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    Portland, OR
    503.922.3483

High-value digital experiences for your customers.

4.9
10 reviews

Emerge is a digital product agency in Portland, OR. We specialize in strategy, UX and interface design, mobile and web app development. 

Whether we’re envisioning responsive digital ecosystems, designing complex platforms, or building mobile apps, tools, and experiences -- whether we’re modernizing supply-chains, augmenting physical products, and inventing better business models -- we make things that matter.

We leverage our proprietary world-class expertise to quickly solve user experience challenges and address untapped opportunities, create nimble digital products or services, smart websites & mobile apps.

READ MORE...
 
$25,000+
 
$150 - $199 / hr
 
10 - 49
 Founded
1998
EMERGE
412 SW 12th Ave
Portland, OR 97205
United States
503.922.3483

Portfolio

Key clients: 

Nike, Splunk, GAP, Cambia, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wacom, Mercedes-Benz, Aruba Networks, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), The Home Depot, OHSU Foundation, Unilever, TedxPortland, OvaScience, Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Inotek Pharmaceuticals, OvaScience, Homology.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Guide

Everyday in the United States, someone is faced with the task of planning for their healthcare needs later in life or helping a loved one make these decisions. The overwhelming process often causes stress and confusion, and can contribute to people missing invaluable or essential care. 
 
Emerge was tasked to create the Medicare Step-by-Step experience to support potential and existing members in understanding their Medicare options. Our job was to create a solution to these problems and to improve the experience for everyone considering their Medicare options. Working with Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, we created the Medicare Step-by-Step website. This personal, simple to follow process helps anyone understand their options, conveying when they can take action and provides key resources based upon their unique situation.

Wacom Product Launch Website Design and Development

For more than 30 years, Wacom’s products have been used by loyal customers to create some of the most exciting digital art, films, special effects, fashion and product designs. They have also played a significant role in making technology accessible in a natural and intuitive way. Over the past year, we’ve been working with Wacom on new product launches by helping them reimagine how they can use their website to market and differentiate a host of creative pen displays, tablets and styluses.

Armed with our insights and some striking design, we created narratives and user experiences that are helping Wacom customers make informed decisions, connecting them with resources, and generating excitement about each product’s creative possibilities.

Aruba Customer Experience Center App

To demonstrate their innovative networking solutions in their new Customer Experience Center part of their brand new all wireless, LEED certified headquarters in Santa Clara, California, Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, was looking for a mobile application platform that would bring together the latest innovations in connected office, retail, and hospitality technology. Visitors to the center would be guided through a mobile experience that interacts with Aruba and 3rd Party technologies to show off Aruba’s Mobile-First vision in their physical space.

As an Aruba Meridian Engage program partner, Emerge was selected to design and develop the native iOS companion app that leads the way through the space. In a two-day UX workshop at the Emerge headquarters, Emerge and Aruba stakeholders fleshed out all the touchpoints of the experience before Emerge started creating the visual design framework of the application.

Nike, Inc. Corporate Responsibility

Working with Nike gave us the opportunity to create a game-changing experience that took Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting to a whole new level. We did this by creating responsive desktop, tablet, and mobile experiences that engage users by taking them on a journey through the Nike value chain.

Accolades for the site include recognition from Forbes as one of the Most Dynamic Social Innovation Initiatives; a Communication Arts WebPick of the Day; a W3 Award; a Nike Maxim Award; the Davey Award; and a Webby nomination. Leon Kaye at Triple Pundit called Nike’s report “quite possibly one of the most compelling and engaging I have ever come across.” Kaye gave the report kudos for innovation, education, and how it managed to “bring sustainability alive” using demonstrations and common language.

Augmented Reality Social Network

The recent developments in the augmented reality space have opened up many new use cases to apply this exciting technology to the real world. The Markies app challenges users to leave their mark on the real world by taking or uploading photos and placing them into the AR space, in front of landmarks, buildings, or really anywhere they want. Users can explore their friends’ and public images as they explore the real world, augmenting reality with their own and others’ view of it.

Emerge’s job was to design and build a cutting edge mobile application. We designed an intuitive user interface built around an augmented reality experience and solved design challenges around onboarding users into AR interaction patterns that most people are unfamiliar with. Once we solved this challenge we merged the resulting UX with a bespoke social network design, using best practices we identified from multiple popular social networks.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Instagram Campaign

The campaign challenged five of Instagram’s most successful photographers to take a brand-new CLA for a road trip across some of the most beautiful parts of the United States. Throughout the trip they were asked to post inspiring photos of the cities, landscapes, and people that they encountered. Instagram users voted for their favorite photographers by liking individual photos. The stakes were high, because the photographer who got the most likes got to keep the CLA. Emerge Interactive developed the campaign’s hub, integrating with multiple APIs to create a real-time dashboard of the contest’s progress, allowing visitors to view the photos taken, track the photographers’ locations, and stay on top of the voting results as they were compiled from various sources.

The campaign generated over half a million mentions on Facebook and Twitter, 87 million impressions and 2 million likes on Instagram. All this contributed to Mercedes’ busiest month ever on MBUSA.com.

Reviews

4.9
10 reviews
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iOS & Android App Dev for E-Learning Company

“EMERGE’s customer service sets them apart.”

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5.0

Quality: 
4.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
May 2018 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

EMERGE provided development staff to expedite the build of a mobile mindfulness app for iOS and Android. They based the design on specified branding to showcase prepared images and content. 

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Eugene, Oregon
Adam Wendt
CEO, Trifoia
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

EMERGE delivered fully functional apps that fulfill every requirement. The team even quickly responded to an omission from the scope to complete the finished products. Knowledgeable and skilled, they provide a valuable ROI through high-caliber services and attentive customer service.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the CEO of Trifoia. We develop custom digital learning solutions for organizations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with EMERGE?

We needed significant mobile development support for a project we were working on. We did not have the capacity internally to meet the approaching deadline. EMERGE stepped in and took care of our needs.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Our mobile app provides mindfulness training and content. It’s designed for a hesitant demographic who feel mindfulness might conflict with their cultural values. EMERGE worked with my team to set up systems and establish the requirements. Afterward, they developed versions for both iOS and Android. We produced the app’s design, including the branding, images, and all of the content. They then leveraged the underlying technology to deliver these materials into the build.

We’ve gone through multiple iterations and reviews without any bumps in the road. After the fact, we both realized the scope was missing a component, so we added a change order. They got back to us right away with a quote and began working on it after we signed off. The app is still a prototype, but we have a larger project planned for later on. 

What is the team composition? 

Our project manager communicates with Mandi (Producer, EMERGE). Julian (COO/CTO, EMERGE) has resolved scope or bug issues. The main developer is also involved and chimes in when needed. I am sure many other people are writing code behind the scenes.

How did you come to work with EMERGE?

My team alerted me to resource problems that posed internal issues. We couldn’t meet our deadlines if we didn’t get more support. I had my project manager reach out to three companies I knew in Portland and elsewhere to outline the basic scope of our project.

EMERGE was the only company that got right back to us. They had the most competent and competitive proposal. My team indicated they’d like to hire them. I felt very good about the decision based on our past experience together, so we put a contract in place.

How much have you invested in them?

We have invested between $45,000–$60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together on this project since May 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

EMERGE has done a fantastic job from what I have seen so far. They created a tool that functions as intended. It fulfilled all our expectations and is ready for distribution. EMERGE was also highly responsive about addressing the requirements we'd forgotten. 

At this point, we’re moving into collecting end-user evaluations. They set up every single thing perfectly to collect the data we need to inform the next phase of the project.

How did EMERGE perform from a project management standpoint?

EMERGE performs well from this perspective. There were no problems. They were super flexible with the scope and schedule. My project manager communicates with Mandi at least every other day, if not daily. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

EMERGE’s customer service sets them apart. They are very responsive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The price is expensive, but that’s natural for expedited work that needs to be completed quickly.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

EMERGE knows what they are doing, so give them the flexibility to perform their work. Ask the right questions and let them guide the project the way they need to.

While other companies offer lower prices, EMERGE's quality, hassle-free service makes up for the expense. They deliver good quality products as promised within the budget. Their customer service should outweigh concerns anyone has about how much they charge.

5.0
Overall Score They are rock solid.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They never miss a beat.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    For what they have done in the amount of time they had, it was a great value.
  • 4.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Everyone has some room to grow.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I have already recommended them.

Educational Web Design & Dev for Healthcare Provider

“They’re perfect for nimble, new web projects.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Apr. 2016 - Mar. 2017
Project summary: 

EMERGE provided custom web design, working on an interactive website tool with Salesforce integration. They incorporated lead capture requirements and innovative frontend designs.

The Reviewer
 
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
 
Portland, Oregon
Steven Mendes
Marketing Acquisition Manager, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The tool was completed successfully and serves as the main piece of content for customer engagement. It provides critical information and lead opportunities. They managed the project very efficiently, adhering to the budget and timelines while demonstrating their knowledge and skill.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing acquisition manager at Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield. We’re a health plan company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with EMERGE?

We needed help creating an educational tool and experience. Our web tool helps simplify the decision-making process for people who are turning 65 and need Medicare coverage. We wanted to make healthcare simple with a tool that would give our consumers the answers that they needed. We wanted to contribute to making healthcare more simple by developing a tool that would give our consumers the quick, accurate, and simple answers they needed during this particularly complicated time in their health plan shopping experience.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed a custom-built interactive website tool. We had Salesforce integration requirements, lead capture requirements, and wanted a differentiated frontend design.

We started with a thorough discovery session. They interviewed me, several people on my team, and business constituents about the problem that we were trying to solve. There was also a comprehensive background done on our end users, which is the senior audience. This coupled with a competitive analysis of our competitors gave us a good baseline to work with.

Then we had a formal RFP process where we documented what was actually needed, what we hoped for, the timelines, and the fundamental base requirements. From there, they came up with a proposal for the solution and the various steps that we could expect from them.

We did different wireframes to get an idea of how the tool could look, creating different design iterations and mood boards. Once that was approved, we worked on the content and actually built the tool itself. They provided ongoing maintenance, hosting, and some tweaks after launch.

What is the team composition?

There were five people involved at different times, including developers, frontend designers, account management, and QA specialists.

How did you come to work with EMERGE?

From the five that were involved in the RFP process, we narrowed our list down to three, including EMERGE. EMERGE had a good reputation within Portland from their local clients, and they were also pretty active on LinkedIn for their thought leadership. As a result, we decided to move forward with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $110,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from April 2016–March 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The tool serves as the primary piece of content in our online content strategy to get consumers to engage and interact with us in a meaningful way. It provides all the information they need to make the right decisions.

It also plays a big part in our email campaign, our content marketing campaign, and our social media. The tool generates leads, and we have an integration where we can act on those leads. On our homepage, it’s one of the main resources for relevant, useful content.

How did EMERGE perform from a project management standpoint?

They were really tight, and there were no surprises. Everything was on time and budget, and they were very open and honest. It was a difficult project given the scope of what we were trying to do, but they helped us bring it to completion smoothly.

We had daily communication back and forth to make sure we didn’t miss anything or waste any time in edits or small issues. We also had onsite meetings every couple of weeks. When there was a creative presentation or something big, we’d have onsite meetings and weekly status calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very up to date with their account management, their insight into current and contemporary design aesthetics, and what’s available with trends and browsers.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Definitely include them in the RFP process because they have some unique perspectives. They’re a diverse group of people, and they see a lot of different types of clients. If you’re looking to get a fresh viewpoint, they’re great. They’re not too expensive, either; they’re not so big where the overhead fees are high. They’re perfect for nimble, new web projects.

5.0
Overall Score It was a great project.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They kept us to an aggressive schedule, watching everything like a hawk to make sure we were on time.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    The very fair price was one of the reasons we chose them. The quality didn’t suffer from that price.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    It was on budget, on time, and looked pretty slick.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Web Redesign for an Interactive Design Studio

“EMERGE's work always left our clients happy.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$200,000 to $999,999
 
2006 - 2013
Project summary: 

EMERGE provided web development services for various client projects, working closely with the company's design team and offering customized CMS options.

The Reviewer
 
San Francisco, California
Kristy LaFollette
Senior Producer, Hot Studio
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

In addition to providing high-quality, customized web development solutions, EMERGE's team was very skilled at managing client satisfaction and expectations. They took the time to educate and follow up with clients as needed and were very collaborative throughout the partnership.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the former senior producer at Hot Studio, an interactive design agency with locations in San Francisco and New York.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with EMERGE?

At the time, our company didn't have any internal engineers, so we worked with several partners to assist us with development projects for clients.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

EMERGE provided development services for clients as needed, which often included web redesign work. For some clients, they built websites using their proprietary CMS, working closely with our design team in the process.

What is the team composition?

We mostly worked directly with the co-founder and head of technology.

How did you come to work with EMERGE?

One of our clients wanted us to collaborate with EMERGE to build their website in 2006. After working with them on that project, we decided to engage them as a partner on other projects based on our positive experience.

How much have you invested with them?

We probably invested around $300,000 in total over the years.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked on multiple projects with them starting in 2006 until our company was acquired in 2013.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

EMERGE's work always left our clients happy. Their team not only built high-quality websites but also took the time to educate our clients on how to continue using their CMS. They were quick to fix any bugs or answer any follow-up questions our clients had. Client satisfaction was always at the forefront of their work, which was a good reflection of our company as well.

How did EMERGE perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very hands-on and responsive in every project. Compared to other vendors I've worked with, EMERGE was the most transparent and realistic about their timelines. I also appreciated how they were able to explain the elements of their work in layman's terms and very respectful in communications. While we mostly communicated through email and phone, we also tracked projects through Basecamp.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were authentic, thoughtful, and produced high-quality work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They did a great job on all the web development projects they worked on. We only had to start engaging other vendors as we developed more of a need for mobile app development projects, which were outside of their expertise.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They're great business strategists, so I would suggest leaning on them for any advice when it comes to organizational, development, and team-building opportunities. They're good at rallying groups of people to make decisions collaboratively.

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

Digital Communication & SiteCore Dev for Hardware Company

“They’re a highly reliable and creative firm with a great strategic perspective.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$200,000 to $999,999
 
Apr. 2014 – Mar. 2015
Project summary: 

EMERGE developed new product pages as part of a website relaunch. They designed visual solutions to emotionally connect with the target customer and highlight the distinguishing attributes between two products.

The Reviewer
 
1,000 - 5,000 Employees
 
Portland, Oregon
Ellen Burton
Former Global Senior Director, Wacom Technology Services
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

EMERGE skillfully managed the project and kept to the agreed upon schedule. Their innovative design elements outlined the benefits of each product and effectively communicated that information to the target audience. They’re a team of dedicated individuals with outstanding communication skills.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior director of global products and solutions for the Wacom Technology Corp.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with EMERGE?

We were bifurcating a well-known product used by industry professionals to launch a consumer version. This required us to rebrand our core product line and correctly communicate information to our target market, while also differentiating the two products. We hired EMERGE to assist our digital communication efforts by creating product pages for our global website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, we collaborated with Jonathon (CEO, EMERGE) and various members of his team to scope out the project. Then, they started developing the product pages for our company website. Scheduling around a product launch that involves translating copy into 14 different languages yields a tight timeline. The rebranding aspect required close collaboration to find effective visuals and to take our messaging content in new directions while developing impactful copy. This required a lot of internal oversight, so their project manager gave me the background information that informed their decisions. I’d present their creative deliverables to our executive stakeholders for approval.

We’d hold regular meetings with them, sometimes three or four times a day, to review images, creative decisions, and strategic direction. As with any project, we experienced ups and downs like not getting administrative approval on something or having to make significant changes to design elements. EMERGE was able to maneuver through that process and complete the project on schedule.

What is the team composition?

In addition to Jonathon, we interacted with a project manager, their creative director, and at least two other resources. Once development began, the primary working team consisted of three people.

How did you come to work with EMERGE?

This was our first project with EMERGE. Johnathon was introduced to me by a colleague who’d worked with him in the past. Once the rebranding project started, we requested bids from creative agencies based in the U.S and considered several different firms. Ultimately, we appreciated the thoroughness of EMERGE’s proposal the most. Not only was it strategic, but it was creative and specified deliverables, timelines, and pricing. Hiring them was an easy decision.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent over $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

This project took place from April 2014–March 2015.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Marketing to consumers requires a different approach than marketing to professionals. EMERGE was able to overcome this challenge and display our products in a way that resonates with consumers on an emotional level. The new pages received positive feedback and were imperative in differentiating the two product lines during the branding transition.

How did EMERGE perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re one of the better agencies I’ve worked with in terms of completing tasks on time and within budget. We primarily communicated via phone and used Skype for video conferences. Our conversations were always honest and productive. Overall, their managerial staff performed excellently.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team at EMERGE listens. They came up with unique ways to demonstrate the attributes of our products while communicating the benefits of each one. The visual solutions they designed made our pages more effective. Genuinely high-level thinkers, they were able to develop a strategy and execute it efficiently.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Technically, we couldn’t fully implement their vision into the limitations of Sitecore. We were simultaneously relaunching our website, so that created a lapse in understanding of what our platform was capable of doing. As a result, both parties spent too much time considering technology that wasn’t possible for us to implement.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re a highly reliable and creative firm with a great strategic perspective. I’d hire them in the future because of the effective outcomes their digital content generated and the overall value they brought to our project.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Some parts of the schedule were changed, but they met the final deadline.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They’re worth the asking price.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They pushed us to a new level of marketing.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    They’re a talented team that managed the project well.

Dev & Creative Services for Consulting Company

“They’re able to translate even your wildest ideas into something that’s both plausible and innovative.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
2006 - Dec. 2010
Project summary: 

Emerge Interactive developed websites, web apps, and online user tools in coordination with an in-house team. They also oversaw digital ad campaigns and consulted on targeted marketing strategy.

The Reviewer
 
51-200 Employees
 
Beaverton, Oregon
Tom Flynn
Former VP, VTM Group
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Their experienced team delivers high-caliber results on any project they undertake. Professional and reliable, they know how to connect to customers over digital media and always have their eye on upcoming industry trends.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

At the time that I was working with Emerge Interactive, I was the VP of VTM Group. We provide our clients with management services such as financial administration, event management, and HR solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Emerge Interactive?

We used them for various marketing and interactive projects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They provided a variety of services, from creative to design and coding. They also executed all of our digital ad campaigns. When we brought them in, we were trying to use digital marketing to grow our client base and generate additional referral traffic. In addition, they helped us provide targeted marketing to existing customers in order to interest them in new services as our brand expanded.

Aside from that, members of the Emerge team collaborated with in-house staff on some web design projects and web app development that we offered to specific client organizations. We’d work with them on the creative briefs, but after that, they handled all the execution. Emerge’s team also helped develop user tools and online forms for us. In addition, they occasionally stepped in to take over projects for our clients if they’d had a bad experience with a third-party vendor.

What is the team composition?

We probably worked with 10 to 15 of their employees over the course of our collaboration.

How did you come to work with Emerge Interactive?

I was introduced to their founders by a mutual friend back when they were still a new company.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $30,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I worked with them at VTM from 2006 until I left in December 2010.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our clients were consistently impressed with the sophistication of the websites Emerge delivered.  Their professionalism and reliability went a long way toward making our collaborations successful.

How did Emerge Interactive perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team members are very creative. They’re able to translate even your wildest ideas into something that’s both plausible and innovative. I also appreciated how they drew on their experience doing campaigns for other clients to make suggestions about strategies that might be successful or a good fit for our needs.

In terms of day-to-day needs, we primarily communicated by phone and email, but we also held in-person reviews.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re definitely thought leaders. Part of what you’re buying when you hire their team is the fact that they’re deeply engaged in what's happening next for digital media. They’re experts in connecting to customers through that medium, so I consider them anytime I have a high-visibility, highly technical project for myself or a client.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Early on in their business, there were times I’d bring them a project that didn’t really suit their strengths and they weren’t good about saying no. They’ve definitely refined that process over time as the company’s expanded and gained more experience. They bring a level of talent and sophistication that’s best for clients with a high level of expectation and the room to budget accordingly.

5.0
Overall Score I felt comfortable anytime I had a question or concern. They take pride in their work and ensure that you’re satisfied with the results.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    When you have a critical, strategic, high-visibility project that needs one of the best teams around, there's no better value for your money.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I refer them all the time.

App Dev For Enterprise Customer Experience Center

“We’re happy with their overall availability and responsiveness.”

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4.5

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Oct. 2016 - Mar. 2017
Project summary: 

Emerge Interactive designed and developed a complex cloud-based application that provides an interactive experience. They integrated the platform with existing technology products.

The Reviewer
 
10,001+ Employees
 
Portland, Oregon
Rick Reid
Marketing Manager, Aruba, an HPE Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Emerge Interactive utilized expert design principles and a talented team of developers to deliver a multifaceted application. Their software is crucial to the implementation of innovative product demonstrations. As a result, the platform drives sales through customer engagement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a marketing manager for Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company. I work in the customer experience and engagement office. My responsibilities include designing experiences that our customers value to help us sell solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Emerge Interactive?

Their efforts revolved around the construction of our Customer Experience Center. The goal of this project was to provide customers with a space where they can meet our executives and product managers to gain a better understanding of the company’s capabilities. As primarily a Wi-Fi and wired network vendor, we wanted to focus on providing our guests with memorable digital experiences. Therefore, we hired Emerge Interactive to create an application that drives the digital experiences present in the new space.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Emerge Interactive developed a cloud-based application that guides visitors through a tour of our Customer Experience Center. They insisted on a design meeting at the beginning of the engagement. We talked through all of the use cases and interface screens to establish a detailed development plan.

Our tour guides use the app to cast vignettes on various monitors around the facility. The vignettes walk our guests through different Aruba scenarios like a waiting lobby, a retail experience, and a digital workplace. Not only does the software look attractive to potential customers, but it also functions seamlessly throughout our campus and performs backend administration tasks without disrupting the experience. We use Heroku to support the platform.

To further enhance both the visitor’s experience and our ability to sell solutions, the app is integrated with several of our existing products. For example, the app’s primary integration is with our location-based service. Within the context of the space, visitors can use the app to figure out where they are and different things will happen depending on that location. Several experiences within the facility are built around that functionality. Other software integrations within the app include a mobile campus robot and a conference room scheduling system. While the app is complete, they’re currently working on adding integrations with a wireless smartphone charging company.

What is the team composition?

We initially spoke to a salesperson, several project managers, and their CEO when defining the scope of work. Aubree (Project Manager, Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise) and two developers took over the project during implementation.

How did you come to work with Emerge Interactive?

We considered a small handful of software developers that have done work for us in the past. Emerge Interactive possessed the app development expertise we looked for in a partner and also knew how to create experience-focused designs. The other candidates we considered lacked the ability to deliver on both fronts. Additionally, their location made communication easy.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $150,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in October 2016. The space opened in March 2017, but we contracted them to provide ongoing maintenance as needed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app they delivered is critical to how we bring in customers and showcase our products. While other companies may attempt similar approaches, our space looks different and the visitor experience is distinct. That uniqueness generates sales and we couldn’t have achieved it without Emerge Interactive. We perform demonstrations using their software 300–400 times a year.

How did Emerge Interactive perform from a project management standpoint?

We’re happy with their overall availability and responsiveness. I usually communicate with Aubree via Slack, but can also utilize different team members to get answers quickly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They understand advanced design concepts and utilize that knowledge to augment development. The result is an application that looks good, functions appropriately, and sells products.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’d like them to be faster, but they probably deliver quickly compared to other developers. I’m not well-versed in software development, so it’s difficult for me to be sure.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communicate a clear idea of what you want from the start and they’ll deliver what you ask.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Intranet Web App Dev for Large Nonprofit

“Instead of passively taking instructions, they proactively collaborated to make the best product possible.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
2014
Project summary: 

Emerge Interactive built a comprehensive web app that compiled a list of profiles on global technology experts. They took the project from design to release and made the app mobile friendly.

The Reviewer
 
1,000 - 5,000 Employees
 
Seattle, Washington
Alan Donald
Former Principal Technology Advisor, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Emerge Interactive communicated consistently and dedicated lots of time and resources to build an excellent product. The entire team was enthusiastic and energetic, making them a valuable partner.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the former principal technology advisor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Emerge Interactive?

We had a group of technology expert advisors spread around the world, and we wanted a way to connect them all and create profiles for each one.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Emerge Interactive built a web app called the Technology Partner Network that helped us engage with our global technology experts. They also made the app functional on mobile devices. The platform lists all of the experts’ past experience with nonprofits and NGOs, allowing us to identify the best partner for any project.

We started the engagement by reviewing our objectives and required functionality. That turned into a design session that resulted in wireframes and then moved into development, testing, and release.

What is the team composition?

We worked with up to seven people. We had designers, tech people, and an account person.

How did you come to work with Emerge Interactive?

We began talking to them at a conference we both attended. They were located near our headquarters and had an impressive resume, so we decided to hire them when this project came along.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $100,000–$200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with Emerge Interactive during 2014.

 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We gathered a comprehensive database of technology experts that facilitated our ability to discuss and act on topics, such as blockchain. That had a direct influence on how we designed our programs.

How did Emerge Interactive perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated regularly with about three people, and we held weekly calls to keep everyone on the same page.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They had lots of energy and were willing to take on any challenge. They kept commitments and delivered on promises. Instead of passively taking instructions, they proactively collaborated to make the best product possible.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

If possible, meet with them in person. You’ll catch their energy, which is a lot harder to do over the phone.

5.0
Overall Score It was great.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They never missed deadlines.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    I got a great product and was happy with the price, but I probably could’ve found somewhere cheaper.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They produced exactly what we asked for, and we never had to correct their work.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I did refer them.

Digital Strategy & Dev for Social AR App

"They pay attention, and they consistently move forward."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Sept. 2016 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Emerge designed and developed an augmented reality social media app. The project involved multiple advanced design features, plus social media elements like posting, friends lists, and commenting.

The Reviewer
 
Sole Proprietor
 
Vancouver, Washington
Randy Andrews
Founder, Markies LLC
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Emerge was flexible and responsive, providing technical expertise in a variety of fields combined with strategic insights and marketing services. Project management was seamless.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

The company is Markies LLC, and I’m the founder. We’re currently in the end stages of development for a mobile, social augmented reality app, which we’ll be launching in the next 60 days. I have another app in the market that’s been financially successful, so this is the second round of that process.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Emerge Interactive?

The development for all our mobile apps and software development is contracted out. Emerge is helping us with this particular project.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The application is fairly robust. It has an augmented reality component, which makes for difficult work, to say the least. It is also a straight-up social app. There’s a lot of liking, following, friends lists, and commenting on posts. It’s an interesting combination of robust backend database kind of work, as well as some cutting-edge client-side technology. It is a challenge, but it’s interesting to start meshing augmented reality with social media.

I first reached out to Emerge to help me with the strategy. They helped me create a game plan for how to tackle the project. Then they went through some more traditional processes, beginning with airing out the scope, the feature sets, and the creative side. They put together the graphics and user experience, which is sometimes the most difficult thing. We sorted through that user experience before we even started doing any code.

Then we went into development. That’s when they put their head down and started creating the product in earnest. At this phase, I’m receiving builds, which I’m using for demos. That’s been nice, as I can show the investors what we have. I can talk to the traditional ad agency. Emerge has been handling mobile app tactics, which I would call mobile app ad agency work, but I also have a traditional ad agency. Having a demo to show them has been good.

The next phase is going to the MVP, which we’ll put out to a group for testing, then we’ll go to the app store.

How did you come to work with Emerge Interactive?

I had two false starts with this app, so I wound up asking around to find the best possible provider for this particular technology. That’s how I came across Emerge. I had worked with part of their team prior to this app, on another project of mine. I had approached Jordan Bryant about another app. During that process, Jordan’s company merged with Emerge. I had a meeting with some of their executives. Their business development interests aligned with a project like this. A big factor for me was whether they could execute on the project. After two stalled efforts prior to this, I wanted to make sure I was choosing the right partner. So far, that’s been shown to be true.

How much have you invested with Emerge Interactive?

I’ve invested over $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in September of 2016, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

When you’re talking about a mobile app business, it really is a whole business. You have intellectual property and financial concerns. You want to be in the position to ramp up if the launch is successful. You need expertise in app industry mobile tactics but also in traditional marketing requirements. The experience with Emerge has been interesting. They didn’t just develop it, bug-test it, and give it a 60-day guarantee against bugs: they actually contributed to these other categories. They improved the product through the creative phase and the MVP phase, where we actually start cutting features and refining it down to its core functionality. That’s been helpful.

They provided a project manager to translate my layman’s terms into tech-speak, which was extremely helpful for me. I’m heavily involved in the product roadmap, but I’m not a developer. So far, the experience has led me to have greater confidence in the potential for success.

How did Emerge Interactive perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been flexible with me. I like to be more involved than most clients, and they responded to me in that regard. I have weekly checkups. Their office is local, so I visit them occasionally for a face-to-face collaboration, which I think is a tremendous advantage. They’ve tailored their project management to my specific requirements. We mostly use email for communication.

What did you find most impressive about Emerge Interactive?

I have a comfort level with Emerge because they’re a larger company. They have a lot of people in their office, so I’m not going to lose momentum if a resource goes away.

They’re very down to earth. There’s no drama; they’re very professional. When talking to them, it’s obvious that they’re focused on resolving whatever issue or challenge is at hand. Computer software developers are creative people, and they have all kinds of personality types. It’s very comforting to walk in and actually deal with folks that are extremely professional and there to get the job done with you. They pay attention, and they consistently move forward. They’re consummate professionals.

Are there any areas Emerge Interactive could improve?

Sometimes I would like to be more informed about what’s happening with the code architecture. For example, I want to know what kind of load testing we’ll do to ensure we can handle a large influx of users, what the process is for removing unwanted posts, and what the architecture looks like. I worry about those things, and I want more of a peek into what they’re doing at the code level. However, I have to admit that’s probably just my experience. Most people wouldn’t ask for that level of detail. When I ask them questions, they are completely willing to answer.

5.0
Overall Score So far, so good.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    The scheduling and project manager are both very good. There have been delays, but they’ve been insignificant and justifiable.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They are taking care of me. If you’re looking for someone really good, you have to pay for it; and they’re really good.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    We haven’t launched yet, but I don’t expect any issues.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I’ve already done so.

Digital Strategy for Environmental Media Agency

"I felt they were bringing the right thought partners to the table at the right time."

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4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
2012 - 2014
Project summary: 

Emerge Interactive provided high-level guidance to revolutionize a firm’s digital strategy. Their insights led to concrete tactics and roadmaps to promote digital fluency.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Austin, Texas
Former Director, PR Firm
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Emerge offered expert opinions as well as a nuanced understanding of how to best guide the engagement at every point along the way. Every team member provided valuable insight at just the right time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the managing director for an advertising and public relations firm focused exclusively on environmental and public health issues.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Emerge Interactive?

We worked with them on some internal challenges, as well as an external project that never came to fruition, which happens a lot in our field. The challenge I’ll focus on is the internal one, because I think it speaks more clearly to what I perceive are some of Emerge’s greatest strengths.

Our company was behind on its digital strategy in terms of how we ran the agency’s digital approach and how we applied digital strategies to our clients. We engaged Emerge as our digital strategy partner to drive an internal-first approach to how we used digital strategy to engage with our clients. We used them as our partner in client engagements.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The first piece was bringing Emerge’s senior leadership to the table with my senior leadership. I was the facilitator of this engagement and I knew where I wanted my leadership to go, but I was too close to the situation to speak truth to power. I engaged Emerge as experts in their field to inform us on what digital strategy means to our company, and how to drive digital strategy into a communications strategy.

Emerge helped us turn the ship of the overall agency’s thinking about what it means to be digital first. They played two roles in the beginning. One was as leaders and facilitators, educating the senior leadership of my organization about what the digital culture was beginning to look like, how the agency talked and thought about itself. So it wasn’t just providing a digital strategy for a project, but rather a comprehensive management and leadership approach to bringing a digital strategy into an organization.

The second piece was helping us to create a plan. What are the strategies and tactics we’re going to take? How do these things fit into our strategic roadmap? What are the most important things when it comes to this culture change and the implementation of things? Emerge did not implement for us. They did this facilitative management work, created a strategy, and then turned it back over to our team. So, that was our first engagement with them.

After that, it was more project- and implementation-oriented. The key thing they did for us was the engagement at the strategic level. They really sat at the table with us and created that internal cultural shift. From a project perspective, we worked on a couple projects where we partnered together. As we were developing our own capabilities, they came to the table on client projects. They stayed integrated into the team as we scoped each project and determined how to find the solution.

How did you come to work with Emerge Interactive?

I knew a lot of the players in the digital field. As I was trying to work as a change leader in my organization, I was looking for someone who is aligned to my vision of change and could drive that strategic conversation. I’m in Portland, Oregon, and there are lots of local digital organizations. I thought Emerge brought the ability to sit at the big table, have strategic conversations, and guide a strategic, management-led approach. That leadership influence piece set them apart from their peers.

What is the status of this engagement?

The relationship began in 2012 - I don’t know the month - and ended in 2014.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

I think the most important work we did together was setting the table in terms of how to help the firm emerge as more of an integrated digital strategy firm, instead of being an advertising firm that tracks some digital on at the end. The success there was helping to transform from a single focus to a more integrated digital focus.

How did Emerge Interactive perform from a project management standpoint?

I’m very picky in this area, and I felt they were good project managers. Sometimes it’s hard in an agency-to-agency environment because you have multiple forms of project managers involved. I always felt that I understood how they were investing their time and resources. They engaged my team in the right way at the right time, but they weren’t over-engaging, which is a point of sensitivity for me.

What did you find most impressive about Emerge Interactive?

What stood out for me was their high-touch engagement at the right level. We had a significant amount of access to their senior leadership. I felt they were bringing the right thought partners to the table at the right time. Then when it was time to get to implementation, the brains in the room could back away from the table and let the people at the right level implement. I think that’s important at a firm in that mid-range size. You still have access to senior leadership and the strategic thinking that comes with it, but they have the size, scale, and sense to allow the right people to implement when you get to that phase.

Are there any areas Emerge Interactive could improve?

They are one of my favorite partners. I don’t remember wishing they did anything differently.

4.5
Overall Score It was a fun and effective collaboration.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They were responsive and provided proactive communication.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They’re thoughtful and strategic.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I would refer them anytime.

Multiple Websites for Large University

"Emerge Interactive is just as strong in technology as they are in design and content."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
2012 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Emerge Interactive first developed a digital platform to showcase a top university’s environmental institute and were then contracted for a variety of additional sites, each with its own complexity.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
San Francisco, California
Ann Stowe
Principal, Stowe Communications
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

With attentive service and a passionate work ethic, Emerge adapted to the challenges of each project to deliver beautiful, user-friendly sites. Their fluency on multiple platforms made them a valuable partner.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

 

I’m the founder of Stowe Communications, a strategic communications consultancy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Emerge Interactive?

 

I had a client, one of the top universities in the world. We were looking to develop a digital platform that was reflective of their newly created strategic plan for their environmental institute. I was tasked with searching for a digital partner, and that is how I came across Emerge Interactive.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

 

The project ran for about a year. It was about establishing the digital platform, primarily a website, to convey the value and the work of the environmental institute. First, we sat down and developed our strategy: what we were moving from, what we were moving to, and what our needs from a design perspective were in terms of information architecture and backend technology. From there we developed a recommendation, a plan, and the execution timeline. For us to run with that, there were check-ins with different members of the institute at different times.

 

This website was the first project we worked on together. It went so well that other people in the university were interested in engaging with us. We did multiple, similar digital platforms for other university areas. The different organizations were at different stages and the projects varied in their depths, complexity, and lengths of time, so Emerge had to adjust to the individual situations each time. Whether we needed something more robust or we needed to scale down, Emerge Interactive did a good job. Nothing was cookie cutter. They really had to look at the different needs of the different websites and organizations.

 

Everything was built on the same platform but some websites were hosted differently. The takeaway is that Emerge Interactive has the ability to work on multiple platforms depending on what your needs are.

 

How did you come to work with Emerge Interactive?

 

I started out doing a lot of research into several organizations and I narrowed it down to a few with whom I had in-person discussions. I was not going to put someone through a formal RFP if I could help it. Our process was more of having multiple conversations with multiple organizations, narrowing them down to a select few, and then bringing them in to see the client. Three firms did in-person presentations, and it was unanimous that Emerge Interactive was the right choice. They were fantastic, so we went with them, and they did an incredible job.

 

A key differentiator for me was that Emerge Interactive is just as strong in technology as they are in design and content. So rather than working with multiple agencies — one for design and one for the backend — I was able to get everything together with Emerge Interactive. I really appreciated that.

 

 

What is the status of this engagement?

 

We first engaged with Emerge Interactive in 2012. The project was so successful that Emerge Interactive and I ended up working on about six more projects together over several years at the university.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

 

I would say that we’ve received favorable feedback on all of the projects we’ve done together. The feedback was qualitative and quantitative, both from within the client organization and from the visitors who went to the different websites. I don't have the numbers right off the top of my head, but anecdotally I would say that if they were new sites, we drove traffic to them, and if they were sites we had refreshed, we saw an increase in traffic.

 

How did Emerge Interactive perform from a project management standpoint?

 

Emerge Interactive did a good job from a project management standpoint. I think the teams and team members rotated out based on need and availability, so I had the chance to work with several different people at Emerge Interactive. They were all great to work with, and I had full confidence in them. They tried out a couple of different project management systems, and so it was an opportunity to work with them on that, but they had good, solid project management, which I think is key in those projects because there are so many moving parts.

 

One thing I liked was that each project had an assigned project manager who was the point person on the team. Of course, if I wanted access to someone on the team for whatever reason, something specific, that was certainly available to me, but there was a point person, a dedicated project manager, that then worked with a team within Emerge Interactive. The project went smoothly, even though it was complex because there were a lot of different people involved. It was high profile, it was long-term, and there were challenges like in any type of project like this.

 

What did you find most impressive about Emerge Interactive?

 

I think a differentiator for Emerge Interactive is in the way they operate. They really get into their projects; they are completely invested in their client’s success. They immerse themselves and get excited about the business. When they do their work, they are personally attached to doing a great job as opposed to just moving the project in and out the door. You feel that in the way they go above and beyond and how they bring a tremendous amount of energy to their work. You never feel like you're just one of 50 clients. You feel that they are attentive, responsive, and engaged.

 

Are there any areas Emerge Interactive could improve?

 

Emerge Interactive is great to work with. If I had any criticism off the top of my head, I would be happy to share it, but I don't really, so I'd say no to that.

5.0
Overall Score I feel super fortunate to have worked with Emerge Interactive and to continue working with them.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Emerge Interactive charges what they charge, and they do great work for it.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Emerge Interactive consistently produces good work.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I often talk up Emerge Interactive and offer to broker an introduction.