Geekbears

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of a company that develops literacy skills in secondary students.

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

We partnered with Geekbears to help us design an app that combined best practices in education and UI/UX design in order to scale the support we provide middle and high school readers.

How did you select Geekbears and what were the deciding factors?

What really set Geekbears apart was the reviews about how patient and supportive they were with clients who had no experience with this kind of work. I saw that Marcos Mena-Brena, the founder, had worked as a mentor to other entrepreneurs while at Berkely, and that many of their clients truly felt like their work together was a partnership. I was afraid that my vision would be hijacked because of my lack of experience, but not only did they work diligently to understand my vision, they took the time to help me understand the process and approach we were taking.

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

We began our work together with a discovery phase where the team interviewed me to get a sense of my vision. In this phase I shared all of the work I had done so far including the research I had used to develop the vision and any drafts I had created. The team then took the time to explore other similar apps and share what they understood to be the best practices (and misses) with those apps. After the discovery phase, we moved into the UX phase where we decided on the actual structure and features of the app. Then we moved to the UI phase where we designed the "look" of the app (as well as the logo). After this, they created a clickable prototype for me. The main technologies used were Figma for the app work and Slack for our communication.

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

I worked very closely with the UI and UX designers. I also was in touch with the project manager, COO, and CEO/Founder.

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

I can't share measurable outcomes yet because I am currently working to secure funding to actually build the app (we only worked on the prototype together). But I am very eager to secure the funding and continue working with this team!

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

We used Slack as the main communication tool. They were very timely and almost always had their next steps completed within 24 hours of our discussions. There were meetings that were scheduled as part of the outlined plan (generally at the beginning/end of each phase), but also the nature of the partnership made it easy for us to schedule additional meetings whenever needed to discuss vision and feedback. I think on average, I met with someone once a week/once every other week and was in regular communication via slack. I felt confident that any time I had a question/concern I could reach out and get the support I needed.

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

I really appreciated how much they seemed to care about the quality of this app. The Geekbears team seemed genuinely excited about creating it and was invested in helping me realize my vision.

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

There were a couple of instances where they had over-estimated my understanding of the process, likely because what they were discussing was second nature to them. But as soon as I expressed my concern, we had team meetings to make sure we were all on the same page. They would patiently answer my questions (which were often the same questions asked in a different way!) as I worked to ensure my own understanding. I suppose as they continue to work with novices in this area, they will naturally develop communication styles that address these issues up front. That said, those moments are likely to happen any time people work together, and their professionalism and reflection in those moments reinforced my already high-opinion of the team.

Please describe your company and your position there.

For over 15 years, our mission has been to inspire hope and advance social justice for Southern California’s most vulnerable immigrant and refugee communities.

We do this through a combination of advocacy, education, empowerment, and representation. We provide legal services to more unaccompanied minors than any other public interest organization in the State of California.

For what projects/services did your company hire Geekbears?

Lead development of a mobile application for immigrant rights education and empowerment for unaccompanied minors.

What were your goals for this project?

Esperanza has a unique opportunity to build a mobile application which will expand the reach of their released youth program – this program provides education and guidance to children and families who are navigating the legal immigration process.

At present, there are 14 Legal Orientation centers sponsored by the US Department of Justice, and Esperanza leads one of them - their legal orientation programs are booked solid months in advance.

A mobile app would help to alleviate the backlog and serve a much wider audience.

How did you select Geekbears?

We searched UpWork for an organization that had app development experience, and we vetted them through an independent third-party who was able to vouch for their past product.

Describe the project in detail.

Once we selected Geekbears, we started with a discovery phase, so that we could be on the same page about goals and expectations. We then worked iteratively through various rounds of UI/UX development.

What was the team composition?

On vendor's side, we had frequent and helpful contact with Marcos, the CEO, who shepherded us at a high level through the overall process--from contract to deliverables.

We then worked with two UI/UX developers who helped with the overall app structure and eventually detailed mock-ups of the desired pages. There was a team lead, but everyone was equally accessible.

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

We now have a clickable prototype of our app, as well as a Product Requirement Document. With this, we are moving forward full steam to the actual development of the app for client use.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Marcos and his team were very explicit about timelines, but flexible when we couldn't meet our internal goals. To repeat, they were always on time, but because of the nature of our work at Esperanza, we were sometimes so swamped that we needed to push back our deadlines. We are thankful for their support.

Day to day workflow was likewise smooth, as we had regular meetings to discuss the iterations on the designs.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Geekbears was able to carry us through the complicated process of turning our lay person's dreams into an actual (and very beautiful) prototype. That they educated as well as guided is something for which we will be forever thankful.

Are there any areas for improvement?

From my standpoint, I can't think of any room for improvement.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CMO of a software startup company.

For what projects/services did your company hire Geekbears?

UI / UX design for MVP with a clickable prototype.

What were your goals for this project?

To design the MVP for the product, along with a clickable prototype.

How did you select Geekbears?

Researched and interviewed many designers/firms on Upwork. Geekbears had some of the best reviews and satisfaction scores. Then, I had an intro call with Marcos, which went very well.

Describe the project in detail.

The process is very well thought-out, beginning with a discovery phase. In the discovery phase, the Geekbears team did research into the market and competitor products to get a better overall understanding of how our product should work. After the discovery phase, the design and prototype followed many iterations in phases that essentially ensure the product will be high-quality by final delivery. This process was Sitemap, to low fidelity mockups, to high fidelity, and then delivery.

What was the team composition?

We were assigned a team composed of a project manager, and a few designers for various stages of the process.

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

We haven't launched yet but the MVP designs and clickable prototype greatly helped us in the development phase to avoid mistakes that we had made prior to cleaning up our designs. It is much faster to undo a design error than to redo development, which is why Geekbears' process of iterative design increases our product quality significantly before delivery. Also, we used the clickable prototype for early user testing and feedback which gave us invaluable insights for development - such as what features are important to prioritize or even completely remove.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow and communication were very efficient; it is clear Geekbears has worked to establish this workflow between client/provider. They have a formula and this formula ensures that we hit our time estimates and deadlines - which is crucial for clients. We successfully hit all timelines and adjusted when necessary.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Geekbears did not miss a single timeline and communication was very smooth to the point where there were virtually zero miscommunications. It was a very stress-free experience and ultimately delivered what we asked for within both our time and budget estimates/constraints. Marcos is an amazing CEO/Founder and despite his busy schedule, was always willing to attentively listen to the client and make sure the project is true to timeline/estimates.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I only have one suggestion for improvement and perhaps this was due to our budget constraints, but I would have liked to have more vendor hours/week devoted to our project to complete it in a shorter timeframe, even if there was a slight premium to pay. However, part of the process is multiple iterations per phase, and that is something that shouldn't be rushed.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Clinical Research Assistant at the Division of a Harvard Medical School-affiliated research lab focused on the integration of technology into mental health treatment. I direct our projects related to app evaluation and have helped lead our collaborations with the American Psychiatric Association and other organizations across industry, academic, and healthcare.

For what projects/services did your company hire Geekbears?

We hired Geekbears to help us with UI/UX design for our mental health app database MIND (Mhealth Index and Navigation Database). Although we had the foundation of our evidence-based, comprehensive database, we sought a more engaging, easy-to-navigate design and turned to Geekbears.

What were your goals for this project?

We sought a website that would be more engaging and easy to navigate for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. We hoped to dramatically improve web traffic and interaction with our database and add in new features without compromising the essential functions.

How did you select Geekbears?

We selected Geekbears after having worked with them on another project (designing a web platform for digital literacy trainings). We were impressed with their work and excited to turn to them with this new project request.

Describe the project in detail.

MIND (Mhealth Index and Navigation Database) is a database of mental health apps. With an anticipated size of 500 apps, each with 105 attributes, there is a significant quantity of information, and we turned to Geekbears for help with a design that would be both intuitive and easy to navigate while properly displaying the complexity and comprehensiveness of the material.

Geekbears met these goals and more, providing advice for strategy, branding, and marketing in addition to revamping the design of our database to make it more engaging and usable.

What was the team composition?

We had the pleasure of working with several different members of the Geekbears team. During the early stages we worked with Miguel, who helped us clarify our vision for the project.

Later on we worked with Aranzazu, who brought our vision to life with Figma diagrams that provided the perfect blueprint for subsequent web development. Throughout the process, we worked with Marcos (CEO), Brandon, and Carlos around project management and finances.

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

The new website design exceeded our expectation. Upon implementing Geekbears' designs, web traffic has increased, and we have been able to reach new organizations and individuals thanks to our smooth, easy to navigate, engaging interface.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was efficient and professional. We communicated via a Slack channel organized by Geekbears, as well as email and video calls.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Communication and organization stand out as notable strengths of Geekbears. We appreciated the regular deadlines and updates provided by the team. We were also impressed with how the team took the time to truly understand our product and vision in order to make design the best it could be.

It truly felt like a team effort between our two groups. Finally, Geekbears' expertise and experience in all areas of UX/UI design stood out.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not really, we are very happy with the results.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Owner of U.S. Immigration Knowledge Blocks LLC which is a new online business focused on creating, marketing, and selling digital products online in reference to the immigration application process, issues that may be encountered, and eligiblity requirements.

For what projects/services did your company hire Geekbears?

To develop and implement a fully functional website for my business including the capability to upload podcasts, podcasts, and blogs onto the site.

What were your goals for this project?

To create a fully functional and operational website for my business with the capability of adding additional features, including an e-commerce store, in the future.

How did you select this vendor?

Geekbears was selected through Upwork by searching for a business that met my needs for this project.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Geekbears was extremely well organized and efficient during this project. They exceeded my expectations concerning the final product that was produced.

What was the team composition?

The team was comprised of four members.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

The project is invaluable since I have an online business that requires a solid website that can also be expanded in the future as the business grows.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The project management was very effective in that there was a project manager who would then delegate the necessary tasks to the team members and oversee the project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The fact that the company was very well organized and efficient was most impressive. In addition, the company was very responsive to any questions that I had.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None that I can think of.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the creative director of Hangurs. We offer a fashion rental app that allows users to browse each other’s closets and rent outfits. 

What challenge were you trying to address with GeekBears?

We needed help with overall app development. We had no background in app or tech development, and we were looking for a knowledgeable partner who could hold our hand through the process from start to launch.

What was the scope of their involvement?

GeekBears did everything from UX and user design to front- and backend development. My partner and I started with an idea and some frames drawn out for what the app would look like. We then sat down with the GeekBears development team to discuss design choices. The main goal was to make the app simple to navigate so that users will use the app and keep it on their phone. Once that was done, GeekBears built the app for iOS. 

What is the team composition?

Marcos (Founder) was the original person who brought us on and offered his expertise. My point of contact is Carlos (Co-Founder & COO). We get on the phone with him twice a week along with the four-person development team.

How did you come to work with GeekBears?

I found Marcos by browsing on LinkedIn. We were looking for California-based people with startup and CTO experience. When we reached out to Marcos, he got back to us quickly, and we hit it off immediately on our first call. He’s super down to earth and willing to break down technical concepts into layperson’s terms. He even came down to Los Angeles to meet us face-to-face.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in January 2018 and is ongoing.

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

We’re hoping to launch the app on the App Store in the next few weeks; We’ll have more success metrics in the future. The past two years have been a process of learning how to better implement our app than what we initially thought. They walked us through as well as anyone could.

Our main goal was to bring our idea to fruition. In taking an idea from paper into existence, GeekBears has gone above and beyond. 

How did GeekBears perform from a project management standpoint?

I’ve been blown away by their ability to keep deadlines. They’re always on time and professional even when we’ve been a little late in getting back to them. We usually have 1–2 calls a week. Our tasks are all in Jira, where we also keep track of the running timeline. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’ve become passionate about an idea that isn’t even theirs. It’s the best thing we can look for in a partner. I’ve worked with brands in creative direction before, and finding a partner who believes in a project as much as you do is an asset. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’re a true partner. None of this could’ve happened without them. I wish I could say something negative, but I really can’t.

Any advice for potential customers?

Set up a meeting to meet with Marcos and Carlos. They’re amazing guys, and their developers work hard and care about their clients. 

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a lawyer, however, I have a side idea that I've been working on which was more social media based in nature. They were to help build a clickable prototype to help gain investors.

For what projects/services did your company hire Geekbears?

Clickable prototype

What were your goals for this project?

something that was functional yet sleek and well designed to capture the eyes of users

How did you select Geekbears?

I found them based on their reviews online

Describe the project in detail.

we did an onboarding followed by some market research and then wireframing and hi-fi and eventually got the design nailed down. we had calls 2 times per week when needed.

What was the team composition?

there was a project manager, a lead designer, and a few others who helped from a design perspective as well as making sure the design would work when we decided to build it out completely.

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

Investors loved the end product rather than just the slides we had that we showed them before.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was very effective, multiple chains of communication and always up to date on timelines etc.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They had the enthusiasm to turn this idea into an actual product and make the vision functional and appealing.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I think the main point for improvement would be on the overall design. we wanted sleek yet retro (which seems to juxtapose) however Ideally it would have been sleeker.

Please describe your company and your position there.

CEO

For what projects/services did your company hire Geekbears?

I contacted them to design my first mobile app. I just had an idea for a fitness app and they took it from there. They did a great job and I am very happy with the results.

What were your goals for this project?

Since this was my first app I did not know what to expect but they explained it to me very well and then they fulfilled what they had explained.

How did you select Geekbears?

Online search and then in person contact

Describe the project in detail.

Detailed design of all the screens need it in the app for the entire fitness program.

What was the team composition?

There was the chief organizer And a designer. Probably with other team members facilitating in the background

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

I am still using the screens they designed today. They worked out very well and are highly functional

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

There was an excellent back-and-forth and they seem to understand my name is very well

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The ease of describing the project was very good for me because I was a complete amateur. They were very patient and they explained it all to me very well.

Are there any areas for improvement?

It seem like everything went very well and for a reasonable price

Please describe your company and your position there.

Project Manager for professional guild

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

Need a rewrite of SaaS web front end, sadly based in Microsoft technology. Project needed flow analysis, look and feel improvements, usability improvements.

How did you select Geekbears and what were the deciding factors?

Geekbears was willing to work in the existing environment. Our SaaS vendor had nicely integrated back end but we could not introduce newer UI technologies like Word Press. These guys willing to take it on. Great reviews, professional proposals.

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

Three phases, flow, design, implement action. Key was working with MS technologies and SaaS vendor software.

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

Maybe half dozen beginning to end. Managers and worker bees.

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

Part of the fun was no staging because of environment. . We just went live to the public, which produced a few exciting days.GB there throughout, 24 hours a day

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

Focused and short weekly status meetings. Milestone metrics and payments

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

Support. Always there. Good workaround ideas too.

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

Better communication on what was remaining to accomplish.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Safari Pros is a not for profit membership organization. Our members are all specialists in selling safaris and cultural experiences to Africa.

For what projects/services did your company hire Geekbears?

Design and build a blog page

What were your goals for this project?

To complete it in a cost-effective and timely manner.

How did you select this vendor?

Word of mouth

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

As per above.

What was the team composition?

There were a variety of team members involved from the beginning to end.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Not yet.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

It was managed well.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Response time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nope.