Groove Jones

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m one of the managers at an automotive company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Groove Jones?

Groove Jones developed an AR kit for one of car product lines. The goal was to provide a dealer training tool so dealer personnel wouldn’t have to be sent out to different sites in order to learn about new vehicle features or rollouts.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

In the beginning, we decided that it would be easier to use the vehicle as the classroom and supplement it with an AR product. As we were going through this, we quickly realized that we were building a sales tool that acts as an experience between a potential buyer and salesman. On an iOS-type device, it walks through all of the safety features and other functions. We took it one step further when we realized that the more advanced user wouldn’t have to come to the dealership for that experience. It could be a pre-sales experience where they learned about the vehicle before arriving at the dealership.

Once we managed to identify and conquer those three user cases, we started solving the customer service problem. The product was a three-for-one type product. Because of what we have within the dealership, it needed to be built for iOS. Their team had to reuse content that we already had on the website by finding a way to make it innovative. They worked in image capturing and used their own proprietary methodology for the 3D model they created.

What is the team composition?

To my knowledge, we worked with three members from their side, while I was the primary interface from our end.

How did you come to work with Groove Jones?

At a local meetup, I ran into Dan (Founder & Partner, Groove Jones) where he was introducing ideas behind XR. As I began researching them and other companies, it turned out that Groove Jones was the creative engine behind all of our marketing. Our providers subcontracted them, so they had been working with us for years, and no one knew about it. I was also looking into who was winning industry awards. If a company is winning awards for innovation and product design, then they’re the right fit for me.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent less than $80,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with Groove Jones from June 2018–August 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for Customized Communications.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Groove Jones?

We were looking for a vendor to develop a new app for us. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We used to have an augmented reality app that scanned photos and played videos. Groove Jones helped us take our app to the next level. We're currently adding new features that would make the experience more fun for our patients. The app is available for both iOS and Android. 

What is the team composition? 

We've met with all four members of their team, but I work closely with just two members. 

How did you come to work with Groove Jones?

A colleague of mine recommended them.

What is the status of this engagement? 

We started working with Groove Jones in April 2019 and the relationship is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have an app now that looks much sleeker and functions much better than our previous app. The direction we're heading in is very exciting, so we anticipate a lot of new features.  

How did Groove Jones perform from a project management standpoint? 

The communication has been great. Groove Jones is able to schedule a meeting with us any time we request one. We also talk a lot on the phone and via email. They've met all of our deadlines. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're very good at helping us solve problems. When we first started, we were trying to use images as the scan feature. Our patients had to scan an image in order to bring up a video. Over time, we realized that that caused problems with the functionality, so we started thinking about QR codes. There were issues with QR codes as well. It was Groove Jones that suggested we use coded icons, and we were very happy with that solution. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the VP of experiential activation at The Marketing Arm. We're a sports agency. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Groove Jones?

We needed a vendor to help us with AR/VR development.  

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We've been working on a golf activation with AT&T, and we've been using a 360 dome experience. Inside that experience there are a lot of activations. When you're leading something with AT&T, they want to be on the forefront of the technology. But we also wanted to tell their story within the golf world itself. We were planning to use Magic Leap goggles to create the AR experience for our users. However, the promises that were made to us by Magic Leap were not technologically possible. Groove Jones helped us bridge that gap and bring us where we wanted to be. 

Once our users put on their headsets, they can look at a certain golf club and see 30-second video pieces that famous golfers had recorded. Groove Jones also developed a drop-down menu using Magic Leap headsets, so the consumers can scroll down to the golf club they choose and bring up the content they're looking for. 

What is the team composition? 

We worked with six members of their team. 

How did you come to work with Groove Jones?

We were looking for a local company in Dallas that had experience with AR and VR. Groove Jones seemed to be a true expert in the space, so we decided they'd be a great fit. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent a little less than $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement? 

We worked with them between November 2018–January 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

GTB is a full-service advertising agency in Detroit. I am the director of the content hub for the PR side of the business. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Groove Jones?

We were trying to figure out a way to show how driver-assist technologies can benefit consumers without them actually having to drive a vehicle. Once we decided to create an AR/VR experience, we hired Groove Jones to develop it for us. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Groove Jones helped us create a VR experience with wireless Oculus Go headsets we could use for PR purposes. Rather than putting customers in a car to navigate an obstacle course, we can give them the headsets to see how driver-assist technology works and the benefits it can provide. We can also use the VR experience for consumer events, like when they're waiting in line to be part of an experience at dealership events or auto shows throughout the year. 

What is the team composition? 

Quite a few developers from Groove Jones worked on our project. We worked on a regular basis with three teammates in particular. They assigned us a large team who could work very quickly because we needed to finish building our product in time for a specific auto show. 

How did you come to work with Groove Jones?

We initially connected with Groove Jones through our producer. He had worked with the team before and recommended them; he said they were the perfect people for the job. 

We faced some challenging changes on our team mid-project, and Groove Jones couldn't have been a nice, better, more helpful or collaborative partner. Their support was key to figuring out how to bring our idea to fruition. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2018. The original part of the project wrapped up in January 2018. Currently, we’re deciding if we need a second wave and how we would make that happen. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everyone who has put on an Oculus headset has loved the concept that we can give them the experience without having to step foot in a vehicle. They all learned a lot about how the technologies worked and the benefits they offer people. Groove Jones delivered a VR experience that was well-received at an important automotive event. An impressive number of attendees tried it out there. 

We're greatly looking forward to sending our VR experience out to the media to get coverage from a PR perspective. While we haven't done so yet, we've already seen positive reactions from individual users in the media. 

How did Groove Jones perform from a project management standpoint?

We didn't use any tools or software, but Groove Jones set a specific schedule for when we would see different parts of the project and met every deadline. They developed production calendars for us and met every deadline. 

Groove Jones fulfilled every responsibility on their end perfectly. The team was very willing, collaborative, and quick to make any adaptations we needed. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Because of the changes to our team, the whole experience could have been disastrous. Groove Jones made it an excellent one despite the odds. They even took multiple phone calls over the holiday break. We had a highly positive experience overall.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Groove Jones completed everything we needed. I don't have anything negative to say.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the VP of the innovation team at Octagon. Our business is a sports and entertainment agency. We represent talent like Michael Phelps and Steph Curry. On our brand side, we represent major brands like Delta, BMW, and MasterCard with extensive, experiential activations. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Groove Jones?

We hired Groove Jones to help us with a component of an activation that needed an innovative, technology-driven edge. Our company always turns to Groove Jones for their expertise in that respect. 
 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our most recent project together was an AR mixed-reality golf experience for an airport activation. We approached them specifically for their expertise in mixed reality. They used Unity as a programming language and an HTC Vive headset. 

What is the team composition? 

In the past, the team from Groove Jones has generally included 1–2 developers. 

How did you come to work with Groove Jones?

When I first saw Groove Jones at an award show, I was impressed by their case study and the way they presented themselves. 

How much have you invested with them? 

We spent over $75,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our project started in April 2018. 
 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.