Tapptitude

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the director of product at PeopleFinders, a company that helps people find long-lost friends or family members. We also provide criminal records, background checks, address history, and the like.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Tapptitude?

We engaged Tapptitude to build and launch native mobile apps on Android and iOS—products that our in-house developers had no experience building.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I led the product design process so that when we brought on Tapptitude, we gave them high-fidelity designs along with access to our Jira, where we already had our specifications and tickets arranged. Although we provided a relatively detailed plan for what we were making, their team made a lot of conceptual contributions to drive the development. They added a lot of value to the items that we thought were already fleshed out.  

 What is the team composition?

While other companies we spoke with insisted on pacing the project and making us build the apps one at a time, Tapptitude had enough team members to support a simultaneous development process. We worked with two developers specialized for iOS and another two for Android. A project manager and a QA specialist also worked with both teams.

How did you come to work with Tapptitude?

I used multiple reviews sites—including Clutch—to vet companies and eventually create a list of 10 options. We conducted an RFP process complete with phone calls and interviews, and Tapptitude really stood out from the pack.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $50,000–$100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from October–December 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We successfully launched our applications following a hassle-free QA period. We had no code changes through either audit. Both apps were accepted to their respective stores as-is, which in my experience—especially with Apple—is quite rare.

How did Tapptitude perform from a project management standpoint?

I appreciated their ability to communicate. As much as we wanted to dictate as the project lead, it was nice to have a team with different expertise and perspective. Their insight made us rethink our stance on what we wanted. It helped to have an additional set of eyes looking out for us rather than following directions even if they think or know there is a better way.

We had some hiccups on the release of the API we were building for the application, but Tapptitude’s team was flexible and willing to work around those delays. They met all of our deadlines even when our staff was not coordinated. Their patience showed that they value cultivating a long-term partnership more than just making money.

In addition to using Crashlytics and Fabric.io to monitor our project, we tracked all of our tickets in Jira, and we used Rocket.Chat and email for daily communication. We also had weekly phone calls to check in and review all of our progress.

What did you find most impressive about them?

It’s a common fear when working with remote teams that you may be left in the dark or not receive what was promised. Sometimes there can be a disconnect if you aren’t sitting with a person in your office. That said, we didn’t experience any hesitations or drawbacks from working with Tapptitude. They were highly communicative and always available. We found ways to work around not being in the same time zone. They grew to feel like an extension of our team, and that’s proven by the fact that we now have them on a monthly retainer, and we’ve engaged them for other projects outside of mobile apps.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Other than wishing they could be based in Los Angeles so that we could meet in person, I have no complaints. They’ve been great to work with.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

With any project, it’s valuable to let out your ideas as much as you can. Coming prepared with a prototype will save headaches and cost in the long run. It’s also smart to have a backup plan because sometimes your idea from six months ago will no longer be valid.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of a property technology company. We’re creating a loyalty platform for apartment rentals.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Archbolt?

We engaged Archbolt to help us build a website and an MVP of our platform. We have product design capabilities in-house, but we needed an engineering team to bring our concept to life.
 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Archbolt built a simple website as well as Android and iOS applications that served as our platform’s MVP. We use the site to advertise the platform and encourage interested users to sign up. The platform allows us to communicate information to renters with live messaging. It provides updates to account balances, notifications about events in the buildings, and reminders to take surveys and provide feedback.

Our product design team provided Archbolt with pixel-perfect designs of what we wanted. They then built the site and created the backend panel and frontend of the iOS and Android apps. Our arrangement provided the flexibility to code the MVP and then sign on clients and find more funding before we kick off the next series of sprints. We plan on integrating custodian and payment platforms in the next phase of development.

What is the team composition?

We communicate with a project manager and a tech lead. They oversee a single web developer and a set of paired programmers who worked on the apps.

How did you come to work with Archbolt?

We considered several companies, but a colleague at a reputable creative firm recommended Archbolt to us. We wanted a local company that could provide high-quality development, timely delivery, and reliable project management. Archbolt met every criterion at middling rates, so we chose them for this project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $200,000 so far. Each two-week sprint runs about $20,000–$30,000 depending on the specifications.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2018. The work is on pause as we finish raising more funds, but we’re preparing the next set of sprints soon.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Archbolt delivered a highly professional website and stable MVP of the application. As a result of their work, we can inspire confidence in our investors that we can build a fully scalable product. We also could test the app with renters in two live rounds of testing. The process provided us with valuable feedback on the technology and business concept.

How did Archbolt perform from a project management standpoint?

The team is highly responsive and professional. Minimal back and forth is required, which we appreciate. They built the MVP to accommodate changes along the way and even included features outside of our original scope. We receive updates on progress every week and after each sprint. We also have regular communication with their project manager. Their engineers answered questions and explained nuances of the platform during our demo.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Archbolt is honest and upfront about their team’s capabilities. During our first set of sprints, the team called out any of our requirements that they don’t believe belongs in an MVP. They made sure that the scope of work is fully hammered out before each sprint. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

As Archbolt grows, I’m sure they’ll deepen their knowledge of other areas such as data science. Other than that, we’ve been thrilled with their work.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of a startup focused on facilitating clean energy microgrid deployment.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Archbolt?

I had an interest in using my skills and background to help facilitate clean energy deployment. I had a general concept of what the business should be but did not have a concise approach to achieving the goals. I hired Archbolt to help me refine the business concept.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted to have a clear business plan, initial branding, and a communication strategy for the business.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was referred to Archbolt by a colleague originally to discuss a software solution. Through informal discussions with Archbolt, I rethought the business, then held a formal strategy session with them.

Describe the project in detail.

Archbolt conducted a one-day strategy session to develop and refine the business plan, the pitch, and the primary communications and branding.

What was the team composition?

There were three people from Archbolt's team that I worked with. Two were responsible for creative deconstruction of the business, and a third provided operational support to ensure the session moved productively.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I left the session with a clear business plan to execute over the next 18 months, a solid revenue model, and all the input for a successful pitch deck.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Archbolt's communication was effective. They had a detailed plan for the strategy session, which we completed in a timely manner. They also provided a summary and additional feedback following the session.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Archbolt shared the extensive experience they had in helping startups become lasting businesses. They were able to use this information to help me take my vision and turn it into a feasible business plan.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I was very pleased with my engagement with Archbolt. The one area where they could improve is taking a final look at the materials we developed during the strategy session, to clean up or refine the documents without altering the content significantly.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a travel technology company. We help other companies save money on travel in a way that benefits their employees.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Archbolt?

We acquired an early-stage prototype of code shortly after launching the company. Our team hired Archbolt to conduct a technical feasibility analysis; we wanted to determine if the code was a good fit for our business. Second, the team needed to map out our product strategy and UX workflows.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We ran a series of structured in-person workshops. During the meetings, Archbolt learned about our business goals while engaging in other more strategic workshops. Their technical resources evaluated the code in an expedited timeline, ultimately providing their recommendations and risk assessments.

Next, our team decided to move forward with the code acquisition. This move led Archbolt to help us conceptualize and prototype the product. The engagement ended with a final round of workshops.

What is the team composition?

One of the co-founders was my main point of contact.

How did you come to work with Archbolt?

We hired Archbolt because they could provide a tailored solution usually found at a larger agency. I had known one of the founders. Furthermore, the team could simultaneously provide strategy and technical analysis services. That dual offering is rare among vendors.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $35,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in October 2017 and the partnership ended in February 2018. There was a break in between.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Archbolt felt like a real partner that understood our business and industry. As a result, the team was able to lead work on user flows and functionality improvements. The capably packaged and wrote up a strategy using input from both sides. Overall, the partnership was efficient. We still refer to their work as we build out products.

How did Archbolt perform from a project management standpoint?

The co-founder played an active role in key conversations. One of Archbolt’s strategy leaders facilitated the workshops and the co-founder provided deeper technical insight during those meetings. He challenged our team and helped us make the right decision. Similarly, their technical lead kept the project on track and budget. Likewise, the UX resource tracked work and communicated that progress back to our team using accessible language.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team was highly skilled and treated our company as a priority client. The level of experience and variety of backgrounds created a synthesis across the team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I wouldn't have changed anything to say that they did it. Yeah.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Archbolt approached the scope differently than I would have. However, I trusted their process and that benefitted the partnership. I started somewhat reluctant, but asked numerous questions and quickly saw the value of trusting them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder of Planz. We aggregate multiple restaurant reservation platforms into one application.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Archbolt?

We built an application under a different company name a few years ago with a different vendor, but we didn’t want to return to that firm for a variety of reasons. We contracted with Archbolt to develop a new iOS application from scratch.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We spent a couple of days together to discuss our strategy and our value proposition. It was a complex application to build because we integrated three different APIs from separate restaurant reservation platforms. Archbolt developed the wireframes and the UX. It’s a beautiful app that includes high-resolution photos of food and locations that we secured through a partnership with a restaurant photographer in Los Angeles. Our application allows users to search for a specific restaurant, or they can search for a type of cuisine at a specific time, and the search results will present all available tables. Planz can also recognize food-related events on one’s calendar within the phone—lunch with a co-worker at a specific time, for example. In that case, Planz will offer to find available reservations at that time, and if users accept that offer, Planz opens itself and showcases various options.

What is the team composition?

Neal (Partner, Archbolt) serves as our project manager, and Mathew (CEO, Archbolt) oversees the entire engagement. There are at least two or three developers involved, as well.

How did you come to work with Archbolt?

We met with several companies, and the CEO of a large app developer in New York recommended Archbolt to us. He said that his firm was better suited for larger corporations, not startups. He was a big fan of Mathew, and once I sat down with Archbolt’s team, I could see that the CEO’s recommendation was a good one.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement began in May 2017 and remains ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have not yet started beta testing, but it’s fair to say that we only have a company because of Archbolt, so their impact couldn’t be any more pronounced. They built the app and helped strategize what the app is. We wouldn’t be here if not for them.

How did Archbolt perform from a project management standpoint?

I can only compare Archbolt to our vendor from a few years ago, and it’s a night and day difference. Our previous vendor was an offshore firm, and they didn’t have the initiative or attention to detail that we hoped for. They brought no strategic elements or business development knowledge at all. You always hope for a partner that will think strategically and be mindful of the value proposition for the user. Archbolt has been great in that capacity.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Whenever we have questions or problems, Archbolt is engaged and responsive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’ve been very happy with them. I work well with the staff. We have a working relationship, but we’re almost like friends at this point. They dedicate their resources to delivering for the client.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior project manager for Discogs, one of the largest online music databases and marketplaces.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Tapptitude?

We were looking for a team to help develop an entirely new platform for our music marketplace.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Tapptitude is helping us build a new system from scratch using Laravel. They are connecting the Discogs to our API and enabling us to connect to other platforms in the future. Along with these technologies, the team building features to allow for web-based inventory management.

What is the team composition?

The dedicated team has scaled over time, but we currently work with our project manager, three backend developers, one frontend developer, and two QA testers.

How did you come to work with Tapptitude?

After realizing we needed a different vendor for the project, we began looking at agencies and receiving referrals. We followed a recommendation for Tapptitude and had a few initial calls with their team. After assigning a design sprint in which they created a prototype, we were pleased with the results and selected them for the project.

How much have you invested in them?

We spend $25,000 a month on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in June 2018 and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re highly pleased with the results we’ve seen during beta testing. We’ve gotten several of our largest sellers to test the product and they’ve given enthusiastic, positive feedback on it. So far, they’ve been on track with deliverables and we’re hopeful that we’ll be able to launch on time.

How did Tapptitude perform from a project management standpoint?

Communicating with Tapptitude feels like working with my own team—we speak on a daily basis and we have an open line. We use Slack and have in-person meetings every few weeks. When we begin sprints, we have kick-off calls along with planning sessions with the project manager. If we have a question, we can call them for clarification and support.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We appreciate that their team focuses on creating the best possible final product. Throughout every step of the process, they have been detailed and determined. Instead of being task-based like some vendors, they look at the project as a whole. They push back to create the strongest ideas and it makes my team better.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Although we’re completely satisfied, it can sometimes take a few weeks for them to bring more resources to the project if needed. Though it hasn’t been an issue, it could be better for them to have more people available for a heavy load of work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a UX designer at Emotech, a London-based AI startup.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Tapptitude?

Our flagship product is the first home robot with personality. We call it Olly. Because of Olly’s design, there are certain things we could not achieve without a mobile app component. We relied on Tapptitude to build those mobile applications.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Tapptitude coordinated the build at every step. They developed all UX/UI elements and performed the QA alongside our team. They built the app for Android and iOS using React Native.

The app is used to onboard the user to using their Olly robot. Once the user connects Olly to the internet, the app helps the user set up facial recognition and perform a personality test. After that, their robot is assigned a matching personality. The rest of the app allows users to change settings, create reminders or alarms, and receive product support.

What is the team composition?

We interfaced with a project manager, one UI designer, and one QA engineer. We worked with a team of four React Native developers, but they rotated on and off, so not all of them worked on our project at one time.

How did you come to work with Tapptitude?

As a startup, this was not a project we were prepared to bring in-house yet. We conducted market research for mobile app agencies and settled on Tapptitude based on the quality of their previous work and the design aesthetic they had achieved before.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement spanned January–November 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The applications for iOS and Android are complete, but they are currently in a testing stage with our financial backers and our testers. That feedback is not entirely available yet.

How did Tapptitude perform from a project management standpoint?

We estimated a project length of about seven sprints or about 14 weeks. In comparison to what we wanted to achieve, what they delivered was a slightly scaled back version, but it was in line with the functionality required for the Olly robot at this time. They might have been a little ambitious in the amount we could get done in that timeframe, but at the same time, we are not disappointed with their project management.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The developers, in particular, are proactive and regularly sought our feedback or came up with suggestions and solutions. It was a very collaborative project. They were unafraid to voice their ideas if they thought it would improve our product.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We’re very happy with the design they created, but we thought they could push the envelope a little more with animation or motion. Otherwise, I think they’ve created a very clean UI.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of WeVine. We’re a member-based mobile app for wineries.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Tapptitude?

We were looking to build a mobile app from scratch. Its purpose was to help us manage membership while providing a variety of functions and tools for users.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’ve worked with us on this project from day one. We provided several basic sketches and they worked with their frontend design team to refine our ideas. Their team went on to manage all aspects of development in building native apps for iOS and Android. They also build out a web admin portal for us, which helps us track incoming applications and manage membership options. They also integrated several APIs from vendors in the wine industry, as well as an API from Intercom to enable user chat.

The user end is designed as a social platform that allows members to share updates on their winery, upcoming events, and new products with their networks. The apps have an e-commerce shop that allows users to buy individual wines and a membership portal for managing shipments. There’s also a gamification component; users can spin a wheel and post frequently to receive discounts and promo codes for products on the site. The Tapptitude team has been instrumental in expanding on our initial ideas.

What is the team composition?

We worked with a project manager and about four developers with expertise in frontend development, iOS/Android development, and API integrations.

How did you come to work with Tapptitude?

We found them while doing online research. We also worked with a designer in the past that recommended them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested over $300,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in July 2017, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re still currently in beta testing, so it’s too early to share concrete metrics. However, the Tapptitude team has delivered high-quality code with an emphasis on UI. They’re very knowledgeable in the mobile space, and they’ve been central in laying the groundwork for a successful launch.

How did Tapptitude perform from a project management standpoint?

Their performance has been very strong. We’ve taken on this project in two-week sprints as part of an Agile methodology, which has worked well for the team. We communicate daily to stay updated on all aspects of the project with biweekly webinars to discuss progress and set updated goals for the coming sprint. I haven’t had any issues with them at all.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their overall depth of knowledge about mobile services is very impressive. They managed all aspects of development effectively, from frontend development to API integrations.

Any advice for potential customers?

Make sure to fully understand your budget and scope of work prior to development.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m one of the co-founders of a small startup in Munich. We make a small chip that you connect to your apartment intercom to make it smart. It enables users to manage access to their apartment building from anywhere at any time. I lead mobile development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Tapptitude?

We needed more manpower to speed up our app development and improve existing features as well as implement new ones at a faster pace.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We worked with them on two major features. They modified them, changed their UI, added a few smaller features, and designed a few of the app’s screens. It was mostly development, with some design as well.

The app was built for Android. The first feature allows users to create a time window within the app. During that period, the front door of your apartment building will buzz you in as soon as you ring the doorbell. If you have a grocery delivery every Wednesday between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., you can set up a recurring time. The delivery man rings your doorbell, the door opens, he leaves the package in front of your apartment, and then he leaves. We changed how we handled things in our backend to offer multiple repetition options. Tapptitude had to adapt new payloads, endpoints, and other elements, and completely change the UI.

We’re now starting a second project with them.

What is the team composition?

I worked with one developer and one designer.

How did you come to work with Tapptitude?

I was searching for agencies and found Tapptitude on Clutch. I reached out to a few agencies and eventually chose Tapptitude. They were one of the few who started by asking questions, downloading the app, and looking at it. That’s exactly what I would have done. They asked some questions and I explained what we needed. After we clarified the unknowns, they sent us estimates. Then we signed a contract and started development.

How much have you invested with them?

The first project was about 10,000 euros [$11,795 USD].

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2018 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t yet released an update that incorporates the changes they’ve made. We needed to coordinate the backend developers and our marketing people. It’s hard to measure anything yet, but I liked their approach and we worked really well together. They narrowed the project down and understood everything.

We had to adapt our development process to align them with our internal development processes. There were no problems from their side, and they met the deadline, so I’m happy with how things went. Their communication is clear even though we’re in different countries. They always give us a heads-up whenever they have a day off. Everything has gone smoothly, and I’m very happy so far.

How did Tapptitude perform from a project management standpoint?

We email one of their people who handles the contract, the estimates, and all of the business aspects. We use Slack and Jira.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’ve been very straightforward and clear from the beginning, including in their estimations. Other companies measured costs in very complicated ways and provided up to five different estimates. Tapptitude gets straight to the point and delivers on their promises. The developers don’t just do what they’re told, but also help me build something nice. They share their opinions like proper team members. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Whenever we need to adjust something, we adjust it. As long as they’re flexible to adjust to the processes and structures of their customers, it’s great. If communication is open, there’s no need to improve.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a co-founder and CEO of a cognitive training company focused on encouraging the use of soft skills in the context of decision making when engaging in controversial topics.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Tapptitude?

We had very clear product specifications, based on which Tapptitude proposed a few different angles, taking user impact and lean development into consideration. The product we’ve developed looks different from the initial hypothesis, and it better addresses the overall problem we identified.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The product is a fully native app that uses different gestures in order to interact with exercises. We’ve had an end-to-end product development engagement with Tapptitude. We initially defined the product’s look and functionality, as well as how it would address the values of the original concept. This initial engagement helped us visualize the product and gave us an idea of what additional components we needed to develop.

From there, we defined a few phases of the development schedule, including what we wanted to achieve with every one of them. We engaged in the full development of the app.

We are starting with iOS. The app is being built using an API-first methodology. We developed many of the backend services that will also be used by the future Android app. It will take advantage of the majority of the backend services we’ve built.

Tapptitude assisted with product strategy and going to market. We will implement their advice on how to roll out the product and what channels to use to promote it.

What is the team composition?

Tapptitude’s co-founders were directly involved. We also interacted with their project/product manager and with their product designer. We have one backend and two frontend developers, as well as two QA testers.

How did you come to work with Tapptitude?

We found them on Clutch. We had a very thorough process and engaged with six different companies, four found via Clutch and the rest by recommendation. We whittled the list down and we ended up with Tapptitude.

How much have you invested with them?

Our budgetary investment has been $35,000–$50,000 for the product development side.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Tapptitude in November 2017 and the collaboration is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve gone from not having a product, to having one that users didn’t fully understand, and to a situation where users could interact with the product itself. We’re not far away from completing the first phase of development, so this is a good result. In three months’ time, we’ve delivered a majority of the product. It is set to be released in the next few weeks.

How did Tapptitude perform from a project management standpoint?

We use Trello for simplicity. We interact on a daily basis on Skype, and we use InVision for designs. Communications are particularly good. They’re very collaborative.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They didn’t merely stop at the development-related tasks. They are a full-service development partner for us, where “development” is not defined as technology development, but as product development. This is what sets them apart. They look at the problems we’re looking to solve for our target audience and at the values we want the product to reflect. They only start to work on the solution at the end.

Their love for lean development comes across clearly. Their working business model is well-aligned to our partnership.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. We’ve had a good partnership so far.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Ask for the way in which the agency normally works with a partner and what their definition of success is. Ask for recommendations and speak with people who’ve worked with the partner agency. Also, understand that “cheap” doesn’t always end up meaning “less expensive”.