Roud Studio

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a printing supplies wholesaler and retailer, mostly online.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Roud Studio?

We wanted to redesign our e-commerce website. We had outdated pages and wanted to bring our website up-to-date for mobile and desktop devices.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Roud Studio established the project requirements and presented us with ideas for creating a modern and functional design. Their team redesigned our website, which was based in BigCommerce. They made changes to the website to make it easier and more convenient for customers to find information. We plan to use their services for other projects too.

What is the team composition?

I primarily work with Alex (CEO & Art Director) who manages our projects.

How did you come to work with Roud Studio?

We did a lot of research and sought a vendor that we could continue to call upon for product updates.

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership started around November 2020, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The quality of their work is top-notch. We couldn’t be happier with the website’s design. It’s super solid. We've seen an uptick in site visitors too. Traffic has been increasing over the past couple of months.

How did Roud Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

I normally communicate with Alex via email or video calls. The Roud Studio team is super focused.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The results of the engagement are absolutely incredible. Roud Studio provides us with high-end results, and that’s what matters most. They also provide great service.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The only way they could do better was if they could work for free.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Work with Alex because he’ll deliver for you. Be specific with your expectations and then you’ll get exactly what you expect.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the co-founder of an online alcohol services business. We sell & ship craft beer and cider in a "pic & mix" style.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Roud Studio, and what were your goals?

As a new business, our website was in partnership with Shopify as they can provide the e-commerce infrastructure. However, Shopify did not offer a full solution to our specific needs when it came to webpage functionality.

SOLUTION

How did you select Roud Studio and what were the deciding factors?

Needed developers who could build off the Shopify platform. Roud Studio was our deciding factor as they were keener to work with us than any other development company. They also had a great understanding of our requirements. Roud Studio was also cost-effective for us.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Alex and his team were very quick to get in touch and respond. To begin, we started off discussing the number of hours and how much the project will cost. Afterwards, we kicked off the work by having an online meeting discussing our vision of the "pic & mix" portion of the website.

We discussed what key functionality it needed and how it should look. From there, Roud Studio delivered a detailed mockup of the project, then began to implement the functionality after a few iterations and changes. They did a great job.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I believe the company owner/founder was our project manager and he was the main point of contact. We also had contact with one of the lead developers. They were very friendly, polite, understanding and had good English.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

As of writing this review, we are close to launching the business so do not have anything yet.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

Our primary methods of communication were email and zoom for video calls. We had a hand full of video calls primarily nearer to the start of the project so we could set the complications and foundations in place.

However, once the project was under load, the changes were made on the back-end so we could test and check the functionality. Changes were primarily made over-email. At the end, we had another zoom meeting so we could learn all about the backend and how to make changes ourselves.

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

The team was very engaging and responsive, and the work they created was very high-quality and effective. For such little time, the project took to create and for how accurate their work was, I feel as if I have built a very strong level of trust, and I will not hesitate to work with them again for future projects and updates.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We had to ask them to add a couple of basic features, such as a "back button". But this was a non-issue as the company was working within specific limitations due to the platform we had chosen. They did not charge us extra for little niggles which were great.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We own a real estate company. I’m one of the members of the real estate team. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Roud Studio?

We were originally working with a website developer, but they did not meet our expectations after eight months of building. Our team decided to bring on another group to address the issues with the site.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, we had an introductory meeting that involved them looking over my website. After that, we had another phone call to confirm the details, and they sent over a document detailing each of the changes they would make in the near future. From there, they took us step by step through the development process, explaining their process. I was always aware of what was happening on their end.

What is the team composition?

I worked directly with Alex (CEO & Art Director, Roud Studios). He delegated work to his team members. 

How did you come to work with Roud Studio?

I ran a Google search for the most interactive, visually pleasing sites and looked at who developed them. Their work was very impressive online, so I reached out. They seemed up for the job, so I hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent between $3,000–$5,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We collaborated on the project from December 2019–January 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The completed site is bug-free and looks great. We recieve compliments and positive feedback on its overall appearance. It looks exactly like I wanted. It looks and feels much better than the previous iteration.  

How did Roud Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

They addressed everything in a very fast-paced, professional manner. Whenever I had questions, they were addressed within minutes over email. They were very quick, and the entire process only took about three weeks. 

In the beginning stages of the project, we spoke several times each day. Once the development started up, they would show me their progress every once and a while to keep everyone on the same page. Their project management skills are really what drove me to leave this positive review.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their professionalism and responsiveness really made a difference. Within the first two days, we had a general site layout figured out. That was way faster than expected. If I wanted changes, they’d be made within the hour.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust them because they’re professional and cost-effective. I’m very pleased overall. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I run a media consultancy in Sweden.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Roud Studio?

I needed help putting together a site for a city guide where people can read guides and get to different places quickly.

What were your goals for this project?

To have a well-made, ongoing city guide that could become the largest local website.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They’ve helped me with a small website before, so I got in touch for this project. First, they worked on the design, and I was so happy with it they did the rest too.

Describe the project in detail.

They designed and developed a website where users can find local restaurants, follow their teams, get local jobs, and read funny and interesting local guides.

What was the team composition?

Alexandr (Art Director and Web Designer, Roud Studio) was in charge of the frontend.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The design is one of the best I’ve ever received.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was really good. They’re self-motivated and professional.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The touches they included in the design impressed me, and they brought some new ideas to the project that were really cool.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I think the work was really good; nothing could have been handled differently.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a co-founder of Kolapp, an application that makes it possible for users to see their queue status instead of waiting in line.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Roud Studio?

We hired them to design our application.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to have an app that would match our vision.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We got a strong recommendation from a friend who had worked with Roud Studio before.

Describe the project in detail.

Initially, we had a Skype meeting to describe what we had in mind for the design. After we gave them some sketches on paper, we let them have free rein on the project.

What was the team composition?

We only worked with one designer from Roud Studio.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Roud Studio helped us have a professional look from the start. Their design was great and was probably the reason many of our clients today chose to work with us.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was super effective. We had great communication, and they were easy to contact. They included us a lot in the process and made sure we were satisfied with the results.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We are happy with Roud Studio’s design and smooth work process. They managed to make our application look exactly like what we wanted.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I could not ask for anything else.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a designer for Kozu Lab, an e-commerce agency and incubator that helps small e-commerce startups sell more products and services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Roud Studio?

We needed a nimble designer that could take on an array of projects that includes improving design for existing brands but also coming up with brand designs from scratch.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Roud Studio has worked on many projects for our team that include web development, graphic design, brand design, and logo design. For the development projects, we have sketch files or mockups, and then they implement them into the code on our Shopify sites.

The workflow varies from project to project. Some projects could be requests with loose brand guidelines, and others were envisioned from the ground up where we brief them on the inspiration and they take it from concept to presenting.

What is the team composition?

I primarily work with a designer named Alex (Founder & Art Director, Roud Studio) and a developer named Alex (Founder & Senior Developer, Roud Studio). I’m not sure if other team members work beside them.

How did you come to work with Roud Studio?

For past designers and contractors we’ve used, it’s been a matter of trialing people on a one-off basis. Roud Studio stuck because of their work quality and communication.

How much have you invested with them?

The projects vary in size, but I believe we spent $10,000–$25,000 per year. They invoice us monthly, depending on the level of engagement.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement with Roud Studio started in 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The design, especially with the web development work, has definitely improved conversion rates. Having a beautiful site links to better conversion. In terms of brand building, they’re able to create a modern-looking design from the ground up, which builds trust in the consumers and contributes to the success of the product.

How did Roud Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

We primarily use email for communication. With other designers, we’ve used Asana workflows, but that tool only works with the right amount of effort and punctuality are applied. Because Roud Studio is extremely responsive, communicating through email and Skype works well. Unlike others we’ve worked with in the past, Roud Studio’s response times are consistently within 24 hours.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m impressed with their ability to make a general concept turn into a beautiful visual. They’ll take a concept and craft different variations for us to look at before fine-tuning a product beyond that.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not at the moment.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

A big challenge with designing and working with contractors is mitigating the amount of back and forth conversation that happens. For example, if I represent a client and doing marketing for them and that client needs design work done. I go to a contractor and then present the work back to the client who has their opinion. That back and forth can be mitigated by looping everyone in from the start and providing clearer instructions.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Our company specializes in interior design. I'm one of the directors, as well as the designer. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Roud Studio?

Roud Studio delivered both the design and the code of our website. 

What were your goals for this project?

We're a young company just entering the market, so our portfolio isn't large. We needed a website that gave potential customers a clear idea of what we do and conveyed our philosophy, approach, and aesthetics.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Another company recommended them. After our first meeting, they clearly understood our needs. They were pleasant, easy to communicate with, and extremely professional.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They began by creating the images we wanted to present on the website. Their in-house photographer gave us timeframes for shooting each of the projects. After one week, all the images were ready.

In the meantime, they created wireframes of each page. It took another week to finalize the visual elements of the website, then another week to code the pages.

What was the team composition?

I only kept in touch with our project manager. I liked working with one person because I didn't need to explain things multiple times or ensure that the message was interpreted correctly. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It's a simple, charming website that works perfectly as our business card. We were quite happy with the result. It represents our designs well, it generates new business, and we use some of its content for our Instagram page.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

It was effective. They replied promptly and always delivered by the deadline. We finished earlier than I thought we would. It was super valuable that they managed everything so well. For example, when the photographer took photos of our apartments, she was incredibly well-informed. The process went so smoothly and nicely that it felt like fun, rather than work. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were ambitious, which I loved. They approached our project on a different level, and their idea of adding videos was groundbreaking. It gave our website the atmosphere we sought and presented potential clients with an unexpected twist. They gave us more than we asked for.

Are there any areas for improvement?

It's difficult to name anything because I was so happy to work with them. They were perfect for a project of this scale. If we had a larger project, we might have asked for more details about the code or chatted with some IT specialists.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a project manager at Key Solutions AB, a sales agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Roud Studio?

We hired Roud Studio to develop our company’s website.

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped to receive a unique and well-built website. We wanted to stand out from the crowd.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected Roud Studio following an extensive research and vetting process.

Describe the project in detail.

We relied on Roud Studio to build our new website from scratch. We came into the project with certain ideas, but Roud Studio’s team was collaborative and helped to make our plans even better.

What was the team composition?

I do not recall the total team size.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We receive many compliments regarding the creativity and professionalism of our website from clients—especially ones we’re working with for the first time. We have also been nominated as a top website by Awwwards, which is an honorable distinction.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We maintained a special communication channel so that no correspondence went unreturned. We also had regular follow-up meetings to discuss our progress.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I am very appreciative of their talent and the effectiveness of their work.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, nothing needs improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CEO of an international e-commerce business that specializes in the sale of digital goods to online marketers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Roud Studio?

We redesigned our own store but outside expertise to help us with the UI aspect of the project.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to achieve a cleaner UI that’s easier to use for our customers while being more persuasive to increase conversions.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The vendor was recommended by our developers. We spent a lot of time interviewing them and reviewing their previous projects since we wanted to make sure that they fully understood our vision.

Describe the project in detail.

Once the project started, we had a series of meetings, calls, and brainstorming sessions to make sure that we were all on the same page. As soon as sufficient information had been gathered, Roud Studio started drafting their first design, which was almost perfect. We made a few adjustments with them and started implementing the backend. They were there the entire time to lend a hand whenever required.

What was the team composition?

We had a team lead on our end as well as a project manager from their team. By having the two leaders take charge, communication was streamlined!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new design has now been deployed for a few months and our average checkout value has almost doubled!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project was very streamlined. We had a great software helping us record edit requests and were very impressed with the tech that Roud Studio uses!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with the attention to detail that they put into this project. We needed very few edits and just loved working with them for that reason.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I know it’s hard to believe, but we really can’t fault them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We're the official members of the football freestyle duo SkillTwins. We travel the world making football skills for entertainment on social media and in real life.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Roud Studio?

We needed help to make an amazing new website that matches our brand, delivers the best results, and really stands out.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create a website where people could see our merchandise, and contact us for booking opportunities. It needs to create a brand awareness through quality and style.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Some friends recommended Roud Studio so we got in touch with them to ask some questions. They gave us an amazing first impression. We felt they were understanding and trust worthy, and they seemed to match our expectations.

Describe the project in detail.

Roud Studio designed and developed our website, doing everything from the photos, layout, colors, and navigation.

What was the team composition?

We worked with three members of their team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website has given us tremendous success from selling merchandise to giving people an easier way to contact us. We can't wait to accomplish even more in 2019. Roud Studio was superb in delivering high-quality results, and we had a fun time working with them.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Their team—and teamwork—was amazing. They always replied quickly, and they brought us suggestions from their past experience. We had a vision and they made it come true in a way we could never expect. They were open to trying our ideas, and the excellent results came from us building the website together.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Everything was great. We couldn't be happier about how our website looks. We're so happy that we chose Roud Studio; they made our dream website become reality.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, it couldn't be better.