We Create Memorable Digital Experiences
Appstudio is a full service software design and development firm located in the heart of Toronto. We are pioneers in disruptive technology, with a core focus on Mobile and Web Applications. With a young, creative, Canadian team, we strive to collaborate with our clients to create truly memorable digital experiences. Whether you are startup or Enterprise, we have the resources and price-point to service your mobile requirements.

headquarters
other locations
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Two Prudential Plaza, 180 N. Stetson Street, Suite 3500Chicago, IL 60601United States
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Focus
Portfolio
iTaxi, Medical Meals, and Physio Therapy

ThatsGame
A magnificent app that helps amateur basketball players get professional advice and key insights from experts. It is a mentoring platform per se wherein the pro basketball players offer their mentoring and provide personal coaching to young players who wish to ameliorate their on field skills. A user can upload a 15 second live video clip or a previously recorded video, that would then be archived onto the user's profile with expert advice from well renowned professional athletes.
Key Features -
- A bridge that connects all amateur basketball lovers with professional players. These players thus help polish their skills via the use of our tech app
- Blockchain secures Private Vault for members
- Controls and secures all the data and creative content that is secured by blockchain.

Riyadh Season
The Riyadh Season app is the ultimate wondrous guide for myriads of users who want to know and explore the magical zones and events in the mesmerizing Riyadh season which is one of Saudi Arabia’s most popular festivals.
Key Features -
- Facilitates instant online ticket booking sans any snags
- Secure payment options via multiple mediums
- Comprehensive guide on all events with complete directions
- Magnificent 3D maps that appeal to users, and help scout for events, meticulously navigating through event venue
- Incredibly wonderful AR zones for a virtual stroll through varied events

Tax Volt
Tax Volt is an easy to use app that allows users to file their tax returns in the most convenient and hassle-free manner, eliminating all the gruelling pen-and-paper tax preparations and files. It is a feature-rich, do-it-yourself app that is loved by the masses because of its stellar usability and magnificent interface. It allows users to file their annual tax returns and review their tax return summary within less than 30 minutes. The app already boasts of more than 100k downloads on the app store and is a must have solution in case you wish to streamline your labyrinth tax filing process.
Key Features -
- Offers a free dynamic suite of tax return calculator
- Constantly updates all tax regulations
- Provides an apt and easy to comprehend estimation of tax return anytime, anywhere
- Completely safe and secure platform

The RoundUp
The Roundup mobile and tablet app from Canada Beef Inc. is the ultimate end-to-end solution for all beef lovers. It is an easy to use app that offers a wide array of solutions for all the naive cooks, and be it the simplest cuts or the most lavish cuisines, this handy app offers a lucid guide for all. It is a secret tool that furnishes the most stupendous tips and tricks that is handpicked by renowned chefs, and that in turn helps all novice food enthusiasts cast a magic spell even with their limited beef cooking skills.
The Perks of The RoundUp -
- A delightful handy tool that helps all novice cooks learn everything about beef, be it the different cuts or the magnificent cuisines
- Offers innumerable easy to make beef recipes and meal ideas
- Attractive and appealing visuals that help users obtain the relevant information about different cuts

Frenzy
Frenzy is an uber-cool mobile app that provides a virtual platform to individuals for hosting online events, sharing all their jovial occasions with their family, friends, followers and more, thus making them all a part of the event. This one of a kind app is a boon for users who are all isolated midst the Corona pandemic. Users can now connect with their loved ones, from anywhere around the world, thanks to the brilliant Frenzy.
Key Features -
- A stupendous virtual platform for celebrating all joyous ocassions
- Sends quick event invitations
- Involves user participation, thus offering a live at venue feel to the users
- Provides users an array of virtual reactions
- Helps connect users with their loved ones, even midst the pandemic

&Jane
&Jane shares erotic, sex-positive stories told by real women in their own diverse voices. &Jane’s content prioritizes elegance, imagination and privacy, all told from the woman’s perspective. &Jane’s unique content is told from the perspective of storytellers, a multifaceted collection of diverse women who chronicle their everyday erotic lives and pique users’ voyeuristic tendencies. Our stories are real and compelling.Listeners can follow individual storytellers to hear and see their new content week after week, mirroring the way we engage with social media.

Settlyt
Settlyt is a virtual home for fun competition and joyous banter amongst friends. The app allows users to choose friends from their contact lists and add those directly to their Settlyt portal. Settlyt is a one of its kind digital haven for bets between friends. The app undertakes a meticulous platform approach, relying on competition, challenges and user-friendly bets.
Key Features -
- Connects friends and enables them to track and manage their bets via both physical and digital patchwork
- Offers a magnificent interface that keeps users engrossed
- Allows users to chat in private or via group messages
- Sets automatic reminders and invite expirations

WSPS
WSPS is a Health and Safety Association that works with the Ministry of Manpower on their prevention initiatives. WSPS app furnishes the most unsurpassable health and safety consultation, resources, training and expertise.
The one-of-a-kind, innovative app helps you ensure that all your employees and workers are healthy and in a protective environment. The app helps bring the entire health and safety information of individuals who access the app.
Key Features -
- Provides a detailed health report of all your employees and workers on your fingertips.
- Let's your organization perform at its optimum potential with healthy and happy employees.

Ideal Protein
The Ideal Protein app is your ultimate best friend that assists you at each step in your otherwise strenuous weight loss journey, that is now a delightful one with this stupendous app. The app keeps an eagle's eye on your weight right from the initial Stage 1 that is when you begin to lose weight to the final Stage 3 wherein the app also helps you maintain the desired weight. This app specifically caters to users who are keen to set, achieve and maintain a specific weight and a healthy lifestyle.
Key Features -
- An easy-to-use weight loss app that critically monitors your weight loss journey at each step
- A user-friendly interface with wondrous UI/UX and visually appealing images that engross the users
- A robust tool to attain healthy lifestyle goals, albeit in the simplest manner

ECAO
The ECAO app is the ultimate, easy to navigate solution that helped the members of the huge Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario streamline their work operations whilst also enabling the members organize, manage events and communicate with each other. It is a common member only platform for soliciting and obtaining information regarding different webinars, conferences, excellence programs, latest ECAO news and updates. The app also allows members to search for products and services offered by the other ECAO Affiliate Partners. The powerful, feature-rich app is already a hit and has been installed by hundreds of ECAO members.
Key Features -
- Furnishes quick and instant access to everything related to ECAO, that is all under one roof
- A common platform for the vast electrical contractor community of Ontario
- A robust tool for organizing and managing all events, webinars and conferences etc.
- Offers a private chat room for ECAO members to connect with each other
- Allows ECAO members keep a tab on all the latest labour relations, education, training and health and safety updates.

MaxSold
MaxSold app furnished an impressive collaboration function that enables users and their friends or family scrupulously categorize content together whilst using the app from their individual devices.
Once categorized, the users can send their final catalog and the personalized draft would be accessible for further reviews in the browser version where from the user can make final changes and thereafter continue the process of finalizing the auction date. Users then sign up for an auction with the MaxSold app, that is accessible on both phones as well as tablets. The multifunctional app also allows users to perform an array of actions while cataloging such as writing titles and descriptions, adding pictures and defining conditions etc.

Alpha Match
Learn, Search, and Shop Locally with Canada's #1 Pet App!
- Buy or Sell new or used pet items
- Post & Promote your Pets, Pet Services, Products or Events
- Search Pet Listings (Cats, Dogs, Birds, Fish, Reptile & More!)
- Discover Pet Services, Products & Events
- Adoption Listings
- Find Therapy or Service pets.
- Registered Breeder Listings
- Ability to reach NEW customers
ALPHA MATCH FEATURES:
- Listing Analytics
- In App Messaging
- Favorites List
- Featured Listings
- Membership Program
- Advertising Opportunities

Scedge: Your life in the Cloud
The Scedge platform aims to empower and connect people, families, communities, teams and business in unique and useful ways to improve everyday life.

iTaxi
After Uber disrupted ride hailing, ITAXI acted quickly to innovate and protect their market share. The ITAXI app is a mobile dispatching system with GPS tracking that helps drivers match with riders.

Scoutt
Finding the perfect location for a photoshoot can be tricky and is even more of a challenge if you’re constantly looking for new spots to shoot. Scoutt is an interactive mapping service crowdsourced by photographers to scout out interesting locations around the world for fellow shooters.

Medical Meals
Medical Meals is a simple way for patients with pre-existing conditions to plan their meals and eat healthier. Our meal plans & recipes are highly customizable so you can easily personalize a plan that works for your unique tastes and lifestyle.

X Club
The X Club nightclub, bar and lounge is Ontario’s most elegant on premise nightclub catering to upscale couples, single females and pre screened / approved single males (over 25 years of age).

PhysioMe
PhysioMe is a Startup based out of Toronto. Co-Founded by 3 certified Physiotherapists, the firm’s primary objective is to help individuals diagnose and treat their specific physiotherapy related medical issues. With years of experience in the space, the Co-Founders of Physiotherapy Inc are well poised to distill their learnings to the masses, and disrupt the Physiotherapy industry.

Extras.Film
Find gigs for background actors in movies, television, commercials and more.
Create a profile, upload a video, and land a job in the movie business.
Lights…Camera…Action!!!

Bookmii
Bookmii helps you find the most trusted and skilled professionals in Hair design, Models and Actors, and Social Media Influencers. Just Select, Book and Pay.It’s that simple.

Trakit App
TRAKiT is an easy to use mobile application that automatically records your daily travel activity using your smartphone sensors and user defined settings. Just set it up and go about your daily routine. Seeing your everyday travel activity will help you make sustainable travel choices that can improve your health and well-being, while doing some good to the environment.

Bgon App
bgon is a trading app where students can buy stuff and sell stuff exclusively within their school community.List what you no longer need, and find what you do.
Reviews
the project
Web & Mobile App Dev for Realtor Transport Service Provider
“AppStudio is committed to doing what they’ve promised us; they always deliver things with outstanding quality.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the product director at The Simply Brand. We provide services to realtors whose major concerns include transportation and storage. Realtors can sign up with us, and we’ll store their signs and inventory. We’ll also be solely responsible for transporting their inventory; our team also takes care of the installations and removals of such things. We have our own drivers, too.
What challenge were you trying to address with AppStudio?
We operate manually and offline — without any technology usage. However, we want to streamline the process and have a reliable app to do that. As a result, we hired AppStudio.
What was the scope of their involvement?
In the beginning, we weren’t sure what the platform would be like or what user rules it would have. Ultimately, though, AppStudio helped us develop the app as a web and mobile platform. Since we weren’t technical people, we simply explained our business to them and asked them to bring the app to life. We didn’t even know what user roles would exist on the app.
From there, they designed the website through wireframing. They gave us black and white wireframes and mock-ups based on our requirements. These wireframes also had various iterations. The team then sent us a functional requirement document that explained the whole flow of the mobile and web app. After that, they worked on integrations and developed the app.
Currently, there are three types of users on our platform, namely the realtors, the drivers, and the global admin. The realtors can use the web and mobile app, while drivers mainly use the mobile app. Our admin panel uses both. To be clear, the app isn’t live yet; we’re still working on a few tweaks on it. However, the bulk of AppStudio’s work has been done. We’re planning to go live in a week or two.
What is the team composition?
We’ve worked with 7–8 team members from AppStudio. One senior business analyst is involved, along with one product manager. We also work with one project manager. Their developers have also collaborated with us to help us understand certain things.
How did you come to work with AppStudio?
We got in touch with AppStudio through one of our colleagues who had worked with them on production before. We also searched them on Google and saw the reviews about their work. After we were introduced to each other, we jumped in on calls with them. Their business analyst was present in the calls, which were all recorded. Then, they started drafting a business requirement document for us. The engagement started after that.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve invested around $200,000 CAD (approximately $157,000 USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
Our project started in June 2021, and the engagement is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
AppStudio’s engagement with us has been consistent. They’ve been particular with what they’re delivering. We don’t have any technical background, so we truly need them to hold our hands and walk us through the process — they’ve done that so efficiently.
Overall, we’re happy with the way they’ve engaged u for this project. They’ve also shown dedication toward creating the project exactly the way we like. Moreover, the team doesn’t get frustrated with us even though we don’t know much about technology. They’re patient in guiding us through the project.
How did AppStudio perform from a project management standpoint?
AppStudio’s project management has been great. The timelines have been adjusted, but that’s because of us: we’ve added extra work to the scope of the engagement even after it’s been finalized. The team has informed us that the additional work will require timeline modifications, and we’ve agreed to that. In any case, when they share timelines with us, they always deliver 1–2 days ahead of schedule.
The project has also been delayed because of the payment integration. For context, we don’t want to integrate Apple Wallet into the app because they take a 30% cut. Given this, AppStudio has helped us find a middle ground by talking to Apple Store. In the end, we’ve been able to integrate with Stripe as our payment processor. Simply put, the team has gone out of their way for our needs — we’re truly happy about that.
In terms of tools, we use Atlassian tools. Specifically, we use Jira and Confluence, where we upload all of our documents. Meanwhile, they use Jira for their development sprints. We can also see their progress on that platform. When we raise tickets on Jira, AppStudio always responds to us within an hour or so.
In terms of communication, every morning, we check in on them through Jira, and from Mondays through Fridays, we connect with them through Zoom calls, which we schedule via emails.
What did you find most impressive about them?
AppStudio is committed to doing what they’ve promised us; they always deliver things with outstanding quality every single time, and we don’t even have to run after them. In my experience, it’s difficult to run after a team when we don’t know what they’re doing. However, AppStudio is always on their toes — they always give us dates and tell us the due delivery dates. Overall, they’re efficient and committed to our project. That’s truly important for us.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, there aren’t any. I hope they continue what they’re doing right now because it’s perfect.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Be thorough in what you tell AppStudio. Even if you don’t have any written documents or proof of work, explain to them what you want. They’ll deliver for you. Simply communicate with them, and they’ll have the solution for you.
the project
Web Redesign for Concierge Company
"They’re hardworking and take the project personally."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the operation manager at Royal Concierge and Security. We provide professional, exponential concierge services and security services.
What challenge were you trying to address with AppStudio?
We had a website that wasn’t so good. We wanted to come up with a different website for internal purposes and client interactions. We needed someone to help us.
What was the scope of their involvement?
They’re redesigning the entire website. We’re using Ruby on Rails. We were looking to have a customer login and some other functionalities. We wanted to be able to access our customers directly from our website.
What is the team composition?
Our main point of contact is the technical manager and the product manager. In the design phase, we worked with three designers. Currently, we’re in the development phase. We work with two frontend developers and two backend developers. There are also two testers.
How did you come to work with AppStudio?
Other companies sent us proposals as well. We were impressed with Appstudio’s cost and how they divided the cost.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent $25,000 CAD (approximately $20,000 USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in December 2020, and the project is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
From the beginning of the project, we engaged with them. We’re impressed with the design they came up with. Once the website is live, we can get more into the market. We’re now entering the development phase.
How did AppStudio perform from a project management standpoint?
We use Zoom and occasionally use Skype for communication. We have daily standups with the product manager and the technical lead.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They’re hardworking and take the project personally. They have an ample amount of knowledge and understanding, which helped them meet the deadlines with the design.
Are there any areas they could improve?
We haven’t faced any issues with them.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Be clear about what you want.
the project
Mobile App Dev for Online Training & Coaching Services
"The most prominent aspects for us were their focus, willingness to work, flexibility, and strong project management."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am working as a VP at TrueCoaching. We provide online training and coaching services to clients.
For what projects/services did your company hire AppStudio?
We were searching for an app development firm that can create a video-based platform for our clients to learn from us more creatively and impressively. Our company required an auto-scalable solution as the expected traffic of users in-app was more than 200,000 simultaneously.
What were your goals for this project?
This project's primary goal is to enhance the user experience through app development that supports video streaming for online training and coaching. A vast audience's accommodation was the primary reason behind the app creation and online collaboration with the vendors quickly.
How did you select this vendor?
We conducted thorough research on app development companies based in Canada and personally discussed our requirements with each of them.
AppStudio was the only company that grasps the complete knowledge, and the idea of our app and successfully provided us with the ultimate tremendous product in the end. They understood our problem of an enormous audience and provided a solution within our cost.
Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.
We have been working with them on multiple projects for web & mobile platforms involving react native, angular & node.js. We hired their QA engineers for automation & manual testing using Selenium and JMeter. We were impressed with the AppStudio’s teamwork and signed another deal to start our new website with additional features.
What was the team composition?
They assigned a core team for this project, which includes an account manager and a full-time Scrum master who were the main contact points for my team. There was also a technical architect who oversaw the entire solution with a group of 11 engineers and a few QA leads.
Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?
Our expectations were fully met by the final products, as they represented our online sessions very effectively. Our current Google rating is around 4.9, and our downloads have exceeded the number of 700,000+
How was project management arranged and how effective was it?
They have a separate platform designed for their clients for instant communication. AppStudio’s Scrum master and dev team worked very closely, following an agile methodology.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
The most prominent aspects for us were their focus, willingness to work, flexibility, and strong project management. They're a professional team good at anticipating change and are committed to our success. On top of that, their technical solutions are robust.
Are there any areas for improvement?
They are a very proactive and competent team, and I would suggest them to continue their work at the same pace and progress by satisfying their clients.
the project
Product Development for Enterprise IT Consulting Firm
"They have a superb work culture where all team members work effortlessly and without any pressure."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am working as an Enterprise Solutions Architect at Deloitte. We are an IT consulting firm and have multiple sister companies.
For what projects/services did your company hire AppStudio?
We have multiple projects undergoing in collaboration with AppStudio. Also, I want to mention here that some of our plans are in the pipeline. Presently, the AppStudio team is working on a security system based on the IoT platform and managed by a mobile app and software simultaneously.
The second project is catering to our archives' needs. We have vast archives data, and AppStudio is providing us with data science development services and Artificial intelligence services.
What were your goals for this project?
Our goal was to use facial recognition and detection technology based on Artificial intelligence to efficiently manage our archives. We wanted machine learning to process data gathered by our employees and swiftly bring desired videos with a tap or a click.
How did you select this vendor?
We came across AppStudio through a technology show. Our company's hierarchy was present, and they were quite impressed with their station and presentation. We were looking for a digital agency with expertise in mobile app development, data science, and Artificial Intelligence. We contacted them through their email and then arranged a couple of meetings with their managers.
Describe the project in detail.
As far as our IoT project is concerned, we want our premises to be secure and only authorized persons to use specific places within our buildings.
What was the team composition?
They provided us with three teams, simultaneously working on all projects. Every team has five front end developers, seven backend developers, one project manager, four designers, and two other experts.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Our archives project based on Artificial Intelligence is about to be completed. We have seen the demos and prototypes working as per the expectations. Our other projects are still in development phases, and we are more than happy with their commitment and professionalism. They have followed the timelines, and nothing got delayed.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
The working experience is fabulous as we are having extremely productive communication and active collaborations. Their project managers are available on Zoom. However, most of the work is handled through emails without any misunderstandings.
They are thorough professionals and have experience of years behind them. Perhaps that is why they know the layman's response towards technology and handle our queries and reservations remarkably.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
First of all, their experience. I have not seen such a portfolio of any development agency. They have developed hundreds of successful projects for different startups and enterprises.
Secondly, they have a superb work culture where all team members work effortlessly and without any pressure. Also, they have recruited the most exceptional talent out there, so we never had any development issues.
Furthermore, their command over different sophisticated technologies and tech stack makes companies comfortable and trouble-free for the scalability of a project and various integrations.
Are there any areas for improvement?
I had to think hard, and in my opinion, nothing can be improved except boarding their spectrum to developing nations. I advised their senior managers to open offices in countries with transitional economies as they can help them increase.
the project
iOS & Android App Dev For Operating Machinery
"AppStudio performed extraordinarily well."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I’m the senior design engineer at BOMBARDIER.
For what projects/services did your company hire AppStudio?
We needed to develop an application that would enable clients who purchase our high-end equipment to operate and monitor the machinery, which works with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
How did you select this vendor?
We evaluated several development companies and one of the first things we looked at was their portfolio. It was important for us to see who they had worked with and the types of problems they had solved, which would give us a good indication of what kind of work they could provide.
We examined each of the shortlisted organizations based on strict parameters. After much research, we concluded that AppStudio best met our criteria. We personally visited their office, met their team, and loved their professionalism towards their customers and responsibility towards their work.
Describe the project in detail.
AppStudio helped us design and develop the app for both iOS and Android platforms. We had a series of meetings to discuss our goals and objectives, and within the first three weeks, we received UI designs. After a few iterations and discussions with our marketing team, we wrapped up the development.
What was the team composition?
They assigned a project manager to support us and serve as the main point of contact throughout the project. They also provided four frontend and two backend developers, two designers, and a QA specialist.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
AppStudio performed extraordinarily well. The app works as we expected it to and we continue to hear positive feedback about it.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
They’re a friendly team that’s not only productive but also exceptionally responsive, flexible, and organized. They understood us perfectly and turned our thoughts into an application using the agile methodology. AppStudio has astonishing outlining abilities, were engaged throughout the project, and finished the work on time.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
AppStudio was continually eager to execute major changes while keeping everything within budget. They also helped us consider potential issues early on and recommended things that they thought would be valuable. One of the most noteworthy things about them, though, was their seamless communication.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Communicating our plans with them would be easier if their developers could go to our office and work with us.
the project
Mobile App Dev for Steel Manufacturer
"AppStudio showed initiative and drove the project themselves."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the IT director at Eagle Steel, a Canadian steel manufacturer based in Ontario. I manage a team of 50 individuals primarily in the software component of our business.
What challenge were you trying to address with AppStudio?
We’ve had a lot of Legacy systems in place, and the world is moving toward mobile. We’ve transitioned our ERP [enterprise resource planning] system—including the HR, point-of-sales, and logistics components—to mobile and are updating the technology behind it. Our internal team is used to older systems and ERP solutions. We hired an external team to help us with this transition. We’ve been working with AppStudio on the components where they’ve already delivered and deployed the logistics and the point-of-sales system.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We started with a requirements-gathering process that involved our IT department and key stakeholders. The project is huge, so we broke it into different milestones. In the first phase, we found a vendor that could take the project to phase 2. We walked AppStudio through our requirements and challenges so that they could facilitate the entire component. We were initially thinking of hiring consultants for the first phase and then passing the work to a mobile team, but AppStudio understood exactly what we were looking for and documented it pretty well. Once this phase was complete, we were able to keep moving because we had the backend in place. Then, we asked AppStudio to work on the mobile app.
The work has a logistics component and a point-of-sales component. Logistically, we had to cut costs from delivery to production because the industry margins went down. We’ve implemented technology into each of the trucks that are delivering the steel. We’re able to track their routes through sensors to give insight in terms of cost. For the point-of-sales, AppStudio is helping us with an iPad application so that when our consultants and sales team pitch to a potential client, they have all the data on hand to provide a quote.
For the logistics component of the mobile app, we’re using Node.js because of the real-time component. AppStudio is helping us with an activity tracker. We have an iOS app and an Android app that are being built in Swift and Java. For the database, we’re using Mongo and Play. We have Legacy systems also that were in . NET. We had 5 business analysts for phase 1. I’m not sure how many developers were working on the project—probably 10–15 developers.
How did you come to work with AppStudio?
We had an RFP process. AppStudio and some other companies offered bids, and we used a scoring process to choose the best firm. We had predefined criteria in terms of our goals. We wanted to see if they understood the requirements, which was our primary concern. We’ve worked with IT for a long time, and the biggest problem is often requirements gathering. AppStudio seemed to understand that, so we chose them.
How much have you invested with AppStudio?
We’ve spent around $150,000 during our relationship. The RFP was for $500,000, but the work has been broken into 3 or 4 years.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with AppStudio at the end of 2015, and the work is ongoing.
Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or impact of the engagement?
Based on my experiences with other companies, I think that AppStudio understood our requirements. They delivered the project on time, even though we introduced some changes that extended the timeline. I’ve had very few projects, even internally, that finished on time.
We’re happy with the overall outcome of this project. AppStudio showed initiative and drove the project themselves. From a logistics standpoint, we now can measure everything that’s happening with our business. I don’t know how much that’s impacted our costs, but from a tax standpoint, we’re collecting data from the trucks, and the cost has definitely gone down. Also, our salesmen have access to the point-of-sale tool. In terms of feedback internally, they’ve been really happy with AppStudio’s performance so far.
How did AppStudio perform from a project management standpoint?
They met all of our deadlines. We worked using Basecamp, as well as Asana internally.
What did you find most impressive about AppStudio?
They understood our requirements right away. We internally defined the requirements. so whether the projects succeed or not isn’t due to their work. They understand what we’re looking for and make exactly what we need, delivering on time and prioritizing product scalability. Because of the number of people on our team, there is a load on the servers.
the project
Mobile App Dev for Pizza Chain
"The professionalism and hands-on experience that AppStudio has given us have been the best."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I am the corporate marketing manager of one of Canada’s largest pizza places with over 20 restaurants across Ontario. I have the responsibility of creating brand awareness, driving sales, recruiting top talent, and increasing the demand for franchise prospects.
What challenge were you trying to address with AppStudio?
All the large franchises were going mobile, therefore we needed an app in order to remain competitive. We wanted a mobile platform which would allow our customers to order through the click of a button and reduce our overhead as well.
We had attempted to go mobile a few years earlier using a different development company, and it was a complete disaster. For our second run, we made sure we’d be using the best agency possible.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We already had a backend system in place with a web application. AppStudio was hired to integrate newly-built iOS and Android applications into that backend. They helped us with the entire mobile development process, from strategy to design, development, deployment to the app stores, and maintenance.
I don’t know how many resources we used, but I estimate there were between 4–5 developers, designers and maintenance people.
How did you come to work with AppStudio?
We went through a rigorous process given the fact that we answer to a board of directors. We interviewed all the local mobile development agencies, made up a shortlist, and from there, went through an in-depth request for proposal process, asking them to tell us why they were the best fit and how much the engagement would cost.
AppStudio was at the top of our list. They seemed professional and had a good understanding of the subject matter. They helped us optimize the user experience and delivered fantastic design work. AppStudio gave us a hands-on approach which we appreciated.
How much have you invested with AppStudio?
The cost of their work has been close to CA$100,000 [US$ 75,332].
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with AppStudio in 2016. We continue to use them for maintenance.
Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?
My role is to drive restaurant sales and franchise requests. The mobile app has made my job a lot easier and we have seen improvements in each of those domains.
Customers have been happy with the app. It’s extremely user-friendly and we’ve received compliments on the design a few times. Everything on the software has run smoothly, which is the best thing about AppStudio.
How did AppStudio perform from a project management standpoint?
They were spot-on in terms of budget and everything was delivered on time, every time. AppStudio did a good job handling everything in a timely manner. We usually communicated directly via email and telephone. Their team was very approachable.
What did you find most impressive about AppStudio?
The professionalism and hands-on experience that AppStudio has given us have been the best.
Are there any areas AppStudio could improve?
Given our past experience, I don’t think that AppStudio could have done anything better.
the project
Mobile App Dev for Financial Services Firm
"We really have to dig to find something bad about them because they’ve only given us exceptional service."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
Gemini Financial Services provides services such as mutual funds and hedge funds. Our business is catered towards the reporting of these funds to clients. I’m an administrations manager.
What challenge were you trying to address with AppStudio?
We had to send reports to our clients nightly. Sometimes they weren’t able to get to the websites in order to pull the reports. We wanted to see if we could build an app that the clients could access instead of having to go through several remote websites in order to access those reports. We wanted to deliver their reports in a timelier fashion. We were looking for someone who would really understand what we were trying to achieve.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Our marketing team was tasked with trying to see what would be the best thing for our clients. Since my client was the first one being tested with that app, I had to meet with the technical manager of AppStudio. I gave him a short description of what we were looking for and how we wanted everything to become more convenient for our clients. They provided the framework of what they thought would meet this need. Looking at the framework, it seemed like a good fit because the ease of use and accessibility of the app was very high. After that first meeting, I spoke to my firm and we decided to bring in more people from AppStudio and have another meeting. After a couple more meetings where we discussed further framework and a few tweaks, we were satisfied with how they were responding to us. Anytime we wanted to set up more meetings, they were very diligent in that. The client just wanted iOS, but we have other clients that use Android, so AppStudio built both.
One key feature is ease of use. We were comparing this app to traditional banking applications. In the end, it’s something that meets the financial service. AppStudio removed a lot of little crossroads that appear in app presentation. An end user, even someone who doesn’t have knowledge of financial services, would be able to understand what reporting was involved in the app.
How many resources have been assigned to your project?
We were mostly communicating with the technical manager. We discussed the framework with him and provided him with any updates on what we wanted in the next version of the beta testing. They have their own development team.
How did you come to work with AppStudio?
Our marketing team told us about them. We used keywords to search for them and one of the most important for us was ease of use. Most of our clients are above 45 years old. They aren’t going to be as accepting of something new like the 20-year-olds would. According to my marketing team, when it came to searching for a team that would have that priority, AppStudio’s name would always be there. They do have a really high standard when it comes to ease of use.
How much have you invested with AppStudio?
We have spent between $200,000 and $250,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in December 2016, and the work is ongoing.
Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?
We’re still in the process of evaluating the metrics. In terms of how personable AppStudio has been and how strong they’ve been with any changes that had to be addressed, we have been very pleased with that. They haven’t given us any reason to complain. About three days ago, I sent an email to them for some changes to make the app more appealing. The technical manager replied to me five or ten minutes later. That really struck me because it was late and I wasn’t expecting a reply so soon. The next morning, they were working on it already.
The testers say the app has made their life a lot easier because they don’t have to jump between three URLs to access the reports they’re looking for. Instead, the app accesses the remote server itself and connects them to the reports. The app makes things way faster.
How did AppStudio perform from a project management standpoint?
We communicate via phone and Outlook. We don’t have any complaints about deadlines or budget. They’re still way below the total budget that was given, which is surprising. We really have to dig to find something bad about them because they’ve only given us exceptional service.
What did you find most impressive about AppStudio?
The most impressive thing would be the fact that they’re so personable. They made me feel like I was their only client. Their response time is instantaneous and, in today’s market, I haven’t seen that a lot. I would want to continue doing business with someone who’s so engaged in the project.
Are there any areas AppStudio could improve?
No.
the project
Mobile App Dev for Sales Platform
"They have a very transparent and efficient workflow."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the IT manager at Hexa Tiles. Most of my time is spent doing mobile projects.
What challenge were you trying to address with AppStudio?
Nowadays, businesses like ours need to have a competitive advantage over other companies. We thought moving our business to a mobile platform would give us that advantage. We wanted to be more efficient.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We needed something that would help our sales associates interact better with our clients. They needed to put something solid in front of our clients rather than pen and paper mockups.
We had a kickoff meeting with AppStudio to discuss the project scope and length. It was a very good experience. We met at their office and discussed the scope starting from the design, platform, budget, using a native or basic application, finding our target audience, etc. They guided us throughout the entire process. I have an IT background but not with app development. They implemented the designs, workflow, and development and created an app for both iOS and Android.
How many resources have been assigned to your project?
We had a project manager, who I mostly communicated with. We also met with 2 designers and 2 developers.
How did you come to work with AppStudio?
We searched on Google for companies. We had a reference for AppStudio, and they seemed like the most suitable option. We met a couple of other firms too, but their prices were higher, and their timelines were longer.
How much have you invested with AppStudio?
We have invested between $100,000 and $150,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in January of 2017, and the work is ongoing. As with any technology, there’s always bugs and things to change about the app.
Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or impact of the engagement?
They didn’t go over budget or past the deadline, which were the things I was worried about. After deployment, we haven’t had any issues with the app. We had some new ideas in the middle of the project and contacted them about those. I don’t know how much of a problem that is to do in the middle of a project, but they were really accommodating. It was a very smooth process, which I really enjoyed.
How did AppStudio perform from a project management standpoint?
I could contact the project manager directly via phone and email. I didn’t run into any issues with communication. The tool we used for project management was Basecamp. Both teams had access to that. We always had instant communication with them for file transfers, graphics, screenshots, and important information. Communication through Basecamp helped us to be more efficient. For any other issues I had, I was able to contact the project manager.
What did you find most impressive about AppStudio?
Their customer service is impressive. They are always on top of things. Some firms are so big that I had problems reaching out to them directly. I can reach out to AppStudio with questions, and they can reach out to me with any issues. They have a very transparent and efficient workflow.
Are there any areas AppStudio could improve?
I had a wonderful experience with them. I can’t think of anything specific, but there’s always room for improvement.
the project
Mobile App & Website Development for Headphone Company
"I am very satisfied with the results. AppStudio delivered above-and-beyond."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
We’re a startup headphone manufacturer with a team of five people.
What challenge were you trying to address with AppStudio?
We needed to build a website and mobile applications for our products. We didn’t want to get involved in the nitty-gritty of this process, so we approached AppStudio and gave them the whole scope.
What was the scope of their involvement?
AppStudio has provided UI/UX design and development for Android and iOS, as well as for our website. The apps are used for volume control and other functions.
How did you come to work with AppStudio?
We performed Google searches, asked for quotations from quite a few vendors, and, based on our discussions, selected AppStudio. We wanted everything to be done at a fast pace, within a four-month timeframe, and it worked out perfectly.
How much have you invested with AppStudio?
The cost of AppStudio’s work was CA$70,000 [$50,000].
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with AppStudio around six months ago, in the fall of 2016. They’ve delivered what we requested and are continuing with incidental follow-ups. The website is set to launch shortly.
Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or impact of the engagement?
I am very satisfied with the results. AppStudio delivered above-and-beyond.
How did AppStudio perform from a project management standpoint?
They’ve been very proactive in terms of responses, and the communication was easy. The app was delivered within our timeframe and budget. There were multiple occasions when we thought of something as a team and reached out to AppStudio’s project manager late at night. We would receive a response, and action would be taken immediately. There was great project management handling from their end. Our contact person did change, but that wasn’t an issue. AppStudio told us beforehand.
What did you find most impressive about AppStudio?
Their availability and follow-up have been very impressive.
Are there any areas AppStudio could improve?
There are always areas of improvement, and that’s something that AppStudio needs to act on as a growing company.
The company is impressed with AppStudio’s ability to guide them through the project even though they have no technical background. The team has efficiently helped them complete the app and work around the payment integration problem they’ve had. They’re truly committed to the project’s success.