Exploding Phone

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of applications at Bullitt Group, a rugged mobile phone manufacturer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Exploding Phone?

We were looking for a developer who could help us build a small headless application to be preloaded on our devices. This app would help us understand how our devices were coming to market, giving us insight into the selling channels on which our phones were being activated and which countries were selling quicker.

From a business intelligence standpoint, this app was important for us. When selling a product like a mobile phone, it has to go through a series of channel partners. Thus, we didn’t have visibility into the process and the different channels our products went through before reaching our customers’ hands.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Exploding Phone helped us develop a headless app for Android, using Kotlin as the main technology. This app sits in the background of our devices and reports back to us when it has been turned on, providing us with a very broad, country-level location.

Given that this was a headless app, this project didn’t require design work. Thus, Exploding Phone focused strictly on mobile app development. As part of this development work, their team also had to build a cloud-based database to collect the data this app would gather.

What is the team composition?

I had a main point of contact from Exploding Phone, although I also had direct communication with the developers.

How did you come to work with Exploding Phone?

We found them on Clutch during a Google search. When we started the vetting process, I already had contact information for two other app developers I had used for other projects. However, one of them wasn’t able to help us with this project, and we had a poor experience on a previous project with the other one, so we were looking for a new partner.

I reached out to six companies I found on Clutch, including Exploding Phone, as well as to a couple of others. Exploding Phone seemed to be a good fit for the project, so we hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $12,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from June–October 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Due to the nature of the project, it was very easy for us to conclude whether the app would work or not. We had to load this app into the phones we manufacture and test whether we received or not accurate information on the cloud. During those tests, we received reliable reports 100% of the time, so we were very happy with the app.

Given our quality experience working with Exploding Phone, we’ll be using them for other projects. They’ve become a trusted partner.

How did Exploding Phone perform from a project management standpoint?

Exploding Phone’s project management was excellent; it was what attracted us to them. From the beginning, they were very responsive and made their experts available to us so that we could talk through different aspects of the project, helping us address our concerns and discuss our approach.

My main point of contact from Exploding Phone was also very responsive and helpful. We used email for our daily communication, and we had regular phone calls as required.

What did you find most impressive about them?

As mentioned above, Exploding Phone’s responsiveness, communication, and collaborative nature were the skills we valued the most. Additionally, we really appreciated having access to their development expertise.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing Exploding Phone could have done better. If anything, it would be great if they expanded their team. My biggest challenge with them is getting enough of their time and resources to work with me on other projects.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Approach them with a clear understanding of your needs and allow them to come back with an appropriate and sensible plan to deliver it. From there, you’ll be able to work very efficiently with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a senior consultant at Ultralogic Solutions Limited, an organization providing business systems to small businesses in and around the West Midlands in the UK. We offer small business support, programming expertise, server expertise, and accounting expertise.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Exploding Phone?

We needed someone to help us with custom software development for one of our clients. We specifically required mobile app development for the delivery and ticketing side of their business.

Our client supplies and delivers skips and waste management services to companies in the West Midlands. Their main challenge was that they handled a lot of paper to produce invoices and notes for customers in order to get paid. All this paper included multi-part colored documents that required the clients’ signatures and copies attached to the invoices.

These documents were sorted and filed in different sequences, which took a huge amount of time and manual work. For example, if someone had a rush job, the driver of the vehicle had to come back to the office to collect the paperwork and get it signed so that they could get paid.

Therefore, we needed help with developing a product that would allow drivers to collect signatures and bits of live data on a mobile device so that they could see their orders, schedule their own jobs, make changes, and file their orders to their liking.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Exploding Phone helped us develop a mobile application that works as an add-on to the frontend of our client’s entire system, which another company originally developed. This mobile app links to the data created via the backend app and allows users to collect signatures. It also picks up live data through an API so that drivers can log in and see the jobs they have to complete.

Exploding Phone developed this app from scratch in a CodeIgniter for Android devices, using Java as part of the technology stack. Initially, we spent a lot of time developing the wireframe documents to see how this app would look. During this stage, their team delivered visual mock-ups of how they had interpreted my requirements.

Then, Exploding Phone started developing the app, integrating the APIs needed to get the data we required. From there, they started releasing different versions of the mobile app; we saw various versions regularly throughout the process.

What is the team composition?

First, we had a kickoff meeting with Andrew (Managing Director), David (Business Development Director), and two developers. Since completing the app, I’ve worked with two other developers for support.

How did you come to work with Exploding Phone?

They were recommended to us by another company that had used them.

How much have you invested in them?

We’ve spent around £35,000 (approximately $43,000 USD) in total, including the ongoing support fees.

What is the status of this engagement?

I originally contacted Exploding Phone in September 2020, and the project was completed in December 2021. However, they’re helping us with maintenance; we have a yearly contract with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In December 2021, the app went live to just five drivers to see how it worked. Since January 2022, all of our client’s drivers have been using it. Before having this app, it took our client around 60 days to get a payment of an invoice. Now, they get paid within 30 days.

Thanks to this app, end customers now get their tickets immediately after the driver finishes the job. It has eliminated the manual work of signing the tickets on-site, which used to take around five days.

How did Exploding Phone perform from a project management standpoint?

Exploding Phone’s performance was very good during the development process. We had frequent touchpoints to see where we were at, and a lot of our communication happened through Microsoft Teams or FaceTime calls.

Whenever Exploding Phone reached a milestone and had ready a deliverable for us, they sent me a link to the Android app to take a look and test it out. Our client was also involved in this process, so their input helped us refine the app.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Exploding Phone facilitated a very good project considering the restraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There was nothing Exploding Phone could have done differently. Although it would have been great if we had face-to-face meetings, the COVID-19 pandemic constraints didn’t allow it. Still, Exploding Phone was constantly available.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure that you have detailed specifications of what you want, and ensure those requirements fit the wireframes so that designs can easily be translated into a working app.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the events and marketing manager for a certification body within the construction industry, specifically for electrical contractors. We assess the competence of electrical contractors that wish to join our organization. I generally focus on creating content for our customers that adds value to our product, such as technical webinars, events, or an app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Exploding Phone?

We produce guides to instruct our members on key regulations. Previously, we printed these and had them as hard copies. Since the regulations change every 3–4 years, all 40 guides have to be updated.

We wanted to create a digital channel to distribute the guides to our members, update them easily, and make them more cost-effective and greener.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Exploding Phone has developed an application for iOS and Android from scratch. We want a simple app to distribute the guides to our members, so it has to work across multiple devices. The app also has some calculators for common equations that our members use daily and a register, so there’s an element of data collection. Additionally, we need to update the guide and publish it easily.

We produce the content separately, so we initially provided some examples. Exploding Phone has developed the wireframes and has come up with the most logical way to navigate the app. Some key features are the ability to view and search the guides, save them so users can easily access them, and the calculator. Currently, we’re working on the second version, which incorporates more functionality.

What is the team composition?

Initially, we dealt with David (Business Development Director) and Andrew (Managing Director) to determine costs and the best way forward. We’ve also worked with Simon (iOS and Android Senior Developer) and someone on the wireframes.

How did you come to work with Exploding Phone?

I knew they’d created an app for somebody else within the industry. Also, a colleague previously engaged with them when we looked at another type of app that didn’t go ahead. When we began the project, we looked at three suppliers, but we felt that Exploding Phone was the most cost-effective option. Additionally, we were allowed to make modifications later down the line.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent about £25,000 (approximately $29,000 USD), and we’ll probably increase it up to £30,000 (approximately $35,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in October 2021, and the app went live in July 2022. However, the relationship is ongoing because we’re currently working on version two.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve made it into the top five Apple business downloads charts, so the app has been a success. Moreover, its rating is 4.9 out of five stars, so customer feedback has been excellent.

How did Exploding Phone perform from a project management standpoint?

We’re satisfied overall. We communicate via email, and there’s been a lot of back and forth.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Communication is good, and the team is friendly. When we raise an issue, they look into it quickly. Overall, we’ve been happy with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We launched later than we would’ve liked. Since we’d never done anything like this, it’s not all on Exploding Phone. We spotted some issues and fixed them, but they probably could’ve managed me better during the testing phase. It'd be amazing if they used project management software to make it more collaborative.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Set time aside during crucial points of the project to sit down and discuss all the necessary changes.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of multichannel marketing at Selco Builders Warehouse, a building materials supplier for a trade customer base.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Exploding Phone?

We developed a website recently. We thought we’d make shopping for our customers easier by creating a mobile app, so we needed help with mobile app development and UX/UI design.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The first phase of the project was to understand what facilities or capabilities we could achieve by developing an app and what features on our website we could make easy to access. It was a consultative phase; we had to understand the feasibility and the options we’d have. We agreed upon several things we thought would be worth developing to make shopping in-store and online easier with the app. We initially provided some design guidance, but Exploring Phone did the UX/UI designs. They provided the wireframes, and once we developed that, there was a period to specify and define how it would be built. We signed off the designs of four different screens and the app’s navigation process. Then, we went on to build and test during development. The app was built in native Android and iOS. 

Customers needed to register with us to have a trading card and purchase, much like Costco. One of the things that the mobile app did that our website didn’t is surfacing that trading card. It linked the account when people accessed the app and pulled back all the details, representing the trading card within the app as it would with a loyalty card at a coffee shop. Another feature allowed customers to find their nearest physical store. Additionally, when a user clicked within the app to shop with us, it connected to our website and automatically logged them — many security measures were required throughout that process. People didn’t have to remember their passwords; it used the biometric features of their devices to log them into our website securely.

What is the team composition?

We had two developers, a designer, and a project manager.

How did you come to work with Exploding Phone?

We found them using Clutch. We looked at their details to see if they worked on the kind of projects we were looking to develop. We spoke to about 3–4 development agencies and decided on capability, price, availability, and their willingness to collaborate.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $50,000–$100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from January 2020–April 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The initial project is completed. We’ve launched the app and will be looking to pick the project back up again in a few months to make additional features. The quality of work was high, and we went through some thorough security testing because we needed to do further security enhancements. We did extra work to make the products even more secure than they already were. It went through an independent third-party security test and always returned to a high standard. All in all, the work was completed to our satisfaction the first time.

How did Exploding Phone perform from a project management standpoint?

They were good at meeting deadlines and used Jira and Slack for project management.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were willing and enthusiastic to collaborate. We had a partnership approach. Exploding Phone was patient with us when we had to stop and start work during a disruptive time during COVID-19. Overall, they were experts in developing mobile applications.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they were superb.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open to taking advice on what is and isn’t possible. Listen to them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an executive at a recruitment business that supplies resources into agriculture and horticulture areas. We’re also a technology business with a SaaS product that we market. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Exploding Phone?

We needed someone to build an in-house operational management system for our workflow processing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Exploding Phone built our custom software, which they host, maintain, support, and update. Originally, the system was made only for our internal use, but Exploding Phone was able to make it available for other people. 

The software they built is a recruitment and employment management system that enables companies that use high volumes of temporary labor workers to manage their requirements and the employment of those people. In addition to that, the system tracks labor supply chains; when working with migrant labor across borders, this system can track the different levels of intermediaries within those supply chains and give them visibility and transparency. This helps us protect the workforce from bad practices and risks of bad practices — not only does it cover the individual worker, but it also covers any stakeholder within that supply chain.

In terms of technologies, they've used LAMP Stack, JavaScript, and HTML5.

We’re currently working on a big piece of work and submitting specifications for an even bigger product this summer.

What is the team composition?

I’m in contact with the project manager and a team of developers. They’re not part of our team, but they are an extremely important key strategic partner. 

How did you come to work with Exploding Phone?

They were referred to us by our business advisor.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent £250,000 (approximately $325,000 USD) with them so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2016, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They're top marks when it comes to staying within budget — they’ve never come back to us for more money. Also, their team has never been late and delivered top-notch software quality. In addition to that, they quickly fix any bug we find in the testing phase; even when we release it into the live environment, if one of our users finds a problem, they fix it right away.

How did Exploding Phone perform from a project management standpoint?

We usually go through a specification stage when we’re adding functionalities; we meet with the business development director and have a brainstorming session, which we document. We do a lot of work with the business developer because we’re not technology people, so we need their help and guidance throughout the development, which helps the developer follow our instructions. We also use email and video conferences with the developer and project manager to run the specifications, and once that signs off, they give us a price. After that, I sign the contract, and they start building the products. We also use Trello for constant feedback once the systems go live.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The most important thing to me is that they make it simple since we’re not tech-savvy. Other agencies I’ve worked with have made it more complicated, and we’d come out of meetings more confused than when we went in. With Exploding Phone, we come out of meetings with a lot more clarity than when we went in because they make everything understandable to a non-specialist. We’re almost becoming a software company because we have a SaaS product, and they've been generous regarding their guidance and input into how we’re trying to develop this part of our business.

Overall, it’s a partnership rather than buying something off the shelf because they’re very flexible and generous towards what we’re trying to achieve. It’s not written in the contract, but they give us business advice all the time.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’ve got a very talented group of developers, but they have to add more resources to grow and develop their business.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Go with their offer in building the specification of what you want, be brutally minute in detail for what you need, and be sure of your requirements. This way, they'll be able to develop what you want.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a consultant at a nonprofit health organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Exploding Phone?

We needed a digital tool to organize our clinical staff details.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Exploding Phone has developed an iOS- and Android-friendly mobile app that optimizes our patient journey through bulk data organization. They’ve launched the process by designing the wireframes, which they’ve submitted for our team’s approval. Their team has then devised technical solutions that automate the processing of coded clinical data and sorts this in spreadsheets according to date and intervention times.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with Exploding Phone’s sales director and four of their developers.

How did you come to work with Exploding Phone?

We had a vetting process and were able to shortlist three different vendors. After careful consideration, we chose Exploding Phone because their skill set and offer fit our needs well.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about £35,000 (approximately $40,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing partnership with Exploding Phone started in March 2019. We’re looking to further our agreement by engaging their team to refine our product.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re still gauging the product’s efficacy by launching it as an MVP, so there aren’t any quantitative metrics to share at this point. From our perspective, Exploding Phone has effectively turned our vision of a scrollable and organized timeline into a reality, and we’re hoping to secure positive results in the future.

How did Exploding Phone perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate via email, Zoom, and Exploding Phone’s own project management tool. They’re a responsive and adaptable partner that continuously devises innovative methods to refine our product.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’re most impressed with Exploding Phone’s capacity to understand our needs and deliver a product that addresses those.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We’ve encountered minor delays because of the pandemic, but I can’t fault anyone for that.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Visualize and comprehend the project size early on and communicate that clearly to Exploding Phone.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Group IT Director, Established in 1974, Euro Packaging are a privately owned UK based manufacturer, consolidator and innovator to Retail, Leisure, Food Service & Hospitality market sectors, with over 40 years of experience and supply into to a range of major UK and European retailers. We provide a service and solution with significant added value, including:

• Market leading I.T. systems which deliver advance management information and data reporting in a format specific to each customers' wants and needs
• Dedicated award-winning product development and innovation team
• Global sourcing expertise throughout Europe and Far East
• Proactive Account Management
• Group owned manufacturing facilities including paper, plastic and aluminium foil products
• Multiple storage facilities, which include fully automated bulk storage, case pick and single item pick & pack
• Group owned vehicle fleet
• French sales and distribution

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We required a development project for a bespoke auditing app which allowed the cleaning management team to carry out audits using mobile technology pumping information to a centralised dashboard for management review.

SOLUTION

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

We used Exploding phone for our previous projects and based upon the successes of those projects we engaged with them yet again.

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

We first started with a discovery workshop to go over the challenges of the app especially around the management interface so we could easily setup audits. We work-flowed the solution for EXP to then come up with a blueprint and mockup to approve before starting production. We completed the project within 4 months from start to finish with a few iterations towards the end.

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

There were 3 people, Andrew from a commercial aspect, Chris the main developer and Greg for the user experience aspect.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project as delivered on time and within scope. The system has enabled us to save time and provide a fully automated scoring system for any audits to take place, not just for cleaning.

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

All timelines were kept — in a lot of cases, developments were carried out before the deadlines. The team were always readily available to speak to about new angles and ideas at the offset to produce exactly what was required

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

Direct access to the team and no fuss communications. EXP has a very flexible methodology and we can literally throw any ideas at them at any time to seek their thoughts and feedback on our challenges.

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

Not really, we could have obtained more exact requirements we required from the app which would have helped but actually the app created a few thought processes which then required some step changes from the original process which of course was from our side.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a UK-based imaging firm, and I manage the communications for a brand we handle.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Exploding Phone?

We wanted a provider that would give us a dedicated service in terms of supply in an app. We also wanted a supplier that specializes in other things, with app development being one of their subsidiary services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we went to them with a concept for an app that we needed, and they’re able to confidently build the app we wanted for a reasonable price. They’re developing this app for both iOS and Android, and it integrates with our own policy information management system, and current IT system.

What is the team composition?

We probably work with around five people. We're in contact with a salesperson/customer account manager, an iOS developer, an Android developer, a graphic designer, and even the director of the company. 

How did you come to work with Exploding Phone?

We found them through Clutch. The reason we chose them is that they’re dedicated app developers, who are able to do other things as well.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve probably invested somewhere between $15,000–$20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership started in July 2018, and we continue to develop the app to this day.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The partnership has been really successful, and they’re able to do what we ask them to do. They accurately meet our requirements for the app, and they’re continuing to deliver what we ask for — I consider that a great success.

As a smaller company, I think they’re very good at adapting to the way we want to work with them. Sometimes we work quite loosely, and then sometimes we get into a project and do a lot of interference.

How did Exploding Phone perform from a project management standpoint?

They always come across as professionals, they’re really knowledgeable, and they seem very close to the team. I don’t really have any problems working with them. We only use standard tools like Excel to keep track of the tasks.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’re impressed with how they’re able to give honest feedback. If we ask them to do something they felt would be wrong, they would tell us instead of just doing it. They maintain their integrity throughout the duration of the project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’ve got nothing specific, because they’re exactly what we need for this project — they’ve been absolutely fine.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice would be to have a clear objective in terms of what they want. Work with Exploding Phone and listen to their suggestions at the same time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the managing director for Gas App Uk, an online resource for heating engineers in the UK. We have over 64,000 users.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Exploding Phone?

We needed Exploding Phone to provide a significant update to an app they previously made for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Exploding Phone installed a module to the app, which they created in 2015. This major update utilizes geolocation to offer our users the best deals in the area. They continue to support the platform.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with Chris and Simon (Developers), with the latter taking the lead role. Meanwhile, Greg (UI/UX Designer) created all the graphics, and Andrew (Managing Director) oversaw the whole process. 

How did you come to work with Exploding Phone?

We got in touch with them when we tapped them to create the app back in 2015. Exploding Phone stood out because they were willing to sit down and have in-depth discussions. They really took the time to understand the project. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent £30,000 (approximately $42,000 USD) on this update.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2015, and it’s an ongoing partnership.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have a CMS where we can see the impressions ever since they updated the app. The deals have been served to our users several millions of times, so we know their efforts are working exceptionally well. 

How did Exploding Phone perform from a project management standpoint?

Exploding Phone has been fantastic at meeting deadlines. In addition, they’re very responsive when it comes to implementing updates and modifications. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m impressed by how quickly they react to things while maintaining the high quality of their work. They're a fantastic partner.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t fault them for anything — I’m more than happy with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be clear and concise about your goals for the project. If you've got a clear vision of what you want to do, Exploding Phone’s developers can easily bring it to life for you.

UPDATED REVIEW

This review was published on October 15, 2018.

Antony Provan

Managing Director, Gas App Uk

Business services

1-10 Employees

Birmingham, United Kingdom

$50,000 to $199,999

Sep 2015 - Jan 2016

Project summary:

Exploding Phone Limited developed a website and an accompanying cross-platform application. The finished version features video tutorials, equipment manuals, and a social portal for community interaction.

Feedback summary:

Exploding Phone Limited delivered an award-winning platform with an intuitive UI/UX. The mobile app runs smoothly and provides users with valuable resources. Their team communicates efficiently and keeps each engagement organized. They’re innovative and willing to pursue unique ideas.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of Gas App Uk. We’re an online resource for gas engineers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Exploding Phone Limited?

We wanted to create a web and mobile platform that could provide gas engineers with all the information they need to approach each job safely.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Exploding Phone Limited was involved with us from the start and helped deliver nearly every aspect of our platform. They developed our website along with a cross-platform app for both iOS and Android. Their team brainstormed new features and transformed various ideas into a functional product that benefits our users. Instead of working solely from my point of view as an engineer, they suggested UX elements that I didn’t know were possible. Those implementations produced a more interactive website. They’ve supported the platform up to its current version.

Gas App Uk features thousands of manuals for heating engineers to access as needed. Additional resources include gas lighting calculators and video tutorials. There’s also a social element that allows engineers to communicate and discuss topics relevant to their industry. Several community competitions have been run through the platform as a result of this functionality. An interactive newsroom feature hosts industry-specific news along with a job recruitment section.

What is the team composition?

We interact with three resources including a lead developer, an Android developer, and a frontend designer.

How did you come to work with Exploding Phone Limited?

I found them via online research and decided to reach out. I sat down with them and believed they were the right partner for us.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over £50,000 (approximately $66,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The development portion of the project took place from September 2015–January 2016. They regularly support and update the platform.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The platform functions exactly as we intended. It’s fully comprehensive, easy-to-use, and aesthetically pleasing. The finished product has even received an award.

How did Exploding Phone Limited perform from a project management standpoint?

Exploding Phone Limited kept us up-to-date regarding the platform’s progression during the development cycle. Their whole team adhered to our development schedule, met deadlines, and delivered what they promised. In addition to face-to-face meetings, we frequently communicate via phone and email. Overall, their project management skills are top-notch.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We appreciate their attentiveness and creativity. Exploding Phone Limited encourages us to push boundaries and look at new opportunities. That separates them from large companies that often forget to check in with their clients. Our engagement with them has worked out tremendously well. They’re a good group of people.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I’m 100% satisfied with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Start the project with an open mind and let their team do what they do best. They’ve helped my business expand into something more than I thought it could be.

Star Ratings

Overall rating: 5 - They’re an excellent company.

Quality: 5

Cost: 5

Schedule: 5

Willing to refer: 5

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Database Development Manager at SmartWater Technology. Our company provides a range of risk management solutions. We have a supply of uniquely coded chemical solution that makes property traceable. It is invisible to the naked eye without UV lighting. A chemical analysis process shows if something is stolen to help prove the legitimate owner. We have many other technologies to track, trace, mark, and surveil for a comprehensive risk protection strategy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Exploding Phone?

We launched a new membership offering around our SmartTag® handheld forensic spray product. In addition to the physical product and accessories, SmartTag® members have access to a variety of digital content including security news, covert operations, training videos, security alerts and Incident Reporting. These digital features were available to members via the SmartTag® website and we wanted a companion app for members to be able to access these benefits from their mobile devices for IOS and Android platforms.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted an app whose content would update easily and dynamically inline with the existing SmartTag® website and where notifications could be pushed to applicable users again from updates made to content on the existing website. We wanted to take advantage of native app functionality to enhance the user experience when reporting Incidents by utilising the ability to record GPS data and scan barcodes using the devices camera.

SOLUTION

How did you select Exploding Phone?

We approached several App Development companies with our detailed specification. After reviewing all responses received Exploding Phone came out on top, we were confident in their proposed approach for delivering the solution and they were good on price. We have also worked with Exploding Phone before in the creation of registration apps and a supporting CMS and we have been very pleased with their work in the past and our positive working relationship.

Describe the project in detail.

We provided a detailed specification and had an initial call with Exploding Phone who were confident they would be able to deliver the app on both IOS and Android platforms to spec and handle the additional complexity of integrating the app with our existing website. We followed Exploding Phones clear Development Process. We were guided through the initial design process with sets of wireframes provided by their designer building on the conceptual designs we had provided in the specification.

Once design was agreed we went through the build phase. Our main contact was with Exploding Phones Developer/Head of Production who was extremely knowledgeable. The contact and communication with the Developer/Head of Production throughout the build and testing phase was exceptional. We had weekly catch-up meetings via video call and agreed an efficient method of reporting feedback from the testing process with any fixes/changes implemented quickly.

Once the testing phase was complete, we were ready to launch the app into the App Store and Google Play store. We had some difficulty with the review stage for the IOS version, but Exploding Phone were quick to suggest resolutions and we were eventually successful in publishing the app into the App Store and Google Play Store with their knowledge and support.

What was the team composition?

Our main contact was with the Managing Director, Business Development Director, Developer/Head of Production and Designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app has only recently been completed and launched to users and we are going through the feedback stage at the moment. We are very pleased with the end product; it meets the specification and delivers all the functionality required and we are confident it will prove to be an effective companion mobile app solution for our SmartTag® members.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our communication is very good. We have a very positive working relationship with Exploding Phone, they understand our company, objectives, and expectations very well. We always feel very supported by Exploding Phone and they endeavour to go above and beyond to accommodate our requirements.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to provide solutions that meet our often complex requirements. Their flexibility to adjust to our changing needs and their excellent communication.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, it has been a pleasure working with Exploding Phone.