UIG Studio

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of Functional Herbals. We are the manufacturers of a healthcare supplement that we sell both to professionals and direct to consumers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed an e-commerce website that was intuitive and easy to understand for our senior market. Our site had to be engaging, upscale, and modern in design. Additionally, we had a requirement for wholesale and customer subscriptions.

What were your goals for this project?

• E-commerce
• Easy to use interface
• Strong Conversion rate
• Modern look and feel
• Mobile responsive design

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After looking into numerous companies, I was impressed with the work that UIG did in terms of design, coding, and value. They have an excellent design sensibility, and I was always able to reach senior management whenever I had any special needs or requests.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

The request was for an e-commerce site that integrated well with our third-party logistics, that was mobile-responsive, and could manage both wholesale subscriptions and retail customers. We needed great design and simple navigation, as well as a blog integration for SEO purposes. The goal was for a high-converting website.

What was the team composition?

Project Manager, UX Designer, Web Designer, Web Developer. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We earn compliments for the design of our site all the time and have achieved high conversions rates since we launched. The team has been extremely accommodating in helping us find the best and most cost-effective solutions for our ongoing needs. I trust UIG and highly recommend them.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project management was good, with weekly calls and shared details via Asana. The site was completed on budget and in a timely manner.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I have developed great relationships with many of the folks at UIG. I find them to be both passionate about their work and people of integrity. I took a leap of faith the first time I used them, and I am glad I did.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not much, other than the language barrier when we first started. Ultimately, though, the staff has grown greatly and many on the staff are now proficient in English.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We’re a Berlin-based company that has provided digital transformation services to publishing houses for years. As a board member, I’m responsible for business development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired UIG Studio to design a new website with an appealing UX for our relaunch. The look and feel had to reimagine our corporate branding so that we could reach a wider group of customers.

What were your goals for this project?

In the past, our branding primarily targeted conservative audiences, but we wanted to change that. The new website needed to appeal to both domestic and foreign customers. We wanted to convey that we’re an experienced company that also offers modern solutions.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I met and selected UIG Studio based on a recommendation from a business partner.

Describe the project in detail.

To create the right look, UIG Studio analyzed our previous design and existing content before adapting it to their new UX concept. The team then implemented the design into WordPress before customizing the site with individual functions. 

What was the team composition?

I worked closely with a UX designer to conceptualize the new look and user journey. She was able to assert her opinions against my own, which I appreciated. They also assigned two programmers who worked with our IT team to handle the technical implementation.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

UIG Studio produced convincing results. We were able to adapt their designs into presentations for various lectures and conferences, which helped us acquire a new investor much faster than planned thanks to their work.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was an enjoyable, effective collaboration. UIG Studio’s team members complemented each other very well. The creatives had access to the technicians, which allowed them to clarify any technical possibilities/limitations in advance and save us from unnecessary rounds of correction. In terms of project management tools, we used a platform that facilitated international communication in English.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team maintained a good attitude, which was contagious and had a positive effect on the project. I liked the fresh and open nature of UIG Studios. They had a flat, effective leadership structure, and even the boss was willing (and able) to actively participate in the project when necessary.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There is always room for improvement, but any difficulties we encountered were due to their lack of experience communicating with German IT teams, some of which had their own ideas on how a project should be run. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the executive director at Federated Healthcare Exchange (FHX). We offer electronic document clearing services for suppliers and their customers by enabling innovative solutions. These simplify electronic supply chains to further strengthen business relationships through a mutual increase in quality of service.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed work on our SME ComplyOnce Project. Its a service for SMEs that enables them to add value to their business and have a positive impact on the healthcare supply chain in the ANZ Marketplace.

What were your goals for this project?

To establish an MVP based on a successful pilot. We would then set the product as a baseline from which we can build enhancements without having to change the foundational architecture.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected them based on their approach to the engagement. They were not only good listeners, but developed a deep understanding of our requirements, needs, and deadlines. They were also collaborative and helped us work out the best approach for our unique project, despite the distances and time zone factors.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They developed the UI/UX and backend of our ComplyOnce service. Their resources designed, developed, and delivered a web portal from scratch based on our requirements. We also provided a lot of input into the design, flow, and function of the site to make it effective for end users.

What was the team composition?

The project team had 7–10 people highly-skilled team members who worked collaboratively with oversight by a great project manager. We also worked with the account manager and had direct contact with the team at all times.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The outcome of the project was better than expected. It’s an efficiently designed system that allows for easy expansion of its functionality in the future, with an extendable architecture and design. The quality of the deliverables made the project a creative and exciting one. It has good usability for SME suppliers and reduces maintenance/support time with its collection of automated self-checking and self-service functionalities.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The project management was very impressive, especially in their agility and ability to change throughout the project. This had a positive impact on our expectations as these were quickly revisited and improved upon by the team. We used Skype, Asana, spreadsheets, and other tools when required. We worked in synch across time zones and there were no language barriers at all.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their approach to working with us as a customer aligned with how we work with our customers. It was like we were part of one team, with no distinction between our two organizations. We focused on how to make each stage of the development successful and made sure each team member was happy with their part of the work.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There’s always room for improvement and we grow our relationship by building innovative solutions together. We’re able to get the best from our teams and expand our skill sets and project articulation as requirements change. UIG Studio already has a lot of experience in diverse areas.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Sovic Designs is a full-service creative and marketing agency where I serve as principal and creative director.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed backend development for a client website.

What were your goals for this project?

Our objective was to design and develop a fully-customized WordPress website, showcasing a variety of products and case studies for each.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We found them through an online search.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

UIG Studio effectively gave us options and worked with us in meeting our client’s goals. The project entailed getting the home and sub-page designs done, and the sitemap approved. Upon approval, they coded all the functions and adjusted to the client's curveballs along the way.

What was the team composition?

They assigned a lead developer and a project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was completed quickly and much to the satisfaction of our client. This was a big website, so the successful delivery of this project gave us confidence in our capabilities to go after larger clients and take on bigger projects.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project management was set up through clear email communication, which worked well for us.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their speed and capabilities stand out.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

On our end, working in different time zones can be a good and bad thing. Communication has to be very clear in order to make the most of the time differences. Perhaps they could capitalize more on that.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

News Corp is the owner of respected media brands like National Geographic and FOX. I lead digital developments in Central and Eastern Europe for the FOX Networks Group international business subsidiary.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired UIG Studio to develop a website for the newly created FOX Media House sales unit.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to create a media-rich yet simple website that mixed stunning content with sales examples.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were familiar with UIG Studio from other projects on the market. Their minimalist design style caught our attention immediately. I presented them to my colleagues as an option to hire. From the beginning, we knew they could achieve exactly what we were after.

Describe the project in detail.

UIG Studio handled the full scope of our project. The team executed on everything from design and development to content management.

What was the team composition?

We worked with four resources from UIG Group’s side.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our sales colleagues were thrilled to receive the excellent service they deserved. The website serves as an impactful way to present past sales projects by National Geographic Channel and FOX channel. Both of these brands stand for the highest quality and values, and our new platform shows nothing less.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

UIG Group maintained fluid communication. They had a very flexible staff that was always willing to listen. We used InVision the entire time.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I most appreciated UIG Group’s ability to listen to our requests and identify small but impactful components. They were detailed-oriented from the pitch to the final fixes.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I didn’t notice anything they could improve during our project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a senior consultant at an international consulting company. We work with the pharmaceutical industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed to develop an app that allows for easy access to a complex database.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to give users the ability to view different levels of data and navigate through all assets more efficiently. The app should make the process simpler for users to preview and filter information to use them in relevant presentations, etc.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I’d worked with a partner of UIG Studio before, so we selected them for the project.

Describe the project in detail.

They developed our desktop app that covers our complex database. The app allows for data filtration and data previews. The UIG Studio team built in functionalities that preview short summaries of large PDF and PPT files.

What was the team composition?

The UIG Studio team provided four people. We had a dedicated project manager, a graphic designer, and two programmers working on the design and development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve only done a limited release of the app, but our users have given us positive feedback. They completed the app in line with my expectations.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Their team used Asana to manage our communication throughout the project, which was great.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were highly engaged and passionate about delivering the product.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Though there is always room for improvement, I can’t think of anything for them to strengthen.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CTO of a technology firm that specializes in app development, blockchain development, and AR.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed help envisioning a POS platform which included designing, refining and finalizing a large number of pages and concepts.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a POS system that was easy to understand and visually appealing. It also had to stand out from our competitors’ products with regards to both its look and functionality.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

My team and I searched through LinkedIn and Google for professional design firms skilled in UI/UX design that we believed would exceed our expectations.

Describe the project in detail.

Once initial communication was established, we had several voice and video calls to relay all available information and structure the direction of the project. From there, UIG iterated various styles and concepts that were presented, critiqued, and refined over several months. They then established the project’s colors and a brand identity before developing a logo and a website, which ensured a coherent look across the board.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a project manager and a lead designer, as well as an additional designer for support. We also met with other members of the UIG community to gather feedback or further assistance.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Employees and store owners like the simplicity and accessibility of the system’s interface. The POS is currently being released to the public and has already been approved by the US’s largest tracking integrator, meaning it can operate legally in all markets.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The cooperation was flawless. UIG handled tasks on time and met deadlines constantly thanks to their smooth production pipeline.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to immediately ground a concept to reality is outstanding. They artfully capture their client's vision and communicate it to the intended audience.

Are there any areas for improvement?

UIG has developed a highly effective workflow with little to no room for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO of an enterprise software development company that designs and develops mobile and web applications.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with UIG Studio?

I was looking for a designer to work on an app idea of mine.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

So far, they've created designs for my mobile app that I plan on using for in the build phase. We first started with a consultation so they could get to know me better. They asked questions about my business and goals for the app. Once they understood my preferences, they drafted designs and wireframes. Then, they presented their work and for my approval. After I review the clickable version that they submitted, I'll notify them and we should be able to complete the project in a week or so.

I’m looking for ways to work with them on a long-term basis, so I've had them start on a web development project.

What is the team composition?

I work with four people including the CEO.

How did you come to work with UIG Studio?

I browsed Upwork and searched on Google. When I found UIG Studio, I called them. They were very friendly in handling my request. They gave me all of the relevant information I needed to help inform my decision. They presented ideas but weren’t pushy. I talked to a couple of other companies as well, but UIG Studio was the most receptive and helpful. Even though I was a small company, they helped me through the whole process.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, I’ve spent about $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2018 and it’s an ongoing relationship.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The designs have significantly improved from the first wireframes to the current version.

How did UIG Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

They always check back, and we have weekly meetings to touch base. We used Asana for project management. My main point of contact is responsive and takes care of my requests.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I most appreciate my assigned team. The CEO, for example, has played a significant role in making this an easy and smooth project. He's a nice guy who knows how to communicate and handle business. 

They were also accommodating in terms of pricing. Even though they offered me a lower price, they always strive to do their best and exceed my requirements. They always went out of their way to meet my needs and never compromised on quality.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Overall, I'm quite happy. I’m busy, but they could have better communicated with me in the middle of the project. If we had a deadline, they wouldn’t reach out until the deadline. If they ensured more consistent communication, there would be fewer changes later in the process.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would advise them to go ahead and contact UIG Studio. They are very professional, reliable, and know how to handle a project from start to finish. Because it was my first project, I was worried about how it would go. I’m not very tech savvy, so they could have easily led me the wrong way. Overall, they were helpful and patient as they guided me through the process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the founder and CEO of Valu Digital, an online services and applications firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed someone to design a UI as part of our website renewal.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted fresh, new ideas for our website design, and a user-friendly experience for mobile users. We were also looking for effective landing pages with carefully planned call to action (CTA) processes.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We decided to look outside our own team, and we found UIG Studio at the Awwwards website.

Describe the project in detail.

UIG Studio introduced fresh designs and typography, while our own team was in charge of the concept, content, and technical implementation on WordPress.

What was the team composition?

There were two people from UIG Studio on the project team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The result was even better than we hoped for. The new site produces many more leads for our sales team than the old one did.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had a good connection with the UIG team and it was quite easy to communicate our needs, concerning the design. After only few remote meetings, we were able move onto the individual phase of the project by ourselves.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

UIG Studio makes things happen. Our cooperation was straightforward and the project flew smoothly to its goal on time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We were happy to get fresh design ideas for our new website.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are developing a location intelligence platform based on BLE beacons. I am the CTO of a full-stack team of over 70 individuals in San Francisco, New York, and Krakow.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed a website redesign.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to simplify the messaging and refresh the overall look and feel.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were recommended by a fellow entrepreneur. We considered three other agencies, but UIG's quality of work and customer service convinced us to choose them.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

They helped design the website and were instrumental in creating HTML and CSS. The project began with a kickoff meeting, which helped us reach a mutual understanding of challenges and goals. The fast iteration pace allowed us to deliver feedback and see daily changes.

What was the team composition?

We had a dedicated project manager as our direct, permanent point of contact. Throughout the project, we've worked with between one and three designers and frontend engineers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Thanks to UIG, the work quality was top-notch and the whole project launched on time.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Their project management was very solid. We communicated over email and collaborated using GitHub. At the end of every sprint, UIG presented a detailed report of accomplished tasks.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed by the quality of their craft, their experience working on a variety of projects, and their ability to proactively suggest improvements.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

There is very little they could improve, although I wished they could work onsite.