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Mobile, Voice & Web Apps.

4.9
15 reviews

Rocket Insights is a small yet experienced team of product people building the agency we always wanted to hire. 

 

Rocket is also part of Dept - a leading international digital agency of over 1000 experienced thinkers & makers. One agency uniting creativity, technology, and data. Helping you reinvent & accelerate digital reality by creating experiences that people want and businesses need. www.deptagency.com

 

 

 

 
$50,000+
 
$150 - $199 / hr
 
50 - 249
 Founded
2015
Show all +
Boston, MA
headquarters
other locations

Portfolio

Key clients: 

Akamai, Barstool Sports, Bose, Brightcove, Chernin Digital, Circle, Comcast, Disney, ezCater, Foundation Medicine, Fidelity, Fox, HBO, Hulu, Indigo, Kickboard, Kuvee, PatientsLikeMe, PillPack, Virgin, Weight Watchers and many others.  

Custom Alexa Skills for the Amazon Echo

We've built a number of custom "Alexa Skills" for the Amazon Echo.

SmartVid.io - Web App

An ambitious product launch with advanced voice recognition, image markup, streaming video, real-time alerts, collaboration tools and flying drone support.

Play Impossible - Internet of Things

A multi-sport smart ball connected your iPhone, Android or tablet with amazing physical-digital games.

Barstool Sports (Chernin Digital) - Mobile App

In the client's words, "Finally, an app that f#cking works."

Virgin Pulse - watchOS Image

Virgin Pulse - watchOS

A showcase fitness app built in close collaboration with the Virgin Pulse & Apple Watch product teams.

Hulu Japan - tvOS App Image

Hulu Japan - tvOS App

Hulu’s flagship streaming platform built from scratch for the Japanese market.

Polar - Mobile App Image

Polar - Mobile App

From vision to realization, Rocket was selected by Polar Mobile to build their mobile polling platform from the ground up. Featured in the App Store, USA Today and Forbes magazine, Polar was acquired by Google Ventures.

Brightcove Gallery - Web App Image

Brightcove Gallery - Web App

Having worked on the team that built the original version of Brightcove, Rocket was hired to build Brightcove Gallery, a new product line tailor-made for digital marketers.

Reviews

4.9
15 reviews
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Alexa Skill Dev for Television Entertainment Network

“Unlike other vendors, they're receptive to our ideas and not intimidated by new technologies.”

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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
 
Apr. 2017 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Rocket Insights built an Alexa Skills Kit (ASK), from wireframes to the final product. Voice command features include information on scheduling, subscriptions, and a help menu.

The Reviewer
 
201-500 Employees
 
Los Angeles, California
Manager, Content, Television Network
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Rocket's ASK has been well received by internal stakeholders as the product continues to be optimized. Eager to lead in the Alexa AI voice space, their team is not only knowledgeable, but also great to work with. Their customer-centric can-do attitude sets them apart.

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 manager of multi-platform content for a television network. I oversee digital initiatives within our marketing department.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rocket Insights?

We were looking to bring our brand to Amazon's Alexa AI voice services platform. Our goal was to create an Alexa Skills Kit (ASK) that stood out on the market.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

At the start of the project, Rocket reviewed our product requirements and scoped out the project. Their team designed the ASK from scratch, providing wireframes, user flows, and suggestions for added features throughout. They built out voice commands for scheduling information of shows, special network updates, a help menu, and subscribing to our newsletter. We have a decent idea of what our fans want to hear, but we relied heavily on Rocket's team to address other topics we may have missed.

What is the team composition?

We worked directly with three members: Dave (Managing Director, Rocket Insights), Jesse (Co-founder and Developer, Rocket Insights), and Joshua (Co-founder and Designer, Rocket Insights). Dave acted as our main point of contact and Jesse developed the majority of the technology. Joshua spearheaded much of the editorial half of the project.

How did you come to work with Rocket Insights?

Our VP of operations and digital marketing was at the Consumer Electronics Show about a year ago and spoke to someone working on the Alexa platform who referred Rocket to us.

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested around $150,000 thus far on phase one of the project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them since April 2017 and we're just entering phase two of our work with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The ASK has been accepted with full approbation and delight within the company; our internal stakeholders are very pleased with the overall product and its performance. We're eager to see where the technology takes us in the coming months as we continue to build and optimize it.

How did Rocket Insights perform from a project management standpoint?

It was a very symbiotic process. Despite being on opposite coasts, their team is available to us any time of day through Slack and email. While we utilize Jira for ticketing issues, most of our communications are on an ad-hoc basis as we tackle each new feature separately either via email, instant messages, or phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I'm most impressed by their high degree of flexibility and, unlike other vendors, they're receptive to our ideas and provide invaluable feedback. When it comes to Alexa AI, they're leaders in this space.

Their communication is also fantastic—we can reach them at almost any time. They're just great guys to work with in general and very understanding of the nature of our industry.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I would encourage them to continue doing exactly what they're doing: building great products.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a good sense of what you want to build and create a bucket list of actionable items. I definitely suggest working with Rocket, because they're incredibly informed on the latest technologies in the market. You'll get a high level of follow through, project scoping, and flexibility by working with their team.

5.0
Overall Score Their customer service and communications are fantastic.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They always hit our deadlines.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Rocket is the most competitive vendor we've interviewed.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    We've never had an issue with product quality assurance.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I would recommend them without any reservations.

Dev Projects for Video Hosting & Publishing Platform

“They’re good about communicating, and we’ve never had to question their availability or transparency.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$1,000,000 - $9,999,999
 
Aug. 2015 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Rocket Insights augments in-house staff for small and large development projects. Full-range services include UX design, project management, and strategy.

The Reviewer
 
501-1,000 Employees
 
Boston, Massachusetts
Former VP Global Services, Software Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Excellent communication and flexibility to adapting needs makes Rocket Insights a true partner. Their price is high but still competitive, and their products’ quality is much higher than those of other vendors.

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 work at an online video platform that supports media and digital marketing companies in delivering video. I was the vice president of global services when I worked with Rocket Insights.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rocket Insights?

We needed to augment our staff because, for some projects, we didn't have enough professional services resources.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Rocket Insights was involved in numerous projects, big and small. We'd bring them in to help complete projects either ad hoc or they would be onsite staffed. Projects varied from designing an Apple TV product to delivering large scale over-the-top [OTT] projects. Rocket Insights are often the technical experts behind the scenes. We’ve had one of their developers onsite for over a year, and he’s almost become a de facto member of our team.

For the Apple TV product, our limited resources meant we needed someone to create the design, and Rocket Insight led that process. They worked directly with our lead designer, but their team provided all the hands-on-work for the UX design. For the larger project, Rocket Insights did architecture, development, delivery, and even a bit of project management and strategy. It was as if they were almost like a pseudo-CTO.

What is the team composition?

Rocket Insights usually provides a range of options, and then we can choose which developer fits our project best. They give us as much say in the team selection process as possible.

How did you come to work with Rocket Insights?

Our company had worked with them before in a different department, and they were well-regarded, so I reached out to them about the Apple TV project, and we’ve worked together since.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $1,000,000–$5,000,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve worked with them since August 2015. I’m not in a position that interacts with them anymore, but they still work with the company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Apple TV project was actually one of the most successful projects with the services group. Like any other software developer, they had some bugs, but they quickly remedied them. Rocket Insights’ work was definitely above what other vendors or partners would deliver.

How did Rocket Insights perform from a project management standpoint?

They were great. We have managers on site that work with them, but they also provide their own team of project managers, as well, who are consistently on our Slack channels. They’re good at communicating, and we’ve never had to question their availability or transparency. Besides Slack, they also used Basecamp.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The caliber of their technical talent is incredibly high. They have smart employees who bend over backward to help us. They’re not the cheapest, but their rates are definitely competitive and you get more than what you pay for. They under-promise and over-deliver, always meeting deadlines and budget requirements. Overall, they’re a dependable services team that delivers high-quality products.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing really comes to mind. They have plans to move their office to a more central location, which will be nice.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Rocket Insights is easy to work with, so be transparent and upfront about what you want. They can be a great partner if you approach them like that.

5.0
Overall Score I’d work with them again in a heartbeat.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They’re always on time.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    The price is fantastic for the quality of work.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They’re our premier partner.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I've recommended them a number of times.

IoT Dev for Amazon Echo

"They were very attentive, and seemed to be dedicated to producing something of high quality."

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4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Mar. - Aug. 2017
Project summary: 

Rocket Insights planned and executed the development of a skill for the Amazon Echo to promote an upcoming streaming show.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Los Angeles, California
Executive Director, Marketing, Video Streaming Network
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Successful planning and oversight yielded a marketable, high-quality product in a timely manner.

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 work with the marketing group at a video streaming network.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rocket Insights?

We wanted to develop a skill for the Amazon Echo to promote a specific show on our streaming service. We hadn’t done something like this before and hired Rocket Insights to provide guidance on planning and to build out the skill itself.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started with a meeting to discuss our major goals. After going back and forth, they came back to us with ideas on building out the various elements of the skill, and worked with us until they had an actionable development plan. They managed all aspects of development and worked closely with us and other vendors to make a successful product.

What is the team dynamic?

There were several developers on the team, but our primary point of contact was the project manager, Dave Wooding.

How did you come to work with Rocket Insights?

They came highly recommended by a colleague who had worked with them on various development projects in the past.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in March/April 2017, and completed the project in July/August 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How did Rocket Insights perform from a project management standpoint?

Very well. All parts of the project were delivered on time, and we never had issues with communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were very attentive and seemed to be dedicated to producing something of high quality.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I think they were a great partner.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Mobile App Development for Video Production Company

"They are really good at what they do and they really like doing it."

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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
 
June - July 2017
Project summary: 

Rocket Insights designed and built an app for a new type of mobile device. They provided icons and templates, embedded videos in the app, and developed a user guide for its features.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Boston, Massachusetts
Brett Wittenberg
Production Manager, Humongous Media, Inc.
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Rocket Insights handled last-minute requests and unforseen problems with confidence. The team responded quickly to questions, devoted long hours to fixing problems, and delivered an effective, bug-free solution. Their enthusiasm made the project both easy and enjoyable.

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 Production Manager at Humongous Media. We are a video production company, but we handle a lot of other services as well.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rocket Insights?

We had to create a working app for a major cellular carrier’s devices over a very short period of time. We needed the app developed from scratch.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Rocket Insights started by designing a look and feel for the app, a home screen, tile options, and icons. Once we had those approved by the client, we went through a few rounds of feedback and then they created the app itself.

Our client had a new phone coming out that is compatible with a voice activation app. The app has our videos embedded into it, which was challenging, and explains all of the new functionalities to customers in the physical stores who weren't aware of the features.

What is the team dynamic?

We worked with five or six individuals from Rocket Insights over the course of the project. We communicated with a project manager and during short turnarounds, we communicated with the developers directly.

How did you come to work with Rocket Insights?

We were aware of their work because Ashley Streb (Co-Founder, Rocket Insights) had worked with one of our employees in the past.

How much have you invested with them?

Between $10,000 and $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2017, and they delivered the finished product in July 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We loved working with Rocket Insights. They put in a lot of late nights and we had a very involved client. It was a challenging project and we had some unforeseen issues. We really appreciated them working very closely with us and the client to make sure that we could deliver the way the client wanted us to. We really appreciate their expertise, and they delivered the product on time without any critical bugs or defects.

How did Rocket Insights perform from a project management standpoint?

We didn't use any project management tools. They were very responsive to emails and they gave us their phone numbers. We had a lot of same day turnarounds during our project, and it was easiest to pick up the phone and call them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are really good at what they do and they really like doing it. It never felt to me like we were hassling them whenever we called them to make last minute changes or revisions. It was great that they seemed to enjoy the project so much.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not during our project.

5.0
Overall Score They are the best. If we had another project or somebody else had a similar project, we would highly recommend them. It was a good project for us and for our client as well.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They adhered to the initial schedule and then also to our changes and requests for same day turnarounds.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    The amount of work that they did for the price was really impressive. We were not overcharged by any means.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    The client was really happy with the quality of the app which was great for us because app design is outside of what we do as a video production company.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Website Development for Healthy Lifestyles Brand

"They delivered everything on time and to the specs we were asking for."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
Project summary: 

Rocket Insights developed a mobile responsive website and provided the UX design for a product built to store a large quantity of photo and image content.

The Reviewer
 
5001-10,000 Employees
 
New York, New York
Marketing Manager, Lifestyles Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

For this client, Rocket Insights' ability to stick to the project timeline was extremely important, the client attributes this to their proactive nature to fully scope the work. 

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

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

The company is the largest global weight loss services, provider. We focus on helping people live a healthy lifestyle. I’m in the marketing department and oversee our social media department.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rocket Insights?

We used Rocked Insights to support a couple of acquisition focused campaigns we were doing over a years’ timeframe. They were also leading efforts to build a supporting website for a photo generation campaign that we were doing. We wanted to drive word-of-mouth and user generated content sharing across social media platforms.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We built the photo generation as a mobile responsive website. We provided the UX and design but they partnered with us on that. Users can go to the website, upload a photo, and edit it the way they want to. They can then share the photo on social media and email. There was a photo gallery on the site where users could view other users’ photos.

How did you come to work with Rocket Insights?

They were actually brought to us as part of a relationship we had with our creative agency at the time. Our creative agency came up with the campaign and the photo activation, and then they looked for a partner who could build it out. I believe they had a previous relationship with Rocket Insights. After six months, we were no longer with the creative agency but continued to work with Rocket Insights directly.

How much have you invested with Rocket Insights?

The cost of the project was $10,000 to $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

In total, we’ve had a relationship for over a year and we continue to work with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The functionality worked from launch date on both campaigns we ran with them. That has been a challenge with development partners in the past, where the project is late or they don’t have the features and functionality that we agreed on. They were great partners to work with.

How did Rocket Insights perform from a project management standpoint?

They delivered everything on time and to the specs we were asking for.

What did you find most impressive about Rocket Insights?

They’re very thorough in asking questions and figuring out the scope before they start. In the course of the project, when we needed changes, they were flexible in adapting to that.

Are there any areas Rocket Insights could improve?

The second project was easier because we were working directly with them. We’re very happy with the work they’ve done so far.

5.0
Overall Score We had a very positive experience. It’s probably the best experience I’ve had with any development agency.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    There were some costs that we didn’t scope for. Their cost in relation to their service is very good.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    We’ve had no issues with quality.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Long-term Development Partnership for Design Studio

"In addition to being great engineers, they are nice guys. From my perspective, that is really difficult to find."

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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: 

The client has had a longstanding partnership with Rocket Insights, bringing them in on many occasions to support the development side of their design contracts.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Boston, Massachussetts
Jeremy Merle
Craft Co.
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Pointing to the multiple projects completed with Rocket Insights, the client highlights the development work has always been sound and the products met with rave reviews.

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 are Craft, a product design studio that works with startups and large organizations to help them implement design strategy and product design into their company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rocket Insights?

When we have engagements where we are providing product design services, they help us from an engineering standpoint to launch new products for clients.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They work with us from a product perspective (engineering and creating the product) and a front-end web development perspective.

How did you come to work with Rocket Insights?

I worked with them at a previous company for many years. That is how I connected with them, and that is why I want to continue working with them.

How much have you invested with Rocket Insights?

We have spent between $10,000 and $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

It is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Every project I have done with them has been met with rave reviews from both the clients we are working with and consumers. In terms of the work they have done, from an engineering standpoint, it has been completely sound and well received.

How did Rocket Insights perform from a project management standpoint?

What I like about them specifically is the fact they are very easy to get along with and talk to. In addition to being great engineers, they are nice guys. From my perspective, that is really difficult to find. When you are working with them, they can communicate what they plan to do in plain language since not everyone will understand what they are talking about in engineering terms. That is a real value that they bring.

What did you find most impressive about Rocket Insights?

Their number of years of development experience, matched with their experience with business-to-business and business-to-consumer work is difficult to find.

Are there any areas Rocket Insights could improve?

Not that I can think of right now.

5.0
Overall Score Everything has been great.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    I have not had an issue with any deadlines.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They have been great on that.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

UI/UX Design for Interactive Consumer Product

"Rocket Insights was easy to approach whenever we wanted to make a change."

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4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
Project summary: 

This client's design needs surpassed the capabilities of their in-house team, Rocket Insights provided UI design, product mapping, and layouts.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Boston, Massachussetts
Ed Tekieian
CTO, Kuvee
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Rocket Insights' ability to capture the right aesthetic and concept for the UI design impressed the client, and easily allowed for multiple iterations.

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 have developed a new kind of wine bottle which uses software and electronics. We have a 15 person team. I am the chief technology officer [CTO] of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rocket Insights?

Because we're building an aspirational consumer product with a high aesthetic standard, we quickly got to the point of surpassing our staff's ability to make interface decisions. We needed to start designing interactions with our wine bottle and website through an experienced user interface and graphics team.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Rocket Insights has provided design services for our company. We have talked about using their team for other tasks. We have broken our scope into multiple small pieces, so we constantly have at least one active task, designing the next flow or set of screens.

How did you come to work with Rocket Insights?

Rocket Insights was recommended by my peers in a CTO circle that I frequent. Technical people are always looking for designers who can hit aesthetic standards, but who are also skilled enough to understand the layout and workflow of the app being built. Rocket Insights gets high marks on both points.

We talked to a range of companies with varying prices, and we had also been using an offshore firm with design capabilities, but my inclination was towards Rocket Insights from the beginning. They had good references from people whom I trust. Rocket Insights clearly understood the goals we were after and knew how far they could go within our budget constraints.

How much have you invested with Rocket Insights?

The cost of Rocket Insights' work has been between $10,000 and $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Rocket Insights 3-4 months ago. We're currently working through our remaining portions and building more depth into the user interface.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We had an existing user interface, as well as a conceptual design input created by a big design firm in Boston. We gave Rocket Insights all of this material, together with a written document for the makeover we wanted to make, detailing how many screens we were willing to revise in a certain period of time. Rocket Insights came back with a user experience which really hit the nail on the head.

How did Rocket Insights perform from a project management standpoint?

From the beginning, we were paired up with a designer from Rocket Insights who took part in all of our meetings and had a hand in making sure things were working right. Rocket Insights was easy to approach whenever we wanted to make a change. I've heard from their CEO regularly, and have come to know the whole team well.

What did you find most impressive about Rocket Insights?

Their changes were lean and easy to implement. We were able to have multiple iterations over the course of our project.

Are there any areas Rocket Insights could improve?

With any project like this, costs will be relatively higher than having a designer on staff. I'd like to see some long-term models for an affordable engagement from Rocket Insights.

Some small details have been lacking. We were always able to catch them through a second or third iteration, but Rocket Insights should have paid more attention in these cases. We've had a good collaboration overall, so I don't have other criticisms.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Rocket Insights has been very god at maintaining our budget. At one point, when we needed to go over budget, Rocket Insights substantially discounted the hourly rate.
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I would and I have.

App Development for Virtual Gaming Company

"Rocket Insights' check-ins were of the highest caliber, which has resulted in successive builds of our product..."

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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: 

The client looked to Rocket Insights to deliever an iOS application that would connect with their sensor products used to create a virtual gaming system.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Seattle, Washington
Brian Monnin
Cofounder, Play Impossible
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Rocket Insights' strong project management and continuos communication has this client looking forward to future projects together.

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

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Play Impossible is an active entertainment system. We are adding electronics and sensors to sporting goods and toys in order to turn the real world into a video game. I am the chief executive officer and a co-founder of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rocket Insights?

We connect our sensors to an app, which is where our collaboration with Rocket Insights began. We are looking to ship our product at the beginning of 2017, so we needed top-end app engineering talent on a deadline.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When hiring engineers, either full-time or on a contract, we've looked for problem solvers. We assign individuals to the technology stack best suited for their abilities. Rocket Insights' team was an iOS candidate, which has higher priority than our other platforms. Rocket Insights can provide deep backend and client experience as well, but we have focused on iOS first.

How did you come to work with Rocket Insights?

Our chief technology officer is working out of the East Coast and had a past relationship with Rocket Insights. This hasn't been an important consideration for our group, but it has helped to have Rocket Insights in the same time zone.

How much have you invested with Rocket Insights?

The cost of Rocket Insights' work has been between $10,000 and $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Rocket Insights 6 months ago, and plan to have a long-term collaboration.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Rocket Insights' check-ins were of the highest caliber, which has resulted in successive builds of our product, as we're iterating towards a final market version.

How did Rocket Insights perform from a project management standpoint?

Rocket Insights made it easy for us to get started, continually improving on a weekly basis. Our project debriefs and ramp-ups were delivered by Rocket Insights.

What did you find most impressive about Rocket Insights?

Rocket Insights has integrated quickly into our virtual office startup environment.

Are there any areas Rocket Insights could improve?

We always try to gain efficiencies without sacrificing quality, but there isn't anything I could mention about Rocket Insights. They've been outstanding, and I would jump at the chance to work with Rocket Insights again.

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

Design and Development for Video Delivery Platform

"Rocket Insights has shown a great commitment to doing the right thing, working with us in understanding our development practices and standards."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$200,000 to $999,999
Project summary: 

Rocket Insights was brought in to augment the client's development team in addition to taking lead on the Frontend UI/UX design of the video platform product.

The Reviewer
 
501 - 1001 Employees
 
Boston, Massachussetts
Neal Weinman
Engineering Director, Brightcove
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The product has recently been released, Rocket Insights' commitment to the product and its success stand out for this client in their ongoing 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.

‎Brightcove is a video delivery platform for a variety of customers, including anyone looking to perform digital marketing.

I am one of the engineering directors of the company, responsible for our products and technology on the software development side.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rocket Insights?

We were looking to bring a new product to market and had some resourcing challenges. We have a longstanding relationship with Rocket Insights and a lot of faith and confidence in their abilities to not only act as a resource augmentation provider but also as a partner in the UI [user interface] design and implementation phase.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Rocket Insights has helped us from the beginning of the front-end UI design process, through much of the development process.

How did you come to work with Rocket Insights?

My company was first engaging with Rocket Insights a year ago when I came onboard, so I don't know how the relationship was started. Rocket Insights was clearly a go-to for us when the time to augment our current staff came.

How much have you invested with Rocket Insights?

The cost of Rocket Insights' services has been in the hundreds of thousands of dollars range for the first year.

What is the status of this engagement?

We have been working with Rocket Insights for 9 months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our product was released in October 2016, broadening our capabilities around social media integrations, specifically YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. We provide the ability to take managed video assets from our cloud product and distribute them to social media channels, pulling back analytics data for them. It is a one-stop-shop for social digital marketers to get their message out through video.

There's a bit of a rinse-and-repeat process around user feedback, changing designs and tweaking the products. Rocket Insights has been along our side, showing a fundamental understanding of how our systems work. I came to specifically appreciate Rocket Insights' ability to provide ideas on how we could provide the best possible user experience. In this sense, Rocket Insights is a true extension of our team. They made sure that our project was going to be successful, thinking about the work as if Rocket Insights was serving its own customers. That overall mindset is top-notch, just like the quality delivered.

How did Rocket Insights perform from a project management standpoint?

Rocket Insights has been good around estimating the work, which is always a little dicey. Day-in and day-out, we've had a high degree of collaboration and communication. We have different internal collaboration tools for team productivity. Rocket Insights became involved in them, acting as a part of our team, with regular communication.

What did you find most impressive about Rocket Insights?

Rocket Insights has shown a great commitment to doing the right thing, working with us in understanding our development practices and standards.

Are there any areas Rocket Insights could improve?

Rocket Insights has a lot of strength around front-end development and UI design, but we've engaged them for some backend development as well. We may not have provided the right level of oversight, and Rocket Insights may not be as used to this type of work, so the work didn't go as flawlessly. There were some lessons learned around the need to engage Rocket Insights in a different way on the backend side.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    It's hard to give anyone a 5 on this front. Some areas have taken longer than expected, but Rocket Insights did everything required on the backend of things, in order to make up for lost time.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Rocket Insights was conscious of this area, and met our expectations.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

App Development for Online Catering Platform

"It was one of the best projects I’ve ever worked on."

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5.0

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
Project summary: 

Under an aggressive timeline, Rocket Insights was brought in to augment the client's mobile team and deliver an iOS application of their online marketplace.

The Reviewer
 
51-200 Employees
 
Boston, Massachussetts
Jason Squatrito
Development Manager, ezCater
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Rocket Insights successfully integrated into this client's team and meshed culturally, delivering on a tight timeline and budget.

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

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

ezCater is a nationwide online marketplace for business catering. We connect business professionals who need to purchase catering for events, meetings, etc. anywhere in the country with top-notch caterers in the local area. Before our business was created, these professionals went to Google to try to find caterers. Now, with our site they can quickly search, find a matching caterer, and place the order on the website. We take care of the order, from placement to fulfillment, which saves them a lot of time.

I manage the mobile development team.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rocket Insights?

We’ve got a small mobile team. Hiring top notch mobile engineers is challenging, so for the sake of speed, we looked at a few vendors and chose them.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The goal of the project was to launch version 1 of our iPhone application. They were brought in to spearhead that from a design and development perspective. It was a close collaboration between our two teams.

How did you come to work with Rocket Insights?

We liked the caliber of their team. We met with two of the co-founders and two of the designers and we were really impressed with what we saw and what we heard. Culturally, they seemed most closely aligned to how we operated. They’re fairly young, fairly small, and fairly nimble like we are, so we thought there wouldn’t be any clash in terms of trying to align the two approaches towards software engineering.

How much have you invested with Rocket Insights?

We’ve spent under $200,000 with them on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with them for four months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It was definitely a success from the perspective of time and budget. We came in slightly ahead of schedule and right on budget. We just launched two weeks ago, and we purposely launched in a very stealthy mode, so we don’t have any numbers to share.

What did you find most impressive about Rocket Insights?

We suspected they would be very easy to work with and would align culturally with ezCater, and that happened more than we could’ve hoped for. It was one of the best projects I’ve ever worked on.

Are there any areas Rocket Insights could improve?

I’ve suggested to them that they could take a stronger stance on mentorship. The project had a tight timeline, so that was hard, but I’ve told them it would be a high-value addition from a client’s perspective. They’ve agreed and they want to deliver more on that.

5.0
Overall Score The engagement has been only four months so far, but they’ve been a great four months.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    We hit our deadline, which was aggressive.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    It was a time and materials contract, so into the project we realized we were overstaffed. I let them know we were going to scale back, and they were fine with that. They never gave any hint that they wanted to overstaff the team to make more money.
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    We have had some complexities in the project given they’re remote developer. That’s difficult no matter who it is. If everyone would have been collocated onsite, I could give that a five.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    They’re reasonable in terms of rates and flexibility.