Lean Start Lab

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of a early startup focused on shifting the vaccine delivery model to be patient-driven while simultaneously looking to facilitate efficiencies for health care providers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lean Start Lab, and what were your goals?

I wanted to develop a proof of concept prototype to obtain market expert feedback and to help solicit initial interest in the market solution in order to determine the ability to move on to the next step, development.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I searched via online outsourcing/for hire platforms and also searched for local market options. I was referred to Lean Start Labs through another local application developer. After meeting with their team it was immediately clear that they had a vested interested in providing a market solution to allow early stage ideas to come to live, all while understanding that its important to be cost-conscious in the early pre-validation phase. Their passion for helping early stage ideas was what sold it for me.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We developed an early proof-of-concept prototype using Figma featuring key components to my initial requests regarding product functionality.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

A project advisor was assigned to lead the project and ensure major milestones were met. We met weekly (if not more) with the prototype developers (2 individuals). In addition their communications coach also helped ensure all parts of the process functioned as planned for an optimal end result.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Within 1 month of finalizing the prototype I was able to show it to unbiased parties with health care expertise in order to determine market viability. Based on this feedback, including overall positive reviews on prototype appearance, it provided the initial validation to consider moving forward with the concept.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

The entire group was up front and honest regarding the desire to meet major milestones and experience was great. They clearly communicated early in the process regarding needs to get the project started and intermittently requested additional clarification to ensure the entire project was complete in 3 weeks.

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

Their ability to create a cost-effective prototype with high-quality insight into the needs was the most impressive. They listen and try to understand your vision and make it come to life. Part of this was related to their ability to provide constructive, back and forth communication, regarding refinement during the the 3 week development to ensure timelines and initial development goals were met.

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

None at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of Bhlum, guided gardening through technology. Bhlum utilizes garden themes and seed kits to make it easy to successfully grow a garden.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lean Start Lab, and what were your goals?

We wanted to hire a company to develop the MVP app. The goal was to get the MVP to beta testing and be prepared to launch.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I met remotely with a few firms and ultimately, Lean Start Lab felt like a partner from the start and had very affordable costs.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We had a few meetings to discuss the project and qualifications. The key deliverable was an app ready to launch for iOS and Android. The process was clearly outlined and moved smoothly along. Lean Start Lab utilized Basecamp and Figma to keep communications and deliverables aligned.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked with a number of people from Lean Start Lab - the management team, project lead and designers and developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

It was only a few months from inception to MVP. Lean Start Lab completed the project ahead of schedule and did an amazing job. The app has not yet launched due to changes internally at Bhlum. Lean Start Lab has gone above and beyond to help me navigate my path forward and through these changes - they have been an incredible, supportive team and knowledgeable resource.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We held weekly calls and utilized Basecamp to keep the project organized and moving forward. The weekly calls discussed the project and also included strategic planning and brainstorming exercises. The project finished ahead of schedule and I was pleased with the communication and excitement from the team along the way.

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

I was very impressed at their technical skills and the high-quality MVP that was produced. I was equally impressed at their enthusiasm and eagerness for success of the founders and companies they work with.

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

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am CEO of an emerging FinTech company located in Kansas City, MO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lean Start Lab, and what were your goals?

We wanted to hire a company that could develop our MVP product with a grant we received at an affordable cost without sacrificing quality. Our goals were to get an MVP to market and to test with our users for market growth opportunities.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Ultimately, our selection of LSL came down to costs and their engagement through our interview process.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We had a series of meetings to discuss the team and their qualifications. Once onboarded, we held multiple meetings to discuss product architecture, design, etc.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked with the management team of Lean Start Lab, a project lead, and direct access to the designers and developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Within a few months, we had an idea that was crafted into an MVP. LSL is near the completion of the project and has done a fantastic job at the development work. We haven't launched yet due to some vendor integration pieces, but we were able to use their MVP as a product demo during a pitch competition and we won first place.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We held weekly/bi-weekly communication calls and utilized BaseCamp to communicate with their developers and designers. In a COVID environment, it was more than efficient to communicate primarily via chat and Basecamp with the remaining being on video chat.

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

It's quite impressive how the team successfully delivered quality results at an affordable price.

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

None.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of a wellness company. We provide individualized plans for people with chronic illnesses to help them sustain their health naturally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Lean Start Lab?

I have an automation system that puts together the personalized plans for my customers. I had been working with another vendor part-time, but I wanted to transfer to a more full-service provider.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

There were some formulas in the system that weren’t working properly, so they went in and figured that out for me. They also added several enhancements to make the platform easier for me to use. In addition, they found several security bugs, and created an action plan to remedy that. They provided multiple options for any given solution. I think we used mySQL for the cloud-based automation platform. 

What is the team composition?

I worked with three people. Tin (CEO & Product Strategist) was the intake person, and he helped with some project management. Thoung (Co-Founder & Consultant) and one other person helped me on the technical side. 

How did you come to work with Lean Start Lab?

I was referred to them by the Small Business Development Center in Kansas City. When I talked to them, I could tell they were professional, clear, and organized. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested about $1,400. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started in mid-July 2020, and this project wrapped up in September 2020. However, we’re currently in the process of thinking through the second round of work.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The fact that the formulas work now is very important. They went above and beyond in identifying potential security issues. They did exactly what I asked for, and then some. 

How did Lean Start Lab perform from a project management standpoint?

They were outstanding. I got regular emails, and they set us up on Basecamp. Communication was very thorough, I was never in the dark about anything. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their good character is most impressive. I’ve done business with a lot of people that weren’t capable of doing what they said they could. Lean Start Lab is honest, professional, and transparent. They have a lot of integrity. 

Are there any areas they could improve? 

No. I’m pretty critical, but there’s nothing I see that they could do better. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to them. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder and CEO at The Transition Academy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lean Start Lab, and what were your goals?

We wanted to create an app prototype to help families navigate the processes and explore college/career/life skill program opportunities.

SOLUTION

How did you select Lean Start Lab and what were the deciding factors?

I met Tin through UMKC's E-Scholars program and thought he would listen and be responsive to our needs.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Youth with disabilities and families seeking postsecondary support must often rely on their network for information. We wanted to demystify the process and put information in the user hands. We wanted to design an app prototype that lists college/career/life skills program opportunities as well as lets users search according to their specific needs (i.e. sensory supports).

We also wanted to include a blog with topical issues impacting our community (i.e. transportation) as well as listings of transition events sponsored by our organization as well as those across the metro.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

3 - owner, developers

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

I now have a clickable prototype that shows a new vision for the future. It demonstrates the impact of transferring power from institutions into the hands of users.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

Regular check ins via figma. I never felt like the ball was dropped. Things moved along well.

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

I'm a writer and think in words. They're visual and think in pictures. They brought my thoughts to life in the most amazing way.

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

There were times I had to repeat written instructions.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

My company is within the construction management/broker industry and I am the owner/CEO. However, ChkM8 is a new mobile app which we consider to be one of 3 platforms within the reputation management industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lean Start Lab?

ChkM8 was a mobile app designed to enhance personal safety choices with regards to online dating.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to take my vision/idea and create a prototype which would be used to confirm user interest.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After attending a 4 week class dealing with start up business; a colleague recommended The Lean Start Lab based on budget, process and complexity.

Describe the project in detail.

ChkM8 is a mobile app dedicated to enhancing online dating users' decisions to meet one-on-one with another user. ChkM8 uses the leverage of a post date rating to ensure common agreed forms of behavior are maintained.

Further, each ChkM8 user can then utilize their own safety rating in trading/sharing records with another user. Why waste time with hours of online dating messaging only to find out later that someone is not of the same character as what you consider to be safe.

Additionally, ChkM8 users, when rating their date, provides the rating for the corresponding date's Integrity Rating and the Repeat Date Rating. Then premium users can leverage not only their safety rating, but their integrity rating and the repeat date rating to win over individuals with any hesitation regarding, safety, integrity or if the date would be fun.

What was the team composition?

ChkM8 team consist of myself, the founder, two market researchers, one intern, one social media coordinator.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Prototype was completed in the timely manner that was put forth by the development technical team, The Leans Start Lab.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The folks at the Lean Start Lab were consitently monitoring our team's recommendations and suggestions. At every turn of the prototype development, the Lean Start Lab when out of their way to make sure we on the founder's team, understand why the prototype was being developed the way it was., And btw, the Lean Start Lab personnel knew what they were doing in all aspects of development.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The attention to detail was beyond what was expected. They knew we wanted a tight and easy app, and they stuck to our original request regardless of our push to make changes that were considered enhanced features. Never did they insist they were right and we were wrong; but they demonstrated how we had to keep to the MVP of the prototype.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Tin Ho, the owner of The Lean Start Lab, was the mouthpiece for his firm; and sometimes you wanted to hear from the writers and technical staff. But Tin told us that it was to be one voice that would run the discussions....and it worked.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the founder of a startup company launching a new web platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lean Start Lab?

We needed a solid UX/UI to send to our web development team so they could understand what we were looking for.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a friendly user experience for our new web platform.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We found them through word of mouth. They had many positive reviews from other startup companies.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Lean Start Lab created a UX/UI for us to give to our backend development team, who are based in the Philippines.

What was the team composition?

We worked with three members of their team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Lean Start Lab was very easy to work with. The project came in on budget and on schedule, so I can't say enough good things about them.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We had one main point of contact but were able to reach out to the other team members as needed. The project manager was very effective throughout the process.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Lean Start Lab’s work was top notch. I wish every company I deal with delivered on budget and on schedule.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, there are no areas of improvement that I can think of. Lean Start Lab did great work.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of BallotFriend. Our company is geared towards spreading awareness, education, and analytical data for local, state and national elections.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lean Start Lab?

Our company saw an opportunity to provide a service to customers where they were not being met. We posed with the challenge of showing our customers how easy and convenient it would be to use our mobile app to take the stress away from being overwhelmed during elections.

We hired Lean Start Lab to help our company develop a high definition prototype that could be used to convey a simple concept to investors and customers. We plan to scale up our prototype with Lean Start Lab into a live mobile application for iOS and Android devices.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were to create a simple efficient flowchart, wireframes, and prototype that would show how we simplify the overwhelming election process. Our goal was to create partnerships, gain investors and an interest in our service.

Lean Start Lab walked our company through each step to help us reach our goals. Through the use of this project we were able to secure 3 major partnerships, investors and gained over 100 sign-ups for our pre-launch database.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Our team gathered a list of 3 vendors from online and recommended companies. Our team interviewed each company to make sure they were the right match for our vision for long term collaboration.

We selected Lean Start Lab because of their technical knowledge and ability to convey this knowledge to our team in terms they could understand while also being professional. We loved that Lean Start Lab offered multiple services for every stage in our business plan from startup to scaling in a reasonable budget.

Describe the project in detail.

Lean Start Lab was able to make a simple way to spread awareness, education and data analytics for local, state and national elections for our users. Features included providing a preview of the users local voting ballot, checking voter registration and providing reminders to users when there is an election they are eligible to vote for.

Since this information can be overwhelming, Lean Start Lab did a great job going above and behind in providing additional strategy and support in making sure the vision was conveyed in our MVP while also being technologically reasonable.

They did an amazing job providing additional assistance through the content creation and design stage despite my team initially providing unrealistic goals. We were able to find a realistic balance between both teams. Our native application is set to be developed for both iOS and Android.

What was the team composition?

Our team included the founder, a marketing specialist, and a data analyst. Each persons role was to make sure their primary goal for the business was effectively conveyed through the prototype so that we could gain traction. We 100% believe this was conveyed with the help of Lean Start Lab.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have been able to confidently pitch our MVP to potential investors and customers since the project with Lean Start Lab. Within 1 week we gained over 100 sign-ups for our prelaunch database and continue to gain volunteers for beta testing. Since using Lean Start Lab we have gained the attention of industry specialists who have agreed to work with our company to ensure the vision to market. We are excited to work with them and our marketing specialist again to gain even more traction in phase 2!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Tin, the project manager was very easy to work with. He made the process simple and easy by keeping us updated regularly and working to make sure our vision was incorporated throughout the process.

The majority of communication was through email and telephone conferences for the team. Tin and I made sure to meet regularly to make sure each of our teams knew their role and were able to communicate effectively despite my teams lack of technical experience and knowledge.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was highly impressed with this teams technical knowledge, user experience and being able to communicate effectively and efficiently to my team despite potential language barriers. This made the process extremely smooth for us which is something we worried about while interviewing vendors. Their customer service was impeccable—it showed they were really there for us. I couldn't imagine using any other vendor and receiving that level of service anywhere else.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Overall we were very satisfied with the project despite our timeline having unrealistic expectations. Rushing the project would likely have resulted in a less impressive MVP and we would have compromised quality for time. This vendor did an excellent job in communicating capabilities with us and incorporated a check and balance system that allowed for a smooth process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Chain of Trust Technologies, LLC creates enterprise software to manage IT infrastructure. As co-founder, I manage projects, administrative duties, and sales.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lean Start Lab?

Our company builds exceptional backend software, but we aren't designers. We hired Lean Start Lab to build the UI for our command line interface toolset.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to create an intuitive UI for the tool that reflected its functionality.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I selected Lean Start Lab after working with several other vendors. We met with them for weeks before making our decision.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

After closely working with them to define the project’s scope, Lean Start Lab built the UI for our toolset product. Many new features and changes came up throughout the collaboration.

What was the team composition?

The project team had five members: three frontend designers and programmers from Lean Start Lab and two representatives from my company. Our teams integrated tightly to accomplish the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

We came out of the experience with a new perspective on how users interact with our software. Our project’s evolution also uncovered several areas for improvement. Having outside insight helped focus our team and accomplish the goals we set.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We managed the project using GitHub, Trello, and Slack, but also regularly used Google Hangouts when we weren't in the office together. Lean Start Lab did a good job of tracking sprints and keeping the team focused. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by their level of dedication. The team was flexible and understanding when we ran into unexpected challenges. They also worked with us to alter the project scope so it fit our needs.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They could improve very little. They truly went above and beyond.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Udo, an on-demand personal assistant mobile service that allows companies to offer access to personal assistants as a benefit.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Lean Start Lab?

We first hired Lean Start Lab when we needed to build a prototype for our initial mobile app. We later hired them again to build out the initial app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Lean Start Lab built the iOS app using React Native, and we haven’t worked on an Android version yet. The app is for the user interface, and the team also built a web portal for the company to be able to receive and respond to requests from users. The UI is designed to maximize clicks, and all of the communication between assistant and the end user is contained in the app. It also has in-app notifications and a task log that allows users to track the status of their jobs.

What is the team composition?

We worked with a strategist, co-founder, project manager, and multiple designers and developers.

How did you come to work with Lean Start Lab?

We were looking for local developers, and someone recommended Lean Start Lab. We called them, and they asked all the right questions, so we hired them.

How much have you invested with them?                                             

We spent around $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership lasted from September 2018–April 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Test users have given positive feedback, saying the app looks professional and appealing.

How did Lean Start Lab perform from a project management standpoint?

During project sprints, Lean Start Lab provided live documentation that showed the progress, and we held weekly meetings to track the work. Their communication was excellent, and we used Slack, phone calls, and Google Meet. Whenever I had questions, they answered them. Even though some of their team was overseas, the different time zones were never a problem.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re particularly adept at working with the lean startup model, and they helped me refine my business model and see the big picture of our app. They walked me through the design and user flow, facilitating a discussion instead of just telling us what to do. For the price they charged, they did a lot of exceptional work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could be better at preparing new founders to be stronger product owners. However, they’re open to feedback and will listen to what you have to say.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Be prepared to put in the time and feedback necessary for the project and partnership. Clearly explain your vision and the features you want, and be willing to accept budget and project changes.