the project was to build an engaging experience for our students by consulting actual users since they would be the ones working with our product. Because our usership spans multiple territories, we also needed to ensure that we met all of our clients/students’ needs on a global level. 

Milo Creative stayed true to their approach of a user-centered process. They regularly engaged with students throughout the design phase, adapting each iteration based on real feedback. 

It wasn’t just frontend development but backend, as well. By working closely with our tech team, they converted us from a Flash-based program to HTML5. We then developed a new API and coded its behavior and how it would work.

Now, our program challenges students to help them raise their confidence in math. Students are able to jump between lessons as they grow, and they can track their progress in a visually accessible way. Adding an avatar builder was another widely requested feature that helped reinforce a personalized learning experience.

What is the team composition? 

I worked closely with Petros (Technology Director, Milo Creative) who served as our project manager and Elena (Product Director, Milo Creative) who handled the UX research. There was also Paul (Creative Director, Milo Creative) and another development lead. 

Typically, I’d work with Petros to handle the preliminary provisional work, having daily meetings and discussing any feedback. Then, he would bring in Elena and the other leads where needed to keep us up to date.

How did you come to work with Milo Creative?

We reviewed a number of development firms bidding for our project and liked Milo Creative’s ideas and proposed processes. We felt that they were the most on our wavelength—not only in terms of what we required as an educational company, but also what the students needed to stay engaged. That they could bring a design element in to support us on those fronts was a strong factor for choosing them.

What is the status of this engagement?

Their work lasted from April 2018–January 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It’s been a huge success. Milo Creative delivered a new UX/UI design and helped us convert to HTML5 before Flash became obsolete. Currently, we’ve rolled out Maths Whizz 2.0 to four territories and are waiting to translate content for the remaining three.

App usage has also been increasing steadily, and clients say the program is highly engaging. Milo Creative’s team was able to take our students’ requests, look at where they stood in the math curriculum, and translate that into an aesthetically pleasing way.

They built an interface that demonstrated short, medium, and long-term learning to students, which made it easy for children as young as 5–6 to interpret data. This allowed them to monitor their own growth and really take charge of their learning. It was a challenge that we were having trouble solving internally, and Milo Creative brought it to life successfully.

How did Milo Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very effective and efficient. We had regular meetings throughout, and they kept us up to date by sending us designs to review and acting upon our feedback. As the launch date drew closer, we felt like we were running out of time because we had so much to do, so Petros and Elena led remote meetings to stay on track.

We had to change the scope at some point because there were some things that we hadn’t considered. Milo Creative dealt with that well; they weren’t just reactive but rather proactive. The team offered solutions where they could, explaining why certain courses of action wouldn’t work and suggesting alternatives when they couldn’t.

In terms of communication, they introduced us to several different channels, including Airtable, Trello, and another tool. We communicated constantly throughout and were on hand whenever needed, so I felt very supported.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their teamwork and ethos were great. After working so closely with them, we felt that we’d actually become friends. I was comfortable enough to speak up if I wasn’t sure about something, and they would make it a point to address my concerns.

Another factor was that I was just stepping into the role, so I wanted to learn more about their approach to UX/UI design. They took that to heart and brought me along to conduct user testing so that I could gain experience.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they did a great job. There were some things that we missed on our side based on our level of organization or preparation. But Milo Creative adapted and handled the project well. We shared a mutual sense of trust really early on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you have users on hand for Milo Creative to engage with. One of the hurdles we faced was that we couldn’t always get their team into a school or find students who were available for user testing. That’s something that I would’ve changed.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of FitVo, a fitness app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Milo Creative?

I engaged Milo Creative to develop my app and bring my idea to life.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Milo Creative built a cross-platform mobile application that works on both Android and iPhone. They designed the app, user interface, and user experience. A third-party graphic designer provided visuals and art that Milo Creative incorporated those elements into the design. They also helped select a strict color scheme based on our logo.

The team didn’t just follow instructions; they gave their opinions or suggestions for how they thought the app could be better. Their team members used their unique experience and backgrounds to inform their recommendations. Milo Creative helped improve the process through a team approach.

What is the team composition?

Elena (Product Director, Milo Creative) designed the user flow and frontend. Petros (Technology Director, Milo Creative) and another person handled basic functionality. Nuwan (Senior Developer, Milo Creative) put the app together in the end.

How did you come to work with Milo Creative?

I reached out to a couple of different companies during the search process. What I liked about Milo Creative was they didn't give me a quote right off the bat. Milo Creative invited me for a meeting where we went through all of the elements that I wanted for the app. They then gave me a very detailed quote that was much more competitive compared to other vendors. I also love their style of design, which is a big part of why I reached out to them. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from 2017–2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app has yet to launch due to external factors, but I’ve received positive feedback at an exposition. Potential users praised its user-friendliness and slick design. Many people were impressed by the small size of our team to develop this app—it has the feel of a more professional product made with more resources.

How did Milo Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

We used Basecamp to assign work and measure progress. Milo Creative entered tasks that I needed to complete to help them make deadlines, and vice versa. It helped me check on their work and prioritize my own. We also had weekly Skype meetings to make we were on the same page and to provide status reports. 

The team worked well together. Milo Creative accommodated any delays from my end and worked around time zone differences as I traveled internationally. I appreciated their flexibility.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Milo Creative felt fully invested in what they were creating for me. They took pride in their work rather than checking boxes and receiving a fee. As a result, I felt like I could trust them to deliver a quality product.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Their services could have been cheaper if I outsourced the backend work to another vendor. Their main strength was definitely the design element; they reduced friction in the way users engage with the app. 

Any advice for potential customers?

Before any development project, make sure your idea is fully formed and provide as much information as possible. I had a map, a business plan, and other materials prepared in advance to illustrate what I wanted. That made my experience with Milo Creative very straightforward because they could provide feedback right away and then lend their expertise in coding and development.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the technical director at Mint Diagnostics. We manufacture diagnostic test strips that analyze saliva to gather hormone data. Our product is mainly for sports performance, and we’re hoping to expand into healthcare in the future.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Milo Creative?

We hired Milo Creative to develop a software MVP for one of our elite sports customers. We don’t have an in-house development team, and we needed a partner to guide us in designing the UI of a software product that connects to our testing strips.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’re currently designing and developing a software interface that will draw data from our hardware system. We’ve been able to discuss design requirements and user personas with their team so that we can understand how clients will interact with the product. When they finish the final version, we’ll do a closed release for our customer with plans to commercialize the product in 2020.

What is the team composition?

I interface primarily with Petros (Technology Director, Milo Creative) and Elena (Product Director, Milo Creative).

How did you come to work with Milo Creative?

Initially, we scouted a few other companies that have offices in Cambridge and London. We called each company on our list, including Milo Creative, to see if they understood our project and to gauge the type of working relationship we would have.

We ended up having a great conversation with Petros, which lead to a UX project in 2017. This project was successful, so it made sense for us to continue partnering with them for future work.

What is the status of this engagement?

We first started working with Milo Creative in June 2017, and our partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve created a professional-looking software prototype that has helped us discuss our work with potential partners. Because we’re an early stage company, our main task is to convince people that we have a solid technological foundation. Thanks to Milo Creative, we’ve been able to successfully demonstrate progress while also mapping out our plans for the future.

How did Milo Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

Milo Creative uses Basecamp to manage project tasks. They compile all relevant information into a central development resource that helps us collaborate with their team and track progress. We’re also able to use Basecamp to easily share information with our other subcontractors.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Milo Creative treats us like a valued partner, and we feel that they’re invested in the success of the product and our business. We’re also able to speak freely with their team because they understand our background. For example, they do a fantastic job of translating software jargon into layperson terms. We have a very productive working relationship.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of an area that needs improvement.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you can, define a concrete set of requirements at the start of the project. In our case, we’ve been developing hardware and software in parallel, and the changing specifications of the hardware have impacted software development. I think that if we could’ve kept our requirements from the start, that would make for a more seamless development process.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there. 

I'm the founder and CEO of Lirica, a mobile app that teaches languages through music. I started the company about two and a half years ago. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Milo Creative? 

I first had the idea of teaching languages through music when I was at my previous job. As I was exploring the concept further, I knew I needed developers that could help me bring the concept to life.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Milo Creative is designing and developing a mobile application for both iOS and Android. The app is built in the React Native programming language. The backend integrates several analytic tools. They’ve been working on the app for almost two years. We were in beta for a long time and the app went live last summer. 

The app currently focuses on teaching Spanish. Milo Creative continues to work on development as we're looking to incorporate other languages over the next six months. The app features music from well-known singers. Users can watch music videos with lyrics and translations. There are curated lessons that help users learn the language based on the grammatical structure and vocabulary from the songs. There’s also a game that helps to reinforce the lessons. 

What is the team composition?

We work with all five members of their team, as they’re a small boutique agency. They bring on contractors and freelance developers where required.

How did you come to work with Milo Creative? 

I found them through an online search. I reached out to a few agencies. Milo Creative stood out in terms of the relevance of their experience in educational products and digital apps. They felt like a good fit.

What is the status of this engagement?

Work started around July 2017 and the app launched in August 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We definitely wouldn't be where we are without Milo Creative. Within a few months of launch, Google featured it as one of the best apps of the year. The feedback that we get from users is that the functionality is fantastic and the design is crystal clear. That's definitely a tribute to their work. Milo Creative provides a huge amount of value.

How did Milo Creative perform from a project management standpoint? 

I only have good things to say about the way the project was managed. Their team performs really well. Because they’re a small team, they only work on a few projects at a time. We get their full, dedicated focus. Other agencies may use the director and the partners at the pitch and then turn the work over to people with less experience. With Milo Creative, we work with the directors from the start. They're the ones that execute in terms of delivering the code and the design. I was looking for a partner rather than just a developer. They’ve proven that they can adapt quickly in an agile way. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The main thing is that they're not yes men. If we come to them with an idea or proposal, they don't automatically agree because we're the client. They'll actually challenge us if they don’t agree with our idea. It's a big positive for me that I can trust Milo Creative to make sure we do the right thing for our business. 

Are there any areas they could improve? 

No, I don't think so. Cost and pricing is a separate discussion. They're very good at what they do. Given my stage of business, Milo Creative is the perfect partner. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

Before you commission any agency, try and validate everything you can without starting development or spending any money. Only go to an agency when you know you're ready for that step.