PATIO Interactive Inc

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a product owner at a large international bank.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with PATIO Interactive Inc?

We needed help with training. We wanted our junior employees at branches to better able to spot opportunities with customers, for whatever service best fit our customer’s needs. We worked to produce an experience that would be fun, memorable, and entertaining. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The team did a presentation on the AR industry and put together a demo with stations. They provided experiences that were in line with our business. Sometimes they would be showing a game, and how we could see AR/VR enable us to train employees to meet with remote clients. Everything was done in an 8-bit style. As part of the process, they produced storyboards and would send those off to me, and I’d meet with my leadership to see if I was going down the right path.

A bit later, a colleague of mine wanted to procure 100 or so Google Cardboard headsets as a gift for attendees of an event. We bought those headsets through PATIO Interactive. Additionally, they put together a 360-walkthrough video for one of our branches that recently opened.

What is the team composition?

We worked with 3–4 people, including a designer, a programmer, and a project manager. 

How much have you invested with them?

The game was about $20,000, and the event was around $5,000. I would guess the VR walkthrough was around $20,000–$30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2015, and we wrapped up in June 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We had 15,000–20,000 employees play the video game, which was pretty huge. Our money was really well spent and we were able to leave a big impression on a lot of employees.

How did PATIO Interactive Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

We used phone calls and emails to keep in touch. They set a schedule for when things would happen, and built-in some buffer time, too; I felt that we were always in a good place in terms of delivery.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their innovation in on the cutting edge. Their bread and butter are working for big companies like banks. PATIO works with all different business sizes, on all kinds of contracts. Whenever I want to get a sense of what’s cool, I know they’ll always have something going on that’s fun and exciting.

Are there any areas they could improve?

If they’re going to take on bigger clients, I see an opportunity for scaling up things like project management. That being said, I don’t know if you’re going to get that same entrepreneurial spark when your company is bigger with all of these bigger processes in place.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and president of a beverage and alcohol company based in Ontario. We sell our products across Canada.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with PATIO Interactive Inc?

We’ve worked with them on numerous branding, design, and marketing projects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’ve handled packaging design and various other graphic design projects. Recently, to promote one of our new products, they created a 360 behind-the-scenes video. The majority of their work with us involves packaging design or creative digital projects like the behind-the-scenes video. 

Over time, they’ve become fairly knowledgeable about our business and brand. It’s always good to consult with them on the desired outcomes of a new project and include them on overall strategy conversations surrounding branding. 

What is the team composition?

I worked with 2–3 people at any given time over the course of our relationship. Charles (Creative Director) is my main point of contact, but I also interface with design and strategy resources. 

How did you come to work with PATIO Interactive Inc?

I’ve known Charles for quite some time and have always been impressed with the work of his company. It was a natural fit, which was very helpful. I could tell that we would accomplish something innovative and exciting.  

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent approximately $50,000 on their work. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around the start of 2017 and continue to work together today.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In terms of creativity, they’ve always delivered what we’ve been looking for. They take an entrepreneurial approach to design, which I appreciate. Additionally, they bring new ideas to the table that I wouldn’t have come up with otherwise. I enjoy the cooperation and consulting aspects of the partnership. They went beyond the typical expectations of an outsourced company.   

How did PATIO Interactive Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re quick, adaptable, and responsive. Communication has been great, and we’re finding that they’re more flexible and faster with delivery.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their expertise and knowledge of the space stretch far, so they’re able to achieve outcomes in creative ways. For instance, the 360 video allowed customers to experience our process firsthand. I was really impressed with the unique experience they created for my brand and customers. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing negative I can say about them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust their expertise and experience throughout the collaboration to get the best outcome for your project.