Brent Vrab Review from Google

2.0★

Brent Vrab's Review Sourced from Google

This is long but needed for context.Having previously engaged Brandwell to design our original website and branding, I returned to them to undertake a $10,000 UX/UI review and website redesign. They were already familiar with our business, the existing website, and the objectives of the project, which gave me confidence they understood the brief and what was required. I did not engage Brandwell simply to produce attractive XD mock-ups.The visual design itself was professionally presented. Unfortunately, when it came time to implement the designs, significant structural gaps became apparent.The proposed website architecture introduced new navigation, treatment journeys, menu structures and page hierarchies in XD format. However, the design package did not include several of the page templates and reusable layouts required to build that architecture.This was particularly frustrating because Brandwell's own proposal stated that the design phase included:Website Design Layout (Mobile & Desktop)Design and layout based on testing and approved recommendations.Includes two rounds of amendments. (No amendments made)Assets & FilesLiaise with developer to ensure transfer of design and recommendations. (Only with their partner, not my chosen dev)Supply supporting files to website developer. (Didn't happen)In my experience, the design package ultimately supplied was not sufficient for the developer to implement the proposed website architecture without further design work. During implementation, these omissions were identified by the development team, making it impossible to reproduce the proposed website as designed.What was most disappointing was that, during the project, Brandwell acknowledged that additional templates would need to be created during development. These were not new features requested by us; they were fundamental page types required to support the website architecture Brandwell had already proposed.When I later requested completion of these missing design deliverables, I was repeatedly told they were "outside scope". Rather than completing the missing work or proposing a practical resolution, Brandwell ultimately ended discussions, stating:"We are no longer willing to engage in any further work or continue spending time reviewing items that are clearly outside of the agreed scope. Given the ongoing misalignment, we believe it's best that both parties go their separate ways."I found this particularly difficult to reconcile with an earlier statement from Brandwell:"The expectation from our side is that a capable dev partner would be able to interpret and execute the design with some standard dev expertise, experience and flexibility."Unfortunately, even the dev Brandwell introduced to the project identified that additional design work would be required before the website could be built. They couldn't execute which started my questioning and distrust in what I paid for to what I received. So I was quoted a dev cost with more design elements (again).If you are considering engaging Brandwell for a website project, my advice is simple:- Ensure the proposal specifically lists every page template and reusable layout you expect to receive.- Confirm whether category pages, landing pages, archive pages, hub pages and reusable components are included.- Don't assume that a sitemap or navigation structure means the underlying page designs have been produced.- Have your developer review the design package before making final payment to Brandwell.Although I considered pursuing the matter through legal channels, I ultimately chose to focus my time and resources on completing the project instead and move forward.My experience was that the visual concepts were attractive, but the deliverables lacked sufficient implementation detail for a developer to build the website architecture that had been designed. This resulted in considerable additional time, cost and frustration—the very issues the project was intended to eliminate.They simply failed on this contract and took no accountability.

sam van iseghem Review from Google

5.0★

sam van iseghem's Review Sourced from Google

I could write a long review on how great the team at Brandwell is - because they do incredible work. Professional, sharp on deadlines and with deep branding knowledge.But the best proof of the great work they do is that we have now developed three brands with them, and just finished a 4th project, too. We've come back many times over the last three years, and will continue to do so!

Dux Coffee Review from Google

5.0★

Dux Coffee's Review Sourced from Google

Working with Brandwell was such an insightful and fulfilling experience. The team helped us through a carefully process to distill our brand values and propositions.More importantly we find them to be passionate about their work and beyond that, a keen interest in the business we are operating in. With their branding acumen and application, we are able to proudly bring our brand to life.Special thanks to Anthony and Damien, for working with us every step of the way and for being such great people!