Binary Evolution

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a technology company; our mission is to change fashion through social media, voting, and other various factors. We aim to enable consumers to interact with designers and have a hand in what they’re building and how much they’re building to maximize efficiency and involve consumers in the process.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Binary Evolution?

We engaged Binary Evolution to help us design and build a fashion voting platform in the form of a mobile application and website. We wanted to grow our company and change perspectives about the fashion industry without having to invest millions of dollars. Furthermore, we wanted to appeal to our target market by creating a platform that felt familiar.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We began the project by meeting with Binary Evolution’s design and development teams. During our initial meeting, we set the rules of engagement and had extensive discussions regarding the project budget. Then, we supplied them with a 35-page requirements document we’d created with another design partner. The document outlined the buckets and features we wanted to include in the mobile application and website. We also supplied requirements for the look and feel of the wireframes.

After reviewing the document, Binary Evolution revamped the requirements to fit their platform and make the applications easier to deploy and maintain. Then, we used Python to build upon their platform and heavily customized two other tools to start the project. We worked together to develop the remainder of the platform from scratch and used open-source products for deployment.

We wanted the platform to operate seamlessly across the web and mobile versions. Additionally, we wanted our target audience to feel familiar with our platform, so we took design inspiration from other social media tools. Binary Evolution helped us create a platform that had a unique look but felt similar to TikTok and Instagram. However, when we realized we’d ventured too far into streetwear, we asked them to make some minor changes.

Ultimately, Binary Evolution delivered the final MVP, where users can access multiple viewpoints of each product and vote on them before designers build them. We also collaborated with the team to create a 3D modeling platform for display purposes and a social media platform where users can post their information and comment on products. We’ve since continued working together on minor adjustments here and there.  

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with Chuck (President), John-Michael (Project Manager & UI/UX Designer), three designers, and three developers from Binary Evolution. 

How did you come to work with Binary Evolution?

We initially considered working with multiple independent designers and developers, but we decided we didn’t want to piecemeal the project. We searched for development partners on Google and a few other platforms. We wanted to find a service provider that was based in the US to avoid working late hours and be able to have detailed conversations if things went wrong. 

We went through a 3–4 month process and narrowed down our list from 25 to eight, which included Binary Evolution. Then, we assessed each company in more detail and scheduled a meeting with them. Chuck and John-Michael were honest, professional, and direct and didn’t push us to commit to a partnership. They understood our vision and showed us several projects that proved they were capable of helping us, so we moved forward. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested about $200,000 in the partnership with Binary Evolution.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Binary Evolution in May 2021, and they delivered the MVP in February 2022. However, the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We carried out various marketing studies after the fact and realized we missed the mark in some areas due to changes in the market. When we started the project, Instagram was the most popular platform, so we based our product around that. However, throughout development, TikTok took off, and Instagram became passé. We made the majority of design mistakes on our end, but Binary Evolution helped alter our color schemes to make them edgier and gear our brand toward our customers.

All in all, when they made the design adjustments and delivered the final platform, we received positive feedback from our marketing studies. We learned that we had gotten a lot right and our product aligned with what customers were looking for. 

How did Binary Evolution perform from a project management standpoint?

Binary Evolution delivered the project on budget, based on our growing requirements. Initially, we agreed on a lower budget, but as with any development project, there was slush, and we had to expand the scope. The team was very responsive and communicative. We used GitHub to manage tasks and communicated via Microsoft Teams, Zoom, phone, and text. 

As far as deadlines, just like every other development project, we faced delays. Honestly, I’ve never worked with a development partner who has delivered on time before, so this wasn’t out of the ordinary. Although we added a couple extra months, they were worth it because we sharpened the saw and learned a lot. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The Binary Evolution team was knowledgeable, reliable, and nimble. I was impressed by their willingness to make adjustments in a timely manner. Whenever we received constructive feedback from friends, family, or marketing surveys that showed we missed the mark, they were receptive. Rather than just completing the project, they took the time to implement our feedback and create the best possible platform. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Although it was a group effort, I think we tried to boil the ocean more than we realized with our extensive project scope. It would have been nice if Binary Evolution guided us to start smaller, but they did what we asked, which was fine. Regardless, they were phenomenal to work with, and we probably needed more guidance than they could offer.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I advise others to carry out extensive market research throughout the entirety of the development process. We did our market research upfront and assumed it would still be valid when we launched 20 months later, which wasn’t the case. If you want your new product to succeed, you have to go through a robust validation process throughout; don’t let your market research become a stumbling block, as we did. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a senior program manager at a California natural gas and electric company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Binary Evolution?

We needed a partner to simplify the building energy code compliance process.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Binary Evolution first took time to understand our problem and what we wanted to accomplish. The codes and standards in California are complex, so they helped make an electronic infrastructure that would simplify the implementation of the energy code. The website offers a step-by-step system that users follow in order to be code compliant. It provides electronic access to various resources that businesses need, such as spreadsheets, online training registration, and compliance forms.

The site has numerous functionalities and helps users understand if they’re compliant or not and how to become compliant. Everyone in the building and appliance efficiency industries in California uses it, and Binary Evolution provides ongoing dev and support.

What is the team composition?

We mainly work with their owner but also interact with the developers.

How did you come to work with Binary Evolution?

One of our team members had worked with them before.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $1 million–$5 million.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since April 2013.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We work with a broad swatch of market actors, and they’re constantly thanking us for providing a website that makes code compliance incredibly easy. It’s something they’ve said they’ve needed for years. Binary Evolution made the site easy and even fun to use, and it also allows us to promote our classes and facilitate registration. More people are coming to the classes, downloading resources, and using our tools.

They typically resolve issues quickly, taking no longer than 24 hours. Once it’s fixed, they send us a whole report outlining what happened and how they fixed it.

How did Binary Evolution perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re flexible and consistently meet our goals and priorities. We have regular phone calls to touch base, and they send emails to provide updates. We have continuous communication, and I look at their invoices and reports. They’re responsive and are a great team.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We have incredibly difficult subject matter, but Binary Evolution was willing to work hard and figure out the project. They consistently come up with new ideas on how to improve our user experience and make the website faster and more intuitive. We’ve added new content to the site, and they streamlined everything.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Meet with them in person and get to know their team. Be clear about what you want to accomplish and make sure there’s one person on your team that’s providing them with direction.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the platform developer and design director for Good Works Health. Through our service, health care professionals are encouraged to review content and answer brief surveys provided by our sponsors. After completing a survey, our sponsors donate money, and the healthcare professionals choose what charities receive the funds.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Binary Evolution?

We were in the process of monetizing our platform, and we wanted to develop a more flexible and adaptable site for our users.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Binary Evolution built our core system. They developed a series of interchangeable and adjustable parts and put them together to create a flexible and powerful platform. Their strategies allow for future adaptations to accommodate multiple aspects of our business.

Their team led us through the conception phase, suggesting advice regarding design elements and integration strategies. We collaborated to define the features we wanted to include in our platform, and how to best implement them. Basically, we told them what we wanted, and they figured out how to do it. After helping us identify our user base, they created an identification system using database calls that depended on the user’s method of accessing our site.

Once all the plans were in place, Binary Evolution built the system using primarily SQL, PHP, and Java technologies. Because we operate in the pharmaceutical industry, we had to account for a lot of legal requirements and regulations. Binary Evolution handled this with skill.

We’ve finished the platform’s basic elements, and we’re now expanding in terms of features and functionalities. Currently, users can choose to send donations after they complete a series of tasks. We’re looking into expanding our system to include other markets.

What is the team composition?

We work with about five people from Binary Evolution, including a project manager.

How did you come to work with Binary Evolution?

In the past, I was using a message board to solve my technical problems. I noticed that one individual consistently provided the best answers. At some point, I ran into an issue that fell beyond the capabilities of my internal team. I directly contacted the individual from the message board, who turned out to be Chuck (President, Binary Evolution). He was incredibly helpful and willing to talk me through the problem. He offered a great solution that was within my budget.

That was 17 years ago. I always look to Binary Evolution for technical assistance, so they were an easy choice for this project. I’ve grown to trust their team with everything.

How much have you invested with them?

In total, this project will cost us $150,000, but we’ve only paid around half of that at this point in the engagement.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in June 2016, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

So far, we’ve recorded a 95% satisfaction rating from our clients for the platform’s structure and performance. It’s flexible and easy to use. Based on that reaction, I can’t say enough good things about Binary Evolution’s work.

How did Binary Evolution perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re great. The entire team stays on top of the project with a responsive and time-oriented work ethic. They address any issues immediately. It’s clear that they view our project as if it’s one of their own. They ask questions for clarification until they formulate a complete understanding of the project’s requirements. If they see gaps or areas for improvement, they’ll suggest alternative solutions and strategies. Their collective industry expertise is impressive.

We mainly communicate via texts, emails, and the occasional phone call. I text Chuck and email the rest of his team. We also use a project management software to track our progress.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They look at the project from our perspective, prioritizing both our short-term and long-term goals. We work together as one team, rather than a client-vendor partnership.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’ve never had an issue with them. They’re trying to grow, which would allow them to handle more clients. Their team is very busy right now, and they manage that workload well. If they offered more resources, it would benefit both their team and their clients.

Any advice for potential customers?

Clients shouldn’t expect to work with a team that simply agrees to do whatever’s asked from them The Binary Evolution team doesn’t just take orders. They want to scope our projects together and really think about goals and strategies. Communication is key to the relationship. They always work to benefit their clients. As long as they have all of the necessary information, the team will deliver a great product.