This case study tells the story of Kukusumusu, a thriving design business based in Pamploma, Spain. Their creative director is now based in New York and communicates with his designers via Skype. Watch the video to get an insight in to the crazy world of kukusumusu and meet some unusual characters such as Mr. Testis the bull and a sheep called Beelorzia. There really is a fine line between genius and insanity.

Company background

Kukuxumusu is a thriving design business based in Pamplona, Spain. Set up in 1989 by Mikel Urmeneta, Kukuxumusu creates distinctive designs and drawings for commercial products including t-shirts, postcards, ceramics, key-holders and bags. In 1996 Kukuxumusu opened its first shop exclusively selling its own products, and in 1997 it opened its online store. The company currently employs 65 employees.

Video calling

Kukuxumusu use the free video calling function extensively to talk with colleagues, clients and suppliers around the world. Founder and Creative Director Mikel is currently based in New York and remains in regular contact with the Spanish office via video calling. The team call Mikel via Skype's video calling facility in order to talk through ideas and show him product designs. Mikel says: 'Skype video calling allows you to show thing to people very quickly, which is important in our business. The clarity you get with the webcam is incredible; the definition that you get talking to your colleagues in real time is perfect.'

Cost saving

Every member of staff at Kukuxumusu has Skype, so every department from sales to design use it to chat with one another and to contact colleagues, clients and suppliers abroad for free. Instant messaging is also used frequently. The team at Kukuxumusu liaise with contacts overseas on a daily basis, and have saved money on their calling costs by using Skype. Mikel says: 'Everybody in the business has Skype and we use it every day in every department. For us, it is much cheaper to use SkypeOut credit to call abroad as it is just like making a local call.'

Kukuxumusu also make use of the file transfer facility, so information can be securely sent and received in an instant. It also means that everyone on a conference call can be sure to have the right document in front of them at the same time.

United by Skype

Without Skype, Kukuxumusu wouldn't be able to stay in touch with their contacts around the globe as easily and as frequently as they do. Video and conference calling have enabled the team to build stronger relationships with their fellow workers, clients and suppliers, as well as allowing Mikel to remain as close to his staff as if he was actually in the office. As Mikel himself states, Kukuxumusu as a business has been 'united by Skype'.