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We Make Ideas a Reality

4.8
12 reviews

Design Center helps business leaders stay ahead of their competition through strategic technology solutions and digital transformation initiatives. Our design-led process begins and ends with the customer experience to deliver outcomes that align user needs to business objectives.

Founded in 1969, Design Center continues to turn strategic insights into reality through mobile app development, 3D visualization, VR/AR, custom software, websites and more.

 
$10,000+
 
$150 - $199 / hr
 
10 - 49
 Founded
1969
Show all +
Saint Paul, MN
headquarters
  • 2040 Saint Clair Ave.
    Saint Paul, MN 55105
    United States
    651-699-6500
other locations
  • 575 East Big Beaver Rd
    Troy, MI 48083
    United States
    248-509-9062

Portfolio

Key clients: 
3M, Accenture, Andersen Windows, Aramark, BASF, Ecolab, Ecowater, Epsilon, Häagen Dazs, The Home Depot, Nestlé, Renewal by Andersen, Uni-Sysems, University of Minnesota, Uponor, Valspar, Wagner, Casa de Corazón, ExcheQ
Scoops Employee Portal Image

Scoops Employee Portal

Häagen-Dazs is all about packing a great deal into a small space. Why should their app be any different?


Häagen-Dazs wanted to forge a stronger connection with its retail employees. After all, they were its most powerful brand ambassadors. We built a web applet to refresh their training. But this new connection suggested new possibilities. Design Center recommended bringing under-used communication

…
streams into the app, creating pre-shift huddles, pushing daily “one question quizzes,” and building easy-to-use temperature widgets so employees could store this essential measurement. The result was an effortlessly branded, highly engaging daily conversation with their retail employees.
Read more...
Renewal by Andersen Sales App Suite Image

Renewal by Andersen Sales App Suite

When Renewal by Andersen put their sales materials on an iPad, they didn’t think they were transforming their industry. But they were.


The app began as a content repository meant to replace the three-ring binders which reps were carrying—no, lugging—into sales calls. But our Renewal by Andersen app wound up transforming the in-home selling experience. It was easier to showcase products, generate

…
contracts, and handle payment. Whereas the previous presentation was naturally delivered across the table—creating a gulf between representative and customer—iPad presentations encouraged the representative to sit next to the customers, creating a true conversation. Besides transforming the in-home experience, the app also shortened cycle times, increased close rates, and elevated the prospect’s brand perception.
Read more...

Reviews

4.8
12 reviews
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Mobile App Dev for Building Materials Provider

"The team always tries to do what we ask, and more than once, they’ve exceeded my expectations."

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4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
3.5
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
4.5
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Feb. 2018 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Design Center created a customer-ordering app for Android and iOS on behalf of a building materials supplier. It includes search functionality, favoriting, and job site-specific ordering.

The Reviewer
 
51-200 Employees
 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Analyst, Building Materials Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The app has launched, but Design Center continues to add more features. The team led a smooth workflow throughout most of the project, but they’ve faltered lately in returning tasks and giving enough information. Their positivity, creativity, and overall ability to deliver stand out to the client.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an analyst at a building materials supplier. We sell to luxury home builders, commercial, and remodelers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Design Center, Inc.?

We wanted to be the first in our market to offer a customer-ordering app. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app lets any customer go in, access any active job site, and see a full list of our products with pictures, item descriptions, complete prices, and related items. They can search by keywords, which include item numbers, size, and descriptions, or they can search by category. The app also lets users favorite specific products.

We gave Design Center a flowchart of the screens we wanted our customers to see. We also told them what functionality we wanted. Design Center came back with the actual design to show us what the customer will see. From there, they developed the app. It’s for Android and iOS devices for the time being; we hope to make it work on tablets and desktops in the future.

What is the team composition?

We work with six people, including a project manager. I even have the phone number of the person who wrote the code, which is great to have.

How did you come to work with Design Center, Inc.?

I wasn’t part of that process, so I can’t answer.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $120,000 on the initial app.

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership started in February 2018. The app has launched, but we still have a list of enhancements we’re looking to do. We finished one at the end of December 2019 and another at the end of April 2020. Our work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Design Center always met our expectations as far as the quality of work and design goes. They’ve come up with some great ideas. Sometimes, it’s difficult to get to the point of seeing their designs, but I’ve never been dissatisfied with anything they’ve done once it got to me. Our customers like the app, and the people who use it use it quite often.

How did Design Center, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

For the first three-quarters of the job, we were on schedule. Toward the end of the project, however, progress slowed, and our communications broke down. This happened with the last two upgrades: progress dragged on and on, and we didn’t always get the information we needed from Design Center. That being said, whenever I asked very specific questions, I always got answers and was pleased with the results. In the end, though, it was hard to get all the information I needed from them to see the results.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re a pleasant group of people to work with. Design Center is creative and provides a positive atmosphere. The team always tries to do what we ask, and more than once, they’ve exceeded my expectations.

Are there any areas they could improve?

On the tail end of jobs, they should try to get things wrapped up. There also may have been some personnel shifts along the way, so I was never quite sure who I should be contacting. We discussed some of these issues, and Design Center agreed they had fallen short. 

Any advice for potential customers?

If you no longer feel like you’re moving along, you have to be the one to get the project back on track. 

4.5
Overall Score
  • 3.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    The first part of the project went well, but things really broke down in the end.
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 4.5 NPS
    Willing to refer

Mobile App Dev for Textile Manufacturer

“Their process and organization have been impeccable.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Dec. 2019 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Design Center, Inc., provides app development services for a textile manufacturer. Their work includes both iOS and Android development.

The Reviewer
 
201-500 employees
 
Charlotte, North Carolina
Theresa Riley
SVP Product Development, Perfect Fit Industries
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Design Center, Inc.’s efforts have raised the bar across the board. The team is collaborative, structured, and easy to communicate with. The project was managed seamlessly and its ultimate success bodes well. Customers can expect a top-notch team that’s attuned to details and customer needs.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a home textile manufacturer specializing in basic bedding and furniture covers. I’m the SVP of product development, merchandising, and marketing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Design Center, Inc.?

We needed help with app development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app is for every consumer we reach, either through a brick and mortar retailer or e-commerce. They’re building our new app from scratch. The goal is to have activation through phone, an Amazon device, or Google Play device. They’re taking it into the cloud, which we hadn’t done previously.

They’ve made it more intuitive and consumer-friendly, as opposed to just the prior app. We gave them guidance, but they had 50% control throughout the project since app development isn’t one of our core competencies. It’s available on iOS and Android.

What is the team composition?

We work with 8-10 people, depending on what phase of the project we’re in. Colleen (Project Manager) is our main point of contact.

How did you come to work with Design Center, Inc.?

We found them through our engineer that’s helping us develop the technology. They were one of the teams we reached out to, and we were very comfortable and pleased with everything.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested $100,000 – $250,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in December 2019, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve been phenomenal, from beginning to end. They managed the process and are very mindful of our budget and what we’re doing. They’re very open to comments and feedback and have proven themselves to be very responsive. They’re very on top of things, organized, and process-driven.

There’s just a night and day difference between them and our last company, in terms of the thought process, the development, and the detail. Whenever we talk about how a consumer would use the product, they’re able to translate that into functionality.

How did Design Center, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

Colleen has performed above our expectations. She’s managed the schedule, everyone’s time, and the deliverables. If there was an instance where we were behind, they moved forward to ensure we were maximizing the time so that we could keep things on schedule.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’ve been honest and transparent. They’re not condescending in any way when they know we don’t have the experience. It’s been a very healthy partnership. Their process and organization have been impeccable.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’ve exceeded our expectations.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice is to ask for Colleen as your project manager. Corporately, their team’s process and clarity helped move the project forward without a flaw.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    We sometimes went over budget, but they warned us about that.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    We’ll be using them again.

Web Design for Employee Benefits Company

"When I think of Design Center, I think ‘creative thinkers.'"

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
July 2016 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Design Center revamped the website of an employee benefits company. They led a discovery process and showed demos to the client to get feedback on early designs. They continue to provide updates.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Saint Paul, Minnesota
CEO & President, Employee Benefits Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The website has yet to track metrics, but the refresh received positive feedback on its usability. Design Center delivers helpful suggestions and ideas for designs. They have clear communication, stick to their timelines, and are proactive in setting meetings.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and president of an employee benefits firm. We offer ancillary lines and voluntary products on small businesses with fewer than 2,000 employees.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Design Center, Inc.?

Our website was way, way past due to be updated. It didn’t represent our company’s innovative spirit.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Design Center updated our website. We started with a meet-and-greet on site. Design Center launched a discovery process to get to know our company, our future, our strategy. We’d had an established project plan. They came with different demos of the website to get some direction and sign-off from us. That way, we had an idea of what the website would look like before. They now provide branding updates, refreshes, and small projects.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with an account manager and four other people over the years.

How did you come to work with Design Center, Inc.?

We started our search by looking at local groups because we wanted face-to-face meetings. We reached out to a couple of places, met with individuals, and went through the due diligence process with our corporate resources to navigate their tight requirements. We settled with Design Center and were excited to see that they were approved as a vendor for us.

How much have you invested with them?

The original project cost $15,000. We’ve spent about $25,000–$30,000 since.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in Q3 2016 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The development of the website was the beginning; now, we’re setting up metrics like hits and other KPIs on Google Analytics. Over time though, we’ve gotten lots of positive feedback about website refresh and how user-friendly and easy to understand it is. 

How did Design Center, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

Nothing jumps out to me as a problem. They’re pretty proactive in setting up meetings annually to check in. During a project, they’re very good about communication and setting a timeline out for us to expect a milestone, phone call, or visit. There have been no delays that I remember.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I haven’t had a lot of experience working with others. However, I really like Design Center’s collaborative style. They’re willing to get in the weeds with us, which is really refreshing. When I think of Design Center, I think ‘creative thinkers’; they bring helpful ideas.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, things are going well. I don’t have a close enough perspective to give that type of feedback.

Any advice for potential customers?

Follow their recommendations for timelines and approach – they’re experts, and it works well.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Any delays have come from our side.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Their prices are completely reasonable, which is important to us as a small business.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    If anyone called me today, I’d tell them to work with Design Center.

Mobile App Dev for Payment App Co

“Their focus on UX throughout the development process is what sets them apart.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$200,000 to $999,999
 
2012 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Design Center, Inc focused on UX while developing a payment application for local banks. Available on iOS and Android, the app has a cloud-based backend built on AWS.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Ryan McNaughton
Secretary Treasurer, ExcheQ LLC
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The app has received positive feedback at both the national and statewide level. Design Center, Inc brought in UX specialists early on in the engagement to ensure a simple and effective solution. Their team has been communicative and flexible throughout the project.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the secretary-treasurer of ExcheQ LLC, which is a person to person payment application for mobile devices designed by and for community banks.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Design Center, Inc?

Design Center, Inc as responsible for developing the app based on our specifications.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The product is available on iOS and Android and consists of a two-part setup. They designed the frontend and UX, and the backend is managed by AWS cloud services.

What is the team composition?

There are about a dozen people.

How did you come to work with Design Center, Inc?

They were brought to our attention by one of our bank customers who had Design Center, Inc develop something for them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve put in about $500,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in 2012 and, although, it came to fruition in 2018, and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The feedback has been universally positive, with an amazing appreciation for how simple, yet effective it is. We’ve received a lot of praise for the UX. The platform has been exhibited for US Congress, the Federal Reserve, and any number of individual banking organizations at the state level. Everybody we show it to has given positive feedback.

How did Design Center, Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication is great. They’re very responsive and very nimble.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their focus on UX throughout the development process is what sets them apart. They brought in UX specialists early on in the process to inform development every step of the way. So, once we got to the release stage, we were already ahead of the game when it came to UX and usability.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They were always on top of things, but when our team fell behind, they could have held us accountable.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Tool Design & Development for Industrial Automation Company

“They have a clear grasp of our business, and I really appreciate their process.”

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4.5

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
2019 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Design Center, Inc. managed design improvements and UX for an industrial automation firm. Using AWS and Google Analytics, the new functionality will ultimately be more user-friendly than the legacy tool.

The Reviewer
 
200 - 500 Employees
 
Minneapolis, Minnesotta
Product Marketing Analyst, Industrial Automation
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The new product has yet to launch, but it shows promise. The collaboration with Design Center, Inc. is positive, and they took the time to understand the business and its goals. Their project management is good, and they budget time appropriately to protect the bottom line.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a product marketing analyst. I act as the project lead for the tool Design Center, Inc. helps us develop.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Design Center, Inc.?

We had an existing cooling tool that had a lot of issues. We worked with previous vendors, but we wanted a better design and UX. We also hoped to add new functionality to make it even more useful to users.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They're in charge of all the design and improvements, and they work to make everything easier to use. We use AWS, and I know we'll use Google Analytics once the tool goes live.

What is the team composition?

We work with a team of six or seven, and we have close interactions with about four of those individuals.

How did you come to work with Design Center, Inc.?

A member of our marketing and communications team heard about them. We interviewed a few groups, but we were most interested in finding a team that was local. We liked that Design Center, Inc. was a growing company, and they had a vision for huge improvements. They seemed able to handle what we wanted them to work with, and we appreciated that we could meet with them face-to-face as needed.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent in the range of $50,000-$100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around May 2019. The current project is set to launch near the beginning of 2020, so the total time spent will be close to a year.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The product hasn't launched yet, so the results are still in the future. This is a very collaborative effort, and they always come back with proposals and design ideas that will work well for our customers. We needed a lot of help with that, and they brought their know-how to the UX. They understood our business, and they took the time to help us meet our goals. They're very thorough.

How did Design Center, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

They managed the project on their end, and they sent us updated timelines when one deadline changed. They budgeted in a lot of extra time at the end, so changes to the timeline don't affect our bottom line. They have backlog meetings to go over the details of each sprint, and they invite us to those meetings to answer their questions or give input. They have a clear grasp of our business, and I really appreciate their process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They deliver design improvements quickly, and they're always willing to help us with any of our questions. They provide some support outside of the scope of the project, and we really appreciate all they do for us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We're very pleased with their performance and their speed. At this point, I don't have any points they should improve.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    There was one delay, but the time cushion they included ensured the final project would be delivered on time.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Mobile App Development & Design for Chemical Company

“I think their strength is the combination of their artistic design side and their experience in UX/UI and usability.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
2015 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Design Center, Inc. designed and developed a website and cross-platform mobile application for a chemicals company, enabling them to provide resources to and communicate more directly with their customers.

The Reviewer
 
10,001+ Employees
 
Germany
Simon Champ
Marketer, BASF
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The apps have been well received by internal stakeholders for both aesthetics and functionality. The Design Center, Inc. team is extremely talented and knowledgeable in their industry, delivering consistently high-quality code and targeting the core business challenges of their client.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for a company called the BASF, and we are one of the world’s largest chemical companies. I work in the animal nutrition unit, so we produce vitamins and other additives that go into animal feed for poultry, pigs, cows, and things like that. I’m in the marketing department.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Design Center, Inc.?

We’re looking to increase our interaction with our customers and end-users. Those people, for the most part, are farmers, and we wanted to offer them direct access to us and our expertise.

At the moment, there’s no way of doing that, so we wanted to develop an app where the farmers can download information about the products or contact us to ask questions.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed a website and web-based application, as well as a mobile app for iOS and Android that we can send out to our customers. They provided everything along the way, including design, all of the development work, and worked together with us to determine our main goals and requirements for the final product.

What is the team composition?

Across the two apps, I believe we’ve worked with about six people from their team. We coordinate with their business development manager directly, but they have developers and designers working with us as well.

How did you come to work with Design Center, Inc.?

BASF is a global company, and I’m in the German center. In the past, I’ve done work with other parts of the company, and a friend of mine in the American center recommended Design Center, Inc. to me.

How much have you invested with them?

By the end of the project, we’ll have spent about $200,000 between the two apps.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in 2015 and are continuing to do so.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have been very impressed with the quality of their work at every stage of the process. They have satisfied all of our requests and have been very helpful in planning as well as implementing the app designs.

How did Design Center, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate regularly via Skype or WhatsApp calls, and they do a good job of keeping us up to date on all of the progress we’ve made between communications.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I think their strength is in the combination of their artistic design side and their experience in UX/UI and usability. As a B2B company, we have very little experience in the space of B2C interactions, and the experience they brought to the table around designing for that has been extremely helpful.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think so. We’re very happy.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

To be honest, my interactions with them have been very straightforward and simple, so I don’t think there’s a lot that anyone working with them needs to keep in mind in order to make the project successful.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Mobile App Dev for Product Experience Platform

"Anybody can build an app, but they focus on the transformation of how you communicate in the digital age."

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4.5

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$1,000,000 - $9,999,999
 
Sept. 2015 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Design Center designed and developed an iPad product experience app for a marketing company’s sales team. The platform centralizes staff communication and offers in-depth product reviews and demonstrations.

The Reviewer
 
5,000 - 10,000 Employees
 
Detroit, Michigan
Lance Docken
SVP, Marketing & Advertising Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Design Center’s efforts yielded a practical application that strengthens staff communication and refreshes the sales process. Through an extensive engagement, the team has remained unchanged and maintained a regular check-in schedule. Their creative designs distinguish them from other providers.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the senior vice president of a marketing and advertising company. We provide auto dealer marketing services for more than 11,000 dealerships across the U.S. and internationally

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Design Center?

We have an ever-increasing set of products that we rely on our sales team to be equipped to sell into dealerships. We learned, however, that our salespeople were only selling the products they were comfortable explaining and demonstrating to clients. Secondly, we had no streamlined method to send updated contracts, sales events, promotions, or product prices to a distributed sales staff around the country. We relied on Design Center to build a mobile application to help rectify both of these problems.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Design Center created a mobile application for iPads that centralizes communication with our sales team and provides in-depth experiences with the products we sell. We integrated the platform with Salesforce so that we knew which salespeople were associated with which clients. Further, we could better determine which products individual clients are buying from us and which they weren’t. We can now track sales and alert to changes in real time.

In the app, we include a script and a description to accompany a visually pleasing experience of each product. These features give our salespeople an improved understanding of what they are selling. Having the app means not being forced into a linear conversation. Our staff can instead navigate to different screens effortlessly to answer client questions as they come up.

What is the team composition?

During the product development, we communicated with Colleen (Senior Project Manager, Design Center) and the heads of design and technology. Now that we’re in a maintenance phase, we only work with Colleen.

How did you come to work with Design Center?

I ran into Ken (President, Design Center), and he told me about what they had done for a window manufacturing company. They had transformed their sales experience from a large book of options to a more digital experience. I recognized that as something we could benefit from as well.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $850,000 on the main product build, and we’ve spent about $10,000 a month since then on maintenance and enhancement.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement started in September 2015 and remains ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As an example, before we had this application, we launched a new digital product that our salespeople were not particularly familiar with. We sold about 100 units even though we carried it in 4,000 dealerships. We revamped our training, got more equipment, and we sold about 400 more.

All the while, we were building this application. Once we introduced the app and showed our staff the experience and allowed them to get more comfortable with the product, we sold about 1,500. We quickly learned that the application would foster increased familiarity with what we’re selling.

How did Design Center perform from a project management standpoint?

During periods with a lot of heavy design work, we’ll have weekly meetings. Otherwise, we’ll touch base monthly to go over statistics and see how much usage we get for the system. The Design Center team has also had remarkably little churn, so we’ve been able to work with the same team all these years.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are fairly unique. Anybody can build an app, but they focus on the transformation of how you communicate in the digital age. And their designs are stunning. They are a design-minded development team, and you can tell when looking at competitive offerings.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We incorporate some metrics into our discussions, but I think we could have a stronger emphasis on usage statistics. Design Center could do more to design solutions around usage as opposed to a graphical experience.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The most important thing is having a dedicated and influential liaison at their office. You'll have much better results if you have somebody on the inside who is committed to the success of your project.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I would highly recommend them.

Web Development for Automotive Refinish Coatings Company

“Despite the complex nature of our requirements, they've managed to create user-friendly, modern and clean websites.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Mar. 2016 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Design Center redesigned and developed two websites from scratch on WordPress, incorporating custom features. They continue to maintain and add to the sites as needed.

The Reviewer
 
100,000+ Employees
 
Detroit, Michigan
Marketing Specialist, BASF
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Design Center created user-friendly, modern websites that have increased overall customer satisfaction as well as internal productivity. Highly responsive and proactive in their approach, working with their team is seamless. They listen closely and provide customized, effective solutions. 

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a marketing specialist within the automotive refinish division at BASF, a German chemical company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Design Center?

Our websites were outdated and not user-friendly, so I was looking for a vendor to rebuild them from scratch. Users were having difficulty accessing the information they needed, including legal information, painting procedures, and other technical topics—it was a big problem for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Design Center designed and developed both our public-facing website and administrative site used for customers and staff. They met with us to go over our business, goals, and requirements initially and then built the sites on WordPress, incorporating custom features as needed. Currently, they've transitioned into a support role and maintain the sites.

What is the team composition?

We work with a couple of designers and developers as well as a project manager. Throughout various stages of the project, we've worked with around 10 people on their team in total.

How did you come to work with Design Center?

They had previously done some work for another division within BASF, and we were very happy with their deliverables. We also liked that they didn't outsource any of their team members.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2016, and they continue to maintain and add features to the site as needed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've received tremendously positive feedback from both our internal team as well as our customers. They've made it much easier for users to access critical information within our highly competitive industry, which has significantly increased customer satisfaction.

The simplicity of the sites has also helped our internal teams perform their jobs better. Despite the complex nature of our requirements, they've managed to create clean and modern user-friendly websites.

How did Design Center perform from a project management standpoint?

They're easy to communicate with and are prompt and accessible. While they provide helpful feedback as needed, they don't try to force any services or their own agenda on us. Our project manager is very organized and proactive, responding to emails and setting up calls as needed quickly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're very good at taking the time to understand our business in order to develop tailored solutions. They don't apply a cookie-cutter approach to each client.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything. They've been a godsend for our division.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Mobile App Dev for Food & Facilities Services Company

“They really understand our business, which was a huge help.”

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4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Oct. 2016 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Design Center, Inc. provided mobile application development services, building a product information application for iPads.

The Reviewer
 
10,000+
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sales Manager, Food & Facilities Services Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The application was completed quickly, professionally, and to a high standard, with all updates implemented effectively and the template providing a solid backdrop for future development. They are a transparent and streamlined team that is also personable and easy to work with.  

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a sales strategy manager of a food and facilities services company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Design Center, Inc.?

We needed help with mobile application development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app is a tool for our sales team so that they can quickly access all the materials that we have available to them. It creates a more streamlined, customer-friendly way to present the different things that we have available. For example, within the app, there are videos and brochures that showcase all of our equipment. It is essentially like having an interactive brochure at your fingertips. The app was developed for iPads only; our sales team cannot access it via a laptop or iPhone.

What is the team composition?

I work with two people, including a project manager.

How did you come to work with Design Center, Inc.?

I'm not sure what the process was to determine which company we would go with.

How much have you invested in them?

We spend around $30,000 per year.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in October 2016 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app functions well and we have a really solid template in place. If I send them an update, there’s not a lot of back and forth, which keeps things moving quickly.

Up until a few months ago, we weren’t able to do much when it comes to analytics. However, they recently told me that they have worked with Google Analytics to obtain our data, which is great.

How did Design Center, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

It’s a pretty streamlined process. I submit my request, which might be four different ad hoc projects. They will break down the cost and are very transparent about how many hours they will take, as well as the scope of the project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They really understand our business, which was a huge help. They’re great people to work with and that counts for a lot.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing that comes to mind except for the data aspect. They’re pretty straightforward.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Sometimes there is a bit of a delay in getting back to me with the estimate in terms of timing, but usually they are pretty fast.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    The annual fee is reasonable, but a lot of the updates are ad hoc costs, which are sometimes a little higher than I would expect.
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    They’re a great partner.

Sales App Dev for Window and Door Manufacturer

“They excel at understanding our business and challenges and then coming to a swift, novel solution.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$1,000,000 - $9,999,999
 
2012 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Design Center developed an application in Objective-C for iOS. This demonstration tool allows sales representatives to always have the most current information and presentations. The relationship is ongoing.

The Reviewer
 
2000 - 5000 Employees
 
Bayport, MN
Product Manager, Window and Door Manufacturer
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Design Center’s work has resulted in reduced costs for printed materials and training and increased professionalism of presentations. The tool they developed enhances communications and new product awareness. The team impresses with their innovative solutions and commitment.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a senior product manager of a window and door manufacturer. We provide full-service window replacement. We target and cater to the do-it-for-me segment that is looking to replace their windows and patio doors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Design Center, Inc.?

Originally, we needed help creating a more professional look for in-home presentations by our sales reps. They were using a variety of sales content via laptop, old three-ring binders, or traditional print material.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We wanted to create something that aggregated all of our content and allowed us to push updates out to the sales representatives. Also, we wanted to create professional differentiation with a polished, nice-looking sales tool. I believe they used Objective-C for iOS.

What is the team composition?

We interacted with a project manager and had conference calls with some of the programmers every once in a while. Lead programmers and the head of programming participated occasionally to oversee things.

How did you come to work with Design Center, Inc.?

We were referred to them by our parent company who had worked with them.

How much have you invested in them?

We have spent over $1 million over the years.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2012 and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We started on one project with them which spawned subsequent projects that continually got bigger because we were happy with the service and product they were delivering to us.

We have seen in an increase of professionalism in the home presentations and a decrease in sales rep training. We have also seen reductions in cost and the need for print material.

Communication and awareness of new product offerings are quicker and more effective. We now have a more direct pipeline to the sales reps, whereas, in the past, we had to rely on various intermediaries to take the information we provided to them and then cascade it down to the sales reps.

How did Design Center, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

The delivery was good based on what we were asking them to do. They really excel at understanding our business and challenges and then coming to a swift, novel solution. That creative iteration and discovery sometimes resulted in a timeline being pushed out but also strengthened the product that we deliver.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was always impressed with the quality of the product. Their ability to empathize and come up with effective solutions that we hadn’t thought of is their strength and something that has been very impressive to us. They are dedicated to our partnership, which has also been very helpful to us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t have any suggestions in that area.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I highly recommend Design Center for companies that are trying to move away from traditional modes of business and innovate as well as differentiate themselves from their industry.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I have already recommended them.