Essential Designs

The Custom Application Developers

5.0 25 Reviews
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Verified Profile

Essential Designs is a custom software developer, and has been building custom mobile and web based apps since 2008. We are trusted application developers with a wide range and depth of experience in custom built products. We can take a concept, choose the right coding and software solutions, and produce a finished product for our clients efficiently and reliably.

$25 - $49/hr
10 - 49
2008
Locations
Canada
545 King Street, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1M1
6473615586
Canada
610 Granville St #607, Vancouver, BC V6C 3T3, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3T3
6042398192
Canada
630 8 Ave SW #600, Calgary, AB T2P 1G6, Calgary, Alberta T2P 1G6

Focus Areas

Service Focus

40%
30%
20%
10%
  • Software Development
  • Mobile App Development
  • Web Development
  • Writing Services

Client Focus

90%
10%
  • Small Business
  • Medium Business

Industry Focus

100%
  • Healthcare & Medical

Essential Designs Clients & Portfolios

Key Clients

  • Technology
  • Healthcare
  • Startup
  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Ecommerce
  • Manufacturer
  • Startups

Essential Designs Reviews

5.0 25 Reviews
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  • Software Development
  • Mobile App Development
  • Web Development
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Sherry Dang

Everyone we've worked with at Essential has solid expertise in their area and a can-do attitude.

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$50001 to $200000
Completed
Business Services

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Review Summary

While we've just completed the project recently, we are satisfied with Essential Designs work thus far. They fulfill requests promptly and finish deliveries on schedule. They also adhere to extra responsibilities and ad hoc meetings. Overall, we expressed admiration for their business culture and welcoming demeanor.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

SaaS Platform Dev for Business Consulting Company

What service was provided as part of the project?

Software Development, Writing Services

Describe your project in brief

We wanted Essential Designs to: Build the first version of our product Responding to client requests Clarifying our process

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

Everyone we've interacted with at Essential Designs has solid expertise in their area and a can-do attitude. This fits in very well with our own company culture.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

I think they are pretty good overall

J. Marc Overhage

Software Development for Elevance Health

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$10001 to $50000
Completed
Healthcare & Medical

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Review Summary

They first listened to our requirements for features and functions through phone meetings. Then, they took our input and showed us the specifications they wanted to use. Their team developed multiple versions of the apps throughout the development cycle using our feedback. Finally ,Essential Design launched both apps.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Software Development for Healthcare company

What service was provided as part of the project?

Software Development

Describe your project in brief

We needed a mobile app that would track inventory and do other relevant administrative tasks.

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

Their high-quality work and how flexible they are with our requests impressed us. They delivered a product that fully meets our needs. Their team was very accommodating to additional features and changes we wanted.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

No, I can't think of anything they could improve.

Janean Bowen

We onboarded Essential designs for Mobile app development

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$10001 to $50000
Completed
Gaming

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Review Summary

As a customer of Essential Designs, my experience with the mobile app development process for BioWare., Essential Designs showcased outstanding professionalism, creativity, and technical proficiency.

The Essential Designs team displayed a profound comprehension for BioWare specific requirements and challenges within the composite manufacturing sector. They took an active approach to communication, ensuring a thorough understanding of our needs and seamlessly incorporating them into the mobile app development plan.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Mobile app development

What service was provided as part of the project?

Mobile App Development

Describe your project in brief

We onboarded Essential designs for Mobile app Development

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

The exceptional post-launch support and responsiveness from Essential Design have been remarkable, giving us confidence that our partnership goes beyond the initial development stage.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

NONE

Victor Lozinski

Their team consisted of young and highly knowledgeable professionals

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$50001 to $200000
In Progress
Information Technology

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Review Summary

The website required appropriate technologies and frameworks to ensure compatibility, performance, and security. This includes front-end and back-end development, database management, and system integration. They verified that the project was completed on schedule. They demonstrated a solution-oriented approach, offering practical strategies to navigate the challenges that arose throughout the development process. We needed a reliable and effective system for generating QR codes that allows users to input desired information (e.g., URLs, email, contact details) and generate corresponding QR codes. The system also supports customization options, such as QR code size, color, and format.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Custom Web Dev & Design for IT Consulting Company

What service was provided as part of the project?

Web Development

Describe your project in brief

A unique website serving as a platform for QR code generation was built by Essential Designs. Along with creating a user-friendly and visually appealing website, the team worked on the UI/UX design of the site.

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

During my visit to their headquarters, I observed that their team consisted of young and highly knowledgeable professionals who not only possess expertise in their field but also know how to maintain a fun and enjoyable work environment.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

Though no company is perfect and there's always room for improvement, the minor areas for growth were outweighed by their commitment to deliver results.

Best mobile ap service ever

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$0 to $10000
Completed
Other Industries

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Review Summary

Overall experience is very good. It boost the potential of our work. They serve as the bridge between technology and business, representing both sides effectively. Give 5 stars.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Coal power plant

What service was provided as part of the project?

Mobile App Development

Describe your project in brief

We install a coal fired power plant in one of our city here in Pakistan. We were worry about communication between our clients in chian and our workers in other city and our head office. They provide us the best solution for this, an app, through which we communicate throughout the project easily and track our daily tasks. And supervise meetings.

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

The ap they provide.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

..

Jamie Alders

Excellent Mobile App

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$200000+
In Progress
Information Technology

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Review Summary

Essential Designs has designed and developed an iOS and Android app for a biological software products company's new device. Their work has included user research, UX design, and app development. Their project management was superb. They communicated well and became a partner we could rely on to help make good decisions for the project.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Mobile App Design & Dev for Biological Software Products Co

What service was provided as part of the project?

Mobile App Development

Describe your project in brief

We hired Essential Designs to Build an iOS and an Android app, and Design UX for the user interface

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

Essential Designs was able to get into the minds of our customers and make good designs

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

We are very satisfied with the project

Emanuel Kadziela

They serve as the bridge between technology and business, representing both sides effectively.

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$50001 to $200000
Completed
Real Estate

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Review Summary

Their business analysts are exceptional. They serve as the Bridge between technology and business, representing both sides effectively.
We work with a time and effort contract, but it's not an open budget. The team is dependable when it comes to managing time and finances, consistently staying within the designated budget. Usually, the Essential Designs team delivers before the deadline, which is fantastic.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

custom software development

What service was provided as part of the project?

Software Development

Describe your project in brief

We hired Essential Designs to provide custom software development. They've been working on frontend and backend solutions to guide imaging systems and visualize data for clients.

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

I'm most impressed by Essential Design transparency and open communication. We can quickly get on a call whenever there are issues without any hidden agendas. I appreciate their authenticity.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

Despite having worked with Essential Designs for some time, we often have to start from scratch and brief the new team. It isn't necessarily a negative aspect, but that's the only improvement from our side.

Peter Weiss

Advanced software solution for Real Estate Management Agency

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$10001 to $50000
Completed
Real Estate

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Review Summary

Our client in the field of mineral exploration and mining needed assistance in creating an advanced software solution. This tool would help them keep track of different stages of the exploration process across their multiple mining sites. They needed our advice on the best provider to work with to efficiently organize, uncover insights, and oversee the project.

From the initial stages of project discovery to the final phases of implementation, Essential Designs demonstrated a remarkable ability to align resources, streamline workflows, and maintain a clear trajectory toward project milestones.

The project advanced smoothly without any significant deviations from our deadlines, underscoring Essential Designs remarkable capacity to maintain oversight and coordination. As the project continues, our consistent success in meeting sprint objectives without major setbacks serves as a testament to Essential Designs exceptional organizational capability

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Software Dev for Real Estate Agency

What service was provided as part of the project?

Software Development

Describe your project in brief

One of our clients needed help kick starting and managing a project. Since it's not our area, we contacted Essential Designs who went on doing their best in what they're really good at.

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

Essential Designs remarkable foresight preempted potential pitfalls, preserving our project's timeline and overall satisfaction.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

For their designated role, Essential Designs performance was impeccable—no changes needed!

Tracy Sutton

Essential Designs: Elevating Our Custom App Experience

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$10001 to $50000
Completed
Other Industries

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Review Summary

Working with Essential Designs has been a truly positive experience for the Custom Application Developers at Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. Their team's commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and innovative approach to custom application development have greatly contributed to the success of our projects. Essential Designs has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of our organization's unique needs, and their solutions have significantly enhanced our capabilities. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and collaborative spirit have made the entire process smooth and enjoyable.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Chamber Growth: Essential Designs' Custom App Excellence

What service was provided as part of the project?

Mobile App Development, Software Development

Describe your project in brief

The project involved collaborating with Essential Designs, a highly skilled custom application development company, to enhance the technological capabilities of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. As a multi-faceted, not-for-profit membership organization with over 800 businesses in Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond, the Chamber sought to elevate its operational efficiency and member services. Essential Designs demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the Chamber's unique requirements and objectives. The collaborative effort focused on creating customized applications tailored to address specific needs within the organization. The applications were designed to streamline processes, improve member engagement, and contribute to a more seamless overall experience for both the Chamber and its extensive business community.

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

We highly recommend Essential Designs for their expertise and dedication to delivering high-quality, customized solutions for businesses like ours in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

NON

Markk James

Essential Designs Delivers Excellence in Bolwell Corporation's Mobile App Development

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$10001 to $50000
Completed
Other Industries

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Review Summary

As a client of Essential Designs, I had a remarkably positive experience throughout the mobile app development process for Bolwell Corporation Pty. Ltd., a composite manufacturer with facilities in Melbourne and Thailand. Essential Design demonstrated exceptional professionalism, creativity, and technical expertise.

The team at Essential Designs exhibited a deep understanding of Bolwell Corporation's unique needs and challenges in the composite manufacturing industry. They were proactive in communication, ensuring that our requirements were thoroughly understood and incorporated into the mobile app development plan.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Essential Designs Transforms Bolwell Corp's Mobile App.

What service was provided as part of the project?

Mobile App Development, Software Development

Describe your project in brief

The project with Essential Design centered around the development of a mobile app for Bolwell Corporation Pty. Ltd., a prominent composite manufacturer with operational facilities in both Melbourne and Thailand. Essential Design, serving as our chosen mobile app development partner, exhibited exemplary professionalism, creativity, and technical prowess throughout the entire process.

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

Essential Design's post-launch support and responsiveness have been outstanding, providing reassurance that our collaboration extends beyond the initial development phase.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

NONE

Helen Ching

Amazing App Dev & Design for Technology Consulting Company

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$10001 to $50000
Completed
Information Technology

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Review Summary

I provided them a line map, and walked them through all of the information required in terms of the environment. Then we had several conversations about user personas and required functionalities. They’re designing native apps for iOS and Android, as well as a version for a web portal. The goal is to add functionality that our competitors don't have to give ourselves a competitive advantage. I'm primarily working with one UI/UX designer. A couple of people have been on some of our phone calls in order to manage the project on their end. I'll work directly with a developer once the design is finalized. The subcontractor that I typically work with was booked, so I looked online for a new firm. I decided to give Essential Designs a call because they have a Toronto office. I was very impressed by our phone conversation, and thought they would be a good fit. The team is very good at keeping the project moving. A lot of times we’re waiting for the client to evaluate and respond to a design.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Amazing Mobile App

What service was provided as part of the project?

Mobile App Development

Describe your project in brief

All of my teams are subcontractors. A customer needed mobile application design and development. I selected Essential Designs to help me with that part of the project.

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

They’re very good at what they do. The designer is very talented and very efficient. In fact, the designer finishes everything so quickly that we’re usually waiting on the client for the next batch of work. That's a good problem to have. I’m very happy with their service and responsiveness.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

There was no point in the project where we were dissatisfied with their services. Will recommend any day

Jeff Hardy

App Dev for Substance Users & Emergency Responders.

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$0 to $10000
Completed
Information Technology

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Review Summary

We came to Essential Designs with an idea of what we were looking for and provided initial sketches, and they provided storyboards based on our ideas. We worked together to start building the application screen by screen, and they went on to develop and design the Lifeguard Digital Health mobile app for iOS and Android. They programmed and implemented text-to-speech technology into the applications as well. We’re partnered with emergency responders and during our testing phase, they’ve found the application to be very user-friendly and reliable. The app will be ready to roll out this spring. The Essential Designs team communicated with me constantly and kept me updated on project deadlines. Scott was very warm, open, honest, and professional. They made me extremely comfortable with technical knowledge.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Mobile App Development

What service was provided as part of the project?

Mobile App Development

Describe your project in brief

I had a vision for an emergency response application specifically for drug overdoses but did not have the technical expertise for app development.

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

Their professionalism and knowledge of their craft were exceptional. Scott took our financial situation into consideration and adapted to meet our needs and terms.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

No, I have no complaints.

Zack Bowlby

User- Friendly Custom Web App Dev for Marketing Agency

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$50001 to $200000
Completed
Advertising & Marketing

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Review Summary

We had built the original system in-house, but the team at Essential Designs has now optimized it, adding newer functionalities. We gave them specific directions because we knew what we wanted.

It’s a basic customer account management application that integrates CRM aspects, which include managing database and contact information. They recently upgraded our credit card payment systems to more securely manage our credit card data.
We are relatively satisfied with everything they’re doing. All of our customers seem pleased and rarely complain about it. Our company has doubled in size since partnering with Essential Designs. They manage everything, staying on top of it. We use a program to track all of the projects that also goes into the smaller fixes and feature additions.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Custom Web App Dev for Digital Marketing Agency

What service was provided as part of the project?

Software Development

Describe your project in brief

We hired Essential Designs to create an administrative interface and customer interface for our customers to manage their direct mail marketing orders from the standpoint of managing their database and the personalization of their printed products. We needed a team to help us implement the interfaces in a secure, user-friendly, and affordable way.

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

It’s hard to pick just one thing. The most complex project we had them work on involved credit card data and moving that to a third-party processing system. They handled that very smoothly.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

I don’t have any feedback for them. We have a good relationship.

Nicolo Laurent

Custom Software Dev for Gaming Startup Company

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$50001 to $200000
Completed
Gaming

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Review Summary

I found Essential Designs online when searching for software developers. I had reached out to multiple software development companies and Groovy Web was by far the cheapest and they clearly understood the goals of my project. They designed the software I required over the course of 10 weeks which was the timeline originally set out in our agreement. They used a variety of methods to collect all the data I require and display it on a website they provided for me. We were able to launch the project on time and with everything working as required. They provided quality assurance as well as a generous support period of 6 months where they will fix any bugs and help me as I adjust to using my new product. I would recommend them any day

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Custom Software Dev for Game Developer

What service was provided as part of the project?

Software Development

Describe your project in brief

I was building this business from scratch and needed a specific and rather complex piece of software that was able to collect data from multiple sources and display it all together in an interactive and easy to understand table.

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

I had direct access to my project manager who was able to deliver all that was required and answer all of my questions. The cost of this project was extremely reasonable and much less than all competitors. Initially I was worried that this may compromise quality however the work that was provided was of the highest quality.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

I am extremely happy with the work of Essential Design and at this stage I have no complaints.

Rodrigo Boabaid

Cost Effective and Flexible MVP

Rating Breakdown

  • Quality
  • Schedule & Timing
  • Communication
  • Overall Rating

Project Detail

$10001 to $50000
Completed
Financial & Payments

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Review Summary

Essential Designs provided low-cost resources that built a high-quality MVP with clean code. They used React Native for mobile development and ReactJS for web development. Their team built the app's web backend using typescript and a variety of AWS frameworks. As their services can be turned on or off, we have a flexible arrangement.

They’re able to lay-down code quickly. That code takes two forms including a scrappy MVP that effectively provides core functionality at low cost, meaning time in development hours. The second form that their code can take is a product that was built meticulously. For us as an early-stage company, success metrics include shifting to users, testing, and iterating rapidly. We’ve measured success by the output of code and the number of features built in a short period of time.

They participate in retrospectives with our team, which provides a good feedback loop. With us leaning into the team, they lean back and that creates a collaborative engagement.

What was the project name that you have worked with Essential Designs?

Web & Mobile App Development for Financial Services Company

What service was provided as part of the project?

Mobile App Development, Web Development

Describe your project in brief

We wanted to build an MVP cost-effectively and flexibly. As an early-stage startup, we didn’t want to hire engineers.

What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?

Our PM was on top of the engagement, providing write-ups for all of the code delivered during each sprint. That was helpful for our fundraising efforts. From a technical standpoint, the frontend developers are machines. The quality of the code that they produce, in the time that they produce it, is amazing. The service level is high too.

What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?

There’s an occasional margin of error with communication. They’ll agree to a task without understanding the connotations. We address these challenges with them.