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    1-214-749-0094 x631

Award-winning XR / AR / VR / MR solutions

4.9
7 reviews

Groove Jones is a studio specializing in the creation of immersive AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) content and engaging interactive applications. We provide 360º video capture and post production services, development of real-time render interactive virtual reality experiences and consult with our clients on strategic distribution services to amplify reach and effectiveness.

Services

• Strategic Planning and Consulting

• Augmented Reality development

• 360º Video Capture and Post Production

• Real-Time Render Engine Development

• Creative Design

• CGI and Animation

• 3D Spatial Sound Design

• Deployment for On-Site Activations

• Digital Distribution

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$75,000+
 
$150 - $199 / hr
 
10 - 49
 Founded
2015
Show all +
Dallas, TX
headquarters

Portfolio

Key clients: 

AT&T / Amazon / Comcast / HP / IBM / Intel / Samsung / FX / McDonalds NASCAR / Sleep Number / FIAT / VisionWorks

Sleep Number Celebrates Super Bowl with Biggest VR Football Game Created

Case Study - https://www.groovejones.com/2018/01/sleep_number_super_bowl_fan_engagement/

Fans of all ages got the chance to step out onto the 50 yard line and compete in the biggest VR Football game ever seen. This was all part of the 10 day Super Bowl Live event leading up to the big game in Minneapolis, MN. The experience is part of Sleep Number’s fan engagement at the game.

Nearly 6000 People Played

Nearly 6,000 people took part in the VR experience, while countless others look on through the glass front. 

Sleep Better. Play Better.

The game experience is fun but it has a message. The first part of the game sets the stage, you have 60 seconds to throw as many passes as you can at targets down the field. The further the target, the higher the points.

FX Network’s American Horror Story VR Experience at Comic-Con San Diego

Case Study - https://www.groovejones.com/2016/10/fx-american-horror-story-fearless/

IGN Called This the Most “Terrifying” VR at Comic-Con San Diego

Welcome to the nightmare world of American Horror Story. This year FX Networks launched a VR experience at Comic-Con San Diego to tease the latest season of the horror franchise. Fans of the show got the chance to step into the AHS world with the HTC Vive.

Debuting publicly for the first time just outside the convention center at the Hilton Bayfront Park, FX built an immersive American Horror Story VR experience for fans inside a dark ominous looking silo.

North Kingdom, the creative agency, selected Groove Jones as the VR studio to help bring their vision to life. This was not an experience for the faint of heart. This was top notch horror and fans were given a glimpse into what was ahead in this years...

TravelNevada Launches 360-Degree Video “Don’t Fence Me In” Tour

Case Study - https://www.groovejones.com/2017/10/travelnevada-com-launches-360-degree-video-dont-fence-tour/

 

The Nevada Division of Tourism (TravelNevada.com) kicked off a mobile tour in California cities as part of its first-ever “Don’t Fence Me In” 360-degree video and experiential disruptive instillation tour.

The theme of  Nevada’s “Don’t Fence Me In” attitude gave people in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego areas the opportunity to experience a 360-degree virtual road trip throughout Nevada. The experience follows a group of young adventurers as they climb, kayak and drive across, around and through the state’s epic landscapes. Groove Jones worked with the agency Fahlgren Mortine on the commercial video production and Evolve Concepts on the mobile tour.

“California is one of Nevada’s main drive and fly markets, so...

ARKit Use Case with American Airlines – Digital Wayfinding

Case Study - https://www.groovejones.com/2017/09/american_airlines_arkit/

AR Consumer Journey: A Use Case Demonstrating why Augmented Reality is a Game Changer for Digital Wayfinding.

We recently had the opportunity to work with American Airlines and Locus Labs on developing an AR enabled App using some of the new features available with Apple’s ARKit and Google’s ARCore. Groove Jones developed the AR in collaboration with American Airlines and Locus Labs.

Amazon Hires Groove Jones To Create ARKit App - Using Augmented Reality to See Fashion and Fitness Everywhere

Case Study - https://www.groovejones.com/2018/01/amazon-ar/

To celebrate the new year, Groove Jones helped Amazon use AR (Augmented Reality) at a health and wellness event. The private event was held in New York and included some of the top fashion social media influencers and bloggers. iPads were setup around various stations at the event for the guests to interact and engage with the AR experience.

Celebrating the New Year – Using Augmented Reality to See Fashion and Fitness Everywhere

To celebrate the new year, Groove Jones helped Amazon use AR (Augmented Reality) at a health and wellness event. The private event was held in New York and included some of the top fashion social media influencers and bloggers. iPads were setup around various stations at the event for the guests to interact and engage with the AR experience.

The experience was built using Apple’s new ARKit...

Rinnai American Using VR to Demonstrate How Easy is it to Install Their Tankless Water Heater to DIY'ers and Home Improvement Audience

Case Study - https://www.groovejones.com/2018/01/rinnai_america_vr/

Rinnai America Using VR to Demonstrate How Easy It Is To Install A Tankless Water Heater

Rinnai America hired Groove Jones to create a VR experience for DIY’ers and professional installers to see how easy it is to install a tankless water heater. The VR experience was launched at the 2018 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Atlanta to rave reviews.

For those that have heard about tankless water systems, but are overwhelmed by what it takes to install one, this VR experience is the key to overcoming those fears. In no time, you get a first hand experience of installing Rinnai’s newest system while a crowd cheers you on at the IBS trade show.

 

Reviews

4.9
7 reviews
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Virtual Reality Dev for Science & Natural History Museum

“They leverage the talent and knowledge of each team member to produce high-quality results.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Mar. 2018 - Apr. 2018
Project summary: 

Groove Jones created a VR experience for a new exhibition at a natural history museum. The team used a paleoanthropologist’s 360-degree footage to create an immersive display for the Gear VR and Oculus Go.

The Reviewer
 
200-500 Employees
 
Dallas, Texas
David Humphries
COO, Perot Museum
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The VR project was well-received by all audiences. Groove Jones carefully collaborated with a team of explorers to accurately replicate the original scene. Efficient communication and a professional approach to the project expedited progress and assured it was completed by the deadline.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the chief operating officer of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. We are an established science and natural history museum in Dallas, Texas.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Groove Jones?

As part of our newly redesigned, and prehistoric themed, exhibit hall, we wanted to showcase a new hominid species found by a paleoanthropologist in a South African cave. We wanted to provide a VR experience that allowed our audience to visit the site of the specimen’s discovery.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Groove Jones integrated Unity software to create a VR experience compatible with the Samsung Gear VR and the Oculus Go. The team used 360-degree visual footage collected by one of the research expedition’s explorers to create an immersive, realistic, and accurate experience for audiences of all ages.

What is the team composition?

We worked mainly with a team of six representatives from Groove Jones. They provided additional resources when necessary.

How did you come to work with Groove Jones?

Our companies had an established relationship, but have never actually collaborated. Groove Jones had previously expressed interest in working on a display for the museum, so we reached out for assistance with the VR exhibit. We knew they had an impressive portfolio and we liked that they were local.

What is the status of this engagement?

Development work lasted from March 2018—April 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Groove Jones’ VR experience earned high praise from the original exploration team. The head of the expedition was unable to fit through the cave’s small crevices, so this technology allowed him to see the discovery site for the first time. His passionate and enthusiastic reaction validated Groove Jones’ detailed and skilled work on the project. Additionally, both children and adult audiences love the addition to our exhibit. We are able to educate our visitors on natural history through an exciting and engaging platform.

How did Groove Jones perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated with their team consistently through emails and phone calls. Groove Jones performed remarkably well under our tight deadline. We scheduled check-ins throughout the project timeline to regularly assure that progress remained on track. Their team worked with us to prioritize accuracy in the experience and promptly made changes or improvements.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Groove Jones has mastered a relatively new craft. They leverage the talent and knowledge of each team member to produce high-quality results.

Any advice for potential customers?

Help them visualize your goals by being as descriptive and comprehensive as possible in articulating the desired experience. You’ll be blown away by the result.

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

VR App Dev for Marketing Agency

"They look at the project and look at you as individuals, and then do their best work regardless of size.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$1,000,000 - $9,999,999
 
Aug. 2016 - Mar. 2017
Project summary: 

Groove Jones and Boyden & Youngblutt created a VR experience for a solutions platform with a suite of products and services. The intended goal of the offering is to create efficiencies and better patient outcomes for hospitals. It ran through an iOS and Android app and it premiered at a tradeshow. It appeals directly to doctors, surgeons, hospitals and healthcare administrators.

The Reviewer
 
11 - 50 Employees
 
Nashville, Tennessee
Jerry Youngblutt
Principal, Boyden & Youngblutt
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The experience drew nearly 2,000 people into the exhibit and compelled them to explore other parts of it as well. Groove Jones’ philosophy of transparency and collaboration as well as their deep level of engagement, regardless of the size of the client, makes them stand out in the industry. They are highly communicative.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Jerry Youngblutt: I am the principal of Boyden & Youngblutt Advertising and Marketing. We provide advertising, interactive media planning, and strategic communications services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Groove Jones?

Our client was introducing a new offering to the medical device marketplace, and we felt that total immersion was the best way to do that. We tasked Groove Jones to help us create a experience through a VR application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

R2: We had multiple target audiences that we had to connect to. It was a service-based product so we not only needed to connect with people who were going to buy it, but also the sales team and internal employees of our customer company, so that they could understand it and explain it to potential customers. It had to be pushed out onto both iOS and Android.

Both: The experience premiered at an international tradeshow. People would register on one end of the booth and then go into a movie theater. They would then walk around from station to station with people from the medical device company, who explained each piece of their new product.

What is the team composition?

R2: We had four to six people from their team dedicated to it, but there may have been people behind the scenes that were working on it as well.

How did you come to work with Groove Jones?

Both: We interviewed a couple of other companies and formed a pretty good shortlist. We liked the look of their work and we liked what others said about them. When we interacted with them, they were actually engaging. They listened as we spoke, and they had a flexibility that we found encouraging, given the timeframe that we had to pull this off in.

How much have you invested in them?

Both: We spent between $1.1 million–$1.4 million.

What is the status of this engagement?

R2: We worked with them from August 2016–March 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

R2: We debuted the experience at an international orthopedics tradeshow. The goal was to have 2,000 people come through the booth and experience the VR project. At the opening of the show, 200 people had already registered. Through word of mouth and pulling people in, 1,800 were sent through the experience.

Both: We wanted people to come out of the theater and take the VR experience, but we found that it worked in reverse. People would come up because they were shy - not sure of what they were getting themselves into - and take the VR experience. As it turned out, it was so compelling that they went back to the beginning to go through the whole experience.

How did Groove Jones perform from a project management standpoint?

R2: We had production schedules and communicated on a daily basis because we were working with a tight timeframe.

Both: They were really good. There weren’t any dates missed, and it all pretty much went according to plan.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Both: Groove Jones has some pretty big names on their roster. We aren’t a very large agency, but we felt that they treated us as if we were; that isn’t always the case in the industry. They look at the project and look at you as individuals, and they do their best work regardless of size.

There’s always a more expensive way to do something, but they did a good job of laying things out well when it came to cost. Given the fact that the project was a little bit exploratory and had some tricky problems to solve, they were really impressive. They were very accommodating to any additions we wanted to make.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Both: It was really great all the way through.

5.0
Overall Score When they work with a smaller agency like us, they are bringing in a lot of expertise. It has been terrific.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    We didn’t have any hiccups or missed deadlines.
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They hit the number they said they would. Given the amount of time they had to pull it off, they did a really good job.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They try to understand your creative vision and make it happen. They treat their clients with respect and hit deadlines while staying on budget.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Virtual Reality App Dev for Interior Design Company

" They are amazing at executing on a business level— where clients can really interact with your product."

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4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$200,000 to $999,999
 
Jan. 2017 - ngoing
Project summary: 

Groove Jones developed a VR software/station and VR mobile app to showcase products at a tradeshow. They also provided technical support and are currently working on VR environment technology. 

The Reviewer
 
50-100 Employees
 
Dallas, Texas
Ken Salyer Jr.
CEO, TRI-KES
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Highlighting the future of the industry, the VR stations impressed customers and led to further engagements. With their expertise VR technology, Groove Jones continues to constantly communicate to perfect the details of the product into a VR experience.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am Ken Salyer the CEO of TRI-KES, a wall covering and fabric distribution/conversion company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Groove Jones?

We wanted a virtual reality program to showcase our new furniture fabrics and wall coverings for a tradeshow in Las Vegas.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Groove Jones developed VR software and a mobile app to showcase our fabrics and wall coverings. For our tradeshow, they used the software to create and set up three VR stations to demonstrate our products to clients. They trained and walked through the process of using the stations to our regional managers and marketing team. Their team also maintained the stations whenever any issues arose.

They are currently working on a potential VR environment technology, which will allow our fabrics to be seen on furniture in a VR space.

What is the team composition?

We work with about 3-4 developers, and a project manager.

How did you come to work with Groove Jones?

I met one of their employees at a retailing seminar. They impressed us with their presentation on new upcoming technologies in our industry.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around $200,000-250,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in January 2017 through September 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are gaining ground in achieving our primary goal to be a thought leader and gathering understanding and experience in the VR field. We are waiting for the technology to evolve and preparing to later use the technology in a daily business setting. The setups showed the future of our industry to our clients, who were very impressed and led to future potential engagements.

How did Groove Jones perform from a project management standpoint?

We are in constant contact with them and their team always give us a vision of how to make the VR technology into a functional reality. They are amazing at executing on a business level— where clients can really interact with your product.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They take the time to understanding what exactly our vision is, and they support us throughout development and even after the presentation.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t think there are any areas they can improve so far. They worked very hard on the color calibration of the fabrics with a hard deadline and managed to do a great job. 

4.5
Overall Score They did a very good job.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    We hit our tradeshow deadline.
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I definitely recommend them.

Virtual Reality & 360 Video for Telecommunications Company

“They worked against an aggressive timeline and they met it.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
4.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Jan. 2016 - Mar. 2016
Project summary: 

Groove Jones filmed, developed, and produced a VR experience to immerse and entertain viewers. To reach a large audience, they created a 360° video that was uploaded to YouTube.

The Reviewer
 
45,000+
 
New York, New York
Former Marketing Manager, Telecommunications Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Produced within budget, both video versions successfully generated positive press coverage and provided fans a unique way to enjoy the content. Over 1,000 people participated in the VR installation within the first day of launch and the 360° video swiftly received over 65,000 views on YouTube.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a former marketing manager for a telecommunications company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Groove Jones?

We needed to produce a VR video for a large auto racing company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

At different races, we set up a large booth and offer an experimental opportunity for fans to come up and have a lot of fun. There’s a lot of different aspect to it, but Groove Jones helped us develop a VR experience as a key attraction. Attendees put on a headset and experience the race as if they’re in the passenger seat while the driver’s on the track. There’s also a sports overlay allowing users to track all the drivers and their stats. It’s truly a different experience than what’s offered on other platforms.

In addition to filming the race, Groove Jones recreated the driver’s suit and other footage that couldn’t be obtained. They compiled the content into a VR video, and later a 360° version.

What is the team composition?

My direct contacts were through the agency that hired Groove Jones on our behalf. While we did communicate with Groove Jones, I can’t be sure of their team’s details.

How did you come to work with Groove Jones?

We used another agency to hire Groove Jones and people from both parties knew each other. The agency was recommended to me by colleagues whose judgment I trust.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from January–March 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We launched the video at a major annual race and had over 1,000 fans and drivers participating in the VR experience across three stations. We uploaded the 360° video to YouTube so that viewers could appreciate the content. The video quickly got 65,000 organic views and that number continues to climb. Overall, the project received 12 million earned media impressions and got press coverage as well.

How did Groove Jones perform from a project management standpoint?

They adequately managed the project and performed well. We communicated more than my other experiences of working with a production company through an agency. We typically don’t communicate directly with the production team, but in this case, they were definitely involved.

What did you find most impressive about them?

It was our first VR project and we didn’t have a huge budget for it. Groove Jones worked within our budget constraints and produced a great film. The portion of the video they recreated is indistinguishable from the filmed segments. They made everything look as real as possible.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. None that I can think of.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They worked against an aggressive timeline and they met it. They did very well.
  • 4.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

VR Experience Development for McDonald's

"They over-delivered."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Mar. 2016 - May 2016
Project summary: 

Groove Jones created a virtual reality experience for event attendees to play games and decorate the inside of a Happy Meal box.

The Reviewer
 
10,000+
 
Chicago, Illinois
Former VP of Digital Engagement, McDonald's
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Groove Jones successfully delivered a crowd-pleasing experience and brand recognition with their innovative development. The fun encounter generated great press and positive social media buzz. They exceeded expectations with their excellent communication and speedy delivery within a short timeframe.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the vice president of digital engagement for McDonald’s Corporation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Groove Jones?

We needed a virtual reality (VR) experience representing our brand at South by Southwest.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed a high engagement VR experience using our Happy Meal platform. The attendees virtually went through games inside a Happy Meal box and decorated the inside of the box with virtual paint brushes, balloons, and lasers.

What is the team composition?

My team was in touch with a project manager and worked with their team every day.

What is the status of this engagement?

Starting in March 2016, we worked together for 8–10 weeks.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It was well-received by the public. People lined up to participate. Their amazing work resulted in a lot of press about the Happy Meal VR experience. The number of articles that came out of it, the positive sentiment, and the social sharing tweets were great. It was rated one of the top experiences at South by Southwest. The experience spoke for itself.

How did Groove Jones perform from a project management standpoint?

Even with the compressed timeline, they met all the milestones. Within only a few weeks, we were live in demo and ready to go. They were great at communicating and incredibly responsive.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They exceeded expectations. Our leadership was stunned by what we were able to do in such a short time with them, and they were highly regarded by my team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

5.0
Overall Score They over-delivered.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

VR Platform Dev for Gas Appliance Manufacturer

"You’d be wise to hire them."

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5.0

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

Groove Jones developed a virtual reality platform to demonstrate the benefits of a new product. Additionally, they assisted during tradeshow presentations by engaging customers.

The Reviewer
 
200-500 Employees
 
Atlanta, Georgia
David Federico
Sr. Brand Manager, Rinnai
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The platform improved tradeshow lead generation by 50%, with both customers and employees responded positively. A dependable partner, Groove Jones invested themselves in the project. Responsive to change requests, they hit every deadline and took proactive steps to ensure satisfaction.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior brand manager in the marketing department of Rinnai America Corporation. We sell tankless water heaters in the U.S. and Canada.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Groove Jones?

After developing a new product to improve the installation process for plumbers and contractors, we wanted a unique, interactive way to demonstrate the product’s benefits.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Groove Jones developed a virtual reality (VR) platform to engage, entertain, and educate our customers. It uses Vive goggles to let users feel like they’re in a different environment.

While the platform was initially intended for a single product tour, we were so impressed that we decided to utilize it during tradeshows, as well. Ethan (Senior Interactive Produce, Groove Jones) accompanied us to several events and helped setup our booth and engage customers.

What is the team composition?

One of the principals came in to highlight their capabilities. From there, I had one point of contact.

How did you come to work with Groove Jones?

We could tell they understood our product and were capable of developing a fun, interactive presentation.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $50,000-$199,999.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together between September–December 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Feedback was phenomenal from both customers and employees. The VR platform added a new layer to our tradeshow presentation, improving lead generation by 50% over previous years.

How did Groove Jones perform from a project management standpoint?

They were top-notch. They met every deadline, quickly executed any change requests, and contacted us immediately by phone if they had any questions.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They took time to understand our company and our products. Ethan went above and beyond to engage with our customers and employees, essentially functioning as part of our team. They were a great partner.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You’d be wise to hire them.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I've already recommended them.

Multiple VR Developments for Smart Window Company

"We’ve enjoyed running ideas by them; they put proposals together for us without difficulty."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$200,000 to $999,999
 
2016 - 2017
Project summary: 

Groove Jones worked on multiple VR projects to assist product sales and advertising. They used Samsung Gear VR, HTC VIVE, and Google Cardboard platforms.

The Reviewer
 
500-1000 Employees
 
Silicon Valley, California
Sr. Marketing Manager, Smart Window Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Initial product reviews indicate the sales team is pleased with the VR content. It is an effective sales tool and has increased booth visitation at the first conference it was used by 20%. Groove Jones listens to client needs and offers consistent teams, ambitious timelines, and fair rates.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior campaign manager of corporate marketing for a smart window startup company. We create a glass that tints itself dynamically based on user input or the weather.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Groove Jones?

Our product is experiential, so the best way to understand how it works is to see it in action. We sell throughout the United States and Canada; not every one of our sales has an installation where we can take people to. We began brainstorming the possibility of demonstrating our product using virtual reality at these locations.

We didn’t want to use computer-generated simulations. We wanted to show off these real installations in a fun and fascinating way. We needed someone to develop a virtual reality (VR) demonstration for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We worked on multiple projects with them. We’ve done projects on the Samsung Gear VR platform, HTC VIVE platform, and Google Cardboard platform. We continue to evolve with Samsung Gear VR and Google Cardboard platforms, but only did a one project using HTC VIVE.

We came to them with the issue and problem. Then we described how we’d like to showcase our product. They handled all the technological work for our projects without our assistance. We let them manage the technical aspects because they’re the experts.

What is the team composition?

Their team scaled up and down based on the project that we were working on, which is always nice. Our initial project was a medium sized project. When we worked on HTC VIVE for a full experience, the team was much larger. In contrast, the Google Cardboard project is rather small.

How did you come to work with Groove Jones?

We interviewed a few companies across the U.S. Groove Jones came to our attention through an executive on our board of directors. We loved the way they felt as a partner. They really listened to what we had to say. They didn’t try to push the technology that they wanted.

All of the examples they showed us were amazing. We really felt a connection with Dan [Partner, Groove Jones], Gary [Executive Producer & Partner, Groove Jones] and Dale [Executive Creative Director, Groove Jones].

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $250,000 on our initial project and $400,000 on the second one. We’ve had two projects since then, costing us $50,000-$100,000.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Originally, we weren’t sure if VR would showcase our product in the way we wanted, but it turned out great. In late 2016, we conducted a review of our initial VR project. Our sales team noted it as the number one sales tool they had, especially for new and prospective clients. It acts as a great icebreaker. While people are enthralled in the VR experience, they’re actively learning about our company and product.

We first used it at a conference in 2016 for the American Institute of Architects; it increased our booth traffic by 20%. On the second and third days of the conference, word spread that we had an awesome VR experience, so more people started visiting our booth.

How did Groove Jones perform from a project management standpoint?

We mutually decided on review dates and a final deadline. Some of those review dates moved around, but we’re typically flexible with our work schedule. They are always timely with work. 

We have 24 hours to review their work, but it usually takes us 48 to 72 hours to reach an internal consensus on something. We're often the reason we fall behind schedule, not them. We've never missed a big deadline such as an app release or attending a conference.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their key strength is their modest team size. We consistently work with the same project managers and developers. They also send out the same people to offer technical support at conferences. We know who to go to because of this consistency. They know the product, so we don’t have to bring anyone else up to speed. We’ve enjoyed running ideas by them; they put proposals together for us without difficulty.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The HTC VIVE program virtually captured how the product works pretty well, but not perfectly. This is the only area they could improve upon, but it was a learning opportunity for all of us. We learned that it’s best to shoot on platforms that show real video versus VIVE, which uses animation.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be as upfront as possible about your product’s strengths and weaknesses. They have advertising capabilities, so they can produce VR content in a way that showcases your product optimally.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They put aggressive deadlines together, but we can’t always stick to the timeline as the client.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    VR is costly anywhere. They charge rates similar to other agencies.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They are one of the best agencies we have on board right now.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    We’ve referred them many times to other partner teams.