Cubix

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Coastal Games, Inc. aims to bring high-quality entertainment to the mobile game market and currently is developing its first iOS game. As its Founder and President, I seek to find the best talent to help bring this game to market.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Cubix?

Mobile games for iOS platforms require technical expertise to transform ideas into functional user experiences. With only an idea for a game and a few spreadsheets for the game economy, Coastal Games, Inc. was lacking the right talent for building the game's code and art assets. Cubix was hired to fill the gaps in my company's talent and help develop that idea into an early prototype to show the game's potential.

What were your goals for this project?

My company was looking for a firm to help develop the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of a game to help facilitate funding rounds. This project required an understanding of game mechanics, the ability to rapidly produce game assets based on changing requirements, and constant communication with my company. This MVP would go far in securing investments into my company's future.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Great care was taken to select a company with both the competence and experience necessary to bring this idea into fruition. After searching through client reviews and business evaluations of multiple firms, Cubix was selected to head development. Their pricing and ability only inspired more confidence in the choice to hire them.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Following the guidelines of the Game Design Document (GDD) I provided, Cubix developed the basic art assets and game screens necessary to show the scope of the game and its potential for success. The resulting MVP follows the game mechanics of the GDD and is an excellent view into how the game will play once launched.

What was the team composition?

Cubix provided a large development team with a dedicated project manager with whom all feedback and suggestions were discussed. My company's specific needs on this project led Cubix to employ an agile method of development to rapidly employ any suggested changes to the MVP.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Already, investors have marveled at the art quality and intuitive game design displayed in the MVP. Given more time, I am sure the MVP will go far in securing the necessary funding for further development.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Client interaction with Cubix was streamlined and effective. Using Skype to facilitate any necessary communication, project goals were discussed, altered if necessary, and accomplished with minimal delay.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Cubix's ability to rapidly prototype projects based on constant input from the client is very impressive. The quality of the final product and its adherence to the client's specifications are excellent.

Are there any areas for improvement?

While working with Cubix, there was very little that seemed to need improvement. The only suggestion I could offer to future clients is to ensure that the updated versions of GDD's or business plans are provided to all necessary individuals/teams to avoid project delays.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the president of Ovation Tips. We offer a solution that connects travelers with the service people that make their lives easier each day.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Cubix?

We hired them to complete our iOS and Android mobile app and dashboard, which are our main selling points.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a simple, yet functional tool. It had to be adaptable for users and scalable for us.  

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

My team researched 10 different vendors and interviewed their customers. Cubix got high marks on our entire checklist and had the best understanding of our idea and vision. It was an easy decision, especially with professional follow-up from Jourdan (Senior Product Strategist, Cubix).

Describe the project in detail.

We had a number of meetings initially to share our scope and establish milestones. Cubix delivered on their promised dates and eagerly incorporated our feedback. They understood that everything we asked for was going towards producing a professional product. We had to go through several project managers, but the new one always picked up where the previous one left off. There were a few delays, but Cubix continued to deliver professional results.

What was the team composition?

Most of our contact was with our project manager and a sale resource. Throughout the personnel changes, Jourdan followed our project closely from beginning to end, providing a consistent presence.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Industry leaders have given us exceptional feedback. We look forward to further launching our business based on Cubix’s work.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was smooth. The responded to our changes with openness and optimism.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The work ethic of Taha, the project manager who came in and helped us cross the finish line, was second to none. Once they understood what we wanted to do on paper, Taha and his team worked their magic.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There were some slow transitions when we were changing project managers, but overall, it was a great project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the sales manager of an online store that sells computer accessories.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Cubix?

We hired Cubix to develop an interactive website for our company. We had a concept in mind and wanted them to make it into a high-end website.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a website that is easy to use for both our customers and internal staff. We needed flawless functionality that would make us stand out from the competition.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Our company was looking for agile development and a team that was well-versed in e-commerce management. We’d heard of Cubix from several different sources. We shortlisted four other companies, but most of them didn’t have expertise in e-commerce websites, so we chose Cubix for its extensive development background. We didn’t want to take any chances.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They suggested a Magento website and briefed us about the project. We had several questions that they answered patiently and in detail. Once our teams were on the same page, they started the development process. We received the prototype shortly and asked for some changes. Cubix also helped us to better manage our product categories.

What was the team composition?

Six people worked on the project including the project manager, two web developers, two designers, and a content producer. More people joined the team as per the requirements.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We love the website’s features and its look and feel. It has helped our customers find the products they desire on our list easily, and they’ve left positive responses on the site. We also find it easier to upload and update products, saving us time and effort.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

It was smooth and impressive. Our teams communicated via Jira and Skype. We were kept in the loop throughout and discussed updates in detail. Deadlines were efficiently met, and the project was completed on time. The team happily accommodated the changes we asked for.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Cubix remained in touch with us throughout the development process, which fostered reliability and trust. We knew what was happening on the backend and gave our feedback in real time. In the end, we made minimal changes because they’d already accommodated our preferences.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I didn’t face any problems throughout the project. They were highly professional and delivered the work on time. Their teammates were very cooperative.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the CEO of Vision Sports. We are an online marketplace for health and fitness items.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Cubix?

I was building an app for my company and needed a firm to guide me through that process.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I was in the dark about many aspects of app development, so Cubix’s insight has been quite valuable. To start, I provided Cubix with rudimentary ideas for a logo, names for the company, and categories of products that could be searched on the app. Our discovery sessions have included conversations for the development process, color schemes, and user flows. Their team then designed a full logo and implemented it into an iOS platform.

In terms of features, they added a chat functionality that allows users to connect with product buyer/sellers. Notification settings alert users when products are purchased, shipped, and delivered. The team also integrated payment systems with PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay before coordinating shipping partnerships with the postal service and other carriers. Currently, they're developing an Android version.

What is the team composition?

They've assigned a project manager, a success manager, and a client supervisor.

How did you come to work with Cubix?

I found Cubix during an online search for an app project with a previous company. They grabbed my attention, and I was impressed with their work. Unfortunately, we couldn’t move forward at that time, but Cubix was such a big help then that I engaged them in this project once I started my own company.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent around $22,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement began in September 2016 and is ongoing. The iOS app has launched in the App Store, and an Android version is currently in development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have received positive feedback on the app and its features from supplement and equipment companies as well as users. There have been 50–60 downloads, 27 profiles made, and one transaction completed so far.

How did Cubix perform from a project management standpoint?

Cubix makes the process extremely comfortable for me. I have a limited knowledge of the app-building process, but Cubix is fully accessible to answer my questions. Much of that interaction comes through Skype, emails, phone calls, and Stride meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They take every idea I have and implement it faster than I could have expected. They find solutions to every roadblock we encounter. Also, they have been lenient in payment options and have assisted with helping get my company off the ground.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There have been times when I have not been updated about certain parts of the project as expected. I think they get so involved in the project that they forget to reach out to me, but, when they do, they explain everything really well. Still, more structured communication would be an area for improvement.

Any advice for potential customers?

It’s best to start this kind of endeavor with a clear idea of what you want. Cubix has been able to bring me along as things develop, but we’d be further along at this point if I brought more to the table at the beginning. The tips I would offer would be to do your homework and have a detailed plan in writing.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I created BirdeGreetings, a custom greeting card mobile app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Cubix.?

I needed a development team that could turn my e-card idea into a functional mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Cubix. developed a mobile greeting card app according to the specifications I listed during a phone conference. Users can create accounts and access their profiles to view and edit saved e-cards. Custom text, still images, gifs, personalized signatures can be added to the cards, along with cash. A lightbox prompt allows users to send the e-cards via email, SMS, or on social media sites. They even integrated features that weren’t included in the original scope of work. Although they don’t provide online marketing services, gave me a few promotional tips and referred me to several digital ad agencies.

What is the team composition?

The senior product strategist helped me with the contract, while the project manager oversaw the development stages.

How did you come to work with Cubix.?

Cubix. was one of many app development firms I reached out to regarding this project. During the bidding process, it became apparent that my budget was too small to develop an app successfully. After months of discussion, Cubix. convinced me to continue with the project. I felt comfortable working with them because of their willingness to adjust their prices and provide references to past clients.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent $55,000 to develop the app.

What is the status of this engagement?

We had our first meeting in October 2017, but we didn’t begin development until March 2018. I launched the app in July 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After the initial launch, we had to remove the app from the App Store and Google Play Store to fix a major bug. Despite the lack of promotional efforts, the app has been downloaded by 50 users since returning to the market two weeks ago.

How did Cubix. perform from a project management standpoint?

The project manager lives in a different time zone, but they worked hard to accommodate my tight schedule. Waiting for our schedules to align was frustrating when deliverables were due, but the project manager was exceptional at managing the timing, scheduling, and work pace for the development team overall. Stride was a great communication tool that kept both parties responsive.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I thought my lack of technical knowledge would hinder the project’s success, but Cubix. was great at guiding me along the way. They designed an exact replica of the app I visualized inside of my head without any guidance from visual aids. Beyond their talent, they’re an honest and pleasant company to work with. Their willingness to accommodate my budget and stay true to the quoted price was admirable.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Although a few problems occurred throughout the project, they worked fast to resolve the issue.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The most brilliant ideas tend to arise in the middle of the app development process. While it’s tempting to change the project’s direction to incorporate the newly conceived features, it takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to make changes during the development phase. Cubix. provides a detailed breakdown of their scope of work; review the document carefully before signing the contract to ensure that everything you want is listed.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the director of paid media at Ten Golden Rules. We are a full-service digital marketing agency working in several different verticals. I manage a team of internal and external vendors and employees who specialize in different aspects of paid digital media.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Cubix.?

We hired Cubix. to create an augmented reality (AR) digital advertising platform where buyers and sellers could all collaborate in one exchange.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to build a fully functioning marketplace on the frontend and backend of the platform.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have worked with this vendor for several years on other enterprise projects and had complete confidence in them.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

Users can log in and sign up on iOS, Android, and the web with social profiles. Buyers and sellers are able to manage their profiles. All products had AR functions with complex animations and detailed information backed by explainer videos and other interactive content. Payments are integrated with Stripe and Braintree. We have a detailed admin panel to manage users, orders, analytics, revenue, and many other KPIs.

What was the team composition?

We were assigned one project manager, individual iOS and Android developers, two software engineers for web services and the backend panel, one QA engineer, and a designer/frontend engineer. Their CTO and solutions architects were involved in quarterly progress report meetings.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Due to the confidentiality of this project, we are unable to provide any specific details. We have finished phase 1 but are still in the beginning stages.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They included us in their weekly sprints, which made us feel involved in the project the entire time.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their team was extremely organized and patient with us. They were very accommodating to all of our needs.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of TagOn Inc., a social media tagging app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Cubix?

We needed help with mobile app development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’re developing our Android and iOS app for a social media platform. It allows users to tag their favorite items with their friends. It’s similar to Instagram. I gave them a sketch and they started development. We continue to enhance the app’s performance. We’ll be launching soon.

What is the team composition?

I’m in contact with two people.

How did you come to work with Cubix?

I worked with them in the past. A friend of mine used to run the company. I always use him for my outsourcing needs.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $178,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2015 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It’s been a success so far. We had people in-house test the app for us. There are some small bugs that we’re trying to overcome and minor tweaks to do. The experience has been great. The look, data presentation, and UX met my expectations.

How did Cubix perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate via email, Skype, and sometimes Facetime calls. We have a project management portal that we use to share updates.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They understand the financial struggles of a startup and they’re very flexible with us. They don’t drop the project and are helpful. They save us costs and give us discounts to support the project. They understand us on a personal and a professional business level. They have our back.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Sometimes when they transition from a project manager to another, it takes a little while for the new person to catch on. Once they get caught up, everything is good. There needs to be an overlap to make sure communication isn’t lost.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am an independent pharmacist specializing in dosing chemotherapy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Cubix?

There aren’t a lot of tools available to help people determine the correct doses of chemotherapy. The ones that are available are pretty poor, so I hired Cubix to build an app for me.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

My app was originally planned for iOS, but that development encountered some roadblocks. It has been developed for Android as well, but my perception is that medical practitioners, in general, use iPhones, so it is not widely used.

One feature of the app I was particularly proud of was a grid where height and weight intersect, allowing the users to input two data points with one swipe. Cubix understood that and built it. I thought it was novel, and it worked almost perfectly.

What is the team composition?

I remember having a top-notch project manager, but I cannot recall the remainder of the team.

How did you come to work with Cubix?

I found them in an online search. The work on their website looked professional. It looked like they did detailed and quality-oriented work. They returned my call, and they were courteous and professional. They didn’t treat me like I was too small for their notice.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement lasted from April through December 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Sometime between initiating development and ending development, the App Store changed its rules or standards, and my app never got there. It was not accepted. I have not done a good job of promoting the Android app. It’s been a while, but the last time I logged in, it seemed as though a half dozen people in India were using my app. It’s been a disappointing ending to the project.

How did Cubix perform from a project management standpoint?

I had never done a project with this kind of team and this kind of technology, and I was pleasantly surprised. Dosing chemotherapy isn’t easy. There’s some math and some intuition and some rules, but they picked up exactly what I needed in surprisingly short order. They stuck to our agenda, and they were always prepared for our phone calls, which were concise and addressed only what was necessary. They offered valuable insight to the apps and how to improve them. We both had the desire to make a clean, well-running app.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I think they put out high quality at a fair price point. You can’t beat that. It was a very professional looking project. They’re proud of the work they do.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I wish we realized before trying to launch that it was going to fail. That failure is not entirely their fault, but I believe there was an opportunity there for them to help me avoid that.

Any advice for potential customers?

For similar projects, you have to be quite precise with what you envision. I knew what functionality and features I wanted. My advice would be to use them because if you’re prepared, they’re going to work with you and do a great job.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of Likehoop, a social mobile application

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Cubix?

We needed to build an iOS application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When we started, our idea was on a napkin, but they took it and molded it into a nice application. Currently, the mobile application is for iOS, but we’re planning to build the Android version with them when time and funding allow it.

We were having trouble displaying a full-screen view and being able to have multiple likes within the platform. People are now able to like a specific item in someone’s photo or video. At the time, we didn’t have the resources to get AR, so the offered us AI instead. They also used Amazon servers. We asked them to change the server capacity, and they went ahead and replaced it on time.

What is the team composition?

We worked with four or five project managers and three-four developers.

How did you come to work with Cubix?

We came across them when we searched online for companies within our budget. Their ad popped up on our computer so we got in touch with them and spoke to a senior application consultant.

How much have you invested in them?

We’ve spent around $53,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with them since 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re currently market testing version 1.0 and it’s really good. We’re growing at a good pace thanks to Cubix, and we’ve been receiving a lot of responses from around the world. Since it’s a social networking app, we trying to expand really quickly – even globally – because if we don’t, it could die in several weeks.

How did Cubix perform from a project management standpoint?

We used Slack and phone calls to communicate and Basecamp to share updates. They were also open to us visiting their office. They were on time with every task and finished the whole project ahead of time. They worked on it full-time, which made us really happy because we were able to complete the first beta version on time – our angel investors were requesting updates weekly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

When we first had our idea, no one would help us since we couldn’t provide the complete funding. Cubix wanted to change our mood and complete the application without the available funding when they needed it the most. They provided us with resources and did an outstanding job with everything. My co-founder and I are really thankful that Cubix pulled it off for us. We’re really happy to have a live application in the App Store. We don’t know where we’d be without Cubix.

The senior app consultant has been really understanding. He’s done an outstanding job reaching out to us and completing tasks on time. Since day one, Cubix has wanted our application to be popular, so they went ahead advanced our technology without even asking.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be on top of your project and really work with them. Don’t let it slip. Instead, try to have regular meetings, either every few days or weekly, to stay on top of your project. Cubix kept us motivated because we had those weekly meetings.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our company designed a social networking app for people in the automotive market, specifically dealership staff.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Cubix?

We had the idea and we needed to make it come to fruition. We wanted to create a product, but we didn't have the technical knowledge to create it ourselves.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They assisted us by finding out about our idea, establishing what we knew we wanted, and then making it a real thing. They developed the application for Android and iOS.

Our main goal was to have customers in the market and dealerships interact with each other, while making that process easy and comfortable for them, as well as confidential if they wish. Cubix's team provided some tips and ideas, but that was the extent of it.

What is the team composition?

The project manager from their side was our main point of contact, after our initial contact in the early stages. The development work was all done behind the scenes, so I don't know how many developers were involved.

How did you come to work with Cubix?

We found them through online research. The project manager who spoke with us made us feel comfortable entrusting them with the work. He understood our vision and was passionate about it. We spoke with several other companies, but they were the one who made us feel like they genuinely cared and believed in it like we did.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent around $100,000 with Cubix.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Cubix in March 2017. The app was launched around April.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All the user feedback has been positive. Cubix was very active with the work, especially when it came to testing and having lots of people testing with us. We've had some technical glitches, but they were extremely responsive and are continuing to work with us on fixing these minor things.

We’ve already had 100,000 downloads, with minimal advertising. Our big advertising campaigns haven’t kicked off yet.

How did Cubix perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated by email and HipChat. They did great in communicating with us, always keeping us in the loop, and ensuring we could reach out to them whenever we had a question. We’re on very different time schedules, which could have been a major issue, but we made it work. We’ve only had one middle-of-the-night meeting in order to coincide with their morning. Otherwise, they were great at working with our schedule, even calling us on their days off.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their passion for what they do and for doing it well. At one point in the process, we could have launched, but they said that they could do better work. We ended up starting almost all of the way over. They weren’t okay with what they had and that wasn’t something that cost us more money. All they asked for was for more time to do better. They definitely delivered a better product when they had the time. I appreciated the passion they felt for their job, for us, and for our idea.

Their knowledge of the industry was a major strength. We would have an idea, but they would say “Well, I see why you would think that, but let me tell you why it’s not a good idea.”. They would steer us to where we should have been. They made the product into what it needed to be in order to function well in the market.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think so. The development took a long time, but that was because they’re detail-oriented, not because they work slowly or did anything wrong. There was a lot involved in the project, which they started from absolutely nothing. We're more than satisfied.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Ask any questions they might have and trust Cubix’s advice, along with their own gut instinct. They took the time to answer and guide us. They always said, “It’s your choice, but this is what we suggest.”