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MindSea makes beautiful, integrated mobile apps.

5.0
18 reviews
Gold
VERIFIED

MindSea delivers beautiful, entertaining, informative mobile apps, which are often featured by Apple and are highly rated by over one million users worldwide. MindSea's approach is collaborative and multidisciplinary: the team includes experts in strategy, business analysis, design, programming, project management, and quality assurance. All of them are creative problem-solvers who respond quickly to new requirements and communicate well with their counterparts in client organizations.

MindSea's portfolio includes iOS, Apple Watch and Android apps developed for large and small clients across North America. Other tech companies, as well as traditional businesses such as newspapers and publishers, rely on MindSea for seamless integration of mobile apps into existing business models, IT infrastructure and content publishing workflows. Whatever the audience, MindSea helps the client find and deliver the highest value.

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$10,000+
 
$100 - $149 / hr
 
10 - 49
 Founded
2007
Show all +
Halifax, Canada
headquarters
other locations
  • 180 John St Suite 418
    Toronto, ON M5T 1X5
    Canada
    1 (888) 390‑5150
  • Boston, MA
    United States

Portfolio

Key clients: 

Constant Health, Proposify, Mobi Inc, LuminUltra, 99 Walks, DGI Clinical, Vapium, PDI Software, The Dallas Morning News, Postmedia, Portal.io, Southwestern Family of Companies, Pixeo, Tinrocket, Project Box    

Proposify Image

Proposify

Deliverables: App Blueprint, Android, Development

Proposify is an online business proposal software that gives your sales team the competitive edge with a mobile companion to help users stay on top of their sales pipeline and close deals faster.

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SportsDay TALK Image

SportsDay TALK

Deliverables: App Blueprint, iOS & iPad, Android, Development

Get the best of SportsDay, Sportsradio 1310a/96.7fm The Ticket and sports in D-FW with the must-have SportsDay TALK app. Access articles, chats and blogs from SportsDay and enjoy live broadcasts from The Ticket 1310am/96.7fm. It’s a DFW’s sports lover’s dream.

…
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Trans Canada Trail Image

Trans Canada Trail

Deliverables: App Blueprint, Prototype, User Testing, iOS & Android

The Great Trail app is a trail guide and trip planner for anyone who wants to explore Canada’s epic 24,000 km network of trails. The Great Trail is made up of almost 500 individual trail sections, each with unique and varied features.

…
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National Post Image

National Post

Deliverables: App Blueprint, Prototype, User Testing, iOS & iPad, Android, Development

Get the news you need with the National Post app for iPhone and iPad. Find insight on demand from our best columnists. Go deep on the topics that matter to you with our comprehensive explainers. Lose yourself in our rich storytelling, which features captivating photo and video

…
galleries.

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Pixeo Image

Pixeo

Deliverables: App Blueprint, Branding, iOS, Web Portal, Development

PIXEO is a simple way for photographers to log, capture, and share the world’s best photographic locations. Discover new places to shoot in your own backyard and gain insider knowledge only locals have when travelling abroad. Get inspiration from each location’s photo gallery and insightful tips from other

…
photographers that have shot there before you.  

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COEO Image

COEO

Deliverables: App Blueprint, Prototype, User Testing, iOS

COEO is a community platform that connects fitness instructors with athletes and empowers them to grow their personal following and brand.

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Toronto Sun Image

Toronto Sun

Deliverables: App Blueprint, Prototype, User Testing, iOS & iPad, Android, Development

The Toronto Sun is your trusted source for local news, politics, sports and entertainment. Stay up-to-date throughout the day with breaking news in Toronto, Ontario and around the world. Plus get the latest on the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Argonauts

…
and Toronto FC with the best sports coverage in Canada including scores, standings, highlights and commentary.

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Reviews

5.0
18 reviews
Sort by

Blueprint & Pitch Deck for Two Way E-Commerce Platform

“They turned my idea, my vision, into a fully functional prototype.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Nov. 2019 - Mar. 2020
Project summary: 

MindSea created blueprints and a pitch deck for an e-commerce app. From there, they built a prototype that could be presented to investors. They did several rounds of revisions so the project met expectations.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Windermere, Florida
Lisa Delliacono
Founder, Myluxierge
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

MindSea delivered high-quality results. Their team was very invested in the project and ensured it’s success. They were communicative, responsive, and collaborative throughout the engagement. As a result, they plan to reengage and develop a final version of the product.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Myluxierge. It’s a two-way e-commerce platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MindSea?

They offer a blueprint service. They layout the blueprints of the app and a pitch-deck. Basically, they got it to the point that I could bring it to an investor

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

After the blueprint service, they designed a prototype. We went through testing on the prototype. Once we had that feedback, we revised it. We had three versions, and by then, we concluded the prototype. The team also put together an outline for the future app after the MVP was released.

What is the team composition?

I worked with four people, including Taylor (VP of Client Experience), Thomas (Developer), Katie (Product Designer), and one more.  

How did you come to work with MindSea?

I found them through a Google search. I was impressed that they developed a company-proposal software that I had used. They offered services that we couldn’t find elsewhere. They explained the blueprint process, the deliverables, the timeframe.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $18,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in mod-November 2019 and we concluded in March 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The quality of the product was amazing. We built a functional prototype and it’s exactly how I wanted it laid-out. They turned my idea, my vision, into a fully functional prototype. Now, once I have investors, I just need to go to them to build out the final product.

How did MindSea perform from a project management standpoint?

We had meetings twice a week. And at each meeting, they updated me on what they had done.

Every email went to the entire team. They were great with corresponding. If I were to send an email, they always responded quickly when I had questions or concerns. Taylor was awesome because he gave a lot of advice as a founder of a new company. He was very helpful and took me step-by-step through the process of finding an investor.

What did you find most impressive about them?

It was the team. They became vert invested in the app. They were very excited to work on it, and the app demographic fit the team that was working on it. Every week, they were very excited, very involved, and gave me some awesome feedback that helped evolve the platform. I hadn’t even thought about some of the ideas they proposed.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be prepared. When working with them, they appreciated that I had a very detailed business plan. Before contacting them, I laid everything out including the features I wanted and how I wanted it to work. Obviously, a lot of it had to be revised, but when I handed it to them, it was a very smooth process.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

UI/UX Design for Health & Wellness Technology Company

“MindSea was invested in our product and offered up suggestions to enhance our UX.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Sept. 2019 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

After undertaking a thorough audit of a health and wellness app, MindSea transformed the UI/UX of the platform to better align with both user and company expectations. They used InVision for prototyping.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Halifax, Canada
Bill Hart
Director of Product Development, Aycoutay Technologies
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

During a comparative analysis between the new and existing apps, all testers indicated that they preferred the app designed by MindSea for its increased intuitive quality. Willing to work with external development groups, the team was open and honest about their skills and capabilities.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a company in the health and wellness space that’s developing a device intended to measure biometrics within the body. I’m the director of product development there.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MindSea?

We’ve undergone the development of a wearable prototype and a mobile app. After prototyping the app, I decided to evaluate the partnership we had previously. We entered an app redux with them to evaluate the code of the mobile app created by the other firm.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

In addition to the app redux, they handled creating new designs and wireframes for the mobile app. We went through the blueprint process during which they developed the app prototype in Invision. The app was functional and displayed our features in a whole new UI/UX that was levels above what we had previously.

What is the team composition?

My main points of contact were the project manager and head UX designer. 

How did you come to work with MindSea?

I had personal connections to their company and had seen some of their previous work. Based on that, I was inclined to ask if it was possible to collaborate. From there, we went into a workshop session, and they provided a whole new level of organization and creativity. That’s what sealed the deal and convinced me to hire them for this work. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $20,000 on their work. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in September 2019, and our teams plan to continue to develop collaboratively moving forward.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We did user testing through their team. Based on the workable prototype the provided us, we did a comparative analysis of the app that was previously developed. All user testers preferred the MindSea app. They received plenty of positive feedback on the UI/UX side. 

How did MindSea perform from a project management standpoint?

They introduced our company to Slack as a communication and collaboration tool. On their end, they used Trello. They met all the deadlines we set because they were at a whole new level of organizational capability. Their team kept us in the know about budgeting, action items, and progress. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’d been working with another team that wasn’t as invested in our product as we would’ve hoped. MindSea was invested in our product and offered up suggestions to enhance our UX. They challenged us to tighten up our firm and make difficult decisions about our product. Everything was clearly defined through this high level of engagement. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

It was such a positive experience that I struggle thinking of things they should improve upon. We’ve asked them to support the app, but they didn’t have the capabilities in-house to pivot from our former subcontractor. However, they were willing to find external resources for us to fill the gap. Even when they didn’t have a specific skill, they found resources to fill the need immediately.  

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you’ve had software development troubles, MindSea can be used as a rescue. They provided a full service that was unlike anything I’ve experienced in the past.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

MVP for Web-Based Sales Pricing Software

“They brought a ton of experience to the table, which earned our trust.”

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5.0

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Jul. 2018 - Dec. 2018
Project summary: 

After a collaborative discovery phase, MindSea developed a web app, focusing on UI/UX and QA testing. After completing the final product, they passed it off to an internal dev team for all future updates.

The Reviewer
 
2 - 10 Employees
 
Canada
Meghan Kucey
Director of Customer Experience, SalesRight
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Since the launch of the app, the client has created a user base of paying customers through the app, who praise it for its design. The internal team has also been able to effectively innovate on top of the MVP. The project manager was also the lead designer, which helped with efficiency.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of customer experience at SalesRight, a SaaS product that allows sales teams to increase sales using interactive pricing guidelines. I work directly with customers to make sure they’re getting the best out of our product.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MindSea?

We’re a startup that only had an idea when we hired them. We needed a partner to take us from the blueprint process through the design and development of our web app. Our goal was to get an MVP with a quality UI/UX from the engagement.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

After explaining the product to their team, they completely took it over, starting with the blueprint process. They developed several iterations of  UI/UX design options as well as QA and user testing. All of their efforts led to the creation of a mobile-compatible web app. 

During the build, we were scaling up our own internal development team. So, shortly after they produced the MVP, they transitioned it over to our team. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with a team of one designer, two developers, and a QA team. Our designer was also the project manager.

How did you come to work with MindSea?

Halifax has a really tight-knit tech community, so we knew about them because they’re local. They had an excellent reputation in the community, with experience with projects similar to ours. 

In our early discussions, we found that they’re really strong with mobile developments, and we knew that we eventually wanted to move our web app toward mobile. We liked that they had that mindset from the start. It was also helpful to be able to meet them in person because of our proximity to one another. Because of all of that, we chose to hire them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We engaged them in July 2018 and launched our product in February 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

When they completed the MVP, they passed it off to our dev team. We’ve been growing rapidly since then, converting multiple paying customers. The positive feedback we’ve received speaks volumes to the work they put into the design and build of the app.

They also delivered a product that our product team could develop further. We’ve released multiple features since then. That also speaks to the quality and clarity of the MVP.

How did MindSea perform from a project management standpoint?

We enjoyed the unique team setup. Because our project manager was also our design lead, we had a more direct connection to the product itself. We valued that personal touch and created better relationships as a result.

The project manager had a thorough understanding of our product this way. We used Slack and email to communicate, but we also had in-person meetings. Our project was always prioritized by them, and communication was excellent.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We appreciated the uniqueness of having our product designer double as our project manager. It definitely stood out to us. Also, even though they’re a smaller team, we were always confident in their abilities. They brought a ton of experience to the table, which earned our trust. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There isn’t anything that comes to mind. With relationships, you get out what you put in.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re excellent, so be sure to engage with them. Don’t hold back from building a strong relationship early.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They were excellent.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They definitely earned full marks.
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    There’s always room for improvement.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I’ll be recommending them for sure.

Staff Augmentation for Early Mobile App Development

"They really care about, and take pride in their work."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
2010 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

MindSea has developed several apps for a development company including a photo app. Initially for iOS, the team also built Android, universal, and white label versions. They adapt the platform for OS updates.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
St. Louis, Missouri
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

MindSea delivered impressive apps quickly, which have performed well in the market. The team invested time to understand project goals, enabling long-term time and cost savings. Dedicated to results, the team has maintained high standards and works diligently to support a valuable partnership.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner and founder of my own app development company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MindSea?

I wanted to deliver a photo app as close to the launch date of the iPhone 4 as possible. Time to market was my main concern. I could have either ramped up on iOS development and made the app myself or hire a team to help bring the product to market a lot faster.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

MindSea helped us develop several apps. The most successful products are a suite of apps that replicate the experience of sitting in an old school photo booth. In particular, there are two apps that are thriving right now. One of them is designed for recreational use such as taking selfies with friends. The other is more capable, designed for people who want to set up photo booths at events.

While I was involved in the development process day-to-day, my focus was on the overall design. We worked together but MindSea built the app. Initially, the app was for iPhone. MindSea ended up porting it to Android. They helped develop other versions for the iPad as well as a universal iteration. As iPhones and iPads changed with various screen sizes and different iOS iterations, MindSea has been the one bringing it forward for each new device and operating system. Their team also built software, which made it easy for me to quickly deploy branded versions of the app.

What is the team composition?

From QA to development teammates, I’ve worked with probably 15 people over the course of our collaboration. MindSea has design, development, and test teams who are experiences on both iOS and Android platforms. They also have a seasoned web team who helped build web components for a couple of my apps.

How did you come to work with MindSea?

I searched Google to find that a lot of app dev companies were overseas with non-English speaking teams. It seemed that there was always going to be a go-between which didn’t seem efficient to me. I found MindSea online. I held a typical interview and hit it off with the founder, who understood my vision for the initial app. I talked to the team members who would be helping to write the software. There were no layers between me and the people who were actually getting their hands dirty with the software.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with them in 2010, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

MindSea captured my vision for the app really well. In the app store, the first product performed well. It was featured in the list of top 10 photo apps for the first couple of years. We made our Android version because Amazon asked us to develop an iteration exclusively for their app store. Businesses contacted us to port the app for their respective stores and each was willing to pay for that privilege.

Without MindSea, I wouldn’t have built the app in time for the iPhone 4 release. They were able to perform development tasks in parallel, which I would’ve had to do in series. It would’ve been a much longer process to launch the app without their team. If I didn’t have them onboard to help bring my ideas to light, some products might have never seen the light of day.

How did MindSea perform from a project management standpoint?

We hold video calls but MindSea uses Slack and Trello religiously. With Trello, we can see what’s been triaged and what’s being worked on presently. We’ve used slack for any day to day communication. When we had big releases and had more than just one person on their team working, the scheduling was met with the same rigor with which they used their organizational tools.

There was no software for a long time in the development process. I really appreciate and resonate with their design process. Before any software is written they work extensively to first explore, document, and design the software. They call it their blueprinting process. They rightly want to make sure that a product is captured on paper when it’s inexpensive to make changes and explore different ideas. It was a super helpful process, helping save time, money, and consternation.

What did you find most impressive about them?

MindSea has struck a great balance between being big enough to produce world-class work and small enough that I could reach out to teammates directly. There wasn’t a huge chain of command that filtered my messages. I didn’t have to navigate a huge bureaucracy. Their size is a great asset. No one’s phoning it in. They really care about their work and even take pride in it.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t think so.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure to carve out time to visit Halifax—it's an amazing city!

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

iOS App Development for Medical Feedback Platform

"Everyone who saw the app has been impressed with both the concept and the product."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Feb. 2018 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

After designing wireframes, MindSea worked collaboratively with an in-house team to develop an iOS application. The app helps patients control their usage of cannabis and share results with their doctor.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Canada
Paul Nykamp
Software Developer, Vapium
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The app is going through testing, and the feedback from business partners has been very positive. MindSea went above and beyond to meet all needs, while their personable approach and exceptional communication skills made them easy to work with.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a software developer at Vapium. We develop cutting-edge software and hardware products in the medical space.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MindSea?

We're building a product that will help users consume cannabis in a controlled way and record their usage. (Cannabis is legal in Canada and is used extensively for medical applications.) We reached out to MindSea to help us develop an iOS app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, we talked in-depth about our requirements and the audience. Then, they did the blueprint of the application, so they basically designed the app on paper. After we provided our feedback, they started the development process. The app allows customers to share their use of cannabis with their doctors and give feedback on the effects of the medicine on their condition.

What is the team composition?

We're currently working with our project lead and two developers. They're very flexible and willing to increase or decrease the number of team members depending on the phase of the project.

How did you come to work with MindSea?

I worked with them previously. I was the CTO at a different company, and MindSea built an iOS app for us. We had a very good experience, so I didn't hesitate to hire them for this project.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent between $150,000–$200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

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

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We're currently testing the app with our business partners, and the feedback has been amazing. Everyone who saw the app has been impressed with both the concept and the product.

How did MindSea perform from a project management standpoint?

We have weekly meetings, and communication has been very smooth. If there is a problem and I reach out to them, they get back to me within minutes.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're very personable and fun people, so it's been an enjoyable process.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Our experience was focused on building an iOS app, so I highly recommend MindSea to anyone who is doing a similar project. However, MindSea is also very knowledgeable about Android and other software. Some overseas companies are cheaper, but there might be communication issues, and it's hard to get the same quality. MindSea offers very good value.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    If there were any hiccups, they were mostly our fault.
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    There are less expensive options, but MindSea provides exceptional quality.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

User Experience for Mobile App Fuel Rewards Program

“We're very optimistic about how this product is going to transform our business...”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Sept. 2018 - Dec. 2018
Project summary: 

MindSea designed the UI and UX for a mobile app fuel rewards program, performing a design thinking workshop, user testing, and prototype building. 

The Reviewer
 
501 - 1,000 Employees
 
Dallas, Texas
Eric Evans
Sr. Product Manager, Excentus (PDI Software)
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

MindSea laid the groundwork for a product that has already brought a lot of visibility and positive attention to the business and program as a whole. Enthusiastic about the success of the project, their team was very proactive, timely, and hardworking throughout the engagement.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the senior product manager at Excentus, a loyalty marketing company focused primarily in the convenience retail space, which includes convenience stores, wholesalers, and fueling stations. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MindSea?

There were a few challenges we needed help with. First, we wanted to update our entire experience within the fuel rewards program since we hadn't made any updates to our digital pieces in over four years. Secondly, we wanted to improve engagement within the program. Lastly, we wanted to digitize the entire experience. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

MindSea set up a design thinking workshop, where we laid out a blueprint for building the app. While our own internal team did the actual development, MindSea provided three rounds of in-person user testing with about 12 different users, who viewed 50-60 screens that they had created prototypes of. Using that feedback, they helped us build a prototype in InVision and retested it to ensure we'd resolved all of its issues. 

What is the team composition? 

Since our project was so complex, we not only had a lead designer managing the project, but also three full-time designers as well as their CEO heavily involved in every aspect of the engagement.

How did you come to work with MindSea?

I had worked with MindSea before at a previous company and recommended them to our company for the project.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested about $80,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The project took place between September–December 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our team is extremely happy with the prototype MindSea helped us develop. It's one of the most exciting projects we've worked on in a long time. We've also received a lot of positive feedback from users during testing, who are eager for the app to go live. The strategy MindSea laid out for us was very thorough, yet easy to understand and well received by our customers, members, and internal executives. We're very optimistic about how this product is going to transform our business and the program as a whole. As a result, our biggest partner has prioritized our program as their top initiative for 2019 and 2020, giving us a lot of visibility. 

How did MindSea perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very responsive and one of the most accessible teams I've ever worked with. We had bi-weekly video calls with their team and met with them in-person three times.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're very good people and genuinely interested in building amazing products for their clients. They take ownership and pride in their work and developed a good rapport with our team. My internal team continues to request that we work with them again, so the experience has been very positive and we look forward to continuing the relationship. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They performed a culture review a couple years ago and asked me the same question, but I couldn't think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Dedicate as much time as possible towards the collaboration in order to help their team succeed while educating yourself on the process. They have some highly knowledgeable people on their team that can help guide the project, providing creative solutions along the way.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    It's almost unbelievable that they were able to hit our three-month deadline.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    I can't find another vendor willing to do this amount of work for even twice the rate.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    The solutions they delivered were a huge success.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I love working with these guys.

iOS Mobile App Dev for Communications & Scheduling Tool

"MindSea went above and beyond, and exceeded my expectations."

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Apr. - July 2018
Project summary: 

MindSea developed an iOS application, working on the MVP as well as user testing. They developed the app based on a basic walkthrough and flow produced by the client.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Toronto, Canada
Doug Zinkiewich & Scott Stallman
Co-Founders, Tasker
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The first phase of the project is completed and the look of the app at this stage is excellent. The team displayed their expertise in the app development field throughout the project, while ensuring that the scope of work stayed manageable and suitable for the need.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Scott Stallman: We develop a communication and scheduling tool for the contracting industry. I’m a co-owner of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MindSea?

Doug Zinkiewich: The challenge was the development of our app. It’s a collaboration platform that allows on-site workers to share data and have mobile access to documents

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

DZ: They developed our app for iOS. We’ve done user testing and come up with an MVP, and are now moving to other platforms.

SS: I initially constructed a PowerPoint presentation from data that I collected, with a basic walkthrough and flow from a user perspective. MindSea used that material combined with our feedback to build mockup designs.

What is the team composition?

DZ: Taylor (VP of Client Experience, MindSea) was the project lead from the very beginning. We also worked with a business rep, and had a main contact for development, who took part in weekly meetings. She was also the point person for user testing while developing the MVP and blueprints. There was another member working in the background, on the software development.

How did you come to work with MindSea?

DZ: In a previous position, I’d worked with an individual who’d developed an app with MindSea and who talked highly of them. We wanted a professional process for taking the app from idea to business and when talking to MindSea, they went through their process, stages, and everything that surrounded those—we liked what they had to offer.

SS: They picked up every idea we had, and they kept us on track in terms of goals and road mapping.

How much have you invested with them?

DZ: It was around $25,000 CAD (approximately $19,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

DZ: We started working with MindSea in late April or early May 2018, and finished in July. We’ve done the iOS portion, but we realized that we need to develop the administration web portal side.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

DZ: They were able to deliver an MVP along with blueprints and user testing within the time frame we outlined. We’re happy with the result and how it looks, and we’ve already talked with them about building the next versions.

How did MindSea perform from a project management standpoint?

DZ: We didn’t use a specific system; we developed a timeline in the beginning, and we followed that. We used Zoom and email for communication.

They were all in coordination, and they maintained the momentum, which was key for us. They were collaborative and proactive in what they did. They knew what to expect, as we worked through the process, and they worked well together. We could set up additional meetings with the CFO in order to determine valuations and go through some Excels.

What did you find most impressive about them?

SS: I initially wanted to incorporate everything I could into the app, but they kept us level-headed and helped us go through the journey of creating the MVP, so that we’d have a good structure to build on in the future. I found that helpful and I appreciated the constant communication. They sent us feedback and shared documents, giving us all the information necessary to understand the startup tech world. MindSea went above and beyond, and exceeded my expectations.

DZ: One of the things that attracted us to them was that they’d developed apps that sold on the market, and by a large number. Their experience is evident: they’re strategic and competent, they have a good project management mindset, they’re process-oriented, and they know what their objectives are.

As entrepreneurs, we don’t necessarily think within those areas, but MindSea is good at keeping us focused. The process can drag on, and there are roadblocks a lot of the time, but we were able to find solutions for the ones we encountered.

Are there any areas they could improve?

SS: They did go over the timeline for the initial kickoff and I had to ask them about our status. It would be good to have had updates throughout the process and using a scheduling tool might be useful. I don’t have any other comments; I think they did an excellent job and there isn’t much I would’ve changed.

DZ: I like their personalities, ideas, and the scheduling process. However, I would like the ability to make paper copies of our blueprints. I’m more old-school and I’m new to many of the modern communication tools, so I need to print the material, which is sometimes hard to do because of how it’s formatted.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    SS: I’ve already recommended them to a couple of people.

App Development for Photographic Tools Startup

“I’m blown away by the design and beauty of the interface.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Aug. 2017 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Supporting a new startup, MindSea is developing an iOS app per project blueprints. They used Firebase to build backend components and TestFlight to address technical issues during development sprints.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Ottowa, Canada
Shawn Kent
Director, PIXEO
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

MindSea is incredibly organized and honest. Instead of entertaining ideas that don’t fit the project, they proactively re-evaluate and innovate. They adhere to project blueprints and perform development sprints as scheduled. The app design is sophisticated yet accessible.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of a startup called PIXEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MindSea?

We wanted to build an app to further our long-term goal of developing photographic tools.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I had the concept of the app and contacted MindSea requesting a meeting. When we spoke, they outlined the blueprint process and were upfront about what was involved in planning and building the app. From there, they began developing our app for iOS and per their recommendations; we’ll hopefully launch an Android version in the future. To handle app content and media, they’re using Firebase for its backend components. As development continues, they’re using TestFlight to work through technical issues during sprints and establish user flows. Additionality, they’ve helped structure our business and build the background elements required.

What is the team composition?

I predominately communicate with one of their UX designers, but I’ve also had the chance to sit down and work with their CEO.

How did you come to work with MindSea?

There are two ways to approach app development at an early stage. The first is to find some guy in his basement that will code it for you. The other option is to seek out the best app developer that’s potentially within budget. I searched online and found the premier app developer in my region (MindSea). After meeting them, it was obvious why they were in that position.

How much have you invested with them?

Thus far, we’ve spent close to six figures.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2017 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app hasn’t launched yet, so I don’t have any measurable statistics. However, I’m blown away by the design and beauty of the interface. The design decisions are elegant and that’s all Warren [UX Designer, MindSea]. That guy’s a genius.

How did MindSea perform from a project management standpoint?

They're extremely organized and every step of the process is measured. The whole project is very well scoped out and they perform sprints as scheduled. Going into this, my biggest fear was having to deviate from the original project blueprint we designed together and cause cost overruns. But to date, they've been right on target.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their professionalism and morale stand out to me as the staff genuinely seems to like working there. As time progressed, we realized their passion and excitement for the project is 100% real. Another of their best qualities is bluntness. If we had any ideas that we liked but wouldn't have worked on the final product they let us know upfront. Instead of wasting time on an unrealistic idea, they help us re-evaluate. I appreciate that kind of honesty.

Are there any areas they could improve?

To be honest, I don’t have a single critique against them.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They never missed a deadline.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    It’s a complex app and I think the price is reasonable for the service we’re getting.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Deliverables are always on time and beyond what we envisioned.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    If I hear anybody wants to build an app, I'm going to tell them to call MindSea.

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$200,000 to $999,999
 
May 2017 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

MindSea built an iOS application for a job search startup and are now working on the Android version. The app includes location services, in-app messaging, a profile system, and a searchable job board.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Toronto, Canada
Adam McLeod
Founder, Adam Helps
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The iOS app has been released and received 1,000 downloads. Its look and design have been praised by users. The team is dedicated, diligent, and organized, working in weekly sprints and methodically completing tasks. They are invested in the project and their commitment shows in the results.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I run a startup called Adam Helps and created an app called ADAM. It’s a neighborhood app to connect with people physically close to you for the purpose of doing everyday tasks. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MindSea?

We were looking for somebody to develop our app. Our challenge was to find a company that was within our budget, but more importantly, the right size company. We didn’t want to give someone our requirements and not hear from them for five months. We needed to know that we were going to be able to work with the company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We went through a blueprint process where we planned the features list, prioritized them, and came up with goals. I immediately felt like we were totally synching and clicking off of each other in terms of understanding what we needed. The blueprint turned into a proposal for an actual scope of work. They have weekly meetings every week for 16 sprints (16 weeks) where we talked about what we were going to accomplish, what we had accomplished in the previous week, any problems, and anything that needs to be changed.

We did a full build of an iOS app which was released in September. Some of the features that the app needed are good location services, strong in-app messaging, a mutual review system, a profile system, a job board, and some search functionality. Now they’re currently working on Android. We’re also planning a second version of our app which includes some advanced features. 

They also they did additional graphic design work on our logo. They revamped it and also did a full refresh of our website to make it look nicer.

What is the team dynamic? 

That blueprint process was in-person with the whole team that we worked with, including the project manager, UX [user experience] designer, UI [user interface], and backend developers.

They also have somebody who is their business development person, and she was my go-to for advice.

How did you come to work with MindSea?

Through a lot of research and due diligence, including using Clutch. We got a lot of different prices, offerings, and structures. In total, we deeply looked at probably 10 companies.

What set MindSea apart was that I trusted them immediately. They conveyed that with their onboarding process and the initial people that we spoke with. You start with a blueprint, so it’s a warming up process. They did a lot of things to establish my trust as somebody who is in the startup game and has a lot at stake.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent 350,000 CAD [$276,000].

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in May 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our app hasn’t been live for too long, but we’ve just hit 1,000 downloads and that’s only on iOS. 

It’s been getting some great responses so far. We’ve been out at trade shows and tech events showing our product and getting lots of feedback. One of the things that we hear consistently is that the app is very nicely designed and looks aesthetically pleasing. The app has not had any bug issues. 

We have learned that there are some things that we didn’t anticipate and that we need to change. There are some things that weren’t as obvious to people as we thought they would be. We have to make some changes to some of the components.

How did MindSea perform from a project management standpoint?

We have weekly meetings. They are agile and very open in their communication. Those were the things that really stood out to me about the way that the process was going to move forward. They have totally delivered on that every step of the way.

They are very organized. Everyone works either on a Trello board or Slack to help keep people communicating all the time. The project manager will give me a list of things that I need get back to her on, such as a decision about a feature, color, or button. She also has her list of things to do and then we just update each other accordingly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They really were and are rooting for us to succeed. They’re not such a huge firm that you get lost in the mire of it. You matter to them as a client. There’s a feeling that they really want you to be successful and they’re there for you. I think that’s something that I look for in employees and in people that I work with. I’m not just a paycheck to them. I know that they really want the app to look as great as it can and they work hard to make sure that happens. Every time when we have had any issues, they have fixed it right away or made sure that it was a top priority. I have to praise them for being consistent with their amazing customer service.

Are there any areas they could improve?

If they were a bigger team, we might be able to move faster on a few things. They don’t have a huge staff and good developers are so hard to find. Every client would love to see things move faster, especially now that things are going well. But I understand that this is their size, and this is what we’re working with, and they’re not a factory.  

5.0
Overall Score It’s really the people that make the culture at MindSea. I really couldn’t be happier with their whole group.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They have a master schedule for the whole project, and then every week we do one thing at a time.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Their value is a hybrid of the quality of the work that they do and the quality of the service that they provide.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    I don’t think their quality of service can be beat. They make their entire team available.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    People love our app and they want to know who built it, and I have no problem saying it’s MindSea.

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
Project summary: 

Mindsea delivered UX design and app wireframes that would be used as a first step in building the client's navigation and location-based application.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Montreal, Canada
Lea Hardcastle
Manager, Trans Canada Trail
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Mindsea's detailed design and app wireframing significantly improved this client's ability to articulate development scope and improve the RFP process.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Trans Canada Trail is a non-profit with a mission of facilitating a recreational trail across Canada. I am the manager of information systems for the organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MindSea?

We were coming to a completion deadline for 2017, and were convinced that we wouldn't have signage on the ground in order to facilitate the navigation along the Trans-Canada trail. We wanted to create a virtual signage platform which would allow people to find, access, and safely navigate the route. We also wanted to raise awareness for the trail and highlight its history and cultural diversity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

MindSea was hired to walk us through a blueprint process for the development. We took some high-level goals and worked with MindSea in identifying our strategy and key audience, stripping down the feature set to something that we could move forward with. We went all the way to the design phase, getting all the elements needed to pull the app together on the development front. We didn't use MindSea for the development itself because we work with a specific GIS [geographic information system] program for a number of our internal tasks. We needed to build out that expertise, so we needed to find someone more knowledgeable of that system.

How did you come to work with MindSea?

We hired a different company for our signage plan, but it became obvious that we would need some technology help. That company referred us to MindSea. We met with them, and I liked the approach of blueprinting the app, getting out of the typical model of a 9-page RFP [request for proposal], which would have been vague. MindSea allowed us to fully articulate what we wanted from the app, get a good sense of its cost, and also obtain many of its design elements nailed down before the development started. We were able to envision the app, take it to potential sponsors, and create a more fleshed-out RFP.

How much have you invested with MindSea?

The cost of MindSea's work was around $10,000.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Having a reference point of detailed wireframes and design has helped structure our conversation around development, simplifying this phase. We have run into some technical issues but were always able to reference back to a strong set of wireframes. It helped answer questions from a user perspective, instead of from a coding one.

How did MindSea perform from a project management standpoint?

MindSea has a lot of expertise, and their team was good at holding our hands. This was the first app we'd ever built, so it was great to have an experienced group helping us walk through it. It helped us focus our feature set and get on the same page.

What did you find most impressive about MindSea?

MindSea helped our board establish expectations, and our management team to see what we were going to get.

Are there any areas MindSea could improve?

I don't have any criticisms for MindSea. The blueprint process was satisfying for us, and we've integrated it into our project. MindSea has a strong technical team, focusing on user experience.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    MindSea met all our goals.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I have referred MindSea. I believe that this blueprinting model is much more functional that the regular RFP process.
Verification

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Verification Level
Gold
VERIFIED
Business Entity
Business Entity Name
MINDSEA DEVELOPMENT INCORPORATED
Status
Active
Jurisdiction of Formation
Nova Scotia
ID
3223005
Date of Formation
Oct 11, 2017
Last Updated
Jan 28, 2019
Payment & Legal Filings
International Credit Risk Assessment

Per our methodology, the International Credit Risk Assessment rating is determined by our analysis of a credit report and third-party data.

Very Low Risk
Source
Creditsafe
Last Updated
Jun 19, 2019
Client Reviews
VERIFIED CLIENT REVIEWS
18
OVERALL REVIEW RATING
5.0
Source
Clutch
LAST UPDATED
May 15, 2020