What was the scope of their involvement?
We've been working with them for quite a while and they ended up working on the web app as well. We've gone through the whole process with both, from the wireframing, to doing designs, to reviewing.
When I approached them, I had a pretty good idea of the functionalities and features we wanted, but it was a collaborative process to turn my little sketches into actual wireframes. The first wireframes were quite comprehensive and they helped us assess what the UX of the app would be. We needed to ensure that it made sense and that the users knew what was going on. Cieden provided a few versions and we tested clickable wireframes with some of our customers, eventually choosing one of those options.
The app has features for workouts and gamification. It was amazing to work with Cieden and receive so much of their input. For example, we gave them a rough idea of the gamification features we wanted to include but how those would look like exactly was not specified. We ended up going through an ideation process together, nailing down the exact features, screens, and so on.
What is the team composition?
We were working with one of their team members who had two designers under her. She acted as our project lead and lead UX designer. We worked directly with her and she provided most of the ideas.
How did you come to work with Cieden?
I found them on an online platform for freelancers, where I interviewed quite a few people. We were raising money at the time, so we were on a short time frame, and I was looking for someone able to step in, take ownership, and develop those wireframes with me. The person I met from Cieden stood out so I was confident that they would be able to finish it on time. She was on top of things, energetic, and she contributed ideas even at the interview stage.
We had a one-week trial period and I was impressed with the amount of communication offered, how available she was, and how many ideas she was providing. It was definitely not the typical freelance experience, where there are sometimes communication troubles, or where the provider is unable to contribute their own ideas. I was very impressed, so much so that we’ve ended up working with them for the last eighteen months.
How much have you invested with them?
We pay around $35–$40 per hour for their services, which is reasonable, given what they provide. It adds up to around $10,000–$25,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in December 2016.
Throughout the project, Cieden has demonstrated a strong instinct for functional designs, often hitting the mark on the first iteration. Customers have responded favorably to the designs, and the visuals are simpler while still being attractive and clean.