Strategy. Branding. Design. Technology.
Founded in 1996, we’ve got decades of experience solving tricky business problems through the thoughtful application of design and technology.
When we first started out, we had to learn what we didn’t know, just like anyone new to a job.
Over 70% of technology projects fail to meet their timeline, budget, and/or expectations–they fail when buy-in isn’t secured early on, when expectations aren’t managed honestly, or when the approach is too rigid. We know these failures can be frustrating, disappointing, and could be financially devastating.
During our first year in business, we saw those failures–and we didn’t like them.
Together, we realized that what mattered most to our team was having an agile mindset that craved continuous improvement. That would allow us to hone our skills quickly and really master creating and managing realistic project timelines and budgets.
Our process is literally as easy as pie.
The pie pictured here was made by Leo’s Table
Alignment & Expectations
Each major phase of work is kicked off with a stakeholder meeting (to get alignment and set clear expectations between our team and yours) as well as an internal “all hands” meeting for our own team. These ensure everyone on both teams is aware of goals, tactics, timelines, etc.
Stakeholders are never “protected,” “coddled,” or “shielded” from the hard questions and difficult discussions because we need your understanding and buy-in at each stage of the project. We do this to get key issues out in the open; to benefit from your wisdom, perspective, and experience; to get buy-in; and to determine what things need testing to enable a confident decision—but also to truly understand what makes you special.
Throughout the project we’ll have regular stand up meetings with your core team and internal stand up meetings within our own team to make sure everything’s staying on track. This continuous and open communication allows issues to be identified and resolved quickly without wasting time. It also lets us identify possible alternatives in approach, develop a list of user-testing questions, and encourages ongoing brainstorming and innovative thinking.
Meeting notes are captured and filed in a location that both our teams have access to with key decisions highlighted in a way that makes it easy to track what was talked about, when, and what was decided from each conversation. This ensures that everyone is always “up to speed” on the project at every phase.
“I’ve never heard [my] team agree on anything before”
Ultimately, we turn daunting technology projects into fun, team-building events where everyone leaves feeling empowered, with new respect for their colleagues.
Data VS Feelings
We’re all human and we all bring feelings to the table. It’s our job, as leaders, to guide your team in focusing on goals and using data to make decisions that will allow the project to meet them.
Throughout the creative process, we’ll ask you to focus on “what’s working” rather than what you “like.” How do you know if it’s working? We’re looking for alignment between your big picture goals, your brand story, your target users, and the structure/layout of the design directions.
We’re also all smart people and we each bring great ideas to the table. However, we’ll never know if those ideas actually meet your audiences’ needs if we don’t ask them. To make sure that whatever we’re creating actually helps your organization achieve its broader mission, we’ll always ask rather than assume.
Knowing what doesn’t work is just as important as knowing what does, yet the fear of failure permeates many corporate cultures, discouraging risk-taking and encouraging the status quo. We endeavor to fail as early in the process as we can so that our teams can pivot to ensure project success.
“Your work exceeded all expectations and brought this project up to a level that really makes me proud.”
Technology Agnostic
Like every tool, technology only helps if it meets your needs. We check our egos at the door and focus on how to solve your problems.
We don't pick our favorite technologies, we pick the ones appropriate for the solution.
What do you think? Are you ready to meet the team?
Or you can skip right to the part where you send us an email.
You do you, friend. You. Do. You.