Inventive Mobile

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of College Mapper, a consulting company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Inventive Mobile?

We needed a company that could develop an iOS mobile app for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Inventive Mobile has developed an iOS mobile application for students. The app aims to help high school students navigate the process of college admissions. 

We’ve just finished the app’s development, and we’re currently working on launching it.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with Michael (Founder).

How did you come to work with Inventive Mobile?

I found Inventive Mobile through online research.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent around $30,000–$35,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in October 2021, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t launched the app yet, but we’re absolutely blown away by its quality and look and feel.

How did Inventive Mobile perform from a project management standpoint?

Inventive Mobile has performed well in terms of project management. They deliver on time and within budget, and their work is fast, thorough, and precise. They’re also incredibly patient and always on top of things — they make it a point to clarify everything and to make sure that we’ve considered every option before making important decisions regarding the app.

We typically communicate through email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Inventive Mobile takes their work very seriously. They genuinely care about delivering a high-quality product that exceeds our expectations. I’m consistently amazed by how thoroughly they read all of my emails and understand my desires for the product that we’re creating. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I honestly cannot think of anything they could improve on or do differently.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the founder of a new media company delivering mentorship by connecting amateur and professional athletes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Inventive Mobile?

Inventive Mobile built the proof of concept app and beta versions.

What were your goals for this project?

Create a MVP product to showcase the concept.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I found Inventive Mobile on google, after searching for deva in my local area. I called and had a great conversation with Michael. He understood my needs and vision for the project.

Describe the project in detail.

I gave Inventive a very rough PowerPoint diagram of the data flows and user interactions, which they turned into detailed users stories.

What was the team composition?

Right now, its been Michael and I communicating about features, functionality, etc. He then works with their lead dev to turn the ideas into reality.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The ability to show and share my idea in action has been huge for me. People now have a concrete working app to provide feedback and help my company take a critical next step.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Most of our communication has been via text, a few emails, and a couple of call. They’ve been very responsive and willing to work around my schedule.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I really appreciate their willingness to truly understand my goal and listen to my ideas. They’ve been very communicative and set expectations.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None that I can see. Keep up the great work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-creator of an app called Dot.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Inventive Mobile?

We hired Inventive Mobile to develop our social media app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I was very unfamiliar with app development, so they helped with everything from design to development. They provided different variations of the app so I could choose what looked best. While I wanted to roll out many different features at once, they helped me understand that to many functionalities can overwhelm a user. We analyzed trends to help us formulate realistic goals, and they focused on certain functions that would create a positive UX.

What is the team composition?

I’ve been working primarily with Mike (CEO, Inventive Mobile). I think he took on the brunt of the work because he wanted to deliver a great product for me, but may have had a larger team working with him.

How did you come to work with Inventive Mobile?

I was researching app developers online, and I thought they had a really professional website. They’ve also worked with some very big companies, so I knew they had good experience. I reached out for a quote, and they gave me an affordable price range.

Their team knew I was a veteran, and it was clear that they wanted the app to succeed. Instead of just completing the project, they became invested in what we wanted to accomplish. It showed a lot about Mike’s character. After meeting Mike, he was great at explaining what this process would look like and I was confident moving forward with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $39,000 on the app.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2019 and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app looks exactly how I envisioned it, so I’m very satisfied. We’re on our last build and will be launching the app soon. I’ve worked on another app development project with another company, but Inventive Mobile delivered a better product for a more reasonable cost. They’ve met every requirement at each milestone.

How did Inventive Mobile perform from a project management standpoint?

Mike is very responsive and his team has been very good. We’ve hit every milestone on time. We generally email but have met in-person twice. When I’ve expressed concerns, Mike is always willing to sit down with me and address the issue.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They don’t look at their customers as another dollar sign. They actually invest themselves in the app and its success. Basically, the company really cares about what they do and won’t do anything subpar.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I really don’t think there’s anything they need to improve.  

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Know exactly what you want from your application. Then, maintain a good line of communication and be courteous by responding to them in an appropriate amount of time. If you don’t communicate with them, they can’t move forward, and that’s when deadlines will be missed.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of a health-focused platform and we help the general public that has medical questions to get answers from licensed physicians.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Inventive Mobile?

We needed development resources to help us build a mobile app. We began working with another company, but we were not satisfied, so we started looking for a new vendor.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Inventive Mobile created a prototype and then developed an MVP of our platform. It’s an iOS app and they managed both design and development. If we have any feedback or need to make changes, we have a meeting with them. 

What is the team composition? 

I interact mostly with Michael (Co-Founder, Inventive Mobile), who has a team of developers underneath him.

How did you come to work with Inventive Mobile?

We were looking for an offshore development company that had a local office, and we came across Inventive Mobile. We got in touch with Michael, who was very responsive and called us back almost immediately. Their portfolio and their reviews also looked impressive, so we decided to give them a chance. 

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent over $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement? 

We started working with them in November 2018 and the relationship is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We're happy with the design and the functionality of the platform. The feedback from our potential users has also been excellent.

How did Inventive Mobile perform from a project management standpoint? 

Inventive Mobile is more organized than any other company I've worked with. Their turnaround times are fast and they've met our deadlines. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're truly invested in helping us bring our idea to life. Also, Michael is an exceptional lead. He's always trying to understand our vision and help us build out our ideas.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It'd help if you could sit down with Michael and lay out your vision. They have the capability to work with people from anywhere in the country, but I'd definitely recommend meeting with Michael in person.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of Task-KI, Inc., a company that helps working parents connect.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Inventive Mobile?

I needed a partner to develop an iOS and Android mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We met to determine the scope of our work and what I wanted out of the apps. They provided designs and wireframes for what the different pages would look like, and we iterated back and forth until we reached something I liked. They then began development, which I also tested and critiqued. We have about 10% of the work left before we go live.

The app allows working parents to pick up each other’s children from daycare safely and efficiently. Users can also message one another and exchange services without having any monetary costs.

What is the team composition?

My main point of contact is the project manager, but I’ve also met the developer.

How did you come to work with Inventive Mobile?

I’d found several firms and even interviewed some, but none of them seemed like a good fit. I wanted a partner that did nothing but mobile app dev. I eventually found Inventive Mobile on Clutch. We met in person a few times to discuss the project, and they said they could do it, so I hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent between $100,000-$150,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We partnered in June 2018, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’re transparent and have developed the iOS and Android apps exactly as I expected.

How did Inventive Mobile perform from a project management standpoint?

We developed the scope and payment terms together, communicating every step of the way. We have regular milestones where I’m able to give feedback, and it’s all gone well so far. We mainly communicate via phone and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re serious about their work and only take on projects that they know they can finish. They aren’t afraid to push back and provide suggestions to improve the product and partnership. They even researched before accepting the project to make sure my product would do well in the marketplace.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could be better at proactively educating people on the different technical terms they use. If I ask, they’ll explain, but it would be nice if they had a guide or other document that had the answers.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Spend time with them before jumping into a project. If possible, meet in person until you feel comfortable with one another. Once you get to know them, you realize that they are super capable of any mobile app projects and highly dependable.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the creative director of New Visual Media, a digital signage installation and content creation studio that works with large retail spaces across North America.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Inventive Mobile?

Our company was tasked with creating an interactive exhibit for an educational learning center that targets underprivileged youth. After finalizing designs and getting them improved by our client, we needed a company to develop the mobile app.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted an app that delivered info quickly through imagery and video. Our users needed to engage within two minutes. The project also needed to be completed within a short time frame.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

My team reached out to several companies. Inventive Mobile was responsive, and their proposals understood our goals.

Describe the project in detail.

Our project was a bit unconventional. Inventive Mobile worked hard to meet moving deadlines and evolving project goals.

What was the team composition?

My team worked closely with a project manager. They were our primary contact throughout.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

With Inventive Mobile’s help, we were able to reach satisfactory results that wowed our client. User engagement was also high. Their team met project deadlines each time.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication between our teams was excellent. I was always kept in the loop about how the project was going. Their team provided significant updates, and we kept in contact easily. As our client’s needs shifted, they worked with the changes alongside us.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Inventive Mobile did an exceptional job, educating our team on the process and helping every step of the way.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We were delighted with the result and are looking forward to working with them in the future.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I lead a marketing team at a successful global e-commerce company with over ten thousand employees.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Inventive Mobile?

We were encountering issues with the usability and functionality of an in-house iOS and Android application used by several teams to manage relationships with our clients. We were looking for an experienced app design and development company to analyze the system and identify the major problem areas, then make necessary changes.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to improve the usability and performance of the app. We wanted to eliminate the errors and confusion for end users that relied on the platform. Additionally, we were looking to implement several new features.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We initially reached out to about 10 vendors, and eventually shortlisted a few candidates. Ultimately, we chose to partner with Inventive Mobile. They responded quickly and approached mobile design and development with precision. We felt comfortable with them in our first interactions, and they were also the most competitive in terms of pricing.

Describe the project in detail.

First, we provided all of the information we had regarding the key issues and an overview of our vision for the updated application. It was a very basic outline with minimal details. Within a couple of weeks, the Inventive Mobile team identified the key problems stemming from both the design elements and technical aspects. After some user research and testing, they provided us with a proposed plan of attack. We prioritized each task and handled each one in an iterative fashion. Looking at the full scope of their work, they basically redesigned the app from the inside out. The main project is complete, but we’ve continued to work with them on new features and enhancements.

What was the team composition?

We worked directly with one of their principals for the full project. In the beginning, we had a few conversations with their design and development team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since launching the updated app, its usage has increased by over 40%. Our internal users and executives claim that it has helped them generate millions in additional revenue for our company.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The collaboration was very fluid. The Inventive Mobile team provided weekly updates to ensure we were always aware of their progress, so there wasn’t much day-to-day communication. We provided them with a vaguely defined problem, and they solved it with skill. Overall, their team is responsive and easy to work with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They’re knowledgeable and capable of working quickly. The team promptly identified and fixed our key issues. They expertly balance strong design, development, and management skills.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can’t think of anything at the moment. I would have no hesitation in working with them again.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the co-founder and VP of sales for an investment advisory firm. We partnered with large financial services companies including Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and Hightower.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Inventive Mobile?

We needed a trusted development partner to help us build a large-scale lead generation platform.

What were your goals for this project?

Our primary objective was to develop a scalable platform that would enable our company to manage and automate the end-to-end lead generation process. The system and applications needed to be fast, reliable, and easy to use.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Inventive Mobile was referred by a mutual acquaintance who spoke very highly of their team.

Describe the project in detail.

We needed a more efficient method to generate leads for our company. Following our initial discussions, Inventive Mobile helped us craft a product strategy. The solution is comprised of a suite of a website, back-end system, and suite of mobile apps to manage all of our outbound marketing initiatives from a desktop computer or on-the-go. 

After we provided general details about the product we needed, Inventive Mobile packaged everything together into a coherent, sensible product. They helped us with the entire process, from product management to design and software development.

What was the team composition?

We worked with three people from Inventive Mobile. Their team included the lead software developer, a designer, and the main product and project manager who was also one of the co-founders of the company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Inventive Mobile helped us develop a system and applications that generated tens of thousands of additional leads for our company. The degree of success we experienced would not have been possible otherwise.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We held meetings multiple times a week to ensure the deliverables were on track and that we’d communicated all the project details properly. Inventive Mobile was extraordinarily responsible and cared deeply about doing a great job for us.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Inventive Mobile is a very kind, honest, and capable team. They are extremely reliable and organized. Most of our previous development partners seemed to extend the minimum possible effort for our projects.

The team at Inventive Mobile genuinely cares about their clients and the products they create together. They’re invested in helping companies succeed and building excellent products.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There are none at this time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the director of product management under Paul Allen, during which time I worked with Inventive Mobile. When I worked at Xerox PARC, we also worked with Inventive Mobile and were very happy with their work on our mobile apps there. For the last five years, I have been the product strategist for visual computing and context-awareness at Intel and have also contracted with Inventive Mobile in this capacity at Intel.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Inventive Mobile?

At Vulcan, PARC, and Intel, we needed applications developed for product launches at major shows such as GIGA-OM, Mobile Future Forward, CES, Mobile World Congress and Intel Developer Forum. Inventive Mobile had a huge challenge of a tight unmoveable deadline and a demanding developer and consumer audience. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We worked very closely with Inventive Mobile on the different pieces that they did for Vulcan Labs, PARC, and Intel. Inventive Mobile delivered mobile applications for all three companies. My teams have been able to provide wireframes for some of the apps they've developed for us, but often Inventive Mobile worked closely with us to define the product plan and wireframes. Inventive Mobile owned mobile app development in every aspect of development and deployment.

How did you come to work with Inventive Mobile?

I originally met one of the principals at Inventive Mobile, while we were working at the same company. I was so impressed with her work ethic that when she left the company, I asked if she would be willing to contract for us. She was able to work with us, which was fantastic. 

I’ve done work with many vendors over the years and have a competitive bidding process. I’ve been excited to see Inventive Mobile consistently rise to the top of our selection. They have become a best-in-class vendor both for Vulcan Labs as well as other companies I’ve worked for.

How much have you invested with Inventive Mobile?

Teams I've worked with have invested between $100,000 - $300,000 over the life of the projects.

What is the status of this engagement?

Inventive Mobile continues to be a valued partner for my teams.

In the past, we've worked on projects with tight turnarounds and longer scale projects. For example, we did one project that lasted for six months. That was a fast turnaround, and we were able to move forward very quickly. I don't currently have a project open with Inventive Mobile.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

I’ve seen Inventive Mobile successfully develop business apps as well as consumer-orientated apps. The Apple and Android stores have a huge amount of interest in several of the apps we’ve developed with Inventive Mobile. They’ve gone far and above our expectations in terms of downloads. I also know that the install base for apps has been fantastic.

Inventive Mobile excelled at delivering mobile apps to our specifications on extremely tight timelines. They were creative and worked within tight budgets, making it possible for our teams to land additional customers in the market very quickly, and we were able to showcase our technology at major shows because of Inventive Mobile's professionalism and delivery.

How did Inventive Mobile perform from a project management standpoint?

They were really good and quite clear in terms of expectations. It has been a really solid working relationship. They were fantastic in terms of meeting deliverables, and they were able to make it even when we pulled in the timeline. I found their delivery capabilities to be above other vendors. One example is we had switched to another vendor for one project and that vendor dropped the ball. We had to turn back to Inventive Mobile and ask them to pick up the project and deliver it on time. That was a problem. But to me, it demonstrated once again how Inventive Mobile consistently delivered, regardless of where other people were at.

What did you find most impressive about Inventive Mobile?

I was impressed by the clarity of planning and discussion. They cared about getting it right. It was nice to have a partner in software development who wasn’t just doing what we said, but actually wanted to deliver the best. Inventive Mobile was attentive to the market, consistently informing us of ways to improve our product and be more responsive. Inventive Mobile is a fantastic partner in software development who always delivers the very best for our customers.

Are there any areas Inventive Mobile could improve?

It’d be great if they were a bigger company, but I think they’ve consciously chosen to remain small and stay focused. This has allowed them to devote all the resources we need for a project.

What tips or recommendations could you share that might increase the likelihood of success with Inventive Mobile?

It’s useful for anyone to have their plan put together and know what they are aiming at. Inventive Mobile has pushed back when we didn’t know exactly what we’re doing. I think that’s a valid response when we didn’t have it together yet. It’s important to get your ducks in a row before you work with them. They are professionals and expect you to have your stuff in order.

The downside of working with Inventive Mobile is they don’t have a team of 16 program managers who will manage everything for you. The upside is you’re going to be dealing directly with the principals. That means you won’t have to go through multiple layers of management to make a simple change. Inventive Mobile is incredibly responsive. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a startup that creates mobile games for e-learning.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Inventive Mobile?

We wanted to create the first prototype of our game.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Inventive Mobile built the user interface from start to finish for our first mobile game. It was developed for Android. We had the specs for a product, not as fully detailed as you normally would, but just right for the first prototype for a startup. We gave them the specs and they developed it. When they would do iterations, we would review it and I’d ask for changes. Inventive Mobile was always responsive and excited to help, making sure I was a satisfied client.

How did you come to work with Inventive Mobile?

I posted a few ads on Craigslist and GeekWire, looking for a senior Android mobile developer to help. I don’t remember which one it was that Inventive Mobile answered. We met with Jessica, the principal, and explained to her what we were doing. She was interested in what we were doing and wanted to help. She quickly put her skills to use and built us a prototype.

How much have you invested with Inventive Mobile?

We spent between $10,000 and $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with her in September or October 2016. The work was done in January 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

The early feedback from both users and investors was very positive, and it helped me move forward to the next milestone of my company. That was really important. Although we now have in-house development capabilities, I had no full-time employees at the time when I hired Inventive Mobile, which is why I needed a contractor like her. She helped me get started much more quickly than I would have been able to if I waited until hiring a full-time person.

How did Inventive Mobile perform from a project management standpoint?

Inventive Mobile delivered what they said they were going to deliver on time. We met in person and talked on the phone a couple of times, but in between, it was mostly email.

What did you find most impressive about Inventive Mobile?

Jessica is a really hard worker. When she says she’s going to get something done, she does. I don’t know where she finds all of the hours to work, but she works hard. She knew we had a deadline and dedicated herself to helping us meet that deadline, and I very much appreciated that.

Are there any areas Inventive Mobile could improve?

I don’t know. In our situation, Inventive Mobile was working independently. Near the end, I hired people and it would have been interesting to see how Jessica works in a team environment. But perhaps when you are hiring a consultant, they are always independent.

What tips or recommendations could you share that might increase the likelihood of success with Inventive Mobile?

Normal things apply: make sure you have a clear statement of work and that Inventive Mobile understands what to do. My experience was that when Jessica understood what to do, she was fully on board and worked hard to satisfy me as her client. That was great.