Webandcrafts

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a technology design studio based out of Guatemala City, Central America. We provide UX / UI designs for websites, mobile applications, web apps, etc. We strive to make world-class technology accessible to any size of company.

I am currently Product Design Lead, and my job is work alongside the team, to analyze user cases, problems to be solved, etc., and come up with innovative solutions that will make our client's lives easier, after we have delivered the development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Webandcrafts?

We have been in partnership with Webandcrafts for over two years now. Since Seger Studio specializes in design, we do not have a big development team locally (only for small projects). For middle-size to big projects, we rely on Webandcrafts for the development of the systems we design.

What were your goals for this project?

To provide top-of-the-line development for all the projects that we design, as Seger Studio.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were looking for development partners to establish a long term relationship with them. Thus, we were not only looking for technical proficiency, but also for the appropriate organizational culture, work ethic and overall support and quality.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

We have so far worked in several projects, ranging from websites, to web apps, mobile apps (both, native and hybrid), and eLearning.

What was the team composition?

PMs, QAs, and junior and senior developers. Since we work the UI on our side, we haven't had the need to work with their UI designers that much.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

The projects we have worked with Webandcrafts have been pivotal to our company. We have been able to establish a good reputation in Guatemala, and since we started working with them, we have been able to increase the size of the projects and clients that we attract.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Their project management has been very effective. We have been able to meet tight deadlines, and coordinate with them effectively, in spite of the fact that we are in different time zones completely.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their work ethic, rapport, and customer service. When a problem arises, we always find a willingness to help and give the extra mile if necessary.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing major that I can think of right now.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of an online schooling platform. We give software to schools.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Webandcrafts?

We needed help with software development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed basic software for us so that we can help schools in our area have better interactions between teachers, students, and parents.

We used open source software for everything. It was developed in PHP with the backend in MongoDB. The framework that we use in PHP is CodeIgniter. This learning management system helps kids learn from their home. That’s how we described it to schools and we were able to sell it to a sizeable number in our region.

What is the team composition?

We had a main point of contact and also spoke with one of the developers. They provided good customer service.

How did you come to work with Webandcrafts?

A friend recommended them to us. They were just a startup at the time, but we liked their enthusiasm and passion.

How much have you invested with them?

$120,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from December 2014 until 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They provided a great service for us and we’re very satisfied with them. There wasn’t a single issue with any malpractice. Nothing was reported anywhere in our relationship.

Their work helped us to establish good relationships with schools. The platform became a communication tool for several schools to encourage teachers into a pattern of sharing notes. That was a good way for us to increase our business.

How did Webandcrafts perform from a project management standpoint?

They met deadlines very well. We’re really satisfied. Even after the development work, we’re happy with the service they provide—it's remarkable. We use the phone, email, and mostly WhatsApp to communicate.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re trustworthy and dependable.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It would be helpful if their direction moved more toward app development.