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We build better apps.

At Highgroove, we focus on "back-end" application development using an iterative, agile process. Our highly capable team and customer-centered process ensure that you have a successful product launch.

Learn more about our development process

We use an industry-proven process for launching and developing web applications called the Agile Software Development process. As a consequence, we deploy working software from day one. At any point in the process we are able to adapt and alter the scope of the project based on actual feedback from real working software.

We work (and plan) using iterations. An iteration is simply an incremental unit of work to your project—comprised of what are known as stories—that lasts between one to two weeks. For example, if we agreed on a story like "a user should be able to reset their password using a link on the login page" and when you see that feature, you don't like the way it's done, you can "reject" that story, and we can re-do it until it is correct. You always have control over the priority list and can add or remove any features to launch the site on time and on your budget.

We also provide

  • Code Audits & Technical Reviews

    All developers think all other developer's code is "no good" -- this is why we have a Code Audit checklist and Technical Review process that we've developed over the years, to quantify where a Ruby or Ruby on Rails project's code is sufficient, and if there's anything a developer (or product owner) needs to be aware of, moving forward.

How we work

  1. We listen,

    E-mail. Phone. Skype. TXT. Contact us directly. No watered down communication or complicated processes.

    Related Activities

    • Project Planning
    • Content Audit
    • Strategy
    • Story Carding
    • Wireframing
    • User Research

  2. Build just enough,

    It's called the Minimum Viable Product. Start with the smallest set of features that will please some group of customers.

    Related Activities

    • Web Development
    • Ruby on Rails Development
    • Mobile Development
    • Prototyping
    • Open Source

  3. and Repeat. (Easy, right?)

    Experiment. Tweak. See how the market responds and change the product accordingly. Iterate or Die. Staging is the new Production. Demo the live site!

    Related Activities

    • Iteration Planning
    • Acceptance testing
    • Strategy
    • Ruby on Rails Development
    • User Research
Exhibit A — our iterative process

Our Niche

We enjoy working with CTOs and fit nicely into organizations where development is given room to breathe—moving at a rapid pace, with rapid feedback, and constant communication. Most successful web applications will loosely follow the same process:

  1. Research & Planning
  2. Specification or Story-Carding
  3. Design or Front-end Development
  4. Back-end Development
  5. Content Entry
  6. Maintenance & On-Going Development
Exhibit B — the prototypical web design process

and, as a consequence, we know exactly where we fit. Although we are competent in all of the above areas, we know what we are great at, and would love to help you get there.

Our Tools

  • Ruby
  • Ruby on Rails
  • MySQL
  • PostgreSQL
  • Rails Machine
  • Engine Yard
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Heroku
  • Chef

We use the best tools. Ruby, Ruby on Rails, Databases such as MySQL, and cloud-based infrastructure providers.

Ready?

Interested in learning more? Tell us about your project and we’ll get you started.

Charles Brian Quinn Charles Brian Quinn
Highgroove Studios
678-248-2440

Psst! We're not designers!

Although we understand that design is essential to making a web application successful, it's not a service that we offer. Rest assured, though, we've worked with designers in the past, and can even recommend a few if you're in need.