Elegant Media

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the director of a video and technology company

For what projects/services did your company hire Elegant Media, and what were your goals?

I engaged Elegant Media with the goal of porting an iOS app that we had written across to Android

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I approached 4 different software development companies with my brief. Elegant Media were the fastest to come back with a quote, and their prices seemed reasonable.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

The app was to be ported from Swift to Kotlin, with the key deliverable being an as-close-as-possible replica of the iOS version being made available on Android. The project relies heavily on interfacing with 3rd party cameras via BLE.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I was assigned 1 local project manager, and to my knowledge, the majority of the code has been off-shored to 1 developer in Sri Lanka.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

I was promised the app would be completed within 13-20 weeks. We are now at over 40 weeks and still not finished. The current state of the app shows either a lack of care, or an inability to do quality work. After completely mishandling my project from day 1, they refuse to improve their workflow. They send through app builds with entirely false change notes. Their QA is actually a joke. Even giving their 'very best efforts' they are unable to recognise glaring issues in the app.

I have to do their QA for them, as they simply do not have the desire or capacity to see the flaws in their own work. So now they send an invoice for intermediate milestones. After so many failures, and outright lies about timelines, I am reluctant to give more money to this dubious company. So I ask to wait until I see they can complete the project to a high standard before paying. They so 'no'.

They charge a late fee on the invoice. They down tools, and threaten legal action. For being 2 weeks late on an invoice. They are 20 weeks late on the project. No recourse. But threaten to sue at the drop of a hat. Tasteless, incompetent, dishonest. I have since heard of several other clients with similar horror stories. Please don't make yourself one of them.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

The project management was for the most part non-existent. I had to initiate nearly all communication. When it became clear to Elegant Media that they had wrongly scoped the project (not sure how they managed this, as they had my iOS source code as a guide), they did not inform me. It was only after enquiring about the lack of progress that they admitted that they would not be able to meet the original deadlines. From there, the project has been perpetually 2 weeks away.

For months. And months. Even after I press and question, asking repeatedly to be given honest, realistic timelines, not simply what they think I want to hear. They repeat the same patterns again and again. Take forever, don't communicate, then deliver sub-standard. Lie about how long it will take to fix it. Repeat. I'm not sure that Elegant Media have hit even the smallest of self-imposed milestones. From failing to contact you when they say they will, to not sending builds on time, they can do it all.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They are uniquely terrible. As a business owner, I cannot conceive of how another company can show such contempt for their clients.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I don't know where to begin, but I'll try. If I were Elegant Media, I would attempt the following:

• If you tell a client that their app will be written in-house, don't send it off-shore
• If you tell your client something will be done by a certain date, do it
• If you can't do it, communicate that to your client
• If you are more than 20 weeks over your project projections, don't threaten legal action against your client when they are reluctant to pay a milestone invoice, when you have demonstrated no capacity to complete your work to an acceptable standard

There's much more to say, but Elegant Media has wasted enough of my time and headspace.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a marketer at a multinational manufacturing company. We manufacture and distribute diesel and gas products. I am responsible for our digital marketing efforts.

For what projects/services did your company hire Elegant Media?

Our company did not have a mobile app as a marketing channel, and we realized it could be used as a value-add for our customers. We hired Elegant Media to develop a mobile app for both Android and iOS, as well as a backend.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to give consumers another channel for us to interact with them, and to align with our marketing message. We aim to have 5,000 downloads for the app by the end of the year, as our previous app reached that a few years ago. We anticipate the app will allow us to find more customers who use our product, and let customers know of the services we offer after they purchase their products.

How did you select this vendor?

We completed an analysis of the market, researched customer needs, and worked with internal stakeholders to define a workplan/brief. We then reached out to 30 suppliers across a range of prices, whom we found through services like Clutch.co and by word of mouth.

We shortened the list to 20 providers and asked for proposals, interviewing the top candidates based off of a range of criteria. These included price, location, local project manager availability, attitude of account manager, promised warranties and maintenance plans, and how well we thought they understood our vision. 

The process involved myself and individuals from the company who had a range of experiences, from mobile app development and IT to accounting and customer insight.

Describe the project in detail.

The overall scope was to develop a simple mobile app for our customers and technicians to use when working with one of our products. We contributed a general outline of what we wanted feature by feature and developed a basic wireframe so that Elegant Media’s developers would understand our initial vision. We also provided guidelines (with inclusions and exclusions). 

Their team was solely responsible for designing and developing the app. The main features included a lookup function, the ability to work with internal spreadsheets, and the ability to store customer information. They also added maps, contact us information, and a customer inquiry submission form. 

What was the team composition?

We only communicated with the account manager and local project manager, so I’m not sure what their team composition was like or how many resources were allocated to us. But I know their developers were based overseas.
 

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

It is too early on to say if any metrics were affected by the app, as it only launched this week. But the general consensus seems positive. Users are happy with the look and feel of the app, and they’ve given some suggestions on its usability, which will be helpful when we improve for future renditions. 

There are no bugs, however, a few things weren’t communicated properly, and Elegant Media is working to rectify that as I type.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Overall, they were fantastic during the beginning of the project, towards the end, and during the post-launch support. The only negative was the lack of communication. They had some challenges managing expectations during the central part of the project, which led to some significant delays towards the end. 

In terms of tools, we only used email and a Google Sheets document to track bugs/changes. They were helpful with feedback and acted on it quickly. There were no issues with language barriers nor time differences.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Elegant Media is fantastic to work with, their price was competitive, and their designs were modern and up to standard, which impressed us. I would recommend them to anyone who’s considering an app development company but doesn't want to spend six figures.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The only area of improvement I can give is communication and scheduling. Unfortunately, some of the things that were discussed early on weren't provided in the final product. This is also a lesson for our team to be more vigilant in clearing things up. The timing also was much slower than anticipated and promised. However, the final leg of the project was over the Christmas period, so that is understandable. 
 

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder & owner of an online entertainment booking platform.

What challenge were you trying to address with Elegant Media?

I went to Elegant Media with my idea for a mobile app and website.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Elegant Media developed the mobile app and website from scratch. I gave them a list of ideas, regarding how I wanted it to operate and what I wanted to be included. They added some insight on how to improve the products, but a majority of the direction was taken from my instructions. The iOS version and WordPress website are completed, while the Android version of the app is still in development.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Ray (Project Consultant, Elegant Media). Yawmini (Technical Account Manager, Elegant Media) was the developer for my account.

How did you come to work with Elegant Media?

I googled a list of Australian app and web developers. I gave Elegant Media a call, and they seemed to check all the boxes.

How much have you invested with them?

The project cost around $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with Elegant Media in October 2018. The first set of products launched in March 2019.

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

Since we recently launched, we’re going through the marketing process. There were minor bugs we encountered during the testing phase, but that was to be expected, and we were prepared. We received positive feedback from users who’ve signed up so far. Our team is excited about the platform’s exposure in the world.

How did Elegant Media perform from a project management standpoint?

There was no set timeline. It was more of a back-and-forth. We didn’t go over budget. There were instances where I was busy doing other work, so I didn’t respond as quickly as I could. Their team was responsive and receptive. When I gave them information, the work would be completed in a reasonable timeline. We mainly communicated through email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The end product was impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We live on different sides of the country. Sometimes it’s hard to discuss objectives unless it is done in-person. There were a couple of times where there was confusion about what the scope was, but we got through that in the end. If I had a branch in my area, we could’ve done a few face-to-face meetings. But that’s the online world.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Customers should keep all data information requests in one central point whether that’s a spreadsheet or a form that tracks the status and expected timeframe.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We're a mining company. I'm the mine monitoring and control (MMC) superintendent. I oversee the dispatch system, our networking systems, and other boutique projects.

What challenge were you trying to address with Elegant Media?

We hired them to help us build an app to allow employees to self-manage their overtime.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built a web app. As our user base grows, we will expand to an iOS and Android platform as well. The app allows us to manage our 24/7 operations with four crews on rotation. We require regular overtime, which we previously managed through our mine dispatchers. It was a draw on time. The app allows us to upload overtime in advance, and allows employees to apply for available shifts. That way, we know who's coming, and they know what they're doing.

What is the team composition?

They had a frontend manager, a development manager, and a team leader. We interacted most with the team leader, and they had at least one other developer working on the project. We also spoke with a business manager about billing and contractual matters, and an elite developer oversaw the actual development.

How did you come to work with Elegant Media?

We did a Google search for app developers. They had good ratings, and their business seemed reputable.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $30,000 AUD (approximately $21,500 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together on early mockups around December 2018. We had a holiday break, but started back in earnest in early 2019. Our launch day was in early April 2019.

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

We've done some testing in-house, and everything looks exactly like we expected. I was impressed by how well it worked, and I couldn't find any bugs. It saves each of our dispatchers at least an hour a day.

How did Elegant Media perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very good project managers. They had a clear process from concept to finished product, and watching them work was quite instructive. They had a testing website where they posted the working model. We could log in, see their progress, and make changes. At any stage, we could see what was working and where the project stood.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The whole process was painless. We gave them the scope and had some early discussions up front. I've never had such an easy time with a developer. The cleanliness of the process and perfection of the final product really stood out. We never had any miscommunication or major changes. They scoped the whole project very well right from the start.

Are there any areas they could improve?

As helpful as a critique might be, I don't have anything they should improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a clear scope before you begin working. If you know exactly what you want and how it should look, it will make the development process run smoothly.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO of a community lending platform.

What challenge were you trying to address with Elegant Media Australia?

I reached out to Elegant Media to develop our app.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Elegant Media developed our platform from scratch, implementing features that allow lenders the ability to post their products and for borrowers to connect with them to rent them out. Essentially, the app provides advertising and messaging capabilities, but a payment feature has intentionally not yet been incorporated. 

What is the team composition? 

I mainly worked with Ray (Project Consultant, Elegant Media Australia), who managed the project, as well as Yawmini (Technical Account Manager, Elegant Media Australia), who did most of the development. 

How did you come to work with Elegant Media Australia?

I considered about 10 different developers and felt that Elegant Media offered the best value for the types of services we needed.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested about AUS$17,000 (about $12,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from July 2018–April 2019.

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

We've received a lot of positive feedback from customers and stakeholders using the app thus far. The app has already helped some Instagram influencers, for example, rent out certain products easily. We've also received some interest from an overseas stakeholder. 

How did Elegant Media Australia perform from a project management standpoint?

We mostly communicated through email and by text messaging. They made it easy for me to make changes to the app and provide any feedback as iterations were made. I also met with them in person a couple of times; they're very personable and good about sitting down with clients to brainstorm as needed. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

It's my first time doing a project like this, but overall I'd say I'm impressed by their professionalism the most. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could improve their attention to detail, as there were a couple of instances when they entered some content in the app that I questioned. However, they were good about promptly addressing any concerns I had.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

We had one instance of miscommunication that was neither their fault nor mine, so I think it's essential to be diligent and very clear in communications.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the owner of Kimicon Pty Ltd, a company in the process of developing a trivia gaming app. 

What challenge were you trying to address with Elegant Media?

We reached out to Elegant Media to help us develop our app, walking us through the process for the first time.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided Elegant Media with most of the design work, and they've developed the app from scratch for iOS devices and will eventually build an Android version. They've incorporated features including multiplayer options, virtual currency, and messaging between players. They've designed some of the backdrops throughout the game and provided other design input as needed. 

What is the team composition? 

I mainly work with two people, including a project manager. 

How did you come to work with Elegant Media?

I researched a handful of developers online, but I wasn't impressed by most of them. Elegant Media, however, immediately made me feel very comfortable with their process and how they explained the technical aspect of the work.

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested around $16,000 AUS (about $11,370 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in August 2018 and we're just wrapping up the project now. We originally thought the development would take about five months, but it ended up taking longer because we didn't realize how the scope of work was going to evolve. They've been extremely patient with us and even stopped charging for services to wrap up some of the final stages that extended beyond the original timeline.

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

Their work has been very well received by everyone thus far. I'm blown away by their ability to take our ideas and bring them to life. 

How did Elegant Media perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communications are amazing. We held a lot of Skype meetings throughout the engagement. They've been great about reassuring and educating me about the process from the start. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their approachability and professionalism set them apart.

Are there any areas they could improve?

To be honest, I'd give them a perfect score on performance.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of a photo media app company called Visualize.

What challenge were you trying to address with Elegant Media?

We needed resources to create a mobile app that could identify objects within a photo and automatically correct the margins. While there are other apps with similar features, users can’t crop pictures as neatly because their fingers can’t draw a line around the margin.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We initially came up with the concept, and they developed the app. Once they came up with the design concepts, we would approve them and provide input about the required features. The app featured an algorithm that analyzed photos to identify objects. Users could then maximize the image and then crop it by tapping on the desired object.

What is the team composition?

They assigned a project manager who was also the tech lead.

How did you come to work with Elegant Media?

A friend who had worked with them before referred them to me. After three meetings with their project consultant, they came up with a prototype, and we asked them to move forward with the project.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent $110,000 AUD (approximately $75,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

Their work lasted from February–October 2017.

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

Since its launch, the app has gained several features in local publications. We’ve received really good reviews about the app, and people really like how it crops objects.

How did Elegant Media perform from a project management standpoint?

They worked using an agile methodology, providing updates every two weeks.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Compared to other products on the market, they developed the app with exceptionally high standards. The functionality runs smoothly and has never locked up.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a coordinator of a community organization.

What challenge were you trying to address with Elegant Media?

We needed app development.

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app was developed to facilitate interaction with the audience that participates in our community events. Our in-house design team provided some wireframes and layouts, which we passed on to Elegant Media. According to UX requirements, they came up with two changes.

The app has a GPS feature. We run about four events a year and can attract about 200 guests for one. When the audience arrives at the venue, the application sends them push notifications with more information about the event. The application also allows us to update our audience.

Initially, they developed the app for iOS. They worked on Android development the following year.

What is the team composition?

We were in contact with a project manager and a few business analysts.

How did you come to work with Elegant Media?

After we had already approached them, we found out that one of our committee members had worked with them. That referral helped us to choose Elegant Media. For the initial inquiry stage, however, we found them online.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent $28,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them in 2016 for iOS development and in 2017 for Android.

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

The application is really helpful. We still use it, and our audience is very happy with it. It's the primary way we engage with our audience. We wouldn’t have any engagement without the app, since we don’t do any email marketing.

How did Elegant Media perform from a project management standpoint?

There were no project management issues. Their communication was excellent, which was one of the things I appreciated most. They updated us every two weeks on their progress.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their designs were amazing, crystal clear, and modern. Their pricing was good, and everything went well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would like to see a minimum amount of testing rounds. It took about three rounds of testing, but I would’ve liked them to test properly before they sent anything to us.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing manager of a jewelry store.

What challenge were you trying to address with Elegant Media?

We needed an iOS and Android app to showcase our jewelry. Our current developer wasn’t working out, so we needed a new partner.

What was the scope of their involvement?

When Elegant Media took over, we transferred the old agency’s work to them, which included wireframes and a design concept. They created three more concepts, though, and we decided to use theirs. The product is a promotional app, so customers can look at our products and send us an inquiry. I wanted to implement jewelry animation, and Elegant Media found a unique way to do that.

What is the team composition?

The account manager was my main point of contact.

How did you come to work with Elegant Media?

We spent about a year looking for an app developer. Elegant Media was our second choice. We originally selected a different company but weren’t happy, so we returned to Elegant Media.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent around $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them for almost all of 2017.

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

I’m happy with the work they did. We participated in an annual jewelry conference and were specifically asked about our app. Our customers and independent network have all enjoyed the end product.

How did Elegant Media perform from a project management standpoint?

They met all of our deadlines, and their communication was amazing.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were happy with the whole experience.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Hire them.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Madface, an emoji app startup.

What challenge were you trying to address with Elegant Media?

I needed someone to develop my emoji app.

What was the scope of their involvement?

I had a couple of meetings with them. They understood my concept and came back to me with the requirement document for me to confirm. After I signed the proposal, they did the wireframes. I approved the wireframes and then, they developed my emoji app for iOS and Android. It’s a paid app. It’s now live.

They also helped me with social media marketing to get an initial boost.

What is the team composition?

My main contacts were with a project manager and a QA engineer. They had 8–10 people working on the project.

How did you come to work with Elegant Media?

They were referred to me. There are only 2–3 other companies in Melbourne that are in the market for app development. Elegant Media is on the top of the list.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent $37,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from 2016 until 2017. It took about eight months from the time of the proposal until it was available in the App Store.

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

I have no complaints. I initially thought their pricing was high, but I've talked to other people who have developed apps and found that my price was reasonable. Users really like the UX and the design in terms of images and colors. It was a good outcome.

How did Elegant Media perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management was brilliant. They gave updates every two weeks. We had access to the project management portal to keep track of what was going on and how many tasks were being done.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They created a really cool app.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We went through two QA rounds. I like that they reduced the number of revisions at the last stage.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I highly recommend anyone who wants to start a mobile app. They are the right people to go to.