NativoPlus.Studio

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of DumbOldSpider. We envisioned a platform for self-employed artists and small studios to run projects and self-publish.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with NativoPlus.Studio?

We wanted to develop our platform using architectural and design best practices. I only had a typical MVP, but I needed an organic platform to showcase to stakeholders. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

NativoPlus.Studio continues to develop the front- and backend of our self-publishing web platform. From what I’d started, their team collaboratively designed a road map to execute our long-term vision for the website.

Using C#, their team developed the first version of the platform to publish books. They implemented an architecture with the capacity to support other technologies such as machine learning, which would drive more decisions, predictions and audience engagement.

NativoPlus.Studio actually put together a case study to showcase machine learning capabilities using Python, but the code didn’t make it to the platform. We still appreciate their approach because we were able to look to the website’s future.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with six to eight teammates from NativoPlus.Studio.

How did you come to work with NativoPlus.Studio?

We were interviewing a lot of companies at the same time. Besides capable coders, we wanted to work with a team who shared our values as this would enable us to endorse each other’s contributions to project success. Our partner had to have a similar way of working and thinking—be honest and straightforward. Those qualities stood out in NativoPlus.Studio.

How much have you invested with them?

The project’s valued between $30,000—$60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in April 2019, and the collaboration is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The team delivered the first version of the website for self-publishing. Because we’ve worked together so well, we’re now looking to expand our collaboration beyond my product.

How did NativoPlus.Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

It was new to them, but their team learned Agile as I requested. We’ve enhanced processes as the project has progressed, creating a channel to share and track data. NativoPlus.Studio can work in a modern and cohesive way and gives 100% to achieve project goals. Their availability and willingness to be verbal drive the product.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve worked with a couple of different teams before, and it hasn’t worked. This is the first team I’m happy to work with. Unlike other firms, NativoPlus.Studio can break away from traditional, rigid development models and communicate long-term product visions. The team’s willingness to take on new challenges and learn are their greatest strengths.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could continue to challenge themselves in different directions because they’re capable of learning and using new knowledge quickly. Project management is a continuous process of modification and optimization.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Sit down with the project manager and discuss the product vision in as much detail as possible; be generous with information.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Huli. We offer a unique shopping browser that suggests local services to users as they make online purchases.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with NativoPlus.Studio?

We had an idea for a business but lacked the technological expertise necessary to create everything ourselves. Therefore, we needed an experienced firm to build out our platform.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

NativoPlus.Studio developed our platform’s website, browser, and Android application. The browser is integrated with Amazon and Yelp APIs to form a hybrid infrastructure. The current version gives users the option to shop locally when browsing online for services. For example; if someone purchases dog food on Amazon, our browser will suggest local veterinary hospitals or nearby grooming facilities. It gives a lot of exposure to small businesses.

The Android app functions similarly, but it’s designed for mobile devices. Features include live weather information, an integration with Amazon Home Services, and geolocation technology. There’s also a shopping cart functionality. Those features combine to form a useful and polished platform.

They’re also integral to the design of our online presence. Our internal team came up with the company logo, but NativoPlus.Studio designed the website and mobile app. They’re responsible for both frontend interfaces.

What is the team composition?

Jose (Senior Enterprise Architect, NativoPlus.Studio) is our primary point of contact. Overall, we interact with 3–4 resources from their team.

How did you come to work with NativoPlus.Studio?

We found them through Upwork and decided to reach out. After talking with Jose for countless hours and bouncing ideas back and forth, we decided to hire them. We considered other agencies, but most of them were either too expensive or lacked communication skills.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ll likely end up spending over $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2018, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t gone through with a full-scale lunch quite yet, but the marketing team we hired is blown away by the app’s uniqueness. The idea is great, but it takes a talented team to make a product work. Jose and his team have done a fantastic job, so I’m confident that the platform will succeed.

How did NativoPlus.Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

Jose manages his team expertly. Whenever I bring up an issue, he delegates task effectively and ensures a resolution is made. He also analyzes how each change will perform within our current business model.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They perform the work of a high-end development shop for a reasonable price. It’s hard to find resources that can provide their level of quality. I’ve stuck with Jose for so long because I trust his team. They care about my business and want to see us succeed.

Are there any areas they could improve?

If I could start the project over again, I’d organize an in-person meeting. However, we’ve managed to overcome project obstacles by communicating over the phone or through email.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to share a full breadth of project goals. They’ll rise to the occasion.