Applied Wonder

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I head one of the divisions at the Society for Innovation and Development (SID).

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Applied Wonder?

We needed to rebrand and create a new web identity to accommodate our three verticals: small companies, startup incubation, and mid-sized industries.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We asked Applied Wonder to understand our operational context and then build a new logo and brand philosophy behind that idea. We created three sub-logos for our different departments and ensured they came together correctly. We then developed a myriad collateral including a website and microsites for our three verticals.

Applied Wonder built the site on Amazon Web Services (AWS) after outsourcing the initial development to another vendor. The team wrote copy, created images, and executed web design. Subsequently, they connected us to a separate backend development company that now maintains the site.

The team also created branded collateral including mugs and t-shirts. In addition, Applied Wonder produced a five-minute video from two hours of interview footage they had compiled. We used these materials and the sites to carry out planned activities and programs for our mid-sized industry vertical.

What is the team composition?

I work with about four people. Jay (Founder and Creative Director, Applied Wonder) is responsible for conceptualization and overall strategy—what the brand will communicate, and what changes we have to make. The team also included two resources for graphics and visual communication and one development contact.

How did you come to work with Applied Wonder?

Around 2013, Jay approached me at my previous job. He had a philanthropy project in mind and wanted to develop something. We didn’t work together at that time but did engage Applied Wonder when they approached SID in 2017.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent 800,000 Indian Rupees ($11,435 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2017 and the partnership is ongoing. We just signed a retainer for seven days per month. They will work on graphical elements and site improvements.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The logo is a head-turner and has regenerated our company’s image; it’s received positive feedback as well. Likewise, our visiting cards and brochures are irresistible and spark conversations where ever we go. In addition, the video came out well and we plan to engage them again for similar work.

How did Applied Wonder perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication with Jay and his team is always easy. We share Google Drive files and they document in-progress and completed tasks. We also use the tool to list the deliverables. They’re responsive via phone and email and often reply within a few hours.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The workflows go in-depth without being excessively analytical. The project was complex, but Applied Wonder produced an excellent concept quickly. They persuaded multiple internal stakeholders by talking to everyone and then distilling ideas into common points, which they converted into deliverables where everyone could share ownership.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I wasn’t too happy with the website at first, but now everything is good.