KODE

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m head of the Laboratory for Innovative Methods and Innovative Approach to Learning Languages at the Pushkin State Institute of Russian Language. Our focus is teaching Russian as a foreign language, and I conduct research and make products related to digital forms of language education.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with KODE?

We needed a mobile app for learning, studying, and teaching Russian that could be used by our students and teachers.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

KODE implemented two applications for us. The first app was built to train Russian-language students from countries in the former Soviet Union, including Armenia, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Russian is a second language for those students, and we wanted to give them a way to practice their skills. The app features grammar and vocabulary tests, and also provides interesting cultural information (on subjects like Russian literature and history) that helps connect users to the language.

The second application helps English-language students from Europe learn Russian from scratch. It also utilizes quiz formats, though the difficulty level is much lower than the first app.

We needed both applications to work with iOS and Android. After we provided the educational content, KODE handled everything, including uploading the applications to the market.

What is the team dynamic?

There were six people on our side. I was the team leader, working with five teachers to provide content.

How did you come to work with KODE?

State institutions in the Russian Federation cannot choose contractors without going through an official procedure. We began by seeking bids from development companies. Three companies expressed an interest in the project, including KODE.

Of those three, KODE had experience in educational apps and Russian language. They offered competitive prices, and they provided the most detailed proposal.

How much have you invested with them?

It was ₽5,000,000 (Russian rubles. Roughly $87,000).

What is the status of this engagement?

We began early discussions in October 2016. Our work together is ongoing, but the project is about 99% complete.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

While I don’t have any statistics available at this time, working with KODE has helped make our internal team more prepared and effective. Our students and teachers now have a new tool for training and developing language skills. Users have given positive feedback, saying the mobile apps make learning Russian simple and convenient. In the future, these apps will likely help attract new students and clients from all over the world.

How did KODE perform from a project management standpoint?

Since we’re based in Moscow and KODE is based in Kaliningrad, we are unable to meet in person. We use Google Docs to share tables and content, and communicate through Skype and email.

While KODE had to remove our first project manager over communication and scheduling issues, I was very happy with his replacement, who made sure everything was delivered on time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Unlike other contractors I’ve worked with, KODE always does their best to fulfill all of our wishes and create a polished final product. When we reported issues with the first manager, they replaced him immediately and sacrificed time and money to ensure that the project stayed on schedule. I'm very grateful to them for that.

Are there any areas they could improve?

KODE could have anticipated the issues with the first manager and prevented that situation.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a bank working mainly in Latvia, but we have clients worldwide. I am the head of the software development division. I am responsible for communicating with KODE on our app development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with KODE?

We wanted to develop our own mobile app for clients, allowing them to access their banking accounts from their phones. We had a web and mobile version of the system, but we wanted to develop an actual app, so we started looking for a company that could do that.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

KODE created a project plan and a design for our application, based on our business and design goals. After the concept stage, we started developing the iOS and Android versions. Both were started at the same time, but the Android version was done a bit faster. At the end of the project, all functionalities were synchronized for both platforms. We developed the backend internally.

The app allows clients to use the same authentication methods as the web platform with DIGIPASS. It displays account balance, card status, and a transaction list. The second version will have more features for payments, document signing, communication with the bank, etc.

We handled the submission process on our own but are planning to work with KODE on marketing for the next release.

What is the team dynamic?

The team size varied from three to eight people. I worked as project manager and interacted with KODE’s coordinator on a daily basis.

How did you come to work with KODE?

We were looking for companies experienced with mobile application development. The options on the local market were quite expensive, so we interviewed five to six of the largest and most experienced companies in Russia. One of those was KODE, who offered us the best proposal. In total, we checked out 10 companies online.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with KODE in October 2016. We launched the app’s first release in June 2017 and are currently working on the next release.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are working on a new version because the MVP was a success with clients. Our app is being used by approximately 10% of clients–60–70% of whom are Android users. That’s not a lot, but the app’s functionalities are limited and we didn’t do any active marketing for the MVP. We are planning a larger marketing push for the next version, and we’re confident that almost all of our clients will start using the app.

How did KODE perform from a project management standpoint?

The process went fine for the most part. We had some issues with resource allocation, and a couple of developers were moved to another project at one point. There were some planning mistakes on our side as well, and we didn’t synchronize the two parts of the project—frontend and backend—as well as we should have.

We are generally satisfied with KODE’s quality of work. They were open to discuss anything, at any time. They offered their ideas for addressing particular challenges.

We used JIRA on our side, and Redmine for our collaboration with their team.

What did you find most impressive about them?

It was great to work with them. KODE is strong in terms of planning and designing apps. It was a successful engagement for us, and we liked their approach. There were some changes in the team, but some of the developers were quite strong.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They need to focus more on planning their resource allocation.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior digital producer at BBDO, a creative agency that works with big companies, like Mars, and does advertising projects for them to help them promote their products. I’m the lead on the projects for Mars, and I manage the production parts.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with KODE?

We did a lot of different types of ads for Mars, including commercials and radio ads. In Russia, Mars usually performs well in classic media like TV and print. They’re a classic corporation, and they can't change quickly in the digital era nor do they have expertise in digital.

We are also not great at digital or mobile apps, but we’re good at creating ideas. Our main challenge with KODE was helping Mars achieve their marketing goals with mobile Android and iOS apps, and we needed a partner to help us convert our idea into that app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Mars has a lot of requirements for technical projects, so there were a number of suppliers used on this project. One supplier helped us make sure the projects were secure and safe, another supplier built the web app, and a third supplier was responsible for hosting the overall code. It was a big challenge for us to coordinate all of them.

We’ve been creating this technical task for about 3 months. It’s been a nerve-wracking process because this is a new and challenging project for Mars, and we had to invent a whole process for it. There were 3 parts to the project: After we completed the technical task, we started producing it, designing it, and creating prototypes for it. It took us about a month or two to discuss all of the screens, buttons, and functionality because the app had to fit the technical and design requirements as well as Mars’ strict brand guidelines. The next step was creating our first alpha version, which took about a month.

The app is called Grow Together. It included a calendar as well as a part called Catopedia, which is an encyclopedia for new cat owners. The app helps new cat owners get all of the information they need to complete different tasks and know more about how to feed their kitten and look after it. Grow Together was originally made more than 2 years ago with another supplier. It worked at that time, but it was not the best app in the world because it had a lot of bugs and didn't work well. The big test for KODE was to reinvent it, to make it look stylish, to make it work better, and to get more users using the app, because a lot of users that download the app, sometimes they just use it for an hour and then forget about it. We needed to create an app that actually works, and KODE did a good job.

How did you come to work with KODE?

The project we did with KODE started long before we ever discussed it with them. Every time we create a project for Mars, we first have to complete a lot of internal steps. We create the idea, and then discuss it with the creative director and their marketing guys because the project must fit into the overall marketing plans. When we were able to describe how the idea would be presented, we took the idea to our marketing team, which liked it. Then we started searching for a partner that would help us produce it.

Every time we start producing something for Mars, we have to begin the complicated process of finding a partner that will fit Mars’ financial and process requirements. The potential partner has to be big and experienced, and their work must fit within Mars’ budget. We also need the names of at least 3 suppliers, and those suppliers will be evaluated based on their portfolios, experience, managing and design skills, and so on. For this project, one of the suppliers was KODE, who provided the best technical solution. Mars was happy with it. After Mars selected KODE, we started designing an overall process.

How much have you invested with KODE?

There was a huge overall budget for all of the work we did together, not just the app, and I think that is about $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I think we began working together in November 2016. We are currently in the middle of our second version of the Grow Together app, and we’re continuing to develop it.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

For now, we’re quite happy, because our app’s rating on Google Play and iTunes is 5 stars, which tells us a lot about its quality. It’s a huge step forward compared to the first version of the app we made 2 years ago, and we’re happy with it. In September, we created usability tests with another supplier; a lot of people said it was a good test and the idea for the app is great.

How did KODE perform from a project management standpoint?

Doing projects with huge companies like Mars is always a challenge, because Mars does not move quickly. It’s always a long process. After KODE creates something for us, then we may want them to apply or change something, and then they need to confirm those changes with Mars. For example, one screen can take us 2 weeks, and that’s an easy case. Sometimes it takes months. It was a challenge for them, because they’re a digital company and it’s a different world, but they did a good job. Another good thing about KODE is that they were not fighting for every dollar, because we were providing them loyalty and they were doing what we needed them to do.

What did you find most impressive about KODE?

For us, their biggest strength is their mobile expertise, and we need their advice on how things should be done in that area. KODE was constantly giving us recommendations on how we should make every screen connect with the brand personality and how that will help us create not just a brand app, but an app that will help users achieve their goals. All in all, KODE is fine. Their loyalty is another one of their strengths. They understand our needs, and there are no management problems with them.

Are there any areas KODE could improve?

It would be better for us if KODE had more experience working with bigger companies because we are in completely different worlds. Small digital companies work differently from huge corporations that have internal processes, innovation, etc.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We're a low-cost airline company in Russia.

What is your position?

I am the head of the marketing department, responsible for all web advertising and for our mobile application.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with KODE?

We wanted to develop a mobile application for Android and iOS.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in greater detail.

KODE developed our application. It allows users to book tickets, manage bookings, and check in online. People traveling with family or friends can enter dates and the number of fellow passengers in order to book the necessary tickets. We also have integration with our purchase system, so people can select seats, buy additional services like insurance and priority boarding, VIP launch, fast check, and so on. The app provides additional information like city guides and maps, which helps travelers at their destinations.

How did you come to work with KODE?

We put together an RFP detailing the final product and the budget. KODE fit our criteria the best.

Could you provide a sense of the size of this initiative in financial terms?

The cost of KODE's work on our application was €150,000. [$162,000]

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with KODE on the current project in the summer of 2016. Our first collaboration with them, for another company, was in June 2015. We have an ongoing contract until August 2017, and we plan to prolong it. We have a development roadmap for this year, and also use KODE for maintenance and support.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

Because of company bureaucracy, we've needed to cut the budget for the application, and have made small releases for it over time. Because of the initial lack in functionalities, we had some negative feedback initially. The application was very poor compared to our website and had two-star ratings on Google Play and the Apple Store.

Since all that happened, we've seen some very good responses and the ratings have improved. We have continued to make improvements using KODE, covering all customer requests.

How did KODE perform from a project management standpoint?

We used to have some problems around project management, but the process is great now. We are working with a project manager and a business-analysis specialist. Our development is divided into business analysis and the coding itself.

What distinguishes KODE from other providers?

Even when we had problems with our website developer, KODE tried to solve the situation. Our other partner is based in Spain, but KODE offered to travel to their location and work together.

Is there anything KODE could have improved or done differently?

Earlier in our collaboration, KODE changed account managers frequently, switching between three people over the course of a year. It wasn't convenient for me since each one had a different technical approach. We were ultimately assigned a manager who didn't come from an IT background, and who communicated much better with me. We have a stable team at the moment.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Intermedia Cloud Communications

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

UCaaS solutions

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire KODE to accomplish?

• Development some features for Mobile apps

SOLUTION

How did you find KODE?

Referral

Why did you select KODE over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from KODE were assigned to this project?

20

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We have UCaaS app with calling and chat functionality. Due to KODE we were able to deliver customers such important features as group SMS, mentions and other chat improvements.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Launched features in our products. Thousands of customers use the features KODE creates on a daily basis.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Some difficult features were delivered with small delay.

What was your primary form of communication with KODE?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Good and quick reaction on feedback. Communication with engineers is clear.

Are there any areas for improvement or something KODE could have done differently?

no

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive at Even Work Ltd

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Recruitment

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire KODE to accomplish?

• Design and build an app

SOLUTION

How did you find KODE?

Online Search

Why did you select KODE over others?

Great culture fit

How many teammates from KODE were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

I worked with Kode to design, develop and build a recruitment app to match talent and employers

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Support in refining and developing a product that met my design and business objectives. Support thinking through and optimising UX Go live of product on App store etc

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Great project management, clear and regular communication, input into design and functionality. They were patient and considerate when explaining terms and concepts to someone unfamiliar with app development.

What was your primary form of communication with KODE?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Small, talented team. Lots of senior time given to the project. Lots of support and encouragement for the concept.

Are there any areas for improvement or something KODE could have done differently?

Nothing springs to mind

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CIO of a bank. We have about 500 employees and more than 30,000 customers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire KODE?

We hired KODE to develop a mobile banking app for Android and iOS.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to attract new customers. The app should be convenient to use.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We conducted a tender, and more than 10 companies participated. KODE won because they had the best offer.

Describe the project in detail.

They built a modern banking application that has all the features of our current online platform.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a full team from KODE, including a project manager, project curator, analyst, designer, iOS developer, Android developer, backend developer, and tester.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received positive feedback from our customers.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our teams collaborated seamlessly. All of the releases were on schedule and had the proper quality.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

KODE has highly formalized processes.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We are constantly in the process of improvement.