Evangelist Software

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the global head of technology at a financial services company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Evangelist Apps?

We needed development services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Evangelist Apps has developed iOS and web applications for our company. The team has created an iOS app for iPhone and iPad devices for our content delivery platform and a web app that enables anonymous Zoom calls. The team has provided a system used on the Zoom backend and made it compliant for ourselves. The call participants have options to enable or disable their camera and screen sharing.

The initial scope of work was to develop an iOS application, and we put together a team around Evangelist Apps that works through day-to-day stand-ups. The team provides weekly updates to me, and we've re-hired Evangelist Apps to work on the Android version of our iOS app. Although Evangelist Apps isn't responsible for the app's design, they offer input, and our internal business analyst works with the team to move the design forward. I also have an architect who approves designs.

What is the team composition?

We work with 4–5 teammates from Evangelist Apps, including engineers, a QA testing specialist, and a project manager. 

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent over $100,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Evangelist Apps in April 2023, and our engagement is ongoing. We've re-engaged with the team after they've completed our iOS and web applications.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Evangelist Apps' work meets and exceeds our expectations. The team is very professional, and our teams collaborate effectively and work very well without requiring my help from a management point of view. Evangelist Apps comes to me for any decisions or blockers, but apart from that, the team has a very autonomous collaboration.

How did Evangelist Apps perform from a project management standpoint?

Evangelist Apps delivers work on time and on budget. We've had change requests submitted with the statement of work, and Evangelist Apps has managed them very well. We communicate mainly via Slack, and we also use emails, phone calls, and Google Meet. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Evangelist Apps' biggest strength is their flexibility. The team is willing to work with us on our apps' specifications and provide insights into how to improve it over what we've thought we should do. We have a proactive engagement.

Are there any areas they could improve?

In the early stage of our engagement, when writing some of the work statements, we had to guide the team into best practices so we were protected on both sides and clearly defined what we wanted to deliver within our time frame. The team was very enthusiastic, and we wanted to ensure we had a clear statement of work, so we helped them with the first one.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I suggest having many conversations with Evangelist Apps because they're open to meetings. I also recommend meeting in real-time with the team rather than communicating via emails back and forth so they can better understand the requirements. 

UPDATED REVIEW

This review was published on December 12, 2023.

Former Global Head, Product Design & Experience, FinTech CoFinancial services

Hertford, United Kingdom

1,001-5,000 Employees

Aug 2022 - Nov 2023

Confidential

Verified

Project summary
Evangelist Apps designed and developed an iOS application for a fintech company. The team built the mobile version of the client's web platform using Swift and React.js and designed it using Figma.

Feedback summary
Evangelist Apps delivered high-quality work that met the client's expectations. The team's dedication and expertise were impressive, shown in their understanding of the project's requirements. The team quickly addressed the client's feedback and was responsive via email, phone calls, and Slack.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the former global head of product design and experience of a fintech company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Evangelist Apps?

We needed to develop a mobile version of our financial platform's web application. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The initial outline was a high-level briefing for a proof of concept, which initiated the internal approval for stage one of the development. We decided to release an iOS application since our target audience mostly used Apple devices. We then went through a process of understanding which software development to use, and Evangelist Apps landed on React.js and Swift. The team created a pros and cons deck that was shared internally so that we had ownership of the codebase.

Evangelist Apps then moved into an outline document of the objectives. We shared screens of the desktop application and other desktop apps we were building. We handed over these screens along with a design system that I had constructed to ensure the consistency of brand components and styling. Evangelist Apps adapted and built their design system for our mobile app and created an MVP proof of concept outline. 

We identified three key areas to highlight and three key user journeys we needed to test. Then, Evangelist Apps delivered low-fidelity (lo-fi) wireframes and screens to confirm they matched our expectations. The team then worked on 2–3 high-resolution screens to show if the branding was in line, and we made a couple of tweaks. Evangelist Apps created all files on Figma, where we provided real-time feedback. 

Evangelist Apps then delivered the first release of the lo-fi wireframe and tested the app's features. After another round of feedback, the team released a clickable high-resolution prototype and integrated it into the app. Our platform enabled investors within the private and public equity sectors to listen to interviews orchestrated with subject matter experts from our company. These interviews were recorded and transcribed for investors to read and make investment decisions. 

Evangelist Apps helped us transform our desktop app into a mobile version to appeal to a broader audience. The app targeted busy users who couldn't look at this information during the day and could alternatively look at it while traveling on their commute. This app also worked as a companion app for the desktop application.

What is the team composition?

I mainly worked with Amit (Director). I also worked with Evangelist Apps' product owner and developers.

How did you come to work with Evangelist Apps?

A colleague introduced me to Evangelist Apps, and I engaged with them on a different project. I trusted Evangelist Apps since then to be my go-to development partner.

What is the status of this engagement?

We engaged with Evangelist Apps between August 2022–November 2023.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app was launched after I finished working at my previous company, so I don't have quantitative metrics. However, the previous app Evangelist Apps developed for me created a 108% Net Promoter Score satisfaction. Evangelist Apps' work quality was incredibly high, and their dedication was surprising. I was satisfied with Evangelist Apps' work.

How did Evangelist Apps perform from a project management standpoint?
Evangelist Apps was incredibly well-priced and responsive. The team also scaled up when required, which was impressive. In terms of communication, we used email, phone calls, and Slack.
Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?
I want to highlight Amit's work.

What did you find most impressive about them?

When I talked to Evangelist Apps about the project's requirements, they listened correctly and understood what we were looking for. The second impressive aspect of Evangelist Apps was their agile way of working. If something didn't meet our requirements, the team quickly fixed it. Overall, the design iteration process was really quick.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything for Evangelist Apps to improve. If anything, if they could grow their company, it'd be helpful because their work was amazing. 

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I recommend having clear objectives and knowing what you want when engaging with Evangelist Apps. Rely on the team's internal skills and stage the project; don't try to take too much at once.

STAR RATINGS
Overall rating: 5
Quality: 4
Cost: 5
Schedule: 4
Willing to refer: 5

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of a software development agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Evangelist Apps?

We needed to build a rich media streaming app for subscription-based video on demand (VOD) for a major UK broadcaster. For this task, we needed to find a partner expert in developing native iOS apps due to the high levels of UX we needed to deliver as part of the app.

In addition to the requirements for a meticulously designed and highly engaging UI, we also needed help with heavy technical challenges around integrating the app with an online video and CMS. These challenges included dealing with streaming requirements, security requirements, and data protection — it was a complex app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Evangelist Apps helped us develop the native iOS app we needed. The team was responsible for the UI/UX design and the engineering behind the app.

This was a collaborative process that started with a discovery phase to understand our requirements, the user stories, and the user journeys. After the discovery phase, we provided Evangelist Apps with a very detailed set of user stories and requirements. Additionally, their team collaborated with us on the technical design and strategy of the app, using tools like Figma for the designs.

What is the team composition?

We mainly worked with Amit (Director), but there were also 3–4 engineers working on the project.

How did you come to work with Evangelist Apps?

We found them on LinkedIn and built our relationship with them from there on.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around £250,000 (approximately $312,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2021, and this project was finished in 2022, but we’ve continued working together on other projects.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Evangelist Apps exceeded my expectations; we got a great result that we were very happy with. Ours was a very easy working relationship, and the quality of Evangelist Apps’ work was phenomenal. The new app was highly regarded in the market as one of the market-leading apps and helped us win more work in our space.

How did Evangelist Apps perform from a project management standpoint?

We worked in an agile environment, so there were some delays. Still, we got everything we needed when we needed it. Their communication was excellent, and they were very easy to work with because they were very supportive and collaborative.

In addition to that, Evangelist Apps was cost-effective. Although what we paid seemed like a lot of money, it was worth it considering the level of work we wanted to achieve. Overall, it was a very positive experience from a project management perspective.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Amit was incredible and brilliant to work with. He was very pragmatic and knowledgeable about the native iOS space. He’s always up to speed on the latest trends and challenges in technology. Moreover, he gave us incredible advice on how to maximize opportunities with technology to create the best customer experience and the leanest app.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The quality of Evangelist Apps’ work was absolutely incredible.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would only advise them to continue doing what they’re doing. They did a great job, so there was nothing I would have changed.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you're looking to build a mobile app, Evangelist Apps is the team to talk to. They care about the work they create on your behalf. Moreover, they’re very amenable, easy to work with, and supportive of what you’re trying to achieve.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the digital transformation lead for a furniture company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Evangelist Apps?

We hired Evangelist Apps to provide mobile app development services. We have extremely demanding customers, so everything we have in our stores needs to be of the highest quality and have a nice design. It also needs to provide an expert-level UX for the store and customers.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had many meetings with them in the first four weeks to let them know how our business works and what we wanted to achieve. We had an app built using an old technology stack, and Evangelist Apps suggested using the latest technology to rebuild the app and make it more modular and compatible with iOS. We’re building a standalone ERP retail system on Salesforce, with a native iOS UI. 

What is the team composition?

Right now, we are working with seven people. We mostly interact with Amit (Senior iOS Architect) and a project coordinator.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over  €1 million (approximately $1.1 million USD).

What is the status of the engagement?

We began working with them in the beginning of 2020, and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The biggest benefit of the retail app is that all our salespeople can be mobile and don't need to be in the store all the time. Everything is in the retail app, so users can see their inventory and complete all procedures remotely.

Previously, the average time for a salesperson in our stores to process one purchase in the system was between 20–30 minutes; it now takes the system takes less than two minutes. The salesperson in the store can now devote this time to other activities. 

How did Evangelist Apps perform from a management standpoint?

It’s easy for us to keep track of everything because Amit is very structured and stringent with the Jira planning and tickets. We ask fewer questions because we can look into Jira, and see the progress directly. 

We use an Agile process; Evangelist Apps is very productive and delivers on time or before the deadline. They’re very flexible when it comes to working hours, and if something is needed, they’ll work in the evenings or on weekends because they see this as a long-term relationship. We use Slack and Zoom for communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're very proactive and always try to find better solutions. Evangelist Apps puts a lot of effort into learning the mindset of our business and has the ability to come up with helpful information for projects. Evangelist Apps has been instrumental in understanding our business and our need to make every small detail in the system work well. They also understand how to handle the vast number of possible and flexible combinations in the system.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have nothing in mind at the moment.

Any advice for potential customers?

Any company that engages with them will be lucky because they deliver a lot.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Senior Product Manager at a financial services company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Expert Network

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Evangelist Apps to accomplish?

• Build an anonymous web based conferencing tool

SOLUTION

How did you find Evangelist Apps?

• Referral

Why did you select Evangelist Apps over others?

• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Evangelist Apps were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Using the Zoom SDKs, control the front end of meetings to meet specific compliance requirements that are not available OOTB with Zoom.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Correct control of the user experience of a voip meeting depending on user settings

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Scope was agreed in detail ahead of starting, and everything was delivered on time. As a team Evangelist were quick to respond to the need to communicate, and and were helpful and engaged when we needed to learn together.

What was your primary form of communication with Evangelist Apps?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Evangelist are efficient, talented, resourceful and friendly to work with.

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

No. Evangelist was great to work with, and I hope to do so again on the right project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Founder and CEO of ImpactQA

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

ImpactQA needed an iOS native application to be developed for one of their leading clients based out of US. The client did not have enough information about the mobile apps, Evangelist helped to gather requirements, propose UX designs and delivered the iOS app in 2 stages - proof of concept, final deliverable app and they did a stellar job. This app helped ImpactQA to establish strong relationship with its clients.

SOLUTION

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

We were looking for a partner who could be trusted and someone who brought the tech expertise as well as credentials with them. Evangelist impressed us during the due diligence phase and their local presence in the UK, along with a strong tech team, put decision in their favour.

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

Technologies used: Swift, SwiftUIl, UIKit, StoryBoard, MVVM architecture etc. The work was around providing a great UI/ UX app without any performance and security issues.

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

There was a team of 3-4 IoS developers, UI/UX staff, and a Business Analyst

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Evangelist helped to gather requirements, propose UX designs and delivered the iOS app in 2 stages - proof of concept, final deliverable app. The first phase was 2 months and the final app was delivered in about six months. During UAT there were hardly any issues found by the client and they were super impressed with the work performed by Evangelist.

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

Evangelist had great communication and project management throughout the project duration. Slack and Jira were used for PM and task allocation and project communication. Regular huddle meetings and weekly status reports were also published. MRM also happened with senior management.

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

Their proactiveness and ability to provide solutions to complex problems. Also, their understanding of business impressed us.

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

Not that I can think. They charge premium rates however that's justified by the value they bring to the table.