Ars Futura

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of The Pigeonhole

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The Pigeonhole is a digital book club platform

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Ars Futura to accomplish?

• design, build and manage our mobile apps
• take over the management of our back end system

SOLUTION

How did you find Ars Futura?

At a conference

Why did you select Ars Futura over others?

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

How many teammates from Ars Futura were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Initially, we hired Ars Futura to help us improve our IOS app. This turned into a total redesign/rebuild which totally transformed the functionality and user experience. From this point onwards, they helped us incrementally improve the app over several years and also adding an Android app with the same functionality. The content delivery system (delivering books in regular installments) augmented by a dynamic real-time commenting system was pretty complex and without obvious precedent. They worked very closely and effectively with our in-house team who managed the back-end system and provided the APIs. More recently, they have also taken over responsibility for the back-end system as well.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Totally revamped IOS app - capable of dealing with the demands of the community (at the peak this was 40K users New Android app mirroring IOS functionality Ongoing support for back end Ruby-on Rails system - and migration of tech stack from Heroku to AWS

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

We worked very effectively via Slack, Github and online meetings. They built a really good rapport with our in-house dev teams and also our user testing teams. Our Slack channel worked really well and responses were regular and prompt. We went through numerous delivery cycles - often with very tight timeframes as we were iterating a live product - and team would always go above and beyond to make sure we hit our key deadlines and user experience was not adversely affected by issues/bugs.

What was your primary form of communication with Ars Futura?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The team are so nice to work with - they have a beautiful culture, and really enjoyed what we were trying to build. It meant it all felt like one big team and we achieved a lot together. Our engagement has been highly productive and enjoyable.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Ars Futura could have done differently?

Nothing that I can think of!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a director for an e-sports gaming company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ars Futura?

We’ve hired Ars Futura for design and software engineering services. Our goal is to launch a B2C website for streamers. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started by explaining our goals, and we worked with a designer from Ars Futura to create wireframes and better shape what we were looking for moving forward. We used these designs to pitch the product internally, and then, once we had buy-in, we started building the product. Ars Futura is responsible for everything, from the design phase to developing the MVP. Ars Futura is also developing a website; key technologies include Node.js, Contentstack for the headless CMS, and Figma. 

Features of the software include a signup and onboarding feature that allows customers to link and authorize access to their Twitch account. After this step, users can link their Discord account and add an analytics dashboard for tracking. Ars Futura is offering maintenance services for our website. 

What is the team composition?

We work with about six individuals from their team. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent more than $50,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2022, and the engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our main success metrics have been launching the product within five months and having several hundred users sign up. The quality of work from Ars Futura has exceeded our expectations. 

How did Ars Futura perform from a project management standpoint?

We meet almost daily to work with our designers and developers to ensure alignment. We’ve been extremely impressed with Ars Futura’s project management; they are personable and ensure that everything runs on time. If there are ever any issues, they find a way to solve them. We typically use Jira and Confluence for project management and Zoom and Slack for communication. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’ve been really happy with our whole team. They show up daily with a great attitude and have the right mindset. Ars Futura is a pleasure to work with, and they have a great work ethic. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

We think there could be some improvement in communication regarding designs and ensuring we’re on the same page. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Treat Ars Futura like a true partner and be open to collaborating with their team on every level. It’s also a good idea to remember that they are an offshore company, so there is a bit of a time zone difference. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder and CEO of Your Social Smile LTD

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

An AI digital marketing tool for dentists which drives patient acquisition, converts cosmetic treatments, resulting in increased revenue.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Ars Futura to accomplish?

• complete development of the digital product
• seamless UX/UI with the SDK implementation
• set up dashboard analytics and problem solve any issues

SOLUTION

How did you find Ars Futura?

Referral

Why did you select Ars Futura over others?

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

How many teammates from Ars Futura were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

• Building the web application which runs the 3rd party simulation SDK
• Built the Admin interface for the app
• mobile/ responsive design
• app integration with emailing services
• maintenance of the application infrastructure
• testing

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

as we are a start up, we now have a usable product which is currently in the pilot stage in the US, UAE, and Australia with positive results and feedback

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

The project management team has been top notch. Extremely responsive, accessible, and involved. They have been on point with delivering items and hands on with problem solving to get the best results possible.

What was your primary form of communication with Ars Futura?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The project management, development team are proactive and goal oriented. They're easy to dialogue and brainstorm with, talented, focused, and in constant communication with us to make sure everyone is on the same page and time lines

Are there any areas for improvement or something Ars Futura could have done differently?

none really as we continue to use them now and for future projects

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Senior Product Manager of a gaming company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

My company offers premiere solutions for creating, optimizing, and monetizing engagement in the gaming entertainment ecosystem

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Ars Futura to accomplish?

• Develop and design a customer booking and arena management platform for a gaming cafe arena business. Web and iOS app
• Design and develop a data insights platform that harnesses public streaming data for customer consumption
• Design and develop a support app and pc interface for a gaming cafe arena business

SOLUTION

How did you find Ars Futura?

Referral

Why did you select Ars Futura over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Ars Futura were assigned to this project?

10+

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

Design: 

• Design a website and platform for in person booking at arena as well as company promotion 
• Design an ipad app that employees will use to manage customers in person 
• Design an iOS and Android app that will provide enhanced benefits to booking customers in arenas and manage subscriptions 
• Design a PC game launcher and session tracking experience for customers to log-in and use in arena. 
• Design a data display website that allow users to search for and manage data tracking across multiple gaming channels and platforms 
• Any and all other flows and designs associated with multiple points of business across our entire organization. 

Engineering - Ars Engineers, QA, and project management resources were mixed in with our internal teams for all design projects mentioned above and more. They were expected to help design, build, and maintain most live product features mentioned in the above designs.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Increased customer usage of products in-arena and at home multiple times over through iterative design and quick production time from engineers Engineering was able to knock multiple months off of our backlog on new projects in 2023 Successful adoption of products on the front end that were designed and built by Ars including 10s of thousands of unique individuals across the US in our arenas.

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

Ars project managers AND engineers are great about delivering on time and up to a very high standard. They are also amazing about proactively asking questions and getting work right before carrying it out which is perfect to avoid any scope creep or duplicative work later in our dev cycle. As I said we brought in 4-5 resources on the development side in 2023 and were able to make a 3-5 month roadmap into a roughly 1.5 month roadmap.

What was your primary form of communication with Ars Futura?

Virtual Meeting

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

How involved they want to be in the process and how much pride they take in turning out great products either through request or just going above and beyond. In all facets of my work with them, they have been the standard to which I'd hold internal teams against at times.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Ars Futura could have done differently?

The only possible way to improve that I can come up with after 3 years of work together is our time difference. An American based resource could help in the future with companies that don't have a lot of dev resources internally within their respective time zones.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Product Manager of Activision Blizzard

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

My company creates video games, competitive esports, and community experiences

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Ars Futura to accomplish?

• Design and develop our digital experience for the Call of Duty World Series of Warzone
• Create a user flow for user participation for both competition and fan engagement

SOLUTION

How did you find Ars Futura?

Referral

Why did you select Ars Futura over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Ars Futura were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Our team worked with Ars Futura to design and develop the website for WSOW (World Series of Warzone) from concept to go to market. Ars Futura provided user solutions through each stage of the project including wireframes, prototypes, development, and launch. They proposed solutions based on our business needs and adapted to any and all roadblocks or obstacles.

Ars Futura made sure to deliver on every deadline leading up to and post launch. Every year, Ars Futura provides quality service for website reiteration supporting the changing program.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Ars Futura's product solution has created increased website engagement year over year through each reiteration of World Series of Warzone.

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

Ars Futura worked within our timelines as well as providing a clear roadmap of their project deliverables. They never missed a beat for production launches and have been responsive to any unanticipated needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Ars Futura?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Ars Futura has the amazing ability to understand our business needs, analyze direction, anticipate user needs, and provide product solutions that solve for both groups.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Ars Futura could have done differently?

None at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Sr. Director, Product Management of Activision Blizzard

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

My company makes video games, esports leagues, and entertainment experiences.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Ars Futura to accomplish?

• Design and develop scalable websites and app experiences.

SOLUTION

How did you find Ars Futura?

Referral

Why did you select Ars Futura over others?

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

What was the size of Ars Futura’s team?

40

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

Our team asked Ars Futura to design, build, and operate dozens of websites and a mobile app. In taking on this project, they took over an existing codebase and improved upon it. The initial transition was completely seamless due to their knowledge and preparation, and the team has always been extremely communicative and transparent of any potential roadblocks.

My team views Ars Futura as a true strategic partner. We collaborate very closely in building the vision and goals for our digital experiences. Ars Futura's UX/UI and understanding of our business is always spot on. When the process moves from design to execution, the engineering team consistently is accurate in their estimations but still remains very ambitious in identifying what they'll be able to accomplish.

Ars Futura takes a ton of pride in their work, and it shows not only in the designs and engineering polish, but also in the stability and security of the work they host. We have been very fortunate to work with such a strong partner, and I would gladly recommend the Ars Futura team in very high regard.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• On-time deliverables based on the product roadmap
• Increased output vs. competitors
• Stability and security of platforms

What was your primary form of communication with Ars Futura?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Ars Futura has excellent project management. They are highly responsive and consistent in their meeting structure (including standard stand ups, demos, sprint planning, and retrospectives). The team delivers on time and with very high quality.

What I like most about Ars Futura's communication is that when there are high-priority issues, they don't shy away from communication and transparency, the team actually communicates much more until the issue is resolved. Bugs and priority issues are inevitable in engineering, but Ars Futura addresses them very urgently and with full transparency (and a quickly-formed action plan).

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

Ars Futura is a development agency that designs and develops high-quality, scalable solutions for web and mobile platforms.They take pride in their decades of experience in the industry and have been able to fine-tune efficiency, ensuring they deliver projects on time and within budget. As a result they have consistently exceeded our expectations. Their team has been able to handle high-traffic websites with millions of fans thanks to their expertise in building efficient and robust solutions.

Ars Futura's product thinking approach has been a critical factor in their success. By focusing on the bigger picture and the business objectives of us (i.e. their clients), they create solutions that meet our immediate needs and provide long-term benefits. Ars Futura is also certified in Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Contentstack which allows them to be a one-stop shop for our team, handling everything from design to development to maintenance.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Ars Futura could have done differently?

None at this time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the deputy secretary-general of a nonprofit organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ars Futura?

We used to have face-to-face meetings with our partners, but we also wanted to support those who preferred an online experience.

We wanted to develop an online learning environment for our capacity-building programs. The process was something entirely new to us, so we needed someone to help us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We first spent a few weeks mapping out our vision, and Ars Futura built a mockup based on our ideas. We worked with them to define the MVP, crucial requirements, and specifications.

Then, we started working with them step-by-step to improve the product. The platform can host various courses, resources, and materials. Partners can then access these materials and interact with their peers.

This is a massive project for us, and we continue to work with Ars Futura on it. We're currently in the testing stage, and the team has built a staging website. We're creating the content ourselves, and there's still a lot of work to do. 

We have unique specifications and budgets for each of our efforts with Ars Futura. Since we're a nonprofit, so we first raise the necessary funds before starting. 

What is the team composition?

We work with one product manager, one designer, and two engineers. The number of teammates working on the project varies between 3–5 people.

How did you come to work with Ars Futura?

We sent an RFP to various agencies. We selected Ars Futura based on their creativity and vision, even though they'd never worked with a nonprofit or an e-learning organization. 

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent around 80,000 Swiss francs (approximately $88,000 USD) so far. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in January 2021, and it's ongoing. The discovery phase lasted until February 2021, and we launched the MVP in May 2021.

We plan to continue working with Ars Futura in the next 2–3 years.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We're now collecting user feedback, and we're working closely with Ars Futura on analytics. So far, we have around 200 users on the platform, which is higher than our goal of 150 users this year.

Although we're still in the testing and piloting stage, we've gotten excellent feedback on the clean look and feel of the platform and how engaging it is.

How did Ars Futura perform from a project management standpoint?

We always have ongoing communication primarily through Slack, and we have short meetings before starting each development phase.

In addition, they share all their notes about the product through Figma. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

We enjoy working with Ars Futura because they genuinely care about the product. They have a strong vision and are very detailed. It's clear that they've made the website with love.

Additionally, they're a true partner. We collaborate a lot on the work. We don't have much experience on this, but their vision and agility help.

Additionally, we appreciate their working methods, some of which we've implemented into our organization.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there's nothing they can do better.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Be very clear about the different parts of the product you want to develop. In addition, be ready to make some adjustments and remain agile and responsive. Try to forge a true partnership with Ars Futura. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO and founder of a company that develops fintech solutions. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ars Futura?

We needed help in software development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Ars Futura is helping us develop an app that does tasks normally performed by tax lawyers.  Initially, they provided wireframing and prototyping through InVision. They’ve then performed design, DevOps, and front- and backend development.

What is the team composition?

I work with a designer, a DevOps specialist, two developers, and their CEO. 

How did you come to work with Ars Futura?

A mutual contact recommended Ars Futura to me. We had a couple of meetings where they discussed how they would approach the project. Based on our conversations, it seemed clear that they knew what they were doing, and they had a pragmatic approach. They weren't just trying to get the project and sell hours; they were trying to deliver a very good solution.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $60,000–$70,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in July 2020, and it's ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Ars Futura has helped me expedite the development of our software. They are able to grasp our problem. The software is finance-specific, and even though it's outside of their expertise, they've been able to understand our requirements and implement my ideas quickly.

Because of that, I’ve been able to sell our product ahead of schedule. 

How did Ars Futura perform from a project management standpoint?

Ars Futura is exceptional at project management. We use Trello, Slack, Figma, Sketch, and Invision to collaborate. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Ars Futura hires high-quality resources. They don't just recruit people to put into projects and make money; they take a lot of pride in what they do. 

Additionally, Ars Futura works very well together within their team. They put an extra effort and go above and beyond to deliver a good service. I've been very impressed with them. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything. I've been very happy with their work; they exceed my expectations. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Go ahead and partner with them. You'll have a good experience working with their team. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the VP of engineering at Wise Systems. We’re a software service provider that provides shipping logistics to the delivery industry.
 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ars Futura?
We brought them on to build our software — both a web app and mobile app. 
 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?
Ars Futura has been instrumental in helping us build the UI and business logic that our users utilize to run their businesses on a daily basis. We usually have small teams of 3–4 people working on these projects for 3–4 months at a time. They’ve been key members of those small teams implementing all the different pieces of our product.

What is the team composition?
We normally have about four people. That includes senior frontend engineers, senior mobile engineers for both Android and iOS, and a junior mobile engineer.

How did you come to work with Ars Futura?
I was introduced to them and went through an extensive interview process. We checked out some other companies, and Ars Futura was the best company that I talked to at that point for my client company. We brought them on to do a test project, and they did great. 

How much have you invested with them?
We invest about $8,000 a month.

What is the status of this engagement?
Our ongoing engagement started around July 2020.
 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 
Ars Futura has been excellent at being on time and writing code that’s very defect-free. The metrics we use are around code deliverables and meeting project deadlines. We look to see if the projects are delivered on time and look for the number of defects we find in the software quality.

How did Ars Futura perform from a project management standpoint?
Communication has been excellent. Their team is great at meeting deadlines. We treat them as members of our team so we have daily communication with them. 

What did you find most impressive about them?
They’ve been an excellent partner that’s able to scale when they need more resources. Their team gets tasks done on time and has been great to work with. Their level of technical knowledge is very high.

Are there any areas they could improve?
No, I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Treat Ars Futura as you’d treat your own employees. Include them in your planning and design. If you work closely with them, you’ll have the best engagement. Communicate with them multiple times a week.
 

UPDATED REVIEW

This review was originally left on September 16, 2019. The original star ratings were: Overall – 5.0, Quality – 5.0, Schedule – 5.0, NPS – 5.0. Here is the former content:

BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and your position there.

The Harvard Innovation Lab is a resource at Harvard University for student based teams to explore and develop their ideas into ongoing enterprises. It's an incubator within Harvard. I manage technical projects for the staff, and also act as a Product Manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
For what projects/services did your company hire Ars Futura?

They were tasked with building a database and software that the staff would use to run the business.

This included collection and centralization of data from internal sources and third party applications. User interface implementation, backend design and data schema. Also integration with 3rd party data sources, generation of metrics, and automating website updates automatically from within our system.

SOLUTION
How did you select this vendor?

I had worked with this vendor previously on 2 projects and they had done an excellent job, so the choice was easy.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They developed and tested (and sometimes help design) the data schema and application for the business. They implemented the frontend user interface and the backend services that were needed.

They integrated with a number of internal and external data sources. They put together a system that automated the flow of data into and through the system, and included moving the data to other applications and data sources that we use.

What was the team composition?

The team is made up of 2 full time developers, and a more senior developer who oversees some of their work and helps on the most difficult problems. It also includes a part time QA resource.

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

The software has been in production for about a year and we continue to make major advances. The staff has continued to comment about how much easier it is to work with this central data and how easy the product is to use.

There has been no loss of data since this went into production, which was not the case previously. We now have data on all the teams that have been through here and it's highly available to whoever needs it. None of this was true previously.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Much of the project management was handled by myself, with daily interactions with the Ars Futura team. The implementation design is always left up to the developers. They acted as my day-to-day team but were also very independent in the way they did their jobs.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The quality of the work is excellent, and they are super productive, often delivering their work ahead of our aggressive schedules. The communication skills are excellent as well.

Their ability to work with us and our sometimes changing requirements. They always have had a great attitude about the work and have been great to work with. And above all the quality of their work is excellent.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. These guys are just the best to work with.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work at a company that’s in the process of launching gaming centers around the country. We also do a lot in the e-sports space. I’m the VP of product, running product and design for the organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ars Futura?

I’ve worked with them on multiple projects now with different companies. We brought them on to do our design work.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

On our side, they work through the UX design. Along with following our requirements, they do homework on their side through competitive analysis. After completing wireframes, their team moves into high-fidelity designs to hand over to our engineering team.  

What is the team composition?

Right now, we’re working with four people.

How did you come to work with Ars Futura?

I started working with them originally based on a recommendation. Based on our first experience, it’s been a no-brainer to continue working with them. They do a great job.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent close to $1.5 million over the years.  

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with them in January 2014. For this project, we started in January of this year.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I enjoy working with Ars Futura. Their team is great at talking with us regarding the project and our requirements. They want to have a deep level of understanding.

We look at customer and internal feedback, which has both been positive. I also look at how well they work with the engineering team. They’ve worked well with each team.

How did Ars Futura perform from a project management standpoint?

They are always very good at meeting deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Ars Futura does well with design, but also works all the way to the finish line to make sure they’re implemented properly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’re pretty inexpensive compared to their competitors. I’m very happy with them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Collaborate with them. It’s much better to meet with them frequently. Stay close on the project, and don’t just disappear.