Working With Us

Thinking about contacting us, but want more information? Here are some common questions.

What’s the best time to engage you?

You’ll get your best bang for the buck if you engage us during the product definition stage. This isn’t because we think we know everything about your product, but because our research and insights frequently add new features. If we come in after the product is fully defined, such features get postponed to the next release, and your users pay the price.

What’s the latest time to engage you?

If you call and say, “We’re launching in three weeks and want a good look and feel,” we’re going to decline the project. For projects like that, we advise that you find a graphic artist to create a good look for you, and we’ll help you with version 2.

The exact “last moment” line is not precisely defined, but if you can not change the contents of each screen in your site or application, it’s now too late.

How do we manage meetings? Do I have to come to Kansas?

That’s partially up to you. We use email, phone, Skype, and some other web services to keep in touch. If you need us to visit your site, we probably will. We like to collaborate closely with our clients.

On the other hand, we have some repeat customers who we have never met. So it’s up to you.

Have you done any work in [my domain]?

Probably. We’ve done work in multimedia, mobile payments, retail storefronts, social networking, banking, diabetes management, telematics, connection management, and more.

Delivery mechanisms have included Java ME, BREW, web, voice, uiOne, and SMS.

Who are some of your clients?

We’ve worked with operators such as Sprint and AT&T, manufacturers such as Kyocera and LG, startups such as Mobio and Vocel, and associations such as Mobile Payments Forum.

Do you have samples of your work?

Yes, absolutely. We’ve been in business since 2001 and have acquired clients each year. Send us a query, and we’ll send the document right out.

Do you do development?

Not really. While we have some ability to write code, it is almost strictly for prototyping purposes. Writing good production code is a separate art, and testing is another. We would have to have a different team for each of these skills in each collection of languages (XHTML, BREW, Java ME, Flash Lite, and so forth).

Besides, most of our clients have their own development teams.

Can I afford to work with you?

Well, that depends. If you are expecting a web site for $300, then no. In fact, our least expensive service is a review of your application, site, or design specification, complete with actionable recommendations for fixing issues. That will cost you $2,000-$12,000, depending on complexity of application and the type of report you need from us. A usability test is typically $15,000 and up. A design project is typically $20,000 and up. A research project (best combined with a design project) might be as low as $6,000, but is more likely $25,000 and up.

I have a pre-funding startup. Can I afford to work with you?

Probably not. To be a “yes”, we’d need to have a share of equity in your company; we’d be investing in you. We’d have to go through a due diligence process, much like potential investors might be. In general, the best time to bring us in is when you get the first round of VC, or possibly Angel investment. You have to get your technology working first, because that’s what VC invests in.

But I have another question!

Well, just contact us and ask.