Đakovo, October 16th, 2024

Simplico is a digital agency with over 10 years of experience, based in Đakovo, Croatia, offering end-to-end solutions in design, web development, and digital marketing. The agency focuses on digital product development, digital transformation, and strategic consulting to help businesses thrive in the digital era.

Marko Nevistić is the CEO and Founder of Simplico. In an interview with TIA, he described how his passion for technology and computers as a kid led him to create the agency and explained what makes Simplico stand out. He also gave some examples of recent work he’s proud of and named the technologies he sees as groundbreaking for the future.

Our conversation begins with personal background. Where do you currently reside, and what led you into the world of digital product development?

I live in Đakovo, Croatia, where I’ve spent most of my life. My interest in digital product development was sparked by a deep love for technology. As a kid, I was always tinkering with computers, trying to build websites from scratch. It didn’t take long before I realized this wasn’t just a hobby; it was a passion. That passion led me to dive deeper into IT and web development, and eventually, it became my career. Founding Simplico was the natural next step – a way to take that curiosity and turn it into something impactful.

Are there specific places or experiences in Đakovo that you would recommend to people visiting for the first time?

Đakovo Cathedral is a place rich in history and culture. I highly recommend visiting the Đakovo Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. The Lipizzaner Stud Farm is also a must-see for anyone interested in history and horses—it’s one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. And of course, you have to experience the local hospitality. Whether it’s a cozy restaurant or a coffee bar, the warmth of the people here really makes you feel at home.

Where do you spend most of your time, and what does a typical day entail?

Most of my time is spent at our office in Đakovo, where I’m either deep in collaboration with my team or working on our latest projects. My day usually kicks off with a review of our progress—catching up on where we’re at and what needs to be done. Then it’s on to client meetings, brainstorming sessions, and getting my hands dirty with regular office work. I’m also big on staying up-to-date with industry trends, so I carve out time to read, listen to podcasts, or take an online course. It’s a busy day, but that’s what keeps things exciting.

What are your main focuses at the moment?

Right now, my main focus is taking Simplico to the next level internationally. With over 10 years in the market (2024 is our 10th anniversary), we are expanding our reach through in-house SaaS projects like Boat Adverts, Boat Shared, Find Seafarer, and Yachtio. We’re also enhancing our expertise in emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning. After a decade in business, we remain committed to refining our processes to continue delivering quality services while setting a clear path for future growth.

What makes SIMPLICO stand out?

Simplico stands out because we’re committed to creating not just functional, but exceptional digital products. We combine creativity with technical expertise, ensuring our products are visually appealing, efficient, and user-friendly. Our deep understanding of client needs, paired with our drive for innovation and transformation, consistently allows us to exceed expectations.

In your opinion, what distinguishes a digital product as “world-class,” and how do you consistently deliver such work to clients?

To me, a world-class digital product is one that blends form and function effortlessly. It’s intuitive, looks great, and meets the user’s needs without them even having to think about it. At Simplico, we stay focused on the user throughout the development process, ensuring every decision enhances their experience. Our thorough testing and iterative design processes help us deliver high-quality products.

Looking back at the studio’s recent works, which project do you feel best represents SIMPLICO’s values and strengths?

There are many projects we’re proud of, but a few really stand out where we delivered the complete cycle of services. These are projects where we began with branding or rebranding the company, developed a new website with custom-made services, and integrated it seamlessly with internal systems to optimize and transform IT processes. Finally, we wrapped up with strategic marketing activities to boost online presence, drive traffic, generate leads, and increase sales. We love projects where we can build everything from the ground up or redesign existing solutions to make them more efficient and impactful.

How is your development team structured for digital products?

Our development team is highly collaborative, with roles including UX/UI designers, front-end and back-end developers, project managers, QA, and SEO specialists. Success comes from working as a cohesive unit, with open communication and regular feedback ensuring everyone is aligned with project goals and giving their best effort.

When taking on a new client or project, what factors do you consider when selecting the team or technical profiles that will be assigned to it?

We consider the project’s specific needs, the client’s industry, and the required technical expertise when selecting a team. We also look at team dynamics to ensure members have complementary skills and work well together, aiming to provide the best possible outcome.

How do you approach performance optimization in your projects, and what strategies or techniques do you find most effective in delivering smooth and responsive user experiences?

We start by setting clear performance benchmarks and use a mix of front-end optimization techniques, like minimizing file sizes and efficient coding, along with back-end optimizations like database indexing and load balancing. Regular performance testing, monitoring and optimization ensure the user experience is smooth and responsive.

Could you share any experiences where you were able to push the boundaries of traditional digital practices to create innovative and engaging user experiences?

One memorable project was when we built an interactive, immersive website for a tourism client. Instead of a standard site, we used a combination of stunning visuals, 360-degree virtual tours, and an engaging storytelling approach that let visitors explore destinations in a more dynamic and captivating way. This approach not only enhanced user engagement but also significantly increased the time users spent on the site, leading to a noticeable rise in bookings and inquiries.

What emerging technologies do you envision becoming integral to the future of web development?

I see AI, machine learning, and immersive technologies like AR and VR becoming game-changers in web development. These technologies will allow us to engage users in new ways and offer more personalized, interactive experiences. As they become more mainstream, they’ll be integral to how we approach digital product design and development.

What would you say characterizes Croatia’s creative industry?

Croatia’s creative industry is a blend of traditional influences and modern innovation. It’s characterized by a strong sense of community and collaboration, with a growing emphasis on socially responsible design. The industry is vibrant, growing each year, and increasingly capable of adapting and thriving in the global market with unique solutions.

Were there any books, movies, or works of art from your early life that left a lasting impact on you or fueled your imagination?

Gladiator by Ridley Scott had a big impact on me. I can watch it over and over again. The movie’s themes of character, struggle, and hope resonate deeply and have influenced my approach to challenges in both life and work.

Are there any hobbies or activities outside of design that you enjoy and find inspiration from?

I’m a big runner. There’s something about the rhythm of running that clears my mind and helps me think more creatively. It’s a great way to de-stress and get a fresh perspective on things. Some of my best ideas have come to me while I’m out on a run.

As someone who enjoys challenges, is there any lesson you’ve had to learn multiple times?

The importance of work-life balance is a lesson I’ve had to learn multiple times. It’s easy to get consumed by work as an entrepreneur, but taking time to recharge is crucial for maintaining creativity and long-term success.

Please share a fun-fact that not many people know about you.

Once, I ended up at a police station being questioned about some friends. They locked me in a room and tried to scare me, but it happened to be the day before a big math test. So, I took out my notes and started practicing equations. When the officers came back in, they looked at me like I was crazy and said they’d never seen anything like it. We all ended up laughing, and, by the way, the math test went pretty well! The point is, always stick to what you’re determined to do, even in tough situations—you might just find a way to make it fun!

Thanks Marko!

Learn more about: Simplico

Follow Marko Nevistić on social media:  Linkedin

Follow Simplico on social media:  Linkedin

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