Is our user-focused philosophy and adaptive approach a "good fit" for you?

We've built more than a hundred custom web applications—from ecommerce and content management to partner portals and intranets.

After many great successes (and overcoming quite a few hurdles) we've learned a few things…

To ensure that our philosophy, approach and skills bring the results you expect, please take a moment to read our view of the "ideal collaboration."

Why do this? Simply stated…we can only succeed meeting your specific objectives if our mutual expectations are in sync.

You are our dream client if…

• You have considered the following questions and drafted answers:

  • What is the vision of your project? What business goals do we intend to meet?
  • Who are the people who'll be using the web application? What are the key benefits it will bring them?
    (We can help to refine your vision and build consensus within your team.)
• You are prepared to involve the development team as your partners and invest significant time to collaborate with us. Why? Execution (development) follows planning (vision/strategy for the site). The execution of strategy also brings changes to strategy and planning over time. Successful strategic outcomes are best achieved when those responsible for execution are also part of the planning or formulation process. The greater the interaction between "doers" and "planners," the higher the probability of execution success.
• You have started to define specific, measurable objectives. For example… "Currently 5% of my dealers use the extranet—I need to bring it up to 30% to cut my support costs." (We'll work together to refine these goals and set specific and realistic targets.)
• This web application is the key to rising above your competition. You're not merely trying to catch up with other businesses. Instead you're creating a system that differentiates you.
• Off-the-shelf software cannot handle the unique variables and complexities of your project. If your needs can be met with an existing product—by all means use it! The wheel has been re-invented far too many times already and has become quite affordable. However, if you need a system to tailor-fit your processes (instead of changing your processes to follow a "standard" workflow)—or a solution has yet to be invented for your unique situation…then this is our turf. Custom applications are what we do best. This is where you will get a real benefit from teaming up with us.
• You have an internal project "champion." You see, your web-application will likely impact the interests of different groups—or even different departments—within your organization. Chances are that their expectations may conflict (what else is new?). We'll make sure to hear out all stakeholders—creating a common vision and defining success metrics. The mission of the internal project champion is to keep the stakeholders involved, up to date, and true to the project vision. This champion also ensures that all internal resources are allocated, keeping the team on course.
• You "buy" into our philosophy—that placing the user experience as top priority generates the highest return on investment.
• You have undertaken similar projects in the past. You understand the costs, timeline and functionality trade-offs involved.

In what situations are we not a good fit?

If you can relate to the majority of the points above, then teaming up should produce remarkable results.
If you're not sure, let's sit down and take a close look at your situation.

In addition, there are several specific issues that we would like to call out as a "no-no"—meaning that a partnership between us would have more risks than potential benefits…

• You cannot allocate significant time from your internal staff to this project. You need a vendor to take the input from you, then run everything on your spec and present the final results.
  

  It has been our experience that to build a custom system suited especially to your users' needs two things are required: 1) we must be deeply embedded in your organization and 2) we need in-depth interaction with your team. Otherwise there is a high risk that your application will fall short of critical objectives.

• Your vendor selection process has to be very formal. Written communication only—until project is awarded (this is custom to some RFP workflows).

  In our experience, we can only provide a reliable quote for a complex project aiming at creating a great user experience by spending significant time face to face. We must thoroughly understand your needs first. Written documents are usually too abstract or missing important details.

We must thoroughly understand your needs first. Written documents are usually too abstract or missing important details.

It is easy to think we are in agreement when we are not:

picture from 37signals.com

• Creative work has all been done and there are low level details defined in stone. It is already pretty much defined where buttons and boxes should go on each page. Specs are closed for further alterations. All that you're seeking is the most cost-efficient coder..
• While we appreciate the effort that you may have put in these details…we need flexibility to influence the design, workflow, and page structure. It's the only way to meet the goal of great user experience. (We will, of course, incorporate your corporate style and color schemes into the visual presentation.)

If you're still not sure about our "fit" after reading this—give us a call. Let's sit down and discuss your situation in detail. We'll either make a commitment to deliver on your vision or help to find a vendor who might be more appropriate.