Precious

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the senior director of product management at a media company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Precious?

We needed help redesigning our company's brand websites. We have approximately 80 different sites that use different templates, so we engaged Precious to create a consolidated design for all of them. Our goal was to improve the sites' UX. We had many pop-ups that we wanted to transition to in-page units. 

Additionally, we needed to consolidate the number of different layouts we used across all of our brand sites into a single layout for easier support and quicker turnaround whenever we needed to make a global update. We also wanted to improve the UX and user engagement on our sites.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had several calls with Precious to set the project's stage. We sent the team examples of the different site templates we wanted to transition off and shared examples of website designs we liked. We've also provided Precious with a breakdown of the content, advertising, and marketing components on our site by page and explained the goals for those different components.

We've done competitive analysis for specific brands, so Precious could understand what we were competing against in some of our markets. Additionally, Precious has conducted a series of interviews with half a dozen stakeholders by teams, including two with various teams of content editors, to understand their challenges and goals. The team has also interviewed our sales and marketing teams.

Precious has then come back to us with some recommendations and a project schedule. The team has proposed some initial mock-ups for different key pages. We've agreed on five pages for Precious to focus on, and the team has created variations for those pages. We've gone through a couple of revisions of those mock-ups, and Precious has taken them to Figma to refine designs more. 

We've communicated with our development team to see if the Figma designs delivered by Precious would work. Our team has requested additional changes, and Precious has handed designs over to our development team.

What is the team composition?

We work with Pavithra (Principal UX Consultant), Duminda (Senior Consultant), and a project manager.

How did you come to work with Precious?

I found Precious through a Google search that led me to a review site. Based on the positive reviews I saw, I contacted the team.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent around $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2024, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Precious' work quality meets our expectations.

How did Precious perform from a project management standpoint?

Precious delivers work on time and within budget. The team communicates well with us via phone calls, emails, and Zoom, and we use Jira and Coda for project management.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Duminda is a great designer and super responsive, offering a quick turnaround.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Precious is easy to work with and has helped us gather a lot of the information we needed to provide them to make the engagement successful. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of any areas of improvement for Precious.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Precious is very good at holding your hand and explaining what information would be helpful to make the redesign's outcome successful, even for organizations that are new to this kind of project.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of Knomadix; we're a software education platform. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Precious?

We initially hired Precious for UX/UI design on our applications.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We went through an initial discovery phase where they researched other companies and took us through a structured process. Precious came up with design parameters, color schemes, messaging, and designed characters for us. We used Figma and Zeplin to create the designs and transfer them back and forth.  

We’re currently working on a company-wide branding project and bringing brand consistency across all our products. 

What is the team composition?

We work with a designer, a character designer, a design director, and a project manager; we recently hired an individual to focus on marketing collateral. 

How did you come to work with Precious?

We met them at a conference. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $50,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We initially started working with them in April 2019, and have worked on a few projects together since then. We recently partnered with them again in October 2022, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our app sales took off and grew into triple digits after 2019. The app they designed for us changed our company’s image and the way we were perceived; it was a massive jump from the app's previous generation. Our users have been incredibly happy with the product and the new UI/UX. 

Precious is doing an incredible job with the new branding, and we think they’re rock stars at what they do. All our stakeholders are excited about what's happening, and the changes are jaw-dropping. 

How did Precious perform from a project management standpoint?

Our project manager is very prompt and clearly lays everything out for us. We have remote status meetings to go over everything using Google Meet and Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re talented at aligning with our audience and bringing out the best design. They also respond well to feedback and are accommodating when changes need to be made. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

We can’t come up with anything at this point.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of ConnectED Athletics.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Thiken?

As a startup, we had an idea for an app tailored toward a niche sports market. We brought Thiken on to help build that solution.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

This was our first time developing an app. We had a baseline prototype and storyline that we went over with the Thiken team. They became very collaborative going forward and developed the beta copy. The app is for iOS and Android.

What is the team composition?

I worked directly with two individuals, and they also had team members behind the scenes.

How did you come to work with Thiken?

I did some research on Google and was seeking a local vendor. I met and interviewed several app developers here in the Austin, Texas area. After meeting with Pasindu (Co-Founder & CEO) and his teammates, we decided to go with them.

They were sincere, open, and organized compared to the other firms we were considering. From the get-go, they were personable, professional, and responsive so we went with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement was from September 2018–September 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Thiken did everything we asked them to do. What’s more, their team educated us on the entire process as well as on different terms and acronyms. In essence, they helped ramp us up which was perfect to help the app be successful and go forward.

In the beginning stages, they went above and beyond in telling us about the entire process. Not just the design aspects but the R&D, marketing procedures, tech support, and getting it into the different app stores.

Their team took care of everything. They weren’t just developers, they were also very knowledgeable about the sales, marketing, support, and future roadmap of the app. It was clear that they were invested in the success, and not just the development, of the app.

How did Thiken perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management went exceedingly well. There was strong communication, and they always answered our questions. We had online conferences and face-to-face meetings where they broke down how they’d develop each feature and what they’d use. They were detailed and transparent about how long things would take and what it’d involve. Their team provided screenshots and storyboard prints of what something would look like before they went into production.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their attention to detail really stands out. Additionally, they were very sincere and made me feel that my project was their project. They were an invested partner. Their team knows the best practices about how to keep the app relevant once it hits the stores.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I wish I could think of something but can’t. They delivered on and checked every box for us. The value and what they brought to the table has far exceeded the pricing they gave us.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They do their due diligence but come to them with more details than just an idea. Do as much research, planning, and organizing as you can before meeting with them. Be open to learning as well.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of a health startup. Our goal is to eliminate the need for health insurance.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Thiken?

We designed in PowerPoint a health assessment. We hired Thiken to basically automate the assessment we designed and then do the branding surrounding it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started from scratch, and we spent about a third of the time, in the beginning, doing branding, so the product actually looked like something. Once the product was designed in InVision, we went through about 60 different images showing the logic and what the app would look like.

We haven’t shifted anything to a live product yet, but the plan is to reach an audience through mobile and web apps.

What is the team composition?

I interacted with a team of five or six. It included the company's head, the project manager, a product branding manager, and a technical branding person. They took everything we put together and gave it to another team to build it out.

How did you come to work with Thiken?

I met Eddie (Partnership Manager) at the Austin Startup Crawl about a year ago. We continued to stay in touch. At that point, I wasn’t interested in outsourcing the tech to another company. After I decided to go in that direction, I looked at Thiken and another company, but I felt that Thiken would be nimbler and wouldn’t be as expensive.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $20,000–$25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from January–May 2020. It was supposed to be a shorter engagement, but COVID-19 impacted it.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Thiken was on time and budget. The team was extremely communicative and professional throughout the whole engagement.

During the branding exercise, they gave me four or five branding options, and I gave them a branding packet of things I liked. I’d say half of the ideas they showed me weren’t in alignment with what I sent them. But I felt like those were a reflection of what today’s websites look like. Their team took the time to explain why, and then when I said that I didn’t want to do that, they just dropped it. They’re very aware of the latest design elements out there.

I would say that the final product could’ve used a bit more refinement for the design, but I wasn’t paying them for that, and it wasn’t like they didn’t deliver on what they promised.

How did Thiken perform from a project management standpoint?

In the beginning, it was very organized. In the end, things got a little sloppy, so it was a little disappointing, but nothing that wouldn’t make me use them again. With COVID-19, I’m sure that there was a lot of shifting going on.

For communication, we used Zoom calls and emails. Eddie was a great point person. I never felt that I couldn’t get hold of them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I have talked to many companies, and the thing I like the most is that I didn’t feel that Thiken was going to add a bunch of work I didn’t need. I felt that there was a great level of interest and respect in what I was doing. Other companies I’ve talked to wanted to tell me what I needed, but Thiken was responsive to what I wanted.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not for the money I paid. I ended up changing some of the work at the end, and their team was flexible about that. Thiken exceeded my expectations in most areas.

If I were to make a suggestion, I would say that when you’re closing out a project, make sure that everything is buttoned-up at the end. That leaves a final impression.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It depends on what the customer is coming to the table with. I think I got the most out of Thiken because I was able to put in PowerPoint exactly what I wanted. I was able to take my concept and put it down on paper.

This process made it much easier for them. I think if someone’s going to come in without a concept, they’re going to have a much more expensive engagement. When dealing with any consultant, you have to manage yourself and pick your battles.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of an app company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Thiken?

We needed a partner to perform brand and app development for a prototype. We needed muscle behind our app development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Thiken built the principle clickable prototype for our mobile app from the ground up. They took the time to understand our vision and ideas to provide a solution to our technical problem.

Before they designed the app, their team first got into the nitty-gritty of what we were trying to accomplish. They performed market research to locate our target demographics, whose interests defined our brand and development focus areas. Thiken helped us understand the marketplace of different apps and how different groups use the technology, which has supported our pitching efforts. Their team provided the brand’s background information to communicate to investors.

With market knowledge, Thiken created the iOS prototype. Their team guided us through the process of building the wireframes and designed the UI/UX to be functionally fluid. They helped us communicate our vision to developers who integrated AR capabilities into the platform, which we believe will make us competitive in the marketplace after launch.

What is the team composition?

We worked with four teammates. Initially, two were from Thiken’s leadership team.

How did you come to work with Thiken?

I’d met them through different technology events that support the community.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $50,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2018, and continue to collaborate.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Meetings with funders have improved because of the platform Thiken's team developed. When investors see the prototype, they have comfort in the fact we can develop a product at this level. It helps them understand that if we had more resources, we’d be able to take the app to the next level. Thiken delivered what we wanted visually in an app; the prototype is snappy, clean, and fresh.

How did Thiken perform from a project management standpoint?

Thiken has been more than available and more than helpful. Their team has said they wish they’d had more time to dedicate to our project. They created a really good product and want to continue to refine it, which we really appreciate.

Their team takes a holistic approach, showing a vested interest in the actual products. They understand that if we receive funding, we can grow and that’s something they want to be a part of.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have the ability to reach people where they are. Thiken has a unique willingness to work and support the needs of a team without advanced technical knowledge. It’s been a great comfort to know that I have their team in my corner to help me push the app.

Thiken has a number of bigger projects with a lot more funding coming in, but I’ve never felt like they’ve neglected our product. Their team is available, ready to give me an answer if I need one.

Just from an investors standpoint, their team has been helpful and supportive of our communications. I think they’ve gone above and beyond, putting their heart and soul into this work. We’ve found some of the best people.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It took a little longer than we’d anticipated just to develop the prototype, but I think that’s due to the complexity of the app. They managed the project as quickly as they could with the resources they had.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open to collaboration.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of Ordertext LLC, an in-house ordering app for bars and restaurants.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Thicken?

We reached out to Thiken to help brand and design our app, mostly focusing on frontend development work. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Thicken walked us through a rebranding process, working with our team through a discovery phase to help us narrow down various design elements. They then developed the frontend of the mobile app, and their team was able to collaborate with our team a bit on some of the backend as well, fixing bugs and ensuring the code was running properly. 

What is the team composition? 

I worked directly with Pasindu (CEO and Co-founder, Thiken) and Pavithra (Chief Design Officer, Thiken), as well as a couple designers and developers. 

How did you come to work with Thicken?

They were listed as one of the top design firms in Austin on Clutch, so we reached out to them based on their positive reviews, along with six other firms we considered. After meeting with all seven firms, we ultimately felt Thiken was best equipped for the project, and we liked that they were both technically savvy as well as talented, creative designers. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested close to $20,000 in total.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working on the project in the summer of 2018 and, although the the app just went live, we anticipate working with them again in the near future. We definitely feel like they're part of our team now. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've received great feedback from everyone regarding the design of the app. Thiken designed a beautiful frontend that's brought our ideas to life perfectly. I'd recommend them to anyone based on our experience.

How did Thicken perform from a project management standpoint?

They were always on time with deliverables and very collaborative and alert during meetings. We communicated through Slack and worked in design sprints, iterating and testing through each stage as needed. They not only met our deadlines, but often delivered ahead of schedule. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Thiken is one of the few agencies on the market strong in both development and design. Usually, a firm either excels at coding or purely in the creative space, but Thiken has expertise in both areas and they're also easy to work with all around. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything I'd change from our experience.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Provide in-depth answers to their branding and identity questionnaire, so they have a lot to work with to come up with unique design solutions. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of an oil and gas technology company called The Non-op Shop. We're a digital platform that facilitates buying and selling relevant assets.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Thiken?

We were looking to create an online marketplace to support our business. I had a clear idea of what I wanted the site to look like and needed help with execution.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Thiken conducted a research phase to understand the industry and worked closely with me to build a new ecommerce site from scratch. We worked through the general hierarchy of the site, specific features I was looking to include, color schemes and design, etc. I also provided them with Photoshop sketches to give them an idea of the look and feel I was picturing. They asked a multitude of questions before writing any code to ensure that the development process was deliberate. This phase took several weeks, but once everything was compiled, they were ready to start with development.

The site is an ecommerce platform that allows clients to log in, upload assets that they’re looking to sell or divest, and connect with interested buyers. It also includes an auction module that allows users to place and track bids on specific products. Thiken built out the site using Microsoft Azure for cloud services, C# for the backend, AngularJS for the frontend, and Heroku to launch. There were also a few other languages utilized minimally across the platform.

What is the team composition?

At any given point, we were working with between two and five people from Thiken including project managers and developers. The CEO was also actively involved throughout the process.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested $25,000-$50,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2017, and they completed the project in December.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We didn’t know what to expect going into this project, and I was very pleased with the level of communication and quality of work. They exceeded my expectations on many levels. Although I was only one of their many clients, I felt as though my project was important to them. That speaks volumes about not only the quality of leadership, but also the inclusive and collaborative nature of their company’s culture. Their cost structure is also very reasonable for the quality of services that they offer. I plan to use them again on my next project.

How did Thiken perform from a project management standpoint?

We never had any issues. They were very responsive and made themselves available at all times. They were always very attentive and depending on the size/urgency of an augmentation we requested, they would usually send back a revised version within 24-48 hours.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Typically, you find that web development firms have a lot of knowledge in their particular specialty. The breadth of expertise at Thiken, especially with their CEO, spans far beyond web development and sets them apart from competitors. I was very impressed by their knowledge of modern technologies and various development strategies, which they implemented according to how well suited it was to our needs. They were a strategic partner that took time to learn our industry and guide us through the process collaboratively. We also appreciated the CEO’s hands-on approach to our project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re a young company so they’re hiring rapidly, and it may be a challenge to scale their business to growing demand while staying up to date on the latest business/web development trends. If they continue on their current course, they’ll be a great partner for larger projects as well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I had very vivid images around what I was looking to accomplish in the project, but I found that giving them the freedom to explore different options was the most effective way to work with them. They’re great at connecting the dots and understanding what it is you’re looking for. Thiken offers cost-effective solutions, knowledgeable team members, and high-quality design ideas.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Vital Ventures Technology is a mobile platform that will be working in the fitness, health, and wellness space. I’m the CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Thiken?

Thiken is developing our mobile app. I have a developer that does code review and makes sure Thiken is performing to standards, but my resource isn't actually writing any code.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app is an on-demand fitness app that will connect people together for fitness workouts. We’re trying to drive the price of fitness down. It’s a free app to download, but it is a service so the user has to pay for the service. We gave Thiken a very elementary design to give them an idea of what we wanted, and they brought it to fruition. They knocked it out of the park.

They’re also working on our website. The backend of the website is being hosted on Microsoft Azure and they’re utilizing either a SQL or MongoDB database. We’re doing the marketing and strategy on our own. We ask Thiken for market trends and other things pertaining to mobile apps. We do our own research but we like to ask them questions since they know the market better.

They have one or two project managers and six developers working on the project. There are two iOS developers, two Android developers, and two developers working on our website. It’s a large app.

How did you come to work with Thiken?

In the beginning, I had my own developers. Once my developers decided they didn’t want to do the project, I had to find someone else. I searched online and found Thiken. They put a bid in along with several other companies. When I find someone I want to do business with, I need to meet them. If I don’t feel right about a company, I won’t do business with them.  I met with all of the firms that put in a bid and felt at ease with Thiken. I’m happy I went that route. I was living in Fargo, ND but I travel for a living, so I wasn’t really looking for someone local.

How much have you invested with Thiken?

The project including all three platforms will cost between $120,000 and $130,000 once it’s completed.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with them in August 2016, and the work is ongoing. We have a year contract with 10 months being for the build and two months of support. If we were to build the app the way we wanted to, it would take anywhere from 10 months to 18 months and it would be very expensive. We’re going to release portions of the app instead of releasing the entire app at the same time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We did our first event a few weeks ago in Seattle, Washington. We didn’t release the app to the public but we set up test phones with the app installed. That allowed people to get familiar with the app and build some brand recognition. We had over 1,000 people come to the booth to look at the app. We were able to sign people up for the app. There was one phone that started to act up, but Thiken was on standby in case something went wrong, and they were able to fix the issue we were having.

We’re about two months away from releasing the iOS version and then we’ll release the Android version a couple of weeks later.

How did Thiken perform from a project management standpoint?

At first, it was a little hard, but it was more from my team. They work different hours than we do, so the timing was off for communication. Our project manager was on top of things and did a good job.

What did you find most impressive about Thiken?

The most impressive part of working with them is their flexibility. That’s important because this is our first time building an app. They allowed us to do an open design phase, which really helped us craft the product in a way that’s going to be very useful for the end user. You can’t put a dollar value on that.

Are there any areas Thiken could improve?

Six months ago, I would’ve said communication but we’ve been able to work that out. I can’t think of anything else.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our product is a live streaming mobile application designed for label artists. I am the founder of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Thiken?

The biggest issue was finding an affordable development agency that could provide consistent, trusted quality of work.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Thiken helped us build our mobile platform from incubation to release on the iOS App Store. We outsourced everything to them, but Thiken created all the wireframing in collaboration with me. They also helped with a bit of after-the-fact marketing, web development of our landing page, search engine optimization, and creating a presence for it. They also handled various other tasks around our launch strategy. I worked with three or four people from Thiken’s team, including a project manager, and one of their UI/UX [user interface/user experience] designers.

How did you come to work with Thiken?

We looked at the Los Angeles market extensively but were unable to find someone who took a deep interest in us as a client. I found a review of Thiken while reading an article about Fargo, North Dakota, and started doing more research. I was looking for a US-based, cost-effective dev firm. We reached out to Thiken when their company was still relatively new. One of their founders had written an article explaining his deep interest in being involved with an idea from early conception. I found the incubation process interesting, as well as the fact that they took a bigger interest in clients.

How much have you invested with Thiken?

The cost of Thiken’s work was altogether $50,000. This included tons of screens which they designed as well as a couple of pivots with the project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Thiken in August 2015. The app went live on the Apple Store on November 8, 2016. I would have given Thiken another project, but they didn’t have room for it at the time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We showcased a working model of the app at SXSW Tech Spotlight and received a ton of positive feedback on the quality and premium look of the designs. This was all custom work, with no templates used whatsoever. Label artists and people in the music industry took to the premium look and feel of our product. Thiken helped us pursue and beta test it. We have seen around 2,000 downloads so far.

How did Thiken perform from a project management standpoint?

We had no issues. Thiken provided a good project scope, we had weekly sprints and had regular updates. There were no missed deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about Thiken?

They took a deep interest in understanding the client, taking the time to know the people they’d be working with. This led to an improved product since understanding the background of the concept was essential for its functionality. Thiken provided care for us, as a client, letting us understand the intentions behind their work. It struck me as different from what I’d experienced with other tech firms. The quality of the design was also impressive.

Are there any areas Thiken could improve?

Growing as a firm and being able to handle more business would be the only improvement I can think of for Thiken. I can’t think of anything negative about my experience with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Unnanu is an Austin-based startup ERP [enterprise resource planning] platform for hiring. I am the founder of the company. I have been working in the IT services industry for 10 years.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Thiken?

When I was validating my decision to create a startup based on my professional background of 20 years as an ERP consultant, I was looking for a development firm which had good UI/UX [user interface/user experience] design capabilities.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We are building an ERP platform with a massive vision. It will be a multiyear project, and we haven’t reached 30% completion yet. We are working on a completely web-based version for hires, and the mobile version for recruiters is planned to launch in 2018.

Candidates can record video-based profiles through the platform for free. In order to become verified and have a higher ranking for companies, they need to become pro.

The prototyping, development, and design have been the tasks of Thiken. They are also involved in our company and product strategy. We take input from their team in all areas, but also have a marketing specialist.

How did you come to work with Thiken?

Quality was the biggest factor in choosing a company, and I invested a couple of months for the research. I was working through SXSW Startup Spotlight in 2016 and found a company which had worked with Thiken. I liked the smoothness of their application and connected with the founder of that company, who then referred me to Thiken.

There were tons of other companies I found interesting, but they weren’t as reachable. The local companies I found were much too expensive. IT development projects like ours are very complicated, and I didn’t want to start a collaboration with a company that didn’t provide a personal connection.

How much have you invested with Thiken?

The cost of Thiken’s work has been $250,000 so far. We are fundraising an additional $2 million over the next 18 months, which will also be used for marketing. More than an app, we are building an entire ERP platform for recruiting and hiring, which will have different interfaces for candidates and recruiters on three different platforms. It will be a big undertaking for us.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Thiken in July 2016 for the initial wireframing process. My ultimate goal is to build an internal team for the company in order to have a better connection to the product. The free candidate version is available on iOS, Android, and the web.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are currently doing a beta test for the candidate platform. So far, we haven’t seen anything negative about Thiken’s work. They are a very talented team from a product development standpoint.

How did Thiken perform from a project management standpoint?

I am managing most of the project myself, which is important to do when working with a team like Thiken. They have stuck to our timeline for the different products we’re developing. We’re trying to implement Aha!, which is a product strategy and roadmapping tool. Thiken has internal project management, but I don’t need that service. I focus only on our deliverables and timeline, and they’ve been on target as long as I don’t inject too many changes in the solution requirements. We have juggled certain features in order to finalize the ones we considered most important first. This is the reason we’ve needed Aha!. Thiken has shown me that it’s a good tool for product strategy, so we bought a license.

What did you find most impressive about Thiken?

They are very creative and hardworking. I have visited Thiken’s team on a few occasions and found them to be very talented.

Are there any areas Thiken could improve?

Their development team is sometimes too optimistic about our tasks. I have had to make them slow down at times. At the end of the day, we’re all trying to achieve the best quality product possible, but if we rush, we’ll make small mistakes. As any development company, Thiken is working on multiple projects and they do want to move on with the work, so I’ve had to put the brakes on them.