Custom Software Development
At ELPassion we build digital products for startups, established businesses and corporations worldwide, mainly in the United States and Europe: especially Germany, Norway, and Sweden. We cooperate with fast-moving companies in Healthtech, Fintech and Business services industries.
We are a custom software development house with extensive experience in building MVPs and end-to-end products, developing and designing Ruby on Rails Web Apps or feature-rich iOS/Android Apps.
Our expertise:
- Web and Mobile Development
- UX & UI Design
- UX Strategy Workshop
Key Figures:
- 300+ delivered projects
- 27 countries of our customers
- 74 team members
Over the 9 years we have mastered our processes and consider them a unique value that will benefit your product. We rely on UX, Agile, Lean and XP methodologies to provide best-in-class products and exceptional customer service, no matter the circumstances.
headquarters
other locations
Focus
Portfolio
EY (Financial Services); Polaroid Originals (Art&Photography); Varner (Ecommerce); Millward Brown (Productivity); Booksy (E-commerce), Wirtualna Polska (Media); Docplanner (HealthTech); femtasy (Leisure); Rightmove (Real Estate); Tellius (Machine learning); Estimote (Consumer electronics); Joystream (Media); Vaultoro
Hyphen
Hyphen is an HR tool that analyses relationships between management and employees in the company. It collects feedback from the team and suggests actions that should be taken to keep the company on a good track.
We kicked off with the UX Strategy Workshop. It helped the client and us to understand the context of the user experience and core problems to solve. Based on the findings we focused on the UX architecture and key features. Our aim was to make the application easy to navigate and provide clear ways to jump between reports and survey lists. Base on our UX findings we designed the interface by leveraging Plant and Sketch's Shared Library features to optimize the design operations. To visualize data in a clear and readable way we used patterns such as bar charts, stacked charts, heatmaps and bubble graphs. Finally, we refreshed the Hyphen branding, including the typography, color palette, iconography and basic components.
After the new app designed was launched, the client reported positive feedback from both, new and existing customers. Improved UX of the product resulted in higher user engagement and increased sales numbers.
Varner
Varner Group is one of the largest fashion retailers in Scandinavia that consists of reputable brands such as Dressman, BikBok, Cubus and many others.
We created a tool that boosts efficiency and optimizes sales, both in online and offline stores. Our experts took a dare and replaced old functionalities with AI-based dynamic pricing and campaign that enables Varner to adjust prices to stock status. With this new Markdown feature, Varner increased its revenues by 4.5M EUR during one seasonal sale alone. It was crucial to keep the tool fast and responsive due to the huge databases of items, while at the same time integrating it with numerous other Varner internal tools.
Our back-end and front-end teams delivered a maintainable solution, ready to implement. We used Nest.js framework, Cloud SQL, Elasticsearch for datastores and React.js on the front-end.
What matters most for us is the client's satisfaction summed up in words:
"The solution will continue to have a huge impact on Varner's long term margins. They are knowledgeable and efficiently figure out solutions to roadblocks and problems."
Vaultoro
Vaultoro is a platform to trade between crypto and physical gold. It provides access to professionally vaulted, fully insured gold and informs you of any news about cryptocurrencies.
Vaultoro wanted to build a fully-functional platform. EL Passion team started with frontend development, then UX and UI design of the platform. Aware of the client's requirements we created first stable code, using React.js, Next.js and SCSS.
Then EL Passion designers created website design, visual elements of all key screens of the product, among others dashboard and diagrams, all of it corresponding with the cryptocurrencies market. Clear and simple graphics made it easy to navigate through the page and coherent web and mobile screens layout made it more usable and enjoyable for people. In the end, we implemented CMS to the system. The cooperation went smoothly and within the timeline.
Mednavi
Mednavi is an innovative web platform from the health tech sector. It provides cancer-diagnosed patients with one complex database that includes not only cancer treatment possibilities but also a clear map of clinics specializing in particular types of care.
EL Passion's cooperation with Mednavi started with a two-days UX Strategy Workshop during which we identified the project's vision and possible restraints. Thanks to previous research backed up with in-depth user testing we created a convenient product, easily navigable for users. Additionally, we designed the whole new brand identity with typography and a color palette that reflects professionalism and trust. In the next steps, we went from UX Design, via UI Design to the development of the product.
The biggest challenge was waiting for our back-end and front-end teams. They developed an admin panel that generates diagrams with suggested cure paths for patients. In addition, they implemented a payment and invoice system connected with the user's e-mail address.
Joystream
Joystream is a blockchain platform operated by its users.
EL Passion's task was to create a full brand identity reflecting the brand's joyful spirit, feeling of community and freedom.
At the very beginning, the client came to us for a test-run. We conducted a design workshop that helped us to get a better understanding of the platform, its assets and tech challenges. This showed us that the product so unique requires a fully individual approach. We created a powerful branding from scratch, combining symbols of the ancient culture with modern technologies. In the next steps, we sketched an unusual logo, illusrations, and iconography using mosaic and geometrical patterns. Creating a branding palette we applied three primary colors: white, blue and black that indicate key values of the company.
Not only have we designed a full brand identity but we also had a chance to incorporate it into a new & refreshed Landing Page for the platform.
To ensure smooth front-end delivery, a front-end developer was consulting the project already during the UX/UI design phase. When the design assignment was finished, he started working on the project full-time. On the front-end, we used static site generator Gatsby and hosted the website on Netlify. To meet all Joystream's requirements regarding UI we utilized Storybook for creating component library and Enzyme for snapshot testing.
The whole team delivered a fully-functional and modern website for Joystream. The product got positive feedback both from the business owners and final users.
femtasy
The client was a German startup on a mission to revolutionise audio content market targeted at women in the DACH countries. They wanted to develop a progressive web app with a subscription-based audio streaming service with erotic stories.
In order to recognise the needs of femtasy, we proposed them a session of two workshops: Design Workshop and Scoping Session.
The first workshop was focused on analysing the target audience through empathy maps and reviewing the client's research findings. We created 2 personas for femtasy's users and defined a high-level customer journey for the application. To finish the session with tangible outputs for the next stages of the project, we conducted a Design Studio. We focused on the most problematic areas from the user's perspective - steps in the journey which could be difficult mostly on an emotional level.
During the second workshop, EL Passion team worked on a detailed customer journey, where all the steps were listed, along with decision trees and prioritisation for future steps. Within a couple of productive hours, we have built the initial product backlog for 3 versions of the application, trying to prioritise the features to provide maximum value for the users.
Both workshops allowed us to leverage the client's knowledge and our expertise to kick-start the project with a solid foundation and a sharp focus in mind. It helped us cut the time spent on establishing the details of the cooperation, user journey and let us start working on first screens straightaway.
32000+ orgasms achieved. Over 140 stories and growing 5 every week.
Check out more details on our website: https://www.elpassion.com/projects/femtasy
Benefit Systems
UX Audit, UI Redesign, recommendations.
Benefit Systems offers a benefits program with many sports facilities for employees. Benefit Systems approached EL Passion and requested a sports facility research tool audit, recommendations from our team and enhancement of their existing solution.
Our UX & UI experts conducted a UX audit and redesigned the search tool in order to ensure it is a useful and intuitive product that users will love.
During the kick-off, we met with the client's team responsible for the search tool creation and received insight into the way the tool should work. Next, we proceeded with the analysis of the current solution in order to draft the scenarios for user testing.
We conducted 5 tests of the proposed solution with active Multisport users to identify the main areas for improvement. Based on the results of these tests our team provided Benefit Systems with recommendations and possible solutions. EL Passion designers prepared the clickable prototype presented to the client. After consultations and introducing some changes, our UX & UI team started working on the Visual Design phase of the project.
As a result of the efficient work of our experts, the client received a detailed audit of their initial version of the search tool as well as recommendations and ready-to-implement solutions to streamline the product. EL Passion Team provided Benefit Systems with the enhanced user experience of their search tool and a beautiful user interface.
Docplanner Mobile App
Design | Android | iOS
They go by many names: Docplanner, Znamy Lekar, Doktor Takvimi, Znany Lekarz. When they all come together, they form DocPlanner: the foremost online healthcare platform which enables patients to find local physicians and book appointments online.
Docplanner is an app available in 25 countries in multiple language versions. But it is not only the language that differs. Depending on the region, Docplanner apps offer different sets of features.
Our goal was to deliver the iOS and Android apps together with the Docplanner mobile team within a really tight timeframe.
To deal with numerous combinations of language settings and features, we built one code base that is configured depending on the country's requirements and so multiple compatible app are constantly monitored by CI (continuous integration) servers.
As fast delivery was crucial for the client, the collaboration process needed to be quick and smooth. Our mobile development team kept in constant contact with the Product Owner (Head of Mobile Development at Docplanner). Thanks to an effective decision process, we delivered high-quality mobile apps in no time.
The Mobility House Web App
The Mobility House is a leading service provider for charging solutions and installation services in Europe.
The team’s biggest challenge was to organize the complex ordering process and turn it into a well-structured system. The methodologies we use on a daily basis (UX, Agile, Lean and XP) were a game-changer in allowing us to fulfil these complex requirements. By combining several of these methodologies, we created a custom system that visualises the whole process and, at the same time, allows to set up and configure from scratch.
‘We were able to deliver our three project releases without a single day of delay. The company's name says it all. We could see, feel and enjoy the passion of this team contributing to our success story.’ - says Andreas Lahr, Head of IT at The Mobility House.
Millward Brown Web App
Millward Brown is a global market research corporation focused on advertising effectiveness, strategic communication, media and brand equity research. Millward Brown provides constant monitoring of the popularity of different parties and presidential candidates. They are routinely quoted in the nationwide news and newspapers. Two or three months before an election it is Millward Brown that everybody talks about.
The company's default technological stack was .NET and PHP for smaller projects. After consulting with us, the customer agreed to try out Ruby on Rails. In fact, they performed a small experiment - executing the same sprint backlog with 3 different technologies: .NET, PHP and Ruby.
Not only was the Ruby sprint the sole winner when it comes to delivering all planned scope, but it was also the one to deliver extra scope!!
WP Player
WP Player is a highly configurable video component.
Wirtualna Polska is one of the largest Central European web portals and one of the leaders in offering new services on the market. When WP got a licence from the National Broadcasting it clearly defined its commitment to video production. The lifestyle of their users requires the materials to be accessible from any mobile device, putting the stability and availability in the first place. The project with which EL Passion was involved in is probably the biggest mobile project of this type in Poland, as well as in Central Europe.
The biggest challenge was to build a highly configurable component capable of working in various conditions, with different types of screens and devices, showing ads with multiple ad networks.
The team utilised the best practices to the maximum. We covered the code with extensive test suite (almost 100% code coverage) and built a demo app for user testing. Our Android team prepared very minimalistic documentation, as tests and example app served as a great reference themselves. Now the component is being used in a wide range of the WP Group applications, resulting in millions of install working seamlessly without one crash since day 1.
Tellius
Tellius is a B2B Big Data analytics platform enabling businesses to unveil a wide range of insights across multiple data sources.
The company approached EL Passion with a need to refresh its visual identity in full scope of UX/UI Design work to better showcase the company's vision. We were also responsible for the full web development of the Tellius' website to show off the platform's core functionalities. The main challenge of our cooperation was to make Tellius a bulletproof selling tool.
We kicked-off by creating a general communication concept, backed up with mood boards and coloraturas schemes along with the new company logo. All to make up a good foundation for the Tellius' refreshed brand identity.
As the next step, we prepared the website's key visual corresponding to the Tellius' main feature focus. This enabled us to create the full information architecture for the website and its final visual layer.
Our Front-end developers turned the mockups into a fully-functional website. The application of HTML and CSS enabled us to create easy-to-use templates that the client can conveniently update and rearrange.
Cobo Wallet
Cobo Wallet is the feature-rich and one of the most secure POS wallets, offering first-to-market financial products that empower users to accurate interest and dividends from their crypto holdings.
The previous website design was outdated and incoherent with the mobile app and the company's mission to deliver a clear and easy to use tool for storing and using cryptocurrencies.
EL Passion designers created responsive up-to-date website design corresponding with the company's mission and cryptocurrencies market. Getting right to the point, clear design enabled the customer to easily find all the information needed about Cobo Wallet. The unified design was inspired by the mobile app and the main goal to be in line with the company's transparency.
We used responsive design to make sure all the users can access the website and get the needed information. Clear and simple graphics made it easier to navigate through the page and underlined the trust the company wants to establish with customers.
We created a design for a responsive web app for the company to develop. Over 20 subpages were designed to meet the requirements of the client, current trends and to facilitate the company's mission.
Wunderpass
UX, UI (re-design), App & Landing Page Design
Wunderpass is a global loyalty program for travellers. All of Wunderpass's attractions and experience are quality-vetted. Ken Yip, the Founder approached us asking for some additional material for an already existing design, but upon seeing how we work he decided to redesign the whole concept.
It took the whole process and a lot of work to create an exceptional design. Web design is supposed to provide existing customers with great experience, attract new customers and has to look good on across all screens, no matter the device, resolution or screen density. A landing page created by EL Passion Team was designed to catch the eye of new customers and make them want to try out the product. But the customer's journey does not end there. It is also the flow that a user follows from the first visit, through collecting information, signup process and the very first use, to the exit moment. We've used several methodologies in order to explore all the user's needs. We've detected all the details, such as a signup form, that could have a tremendous impact on user acquisition.
For more details and pixel-perfect design go to: https://www.elpassion.com/projects/wunderpass
Remitsy - web app
UX/UI Design | Front-end | Back-end
Remitsy uses Bitcoins to make fast payments to your international suppliers.
Remitsy wanted to quickly start the project with a long list of constraints including security, legal and technical aspects. Another challenge was to integrate all the legal and security issues into a usable interface. On the other hand, the service did not have a direct competitor, so we had a lot of freedom when it comes to the design.
Each time we face a tight timeframe, we thank ourselves for the hard work and engagement we invest in perfecting our processes on a daily basis. Thanks to them, we were able to smoothly go through the design and development phases. Our approach helped to kickstart and deliver the first working version really fast.
Reviews
the project
Platform & Landing Page UI/UX Redesign for Startup Job Board
“They see the bigger picture and really want the solution to succeed.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the founder and CEO of one of the largest Nordic startup job boards. We specialize in supporting early stage growth companies with various challenges including hiring, fundraising, and finding their first customer.
What challenge were you trying to address with EL Passion?
We had some difficulties on the platform. We received feedback that it wasn’t intuitive and, as a result, we had a high bounce rate. People were starting to post jobs but weren’t able to complete the posting because of UI/UX issues. On top of that, we had pretty outdated branding especially with our landing page.
What was the scope of their involvement?
They helped us transform the entire user flow on the website to make is easier to list a job and checkout. They use React Native, React, and JavaScript to develop the platform as well.
They also completely redesigned the home page of the platform, and provided us with a new logo, additional assets, and new fonts. We had a lot of ideas, and although they followed our instructions to some extent, we let the use their creative freedom to expand on our ideas.
We started with a scoping session where I flew down to Poland. We did a 2-day workshop with the team to map out all the requirements and make sure everyone was aligned on our goals, our mission, and what we were trying to solve.
What is the team composition?
We’ve worked with 2-3 developers including front- and backend, two UX designers, and their creative director.
How did you come to work with EL Passion?
I was considering hiring a single person to take care of all of this but I realized that I had some very difficult design requirements. I figured I’d try an agency instead. I met about 15 different companies from five different nations over a two-month period.
Their CEO made a really good impression on me. We had a very good meeting and their presentation was better than all the others. I had a very good understanding of their design skills based on their Behance and Dribbble profiles.
Compared to the other companies I considered, they seemed way more professional and top quality. I also spoke to a few of their clients that have used them in the past. It seems like everyone was super happy with the outcome. They’re not the cheapest but you don’t get high quality for the lowest buck either.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent €35,000 (approximately $42,000 USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in January-February 2020. We’re still paying for their services. It’s not to the same extent since they completed the first project. The work is ongoing though.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
They completely transformed the way jobs are published on the platform. As a result, we’ve seen a 45% increase in the amount of jobs published on the platform. The platform is up-to-date and features all the new services we’ve introduced over the last three years. Everything is clear on the website now. We’ve done a survey and our users think the new design is more user-friendly.
How did EL Passion perform from a project management standpoint?
They set very realistic deadlines and were able to meet them. The scoping session was set up in a way to make sure every single detail was covered and we would have a very accurate estimation.
We use Jira to plan, estimate, and execute sprints and Slack. We also have Figma and Zeplin to collaborate in real time.
On top of that, they had to handle working remotely during a global pandemic and they managed that process very well.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They see the bigger picture and really want the solution to succeed. They take their time to consider client requests and ask questions.
Are there any areas they could improve?
Not that I can think of.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Participate in a scoping session. They have a format that they propose for every new client regardless of the size of the project. It’s completely up to the client if that’s something they want to do. I recommend doing it because they’ll include tons of different people from the company to ensure that more people are up to speed with regards to the project. It’s easier for them to swap people around.
the project
Mobile App Development for Photography Company
“It doesn’t feel like a client-vendor relationship; it feels like a partnership.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the mobile product manager of mobile apps for Polaroid, the camera and film company.
What challenge were you trying to address with EL Passion?
We plan to launch a new camera that connects to an app via Bluetooth, so we brought on EL Passion for mobile app development support.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We’re developing native apps on iOS and Android, and the main technologies are Swift on the iOS side and Copeland on the Android side.
They delivered an app for one of our cameras and app functionality for a printing device that allows users to print directly from their smartphone.
The last few months, we also worked on an app for a digital printer. This app was developed by another EL Passion team for iOS and Android. Users can send pictures from their iPhones directly to the printer via Bluetooth.
We’re continuously developing new features and doing maintenance to keep the apps up and running.
What is the team composition?
On the iOS side, there was one senior developer and one mid-level developer. On the Android side, there were two junior developers, two senior developers, and one mid-level developer.
How did you come to work with EL Passion?
EL Passion was brought on before I was, but I know that their competitive price and their portfolio were the primary factors. They’re also located in Warsaw and our management has a lot of connections in Poland. So, I think they were recommended to our CEO.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent between $150,000–$250,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in January 2018 and we continue to work together.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We’re looking at user engagement and user satisfaction in the app store. We’re tracking recurring use and how many people are using the apps to take pictures on their hardware devices.
How did EL Passion perform from a project management standpoint?
We work remotely with them and use agile methodologies. As a project manager, I have daily interactions with the whole team to clarify and discuss user stories and the backlog. I also communicate with the project management and scrum master, so communication takes place on multiple levels.
What did you find most impressive about them?
The developers are knowledgeable, talented, and committed to the project’s success. It doesn’t feel like a client-vendor relationship; it feels like a partnership. Working with them feels like working with a colleague. They go the extra mile to ensure that deadlines and quality standards are met. They’re also very proactive. For example, they flag issues that even I haven’t been able to deal with. As a result, we have a very strong partnership.
Are there any areas they could improve?
They’re missing a QA department. Usually, we have to take care of testing internally or we need to hire a mobile app tester. However, I know that’s not part of their core services, and they’ve been very transparent about that.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Treat them with respect. I also try to give them more context on what is happening inside the company so they understand how the project fits in with company goals. We brought them into strategy sessions and into meetings with customer support to give them a better perspective of what our goals are. In my experience, that added more dimension to the collaboration. It helped them feel like they were part of my team.
the project
Custom Software Development for Behavioral Tool Provider
"The best thing about my cooperation with EL Passion is that whatever my need is they can quickly help me out."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
The company stands behind the range of behavioural analysis tools for enterprises. It started with the original behavioural methodology that I developed based on existing theories. In the portfolio, there are various tools adjusted to the needs of the clients, accessible via web, iOS and Android apps. I’m the CEO of the company.
For what projects/services did your company hire EL Passion, and what were your goals?
I contacted EL Passion because initially, I needed help with the development and design of a new web app for the tool that had been working online since 1999 the first version of the tool that existed as a desktop app.
During the years of our cooperation, EL Passion was developing new features and tools. They’ve developed both the main application together with the engine behind our tools and another simplified-interface web app for end-users as well as they’ve created iOS and Android apps. We still continue the cooperation.
How did you select EL Passion and what were the deciding factors?
Cost, immediate communication and feeling that they are willing to understand my needs.
Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.
During the years of cooperation with EL Passion, we developed various features and tools. One of the main milestones was the design and development of the web app that enabled us to move away from the olddesktop app that we were using before.
EL Passion also conducted complex data migration from the old system to the web app that helped the business tremendously. Moreover, EL Passion designed and developed mobile apps for iOS and Android.
The apps include simplified functionality of web app enabling users to take tests and view reports. During the project, we also developed an API that enables third-party companies to create their own interfaces and apps using our app’s engine and methodology.
It was a very important part of the project and enabled me to grow the business. EL Passion also constantly works on improving and updating the code, so the app is easier to maintain. It also enables us to still develop new features after years since the start.
How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
The team was changing throughout the years and varied from 2 to 6 team members. Depending on the needs in the team there were frontend and backend developers, iOS and Android developers and UX&UI designers.
Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?
The team achieved the goals of the initial project and delivered web and mobile apps as well as migrated the data from the old solution to the web app. During our cooperation, EL Passion delivered new features and tests further expanding the product.
Over the years the product was translated into 80 languages and extends to all continents and close to 100 countries. During the cooperation with EL Passion and thanks to their input to the product, it became the top 5 product in the field.
Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.
El Passion always has had one person in charge of the project, but at the same allowed us to be highly integrated in the management of the project. Communication is daily both via skype, project management software and email. It has been very easy to build rapport with new programmers joining the project.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
The best thing about my cooperation with EL Passion is that whatever my need is they can quickly help me out. Whenever I have some design to do or new features to add the team is ready to help it and I really appreciate it.
It’s a one-stop for my design and development needs and I don’t need to worry about it. It speeds up the process and benefits my business goals. Moreover, they manage to deliver great quality with very complex products like mine.
After years of cooperation, the initial code of the app is updated and being constantly developed.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
I’m really happy with the cooperation that was smooth throughout the year. It’s hard to come up with some bad experiences. Success in projects like this is not dependent on the vendor, but also we do carry responsibility of it.
the project
UI/UX Design for SaaS Business
"They oversold the team and the firm, and then seriously under delivered."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the founder and CEO of the company developing a SaaS application.
What challenge were you trying to address with EL Passion?
We were looking for them to do the UX design for the first iteration of our enterprise web application.
What was the scope of their involvement?
EL Passion was supposed to deliver the MVP UX design of an enterprise web app, but ultimately they failed to deliver. We expected to receive a design product that we could share with prospective customers, but ultimately had to move to a different firm. We suffered a serious setback and lost a lot of credibility with prospective customers we’d spent months cultivating due to the issues with El Passion.
We fully committed to the project from the outset, conducted a full week-long kick-off session with them, and devoted heavy executive resources, but, after a full month of two and a half designers and a PM working on the project, there was no usable output.
What is the team dynamic?
They had a PM, a lead UX designer, along with a mid-tier UX designer, whose competency was drastically overstated. There was also a more graphics-oriented UI designer who was supposed to come in and turn low-fidelity designs into high-fidelity ones.
How did you come to work with EL Passion?
We heavily relied on Clutch to find them. They had five-star reviews, and very visually-appealing case studies of UIs they’d posted on Dribbble.
What is the status of this engagement?
We worked with them in 2019.
Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.
As far as the work goes, it was appallingly low. They oversold the team and the firm, and then seriously under delivered. In terms of delivering initial work, they delivered nothing acceptable. They burned a lot of hours and churned out many iterations, but there was ultimately zero useable work product.
My partner and I both have deep experience building and launching software products. The team simply wasn’t good, and I don’t think that they were capable of comprehending that they weren’t. They’re really more graphic designers than UX people. They post a lot of visually appealing designs on Dribbble, but when it comes to fundamental UX, they don’t have a clue. Based on our experience, I don’t think they’ve ever worked on complex products before (beyond the standard fare of e-commerce and basic fin-tech). The result is a pretty serious lack of self-awareness that didn’t fare well when confronted with criticism.
EL Passion got defensive when we gave them feedback, but the whole reason for working with a firm is that they should have a resolution path, including staffing changes. The project manager should be able to deal with something like this, and, if they can’t, whoever’s running the shop should. It may also be that they just don’t have the talent.
Working with El Passion was a truly bad experience, and it really had a detrimental impact on our business. We had customers that we’d promised to show the product to, and we had to basically start over. It put us out by 3–4 months behind and broke every timeline and commitment we’d made to potential customers.
Our engagement with El Passion had a devastating impact on us as a startup.
How was project management handled?
We had an intensive 1-week kick-off session. Then, they used Slack, and we had regular design calls. We had rapid-iteration design sprints using various screen-sharing platforms — everything you’d expect, just without a good outcome.
Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?
EL Passion followed the form of how a design engagement should be approached. They followed many best practices, but I don’t think they fully understood them. At some point, their efforts seemed academic or theoretical.
Their lead designer had some talent, but was probably oversold and ultimately out of his depth on a project like ours. The lead designer was really undermined by his PM and junior designer and El Passion’s scheduling regime.
In what specific areas can they improve?
El Passion’s ultimate failure was at a management level. Failure of technical team members happens all the time, and we just swap people and find the right fit. But that requires a management team that is client-focused and self-aware, which El Passion certainly is not. The management team, both at the project management and CEO level, fundamentally lacked the self-awareness to recognize that there was a problem. They were incapable of taking client feedback and doing something with it.
The other problem is that, in addition to overbilling/hyping the resource they have, they sell their resources out so tightly that there were no options when team members didn’t work out. El Passion management mentality is that this is the client’s problem: if we didn’t like the team (that we’d given a chance but didn’t deliver), we could wait three months. They’re trying to have 100% of their staff on projects 100% of the time, but it leaves them zero margin for error while still keeping clients happy.
What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?
First, realize El Passion is really only focused on El Passion. It’s a very self-absorbed culture. If you happen to have a project that is in their sweet spot and they can reflexively churn it out, you might be ok. Or if you’re a big enterprise customer that is going to spend hundreds of thousands per year with them, they may work with you. But our experience as a start-up working with them was that if something goes wrong, there’s zero recourse. The management team has zero client focus and did nothing to back us up. That’s a real risk with this team.
Second, don’t rely on their representations of team quality, or that they have a firm standard of quality. Test your ACTUAL team members before they start the project. El Passion has real quality and staffing issues, and they try to pass of C-level players as A-levels. Even though they have strong reviews, every team member needs to be put through design challenges and be made to demonstrate their skill, especially the mid-tier (but actually very junior) ones.
Third, realize that El Passion is a team that only performs well on cookie-cutter projects or low-sophistication, thick wallet clients. If your project is complex or outside the mold, and you’re looking for quality and value, steer clear of El Passion.
Fourth, assume that El Passion is WAY overpriced. If you’re focused on Poland (I’d look outside Poland), there are better shops with better talent for less. Start by getting out of Warsaw.
Lastly, take caution in relying on Clutch reviews. El Passion had 31 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 stars equates to a heavily-reviewed firm on Clutch. There aren’t that many firms out there with as many reviews, especially with that high of a rating. Not enough of the negative experiences make their way into the Clutch reviews. It really undermines the credibility of the Clutch platform when you don’t get a realistic perspective on how these firms are really performing.
the project
Web & Mobile App Dev & Design for Video Content Platform
"Their team delivers quality work fast."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m an executive of a video platform. We’re shooting and distributing our own content for the French market.
What challenge were you trying to address with EL Passion?
We needed to design and develop our platforms.
What was the scope of their involvement?
EL Passion designed our entire web platform. Their team currently works to develop the product using React. They’re building features that allow users to log in, sign up, and buy a program. Their team’s working on a logic that would allow a user to download a PDF for each program after purchase. They’ll also integrate the web product with our CMS, which was built in Java and PHP. They’re also creating a feature that would allow users to view content without an internet connection.
Later, their team will design and develop our iOS and Android apps. All of the platforms will have the same features.
What is the team composition?
We work with two designers, two iOS developers, two Android developers, and two web developers. We also communicate with an account manager.
How did you come to work with EL Passion?
I sought a company that had experience with video platforms and found two companies through a design platform. I looked at their portfolios and spoke to both of them but decided to work with EL Passion based on their previous projects.
How much have you invested with them?
The whole project will cost around €40,000 (approximately $46,000 USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
We initially spoke in January 2020 but started the work in April, which is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
They did well on the web design, which was as I expected. I’m happy that I chose EL Passion for this project. Their team delivers quality work fast, and the partnership’s going well.
How did EL Passion perform from a project management standpoint?
We used Figma to collaborate on the design. Their team also uses a custom solution that allows us to check how much time each person spent on a task. They’re accessible via Slack and available for a quick call via Google when needed. Their communication’s great.
What did you find most impressive about them?
I’m really happy with EL Passion. So far, it’s been perfect.
Are there any areas they could improve?
They could improve the availability of their teammates when a project starts. We had to wait for a teammate to begin work on our project. However, it wasn’t their fault. They had other work.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
It’s important to be as detailed as possible about your project. You should do your homework to understand what is and isn’t possible. I sent them many documents about our vision and ideas for different elements. With a detailed plan, EL Passion will do a great job.
the project
Web App Dev & Design for Healthcare Platform
"I was impressed with their developers’ open approach to all of our ideas."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I’m the Financial Director at Mednavi sp. z o. o., the owner of the Mednavi.pl platform, created in November, 2018. The main Mednavi creator is a cancer survivor herself, and she helped us realize the market is lacking a solution that could unite cancer diagnosed patients with institutions and doctors that can help with their particular type of cancer.
To ensure a full scope of information on cancer treatment possibilities, we continually cooperate with doctors, industry specialists and health journalists. The platform mednavi.pl is an innovation from the tech perspective; offering patients clear and easy to read treatment paths, interconnected with treatment descriptions and applicable institutions’ cards.
For what projects/services did your company hire EL Passion?
EL Passion is with us from the very beginning of our project. Their team helped us transform our raw vision into a fully responsive Progressive Web App. We cooperated with them on all stages of the project: from UX and UI design, through Branding up to the development of the app (both Frontend and Backend), testing and production.
What were your goals for this project?
Our main goal was to deliver a tool that would give cancer patients and their loved ones a source of accurate information on the cancer disease and possible treatment solutions (including specific institutions that offer particular type of treatment).
From the technical perspective, the tool needed to be mobile-first and lightweight, to load all the needed information in real-time, even if the user’s Internet connection is not the best.
How did you select this vendor?
EL Passion was recommended to us by their former client, who was extremely pleased with the end-results. After a Product Design Workshop with them, we were reassured of their professionalism and that they were the right fit for our product.
Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.
With EL Passion, we were able to create a complete user interface (preceded with a UX design phase), but also our company’s logo with the entire brand system and brand guidelines. We developed a fully responsive Progressive Web Application, because this solution answered all of the project’s goals: it was lightweight, mobile-first and relatively cost-effective.
Custom treatment path diagrams are the core of our web app. The team built a custom diagram creator totally from scratch, so we can adjust every segment from the CMS level, without getting back into code.
What was the team composition?
3 UX/UI Designers, 2 Front-end Developers, 3 Back-end Developers during the project; 1 Back-end developer for Maintenance.
Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?
Mednavi is a company at the beginning of business activity. So the realisation of this project was the most important step for us to enter the market, and start communication with our clients.
How was project management arranged and how effective was it?
We’re very happy with the EL Passion’s team professionalism and effectiveness. The Mednavi team is small, so beside sharing our own ideas, we were collectively supervising their efforts and clashing them with our own product vision.
A few times we asked the EL Passion team to redesign some elements, but the changes were applied almost instantly and exactly how we wanted them. The cooperation was very effective.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
I was impressed with their developers’ open approach to all of our ideas. At times, some of them interfered with the already-made code components. But the team, knowing the change is necessary, was always ready to creatively approach the task and deliver astounding results. As the project moved forward, the EL Passion team began to be its core element.
Are there any areas for improvement?
The miscommunication between the Design Team and the Developers team resulted in a couple of issues we needed to address and resolve on the go.
the project
Native iOS & Android Dev for Indoor Navigation IoT Product
"EL Passion designers and developers are highly-skilled experts in UX/UI design and software development."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
Our product focuses on indoor localisation and tracking solutions. Through our products, we help to navigate and analyse traffic in buildings. I am the COO of the company.
For what projects/services did your company hire EL Passion?
We collaborated with EL Passion on our early product which was an indoor navigation system using our localisation technology. We chose them to design and build native apps for iOS and Android and proof of concept of the backend in Ruby on Rails.
What were your goals for this project?
We wanted easy-to-use apps that would engage users and help them navigate in big commercial and public buildings. It was crucial for us that apps worked seamlessly with our custom-developed technology of localisation.
How did you select this vendor?
EL Passion was recommended to us by another business from our network. After additional research online and their workshop with a scoping session, we decided to pursue the project with this provider.
Describe the project in detail.
The project started with the design discovery phase where we established what are the needs of users and key features of the app. It was very helpful to understand our product better.
After that, the UX designer started wireframing the app. The team presented the idea of the app and how crucial features would work. They based it on the previous study on our users’ needs. Then, they started the UI design phase during which they prepared a clean and simple look for the apps.
During the UX&UI phase, backend developers already started working on integration with our external devices enabling localisation indoors. When the design was finishing up, iOS and Android developers started translating app designs into code for both, iOS and Android. The team worked closely for the whole time and I think it helped to develop the app quickly and without any problems.
After the development phase, they delivered apps for both platforms based on the prepared designs. They also offered us help with launching the apps in respective stores.
What was the team composition?
The team consisted of UX designer, UI designer, 2 Backend developers, 3 Android developers, and 3 iOS developers.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
EL Passion team was able to deliver native mobile apps with complex integration of our custom localisation devices to enable our users to navigate through buildings.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
We enjoyed the way EL Passion’s team works. We found it very well-organized and informative. They are great people and experts in their field. We always knew what’s going on in the project and what designers and developers are currently working on.
Every time we had some questions we could quickly jump on the call with them and discuss. It was clear they weren’t doing it for the first time and have experience and the process for projects they do.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
EL Passion designers and developers are highly-skilled experts in UX/UI design and software development. We had a great time working with them. They’re people to go with especially if you’re having a mobile project in mind.
Are there any areas for improvement?
It’s hard to think of any problems we had along the way.
the project
Custom Web & Mobile Dev for On-Demand Truck Repair Platform
"Everyone is very skilled for the task at hand and works hard to see it through."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
We've created an “uber-like” platform that matches truck drivers in need of breakdown maintenance with mobile-mechanics, in real time. I am the founder & CEO of the company.
For what projects/services did your company hire EL Passion?
Initially el Passion was hired to complete a public facing website for our company. After successfully doing so we continued working with el Passion to develop an iOS app.
What were your goals for this project?
SEO and mobile-first design were very important for us, while not sacrificing UI/UX. The design was very impressive and equally so was the programming. Typically design doesn't translate into technical requirements without some distortion, but this team proved to me on-point!
How did you select this vendor?
Extensive research was completed, with a strong focus on UI/UX and branding. Several companies were considered and we made contact with 3 separate ones.
El Passion was very responsive and had the resources and staff to scale with us as it was our intent to build a mobile application after completing the website.
Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.
El Passion provided all the resources necessary for a successful project. Project manager, customer support, front-end developers, back-end developers, UI/UX designers, etc.
I contributed as much or as little as needed with the staff at El Passion filling in the details. They can follow specific guidelines while also offering creative solutions for an even better end result.
What was the team composition?
The team was composed of a project manager, UI/UX designer, front-end dev, back-end dev, senior support, etc. El Passion can scale to as little or as large as you need them. Budgets are very accurate and reporting is completed weekly so there are no surprises.
Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?
We are still pre-launch, but so far I am very impressed with the technical stats we are hitting with the website. SEO and performance audits are very good at the moment and I'm excited to launch soon. I am very pleased and I would say El Passion has exceeded expectations.
How was project management arranged and how effective was it?
Communication is never lacking with this team. Jira serves as a place for user stories to drive requirements and weekly team meetings on slack and google meet are a great time to review progress and next steps. Every weeks I was notified of budget, timelines, availability of staff, etc.—very thorough and proactive in ensuring there are no surprises.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Overall, El Passion is a team that is passionate and takes ownership of the project. Everyone is very skilled for the task at hand and works hard to see it through. This has been some of the best communication and one of the most friendly teams I have worked with.
Are there any areas for improvement?
I cannot give enough praise to this company. They have exceeded my expectations time and time again!
the project
Rebranding & Web Dev for Tech Startup
"The depth of their talent pool, and how well they are organized are impressive."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the CEO of a tech startup with less than 20 employees working in a distributed team.
For what projects/services did your company hire EL Passion?
EL Passion was hired to develop a new brand identity and website for our company, we did not have in-house designers at the time.
What were your goals for this project?
We wanted to have greater consistency in the way we communicate publicly, and also make it easier for third parties to understand our company and mission.
How did you select this vendor?
EL Passion was selected based on its impressive public portfolio.
Describe the project in detail.
We had an initial onboarding phase, and then we worked iteratively on the branding and website through weekly deliverables and coordinated through their designated Slack channel.
What was the team composition?
Myself and two designers from El Passion.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The project was a success, and our new website and branding is live and effective.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
It was very good, we used video conferencing calls and a shared slack channel to coordinate, and I was able to give feedback directly on visual assets in their inVision.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
The depth of their talent pool, and how well they are organized are impressive.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Not really.
the project
Web App Development for 3D Printing Startup
"We were impressed by their open-minded approach and enthusiasm about the project."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
Skriware is a 3D printing startup focusing on educational technology solutions. The company has developed a fully integrated educational ecosystem consisting of robots, an intuitive and easy-to-use 3D printer, an online 3D model library, a virtual 3D playground, and an e-learning platform.
For what projects/services did your company hire EL Passion?
We decided to choose EL Passion for building a PWA app which we were developing in cooperation with Coca-Cola Poland for children to help them learn the basics of coding and robotics in the form of a game.
What were your goals for this project?
To build an easy-to-use and accessible PWA app for children.
How did you select this vendor?
We were short of frontend developers in our own team and needed to get proficient developers on board very quickly, to meet a tight delivery deadline. Based on a recommendation from our network we decided to work with EL Passion. We really liked their flexibility and ability to get started quickly.
Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.
The project was focused on implementing a game design. EL Passion’s frontend developers quickly created a PWA app that met all of the requirements we provided. The game works on various platforms, is fast and reliable. Also, it is easy for children to play with.
What was the team composition?
The team was composed of one frontend developer.
Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?
After the project finished we received a final product ready for implementation. The app looked just as we imagined it, they did a great job implementing the design. EL Passion was also happy to help us with the launch if we encountered any difficulties.
How was project management arranged and how effective was it?
Communication with EL Passion was very good. They were always there to answer our questions over a call. We were in constant contact through Slack, so they could update us on the progress. Thanks to that we always felt in control of the project.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
We were impressed by their open-minded approach and enthusiasm about the project. They not only delivered frontend implementation of the game but also the best advice based on their expertise and knowledge.
Are there any areas for improvement?
It was a short project, so it's hard to think of any major issues. They did a great job.
EL Passion carefully considered the project goals and was able to completely transform the platform. As a result, the site is easier to use, which increased the number of job postings considerably. They scoped the project well, helping them meet difficult timelines.