Invemo

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the head of our university’s innovation and entrepreneurship office, though I left two years ago.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Invemo?

We were developing a mobile learning platform for the University of Kadir Has, Istanbul, specifically for new media courses. We envisioned a tool that featured the new media types in all their aspects, and we hired Invemo to create this mobile learning environment. The goal was to create a live mobile course platform for new media students, and a communication platform for the university.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed native apps for both iOS and Android tablets and smartphones, using AWS on the server-side. The application eliminates the time constraints of a traditional classroom environment. For example, if a student doesn’t physically come to a class, they’re able to attend it virtually through a tablet and a pair of headphones. There’s also an interactive module that enables them to become involved directly. It’s a kind of Google Hangouts session with students.

The application also stores lecture notes, pictures, video, live sessions, and other content, which students can share between themselves without wasting any paper. They can also take quizzes and even exams through the mobile app. I can manage the classes and track students’ actions, receiving a notification if they miss several classes. There are also some gamification elements around students’ attendance, which encourage them to get more and more involved.

We first figured out the requirements of the environment and had meetings with our sponsor and the board of the university to scope it out. Invemo created our wireframes and UI designs, providing demos using InVision to show us the prototype. After taking our feedback, they then developed the app, worked on the admin panel, and published and launched it. We’ve tested it with the help of their test team.

What is the team composition?

I believe there were 9–10 people working on our project, including two Android developers, two iOS developers, two backend developers, and a UI/UX designer. I worked with the founder of the company, but there was also a senior project manager.

How did you come to work with Invemo?

The founder of Invemo was also a graduate of our university’s department of computer engineering and had founded a startup within the university’s incubation environment, employing several graduates. Invemo developed our university’s mobile app, which performed well, so we decided to extend the app a bit further, to work for students too.

How much have you invested with them?

The total project budget was $70,000–$80,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with Invemo between June 2014–May 2015.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Invemo changed our image into that of an innovative university that teaches new media courses in a real new media environment. In that sense, I’m very happy to promote the platform to prospective students of new media and digital communications. It changed our university’s brand recognition, and students have been happy to use it, with it also receiving two industry awards.

In terms of learning, the average time students dedicated to the course increased by two hours, compared to a traditional classroom environment. The publishing rate of course activities such as homework increased by 35%, as did the return of assignments, while the mobilization of the students increased by 50%. I’m looking forward to having classes attended by all students from their homes, and for them to not use a single piece of paper.

How did Invemo perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very successful and used an agile methodology. There were many other people in the university who had huge demands from Invemo and they coordinated all of them very well.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Our sponsor wanted to take over the development of the app, but I didn’t want to bring a corporate mindset to a startup project. I’m very happy to have worked with Invemo as they were passionate about the project and led us to achieve even better results than anticipated.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

No.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there. 

I’m one of the founders of Stay Technology, an app startup. We provide concierge solutions to hotels and their guests.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Invemo?

We don't have an in-house technical team, so we needed to hire an external resource to create our product from scratch. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Invemo led the development work for us. They created the app itself as well as the designs and the backend systems. It’s built for both iOS and Android phones, but not for tablets. They created native applications for both platforms. They also created the UI/UX design. They're still providing ongoing support, and are'l currently working on the second version of the app as well. 

What is the team composition? 

We initially worked with their CEO. He was the first the consultant on the project and then he handed it over to a project manager. The rest of the team consists of one UI/UX designer, one iPhone app developer, one Android developer, and one backend developer. 

How did you come to work with Invemo? 

I was introduced to them through a friend. We did interview a few other companies, but Invemo stood out because of their experience and understanding of the project. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent just over $40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Work began in March 2019 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We love the design they created. From the first sketches to the final design, we’ve been happy with the results. In terms of their development work, all features are functioning properly. Invemo has a great methodology. We had a list of features that we wanted to create. They advised us on how to simplify and cut out unnecessary features. They explained how doing without certain features in the beginning stages allows us to save money. Now we have the extra funds to invest in the second version of the app, so their advice really helped us.

How did Invemo perform from a project management standpoint?

They perform quite well. Invemo delivered the app earlier than we expected, which was great. Not only did they deliver it fast, but they even provided more than what we asked for in terms of features. They also fix anything we ask in a very short amount of time.

Invemo uses Asana as their project management tool. They created a project and then invited us to their platform so we can see the progress and interact with their team. They also use a GitHub integration with Asana so we had access to code from the beginning of the project. They shared each stage of development with us as video files that we were able to download and test before launching the app. We also exchange emails.

What did you find most impressive about them? 

Invemo is more professional than other development teams I’ve worked with. They really know what they're doing. 

Are there any areas they could improve? 

For now, no. We’re so happy with their work, and plan to continue working with them. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

You can totally trust Invemo. The project that I did before was a very different experience. The web developer said that they will do certain things, but the result was not as we expected. With Invemo, they deliver what they promise. The most important thing to know is that you’ll get what you expect.