Zco

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our initial discussions clarified how to maximize our existing data assets and the ideal UX/UI. We collaboratively developed a basic starting template. The specs outline new types of metrics we wanted to gather. Zco incorporated my feedback on design specs including wireframes and storyboards. The iOS app lets me set custom alerts and apply my parameters to incoming metrics. User-configurable thresholds maximize data utility.

They transitioned hosting from a third-party platform to my Amazon cloud-based account. I have much more control over this platform. The app lets me conduct quality checks in-house. An intuitive display visualizes results from raw incoming data. Several design iterations and a data acquisition phase yielded a viable mobile app.

What is the team composition?

My two main contacts at Zco are the project manager and his supervisor. I've only interacted with those two resources but assume a full development team writes the code.

How did you come to work with Zco?

I considered several potential contractors. After finding Zco via Google, I contacted their CEO. Their excellent communication skills were the deciding factor. Most vendors can offer comparable development work. We had a tight deadline to get the quote into a federal agency. Zco was by far the most responsive option.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2017 and wrapped up the first phase by December. I plan to work with them again shortly to expand this project. Ideally, we’ll establish a new six-month scope in April 2018. Having established new uses, we’re going to develop the app much further.

What was the scope of their involvement?

I came to Zco with the app idea, and we worked together to develop the imagery. Initially, it was going to simply be a storybook concept, but after working on character development, design style, and the 3D and 2D animation, the app evolved into more of a game concept. Zco helped me develop three game episodes that center around three of my recipes. From there, we underwent a lot of crafting and editing the dialogue. We then did voice-overs and developed music for the app. 

Zco has also been extremely helpful in launching and marketing the app. They submitted it to the App Store and created the promotional content for it. They’ve helped me with SEO as well, assisting in putting together keywords and phrases to boost the app’s ranking. They’ve also sent it to news outlets to help promote it.

Currently, the app is for iOS only, but we intend to create an Android version once I get more traction.

What is the team composition? 

Kevin Morrow, the senior account manager of Zco, was my initial point of contact. During development, I worked closely with Don Austin, Zco’s Executive Vice President, who liaised with about two or three of their developers on my behalf. I also worked with Matt Henry, their creative media director, who handled the sound and video production.

How did you come to work with Zco?

I had a very specific vision of an animated concept, so in my search, I prioritized developers who were skilled in animation. I was also interested in a work-for-hire basis to ensure I owned the future assets.

I came across Zco, and they had incredible reviews. I spoke to the references they provided, and they raved about them. I also appreciated that, unlike a lot of other firms I spoke to, they didn’t have to get external graphic designers to create images for me and then attempt to manipulate it into an app. They have a very holistic approach. Last but not least, I loved their work, so it wasn’t a difficult decision.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working on the app in October 2016 and wrapped up development in early January 2018. The timeline was initially shorter, but as the scope of the project increased, so did the timeline. I didn’t have a strict deadline; I just wanted the product to be perfect. It took a bit longer than we thought, but I’m really happy with the end result. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app essentially presents users with onboarding tutorials that explain the setup process and how to use the product. It also prompts users to fill out personal information to assist police before pairing with a smart device. Zco provided design, as well as frontend and backend development, for the native iOS and Android versions of the app.

To begin, they designed screens based on a list of requirements we provided. We went back and forth on edits before development began. From here, they arranged the project in detailed milestones, producing deliverables for testing every couple of weeks.

In addition to developing the app, they provided website development at no extra charge. They also volunteered to assist with the production of marketing materials, creating a promotional video. As we approach completion, they’re helping launch our product on the App Store.

What is the team composition?

There are four or five people assigned to our project in total, though we communicate directly with two. We have a U.S.-based project manager who oversees the project, as well as a team lead who manages their overseas developers.

How did you come to work with Zco?

We were looking for developers in the Boston area and came across Zco, one of the world’s largest app development firms. They had a number of positive reviews, offered better rates than other agencies we considered, and had experience with projects similar to our own. We also seemed to connect with the team, so we decided they’d be a good fit.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2017 and our relationship is ongoing. We’re currently in the final testing phase of the project.