Halcyon Mobile

Halcyon Mobile treats its clients as product partners rather than simply build teams, designing and developing mobile apps. The company says it has been doing this for more than twenty years, and it assembles a cross-functional team for each client, drawing on product and user experience designers and on engineers for iOS, Android and the web. Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach, each team is tailored to the client's exact need.

Product partner, not a build shop

The studio describes itself as startup-minded, with deep product knowledge that helps businesses grow through product development. It brings product and UX design together with technical talent, so that a client gets people who understand the product as well as the code. The company says this is particularly useful for start-ups that are building a first version, because the team can help make the product decisions as well as deliver the software.

Native iOS, Android and web engineering

Halcyon's engineers work on native iOS and Android applications and on web development, so a product can run across phones and browsers from one team. The company says it can add in-house artificial intelligence to a product where it suits the client's goals. Its work is organised as a single cross-functional group, which keeps design, engineering and delivery in step.

Connected devices and smart spaces

The studio has built apps for connected hardware, such as a controller app that talks to bespoke lighting over Bluetooth. Its portfolio also includes a network of smart office spaces that works on proximity, and a parcel service designed to make sending packages simpler. These projects show how the studio works where software and physical products meet.

Products the studio has launched itself

Halcyon has released products of its own, which the company says gives it insight into the product development cycle from the business side. Its own releases include a guide to a healthier, more sustainable life and a revision app for UK students. The company argues that having sold products to customers makes it a better partner for clients who are planning their own launches.

Clients who are building or rebuilding apps

The studio works with start-ups creating an initial version of a product, and with growing businesses that need to rebuild an important part of their software. The company says clients from further afield, including Australia, have worked with its team, and it describes the working relationship as one in which the studio acts as part of the client's team.