Sonin

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the co-founder of Open Banking Excellence, an established and trusted community of people looking to raise awareness about how making bank data accessible for third parties would benefit customers. Our mission is to be an authentic voice representing a global movement of like-minded experts who through collaboration provide technical, regulatory and legal insight into Open Banking and its wider implications for a dynamic and innovative financial sector.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sonin App Development?

We worked with Sonin to develop a bespoke events app that would better serve our community of like-minded experts.

What were your goals for this project?

"The goal for the project was to create a platform that would facilitate close collaboration within our community. The solution needed to connect like-minded experts, encouraging the sharing of technical, regulatory and legal insight into Open Banking and its wider implications for a dynamic and innovative financial sector. The solution also needed to create a completely new channel of communication with our audience. One that would provide each individual member with a personalised and engaging experience, helping us to continue growing our community, greaten our industry impact and drive forward the Open Banking revolution."

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We wanted an agency with experience in the events space but also a deep understanding of financial services and the community that we have established. Sonin had previously worked with The British Museum's events team and also had a proven track record in the financial services sector.

Describe the project in detail.

"The app shines a light on the many talented individuals and innovative projects within the Open Banking ecosystem. It serves as a platform for more effective networking, providing a faster and easier way of finding experts. Users can swipe the key attendees they want to network with to highlight them. Another swipe changes the highlight colour, making it clear who to follow up with afterwards. The app offers a unique personalised UX allowing you to book and confirm event attendance with just a few taps. And with a clever geo-location API, your ticket will appear when you arrive at events and switch to the agenda page as soon as you are signed in. The OBE app also enables our community to make charitable donations using Streeva’s gift aid API and Moneyhub to process payments. All without leaving the app. "

What was the team composition?

"Our primary contact throughout development was our Project Manager Sophie who was absolutely invaluable. She delivered regular updates which kept all the different stakeholders in the loop and aware of the risks and mitigative actions being taken. We also worked closely with Sonin's Lead Designer during a User Research & Discovery Phase at the beginning of the project. She helped us to build out the personas that ensured the end-product met the end users' goals."

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The initial feedback we've received from the user testing so far has been fantastic. We've also had consistently great feedback on the UI design of the app. Not only does it perfectly compliment our brand, but it also lends credibility to our community too.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

In the spirit of collaboration, we partnered with a number of different industry pioneers on the project. To achieve an effective workflow between a large number of stakeholders, Sonin opened and managed channels of communication between different teams from the different collaborators. This was fantastically effective as it removed blockers, allowing developers to talk directly with developers throughout the build.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

"What I found most impressive was Sonin's ability to manage a large number of stakeholders, requirements and integrations. I was also very impressed by the initial Discovery Phase. Already relying on an off-the-shelf solution, we weren't just looking for a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to replace this. We wanted a great app that would delight our community and exceed their high expectations. Sonin's Discovery Phase proved the value in the product before we even began development. It showed us what our community wanted to do, why they wanted to do it, what was getting in the way and the value that the OBE app added."

Are there any areas for improvement?

We'll be recommending them to everyone in our community!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Site Director and Operations Manager at a privately held pre-clinical protein and antibody engineering company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sonin App Development?

We needed an application to streamline sample management in our laboratories. The solution needed to account for the variety of different storage methods (and multiple projects) we use - from tubes, racks and shelves to liquid nitrogen storage.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to enable our Research Scientists to better standardise, validate, audit and track all samples generated from multiple projects.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were impressed by the initial business discovery workshop that Sonin ran as well as the thorough user research they did to prepare for it. It was based on this initial work that we decided to contract with them for the full application.

Describe the project in detail.

The details of the project are under an NDA so I can't specify individual features. But to date, the project includes a native iOS app and accompanying web app. Both of these applications were also required to integrate with our lab equipment for accurate data.

What was the team composition?

Sonin provided an end-to-end service. This included product discovery, UX and UI design, iOS and web development as well as QA and user testing on-site at our laboratories. We dealt directly with different departments which helped us to move much faster and ensured communication flowed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The solution is now a core part of our laboratory processes. It's used by our staff every single day and has replaced key inefficiencies across our operations.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We visited the Sonin office at the end of each period of work to carry out retrospectives in-person with their team. This made a huge difference to communication throughout the project and ensured that the solution ended up being what we actually needed, not just what we thought we needed

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team was incredibly understanding right from the very beginning. it was clear that they had carefully considered our goals, researched our industry and thought about the needs of both management and end user.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There were no areas of improvement in my experience working with Sonin.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Marketing Manager EMEA at an online encyclopedia, an industry-leading provider of quality educational products since 1768.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sonin App Development?

We worked with Sonin to redesign our website as well as develop an accompanying user-friendly back-end CMS.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to display the full range of Encyclopædia Britannica products and create an effective point of contact for current as well as potential customers. The platform had to be optimized for search engines and social media sharing.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The reason that Sonin stood out during the selection process was their people. They demonstrated a unique level of understanding, expertise and innovative thinking.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

The project involved a full redesign of the website, a new product showcase, social media sharing integration, user analytics and a bespoke Content Management System.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a Project Manager, a Technical Lead, a UX/UI designer and several web developers. They made sure we knew the project priorities and progress at every step along the way.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website redesign drove search engine rankings and social media engagement. It played a key role in showcasing our evolution from a print publisher to a modern educational online resource.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project management, design, development and quality assurance were all effective and efficient.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by the way they communicated with us and how much they cared about the project. This was a mammoth project and the Sonin team were great at asking the right questions to help us determine the key goals for our project and keep us within our budget.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There were no areas of improvement from my experience working with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our company helps people manage their medications more effectively through a proprietary product. I'm the director and COO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Sonin App Development?

We wanted help with a bespoke solution that allowed patients to communicate with healthcare professionals. We faced a problem that we couldn't resolve, and Sonin had the right expertise to assist us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped with a very specific problem in a timely manner. They resolved the issue within our app-based product and were very responsive.

What is the team composition?

We worked with a project lead, a manager, and at least one or two developers.

How did you come to work with Sonin App Development?

As we considered potential vendors, Sonin had the knowledge base and expertise we needed, and they were very approachable. We liked the interaction and their process.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project was fairly short. They worked with us for a couple of weeks at the beginning of 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This was a small but urgent project, and they did an excellent job in solving our problem. The collaboration was very good, and we were collectively very pleased with the relationship.

How did Sonin App Development perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management was good, even though we were fairly distant from one another. They kept us updated through the project manager, and we liked working with their whole group. They visited us occasionally, and they were very good over the phone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed by their approach, and they were very involved with our team. We solved everything together, and they worked very closely with us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. The prompt was difficult, but they rose to the challenge. I like the personal side of their business, and I enjoy speaking with them. We still keep in touch, which is a testament to their quality. We're keen to continue work with them, and we hope to find other opportunities to do so in the future.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would definitely recommend them. They're very honest in their approach, and they will tell you what they can and can't do. They're professional, and their work is good quality.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Thepatterncloud is a platform that facilitates secure websites with associated CRM for textile design companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sonin App Development?

Once we had the web system we then needed to develop an app to allow offline use of our products.

What were your goals for this project?

To quickly build a solution for browsing large numbers of images offline. The app needed to be secure, allowing multiple users, and be able to manage large numbers of design images seamlessly. Sonin were given a short time frame and also a tight budget.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have worked with Sonin for many years. We knew they would listen, understand and solve the challenge we gave them.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

We started with a meeting to talk through the dream, this was followed by another meeting to help us focus our ideas. Then the visuals were presented. Development quickly followed and then after 2 rounds of amends we were ready to go!

What was the team composition?

We dealt with 3 people. The account manager was the main point of contact and then in an early meeting, we also met with the designer for visuals and planning and the lead developer who was a huge help in keeping us focused on the critical areas of the development and ensuring we understood the process

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app has been a great success allowing us to work face to face with customers in an entirely new way. We now need to continue this development to include new areas of our system on the app.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Communications, design work and delivery were all clear and efficient.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They communicate very well and also were a great help in the initial phase. They ensured the solution we asked for was going to give us the best result.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not in my experience.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the operations director for an app that sends custom farewell messages to family and loved ones after a user’s death.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sonin?

We contracted with them for iOS app and website development, as well as marketing and analytical services.

What were your goals for this project?

SwonSong’s mission is to change people's perceptions of how things are handled when our lives end. We wanted to enable our user base to record and create memories that could be sent to their friends and families at a date of their choice.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We conducted an online search and interviewed several firms. Sonin was extremely professional from start to finish.

Describe the project in detail.

We needed the app to have audio and video capabilities, as well as an option to upload photos and letters. Sonin integrated our app with Siri to allow users to dictate their messages, which are then instantly transcribed within the app. The video needed to work in both portrait and landscape mode and merge with audio files, images, and text. Sonin was able to program the app so all facets of the message combined into one entity. Since a user’s content is not shared immediately, Sonin also integrated a scheduling function to allow for custom delivery times.

What was the team composition?

At Sonin, we primarily interacted with our account manager and project manager. We were also assigned dedicated iOS developers, a designer, and a backend developer. When we were formulating a launch strategy, we also worked with their marketing manager, who gave guidance on how to most effectively promote the app in the App Store.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The completed app has a simple and intuitive platform that meets all requirements. We knew a few features were complex to build, but we received exactly what we wanted from the app. This was a huge success. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We held initial workshops to finalize the design and flow of the app, and we communicated regularly throughout the project. Sonin was transparent and honest about its progress, timetables, and needs for any further information.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their technical competency was the most impressive thing. Some of the features we wanted in the app were quite complex. Sonin used AVAsset, CoreAudio and AVFoundation to merge multiple aspects together. Sonin was professional throughout the project, and they understood what we wanted to achieve.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There were some missed deadlines that did not impact our business, but that’s something that can always be improved upon. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-Founder of a consumer products company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The social network for aspirational women who travel

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Sonin App Development to accomplish?

• Prototype Design

SOLUTION

How did you find Sonin App Development?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Sonin App Development over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Sonin App Development were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Mobile app UX/UI design Key deliverable clickable prototype

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Successful design of a clickable prototype for the agreed MVP

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The Sonin Team has great project management capabilities and delivered all items we agreed were in scope on time. The team members on the project were responsive, accommodating and creative when conflicting priorities appeared in schedules.

What was your primary form of communication with Sonin App Development?

Virtual Meeting

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

They have solutions-oriented team members. Proactive innovations and creative ideas for our product

Are there any areas for improvement or something Sonin App Development could have done differently?

We only had positive experiences with Sonin and look forward to working with them in the future, so we hope they continue to deliver work at such a high standard

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head of Business Intelligence and Analytics of (a/an) Consumer Products

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Electricals

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Sonin App Development to accomplish?

• Mobile app development

SOLUTION

How did you find Sonin App Development?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Sonin App Development over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

What was the size of Sonin App Development’s team?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Our team was looking for a solution that could improve the quality of our data collection and visualisation. Specifically, we were looking for an app that could collect data from multiple sources in a structured and standardised way, reducing the likelihood of errors and inconsistencies. In addition, we wanted the app to support data governance by providing a secure and controlled environment for data collection and management. Our goals were for the app to include built-in data validation and authorisation controls, ensuring that only authorised users could access and modify the data.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Our app has undergone internal testing and we have received positive feedback. We anticipate a significant improvement in the quality and accuracy of our data. Additionally, we expect to save time previously spent on data collection and management, allowing our team members to focus on other important tasks. The app is scheduled to be rolled out to the wider team next month, and we are confident that it will provide value to our business and help us achieve our strategic goals.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Sonin's effective project management style played a crucial role in the successful delivery of our mobile app project. They established clear timelines and milestones at the beginning and kept us regularly updated on the progress towards these objectives. Their adoption of agile development methodology with two-week sprints allowed for a quick feedback loop, ensuring the final product met our expectations.

Sonin's team remained responsive and communicative throughout the project, alerting us to any potential issues or risks and working with us to address them promptly. Due to their great project management and communication, we were able to deliver a high-quality mobile app, which has significantly impacted our data collection and management processes.

What was your primary form of communication with Sonin App Development?

Virtual Meeting

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

Sonin's ability to provide data-driven recommendations and decision-making was a standout feature of their work on our project. Their expertise and attention to detail are clear from the beginning and helped us make informed decisions with confidence. We would certainly consider them for any future mobile app development needs.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Sonin App Development could have done differently?

Sonin was quick to address any concerns we raised and worked collaboratively with us to find solutions. Overall, we were pleased with the quality of their work and the value they delivered.