Behind the Code: Building Apps that People Love

From the apps we scroll through daily to the augmented reality worlds we step into, coding is the invisible engine powering our digital lives. But behind every seamless tap and intuitive feature is a developer mapping out logic, designing user flows and solving complex problems – sometimes in their sleep as our Production Specialist and self-taught coder, Holly, reveals!

Us: What is coding and why is it integral to the development of apps?

Holly: Coding is what makes an app work, everything you tap has coding behind it which tells the app how to function. User experience is also key to an app’s success. Even if it looks great, people won’t use it if it’s hard to navigate or doesn’t feel intuitive.

Us: Can you walk through your typical workflow when starting a new app?

Holly: Once I have a brief for a new app, I create a customer journey which storyboards the flow of the app, the design of it and how each part links together. I then create a
‘logic plan’, this is where I map out how everything will work in a technical sense. At this stage I can identify the ‘easy’ parts as well as the ‘hard’ parts of the coding that may require some extra research. Once the logic plan is done, I can dive into building the app!

Us: What’s one coding principle you live by?

Holly: Can’t work out how to code something? Sleep on it! On more than one occasion I’ve dreamt up the solution to a coding problem.

Us: What’s a feature you’re most proud of building? Holly: I’m proud of building the Explore Northampton app, it works as an open platform – meaning we’ve been able to work with Northampton Town Council, Northampton BID and Northampton Museum and Art Gallery and more to bring Northampton exciting experiences all in one app.

Us: What coding advice would you give to your past self or a beginner?

Holly: Keep notes on everything you learn. I have a folder full of coding snippets, techniques and troubleshooting that I refer to all the time. Us: What apps (besides your own) do you admire, and why? Holly: I’d have to say Pokémon Go! It got people out of the house and active whilst introducing Augmented Reality to a huge audience.

Us: Without giving too much away, what are you working on at the moment?

Holly: We’re currently working on a project with the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, creating an experience on the Explore Northampton app that spans all of Northamptonshire.

Us: How did you get started in coding, and what led you to specialise in Augmented Reality?

Holly: I’ve been coding for 11 years now. I’m self-taught and specialise in Augmented Reality. The programme I use is Unity, which is primarily a game engine but is also great for Mobile Apps.

Us: What’s so special about Augmented Reality?

Holly: I believe AR has amazing potential. A lot of people see it as a gimmick, and a lot of companies use it this way now. However, I believe that when AR can be integrated fully into a pair of easy-to-wear glasses, it will become a part of most people’s daily life, enhancing their realities without the need to look at your phone!