Shape Labs

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of a custom design/development agency. We partner with creative shops and tech teams to build custom digital experiences for larger advertisers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Shape Labs, and what were your goals?

A client came to us with an idea for a new and unique social network. Our team worked on the full site design and we did not have enough in-house development support to build the public-facing site and internal admin/CMS platform. We reached out to Shape Labs to help build this project from the ground up!

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We searched for development shops online and had calls with a few. We were impressed with Shape's previous work as well as their technical knowledge/experience during our first call. Our client ultimately wants to make the social network into an app and we Shape's expertise in web and mobile apps was ideal for us to keep the development with one team.

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

We provided Shape with desktop/mobile designs for the social network and gave requirements for the admin CMS to manage content on the site. From there, the team planned out milestones and sprints to meet our deadline. They helped with a very user-friendly CMS design, which was very important for the client. The technologies used include:

• GitHub
• AWS
• Heroku
• Vercel,
• Coconut
• SendGrid.

This stack helped support optimized image, video, and audio assets on the social network.

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

I worked directly with the 3 founders of Shape, we were in contact daily. I was also able to communicate with 2 of the developers once we entered feedback stages.The

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The client was very pleased with the first final deliverable of the social network and admin CMS. We have not released the site to the public yet so we're not able to provide any metrics or reporting.

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

We used Trello and Slack to communicate project status. We only hopped on calls to discuss urgent or complex matters and that suited our needs. The team was very responsive and accessible on Trello and Slack, a very smooth and familiar development process for us.

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

Everything was delivered on time as expected :) But we've been most impressed with the quick turnaround to our feedback and requests. There were also some requirements neither side discussed in the original project scope and Shape was willing to negotiate with us on budget. We really appreciated this since it was the largest project we've worked on.

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

The biggest issue for the client was that we were not able to launch with ads on the site, which is going to be their primary source of revenue. It would have been helpful to know the process and recommendations during the early stages of the project so we could have set their expectations. We were not familiar with the Google AdSense process and it's been seen as a delay to market from the client.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Project Manager at a web development company headquartered in New York City. We serve clients throughout the US and oversee their website design and development, and marketing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Shape Labs?

One of our clients wanted an app for their customers to be able to utilize their services. We don't have in-house engineers, and worked with Shape Labs to bring the app together with the help of our in-house designer and website developer.

What were your goals for this project?

Build a parking app that will allow customers to easily find and reserve parking, and manage reservations. We anticipate that this will bring in new customers and will create more of an incentive for clients to continue to use the app due to ease of use.

SOLUTION

How did you select Shape Labs?

We searched online for reputable app developers and considered several companies, however Shape Labs stood out with their glowing reviews and an impressive portfolio of work. After receiving their pitch, which we felt was fair for the work required, and discussing the project with them we felt comfortable that Shape Labs was the team we needed to execute the app we wanted.

Describe the project in detail.

After selecting Shape Labs, we had several discovery meetings to discuss app functionality and objectives for an iOS and Android build. Our in-house designer created designs and our in-house web developer worked on developing items (e.g. documentation, endpoints, guidelines) that Shape Lab would need, and that worked alongside our clients existing website that offers similar capabilities. Milestones were set and after initial builds were provided various testing occurred from both Shape Labs and our side. Shape Labs offered UX/UI suggestions throughout the process.

What was the team composition?

We worked closely with Ziga predominately, however Marko and Aljosa provided excellent support as well. Together they worked with our in-house designer, web developer and myself (project manager).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within 3-4 months, we launched the app and saw several downloads without any marketing. Shape Labs have made themselves available for small additional edits and bug testing post-launch, which has been a great help. The new app makes our client's services more accessible and user-friendly for their customers. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Shape Labs was very easy to communicate and work with. They provided frequent updates, which allowed us to deliver the app in a timely manner. We connected via Slack, Trello and email almost every day. Overall, we are very impressed by the timelines of the team, their project management and overall work ethic.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their knowledge of mobile app development, user experience, optimization and project management were very impressive. Their ability to work with our team without issue was also very much appreciated. We look forward to continuing to work with Shape Labs to maintain this project and build on it in the future.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We're very satisfied with their quality of work, level of service and speed of delivery.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the co-founder of a software company based in San Francisco. We build mobile and web apps for big and small companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Shape Labs, and what were your goals?

We were working on an industrial, enterprise web app and needed design and front-end development services.

SOLUTION

How did you select Shape Labs and what were the deciding factors?

We were referred to Shape Labs and had conversations with the principal designer and engineer. We were impressed with the technical skill level and friendly, clear communication style.

We needed experienced professionals to build a top-shelf web app, and we felt confident that Shape Labs could deliver what we were looking for.

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

Shape Labs wireframed and designed our web app. They delivered multiple rounds of design iterations over Figma. They built a frontend web app using React, targeting tablets as a primary use case.

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

We worked with one designer and one engineer from Shape Labs for this project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We hit our primary development milestone; Shape Labs was very helpful in adjusting to some changing requirements as the hardware component of the project changed during development. I appreciate the eye for detail that Shape Labs put into their work.

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

Shape Labs was easy to communicate with over Slack and videoconference. They were very good at tracking their work and providing clarity around what was being done at any given time.

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

Shape Labs is successful because they combine solid communication skills with friendly, professional, and highly talented people. I plan on continuing to work with them.

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

All projects hit road bumps, but Shape Labs is successful because they communicate so well. I appreciate the team's commitment to helping us improve our project management processes.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder and CEO of an artist development company called EAR HUSTLAZ. We are a business that partners with local artists and brands to provide unique opportunities to showcase their talent and expand their reach across multiple networks. Our goal is to help artists and aspiring music professionals establish a sustained career in music.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Shape Labs?

The ability for an artist to be discovered and connect in an organized way. The music industry doesn't provide enough ways for aspiring artists to be discovered and to connect with each other - Shape Labs was hired to help create this new platform of collaboration and discovery that will provide a solution to this.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped narrow down ideas and create features that best suited the flow of operation. From being involved with marketing ideas, to design, to scalability. 

What is the team composition?

I worked with three individuals. One set up a framework for the app, another handled programming, and the third was responsible for design and UX.

How did you come to work with Shape Labs?

Their portfolio popped up in one of my web searches for a partner. I liked the layout of their website and downloaded a few of their apps. Their work was smooth and high-quality, so I reached out to them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $12,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with them since about May 2020.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They were able to quickly understand and relay my vision for the app, which proved that we were on the same page from the start. Because they understand the mission, they were able to provide input and suggestions to make the end product more effective. I’m not a tech expert, so their recommendations were very helpful. 

The quality of the app and its individual features look great. I’m happy with the design as well. The product was definitely made to be scalable as well, which was a huge priority for me. I was impressed with their pricing for the value they provided as well. 

How did Shape Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re great communicators, driving the project forward in a very different time zone. We didn’t set any hard deadlines, but they did a great job overall.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their professionalism in our remote environment was very impressive. They provided a structured, organized environment that enhanced the professionalism of the business interaction. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be specific with your vision on paper. It can be challenging to specify parts of your vision, but it will help you communicate your needs. They will be more effective on the project that way.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

My company is an online/mobile application based home maintenance marketplace connecting service providers and home owners. Position is Founder and CTO

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Shape Labs?

Mobile application development, logo design

What were your goals for this project?

Develop an MVP

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Communication, showed the best understanding of my vision.

Describe the project in detail.

A mobile application based on the Letgo interface but with the marketplace around home services rather than goods. Wireframes were provided. Two revisions were completed for this project

What was the team composition?

The team was comprised of a designer, two coders and a tester.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Due to Covid-19, the launch of the project has been delayed, however so far the main point is that the project team has delivered to the vision and added to it for a better MVP.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow between teams was effective using slack, trello and google meets.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Were able to execute on the vision, provided input into design which made it better, were honest about practicalities of implementing features, easy to communicate with, took the time to really understand requirements, had attention to detail, are professional and took pride in their work.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Regression testing

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a social dance platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Shape Labs?

Shape Labs provides design, development, and management assistance for our platform. We’ve made them a co-founder; they own shares of our company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Shape Labs helped build our platform as a web and mobile app. It uses React and React Native for the frontend and Node.js for the backend. We also use AWS and Heroku. Their team created wireframes, designs, and requirements based on the ideas I give them.

The platform’s main function is social networking. Users can add or remove friends, create friend circles, and interact with events.

How did you come to work with Shape Labs?

The quality of Shape Labs’ work was my number one consideration. They also are highly professional at meeting deadlines. They always meet targets and follow up even on small requests. We communicate every day no matter the time of day, and we always receive a fast response. There’s also a level of trust that I have for Shape Labs, which is important considering that our platform processes payments.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $160,000–$170,000. Shape Labs also holds a stake in our company.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in September 2017 and has been ongoing in starts and stops ever since. We recently paused in October 2019 because of financial reasons.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our target audience—both end-users and business clients—has been very impressed and excited about the platform. People especially like the user experience. We’ve received a lovely, positive response to Shape Labs’ work so far.

How did Shape Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

It’s a collaborative effort. Initially, we didn't have any management tools, but as our target got more mature and complex, we added Jira and Slack to communicate better. Shape Labs acts like my co-founder in every sense of the word.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Shape Labs has been great at everything. I’ve never invested this much money in anything before. I first hired Shape Labs because I needed a frontend specialist to handle that part of the platform. After seeing their speed and quality of work, I ended up giving Shape Labs total control of the project. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Any issues come from my end. Shape Labs does exactly what I want them to do.