At TechSoup, we're dedicated to building a dynamic bridge that leverages technology to enable connections and innovative solutions for a more equitable planet. In 2020, we embarked on a critical project - nonprofit technology marketplace to meet the demands of today’s organizations. This involved creating a modern customer experience, incorporating new business models, and taking advantage of opportunities for process efficiency. This was -- and is -- a large project that impacts most of our staff and more than 600,000 civil society organizations world wide . To navigate the complexities of this  ambitious undertaking, we brought in the talented team at elsewhere.

From the outset, Elsewhere proved to be more than just a design firm. They were insightful partners. Their dedication went beyond merely generating work flows, wire frames, and visuals; they delved deep into our vision, helping us organize our thinking and clarify our objectives. This involved developing service maps that showed how our systems worked at that time and how they could work.  It involved working with us run focus groups and learn from the organizations we serve. Through a collaborative process, they challenged our assumptions and pushed us to consider perspectives we hadn't fully explored. This critical step ensured that the designs they presented weren't simply beautiful, but strategically aligned with our goals.

elsewhere's commitment to fostering a sense of team was truly remarkable. They seamlessly integrated with our internal team, building trust and open communication at every level. This collaborative spirit created a shared sense of purpose, ensuring everyone felt invested in the project's success. This not only fueled creativity but also facilitated smooth implementation and ongoing buy-in.

Their commitment to excellence extended beyond aesthetics and collaboration. elsewhere's meticulous documentation was invaluable. They captured every decision, design iteration, and rationale, creating a comprehensive roadmap that has allowed us to continue developing and expanding the marketplace even after their formal engagement ended. This invaluable resource empowers us to maintain consistency and build upon the solid foundation they established.

As we learned, we were able to incorporate the work that elsewhere did into a final product that was not what either of us expected.  On our end, the work we did with them made us realize we had to make more significant changes to our business model and the work they did with us is now instantiated as Quad, a global membership offering support NGOs as they manage and optimize their digital stack.  

We learned about our organization, our community, and our capabilities as a result of our work with them. We got structured deliverables that moved our thinking and our project forward.  I can’t give a better endorsement than that."