MVP Development and Product Teams for Non-Technical Founders
Designli is a product development firm specializing in helping non-technical founders design, prototype, launch and scale custom software products. The company pairs founders with dedicated product teams that provide structured guidance from concept validation through MVP launch and early-stage scaling.
Unlike traditional development shops focused primarily on engineering execution, Designli emphasizes clarity, roadmap planning, and predictable delivery, making them ideal for founders building their first software product.
Impact at a Glance
Delivered hundreds app prototypes, blueprints, and custom MVPs planning across engagements ranging from $13,800
Functional prototypes launched in 2-weeks
Completed two project phases on time for a wellness & fitness web and mobile app initiative with a 2–5 person team
Delivered on time while offering <24-hour replies and working in agile sprints
Core Capabilities
Interactive prototyping
MVP development (web & mobile)
Codebase audit and recovery
UX/UI and interaction design
Product strategy and roadmapping
Dedicated teams of full-time product owners, UX/UI designers, and software engineers.
Best For
Non-technical SaaS founders launching their first software product
Early-stage startups requiring structured MVP development
Founders preparing for fundraising or market validation
Teams recovering from unreliable prior development vendors
Product-led startups seeking dedicated, embedded development support
Not For
Large-scale enterprise backend transformations
Deep infrastructure or systems-integration projects
Marketing-only engagements without product development requirements
Min project size
$10,000+
Hourly rate
$50 - $99 / hr
Employees
250 - 999
Locations
Greenville, SC
Year founded
Founded 2013
Languages
Timezones
1 Language that we service
English
5 Timezones that we service
CST
Central Standard Time (CST)
EST
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
MST
Mountain Standard Time (MST)
PNT
Phoenix Standard Time (PNT)
PST
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
1 Locations
Greenville , SC
No have been added yet...
Pricing Snapshot
Min. project size
$10,000+
Avg. hourly rate
$50 - $99
/hr
Rating for cost
4.8
/5
What Clients Have Said
Designli's pricing varies, with projects typically costing between $10,000 and $250,000. Clients appreciate their value for cost, especially for the quality of deliverables and responsive communication, often leading to ongoing engagements and satisfaction with project management.
Designli builds strong relationships with clients, characterized by trust, respect, and mutual understanding. Their ability to listen to client needs and incorporate feedback effectively contributes to long-term partnerships.
Positive Client Feedback on Deliverables
Clients consistently express satisfaction with the quality and functionality of Designli's deliverables. The team's work often meets or exceeds expectations, contributing to successful project outcomes and client confidence.
Commitment to Client Success
Designli's commitment to ensuring client success is evident in their proactive approach, attention to detail, and willingness to go the extra mile. Clients feel supported and valued throughout their engagement with the team.
Budget and Cost-Effectiveness
Clients appreciate Designli's transparency in budgeting and cost management, often noting that the team provides clear cost estimates and works within budget constraints to deliver valuable solutions.
Need for Detailed Guidance in Some Projects
While Designli is praised for their expertise, some clients note that the team could lead projects more proactively by offering more guidance and leveraging their expertise without relying heavily on client input.
Strong Project Management Skills
Clients commend Designli for their effective project management, characterized by timely deliveries, organized processes, and regular updates. They utilize tools like Basecamp to maintain clear communication and ensure projects stay on track, demonstrating their commitment to client satisfaction.
“They’ve been great at setting expectations, and they’ve delivered what they promised when they promised it.”
Mar 17, 2022
Coordinator, Congregations For Kids
Alex Fraser
Verified
Other industries
Charlotte, North Carolina
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Designli has been helping a nonprofit organization to create a SaaS platform that connects social workers with donors, moving it away from WordPress to make it highly functional and marketable.
The platform that Designli has helped create is gaining interest from other nonprofit organizations. The team is responsive, helpful, and trustworthy, and they excel at clear communication, making projects simple. Additionally, they’re great at using limited budgets to create the best 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 work for Congregations For Kids, a nonprofit organization that works in the child welfare and foster care space. We look to provide support systems to foster parents, social workers, guardians ad litem, and other adults involved.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Designli?
We needed help to develop a web platform for one of our programs. We already had a WordPress website for that program, but our goal was to eventually market our solution as a SaaS product to other nonprofit organizations. Thus, we hired Designli to help us move away from WordPress.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Designli has helped us develop a web platform for our program called Care Now, allowing us to move away from WordPress. On it, social workers can request emergency tangible items like a car seat, diapers, or a crib. Then, we connect those social workers with our donor base to provide them with the items they requested. This platform helps fill the gap whenever government funding takes a little too long to fill the social worker needs.
Apart from helping us with the transition, Designli has added new features to our platform to make it more functional, including backend features like a dashboard.
What is the team composition?
Initially, when we started discussing and scoping the project, we worked with Keith (Co-Founder & CEO) and two other people from his team. Since then, we’ve been working with the COO and a technical team of five people.
How did you come to work with Designli?
The person who developed our WordPress site referred us to Designli. We initially wanted to work with him due to our previous experience, but he was moving onto a different chapter of his career. However, he helped us research development companies because we trusted his expertise. When he recommended them, we trusted that they would be a good fit for us, and they turned out to be a perfect fit.
How much have you invested with them?
As a nonprofit organization, our projects rely on grants. Designli understood that perfectly and broke down the project into phases based on when we would get our funding. The first phase cost $65,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together during the third quarter of 2021, and our engagement is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Different nonprofits like us around the country have been interested in our solution, which eventually will help us create a bonus revenue stream for our organization. However, we first need to package and license it to market it.
In general terms, Designli has been great to work with; they’re very helpful. They’ve been great at translating technical terms into layman’s terms, showing us our different options, and providing us with a robust yet easy-to-understand proposal. From the start, it was easy for us to know where our money would be most effectively spent. Overall, their work is very transparent, so having a trustworthy partner has been very important for us.
How did Designli perform from a project management standpoint?
Designli has been great at project management. They’re very responsive, and they hit every deadline. Additionally, they’ve been great at setting expectations, and they’ve delivered what they promised when they promised it.
Designli has also kept us updated throughout the project. We meet weekly, but they’re always available to answer questions. If we have any concerns, they get back to us within one business day, and if we find any issues or bugs, they respond within minutes and fix them.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Desingli’s most impressive asset is their ability to convey what clients can do with their budget. Initially, they were great at guiding us through our options, explaining the reasoning behind them, and helping us find the best solution to make our vision a reality based on our budget.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, we’re very pleased with their services, and they’ve gone above and beyond.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Don’t hesitate to call Designli. They’re very engaging from the beginning, so don’t let the experience of reaching a development company be intimidating for you.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Web & Mobile App Design for a Social Organization App Co.
Mobile App DevelopmentWeb Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Apr. 2021 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"Their willingness to work with a wide variety of people and skill levels with technology stands out."
Mar 8, 2022
Staff, Longilvens Ventures, LLC
Anonymous
Verified
Other industries
Charlotte, North Carolina
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Designli developed a prototype for a company's web and mobile app, creating the design and delivering a clickable product that aided in identifying a potential full development and production partner.
The client is pleased with Designli's rapid responses and ability to interact with stakeholders of varying technical skill levels. Customers can expect a flexible partner that adapts to preferred communication styles. They are patient in answering questions and able to move quickly when required.
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 were founded to develop a marketing application to help service clubs, churches, and organizations of that type keep track of their members and services they perform. Our way would be easier for the average person to do than was currently available in the market.
My main position is with another company, but my employer is a part of this LLC. I’m helping them out with Designli because of my web design and development experience.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Designli?
We hired them to help create our website and mobile app.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
They’ve done graphic design and prototyping for our web app and mobile app.
What is the team composition?
We’ve worked with their CEO, their CFO, and a design resource. Taylor (Project Coordinator) and one other resource are also on the team. Taylor was added to facilitate direct communication.
How did you come to work with Designli?
We were trying to decide how best to vet design companies. I wanted to stay away from freelancer platforms because of the size of investment necessary for this project.
We’d requested references from some people, but those were more for larger corporations. My employer stumbled upon Designli, and I enjoyed both their nearby location one state over and their mid-size approach.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent around $24,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We’ve been working together since April 2021. The work is paused now at the end of the prototyping phase, and we’ll most likely be bringing on another partner to produce the full applications.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
They provided design links for how people will interact with the app and website. This is what got us in the door with the company we’re considering for the full development. They can click around in the prototype to get a feel for the solution.
If we had questions about how to use the prototype, Designli responded immediately. They were very responsive and flexible. The process would have gone faster if not for extensive discussions on our side, too.
How did Designli perform from a project management standpoint?
They use Basecamp to communicate, along with weekly summary messages and as needed communications if there are any action items. Designli's team was flexible with our preferred live methods of communication, like phone calls or Zoom calls. They were always very attentive.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their willingness to work with a wide variety of people and skill levels with technology stands out. This includes investors who don’t have a strong understanding of Basecamp. Designli was open to talking to those people over the phone. I don’t find this flexibility everywhere in the the tech industry.
Are there any areas they could improve?
Anything that needed to be changed was handled quickly. They didn’t leave us hanging.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
If you have people with different technological familiarities, make sure that the people in direct communication with Designli are able to ask them questions to clarify anything that is confusing, rather than dumping anything they don’t understand down on the next person down the line.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
MVP Dev for Productivity Apps Developer
Mobile & App MarketingMobile App DevelopmentUX/UI Design
Confidential
Sep. 2021 - Feb. 2022
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
4.5
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They were excellent communicators and were very forthright around the costs, expectations, and deliverables."
Feb 23, 2022
Owner, Productivity App Development Company
Anonymous
Verified
Other industries
Brevard, North Carolina
Phone Interview
Verified
A productivity application developer hired Designli to create a clickable app prototype. The team facilitated a discovery process where they suggested elements to help the client balance out development costs.
Designli built a demonstrable prototype that enabled the client to better engage with stakeholders. The team also made the development cost-effective through their solutions-oriented scoping process. They were excellent, proactive communicators who delivered on time and within budget.
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 small software company that focuses on the development of productivity apps.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Designli?
I was trying to get input to determine the level of effort needed to complete a new mobile app project. I also needed an app design or a clickable prototype that I could implement.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Keith (Co-Founder & CEO) first explained to me their offering called Solution Lab, which was a perfect starting point for me. Solution Lab entailed their team listening to my vision for the app and pointing out things that I may want to consider to balance the costs. We took that approach, and the Designli team made sure that they fully understood what I was looking to do before providing the estimates.
We then went into actually developing the app for iOS and Android. The first phase involved creating a blueprint document listing all the details of the project along with a clear breakdown of the work. Once that was completed, Designli created the designs for the prototype, which is where the original idea began to take shape. I worked closely with their team to nail down the branding, UI, and overall look and feel.
What is the team composition?
I interacted with four people: Keith, Josh (COO), a project coordinator, and a graphic designer.
How did you come to work with Designli?
I found Designli online and reached out to them because they were local and had great reviews on Clutch. It was important to me that we be able to meet face-to-face, at least occasionally, throughout the project, so I chose them.
How much have you invested with them?
I spent about $15,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
The engagement lasted from September 2021–February 2022.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
I now have a real, professional, clickable prototype that I can use to communicate the value of the app with all of my stakeholders. Designli was able to deliver everything on time and within the budget that we had established at the outset. They’ve also met all of the general benchmarks.
How did Designli perform from a project management standpoint?
They were great at managing the project. Whether it was during our weekly updates or when they were answering my questions, their communication was exceptional and proactive. We primarily used Basecamp but we had a number of Google Meet conferences as well.
What did you find most impressive about them?
I’m not sure how they would compare to other digital product providers because they’re the first that I’ve worked with, but it’s hard to imagine that I would’ve had a better experience elsewhere. They were excellent communicators and were very forthright around the costs, expectations, and deliverables.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, none that I can think of. There were hardly any missteps.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
I would highly recommend working with Designli. They’re very good about guiding the client through the process.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
4.5
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Consulting & Web Development for E-Learning Site
BrandingDigital StrategyWeb Development
$10,000 to $49,999
June 2021 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"We’ve enjoyed every aspect of working with them, and we’re excited to continue with this partnership."
Jan 31, 2022
Executive, E-Learning Site
Anonymous
Verified
Utilities
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
An e-learning site hired Designli to provide web development. They also went to a business review process to help the client jumpstart their business effectively.
Designli has provided invaluable top-quality work for the client. In terms of project management, they use Basecamp to handle a solid follow-up process. The team also praises their hands-on approach and ability to clearly explain every part of the process to them.
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 executive at an e-learning company. We’ve created a site for custodians to be trained virtually.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Designli?
We hired them for the launching of our business because we needed help with web development and consulting.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Designli helped us brainstorm through the whole process of turning our idea into a business — they were instrumental in thinking through the different challenges that arose for this project.
We went through a process where we sat down for a full day with their team to review everything about our business regarding what we wanted to get out of the product in the short and long term. Their team also helped us find color schemes and create a logo.
In terms of the platform development, they’ve done all the coding to put everything together.
Currently, they’ll continue to work with maintenance and future iterations.
What is the team composition?
We’ve been working with four members of their team, including one of the co-founders, a project manager, and a couple of developers.
How did you come to work with Designli?
We found them through a Google search. After looking at the website and learning about their process to do projects, I like what they offered and how they explained the whole process to us.
How much have you invested in them?
We’ve spent $10,000–$25,000 with them so far.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in June 2021, and the engagement is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
What they’ve provided is invaluable; they’ve gone above and beyond what a typical software developer would do. I feel like they helped us go from building a skateboard to having a luxury car — the quality of the product is awesome.
How did Designli perform from a project management standpoint?
We’ve been using Basecamp, which enables them to have a good follow-up process.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their hands-on approach to the process is outstanding. Also, their ability to explain things clearly to us is great.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I don’t think there’s anything they can improve on — we’ve enjoyed every aspect of working with them, and we’re excited to continue with this partnership.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Take advantage of the tools they provide, communicate your needs, and allow them to give their professional input.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Online Marketplace Dev for Materials Investment Company
Web Development
Confidential
Jan. 2020 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"The Designli team is able to translate any idea into a technical, workable solution."
Jan 4, 2022
Executive Director, Building Materials Investment Company
Anonymous
Verified
Other industries
Khobar, Saudi Arabia
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
A materials investment company hired Designli to develop a platform where users could compare and order various products. The team is currently iterating on the wireframes according to the stakeholders' feedback.
Though they've yet to start the actual development, Designli’s work has proven cost-efficient in that they can quickly capture, translate, and implement any given feedback. Through open communication and a consistent reporting process, the team helps steer the project in the right direction.
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 executive director for a building materials investment company. We invest in building materials, manufacturing, operating, and joint venture companies across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and the Middle East.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Designli?
We wanted to create an online marketplace where sellers, manufacturers, and buyers — like contractors, distributors, and retailers — could concisely and consistently compare different building materials in the Middle East. We also wanted this platform to give them the ability to place orders for these materials and have them delivered to their site.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
We began with a number of discussions where we explained our ideas and provided Designli with supporting documentation. They helped us write up a 40-page project scope that details the build and logic of the platform. We continued to conduct weekly calls with their team to iterate on this document in greater detail.
We’ve started the development of the wireframes or the visual representation of the platform, but we are currently fine-tuning it according to the feedback of our stakeholders. Once this iterative process is done, we will be moving into actual development.
What is the team composition?
We work with three people from their side. Josh (COO) and Keith (Partner) are also very involved, and we appreciate that their senior members participate at such a detailed level. There was another person who was involved at the beginning of the project. She helped us with the scoping work.
I believe the development of the wireframe is contracted to someone based in Europe, but Josh is involved in that process. He’s always with us on the calls to make sure that the execution work goes as discussed.
How did you come to work with Designli?
They worked with one of our operating companies on a website development project, so the recommendation came from within our business. They came highly recommended, and we did a bit of our own research to compare them to others. We figured they were probably the best people to work with.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together around January 2021. It’s an ongoing project.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
I can’t give metrics yet because the platform hasn’t been launched, but I can say that the quality of their work has been fantastic. I think in terms of output versus expenditure, they have been incredibly efficient. It hasn’t taken too many iterations to see our thoughts reflected in the documentation. The Designli team is able to translate any idea into a technical, workable solution.
They also have the ability to think through any issue and utilize their wealth of marketplace development experience. They’re quite good at helping us navigate not just the final outcome but also each idea that goes into making it.
Our relationship with them is quite simple and flexible. It’s very easy to hop on a call with them and relay any stakeholder feedback that we’ve gathered. It’s easy to walk through issues with them because they can quickly resolve or implement it to push the project forward.
How did Designli perform from a project management standpoint?
Designli sticks to the deadlines. Though there are delays sometimes, these are minimal. They’re still much better than other developers that we’ve worked with, if not the best.
We share a Basecamp folder and conduct weekly calls. The mechanics of their project management are not apparent to us as a client because they take care of everything. We simply see the results, which is amazing. Their team keeps us in the loop for regular progress updates and does not shy away from asking questions. This gives us confidence that we’re not burning hours moving in the wrong direction.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Three things stood out to us about Designli: the experience that they provide, the quality of their work, and the way they manage the project as well as their relationships with their clients.
Are there any areas they could improve?
We haven’t gotten to the development phase yet and maybe that’s where things will become a little more difficult. We don’t have any constructive feedback for them at the moment, though. We have been very happy with our engagement with them so far.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Definitely work with Designli. There isn't anything that we would have done differently.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Product UI/UX Redesign for Software Development Company
UX/UI Design
$10,000 to $49,999
May 2021 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
4.5
Willing to Refer
5.0
“Our overall satisfaction is 100%, and Designli has definitely met our expectations.”
Dec 13, 2021
CTO, Software Development Company
Anonymous
Verified
Other industries
Austin, Texas
51-200 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Designli is redesigning a software development company’s flagship product using Figma. Their work involves streamlining complex processes within the product. The goal is to modernize it for better usability.
While quantitative metrics aren’t available yet, the internal feedback for Designli’s work has been highly positive. The client praises the team’s ability to stick to schedules and budgets. They’re also willing to accommodate the company’s ideas and schedules, resulting in a great relationship.
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 CTO at a software development company. We’ve developed three products over the years, and we license them in various on-premise and SaaS models.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Designli?
We work with Designli on our flagship product. We’ve developed it over the years, but many features have been confusing. As a result, our goal is to revamp and modernize the product’s UX design to make it easier to use.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Designli’s main deliverable is to redesign our product while following our brand guidelines. We work in collaboration with their team to identify key areas where we need UX improvements based on our end client’s feedback. Then, they propose solutions, and our teams agree on the best approach to use.
For example, we’ve revamped the design of the shipping process. Users should be able to add one or more items to their carts and have them delivered to one or more locations. The team has proposed various options to streamline this process for end users.
What is the team composition?
We’ve worked with their CEO and COO to negotiate the deal; the COO is in charge of the overall project. Our team has also worked with a UX professional from their team during the initial discussion process. We’ve also been collaborating with one of their designers.
How did you come to work with Designli?
A common friend of ours recommended Designli. That friend used the team in the past.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent about $12,000–$12,500 so far.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started the project in May 2021, and the engagement is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We don’t have any quantitative data yet since we haven’t implemented the new UX designs. However, we’re in the process of re-architecting the product, and we’ll implement their designs after that.
Anecdotally, we’ve reviewed the new designs internally, and the feedback has been positive. Our overall satisfaction is 100%, and Designli has definitely met our expectations.
How did Designli perform from a project management standpoint?
Designli has done well in terms of project management, and I don’t have any complaints about their scheduling or management skills. We use Basecamp and Figma to manage everything and communicate about the designs.
What did you find most impressive about them?
The team is willing to accommodate our schedules, budget, and ideas. I’ve seen this quality in other design companies, but the Designli team is better at it than the other teams we’ve used in the past.
Are there any areas they could improve?
When we hire a design company, we want them to lead with their expertise. We’re software developers, so we can’t handle designs internally. As the product owner, we’ve given Designli some guidance, but we rely on them for their UX perspective. Given that, they should drive the project more with their expertise instead of looking for guidance from us.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Set expectations correctly. Designli is good at managing the scope of the project and schedule, but they should guide the process, too — you should emphasize that when you start working with them.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
4.5
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Discovery & Prototype Dev for Athlete Marketplace Business
“They have innovative solutions that simplify things for non-technical customers.”
Sep 9, 2021
Founder, AthleteUp
Chris P.
Verified
Other industries
Charlotte, North Carolina
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Designli has helped a sports marketplace platform create a blueprint for their software. At present, the team has started creating high-resolution wireframes for the clickable prototype based on the blueprint.
Stakeholders are happy with the MVP, which is described as polished and professional. The Designli team has done an excellent job collaborating closely with the client, ensuring that they meet expectations along the way. Their communication and project management processes are their best features.
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 founder of AthleteUp, a marketplace for college and professional athletes to connect with brands, businesses, and fans to monetize their name, image, and likeness. They acquire sponsorships from businesses or lessons for local youth athletes.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Designli?
My background is in the finance and banking sectors, so I don’t have any coding or software development background. I have the idea and I know the features I want, but I need Designli to help me understand the development and technical aspects of the idea.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Designli helps me think about the right things and decide on the features and functionalities that are critical for our MVP. They also help me decide what features can be added later on, guiding me around what technologies can help us go where we want to be. To do this, I’ve participated in their discovery process where they asked me about my goals. Then, they’ve mapped out user stories and user flows. Simply put, they’ve provided me with a blueprint for the technology, features, and functionality of the app. The team has also scoped the project out with pricing for each feature.
Apart from that, we’ve also asked them to create the actual mockup designs and high resolution wireframes of the app’s clickable prototype. This is somewhat a separate project from the discovery process, and we’re nearly done with it. We haven’t engaged them yet for the actual development of the app.
What is the team composition?
We mainly work with Keith (Co-Founder & CEO) and Josh (COO), who are our main points of contact on most subjects. Our team works with Keith for discovery and with Josh for design.
How did you come to work with Designli?
I was searching through online reviews websites, including Clutch. They had good reviews, so I also looked at their portfolio and design samples. The team also had some background in projects similar to mine. Ultimately, I liked their style, and it didn’t hurt that they were pretty close to my location. In the end, I hired them.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve invested between $10,000–$25,000 in their services. Our team has spent $5,000 for the initial discovery and another $18,000 for the high-resolution designs.
What is the status of this engagement?
I started working with them in May 2021, and the engagement is ongoing. The discovery phase where they built the blueprint lasted from May–June 2021. Then, in the first week of July 2021, we jumped into building the clickable prototype. That work is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
I’m impressed with the quality of Designli’s work. They take my feedback and hit what I ask for; the design looks polished and professional. I’m also pleased with their whole process, and their communication is top-notch. If I need to talk to them, I can do it digitally; they keep me informed.
How did Designli perform from a project management standpoint?
They do an excellent job at managing the project and communicating with us. We mainly stay in touch through digital methods. For one, they use Basecamp to keep everyone updated. Through it, they give us the things we need to review.
I always know what they’re working on because they provide weekly reports on their work both at the end and beginning of every week. In other words, we have a constant flow of open communication. I’ve been happy with that.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They have a playbook that helps them run their solution and achieve excellent outputs. They also know the right questions to ask because their resources have such a broad range of experience. On top of that, they have innovative solutions that simplify things for non-technical customers.
Overall, it’s a well-run operation. They ask questions, get the details, research them, and get back to us with plenty of recommendations. In fact, I can take their outputs to investors or other third parties to raise funds. As a result, I’m truly pleased with the way they handle the entire project and their recommendations.
Are there any areas they could improve?
The engagement isn’t going as fast as my initial estimates; the design timeframe has been stretched out a bit. There’s slower feedback than I hope. However, I’m still truly pleased with the quality of their outputs. All I’m concerned about is getting good work.
From a cost perspective, they’re at the higher end of the spectrum. That being said, from a quality perspective, we’re getting what we pay for — we have a highly polished product, and the team knows what they’re doing.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
If you don’t have any technical background, Designli is an excellent team to hire. They truly help you hone in on the features you want and need. They excel at asking the right questions and giving useful recommendations. In other words, if you’re not a coder but you have an idea, then they’ll help you figure the whole process out.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
4.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
4.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Mobile App Dev for Trading Card Game Store
Mobile App Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Apr. 2021 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
“They work with me to find a solution, and they’re always willing to jump in on a call and work things out.”
Jun 10, 2021
President, Trading Card Game Store
Anonymous
Verified
Arts, entertainment & music
Des Moines, Iowa
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Designli is helping develop a cross-platform app for a trading card game store. They’ve taken over an incomplete project, integrated their designs, and developed a web-based admin panel for the client.
Designli’s approach has made the process easier, and the client has had a phenomenal experience working with them. The team is highly responsive and communicative, and their work quality is great. They’re able to collaborate with the client to find accurate solutions to the challenges that arise.
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 president of a company dedicated to selling trading cards. We offer license keys for an online game as well.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Designli?
We do a lot of different things in the trading card community, and one of those things is trade cards and game license keys. I was looking to create a mobile application where the community could sell their licenses to us.
We already had a project under development, but I decided to change the design and look for other developers. Designli came in to take over the project.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Designli has been helping us develop an Android and iOS app that allows users to scan their license codes and submit them to us for sale. They’ve also developed a web-based admin panel to manage the information — all that is linked together.
Designli provides design services as well. A lot of the app structure was already built, but they were capable of adapting to it to implement their designs. We’re still in development, and currently, we’re ready to debug the apps so we can publish them on the marketplaces.
What is the team composition?
I’ve personally spoken to five different people from Designli on various levels.
How did you come to work with Designli?
I did a Google search and found Designli. I was looking around and comparing some companies, and what set them aside was their website design — it was amazing. The graphic design they did, the examples of all the different apps they’d built, and their success stories were intriguing — it all looked very professional.
They also talked about their approach on their website. Their approach was to build an MVP and work all the way up to a fully functional app, which makes the process a lot easier. Instead of doing it all at once and provoking a huge learning curve and other issues, they get feedback from the community so we can decide to upgrade the app based on that feedback. This approach was what set them aside from everyone else.
How much have you invested with them?
I’ve spent around $27,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in April 2021, and the engagement is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
My experience working with Designli has been phenomenal. They reply extremely fast, and I can jump in on a call at any time. We’re both in the US, and we operate in the same timeframe, so they’re always responsive.
How did Designli perform from a project management standpoint?
Designli uses Basecamp for project management, and it works great for communication as well. They break down the process every week and give me a recap about how we are spending our budget, where they are allocating resources, what errors have they run into, and how much is going to cost us to fix those errors.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their communication is phenomenal. I can bring something up, and they get it right away. They work with me to find a solution, and they’re always willing to jump in on a call and work things out.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I came from working with a different development team, and working with Designli has been such a smooth process that I don’t see anything that’s not working efficiently. Maybe I’ll have more feedback once we launch the apps and run into issues, but so far, I’m not aware of anything that should be improved.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Working with Designli is a mutual relationship. They’re great at giving updates and providing feedback. However, getting the most out of the engagement requires the same level of interaction from you as a customer. They can only do so much, so you have to provide them with enough information to run through the issues that might arise.
RATINGS
5.0
"Our partnership has been phenomenal."
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
"From my limited experience, I haven’t run into any issues in this regard."
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
"Comparing their cost against other developers, they probably would have a lower rating, but considering the quality of their work, they’re perfect."
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
"I’ve already recommended them to other people.
Prototype Design for IT Fundraising Platform
Other Design
$10,000 to $49,999
Dec. 2020 - Mar. 2021
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
4.5
Cost
4.5
Willing to Refer
5.0
"Designli challenged us to think outside the box."
Jun 7, 2021
COO & Co-Founder, Fundraising Platform
Anonymous
Verified
Other industries
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Designli created MVP prototypes based on the initial design concepts of a nonprofit. They took over the software's design phase, generating a project roadmap and making edits based on the client's feedback.
Equipped with dependable design skills and a critical understanding of their client's startup goals, Designli produced design mockups at par with their client's standards and preferences. The team was communicative and expressed willingness to help the client beyond the terms of their partnership.
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 COO and co-founder of a benefit corporation that currently focuses on building a new kind of fundraising platform for nonprofits.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Designli?
We needed their team to transform our initial software designs and concepts into prototypes.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
We began the partnership with a kickoff call wherein Designli walked us through the process by explaining the project steps. We then had a virtual workshop to tackle the project details and concepts to be utilized in completing the prototypes. After the brainstorming phase, Designli presented a 20-page project report, which served as our roadmap.
During the design phase, their team created iterations and mock-ups for our software, which we reviewed and commented on. Once they've applied the adjustments or final edits requested by our team, Designli would then allow us to pick the best iteration out of all their design outputs.
What is the team composition?
Our main point of contact was their CEO. There were other resources assigned to work on the different phases of the project, including the scoping and design stages.
How did you come to work with Designli?
We found their team after searching for potential agencies to work with via Clutch and other recruitment websites. We then shortlisted around 16 agencies and ranked them according to client reviews and online portfolios. Designli caught our attention the most because they seemed to be a very transparent and committed team — their attention to detail and quality were well-reflected on their previous work.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent around $15,000–$25,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
The project ran from December 2020–March 2021.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Designli persistently met all our design expectations — they always made sure that the quality of the work they produced was at par with our preferences. Another primary measure of the project’s success was their ability to work within our company’s budget.
How did Designli perform from a project management standpoint?
We used Basecamp as our main project management tool, while their team uploaded all their mockups and other deliverables on Google Drive. Designli was a very communicative team — they sent weekly updates and informed us in advance whenever there were potential constraints that could affect our timelines. Apart from that, they were highly receptive to our feedback, so any adjustments from our end were addressed right away.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Designli was not just a vendor that understood and produced what we required from them — they were a partner that helped us think critically when it came to making integral decisions. Their CEO was especially helpful in molding our business for the better and identifying the right marketing strategies that could work for us. Designli challenged us to think outside the box and consider multiple alternatives before choosing the best approach that could work for us.
Are there any areas they could improve?
They were a very transparent team. While the price was a potential area for improvement, I also think it was only fair as their services and everything they produced justified their cost.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Assess the maturity of your company, and let them take it from there. Designli could help your startup business go from zero to version one.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
4.5
On time / deadlines
Cost
4.5
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
iOS, Android & Web App for Dating Startup
Mobile App DevelopmentWeb Development
Less than $10,000
Jan. - Dec. 2020
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
“Designli had a good idea of what my concept was from the first consultation.”
Mar 22, 2021
Owner, X2Nex
Aisha Del Rosario
Verified
Media
Atlanta, Georgia
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Designli created an iOS, Android, and desktop app for a dating startup. The team worked on the project from wireframing to development. They also had a hand in logo design.
Designli’s work met their client’s needs and expectations. The team was able to seamlessly translate complex concepts into laymen’s terms. They were timely with deliverables and always communicated proactively. Designli is a cohesive team that works well to execute projects in an organized manner.
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 owner of a dating app.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Designli?
I had no background or understanding of technology. I was looking for a company within my price range that would be comfortable translating technology to someone with no knowledge.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Designli developed my app from start to finish. First, I put my idea on paper and had an initial consultation with them. I described my idea and what I was looking to do. We had a couple of meetings where we walked through my diagram. From there, the team built out a draft and put together pricing for me, too.
Once the draft was completed, I decided to build it on iOS, Android, and desktop. Then, we discussed logos. They created 3–4 logos that fit with what I was looking for and I chose one. Finally, the team delivered an MVP so I could pitch it to potential investors.
What is the team composition?
I worked with Keith (Co-founder), a project manager, and another person.
How did you come to work with Designli?
I reached out to Designli on Fiverr They had experience working on apps so I felt comfortable working with them. They also fell within the price range that I was looking for.
How much have you invested with them?
I spent $7,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in June 2020, and the MVP was completed in December 2020. Currently, I’m in the fundraising phase.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Designli had a good idea of what my concept was from the first consultation. They were able to turn my concept into something real within a short amount of time. The team met the deliverables and there was a lot of communication and touchpoints throughout the entire project. Their expertise was quick and accurate. I could describe something to them and they immediately knew what I was trying to do.
How did Designli perform from a project management standpoint?
They used Basecamp to update me on where they were in the project. We had a touchpoint every two weeks. They met all the deliverables when they said they would. They were above average and there was a lot of follow-up via text. The team was proactive.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Designli knew how to take technical language and translate it so I could understand. Their team is made up perfectly and they gel well. Everyone was moving in unison. No one was ever out of the loop. I can appreciate that since they all had different roles to play.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, I was pleased with their delivery.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
My advice is to do research on app development beforehand. That way you won’t waste time asking simple questions.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
"They were courteous and timely."
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
"Scheduling was convenient and they were flexible. They met the timeline that I was looking for."
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
"I don’t know how fair the price is since I’ve never made an app before. I was able to afford it, though"
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Showing 31-40 of
77 Reviews
Our Story
There are many developers who 'hang a shingle' and start building apps and web-apps as a service for others. However, if you've ever spoken with someone who has paid a company to build custom software, you'll know that there are more horror stories than successes. This is what makes Designli different. Not only do we build bug-free, polished software, but we also do it with a very clear mission: to make your experience along the way an enjoyable one.
Meet the Team
Keith ShieldsCEO and Co-founder
Keith Shields is the CEO and Co-founder of Designli, a leading software and web development company. Keith is passionate about creating impactful digital experiences.
Tyler MortonAccount Executive
Tyler is the full-cycle Account Executive at Designli. Designli helps non-technical founders to spin up an on-demand product team to facilitate a successful launch of their software.
What Sets Us Apart
Communicative
People who are Communicative are quick, clear, and transparent. At Designli, this means our clients are kept in the know, feeling confident and informed about their software projects.
Proactive
People who are Proactive anticipate and overcome roadblocks. At Designli, we foresee and address technical, administrative, and timeline challenges before they hinder progress.
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