Empat

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Hey!Joy Toy Store is a chain of toy stores in the US. I'm a cofounder and member of the supervisory board of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our aim was to create a space where adults discover the world through children’s eyes, share joy with their kids and create memorable moments.

SOLUTION

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

I have discussed the idea with my team to find the best app development service providers to build the solutions for our requirements. One of my colleagues came with this company, as he has already worked with them on his previous project, so we reviewed their client experience and communicated with them for further collaboration.

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

Hey!Joy is a discovery PWA project that promotes memorable interactions between parents and kids using Instagram/TikTok feed. We discover kids’ interests to find the most suitable gift and bring them joy. Technology stack: Vue.js, PHP 7.4, Laravel Framework ecosystem, MySQL, Redis, Algolia, Firebase, AWS S3, and more. In daily communication, we use Slack and email. For the development process, we use Atlassian’s package: BitBucket, Jira, and Confluence. Projects steps: Discovery stage & idea validation, Potential customers interview, design, prototype, interface validating, development, MPV launch, Sprint 1 launch...

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

During the first stage mostly I communicate with the project manager, BA and UI/UX designer. In weekly meetings also participate 2 backend developers, 2 frontend developers, a QA manager, and more. In total, we’ve interacted with 9–10 people. Also, Empath's CTO was involved in key meetings.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It's a very early stage to see the success so far our team is very happy with the outcome.

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

We have daily and weekly calls, so communication’s good. Their project manager maintains a bridge between their team and ours, ensuring we’re all on the same page. They meet milestones and deliver results on time. Their team’s efficient.

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

Their ability to work long hours until the customer is satisfied stands out.

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

I’ve not had any issues with them. They go the extra mile to make sure we’re satisfied.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

My name is Natalia Ponomareva, I am an expert in the treatment of children from 0 to 18 years old with more than 12 years of experience. I am also founder of the Caries Monster Fighters project for children's doctors, parents and children. Author of the book for children "Hunters of carious monsters." which gave me the idea to create an app for children.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

To make it easier to work with children and in order to increase and more patient involvement, I developed the idea of gamification of the process of visiting the dentist. To implement my idea, I turned to Empat for help. They developed an iOS & Android app, also CRM system for project management. They also took a part of concept development. Caries Monster Fighters - an innovative interactive way to motivate and adapt children to dental care with elements of augmented reality. After the visit, the doctor gives the card with the monster to the child. The set contains 100 cards. Then the parents / children download the application and scan the card with the QR code and, after that, the monster LIVES and appears where the child wants to play with it.

SOLUTION

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

A positive recommendation from my colleagues helped me make a choice in favor of this company. They also worked for the DentalTech startup and it was a big benefit.

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

We had almost two months of the discovery stage to find the concept and do interviews. Then do a design, wireframes, and prototypes like a real app. And the most interesting thing we tested it with kids. I was impressed!!! Then we did new designs and do the cycle again. And only after that do we start the development process. I also love Empat's 3D artists, Diego makes my monsters alive and so sweet. Special thanks! We used native app development technology, iOS(Swift) and Android(Kotlin). Also placed everything in AWS.

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

I communicated with the project manager Valeria and the product manager Vyacheslav at the Discovery Stage and Product Development stages. A rather large team, which consisted of 12 people, including managers, worked on the project.The team is young and ambitious, so sometimes we'd been moving too fast, but when I asked for some more detailed workflow for my better understanding this problem was gone, and I could focus on other aspects of my business, such as cust journey improvement.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After launching the application, we managed to increase the number of repeat visits, as the children wanted to return to our clinic and get a new monster in the application. I was also pleasantly surprised by the engagement of users: more than 5000 cards with monsters were scanned in 2 months and in general, we managed to get a rating in the market of 4.9.

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

We had sprint planning biweekly and communicate through Telegram and email. For design approving and improving we used Sketch and Zeplin. In general, the processes were clearly lined up, which led to compliance with all the agreed deadlines and the release of the project on time.

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

Previously, I had never been involved in the application development process, so it was important for me that the team was always ready to answer my questions and took into account my ideas and comments. The team instilled reliability and willingness to perform their task in the best possible way. They also helps me as startup advisory.

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

I am fully satisfied with the cooperation and have already recommended Empat to my friends and partners.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

CBRE is the largest consulting company in a world that provides a wide range of commercial real estate services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We had a request to create a site to provide information to potential customers about us and the services we provide, to publish for our segment of professional impact reviews of market situations in general and trends that have dominated the office real estate market.

SOLUTION

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

We considered several options for local companies and chose Empat. Their CEO held an intro-meet for us, where we asked all the questions and got to know their approach to work, and we were quite satisfied with it.

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

The website consists of blocks of information about our services, market research, information about our company and career opportunities.

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

For the project, a standard team of 5 people was involved, including a manager: UI / UX Designer, Backend developer, Frontend developer, QA.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As a result of our cooperation, we received a platform on which we can place information about our company and thus become closer and more open to our potential clients/partners. Also, the results of our research can be published and everyone can get acquainted with them. We are glad that we can broadcast information about ourselves and the fruits of our work to the masses.

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

After all the requirements and desires were agreed, we started working in the mode of 1 status check per week. Depending on what stage the project was at, the manager organized both internal meetings to discuss emerging issues and meetings with team members to present the results of the work done. The agreed deadlines were met.

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

The team was quite open to communication and to possible changes during the entire project. After the completion of cooperation, a couple of times we performed work to update the site and information on it.

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

In general, everything is fine, we’ve got the desired result!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a co-founder and CEO of a marketplace of contemporary art registered in UK and operating globally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our aim was to create a mobile application as a platform to sell and promote art.

SOLUTION

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

I was looking around and there are so many firms out there, it’s daunting. But when I talked with Empat, it was really natural and I felt like it was going to be an educational experience, and that they were going to care. That meant a lot to me as a founder of a startup.

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

Cittart is a mobile marketplace for contemporary art. Unique value proposition is at the overlap of both marketplace’s and social media’s features in one place, which allows to disclose added value of art works and set up deep emotional connections for buyers. We had a good development process and tested a lot before releases. It allows us to release app with minimum bugs there.

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

Empat’s project manager was our lead contact, and there were also technical specialists who were brought to the table as well. There were also UI/UX designer, Product Manager and delivery manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The application is currently launched in Europe and can be downloaded in AppStore and Google Play Market. This is the 1st digital solution for selling art, where users (sellers and buyers) directly engage with each other with specific features. Once we finalize product market fit here, we will raise VC funds to launch our solution on a new market.

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

It was seamless working with Empat. We communicated daily, sometimes multiple times a day. We got together in person when needed, without much advance notice, and our teams gelled well together on all aspects of design and development. We used Google Calendar, Jira and Slack.

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

Their attention to detail was really impressive, not just on the design end, but on matching the designs during the engineering process. This thing was very important for me.

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

They were really good and did what they said they would.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a product owner and director of marketing at M5 Magic School, a YouTube channel that performs magic tricks to over 11 million subscribers.  

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Empat?

We wanted to develop a mobile application to showcase our magic tricks to children. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Empat is doing back- and frontend development on our cross-platform mobile application. Their team has designed the app from scratch, including the entire UX/UI. Empat has also helped us determine how to sell our courses on the app. 

What is the team composition?

We work with a UX/UI designer, project manager, iOS and Android developers, and a QA specialist. 

How did you come to work with Empat?

I was looking for agencies that worked in iOS and Android, and after conducting some research on Google, I found Empat. They shared their portfolio with me and their ideas on how to approach the project. I liked their development approach and that they were customer- and business-oriented.  

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested around $80,000 with Empat. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement with Empat began in April 2021, and it's ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Empat is more than a development provider; they're our business partner. They've been able to deliver everything we need, even when we make last-minute changes. Not only that, but they'll deliver alternative solutions with different costs and timelines. We collaborate on every decision; Empat provides excellent insight into our business. 

How did Empat perform from a project management standpoint?

Empat works in a scrum in two-week sprints. We usually meet weekly to discuss the project, but I can message the project manager any time of the day. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

 This is the best customer experience I've had with a development agency — Empat is a true business partner.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have nothing for Empat to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I'd advise customers to hire Empat. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Martin LLC is a supplier of diesel, gasoline and LPG to small and large groups, as well as natural gas and electricity.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Website development and design for Petroleum Company

SOLUTION

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

While looking for someone to partner with, Empat was referred to me by one of our employees.

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

Our clients have repeatedly expressed their desire to learn more about the services of our company before contacting us. To do this, we decided to create a website where we posted basic information about our company and its products, as well as news about the Ukrainian energy market and our success on it. In the course of work, we also decided to add a calculator that helps users calculate the approximate cost of shipping a shipment.

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

The project team consisted of maybe 5-6 people. There was a consistent project manager and core team. However, individuals did come and go depending on the stage of the project and what was needed at the time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Once the website was completed my team was able to utilize the benefits immediately and seamlessly. This allowed us to focus on new markets with a huge potential for growth.

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

During the core development, we met once per week with the team and made shared the interface using Google Meet. A list of follow-ups was updated after each meeting. This allowed us to develop this web application very quickly.

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

Their flexibility made it possible to increase and decrease their involvement based on our needs. Their overall ability to deliver is also impressive.

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

Not really. The way we work together has been fine from both sides.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Our foundation was established in 2015 to implement charitable projects in Ukraine. I am the head of the program department.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Development of a new website for a global initiative in Ukraine.

SOLUTION

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

We reviewed a few options and found that Empat had a reasonable cost and high engineering quality.

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

WordPress, adding several improvements during the work.

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

At the beginning of our cooperation, we’ve worked on a visual concept of our website with a designer, after that we’ve communicated mostly with the manager, who controlled the work of the frontend, backend developers, and QA manager. At the end of the project, we've used the services of SEO specialists to make our website high rate in a search range.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

With this site, we have successfully carried out two large promotions, we have managed to involve thousands of users in the project and continue to do so. We consider the result obtained as a success in our country.

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

We used a hybrid SCRUM, using stand-up meetings as well as continuous changing of the priorities on our request.

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

They gave a lot of thought to each task as if they were the customers.

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

Maybe, but we don't have any strict points for improvement, so generally, we are satisfied with the result.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a member of the board at the Ukrainian Notice Center, a non-governmental organization of people united around one single goal. We’re providing society with up-to-date and verified information about the Ukrainian military and the ongoing presence of Russian in Ukraine.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Empat?

We needed website development and support.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They created our website from scratch, and it is now up and running. We post news and deliver information about what’s going on now in Ukraine. We’re capable of publishing ourselves, so they’re only responsible for addressing any technical issues and providing support to make sure the website runs properly.

What is the team composition?

We worked with six people from their team: a manager, a backend developer, two frontend developers, a designer, and a QA engineer.

How did you come to work with Empat?

We were looking for a company that could set up our news portal. My colleagues, who previously worked with Empat, offered to contact them, and that’s how our collaboration started.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent no more than 10,000 USD.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from May 2018–February 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I'm very pleased with the consistency of their work. They were very interested in this project and very responsive during our collaboration. Overall, we were very satisfied with this collaboration and would recommend working with Empat.

How did Empat perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated with their two managers who responded to all our tasks and questions as soon as possible. There was another team lead who discussed all staff tasks and strategy development with us and brought several ideas into the development stage. They were available at all times, even during weekends, which was something we greatly appreciated.

For communication, we used to meet once a week via Telegram and exchanged messages through email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They always delivered quality work, and we never had to follow up on their outputs — everything got done and any technical issues that arose were fixed almost immediately. It felt good to pay money and know that everything was moving forward all the time. In a nutshell, their team was very responsible, reliable, and qualified.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything that they need to improve on; they did a very good job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Start working with them because they’re amazing.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the head of communication at Plast's central office, a Ukrainian national scouting organization. We promote comprehensive and patriotic education and self-education. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Empat?

We needed a website to highlight our organization's information, including our activities and positions, how to join the organization, and to improve our appeal to a younger audience. We needed a website to help us attract potential members. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Empat designed and developed our website using WordPress on the backend and JavaScript for frontend development. Their team used an older version of our site as an example to inform the website design processes. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with five specialists, including two frontend developers, a project manager, and a designer. 

How did you come to work with Empat?

Empat's manager used to be a part of our community, so it was easy to start a relationship with them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested $35,000 with Empat. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement with Plast was from May–July 2021. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website Empat developed is easy to navigate and is well designed. We're attracting more site traffic, which has brought in more volunteer applications. This year, we've had more than 1,200 volunteer applications. We can now collect donations to help us continue our work. Empat has a high-quality team — they are quick and cost-effective.

How did Empat perform from a project management standpoint?

Empat had good communication via Telegram and coordinated the project well. They answered our questions quickly, and we never had to wait until our next meeting to get an answer about something. Empat provided us with monthly and weekly feedback and project progress. I was impressed with Empat's flexibility and responsibility as a team; they quickly rectified our issues, giving us a sense of security.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Empat's team provided us with a lot of great ideas on how to design and structure our website. ​​We also got a lot of feedback from Empat on what information to include on the site to optimize traffic. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I was satisfied with Empat's services, so I have nothing for them to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I'd advise customers to hire Empat!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of Powerfull, a smart mobile charging company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Empat?

We needed someone to develop a mobile app for our business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Empat helped us build and develop a mobile app from scratch. We started by discussing the idea for the product and building the flow of the user journey.

We then proceeded to conceptualize, design, and build the backend of the iOS and Android app, as well as test it for its performance.

We used Swift for the iOS platform, utilized PHP for the backend, and AWS for hosting. Apart from those, we also integrated Twilio, WhatsApp, and Stripe for the payment solution. 

Moreover, Empat helped set up our Instagram account, and they’re currently providing us with ongoing marketing services such as content development and campaign strategy.

What is the team composition?

We’re mainly in communication with the project manager and their support team through Slack.

How did you come to work with Empat?

We met them at a big exhibition and conference in Dubai. We wanted to test their capabilities so we worked together on a small project and after identifying their flexibility to adjust to our needs, we decided to hire them.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve invested somewhere between $55,000–$60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our partnership started in August 2019, but we continue to work together for new releases and maintenance support.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve gained about 1,200 users since launching our app a few months ago. I’ve had people approach me to give positive feedback, saying how user-friendly and efficient the app is whenever I attend exhibitions and public events.

How did Empat perform from a project management standpoint?

Empat is always available to fix issues with urgency whenever they arise.

We mainly use Figma for the design, GitHub for the source code, and Slack to communicate.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’re impressed with the quality of their work, consistent communication, and commitment to success.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could dedicate more members to our project in order to increase the efficiency of the process.