Mobile app strategy, design, and development
CitrusBits is a mobile app development agency that designs and develops impactful mobile apps and responsive mobile content for businesses of all types.
Having developed critical mobile apps for clients including Burger King, Quiksilver, Symantec, and Sotheby’s, CitrusBits is trusted by movers and shakers across all major industries. Yet, we’ve also enjoyed helping small and midsize businesses and select startups turn their mobile aspirations into juicy ROI.
We’re passionate about leveraging mobile technology – including iOS, Android, augmented reality, blockchain, and The Internet of Things (IoT) – to help businesses disrupt entire industries and reach their loftiest goals.
CitrusBits has helped hundreds of businesses build game-changing mobile apps for more than ten years. Please get in touch if you’d like to talk about your next project.
headquarters
other locations
Focus
Portfolio
Burger King, Quiksilver, J&J, DuPont, National Geographic, Harman Kardon, Symantec, Sotheby's, FullyRaw, to name a few. We're also extremely proud of the startups we've worked with, which include FullyRaw, IrisVision, and The Winning Seat.
We Developed Quiksilver B2B Enterprise Mobile App
THE CHALLENGE
Quiksilver came to us for a way to process orders and manage inventory for their 100000+ SKUs, organized by category and season, that performed perfectly across their 940 stores all over the world. The app needed to integrate with their POS and SAP and have a beautiful and intuitive UI that their sales team could learn to use quickly and efficiently, plus provide reliable shopping cart functionality.
THE PROCESS
CitrusBits created a blazingly efficient iPad app which connects seamlessly with Quicksilver’s existing technology for order processing. The platform isn’t just amazingly quick – it’s also incredibly powerful. Inventory can be managed in bulk, with effortless multitasking. We know that... [Continue Reading]
Interactive AR App Dev for Innovation Technology
Challenge
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is one of the world’s largest chemical companies and a leading provider of materials behind products as diverse as telecommunications products, Kevlar, and drones.
DuPont was preparing to open an Innovation Center in Silicon Valley (CA) that would be home to several high-tech engineering labs. It would host customers, partners, and collaborating scientists, providing a convenient way to foster collaboration on cutting-edge applications for DuPont materials.
DuPont asked CitrusBits to build an AR experience to allow guests to explore the labs while mitigating confidentiality concerns. Importantly, the AR experience needed to generate a ‘wow factor’ that epitomized the myriad of innovative capabilities within the labs.
Process
The 3D artists at CitrusBits created a 3D model of the facility’s floorplan provided by the DuPont team and went onsite to capture 3D images of the intricate lab equipment using a 3D lidar scanner.
Once CAD models were built, our artists then layered on the additional details: colors, textures, and animations.
Meanwhile, our AR engineers worked on the computer vision models that would allow this AR experience to trigger from a 2D image/ floorplan. The AR content had to trigger reliably, snap accurately onto the anchor image, and respond realistically as viewers moved around the viewing space.
Once the 3D models and animations were completed, our engineering team integrated them into the viewer application and optimized all aspects of the AR experience.
The final AR experience we built for DuPont allows users to virtually tour DuPont’s Innovation Center and interact with each lab’s equipment and capabilities.
Results
DuPont was thrilled to deploy an immersive way for customers and partners to interact with its cutting-edge equipment. The DuPont AR experience has been lauded by internal stakeholders and end-users alike, and DuPont is now exploring additional ways to use AR to showcase its industry-leading capabilities.
UCLA
THE CHALLENGE
Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) is the student-controlled, non-profit organization that has provided retail and student union services to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) since UCLA’s establishment in 1919.
With more than 50 ASUCLA-run eateries, shops, and other facilities on a campus used by more than 40,000 students, it can be hard to understand all the available options. To address this, ASUCLA wanted to build a mobile app to help students discover and explore the full range of retail, dining, and study options on campus.
With just two months before incoming freshmen were to to spill onto campus for orientation, ASUCLA considered 10 vendors and decided to partner with CitrusBits, the only vendor they could trust to deliver on schedule. [Continue reading]
We Developed the Harman Embedded Audio App
THE CHALLENGE
Harman is a Samsung company that owns and operates some of the world’s most legendary audio brands, including Harman Kardon, JBL, Infinity, and Lexicon.
Harman hired CitrusBits to build an Android-based demo app for the Harman Embedded Audio Team’s new audio-enhancing software, AudioEFX. The demo app needed to showcase the substantial audio enhancements AudioEFX provide relative to normal audio. The Harman team had considered numerous other app development agencies across the US for this project, but they ultimately felt the most confident in CitrusBits’ ability to deliver a bug-free app on time, with the powerful user experience necessary to make a sales impact. [Continue Reading]
IrisVision VR App for Low vision
THE CHALLENGE
IrisVision brings the miracle of sight back to the low-vision community. By using live video feed and magnification options combined with the tech advancements offered in virtual reality, people who have suffered from vision loss get a chance to see the faces of their loved ones, and function independently again. The challenge? Package this life-changing adaptive tech into a mobile that performs perfectly on low-cost phone hardware, without draining the battery.
THE PROCESS
The IrisVision app was developed for the Samsung GearVR and ... [Continue Reading]
Zoetis Augmented Reality (AR) | Healthcare
Challenge
The global leader in animal health and medicine, Zoetis has been included in the S&P 500 index since 2013.
Several of Zoetis’ animal health diagnosis products are too bulky for sales reps to bring to customers’ offices and trade shows for sales demos. As many customers are not willing to purchase such significant machinery sight-unseen, Zoetis partnered with CitrusBits to create 3 augmented reality experiences that would allow potential clients to virtually demo each product.
Zoetis needed the experiences to be (1) incredible with hyper-realistic, 3D models you could inspect from different angles, (2) be scientifically accurate in their depiction of common lab procedures.
Process
We understood that hyper-realistic 3D models were absolutely critical to the project’s success, so we set out to capture every possible detail from the physical samples using 3D cameras and precision measuring tools for maximal accuracy.
Once the initial CAD models were built, we implemented custom shaders to ensure the products’ distinctive textures and a high degree of polish would come through.
VIVID 2D & 3D ANIMATIONS
Along with the 3D depictions of these machines, we added intricate 2D and 3D animations to show exactly how each product functions by collaborating closely with 3 different Zoetis product teams to ensure every animation was perfect.
HYBRID METHOD FOR ACTIVATION
No client’s office or animal care facility has the same exact layout, so Zoetis reps needed the flexibility to perform the AR-based demo in any setting.
Our team designed the app to allow users to activate the AR experiences using either plane recognition or image-based markers to activate the experience at a true scale.
Results
CitrusBits completed all three AR experiences ahead of Zoetis’ largest trade show of the year. Zoetis has now rolled this cutting-edge sales tactic out to hundreds of sales reps throughout the country with every expectation that it will continue to elevate their sales success.
FullyRaw by Kristina | We Develop Food Recipe App
THE CHALLENGE
Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram (‘FullyRaw Kristina’) is the most popular influencer in the raw vegan community, with millions of enthusiastic followers on social media. A vegan member of the CitrusBits team who was already a Kristina follower was fortunate enough to have a chance conversation with Kristina at a local vegan event. One discussion led to another, and CitrusBits was soon hired to bring Kristina’s innovative content and the FullyRaw lifestyle to iOS mobile devices. As the subject matter expert, Kristina would focus on providing the exceptional content for the app, while CitrusBits would create the perfect mobile experience to engage, delight and grow Kristina’s follower base. [Continue Reading]
We Developed the Leef Access-C Android App
THE CHALLENGE
Leef is a California-based inventor and manufacturer of beautifully-designed mobile flash drives that extend the boundaries of mobile storage. Each Leef mobile flash drive has an accompanying Leef mobile app that allows users to transfer, view, edit, and share files from devices like GoPro wearable cameras and drones – directly from a smartphone.
Leef was just months away from the global launch of its new USB-C-based product when they tapped CitrusBits to build an Android version of their mobile app. The Leef team’s familiarity with CitrusBits’ body of work gave them confidence that CitrusBits would excel under the “crunch” of a fast-approaching launch date while delivering on their brand’s promise of seamless Android support and an effortless... [Continue Reading]
Rawvana
THE CHALLENGE
Yovana Mendoza’s bubbly laughter and charming personality have skyrocketed her to over 900k followers on Instagram in just a few years. With so many fans hungry for more of her masterful raw food creations, she came to us to update her app for iOS and Android so that it can continue to serve as the perfect recipe book for all things Rawvana. Since creating meals using only raw foods is far from mainstream, the updated product had to both inspire new users to give raw foods a try, and continue to quench her existing fanbase’s substantial appetite for all their favorite raw recipes.
THE PROCESS
As the Rawvana brand continues to grow, the app must grow with it. For version 4.0 we have... [Continue Reading]
ChemoWave HIPAA Compliant Mobile App
THE CHALLENGE
The chemoWave app has the important task of receiving data input from chemotherapy patients, and organizing, analyzing, and displaying that information. This was achieved with beauty and clarity, giving the patient empowering insights into their health and well-being. This unique service was held to high standards, making it Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant, to protect patients’ sensitive data.
THE PROCESS
CitrusBits collaborated with the founders of chemoWave – cancer survivors themselves – to create a virtual advocate that helps patients take control of their chemotherapy journey. chemoWave organizes data such as planned meals, exercise, treatment schedules, and more. The data is then transposed into simple yet... [Continue Reading]
JobFlare
THE CHALLENGE
Criteria Corp is a leading provider of pre-employment tests. Founded in 2006, it has quickly developed into one of the fastest growing companies in the talent management sector. They provide their 2000+ customers with skills, personalities, and aptitudes tests for over 1,100 job profiles. Criteria wanted to create a way to help connect talented job seekers with opportunities. We helped Criteria build JobFlare to engage with job seekers using cognitive games and connect those job seekers to opportunities.
THE PROCESS
JobFlare is a ground-breaking iOS mobile app that allows job searchers to play short 90-second games which measure attributes including general mental fitness, verbal and math skills. We don’t think a job evaluation should be another job, so... [Continue Reading]
We Built the Burger King Food Delivery Mobile App
THE CHALLENGE
Burger King came to CitrusBits to rebuild and expand their empire. Reviews were showing that users were not satisfied with the previous iteration of their app, which lacked the multilingual and international capabilities a true ruler should have. Maintaining stellar performance when handling a large number of users is always a challenge, and in this case our quest was even more epic because we had to conquer 30+ countries (many of which suffer from unreliable mobile data reception) and deliver the app in as many languages.
THE PROCESS
We implemented sophisticated image handling, data synchronization, GPS, utilization of offline user... [Continue Reading]
Reviews
the project
Web & Mobile App Dev for Real Estate Company
“Whatever they do, they do it well.”
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 founder of Zichy Intelligent Solutions, a real estate company.
What challenge were you trying to address with CitrusBits?
I needed a company to help us build our apps and website.
What was the scope of their involvement?
CitrusBits developed our website and our iOS and Android apps, and they were in charge of the design work as well. I just explained what I wanted, and they did it all.
What is the team composition?
I have one main point of contact who coordinates everything with the rest of the team.
How did you come to work with CitrusBits?
I researched for good developers, and they came on top of the list.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent over $500,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in May 2019, and our engagement is ongoing, but we’re close to finishing up the project.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We haven’t launched our site and apps yet, but CitrusBits’ work is outstanding.
How did CitrusBits perform from a project management standpoint?
CitrusBits’ project management is excellent. They’ve delivered in a timely manner, and working with them has been very easy. They use Basecamp and several other platforms to communicate.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Whatever they do, they do it well, and their team works in a cohesive manner.
Are there any areas they could improve?
There’s nothing I can think of for them to improve.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
I definitely recommend hiring them. They have an excellent team; their project managers, programmers, and their CEO are very good.
the project
AR App Dev for Science & Technology Co
"The feedback from our team has been very positive. We are excited about the launch."
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 director of marketing and innovation for a science and technology company. I run our global marketing programs for a cosmetic ingredient division. We supply the world with sustainable ingredients and launch sustainable beauty and personal care brands.
What challenge were you trying to address with CitrusBits?
We’ve hosted several major events around the world. We've created opportunities for leaders in our industry to come together and learn more about sustainability. For one of our major events, we wanted an interactive exhibit where people could have an AR experience and learn about sustainable ingredients, and how to make a sustainable reality faster. We reached out to them for their AR development services.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We first worked with CitrusBits to develop some animations that we had put together. We designed an iPad experience that allowed people to walk up to a backlit tower and experience an animation. The previously mentioned events were canceled because of COVID-19, and we had to pivot to an iPhone and Android platform. We’ve worked with them to launch those two applications.
We gave them the project brief and a basic script of what the UX was going to be. The team has worked on building the AR platform using the ARKit.
They’ve helped us think about the potential of certain animations and how they can make that come to life. We are now working on a set of animations based on images, so the app can make the animation happen depending on the image your phone is looking at.
What is the team composition?
My main point of contact has been Doug (Product Manager), and he manages his team. I also worked with Harry (CEO) on some of the early scopes of work.
How did you come to work with CitrusBits?
I was looking for San Francisco Bay Area developers that had AR experience. I had worked with another team, but they weren’t able to put a project proposal together and had several delays. We ended up searching online and found CitrusBits, which had great reviews. We went through a brief interview process and decided to work with them.
What is the status of this engagement?
Our engagement started in January 2020, and it’s ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We haven’t launched the app yet, but it has performed as expected. Animations are functioning correctly, and the feedback from our team has been very positive. We are excited about the launch.
How did CitrusBits perform from a project management standpoint?
Overall, it’s been good. We have a weekly meeting to address any key issues. We communicate through email and use Basecamp as a project management tool.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They’ve been diligent about documenting updates, and they always make sure we have an ongoing file. It’s been nice to continually talk to them about documentation.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I understand the team has multiple projects and timelines, but I’d appreciate it if they could have more flexibility regarding getting feedback from our part. I think delays are to be expected when you have to get user feedback from an organization with several people reviewing the app.
It would also be helpful if they could be more proactive and offer creative solutions when issues come up.
Any advice for potential customers?
I’d advise having absolute clarity on what you want. Every detail is helpful to the team and the project’s execution.
the project
Interactive AR App Dev for Innovation Technology Center
"CitrusBits was willing to go the extra mile for us."
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 Silicon Valley Innovation Center leader at DuPont Technology Center. We’re a material science company.
What challenge were you trying to address with CitrusBits?
We hired them because we were looking to create an AR experience and overlay of the site. We wanted to have an interactive experience for guests to be able to see the entire site and get an idea of the different capabilities we have. We also wanted to be able to use it as a marketing tool.
What was the scope of their involvement?
CitrusBits built the experience from scratch. The team used Unity, as well as a bit of ARKit. We also had them create an iOS app for us. They relied on TestFlight for testing.
What is the team composition?
We worked with three people, including Harry (CEO), Doug (AR/VR Manager), and James (VP of Growth & Strategy).
How did you come to work with CitrusBits?
I’d known about them for awhile, from my previous organization. I was a fan of their work, so I reached out to them for this project.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent roughly $80,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We worked together from March 2019–September 2020. We’ll probably be revisiting them sometime next year for some updates.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The team is great. They were extraordinarily attentive and really kept us honest. We actually took a trip to CitrusBits’ office and found them to be very hospitable, friendly, and knowledgeable.
How did CitrusBits perform from a project management standpoint?
We set up most of our conversations through BaseCamp, but we also have typical phone calls and emails. They’re extraordinarily committed. CitrusBits is also excellent at meeting deadlines — as a matter of fact, they’re even early at times.
What did you find most impressive about them?
I’m impressed with their patience and their speed. CitrusBits was willing to go the extra mile for us. They worked with us when we had questions and put a lot of effort into the project. They were just great people to work with.
Are there any areas they could improve?
There’s nothing that sticks out.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Have an idea of what you want your final product to look like, so they can give you a better end product.
the project
Online Ordering Custom Dev for Restaurant
“The quality of their service is super high."
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 VP of accounting, finance and IT for Urban Plates, a restaurant.
What challenge were you trying to address with CitrusBits?
We hired CitrusBits to develop an app. We were looking to create a more elevated experience for people who want to order delivery, take out, or even order from a table. The online system we were using were clunky, so we wanted a seamless experience that was designed with our customers in mind.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We knew what we wanted the design and flow to be overall, but didn’t have the experience to bring it all together. CitrusBits put together all of the design documents, brought our vision to life, and then executed the technical aspects of the build.
They integrated that with a NovaDine backend which already supported online ordering, menu management, order processing, and credit card processing.
What is the team composition?
We worked with one project manager, one designer, and their development team, which was overseas.
How did you come to work with CitrusBits?
We did an RFP and they submitted a proposal. We selected them because we have a unique position in the market and they were able to build a custom solution for us from scratch.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent just under $400,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in February 2020 and our engagement is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The quality of their service is super high. We’ve finished phase A and the app was launched to the public. In the first week and a half, we had 2,000 app users. We’re now working through feature add-ons and enhancements. Overall, we’re really happy with their work.
How did CitrusBits perform from a project management standpoint?
We had weekly and bi-weekly conference calls and email conversations. We also used Basecamp to communicate over the design documents and Jira for support tickets.
Right after we started, COVID-19 hit, so everything has been remote and we communicate entirely electronically.
They managed the timeline really well. NovaDine is a fairly new online ordering product, so not many companies have worked with it before, including CitruBits. Every week we were on the phone with NovaDine to work through different issues. They had to give us access to different things and rework some of the data. All of the deadlines that CitrusBits 100% controlled, they were able to achieve. Still, they were flexible as we worked with third parties.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They really understood our experience because they were customers of ours. It really helped that they understood our company and were a true partner. As a result, we’re really excited to bring the app to life.
Are there any areas they could improve?
We didn’t face any challenges with CitrusBits.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
We spent a lot of time on the design phase and screen flows. I would recommend that new partners take the time to nail down as much as they can regarding the design. It will save you a ton of time on the backend.
the project
Mobile App Dev for Cash Advance Provider
"I was blown away by pretty much everything."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the Marketing and Sales Manager for my company. We deal solely with providing merchant cash advances to small businesses throughout the US.
For what projects/services did your company hire CitrusBits?
Our company wanted to launch a mobile app - one that could replace our outdated online portal, and give our customers an easy and accessible way to always check the status of their account. We needed something that was clean, easy to use, and informative.
What were your goals for this project?
We wanted the creation of a mobile app for iOS and Android. While we do have plans to release new features in phases, we had a set number of specifications and features that we wanted, such as being able to check balances, dates, and keep track of how the customer's advance was coming along.
Sending push notifications to specific people with customizable messages was a big part of what we were looking for as well.
How did you select this vendor?
I actually found CitrusBits through Clutch.co while searching for mobile app developers in my area. We really wanted a company that was close by and able to come to our office for a face to face meeting to start, with weekly check-ins (remotely) as the app development progressed.
CitrusBits was able to do that! Furthermore, upon looking at some of their other creations, I fell in love; everything was very well-made, and they were organized, communicative, and patient from the very beginning. It was a pretty easy pick.
Describe the project in detail.
Once we decided to work with CitrusBits, they were very quick to set up a meeting with us to discuss the scope of the project, as well as key features that we wanted for our app. We discussed color schemes and the main demographic of our customers, which allowed CB to develop and design an app that was tailored for our users.
CitrusBits provided detailed notes after every weekly meeting, did check-in calls to discuss our feedback on every part of the design and functionality of the app, and very frequently accommodated us for technical calls to straighten out any and all issues that arose.
Everything was clear, easy to understand, organized, and transparent; CitrusBits always remained in touch for everything, and that's allowed us to receive an app that's exactly what we were looking for.
What was the team composition?
We had the main point of contact and the project lead, Breann, who is an absolute pleasure to work with. Chandler spearheaded the designs (which turned out beautifully). As for the IT/technical side, we communicated mostly with Umair. All three people were extremely communicative and accommodating, and kept in touch with us through Basecamp and weekly calls.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
We're all extremely excited to launch our mobile app! Previously, we used a very outdated online portal that would sometimes break down, lag, or not be updated to show the most recent information. Some of our customers are older, so they didn't like having to go to a webpage, log in, and go through the entire process just to get some simple information.
The app makes all of that very easy and accessible with just one press of the finger on their home screen! We've always promised our customers hassle-free and quick service. The app created by CitrusBits delivers on that promise and more.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Everyone was exceptionally easy to work with. They were patient in explaining not only the process and the workflow, but also any and all errors that came up as well. As this was our very first mobile app, no one on our team had any experience for how to make things work, but the team over at CitrusBits held our hands and guided us through the steps one at a time.
CitrusBits' project lead was very organized, and it helped that she always took such detailed notes for every weekly meeting. It helped us organize what we needed to do and what was being done. The CitrusBits team as a whole was communicative as well, so any time we asked a question or provided anything requested, we received an answer no later than a day.
We had some stumbles and delays on our end due to the COVID-19 situation, but CitrusBits was patient and willing to work with us throughout the whole mess!
What did you find most impressive about this company?
I was blown away by pretty much everything. CitrusBits was knowledgeable and willing to pull thrice their own weight. When we needed advice, they had it ready immediately. Even before we expressed concerns about unfamiliarity with our industry type,
CitrusBits did their research and looked up our competitors, common designs and features in our industry, and more. Furthermore, CitrusBits really went above and beyond the expected! Accommodating, patient, and fast - CB had all of that and more to the point where I really can't pinpoint just one aspect that was impressive. Their professionalism and quality of work really speaks for themselves!
Are there any areas for improvement?
Honestly? I can't think of any. CitrusBits was fast in delivering what we wanted, and the end product is still blowing me away with how beautiful it is. It's exactly what we envisioned for the first phase of our mobile app!
the project
App Development for Biotech Company
"The project management, creative process and everything else was really well done."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the Chief Commercial Officer of a small biotech company based in Menlo Park. I'm responsible for our digital app development and engagement that surrounds our novel medical device.
For what projects/services did your company hire CitrusBits?
We were interested in pairing a mobile application to our novel medical device. We hired CitrusBits to help us develop, test and launch a mobile application best fit for patient use.
What were your goals for this project?
Our goals were to develop a sleek, smooth and user friendly mobile application for use with our device. The project was tricky as it involved not only the app development but also linking the hardware in a seamless way.
How did you select this vendor?
CitrusBits was highly recommended to us by a similar company in our space who had done mobile development with this team before. Additionally, we screened multiple companies for the project, but the team at CitrusBits was clearly knowledgeable and engaging throughout the whole process, and continued to be so during and even after the work was completed.
Describe the project in detail.
The scope of the project was to complete a mobile application for our patients and link it seamlessly to our novel medical device. We worked hand in hand with CitrusBits to develop a look and feel that we felt would be attractive, and easy to use for our patient population. The project involved weekly (or more often) meetings to get all of the details finely tuned. We were under a tight timeline to deliver and CitrusBits did everything they could to ensure we hit our goals (which we did!).
What was the team composition?
Our team involved myself and an engineer who worked closely with CitrusBits to integrate the hardware. The CitrusBits team involved a project manager (very responsive, on top of all details), a designer (very creative and receptive to feedback) and a development team (ex-US who were very good at collaborating with us when we hit bumps in the road). The team flexed in and out as necessary but transitions were never difficult.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Our project with CitrusBits has "wow'd" many of the key stakeholders that we have engaged in. The professionalism and thoughtfulness of the application has significantly added value to our company and we're extremely grateful to the work that the CitrusBits team has done.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
The project management aspect of the project was fantastic. We were very happy with the engagement, organization and overall professionalism of how the project flowed. Timelines, deadlines and expectations were extremely clear on both sides of the aisle.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
The final product was the most impressive thing about the work we did with CitrusBits. The project management, creative process and everything else was really well done. It all came together to give us a product that we're excited about and has more than exceeded expectations.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Although timelines weren't impacted, the transition of hardware overseas to the ex-US team took longer than expected and it felt like that process could have been expedited or done in a more seamless way. That being said - all was delivered on time. Also, we had a digital kickoff and it would have been nice to meet in person at least to begin the project.
the project
iOS App for Fantasy Football Service Company
"Their team is some of the smartest people I’ve worked with."
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 founder and CEO of Champions Round, a fantasy sports game that breaks up seasons into smaller chunks—called micro-seasons—and allow users to draft multiple times.
What challenge were you trying to address with CitrusBits?
We needed help with building our platform as a robust, smooth mobile app for iOS devices. This was challenging because the world of fantasy sports requires accessing a lot of statistics, making it difficult to navigate on mobile.
What was the scope of their involvement?
CitrusBits designed and built our iOS app from scratch. The team also created our portal and proprietary app. They provided every service from mapping out the interface to in-house development to QA and testing.
We started by laying out the project timeline, which required a quick turnaround before the NFL season started. Their design team worked with us to build the UI/UX and layout. They had very little knowledge of fantasy sports and had to teach themselves the topic. The team delivered high-fidelity wireframes that met our requirements. After that, the development team took over.
What is the team composition?
I directly worked with three members of CitrusBits’ design team, a project manager, and a head developer. On Jira and other project management tools, I communicated with up to 10 people.
How did you come to work with CitrusBits?
When we were considering this project, we weren’t sure if we should hire someone in-house, bring in a contractor, or go with a hybrid approach. However, given our timeline, we decided to go with an external development shop for our first version.
After vetting several firms, we were deciding between two companies: CitrusBits and a firm based in New York. CitrusBits was honest from the get-go about the project’s likely costs and timeline as well as their capabilities. When we compared their samples of work, CitrusBits had excellent quality compared to the other firm. Despite their higher quote, we decided to go with CitrusBits.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent about $370,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
CitrusBits’ role lasted from February until July 2019.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We’re now testing an alpha version with select users outside of our teams. We’re still working with CitrusBits to get everything ready, but the first version of the app is done. Once the sports season starts, we’ll have a lot more user metrics.
The app has received a lot of compliments praising its appearance and responsiveness. It runs smoothly and looks professional. I’ve only heard negative feedback about our sign-in process, but that’s not on CitrusBits.
How did CitrusBits perform from a project management standpoint?
CitrusBits was always available for check-ins, whether over the phone or in their offices. Every team member was on top of the project and was diligent in learning about our industry. It got to the point where they were correcting me about statistics!
The project manager was especially good. They were always honest about what they could or could not accomplish within our budget and timeline, and they stuck to those limits. We were clear on expectations, such as what constitutes a feature request. We also received advance notice on any challenges that the team was facing.
We used Jira and email to keep in touch. CitrusBits’ communication was flawless. Their team stayed up from 1 a.m. until 10 a.m. in their time zone to answer our emails as we were getting ready for alpha testing. We didn’t expect that from them, but we appreciated it enormously.
What did you find most impressive about them?
CitrusBits’ ability to solve UI/UX problems is what sets them apart. Unlike other companies I’ve worked with, they’re willing to think outside the box and create something brand-new. Their team is some of the smartest people I’ve worked with. I want to visit them in Pakistan to personally thank them. I can’t speak highly enough about CitrusBits.
Are there any areas they could improve?
We initially talked about the project with one of CitrusBits’ reps. The rep was highly knowledgeable of fantasy sports and promised to get more involved as the project went along. That promise went unfulfilled, and we had to take the reins and make sure that our design and development team understood the nuances of our project.
Also, sometimes when we needed to ask for changes on a piece of work that we thought was obvious, CitrusBits would consider it a feature request. That became a point of friction, and we had to pull in the business rep again to honor the first promise. This was the only issue we had, however.
Any advice for potential customers?
When it comes to Citrus Bits in general, I'd say you're in good hands. However, make sure you understand what user stories you'd want to implement before working with any development team. Otherwise, you can go into a discovery phase and establish a scope only to realize that there are a few things that you completely overlooked.
the project
Mobile App Dev for Health Program
"They thoroughly and genuinely care about their clients..."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I’m the CEO of the Produce Section Challenge, a nationally recognized health and wellness program. I oversee content and marketing, which reaches over 250,000 people a week. I have built the brand into a successful and profitable company that’s been featured multiple times on national television. I am overseeing the launch of the highly anticipated Produce Section Challenge app that will further establish the brand and make it a household name.
For what projects/services did your company hire CitrusBits?
I hired CitrusBits to design, develop, and implement a mobile application for my company on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. They turned the Produce Section Challenge into a fully functioning application and will continue to build it out as we grow together in the future.
What were your goals for this project?
I wanted to be able to do everything I am doing currently, but in a more concise and accessible way. I knew a mobile application would give me more reach and make it easier to monetize my content and interact with my subscribers. I needed it to be simple enough that everyone could use it, but complex enough that it got the job done and added value to people's everyday lives.
How did you select this vendor?
I originally found CitrusBits by connecting with a freelancing platform that referred me to a site that listed the best mobile application agencies. I saw CitrusBits was the highest rated and had the best reviews so I contacted them. They were actually the first app company I spoke with. I reached out to a few others, but none of them were as good of a fit or could make my idea come to life as well as CitrusBits could. I also noticed that CitrusBits had worked with other companies in my field and were able to get positive results.
Describe the project in detail.
The project is a mobile application that involved creating recipes, grocery lists, meal plans, videos, and a community all in one place. The project involved creating a frontend for the users and a backend for administrators to create and edit the content on the live application. There are recipes with videos that work alongside dynamic grocery lists and meal plans. The plans, videos, recipes and grocery list all worked in unison so that the user can easily plan, shop and cook their meals at home to enjoy a healthier and happier life. It’s a subscription model where users pay a monthly subscription fee to access content that’s updated daily.
What was the team composition?
The team was made up of developers and project managers. We communicated through Basecamp, Webex, Google, and Testflight. We had regular meetings with all the team members to make sure we were all on the same page. They accomplished each task in an orderly manner until delivering the end result: An amazing mobile application that exceeded all of our expectations.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The application was completed within the time frame we set when we started. The application is fully functioning and includes all of the features we requested. The feedback from everyone involved and from outside people has been extremely positive. We are launching on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and have come very far in just a short period of time.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
The communication and workflow between our company and CitrusBits was seamless and efficient. We worked hard, set goals, and accomplished tasks. It took the effort of everyone on both teams to make this happen, and we couldn’t be more thankful to have CitrusBits’ amazing team members on our side.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
It’s their professionalism, organization, punctuality, and work ethic. They’re always the hardest working people in the room. They will not settle for anything less than perfection. They thoroughly and genuinely care about their clients and create mutually beneficial relationships. When you hire CitrusBits, you know you have a team that's looking out for you and will get the job done.
Are there any areas for improvement?
There was nothing that stood out to me that CitrusBits could do better. They are very well versed in the latest technology and are always trying to better themselves.
the project
App Dev for Food & Health Startup
"They really put their heart and soul into their work."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I’m the Co-CEO of GrubWell, a startup that suggests local restaurants where consumers can find healthy food options.
For what projects/services did your company hire CitrusBits?
We needed to create a consumer-facing mobile app that suggests local healthy dining options.
What were your goals for this project?
The application will both facilitate the customer’s search for healthy food and increase revenue for our partners through the generation of foot traffic. We want an application that can scale to a nation-wide audience.
How did you select this vendor?
We researched online to find developers because we don't have any in-house specialists to create an app. After narrowing it down to two vendors, we interviewed both teams in person. We even met with the CEO of CitrusBits to determine if the company was a good fit. While CitrusBits had a higher price than the other vendor, we ultimately chose their team because of their experience in app creation for the food and health market.
Describe the project in detail.
The team held discovery meetings to determine our business goals. They kept our market in mind as they researched the app universe. They collaborated with internal stakeholders to outline the MVP and plan the framework of the platform.
After determining the app logic, they started outlining the UI of the app. The team suggested possible logos and color boards, and we chose the designs that resonated with us. We all agreed on the final decision together.
The backend of the platform has been created, and they are currently working on the frontend. Besides app development, they have also helped us build a landing page for our website.
What was the team composition?
A project manager and backend engineers are working on the project.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
While the platform is still being developed, it has received positive feedback from internal stakeholders. The UX of the app seems very accessible.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
They have been using Basecamp to manage the progress of the project and support quick communication. CitrusBits has excelled at keeping stakeholders in the loop, holding meetings almost 3–4 times per month.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
The team has put effort into understanding our goals, and they offer valuable suggestions accordingly. Their insight is supported by extensive experience in platform development for food and health companies. They really put their heart and soul into their work.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Sometimes the price appears high, but we have received quality work in exchange. Overall, we have found the investment to be well worth it.
the project
Social Media Mobile App Dev for Educational Nonprofit
“We’re lucky to have worked with such a skilled team.”
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I’m the CEO of Inteleom Learning. We’re a small educational nonprofit managed by a collective 15 California community college districts that represent a total of 31 colleges. We’re based in Los Angeles, and we’ve been operating for 48 years.
For what projects/services did your company hire CitrusBits?
We needed a vendor with technical and design expertise to help us with a social media mobile app for student veterans in higher education.
What were your goals for this project?
We wanted a collection of screen mockups for various features to present to the CEOs of the community colleges in our organization.
How did you select this vendor?
We searched online for a technical production and design organization within our region. We came across CitrusBits and reviewed their background. Their reviews were very positive, and they were located near our office in Pasadena. We arranged an onsite interview and spoke with Harry (CEO, CitrusBits). He was very impressive, so we ultimately chose to partner with them.
Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?
CitrusBits collaborated with our senior-level community college administrators to create screen mockups for our proposed mobile app. We provided a set of key features, but we wanted a physical representation. The team handled this preliminary development stage, delivering a collection of draft designs for the social media platform for veterans.
What was the team composition?
We primarily interacted with Chandler (Art Director, CitrusBits), but there were two other people involved in several of our meetings.
Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?
We’re very pleased with the quality of their work. The team provided a lot of valuable insight and recommendations regarding our mobile app design and interface strategies.
How was project management arranged and how effective was it?
They excellently managed the project. Chandler was very professional, knowledgeable, and organized. She proposed a three-week timeline at the beginning of the engagement, and they finished ahead of schedule. Scheduling was easy, and we never felt rushed. We mainly had web-based meetings, which was the most efficient decision for both sides. They regularly provided updates on our progress. It was an enjoyable collaboration—their team was pleasant with a good sense of humor.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
I appreciated how informed, prepared, and friendly they were—it made communication very easy. They always had a response to any of our questions, ideas, and recommendations. In my opinion, they significantly improved on our initial ideas for the app. We’re lucky to have worked with such a skilled team.
Are there any areas where they can improve?
From our perspective, there’s nothing. We have a lot more work to do in designing and building out our mobile app. Once we’ve secured the funding, we’ll go back to CirtusBits without hesitation.
CitrusBits’ work is outstanding, and their project management is excellent. They’re also timely and easy to work with. Additionally, their team works cohesively, and they deliver what they promise.