Atomic Robot

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a project manager for the product development team at the United States Playing Card Company. We’re the largest producer of playing cards in the world for the retail and casino businesses. I work on new product offerings and support our marketing and sales teams.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Atomic Robot?

We have an app called Bicycle ® How To Play, which contains rules for over 80 different card games. We originally launched it in 2013 and hadn’t made any enhancements or upgrades, so it began working on fewer and fewer devices. We needed a partner to update the app and add new features.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had a meeting to describe some of the enhancements we wanted based on user feedback. Atomic Robot generated some ideas to improve the app and asked questions to better understand our business and end goal. After the brainstorming session, they made the initial design and backend layout, and we approved the concepts. They then started the dev and walked us through test builds until we had the finalized iOS and Android apps.

What is the team composition?

We worked with three people: a UI designer, an Android developer, and an iOS developer.

How did you come to work with Atomic Robot?

We looked online for a local agency. We talked with 2–3 other developers, but we chose Atomic Robot because they specialized in improving stalled apps. Since we’d launched in 2013, our app needed a good facelift and some heavy reworking, and they had the experience to do it.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $75,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from October 2017–March 2018, when the app went live.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Before working with Atomic Robot, the only metric we had was the number of downloads. Now, we have a variety of analytics, including downloads, daily users, and demographic information.

All the reviews I’ve seen in the app stores are positive, and people seem to like the new interface and features we’ve added. Everyone in our company thinks the app looks good and is easy to use.

How did Atomic Robot perform from a project management standpoint?

We had weekly check-ins, where they walked us through everything going on that week. They gave us access to their online project management and tracking systems. We could go in whenever we wanted to see the status of the project. We mainly communicated via email and phone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

As a company not heavily invested in the digital space, we didn’t have a lot of experience in this field. However, Atomic Robot walked us through everything and made sure we understood what was happening.

They were excited to work with us and took a sincere interest in our company. They didn’t just want to improve our app, they wanted to improve our business, too.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a general manager at a retailing company. I’m responsible for numerous development teams that work in our company’s digital properties, such as our website and Android and iOS native apps.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Atomic Robot?

We were looking for sharp native mobile developers to help us with an internal project.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Atomic Robot augments our in-house staff, helping develop new and critical components to our native mobile experience.

For example, they worked on modules for our health and wellness space for a Fortune 25 retailer’s mobile app. We provided detailed wireframes and mockups, and then we worked together to determine how the app would actually look and feel. It was an Agile process with multiple iterations as we identified the appropriate data sources the mobile app would call on in order to create services and a positive customer experience.

What is the team composition?

They provided about eight developers, covering both Android and iOS. They had an overall project manager plus individual team members that are in-office as part of our existing team.

How did you come to work with Atomic Robot?

Their founders were our former Android and iOS leads. We looked at other companies, but Atomic Robot has built up a nice business and has a lot of talent.

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership began in September of 2017, and it’s still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All the code they write is high quality. They have senior-level talent and always do quality checks before giving us anything, which means we run into fewer problems.

How did Atomic Robot perform from a project management standpoint?

We’re in charge of project management, and they consistently perform well and meet our expectations. Their team is in our office, so we communicate on a daily basis.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

They built a successful business quickly, and they’ve recruited some of the best talent in this region.

Are there any areas they could improve?

As long as they continue to find and hire good talent, I don’t have any complaints.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the assistant VP of digital communications at VITAS Healthcare and we’re the nation’s leading provider of hospice and palliative services. I’m responsible for all corporate communications and digital experiences within the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Atomic Robot?

Our mobile app was essentially abandoned when the previous development company we used went out of business. As a result, the Medicare requirements were out of date and the app needed updating to ensure compliance. With no internal knowledge of iOS or Android development, we contracted Atomic Robot to provide updates quickly.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app primarily provides hospice eligibility criteria and guidelines for healthcare professionals in the field. It also functions as a tool to submit referrals easily and securely. Atomic Robot was placed fully in charge of the app and swiftly made the initial minor content updates we needed. Then, we began outlining how to make the app key to our business success and making it a more viable living platform for us.

Specifically, they made the app more compliant with the changing iOS and Android landscape by updating the design scheme and adding support for newer devices. Other added features include location searching, automatic news feeds, and push messaging. They also added analytics into our chosen analytic platform that is integrated with the rest of our marketing activities.

Through continued work with them, we are about to launch a major new feature for the app that allows case managers to submit image based referrals, essentially bypassing the need for faxes. This transferring of sensitive information is similar to mobile banking in that it requires a high degree of security.

What is the team dynamic?

We work with an Android lead and an iOS lead. The Android lead functions as the project manager and is our main point of contact. I’m not sure about the supporting staff as that changes with the project requirements.

How did you come to work with Atomic Robot?

I found them through internet research. I looked specifically for local companies that could provide quality work. I got lucky with Atomic Robot.

How much have you invested with them?

I’d say we’ve spent close to $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in late 2014, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everything we get back from them is high quality and they’re extremely proactive. Whenever I become aware of a crash, Atomic Robot is already working on fixing the issue. They respond and develop quickly. A company capable of this at a reasonable price is a rare find.

How did Atomic Robot perform from a project management standpoint?

It feels like they are a part of my team or an employee that’s just down the hall. I don’t have weekly stand up meetings with them like I do with other agencies. When I make a request they deliver as soon as possible and if it’s a big project, we work out the logistics over the phone. We just had a meeting where we outlined all the projects for the next year. The process is often very collaborative.They have their own project management systems internally but we’re not integrated into that.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They do quality development work on both platforms of iOS and Android and make it seem easy. As a result, I don't spend a lot of time dealing with small decisions. They're able to make business assumptions and turn those into working products quickly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could improve on getting in front of platform changes by working with clients to meet the newest iOS or Android deployments.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Executive Vice President of ROAD iD.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what reason(s) did your company hire Atomic Robot?

Our mobile app is used daily by thousands of active people: runners, cyclists, etc. Since its initial development phase, we heard feature requests and bug fixes from our users. The app needed a brand refresh, dependencies upgraded, and recent OS updates implemented.

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped to reduce the number of user issues, increase accuracy, and reduce battery usage. That, in turn, would create happier users who would continue to share our mission.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I've worked with Alex (Robinson, Partner, Atomic Robot) on projects in the past.

Describe the project in detail.

After some initial discussion, we outlined the main goals from the business perspective. We also asked for a technical overview of the project to see what engineering effort would be required to get dependencies up to date.

What was the team composition?

We worked with an Android developer and an iOS developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The number of user-reported issues has definitely gone down. The app is taking advantage of upgraded frameworks which seems to be helping with battery consumption as well.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We used a Slack channel for immediate issues, email for discussion and had phone calls as needed.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Alex and the team have always delivered great work.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, we should work together more often.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of product development at a visual timer company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Atomic Robot?

We had an application, but it was in need of updating. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Atomic Robot has helped us develop apps for iOS, Android, and Windows for all our products. Even though we already had an app, they started from scratch. We worked with an external development firm that gave us a framework for graphic design for Atomic Robot to follow. I worked with the design team and communicated their ideas to Atomic Robot, and it was a pretty loose interaction model. They were able to take some pretty simple, still images and recreate them in the same language across the entire app. There were a lot of unfilled descriptions that they were able to add and complete in order to make the app look really nice.

Atomic Robot did a lot of research on the best use of each technology for every app they’ve done. For example, one was a desktop app, and they researched the best way to get codes out to people who wanted to sell them physically. Their research and general knowledge of how the tech industry works is really helpful.

The app is a timer app and there are multiple ways we can interact with it. It’s a simple or one-touch timer which makes it simple to us, or we have a more in-depth one where you can make customizations, such as color scheme. Atomic Robot figured out how to execute all of that on top of trying to use less memory and battery power to keep the app running efficiently. They did a great job overcoming that challenge.

They helped us upload the app to the app stores and gave input on marketing strategies. They’ve also suggested people in the marketing industry to us.

What is the team dynamic?

We’ve worked with 5-6 people over the years.

How did you come to work with Atomic Robot?

We had recommendations from one of our previous tech people stating they were one of the better local companies to work with.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in July 2014, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Users were unhappy with our previous Android app because it crashed a lot. Atomic Robot was really good at seeing those crashes, understanding the problem, then building a brand new app void of crashes.

We sell to a lot of teachers and we also go to trade shows. The teachers love the visual aspect of the app, and they’re always impressed with the different functionalities of it. It’s easy to set a timer for multiple students at the same time, and it looks nice while working smoothly.

How did Atomic Robot perform from a project management standpoint?

They assign one project manager who functions as our contact. They respond immediately, and are always open to critique on any idea they present to us. We use Trello, so I’m able to see everything they’re doing and can add comments when I review the app.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They hire incredibly intelligent and nice people who are easy to work with. Finding people who are this enjoyable to work with is really unusual. The owners are knowledgeable, and they enjoy what they do, which extends to everyone else in the company.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have no suggestions regarding improvement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the former CTO of Batterii LLC, a creative research design tool. We had a desktop web-based application and native mobile clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Atomic Robot?

Atomic Robot handled the porting exercise of a full-featured iOS app. We had a native iOS app and a native Android app that was a legacy product, so we needed to port the newer iOS native to a brand-new version of the native Android app. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They did the porting exercise from scratch, assigning a full-time developer who worked directly with me to understand the iOS version as well as its technical designs. He was pretty much an end-to-end developer. He dove into the functionality and compared how we had built it using existing APIs on the other iOS app and went from there. Because he was a senior developer, he could understand both our business needs and the technology.

Atomic Robot took a lot off my shoulders. I pointed the developer to the application. When he had questions, he could ask me, but he was able to work pretty independently. He synched with the team as far as being available on Slack and phone and followed the source-control guidelines that we established. He blended right in with our in-house team and ran the project all by himself.

Were there any feature or functionalities that you asked for?

The app functions as a design research tool. It can capture video and photo footage as well as web clippings. It had to interface with our existing backend infrastructure, which was a RESTful API, along with some file-upload APIs that we had for the content.

How did you come to work with Atomic Robot?

Someone recommended them to me. They were known in our area, and a lot of their staff members had a reputation for being lead Android developers.

How much have you invested with Atomic Robot?

We spent between $100,000 and $120,000 over the course of our relationship.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in March 2015, and the relationship ended in October 2015 when we hired someone in-house full-time. They did a good job of transitioning because they knew that was our plan all along. They set up the app, and we hired someone to maintain it. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or impact of the engagement?

About 6 months after we started working together, we had our first release for the Android app. The timeline was pretty much exactly what Atomic Robot had proposed before they assigned the engineer. That is pretty hard to do for custom-built stuff.

They are a group of pretty seasoned workers. They were easy to work with and experienced in development with other teams. If we ran into issues, we could lean on their mobile expertise. They would bounce ideas around internally to solve problems. Even though we were assigned a specific developer, he leveraged the internal expertise of the other team members, who acted as in-house experts for the platform.

How did Atomic Robot perform from a project management standpoint?

I didn’t require them to do a lot of project management. They would do some check-ins, but, for the most part, I was able to give our developer input, and he hit all of his milestones. I had to put forth very little effort as far as project management. They managed themselves, basically.

What did you find most impressive about Atomic Robot?

All their staff members seemed to be seasoned professionals. When you hire a firm to do something, you often are assigned junior people who require more effort to manage. I appreciated having a resource who I could interact with directly and offer high-level leadership.

Are there any areas Atomic Robot could improve? 

They were a little more expensive than other firms we looked at. If I didn’t know for sure that they could excel and manage the workflow, I would’ve thought they were too pricey. Because they didn’t require much oversight, I think the work was worth a lot to me. We’re a small team and couldn’t afford to handhold anybody. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the VP of Sporty’s Pilot Shop, the world’s largest aviation pilot supply company. We are a developer of aviation training materials and we provide online courseware and videos for anyone to learn the ground school portion of becoming a private pilot for recreational and professional use. One of our core products is our “Learn to Fly” course, which has been around since the 1960s. Over the years, we’ve evolved that program from VHS to DVD and to online courseware; today, it stands as an iPad and iPhone app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Atomic Robot?

We needed to develop our training course as a standalone app. We had sold an electronic handheld version of the flight computer and we saw the iPhone as a good opportunity to bring that technology and its controls to an iOS version. We had all the formulas and the intellectual property, but we relied on Atomic Robot to guide us and take care of the rest.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Atomic Robot did everything from wireframing, sketching, and getting ideas together, all the way through execution and delivery to the app store. It allowed us to focus more on developing aviation training products.

We give them an open ended scope of what we’re looking for and they’ll fill in all the details along the way. The “Learn to Fly” course is strictly for iPhone and iPad. We’ve done some Android work with them, which has turned out really well too, however, 90% of the work we do with them is for iOS. They also did an app for us called Takeoff, which is a daily aviation news and video feed that we publish using our own content.

Everything we do is native and designed from the ground up. We’ve probably done 4 or 5 more brand new apps with them since the first couple of projects. They’re currently doing a complete rewrite of the primary training course, scrapping the old code and starting from scratch. It’s to be released in October.

How did you come to work with Atomic Robot?

We contacted Alex [Co-founder, Atomic Robot] who was a referral from one of my flight students. Before working with them, we worked with another company that failed at getting the product out. Alex and his group took that stalled-out project and made it a reality when we thought we were stuck on a dead page. Their head developer comes from a Fortune 500 company with a background in software; they have a lot of credibility and have gained a lot of respect within the industry. Even though the technology was new with iPhone and iPads at the time, they had a great software background and were trustworthy.

How much have you invested with Atomic Robot?

We’ve spent around $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in 2008 and have been working together since.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

Everything has exceeded our expectations. It’s all been positive.

How did Atomic Robot perform from a project management standpoint?

At any given time, there are probably 5–6 people that could be working on any one of our projects. If we have deadlines, they’ll scale up to meet that requirement. We do online communication through Slack and we use Agile project tracking online. They’re always available on the phone and are also always up for scheduling in person meetings, which is a big help. We’ve done video calls as well.

What did you find most impressive about Atomic Robot?

The variety of work they’ve done is impressive. The different apps they’ve worked on shows that they can take and build off the work of other programs, applications, and software to bring everything together.

They are also probably one of the largest community involved app developers in Cincinnati. They host a lot of the get-togethers in the evenings for other developers and really stay in touch with other communities, groups, and other programmers. I think this helps build their knowledge database — they stay on the cutting edge and also attend app development classes.

We’ve worked with others that still rely on old technologies and old systems. Atomic Robot stays in tune with the latest iOS developments. We can give them what we want to solve with big-picture ideas, and they find the best solution with ideas we haven’t thought of and the latest app technologies.

Is there anything Atomic Robot could have improved or done differently?

At the early stages, they had to work on maintaining a schedule in terms of getting things completed on time, but that’s long been resolved since they’ve grown bigger and have a lot more developers now. The growing pains at the beginning have been flushed out with them maturing as a company and getting more business to meet more customer demands.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CTO of a payment gateway company that services one of the largest brands in the world.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Atomic Robot?

We needed them to assist with the integration of a payment backend.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to lower costs by switching to a new backend service.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I’ve known the founders of Atomic Robot for 20 years. They’re people that I trust to deliver and they do what they say they’ll do.

Describe the project in detail.

They helped with the integration of a payment backend. Specifically, we wanted a simulator built that would mimic the payment processor so that we could test our system and ensure that it’s running properly.

What was the team composition?

Two Atomic Robot resources were onsite.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were able to test our system in a matter of minutes by utilizing the simulator they built. This helped us gain efficiency by not requiring the third-party involvement as we built out our features.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was seamless. Their resources came onsite and fully integrated into our team.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I found their professionalism and willingness to learn very impressive. Their team approached our environment in a humble way and made suggestions for improvement while being flexible on the outcomes.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I will do nothing different in the future when engaging with Atomic Robot.