Frequently Asked Questions

Our agency stands out for its longevity and leadership in the digital design realm, having been established for nearly 25 years. Throughout this time, we've earned numerous awards and accolades, and our extensive experience across a variety of industries equips us to offer insights that others might overlook. Our innovative approach and deep empathy for understanding both your needs and those of your users are at the core of our excellence.

We have a keen understanding of brand dynamics, user experience, and the evolving competitive landscape enables us to help you maintain an edge. We commit to building a trustworthy partnership means we delve deeply into strategy and craft bespoke solutions rather than resorting to a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our team consists of seasoned industry professionals who are adept at taking their time to understand the 'why' and 'how', ensuring a thorough and meticulous process that leaves no stone unturned. This dedication to providing unparalleled support is, frankly, a rarity in today's market.

Our approach is consistently goal-oriented, and the return on investment (ROI) can manifest in various ways. For E-commerce-based engagements, we often analyze conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, and customer lifetime value to comprehend the impact we're generating. In other scenarios, ROI can be observed through reduced overhead costs and a decreased need for full-time employees.

By leveraging technology, we enhance productivity without requiring as many hands on deck. Since our expertise spans both product design engineering and product marketing, some of our key performance indicators (KPIs) may take longer to fully realize. For example, in content marketing, understanding the ROI around content creation can be a gradual process. This kind of ROI can be gauged through metrics like website traffic, user engagement, growth of potential markets, and tracing back to a user journey that results in conversion metrics.

Our fixed-based projects typically span three months to a year, influenced by the clarity of the product vision. Projects of such duration often evolve into relationships lasting three to six years with our clients, attributing to our established trust, ability to drive impact, and domain expertise.

For agile engagements, they are more fluid in nature and usually range from two years at the minimum to over eight years. The duration is contingent on various factors, such as the client's current situation, team size, and the skills and capabilities we can transition to them as they expand.

Certainly! You can always visit Our Work page that showcases several examples of our recent projects. However, due to confidentiality agreements, there are specific projects we cannot display publicly, but we'd be pleased to discuss and share them with you virtually. Given our long-standing presence in the industry, we typically do not showcase some of our older work, but we can delve into those details during a private discussion.

While our primary focus is digital-first design, we recognize that clients often require supplemental support in collateral marketing materials and pitch decks. Within the digital arena, our design expertise spans a comprehensive range, including design strategy, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and marketing-specific designs (e.g., landing pages and websites).

We also offer app and product-driven software designs, user experience (UX) design, and user interface (UI) design. Beyond the digital space, we offer systems and workflow design, service design, and designs for complex architectures and API-integrated content

Our team is well-versed in crafting designs for diverse form factors, from TVs, smartphones, and digital screens to IoT devices, watches, and more. We pride ourselves on employing an innovative process that integrates best practices with divergent and convergent thinking, design thinking, and a traditional graphic design perspective. We are a full-service design team equipped and flexible enough to deliver impactful designs across a wide spectrum.

Absolutely. UX/UI design is one of our core specialties. We apply the principles of effective UX/UI design across various facets of contemporary business.

Yes, our core competency lies in graphic design and brand development. This foundation enables us to create impactful brand names, logos, and core value propositions, helping startups focus on and achieve product-market fit. Additionally, we collaborate with teams aiming to extend their existing branding into the digital realm. We offer services to refresh, optimize, and update brands based on market trends, user perceptions, and the evolving business needs required to connect with their audience.

Our focus on user experience design begins by deeply understanding our users. We achieve this through persona development, research, and interviews. This allows us to grasp their technological capabilities, expectations, and find ways to connect meaningfully with them. This understanding runs concurrently with our design process, ensuring that what we create is both easy to use and accessible. We incorporate this perspective throughout wireframing, prototyping, and user testing. Consistent analysis of data and analytics allows us to identify and address potential usability concerns proactively. We maintain agility, allowing us to swiftly address any concerns that may arise.

While our toolkit is diverse, our core expertise centers on MVC-based JavaScript frameworks and platforms, including React, React Native, Flutter, and Node.js, to name a few. On the data ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) pipeline and ingestion front, we possess robust skills in Python and other languages to process and funnel data into our systems. We leverage Python for backend processing when suitable and are well-versed in various APIs, such as JSON, XML, and GraphQL, enabling us to integrate seamlessly across a multitude of platforms.

While our toolkit is diverse, our core expertise centers on MVC-based JavaScript frameworks and platforms, including React, React Native, Flutter, and Node.js, to name a few. On the data ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) pipeline and ingestion front, we possess robust skills in Python and other languages to process and funnel data into our systems. We leverage Python for backend processing when suitable and are well-versed in various APIs, such as JSON, XML, and GraphQL, enabling us to integrate seamlessly across a multitude of platforms.

Absolutely. High-end website design, characterized by robust and meticulously crafted solutions, is one of our core strengths. We specialize in creating marketing sites, experiential sites, corporate sites, and extensive organization websites with tens of thousands of pages that operate seamlessly and efficiently at scale. Our designs prioritize security and achieve high SEO rankings.

Regarding e-commerce, we bring 15 years of expertise on platforms like Magento, Shopify, and WooCommerce, among others. Our proficiency extends to in-depth integrations with payment systems like Stripe, especially for subscription-based models with recurring payment processing.

At Lion, we prioritize security throughout the development cycle, catering to diverse environments from startups to rigid enterprise settings. Our team is seasoned in handling penetration tests, external audits, and integrating security principles from the initial stages of development.

For clients newer to security practices, we leverage our expertise to recommend a comprehensive range of protocols encompassing both application design and infrastructure. This holistic approach supports their growth and ensures a secure foundation.

Enterprises with established security needs find that our collaborative approach is key. We not only develop systems that meet their specific requirements but are also adept at identifying and advising on additional security measures when necessary.

Our project management approach is adaptive, tailored to the specific needs of each project. For projects suited to an agile methodology, we structure our workflow around epics, sprints, and user stories, which helps us prioritize tasks effectively and adhere to budget constraints.

In cases of fixed-scope projects, we establish a comprehensive project timeline early on. This timeline is designed with built-in flexibility, allowing us to maintain punctuality and budget fidelity while still accommodating iterative refinement of the product.

Across all projects, our management practices are guided by industry best practices. We employ management tools like ClickUp and JIRA to meticulously document all aspects of the project, secure stakeholder agreement, and implement control systems that bolster both timeliness and efficiency.

In recognition of our diverse global clientele and hybrid work models, we emphasize collaboration through state-of-the-art virtual tools. Our toolkit includes Zoom for video conferencing, Microsoft Office and Teams, and the Google suite, all selected based on client preferences to facilitate seamless interaction.

During the design phase, we employ cloud-based design platforms such as Figma, which serve as collaborative spaces for workshops, prototyping, feedback, and inclusive stakeholder participation.

For project management, we utilize Jira and Confluence for detailed tracking and ClickUp for its versatility, complemented by Trello for its straightforward Kanban-style task management. This selection allows us to match the tool to the project's complexity and the specific needs of our clients.

Effective planning is crucial to keep a project on track, and with decades of experience, we've refined our approach to project timelines and budget management. We establish clear milestones and articulate deadlines upfront, ensuring all parties are aligned on critical decision points throughout the project's lifecycle.

If delays occur, we proactively identify them and communicate transparently with our partners. We strive to accelerate our processes or adjust project prioritization collaboratively to get back on schedule.

Regarding budget management, we typically absorb any additional costs due to extended timelines within fixed-budget projects to honor our commitments. For Agile projects, we meticulously scope each story and its requirements, fostering a disciplined approach to maintain both timeliness and budgetary control.

In recognition of our diverse global clientele and hybrid work models, we emphasize collaboration through state-of-the-art virtual tools. Our toolkit includes Zoom for video conferencing, Microsoft Office and Teams, and the Google suite, all selected based on client preferences to facilitate seamless interaction.

During the design phase, we employ cloud-based design platforms such as Figma, which serve as collaborative spaces for workshops, prototyping, feedback, and inclusive stakeholder participation.

For project management, we utilize Jira and Confluence for detailed tracking and ClickUp for its versatility, complemented by Trello for its straightforward Kanban-style task management. This selection allows us to match the tool to the project's complexity and the specific needs of our clients.

Communication frequency is tailored to the project’s engagement level and client preference. All projects include weekly stand-ups and check-ins, milestone reviews, and consistent, rigorous updates. While some projects may require multiple stand-ups within a week, others benefit from a comprehensive weekly deep dive.

We leverage project management tools to keep track of progress and employ standard practices like weekly emails for updates. These communications can be distributed to a broader organizational audience, providing transparency and insight into the project’s status for team members not involved in the day-to-day operations. This ensures that all stakeholders are well-informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.

The optimal way to give feedback is through an interactive and collaborative approach that not only involves sharing and discussing ideas but also serves as an educational experience. This process highlights crucial design details that may not be immediately obvious.

As an organization centered on user experience and business strategy, we understand the value of aligning all stakeholders. To facilitate this, we engage in early collaboration through workshops and hackathons, which can be conducted onsite or virtually. These sessions are designed for inclusivity, allowing all participants to ask questions and provide input that feeds into our iterative and agile design methodology.

To accommodate detailed feedback, we incorporate buffers in our project timelines for asynchronous review. We use tools like Figma, which enable collaborators to annotate designs and prototypes with specific feedback. Additionally, during user testing phases, we manage the feedback collection, synthesize insights, and communicate them back to the team, ensuring that everyone remains aligned throughout the project's duration.

We certainly offer post-launch support and maintenance tailored to our clients' unique requirements. Options for ongoing support can be pre-arranged or addressed on an ad hoc basis. Our goal is to forge lasting partnerships, providing comprehensive assistance over the years. This support can range from standard maintenance to the continuous enhancement of the product, including the development of new features and the integration of fresh insights.

In the ever-changing landscape of technology, we take pride in our ability to offer long-term support for our products. We provide expert advice on user experience, technology advancements, and the implications of the evolving digital environment, ensuring that our clients' products remain at the forefront of innovation.

Our pricing model is crafted in close collaboration with our clients to align with their needs and budgetary constraints. For fixed-price projects, we define the scope, features, goals, and timelines upfront and then determine pricing based on the estimated number of hours required to achieve these objectives.

In an agile and dynamic project environment, our approach is to gain a clear understanding of the goals on an incremental basis and the resources that will be needed over the course of our partnership. Our cross-disciplinary team's versatility allows for considerable flexibility in our agile engagements.

Embedded teams are typically priced according to the number of hours and the expected burn rate over specified periods, such as three, six, or twelve months. We remain adaptable, ready to scale our engagement up or down to match the project's evolving requirements.

Our quoted price is determined after thoroughly understanding your specific needs. We provide recommendations and support for the initial setup structure, which we discuss in detail before any engagement begins. It is important to note that we do not upsell hosting or ancillary services. Instead, we guide you in selecting the most suitable providers for your infrastructure needs. We ensure that you maintain financial control over these services, as we believe in empowering you with direct provider access and the freedom to engage with third-party support if necessary.

In essence, we provide you with 'the keys to the castle,' so you never feel obligated to us for hosting or similar services. Our proposals are transparent, detailing exactly what is included. We explicitly outline any potential additional costs associated with the project. If certain elements like stock video, writing services, or other specific line items are not covered in the initial budget, we will make this crystal clear from the outset.

All anticipated costs are outlined at the outset of the project. Additional costs may occur only if there is a significant change or pivot in the project's scope that was not part of the initial agreement.

Our payment schedule is designed to align with your budgetary requirements. Generally, we request an initial commitment fee, which is around 10% of the total project cost. Subsequently, billing is conducted at the end of each month, reflecting the actual amount of work completed within that period. This approach ensures that you are only charged for the time invested. Final payment is due upon the completion of the associated milestones, ensuring that you are satisfied with the progress before the last invoice is settled.

Absolutely. Post-launch, we remain at your service for technical support to address any issues that may arise, implement new technical features, or manage necessary updates and upgrades. Our support is scalable to your needs, ensuring that any problems are swiftly and effectively resolved.

Additionally, during the project, we prioritize educating our partners on the various platforms and technologies we employ, particularly those related to hosting and infrastructure. This ensures that you are well-prepared to handle situations such as outages or other infrastructure-related challenges, with our guidance and support readily available if needed.

Our maintenance packages are tailored to suit each client's unique needs and the specific demands of their project. The scope of our maintenance agreements is based on the required level of effort and the particularities of each engagement. Packages can range from as little as five hours per month for basic upkeep to 20 or 30 hours per month for more comprehensive support.

For teams seeking deeper integration, we offer embedded support services, where our specialists function as an extension of your team. This ensures that your systems are consistently updated, optimized, and maintained at peak performance.

Our project framework incorporates comprehensive quality assurance (QA) and user acceptance testing (UAT), particularly for fixed-scope projects, to minimize post-launch issues. In the event that a demonstrable bug, attributable to a coding error or similar fault on our end, is identified within the first three months after launch, we will address and rectify it at no additional cost.

For updates and enhancements related to user experience and other post-launch improvements, we discuss and agree upon the scope of work and associated costs with you, ensuring a clear and collaborative approach moving forward.

Absolutely. Training is an integral part of our delivery for nearly all projects. We offer hands-on training sessions, comprehensive documentation, and/or instructional videos, tailored to the preferences and needs of our partners.

Our standard process includes compliance with our clients' needs regarding mutual non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and other legal requirements that a client's business may necessitate. We have an internal procedure that involves drafting a proposal or contract, which outlines the expected work. This includes details about features, phases, staffing, timelines, and payment terms. Typically, we utilize a Master Service Agreement (MSA) format, accompanied by Statements of Work (SOW) that are specific to the project or scope of work at hand.

Our contracts and agreements meticulously outline the details regarding intellectual property rights. In instances where we serve as a consultant, the intellectual property is usually transferred to the client on a global scale upon the project's completion and receipt of the final payment. Any pre-existing intellectual property belonging to our agency, Lion Interactive, is identified beforehand and is typically not transferred. The specific details of each arrangement are thoroughly documented during our agreement process to ensure clarity and mutual understanding.

Ensuring data privacy and compliance is paramount in our operations. We engage closely with our clients to fully understand their specific data protection requirements. Our team is well-versed in various regional compliance mandates, and we routinely collaborate with our clients' legal teams or compliance officers to ensure that our work adheres to the necessary standards. Our experience includes working with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other related data protection frameworks. It is important to note that while we are knowledgeable in these areas, we are not a law firm; we typically advise our clients to consult with their own legal team to confirm adherence to any standards as needed.

Absolutely, we prioritize accessibility and are equipped to ensure ADA compliance for web solutions. There is a multitude of standards and guidelines to consider for accessibility, and we work diligently with our clients to identify and implement the ones relevant to their needs. Our expertise includes ADA Section 508 and various levels of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). We have a history of collaboration with specialized organizations for auditing and testing, such as Lighthouse for the Blind, and have engaged with the Office of Digital Strategy during the Obama administration to adopt accessibility standards. Our commitment to accessibility was recognized when we were lawded by the City of San Francisco for our work on the Asian Art Museum's digital ecosystem.

To provide you with a precise estimate for your project, we engage in a detailed intake process to thoroughly understand your objectives, requirements, and the specifics of your project. This careful evaluation ensures that we make accurate recommendations and guarantees your satisfaction upon project completion. Our process, which includes comprehensive documentation, helps prevent oversights and manages scope creep effectively.

We believe in investing our time in this initial phase, without a budget commitment, to foster a deeper, mutually beneficial long-term relationship. Our intake process encompasses workshops, documentation, and eventually, detailed proposals and statements of work.

For projects where functionality cannot be fully determined in advance, we may suggest starting with smaller sprints. This approach allows us to collaboratively define project goals within a limited budget. With long-term clients, we often establish an ongoing partnership with a clear monthly or quarterly budget, maintaining flexibility and agility. During sprint planning, we document our time and define features, functionality, services, and deliverables on a weekly basis.

Our onboarding process is designed to establish a strong foundation for our partnership. It begins with getting to know your needs and ensuring that our relationship is set for success. After the initial documentation phase, we focus on fostering open communication and integrating the right team members from both sides to start their collaborative efforts.

Financially, we typically request a modest down payment to initiate our projects, and we favor billing based on the achievement of monthly goals or milestones. Our documentation workflow includes a thorough exchange with you, culminating in digital signatures for records and formalization of the engagement. Team members are then assigned to your project to ensure a seamless transition into the operational phase.

The timeline for initiating work on your project is tailored to its size and complexity. We collaborate with you to develop a schedule that aligns with your needs and readiness. In cases where immediate commencement is not essential, we can establish future start dates. Ultimately, we aim to create a timeline that best supports your project's next steps and ensures that we are prepared to ramp up at the necessary pace.

To initiate your project, we require a clear definition of the scope, signed agreements, and the initial invoice to be processed. Beyond these formalities, your active engagement is crucial. We seek your time and attention to ensure that our collaboration is tightly synchronized and communication is transparent. This approach helps us to avoid inefficiencies and prevent any unnecessary duplication of efforts, paving the way for a smooth project launch.

We encourage you to explore our services section for a comprehensive overview of the various offerings we provide. If you find that your needs extend beyond what is listed, and they fall within our expertise, we would be more than happy to discuss how we can accommodate your specific requirements. Our goal is to support your project comprehensively and ensure its success.

Absolutely, our team is equipped to assist with both the strategy development and execution of digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO). We understand the importance of a strong online presence and are committed to delivering solutions that enhance your visibility and drive results.

Our team is committed to staying at the forefront of design and development trends. We actively engage with a wide array of industry publications, websites, and shared resources to keep our knowledge current. Additionally, we stay informed about trends specific to various services and platforms by attending conferences and events. This continuous learning and professional development ensure we are always poised to deliver innovative and effective solutions to our clients.