Twelve Agency

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a co-founder of a tech startup, and we have two products. The first is an alumni networking software that can be used in universities and schools. The other is a group networking product that can be used by religious institutions, local community clubs, and similar groups.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Twelve Agency?

We needed help in designing our group networking product. We were starting from scratch, and although we have software development capabilities, we don’t have any full-time designers.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We described our vision with Twelve Agency in our initial meetings. We didn’t give any documentation, but we had collective brainstorming sessions with their team. 

Twelve Agency helped us refine our ideas into brand themes that we want to include in our product experience. We knew what market we want to address and what functionalities the product should have. They transformed our concepts into the brand’s messaging. 

Twelve Agency created our brand guidelines document. It’s a 20–30-page file that includes all the visual language, logo, and key messages for our brand. The document defined our brand values and contained guidelines on how we should use color and logo.

Although we’re developing the product by ourselves, Twelve Agency assisted us with the platform’s theme. They created UI elements that were aligned with our color and brand rules. We used their output in building our product.  

What is the team composition?

I worked with John (Co-Founder) and Chris (Product & Design Exec). 

How did you come to work with Twelve Agency?

I knew John and worked with him before as an independent consultant. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent right about $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement lasted from September 2019–July 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Although Twelve Agency was not responsible for the heavy lifting when it comes to building the app, they delivered useful components for us to work with. We’re delighted with their designs.

How did Twelve Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

We were happy with Twelve Agency’s project management. They were clear about timing, deliverables, and expectations. They completed tasks on or ahead of schedule.

We used email and Slack to communicate. We had many in-person meetings, and they regularly worked in our office. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Twelve Agency delivers high-quality work, and they do it in such a way that it feels they’ve exerted personal care. They’re unlike other agencies where you’re mostly talking with a junior resource and you rarely speak with a senior person. We felt like their executives gave us a lot of attention, which helped in us getting high-quality results.

Twelve Agency didn’t just deliver as we instructed them to — they delivered what would be the best for our product. It’s cheesy to say that everything has been perfect, but that’s how we feel about our partnership with Twelve Agency. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. I don’t feel like there was anything that we were disappointed with. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give them the freedom to push back against your ideas and to be opinionated when you’re wrong.