Selecto

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the co-founder of Ona Care Technologies Inc. We provide a platform that connects elderly people in need of care with caregivers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Selecto?

We engaged Selecto to design the UI/UX of our web platform.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a website optimized for our target audiences. We also wanted Selecto to design tools that allow users to manage their schedules and care needs.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After considering several design firms and reviewing their portfolios, we chose Selecto due to their high-quality designs and experience in creating similar platforms. Our product manager handled all communication with Selecto and other firms under consideration to determine which vendor best understood our business and design needs.

Describe the project in detail.

Selecto designed every aspect of the client, caregiver, and admin experience on the site. They also designed each respective feature. We provided project requirements and reviewed the designs as the project proceeded. Selecto also was heavily involved in developing solutions to various use cases and creating marketing strategies.

What was the team composition?

We worked with Timur (Middle Business Analyst, Selecto), Viktor (Project Manager, Selecto), Vladislav (UI/UX Designer, Selecto), and Roman (UI/UX Designer, Selecto).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The platform has yet to launch as we’re still in the development phase. However, we received positive feedback from potential users after testing the site’s UI/UX. They agreed that the UI is very intuitive and easy to navigate, which we’re pleased to hear.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project ran smoothly from start to finish. We had daily meetings to discuss progress and give feedback—a process I enjoyed as a client. The meetings kept us extremely well-informed and guided our decisions about the project’s direction. Every team member was available at most meetings throughout the design period. However, when one of the designers was reassigned to another project while our collaboration was ramping down, the quality of work remained equally high. We also coordinated via Slack and Google Docs, which allow for quick and effective communication. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team’s excellent communication and top-notch designs stood out to us. Selecto went above and beyond to meet our needs and listen to our suggestions. They took ownership of the entire project, which we greatly appreciated.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, we were thrilled with their work and the overall collaboration.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the co-founder of an educational tech startup. We’ve created an attractive, easy-to-use platform that consolidates the most convenient knowledge sharing tools into a single product.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Selecto?

We conceptualized a web-based education platform that allowed professionals from differing fields to conveniently share their expertise. Because we lacked an internal development team, we needed resources to build the platform.

What were your goals for this project?

The biggest challenge was figuring out a way to combine the various technologies into a single product while still being appealing to users. We wanted to make sure that the platform could cover both user and lecturer needs. Moreover, the product needed to be user-friendly, unique, and competitive.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Although we researched similar Ukraine-based digital companies, Selecto had several advantages. Not only did they excel technically from a UX design, frontend, and backend perspective, they also had exceptional business analysis skills. Most of all, they understood our idea and were passionate about it.

Describe the project in detail.

Initially, they helped us identify a direction for our product by focusing on the end-user experience. This involved using mind maps to visualize business scenarios, performing market and user research, creating user journeys, and applying design thinking approaches. They then developed the platform from scratch, built an intuitive design, and implemented it into the product.

The platform allows users to conduct and attend courses. By using a wide range of knowledge sharing tools (e.g., text, images, videos, webinars, conferences, discussion boards, tests), users can personalize their education to suit their learning style. Currently, the team is still developing and testing the platform.

What was the team composition?

They’ve assigned a project manager, a business analyst, front- and backend developers, UI/UX designers, and testers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Selecto created a convenient, logical platform with a beautiful interface; we’ve actually received offers from other companies to buy the design. Although we’re still in the early stages of the project, we’ve received positive reviews from testers, and users are eager to hear more about our service.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I enjoy collaborating with Selecto, and they’ve become invaluable partners. The entire team is actively engaged in the project, finding exciting ways to improve the site and implement our services. In terms of communication, we’re in constant contact with them. Professional and easy-going, they always act quickly to address any concern.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I appreciate their level of support and engagement. Because they have experience developing educational technologies, they understand how our product should look. They refine our ideas and make them even better. Whenever we encounter a challenge, Selecto helps us find the right solution.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, nothing comes to mind. They always strive to support their customers, and we’re happy to work with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Smart Touch LTD is a fitness mobile application that provides personal trainers and general membership with food and diet meal ideas. It also includes more than 12 levels of programs geared specifically for women who want to lose or gain weight at the beginner or intermediate level. I’m the owner of the project.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Selecto?

I needed an app developed, but I don’t have any development resources in-house.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

My expertise isn’t in development. I had an idea and a business model, and I wanted to create an app for it. They explained the whole process, like how to create an account on Apple and how UI [user interface]/UX [user experience] design works.

They created a website for the admin area, a mobile app for users, and another mobile app for trainers. They started with a prototype, and said if I accepted the prototype, they would move to UI and UX. If I accepted that, they would move to developing, then testing, then release. They did everything from scratch.

The apps are available on iOS and web interface. Both apps are launched, and I am now starting to contract with them for the Android version.

The content they added to the app includes tips, articles, and videos, and it took a long time. We have more than 100 exercise videos. They also created a new CRM [customer relationship management].

What is the team dynamic?

There were 5 or 6 people working on the project, including a sales manager.

How did you come to work with Selecto?

I went to a conference in Ukraine and collected many business cards from companies in Kiev. I looked into 3 of them, and they were all the same: They didn’t care. I didn’t really know what I was doing or exactly what I wanted, so I needed someone willing to teach me or give me some background about development. These companies weren’t interested in helping me move forward.

I searched online and found Selecto, and I talked with the sales manager, Ruslana [Business Development Manager, Selecto]. I told her my situation and other companies’ responses and asked if they could help.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent $35,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2016, and the apps were completed in March. I added more features for personal trainers, which we completed in August. They are still working with me.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I now have 27,000 users with a conversion rate of more than 2%. Selecto has great designers, and the users love what they did. Our admin side includes customer satisfactions stats that show 95% of our clients are satisfied. Overall, 5% say it’s bad, 20% say it’s OK, and 70% or more say it’s awesome. Users love the design, the idea, and the way it’s presented—everything.

Selecto not only did their assigned work, they also thought through other aspects of the project with me, like customer segment strategy. They did that well, and it was very helpful.

How did Selecto perform from a project management standpoint?

They work in sprints and are usually on time. They plan things 2 weeks out and decide who will work on what. They call me on Skype every day to keep me updated, which is great.

Their project manager was great, and I asked to use the same one for Android. Unfortunately, she isn’t available, but they have so many, I know I’ll be able to find someone else.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They treat their clients like family. If you don’t know something, they can explain it. If I want to do something, and they think it’s a bad idea, they will give me their advice and share why they think it will hurt my project.

All of the other companies want to just receive the requirements and do the project. Even if the requirements are stupid, they will do them without pushing back. They don’t want to invest a lot of time in the relationship.

I appreciate what Selecto does and I feel well cared for. I like that they don’t just sell apps, they take the time to educate. In addition to the app they created, I now have more familiarity with how the development cycle works, how a team functions, etc. I had no knowledge and they taught me everything. They’re very patient.

The sales manager was also great about payments.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. Even if there is a problem, I simply contact them about it, and they fix it as soon as possible.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of Tech Vanguard. It’s a Swiss company focused on different types of new ventures in multiple industries.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Selecto?

We are using on a worldwide project for the legal market called Round Law. We are trying to disrupt the industry by creating a website which provides users with quality lawyers online, as well as interesting tools utilizing artificial intelligence. I was starting the project with my own money and wanted to find a team to create an initial version for market validation, after which I could hire in-house developers. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Selecto was hired to develop our project. I was able to give them my ideas and have them come up with solutions beyond just UI and UX. Compared to Indian companies, for example, Selecto’s team thinks outside the box. If I get the chance to keep them in-house somehow, I will. They’re the perfect team.

I only had an idea in the beginning. We would be working with top lawyers, so everything needed to be perfect, from the logo design to the mailing system. It needed to be innovative but conservative at the same time.

The team handled all of the backend and administrative work, as well as landing page and banner design. They’re preparing all of our social media pages as well.

They’re now working on another product and the team will create all iOS and Android designs for that.

How did you come to work with Selecto?

I wanted to work with an outsourced company for cost reasons. I’m Russian/Ukrainian and went to visit my grandmother in the country. Someone recommended Selecto to me, and I visited their office. They have a nice team; everyone speaks English, and they’re smart and able to provide what I need.

How much have you invested with Selecto?

I have gone through many projects with Selecto over the years for various presentations and products. I pay them around $40 per hour, and the total will be around $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with Selecto in June of 2015. I will continue to use them on an ongoing basis since I’m extremely satisfied with the team. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have had a 35% conversion rate since the first test in March of 2017. We needed a soft launch to attract lawyers since that’s what the product relies on. We launched an MVP and have continued to work on the final product.

Selecto has been almost like an in-house team but outsourced. They love what they do, which shows in the work. It’s not just about money. Selecto gives me the best solutions, corresponding to our budget and situation.

They have also worked with one of my partners, an independent consultant in Switzerland, on two separate projects, which have had great results.

How did Selecto perform from a project management standpoint?

They were always on time, and their project management is perfect. Selecto uses tools like Asana, Slack, and InVision which are useful for the process. We also communicate through Viber and WhatsApp. I’ve never had to push the team. They were always on time and had high performance.

What did you find most impressive about Selecto?

I’ve had very bad experiences working with Indian developers, and I’m glad I found a team that speaks great English. Selecto is a young team, so they may not work the same for everyone, but I’ve had a perfect experience.

I have worked with many production companies in the past, and it was a hassle. We needed to figure out what was in clients’ heads when they couldn’t properly explain what they wanted. What’s great about Selecto is that their designers are highly knowledgeable about our market. Instead of them drawing precisely what I told them to draw, I could sit down with the team, answer thousands of questions, and then proceed with the design. The work is smarter as a result.

For example, I used to have credit cards and bank account numbers as payment methods. Selecto told me that providing a bank account was not necessary since every lawyer had a credit card. They also suggested that I provide companies with the ability to register multiple lawyers at a time. They are like an in-house product management and development company.

Are there any areas Selecto could improve?

I speak Ukrainian, but I also speak English during certain conference calls. In order for Selecto to be treated like an international company, they need to perfect their English fluency.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the owner of several organizations, including a small company in Geneva working with the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). I also run other companies doing work in the harmonization of health standards all over the world. We work with groups in Brazil, Russia, and the US. We have adopted Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for work inside other countries. We have a seven-person team for content production and other related work. LIFE4ME+ is an app aimed at HIV-positive people. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Selecto?

At the beginning of our project, we needed design services in order to build a user interface and understand how the application should look. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Selecto has provided branding services for us and also helped us choose the name LIFE4ME+. They gave us a number of possibilities for naming the application, and we had many conversations on the subject.

We gave Selecto the specific task of creating a neutral design, without any stigma for HIV-positive people. It couldn’t have any bright-red buttons, for example. Our target users needed to understand what the purpose of the application was (which is where the “+” in our name comes from), but it also needed to look like a general lifestyle app to anyone else. Selecto achieved this well, creating designs for our interface and user experience. They created a logical way for users to interact with the application and the more than 100 screens within it.

Selecto also helped us put together a script for a video and recommended a production company for it.

We worked with between three or four people from Selecto’s team. General designs can look good, but they don’t always translate into functional programs. We had conferences involving our own employees, as well as the teams from Selecto and Onlinico, our developer. We also had meetings with Selecto’s team alone and kept in touch with them on a daily basis.

How did you come to work with Selecto?

We looked at many companies, and it proved difficult to find a really good one. We were willing to pay, and it was important for us that the job be done in time and by experienced people, not recent university graduates. I had a few conversations with providers but didn’t get a good feeling. I eventually asked Onlinico for a recommendation since they were a good partner for us. They also use partners for design and recommended one which they thought to be very good, Selecto.

How much have you invested with Selecto?

The cost of Selecto’s work was below $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Selecto in September of 2016 and completed in November.

The application was released on the 31st of January, 2017, and is currently available in 156 countries. It’s mainly available as a paid product, but we also wanted to make it free-of-charge for countries like Ukraine, Estonia, Armenia, Kenya, and so on. In order to achieve this, we needed to make a copy of LIFE4ME+ for those particular areas. The free version will have its own design and logo so that it will be associated with its particular markets. We plan to pursue this new project with Selecto and have them identify a new style for these countries.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have just launched the apps, so we still need to collect data around them. It's important that we reach patients and doctors around the world. We have had discussions with the governments of Uzbekistan, Armenia, Russia, and Estonia. They are interested in buying licenses for our solution. The app is available in 156 countries through the UNAIDS program.

How did Selecto perform from a project management standpoint?

Selecto could be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We visited their office in-person and also communicated through WhatsApp and Skype. Resource management was split between our teams, but the last word was ours. Selecto gave us different options and allowed us to decide based on time and cost factors.

What did you find most impressive about Selecto?

They are able to deliver on time. We have worked with another designer from Moscow and always saw deadlines being pushed. Selecto also has a very young and creative team. They were willing to discuss the work with us, provide many ideas, and brainstorm. They speak English, Russian, and German, so their language skills are very good. It was a very comfortable collaboration.

Are there any areas Selecto could improve?

It would have been nice for us if Selecto was able to produce videos since we wouldn’t have had to contract with another company. They can, to an extent, but not at the level we needed since we required a producer, a professional camera, lighting, actors, and so on. Selecto isn’t focused on this niche, though. They have created a website for their company, and Selecto also has a new office, so they’ve improved on these fronts. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My company is Sprout Rewards, and I’m the founder. It’s a mobile application that gives local businesses the service of customized loyalty programs and offers them customer referral programs within their business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Selecto?

My need was just the development of the app. The cost here in Canada was extremely high, and having a native app built for both iOS and Android would have cost about $200,000.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I had a couple mockups and iPhone vectors, although the actual application didn’t follow them. I had an idea, and I worked with Selecto to define it. In the beginning, it was defining, from an Agile development standpoint, how a user was going to complete tasks using the app. We went through it with a fine-toothed comb.

They have an iOS team and an Android team, so they built together. Each release to me, separated by two weeks, involved different aspects of the app, from your home page to the different functionalities it provided. They also had designers and a backend dev team. So, the scope was the definition of the product, building it, and then testing it, which I approved before sending any payment. They also did a landing page for me.

How did you come to work with Selecto?

I used Upwork and interviewed several companies. Selecto was the most communicative, and they offered a good price point.

How much have you invested with Selecto?

I’ve spent about $16,000-17,000 CAD [approximately $12,000-12,700 USD].

What is the status of this engagement?

The project began in July of 2016 and is complete. We are going to be working on app updates which weren’t part of the initial agreement, so the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

My retention rate is 87% on Android and 65% on Apple, but I think that has more to do with the value the app provides. People find it quite easy to use from a UI standpoint, which contributes to user engagement. What they built contributed to that retention rate, but it’s more a correlation rather than a causality.  

How did Selecto perform from a project management standpoint?

I was blown out of the water by how communicative my project manager was. That made the experience for me something built on trust. I never hesitated or doubted their skills because of how meticulous she was. I was a little disappointed when she was moved to a different position. The new project manager wasn’t good at replying to my emails at first, but that’s gotten better.

We communicate through Skype, and all Agile development definition goes through Asana.

What did you find most impressive about Selecto?

I find it very valuable that the members of their team each have tasks they’re very good at. They have an iOS developer, an Android developer, a UI/UX designer, a graphic designer, and a backend guy. I like the focus they provide in each one of those categories.

They seem to be very creative and passionate about what they do. If I give them full creative control, I’m happy with the results. I don’t have to add changes to the UI/UX.

Are there any areas Selecto could improve?

Their pictures on Skype look like stock images. When I first started talking to their team, I wasn’t sure if they were real people. I recommend they put a bigger focus on creating a culture for themselves and having more photos of their team.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

I am a consultant for a German startup working on technical projects involving GPS tracking.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Selecto?

We were looking for a partner who could build the internet platform used for tracking our machines and assets through GPS.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in greater detail.

Selecto developed our web-based platform using PHP, JavaScript and other technologies. The project had two steps, the latest one taking place in 2017, and each one involving two developers. Our communication was done through Skype, and I served as the only contact from our side.

How did you come to work with Selecto?

We looked at different companies on Upwork and contacted Selecto because they'd worked on projects similar to ours.

Could you provide a sense of the size of this initiative in financial terms?

The cost of Selecto's work has been around $7,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Selecto in July 2016. The first project ended in September. We started a new phase in January 2017, which was completed two weeks ago. We plan to use Selecto for our next step, which will begin in a couple of weeks, depending on our budget.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

The platform for tracking our systems was done perfectly. The only changes were based on changing customer expectations.

How did Selecto perform from a project management standpoint?

We worked with a project manager who coordinated our two developers. The communication was done exclusively through Skype and phone. We had daily calls and kept in constant communication.

What distinguishes Selecto from other providers?

Selecto keeps in touch with the customer. They were always willing to fix any bugs or issues identified in our system at no additional cost.

Is there anything Selecto could have improved or done differently?

Not at the moment.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a product owner of a social platform that allows people to improve themselves and save the planet by participating in different challenges and making donations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Selecto?

We were looking to build an MVP so that we could validate our product with the real market. We wanted an experienced team to help us shape our idea and put together a product roadmap.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Our partners previously worked with Selecto on another project which was long-term. So there was a level of trust on our end.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

They started off with a discovery phase which helped us to understand the target audience better. They conducted user and stakeholder interviews, researched the market. Based on the insights from the discovery phase and key personas, they defined the functionality and built the product concept. We’ll continue working with them to enhance our product after the next funding round.

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

We worked with a product manager, a business analyst, and a team of designers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ll be able to demonstrate measurable results after the launch. As for now, stakeholders are quite happy with what the team has delivered so far. And we got a deeper understanding of how our product could evolve.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very efficient. They were highly organized and took full responsibility over the project which was exactly what we needed. We had meetings on a regular basis and felt that our suggestions were taken carefully.

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

We are constantly impressed by how creative they were and how thoughtfully they approach the project. They shared our values and were more than willing to bring our idea to the next level. We were on the same wave from the very start.

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

We had such a positive experience that I can’t think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Order2Cash is a SaaS Provider in the Accounts Receivables Industry focussing on the Enterprise Market. In my role as CTO I am responsible for Product Development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Selecto?

Order2Cash is continuously developing new products and we hired Selecto to help us all the way from and to turn ideas into a prototypes.

What were your goals for this project?

The initial goal was to have a UI/UX design for a new product but since we were happy with the delivered work we added the Prototype deliverable.

SOLUTION

How did you select Selecto?

After an initial interview and PoC we continued.

Describe the project in detail.

The project went through all the proper phases as suggested by Selecto. Discovery, WireFrames, UI/UX and Prototype. We worked in several Sprints with clear deliverables presented during the Sprint Review.

What was the team composition?

Project Manager, Business Analysts and UI Designer. The team shifted from BA focus to UI focus during the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In one Quarter a working prototype of the requested product was delivered.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had regular meetings and since Quality is a Core Value of Order2Cash we were looking for a partner to match this.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were able to support product development in an are they were not familiar with, Accounts Receivable in a very short matter of time. They were well prepared in every meeting and were able to provide us with suggestions with did not think of before the project.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Looking further than just the next sprint, be more proactive in providing insights in the full process till the end.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the c-founder of the company. we develop an interesting app's product that we believe will change or develop market movement special services based on technology trends.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Selecto?

we have worked with Selecto, to identify the idea and put it, into action, to find out if it's fit to the market. basically we ask them to work with us in building to discovery sage where we can start gathering and defining information. after that, we start building our UX and UI where it would not be easy without the amazing team we worked with.

What were your goals for this project?

bring the idea to life and building it from scratch.

SOLUTION

How did you select Selecto?

we have done our research and we looked for an experienced and yet young enthusiastic company that has a team where they can understand what we think of easily.

Describe the project in detail.

we went through three main stages to come up with the design product.

1. discovery research
2. UX design
3. UI design

What was the team composition?

The team was up to the challenge and providing thoughts and solutions to make sure the idea is unique as we thought of it. we have a completed team combined of 1. business analysis 2. project manager 3. project coordinator. 4. product manager. 5. UX designer manager 6. UI designer manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

we start from 0% and now we are 100% all completed within the timeline with excellent quality as we expected.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They are 100% effective and I can totally recommend them and we will keep working with them in near future for the upcoming challenge.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

coordination, communication, teamwork, and the sense of responsibility to make sure they deliver customer satisfaction.

Are there any areas for improvement?

they are great