This review was updated on January 3, 2019, by the client. The original star ratings were: Overall - 5, Quality - 5, Schedule - 5, Cost - 5, NPS - 5. New content is below:
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
For what projects/services did your company hire Joseph Studios?
We engaged them to develop an online training system.
What were your goals for this project?
We wanted to achieve a four-level platform that included features such as assessments and quizzes. Furthermore, we wanted the platform to be interactive and engaging.
SOLUTION
How did you select this vendor?
We thought Joseph Studios would be the right fit because they had previously developed a similar learning management system and program.
Describe the project in detail.
Joseph Studios used our book to develop the training program for the e-learning platform. Planned features included animations, interactive quizzes, assessments, and writing content.
What was the team composition?
The founder served as the project lead. The team included a course developer, a graphic designer, an IT developer, and artist that produced the animated content.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Although the team started with good intentions, they did not manage the project well. We canceled the partnership because Joseph Studio did not produce the agreed-to final deliverables.
The team provided a 5-week timeline and budget of 80–120 hours. However, Joseph Studio missed early milestone dates, despite onboarding extra resources. We felt their process lacked transparency and proper tracking. As a result, we incurred additional costs at the same time the additional services and resources did not create extra value. At this point, the project got away from our main goal to put out the product we wanted on time and within budget.
In the project’s twelfth week, we were behind schedule and at 129 hours. This delay and the corresponding invoice made us cancel the project. Joseph Studio did not comply with our request for an itemized bill; the invoice only specified high-level activity. Consequently, we could not track the tasks that had accumulated to 129 hours.
In retrospect, their approach to add resources and services was a major red flag. It was premature to leave a review for Joseph Studio before they had completed work. In particular, the project manager role experienced turnover and lacked transparency. Our first company testimonial was made in good faith, but since updated to reflect our experience and situation. We can no longer recommend this company.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
The team’s performance did not match their promise for an effective agile approach. During development, we did not have visibility into several aspects of the platform’s progress: requirements, themes, features, stories, story point, run down, and burn down charts. There were scheduled walk-throughs, but they did not happen on a regular basis. They said they were aware of the problem, but never acted on it.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
The lack of transparency and timeliness detracted from the project’s promising start. The company does have a diverse range of skills and staff that are passionate about their job. They have the potential to be a good company, but they need to perform better.
Are there any areas for improvement?
They could be more honest and transparent, while displaying better leadership and project management skills.
Joseph Studios’ work enabled the client to have productive conversations with enterprises both big and small. Their great work allowed for business expansion and reorientation, and it also addressed some important challenges. They exhibited great empathy and expertise in delivering market solutions.