THE CODER

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Chief Designer of Katharina Jewelry, a newly launched women-led fine jewelry company that is e-commerce based. I am responsible for managing all design aspects ranging from the product itself to graphics and packaging. I also work directly with customers to match them with jewelry.

For what projects/services did your company hire THE CODER?

We are a startup business that is e-commerce based, so having a professional, content-rich, and user-friendly website was essential to a successful launch. We needed a website that would serve as a strong foundation for the business - but would be able to grow and expand with us.

What were your goals for this project?

Since we are a start-up, we essentially started from the scratch with this website. THE CODER worked with us to build a site that is both aesthetically-pleasing and user-friendly, and they also designed the brand logo. It was important that we had a website that would be easy to update and make changes to, but we also desired a website with all the "bells and whistles". We wanted the website to be built in Shopify, a platform that we were very familiar with.

How did you select THE CODER?

Our company's founder had previously worked with THE CODER on a different project, so we knew they would be able to deliver a high-quality product. As a startup, needed a company that would provide a fair price point and a top-notch website. It was clear from the start that THE CODER is knowledgeable, capable, and responsive.

Describe the project in detail.

We got this project started with a series of meetings during which we expressed our thoughts and expectations for the project. We had a very specific vision in mind so we provided mock-ups of our ideal website. Next, we met with the designer to discuss our logo which we finalized in a series of three rounds of edits.

The website was delivered in stages: 

1. First, we saw the homepage and worked through most of the edits.
2. Second, we worked through the pages.
3. Third, came the product catalog, followed by our "special features" - two innovative experiences that match site visitors with specially chosen jewelry.
4. Last, we were delivered the site in mobile. Then we had 1 month for QA.

What was the team composition?

We worked most directly with the product manager but were introduced to the rest of the team. Over the course of the project, we interacted with the designer and also two developers. However, most communication was from us to the project manager, who then delivered it to the team.

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

THE CODER listened to our wants and needs and translated our rough ideas into a beautiful site. Since we are newly-launced, we are still developing our client base and have just started marketing our products. The feedback we have gotten so far is exactly what we want - it has a great look, is easy to use, and it makes us look like an established company.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

This project was unique in that we worked very closely with THE CODER to tackle this project. It was clear from the beginning that our budget was not going to deliver the innovative e-commerce website that we needed, so we had to get creative.

THE CODER allowed our team to take on some of the work which helped us keep our costs down. We were responsible for product tagging and uploading, but they were there to guide and answer questions along the way. Overall, the experience was smooth although it did slow the project down.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was amazed by the level of expertise this company brings to the table. Their skills and knowledge are commendable, as is their flexibility and willingness to collaborate.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Due to the magnitude and the collaborative nature of this project, a few bumps were bound to come up. However, all challenges were navigated and we are very pleased with the product.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the former CMO of Rangoon Ruby, a restaurant.

What challenge were you trying to address with THE CODER?

We were launching a new site for a new restaurant brand.

What was the scope of their involvement?

The restaurant and menu were both brand new. THE CODER designed the site and its layout and came up with a corresponding brand. The site needed several functionalities, including a display for specials when we needed it. It also needed clear photos and dishes and a restaurant concept description. THE CODER came up with the creative for all of that. 

The team used a WordPress platform, as well as InVision to give comments and feedback on the site while it was being built. 

What is the team composition?

There was an art director, a developer, and a project manager on the project.

How did you come to work with THE CODER?

One of the project managers had worked with our restaurant chain before, so we had experience his digital knowledge.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from between July–August 2019.

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

We got some great customer feedback right away. The site was very user-friendly, beautifully laid out, and had great design. The staff was also happy with it; they felt it captured the essence of the restaurant really well. THE CODER worked with speed, and the site was functional quickly.

How did THE CODER perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed extremely well. They’re an excellent, knowledgeable, and efficient team. They’re very easy to work with. We were in contact with THE CODER two or three times per week.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their speed was excellent. They got right to the project and executed quickly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any complaints. Overall, they did a great job. They were on time and on budget with a great site — it was a job well done.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The more clear you are on what you need from them, the better the product will be. If you give them solid direction, they execute beautifully.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We run local preschools. I'm an operations manager.

What challenge were you trying to address with THE CODER?

We needed to create a new website to convey information and generate leads. We went to them for help.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They incorporated some basic functionality into a WordPress site for us.

What is the team composition?

I only interacted with one point of contact.

How did you come to work with THE CODER?

I found them through a Google search. I got quotes from a couple of organizations, but THE CODER offered the right price point. They also seemed flexible and committed to my vision.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $5,500 for the site.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together at the end of July or beginning of August 2019, and we ended the project at the end of September 2019.

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

New families call us with interest, and many of them say they loved what they read on the website. We were very pleased with the functionality and aesthetic of the site.

How did THE CODER perform from a project management standpoint?

My project manager was great. He was very responsive and helpful whenever we ran into snags. Most of our communication was through email and phone calls, and we used a tracking software where I could leave comments.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were quick, their price point was good, and they were dedicated to tackling any of our concerns or issues.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything they could improve or do differently.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Know what you're looking for at the beginning, and be as proactive as they are in finding issues or making changes.

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are digital marketing agency in Japan, opening first office in the US. Our office in Japan founded in 1997, and opened an office in the US in Jun 2019. We have approximately 800 employees across the globe. I am Head of Integrated Marketing.

For what projects/services did your company hire THE CODER?

Whole corporate website development for our newly founding office in the US. Out of our very rough draft of wireframe on ppt, THE CODER did an amazing work putting pieces into a website.

What were your goals for this project?

Complete launch of corporate website. Finishing quality was our priority; then precision and time.

How did you select this vendor?

As it was our first opening office in San Mateo, we wanted to work with a company based in local surroundings. Then, we looked a web design firm on Google Map, and found THE CODER to be a good match.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Based on our rough briefing and wire frame for the website, they created design-basis, then coding to delivery of the final output including wordpress integration. The whole process was seamless and I was provided the latest status frequently with always being on track for the process.

What was the team composition?

The project approx had 5 members with each has specific expertise. Being said so, the project manager was always in touch with me for the decision we need to give THE CODER. Members were all fluid and responsible throughout the project.

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

Well, although it took some more time that originally expected, we were able to launch a quality corporate website; which matters the most after all. I am hoping the website get viewers to fully understanding of our company, and inquire us for the biz.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The lead project manager was always clear and on-time throughout the process. It was very effective and prompt.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Enthusiasm towards the project among the team, and detailed explanations/updates of what is going on.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I'd love to give THE CODER constructive feedback; yet there were barely none on the downside.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the co-owner of a professional interior design and 3D visualization studio. We have a professional architect with over seven years of experience. We work on interior design, 3D modeling, 3D visualization of exteriors and interiors, architectural design, floor planning, decoration, mood boards, and more.

For what projects/services did your company hire THE CODER?

We went from being freelancers to a team that needed its own website to engage with more clients and look more reliable. For this, we needed to hire someone to create a small, mobile-friendly website for showcasing our specific services and samples of our previous work. It also had to be simple, clean, and welcoming.

How did you select this vendor?

We found them through Google and met with them as well as with three other web development companies. THE CODER’s team and Ruslan (CEO, THE CODER) made the best impression. They were sincerely interested in our project, and it was clear that they knew how to help us.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

After their team received our requirements and other details, they proceeded with the main page’s design and sent it to us for approval. We only needed to make a few changes on the composition and color palette, and after a few more revisions, we had a perfect design.

After that, THE CODER’s team designed the other pages, which only required a few revisions as well. Once we approved all the pages, they began developing the code for the website. At this stage, we also had a few changes to get the results we wanted. After going over all the details and making sure we were happy, the project was completed.

What was the team composition?

I'm not sure how many people worked on our website since we only communicated with Ruslan and a designer. Ruslan managed all the work and communication.

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

With our official website, it's easier to showcase our work to bigger clients and to attract more leads that need our services.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We were pleased with the project management and communication. Their team met all the deadlines they set and found even better solutions for our needs than we imagined they would. There weren't any issues during the project, and we didn't notice any flaws in their process that could impact the result.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We liked their communication and attitude towards their clients the most. Ruslan did his best to understand our ideas, tastes, and needs and translated them very well to the team. We really felt that our project mattered to THE CODER.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There were some details that we needed to improve after some time, but nothing significant. The website works correctly, and if any issue comes up, I can always contact them and ask for help.

Please describe your company and your position there. 

I’m a marketing strategist at one of the first providers of personalized medical services in Ukraine. Our team conducts genetic research in modern, overseas laboratories to provide personalized recommendations for our clients. It’s a holistic system of action items aimed at reducing the likelihood/slowing the progression of diseases, preserving and strengthening health, and increasing active longevity.

For what projects/services did your company hire THE CODER? 

We hired THE CODER to refresh and redesign our website. The previous version wasn’t very responsive, which substantially inhibited our business growth, and we needed to simply the UX.

What were your goals for this project? 

The site rebrand gave us an opportunity to improve our functionality, create a more responsive UX, and ensure that we had a strong, up-to-date design with compelling web appeal.

How did you select this vendor? 

Some of our former colleagues had used their services in the past and referred them to us. 

Describe the project in detail. 

THE CODER created a brand new website that featured an updated design. Initially, we had a few discussions to make sure that we were aligned on our needs and goals. By the first meeting, their team had already audited our previous site and prepared a few solutions for us. They then proceeded with development. 

The whole project took about two months from start to finish. We were constantly involved throughout, making suggestions and edits along the way. After publishing the site, they gave us all the keys to the code, which allowed us to access the admin version of our site at any time. 

What was the team composition?  

Their team consisted of the founder and CEO, an art director, a senior frontend developer, and a senior backend developer. They’re a great group of ambitious and hard-working people who are dedicated to delivering high-quality products.

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

They did a great job of redesigning our website, using our brand elements to create a fresh, more modern look. The website features a responsive design that’s compatible across all devices; this will help us cover a significant percentage of mobile users while still maintaining a high-quality web presence. On top of that, the UX is self-explanatory, so users can easily find information. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was as smooth and productive as we’d expect, and the team was responsive. They met all of our deadlines. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team was remarkably organized and talented. Even by the first meeting, they had already taken the initiative to review our site and came prepared to the discussion. I was also particularly impressed with their time management. They were able to quickly deliver a final product when other vendors we considered quoted a longer schedule. 

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, not that I recall. We enjoyed the collaboration and were happy with the final product.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Founder - We modernize the way Indian food is produced in American Foodservice.

For what projects/services did your company hire THE CODER?

Brand Design, Web Design, Strategic Consulting

What were your goals for this project?

Create a digital presence that is better aligned with our service and products

How did you select this vendor?

I had worked with them in a previous role and had such a good experience I wanted to use them for my own company.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Soup to nuts website development and branding, we started from scratch.

What was the team composition?

There were a handful of contributors but our Project Manager was in the SF Bay Area so we only worked with him. They were excellent at communication. The turn around was very fast even with the PM middle man.

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

We are shifting our business to a freemium model which is very uncommon for our industry. It's vital to tell our story, build trust and give value up front, I feel very confident going into our first trade show with this new model next week. We just finished so no ROI just yet but I believe the confidence from our sales team says a lot and is often half the battle.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

All through Taras locally. He was on point and took moments to call out relevant insights that were not always of benefit for the Coder but good for meeting our goals. Ex. The founders video pushed us back a couple months and dragged out project/payment timelines. Taras pushed us to make that happen.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Although most of the team was half way across the world the are very in tune with what I need as a progressive emerging company in the San Francisco food-tech space.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Honestly nothing sticks out to me. Sure small mistakes were made along the way but they were promptly handled. That's all that really matters to me.