When you’re ready to take your product to the next level, you might be looking for a partner to get you there. A digital product development agency can help.
After 15 years of leading client engagements here at Dom & Tom, I know firsthand that there are things you can do to help ensure a successful digital product development partnership.
These foundational elements are present in every successful agency collaboration I’ve been a part of, regardless of the custom software development project. They are innate in us as the agency and you as the client, setting a solid foundation for premium products experiences.
3 Key Elements of Every Successful Digital Product Development Project
Here are my three observations in productive agency relationships. These evolve as time passes, growing stronger and more supportive.
1. Our Clients Were Decisive Product Owners
Changing directions repeatedly can become expensive, causing design rework and technical refactoring – not to mention team fatigue.
When we have a clear path forward, it lends itself to a highly productive team environment. Don’t let fear cloud your judgment or hinder your ability to make a call. It’s better to make a decision and pivot later than to get stuck in a cycle of endless changes.
As a digital product agency, our clients are approving and providing feedback for a range of deliverables we produce. Part of our role is to guide in areas where our expertise is relevant. It’s a team effort for sure, but we need that head coach (you!) to make the final call.

2. Both Sides Earned Each Others’ Trust
Mutually shared respect for each other’s expertise is earned, and we take that seriously.
You as a founder have the subject matter expertise. Your vision, knowledge, and insights are vital.
We, as an agency, bring our experience to the table in user experience and technology.
Together, we work in good faith to progress forward and consistently over-deliver.
We earn your respect by making wise, informed, and practical decisions on design, development, and product strategy meant to move the needle.
When we work with clients, we’re working together to progress things forward, collaboratively and with care. We always get it done, always figure out a way forward.
Drew Papadeas – VP, Client Services
The ultimate goal is to gain valuable insights when working with our group, and vice versa while building the very best digital experiences.
3. Our Clients Provided a Clear Vision
The best digital product development work comes from a clearly stated vision, which guides our recommendations.
Vision alignment starts at the very first conversation and evolves as we define more of the product together through the product discovery phase and beyond. Every scheduled check-in, deliverable review, and touchpoint strengthens client-agency alignment.
Real alignment can only happen with clear, open communication. After 15 years, we’re not afraid to say no or tell the truth. Being real, for us, comes from a place of respect and with the goal of success.
With this clarity, we can define a North Star for the project. A North Star grounds the team and puts all the work in context, while creating a shared sense of purpose.
What’s Next for Your Digital Product Development?
Dom & Tom specializes in digital product design and development, driving business forward with the custom apps we create for business big and small. We’re a top 10 digital product agency for 15 years running. We’re known for our strong methodology in app development, and utmost care in product design.
We’ve achieved Inc 5000 fastest growing companies 6 years in a row and foster long-term client relationships as trusted advisors in digital product stewardship.
We offer a range of digital product development services, including:
- Product strategy
- Mobile app design (iOS and Android)
- Custom software development
- Website design & development
- IoT & connected home solutions
- Data visualization
- DevOps
- User experience & product design
- Bluetooth connected apps
- Digital transformation
If the above resonates with you and you’re ready to reach out, feel free to connect here.
If you are still in the ideation phase of a mobile app initiative, here’s a handy tool to help crystallize your vision.

Drew Papadeas
Drew Papadeas is the VP of Client Services at Dom & Tom, a leading digital product development agency. Connect on LinkedIn.