Magora

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

I think they are a really great team, but we had different ideas about the end product from the beginning. That was an obstacle we had to go through together.

They wanted us to communicate what we wanted so they could design it. But, that’s where the issue arose. Without providing wireframes, it was hard to communicate exactly what we had in mind. It was also hard to understand what they had in mind. 

We both understood the aim. But, the same function could be presented in very different ways. So, the solution ended up missing things we really wanted. Basically, we had to trade in stuff. 

We aren’t proud of the app that was collaboratively made with Magora because there are many things that we gave up. Without those features, the app doesn’t represent our original vision. It’s only half-way there.

We wanted to create a community, but people on the app can’t talk to each other. While users can see each other’s profiles, they can’t interact. That's a big problem for an online community.

People like our business idea, but our app doesn’t represent that idea. People are saying, “why is it missing that?” and “what do I do now?” So, now, we’re still working on the app.

Since it’s our first time working with a developer team, partly it was our misunderstanding. But, these are the consequences we have to face. However, they did perform well when technical bugs arose.

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

The project manager did well — they are quite a coordinated team. They responded quickly to the questions that we asked. We used Zoom and Google Hangouts to collaborate.

They had a set timeframe and deliverables, but there was room for negotiation. This was great, but it was also a downside because we ended up having to give up features.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are quite organized. I was impressed that they were able to identify errors and bugs in the logic before we did. I think they were constantly thinking about it. This showed that they cared about the project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It’s understandable that things will change throughout the process. But, the biggest issue was that we didn't begin at the same starting point. 

I would hope in the future, they will make sure of the nitty-gritty details of what the other team wants. They should make sure they understand the idea and how it should be presented. The problems were our differences at the starting point, not in the middle.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?
 
Potential customers should present all the project details to Magora and ensure Magora understands. Then, Magora should say “no,” if they think there is another way to do things.

This conversation has to happen before anything else starts. The future customer should do their homework and know every deliverable before starting the project. A general idea may be implemented in a way that’s different from how the client originally imagined.

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We’ve shown it to a number of potential clients, and we’ve received positive feedback about its accessibility and usefulness. They delivered what we asked for and more. 

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?
We’ve had no problems communicating over the internet since the project managers and developers are based in Russia. They took a thorough approach to project management, meeting all our expectations. We have regular calls and can follow their progress on Trello.

What did you find most impressive about them?
They understood our goals, and we quickly felt they were a part of our team. They've taken ownership of their role in the project. 

Are there any areas they could improve?
We are really happy with their work so far. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?
If clients are clear and detailed in their communication with Magora, it will be a more productive partnership. We held initial education sessions, and it helped ensure a smooth process.

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

The streaming service is successful; it works quickly and almost without latency. Magora accomplished our tasks and suggested options in case something didn’t work or wasn’t the right solution. The quality of development work they provided was great, and their suggestions were especially helpful.

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

They provided quality work on time. As the technical person on my team, I prefer working with technical people and not with project managers. Magora prefers to use project managers, but my involvement with them was minimal.

As with any ongoing development, there were some bugs. When we identified one, we reported it to Magora using Bitbucket. They fixed everything, and they did it all according to our deadlines.

We used Skype for communication, and we also used the Upwork platform in the beginning. We used email to send sensitive data and information.

What did you find most impressive about them?

There were a couple of times when I asked them to do some tasks urgently, which were outside of the contract. They provided them extraordinarily quickly, and that part was amazing. They’re available at any time.

Are there any areas they could improve?

When I worked with their project manager, I sometimes felt that their understanding of technical things was lacking at some points, and it was easier for me to talk with the developers.