Groove Jones

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

Groove Jones surpassed everything, delivering a production-ready prototype. Development took around 20 weeks. It was a rapid prototype that came out perfectly.

The detail within the product is phenomenal. We can count every stitch in the leather and visualize the texture. The icons were perfectly designed, matching the guide. It looks like it came off one of our plants, instead of work done by a third-party.

As a result of this collaboration, we’ve redefined the way we market, sell, and educate people about the product. We’ve eliminated print materials, brochures, quick reference guides, and even training classes because of the AR kit. It’s revolutionized our processes. We plan on starting another project with them shortly. It will be a product that visualizes accessories on a vehicle that are for sale.

How did Groove Jones perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team uses a rapid application development model. I received weekly updates where they showed images and snippets of codes. As the functionality was being developed, they asked our opinions frequently. The team at Groove Jones was open and easy to work with. All the deliverables were clearly defined and met. In fact, this resulted in a joint patent which will take a few years for the patent office to clear it up. As far as project management goes, it was spot-on, and there are no issues.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Groove Jones not only kept to statement of work in regards to deliverables and timelines but weren’t afraid to think outside of the box. The team worked outside the four corners of their contract. They did tasks that they weren’t asked to do because they were in a constant experimental and learning mode. For one of the prototypes, they introduced machine learning, which was phenomenal. Their team also altered the photography techniques to build a 3D image that was integral to the process. Groove Jones went well beyond the original scope.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’ve been the perfect partner. Communication was excellent as far as coming to a statement of work and developing a price quote. If anything, their team was the one putting up with us. They were also able to adapt much quicker than other companies.

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

Groove Jones essentially saved us from the service that was overpromised and underdelivered by another company. We had high input through the traffic and our daily average figures increased significantly compared to the previous year. 

How did Groove Jones perform from a project management standpoint? 

They were all very hands-on and engaged in the project, trying to figure out the best solution. Communication was great and they were very responsive and timely. Their owners were heavily involved in the project, so we could talk to them if there was an issue.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're incredibly creative and tech-savvy. AR, VR, and gaming are definitely their strengths. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Their rates are a bit high, but they’re definitely justified. They met and exceeded our expectations. 

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

The final result of our engagement with Groove Jones has been increased repeat business from our client. The team's ability to support us on this component of activation helped us secure the client again this year. 

How did Groove Jones perform from a project management standpoint?

Groove Jones' project management method is very good. We haven't used any tools with them before. They create set schedules, stay on top of deadlines, and keep us updated throughout the process. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Concepting is one of Groove Jones' greatest strengths. They have a strong ability to design and bring the concepts they brainstorm to life. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There are none that I'm aware of right now. 

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.