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Fashion Veritas is a software we developed to check the originality and track the inventory of all manufactured garments. The importance of our project was recognized and indirectly funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 re[...]

FASHION VERITAS

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fis (1)

Focusing on retail and institutional banking, payments, asset and wealth management, risk & compliance, and consulting, FIS is a global financial service technology leader. Serving more than 20,000 clients in 130 countries, this[...]

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redPanda-Software-Support-Analyst-Internship-Programme

As an enterprise software developer and technology partner with extensive experience developing customized software, with offices in SA and the UK, redPanda has been helping retail and financial businesses thrive for over a deca[...]

RED PANDA

Picture Oscar Wilde walking into an IT company. Eager to discuss a digital solution, he starts brainstorming and finally drops his famous statement, &#8220;I&#8217;m so smart that sometimes I don&#8217;t understand a word I say.&#8221; Taught by experience, the veteran software engineer automatically puts him on the list of problematic clients! Do you know why? [&hellip;]

<p>Picture Oscar Wilde walking into an IT company. Eager to discuss a digital solution, he starts brainstorming and finally drops his famous statement, "I'm so smart that sometimes I don't understand a word I say." Taught by experience, the veteran software engineer automatically puts him on the list of problematic clients! Do you know why?</p>



<p>Because this remark raises a major issue in the digital world: the gap between what is said, what is meant, and what is understood. In other words, a properly designed, developed, and optimized solution can only be expected with clarity and comprehension of end users' requirements and expectations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Naturally, if you're just starting out, you won't be expected to know all of this right off the bat. Consider this blog your secret weapon for understanding your end users and being prepared when encountering your own Oscar Wilde-like character. Let's dive into it!</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Extracting Essence</strong></h5>



<p>Clients often provide a vision of their digital requirements thanks to their unique insights. However, translating this idea into technological needs could require much work. Some clients know precisely what they want but assume that some information is implied when, in reality, it’s crucial to be outspoken about it. This means you must extract all the information necessary to complete the task. Remember, the less input, the greater the likelihood of dissatisfaction - on both sides!</p>



<p>Other clients aren't sure what they want and expect you to decide which intelligent solution would be best for their company. Remember that apart from designing and developing, in that case, you must also explain how and why you came to that particular solution. And sometimes, it doesn't go as smoothly as it seems.</p>



<p>Another possible blind spot for clients is the insufficiently or not defined target audience. Clients may initiate a project without conducting extensive research or determining the end users, leading to ineffective marketing strategies and unsuccessful product launches. Talk about a headache for the meticulous you!</p>



<p>The need for transparent and efficient communication is evident in light of these challenges. So, here’s what you do. Feel free to be tenacious in seeking essential details or clarifying them when the client is uncertain. This approach helps keep everyone aligned and minimizes potential misinterpretations.&nbsp;</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Speaking the Same Language</strong></h5>



<p>Did someone mention misinterpretations? Let’s help you dodge that bullet!</p>



<p>There is no doubt that your occupation influences how you express yourself. For example, the dev team involved in the project speaks the same "language." And they should be eternally thankful since clear and straightforward communication makes execution simpler and faster. But what about clientele from different industries?</p>



<p>Consider the following scenario: A developer speaks with the owner of a restaurant. Conveying digital needs may be scary for a professional caterer who excels in kitchen management, procurement, and casual guest engagement. Similarly, a coder used to exact inputs may find a restaurant owner's language somewhat vague or unclear. Plus, how they visualize online reservations or offering specialties on the website can differ.</p>



<p>These gaps in understanding can frequently result in solutions that fall short of the mark—not due to a lack of competence but a communication gap. Despite being experts in their professions, both parties might occasionally lose each other in translation. So, active communication and establishing clear expectations are essential to bridge this gap.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Expectations Vs. Reality</strong></h5>



<p>And speaking of expectations, that's where you get to know your client Oscar Wilde a bit more and figure out "The Picture of Dorian Gray." As with this tale, in development, the more you stumble and lose focus, the murkier the result. But the canvas is in your hands, so knowing how to lay down your strokes beforehand is a win. Begin by accepting that clients frequently foster unrealistic expectations about what the final product could be or what benefits it will bring.</p>



<p>Many business owners outside of IT believe this industry is a miracle worker that can make money from old rope. Hiring a development team makes them feel like they can sit back, relax, and watch the magic happen. Predictably, they overestimate the new website's direct impact on their sales lists. For example, don't be surprised if the client believes that if you build their website, the sales will increase by 50%. And when reality fails to meet such splendid expectations, your team may be on the firing line. But what if their solution was more than just digital? Perhaps all it took was to hire a salesperson or change the strategy. In any case, bridging the illusion-reality gap is part of your work.</p>



<p>Of course, fighting the misconceptions entwined in the clients' requests takes strength. Getting on the same page isn’t always a smooth sailing process, and that's okay. There will be times when you must reconcile competing goals or various parties. So, make sure your negotiation is both excellent and end-user-oriented.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Always explain to the customer that while a high-quality website is a valuable tool in today's digital world, it is only one piece of the equation. To ensure that the task runs as smoothly as possible, always explicitly convey the advantages and cons of their ideas, prospective solutions, and obstacles at the start. And, of course, try to listen as well as you explain.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Drawing Wisdom from Wilde</strong></h5>



<p>Having grasped the significance of understanding the end user, it's time to integrate this perspective into your daily business routine. Think of Dorian Gray again. Much like Wilde explored the depths of his character's essence, you should always strive to dive deep to fully capture your client's vision. That is the proper technique to ensure your digital artwork reflects their aspirations. And isn't that what IT is all about?</p>

What Can Oscar Wilde Teach You About Understanding End Users?

Just like in natural ones, cycles dictate progress in the business ecosystem. And software development is no exception. Throughout the year, spanning four quarters, dev teams negotiate the constant steps of strategizing, creating, coding, validating, and rolling out software. Each phase has its own goals and challenges as teams strive to create high-quality products tailored [&hellip;]

<p>Just like in natural ones, cycles dictate progress in the business ecosystem. And software development is no exception. Throughout the year, spanning four quarters, dev teams negotiate the constant steps of strategizing, creating, coding, validating, and rolling out software. Each phase has its own goals and challenges as teams strive to create high-quality products tailored to their target audience's ever-changing needs.</p>



<p>Navigating these waves has indicated that the last quarter is the most intense. As a result, we are determined to make the most of it. This is our approach.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is Q4 The Secret Sauce of Yearly Success?</strong></h5>



<p>The fourth quarter is our final sprint toward the goals we've worked hard to achieve all year. This is the time for introspection, reflecting on our path, considering changes, and developing long-term strategies. Regardless of the year's accomplishments, the goal as the year comes to a close is clear: tie up any loose ends and begin the new year with no lingering tasks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>At the same time, clients are focused on project completion, resulting in tight deadlines and shifting demands. So, as the workload has become more intense, it demands clever resource and output balancing. Still, the intensity of Q4 offers another potential stumbling block.</p>



<p>The increased work might cause stress, hurting team morale and job satisfaction. Complicating matters, the season of annual breaks shortens workdays and raises leisure aspirations. This time crunch increases team demands, creating a perfect storm for burnout.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, at Lilly021, we strive to reach these goals through teamwork while avoiding burnout and wrapping up the year as best as possible. Here's how.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Blending Performance with People-First Practices</strong></h5>



<p>Priorities lead us regardless of the quarter we are in. But in Q4, we allocate our time more effectively to ensure our efforts produce meaningful results.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In reality, this entails making good use of efficiency tools. Cutting-edge project management and collaboration solutions in our arsenal streamline processes and enable the most transparent workflow imaginable. This lets us keep a keen eye on our project's progression, spot, and address issues, and use our resources best. Plus, we use analytics tools to help us make informed choices and tweak our approaches, ensuring we hit our targets promptly and during regular work hours.</p>



<p>We've also tapped into automation, bringing in test automation and other tools to lighten the manual load. This lets our devs dive deeper into trickier tasks. By doing this, we speed up the development process and boost its efficiency. Our approach aims to deliver top-tier products faster, with fewer hiccups and quicker problem-spotting.</p>



<p>Drawing from our rich experience and deeply ingrained company values, we prioritize everyone's well-being. We are determined that no assignment, no matter how urgent or complex, should tilt the work-life balance. This is why we advocate for regular breaks, flexible schedules, and open communication and rely on the expertise of our in-house psychology expert. Our goal? To ensure we all have space to recharge, allowing us to stay engaged and upbeat at work. Because feeling noticed and celebrated is essential, recognition and incentives are fundamental to how we work. As new opportunities open this quarter, we're all in to support our team's growth and learning journey.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Setting the Stage for the Next Year</strong></h5>



<p>Navigating the Q4 requires a delicate balancing act: resolving current difficulties while defining a direction for the new year. Forecasting has become our second nature, whether connected to coding complexities, client relations, or launching new initiatives. This method necessitates a strategic blend of big visions and actionable short-term goals. While ambition fuels our motivation, practicality keeps our goals grounded.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We maintain this equilibrium to avoid future burnout by creating reasonable expectations for our clients and our team. So, we engage in proactive talks to accomplish this, addressing crucial factors such as: How can we optimize resource distribution? What tactics can help us improve the clarity of our communication? And which creative tools or approaches should we use to get a competitive advantage?</p>



<p>While Q4 is the year's peak, it is also our springboard, propelling us into the new year with vigor and accuracy. This forward-thinking strategy fosters creativity in our culture and strengthens our resilience in facing unforeseen challenges. By adopting this active mindset, we consistently exceed expectations and raise the bar for greatness. This planning ensures that we approach the new year with enthusiasm, ready to seize any incoming opportunity, and, most importantly, clear of any remaining backlogs. Our constant commitment to growth and adaptation is a beacon of long-term success, not just an immediate triumph.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Our Blueprint for the Future</strong></h5>



<p>Finally, Q4 encapsulates the ethos that we cultivate all year. Rather than perceiving it as a period of anxiety and instability, we see it as an opportunity for strategic foresight, reflecting on past accomplishments and mistakes, and proactively defining goals. At Lilly021, our approach has developed to survive and prosper during this critical moment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We seek a harmonious blend of momentum and groundedness while balancing personal well-being with job satisfaction. Our proactive approach to Q4 guarantees we're not just chasing success - but shaping it.</p>

Q4 Impact: Why the Final Stretch Matters

Remote work sounds like heaven? No doubt! But there&#8217;s something special about kicking it off inside an office.&nbsp; For newcomers to coding, the office atmosphere is like a turbo-charged learning zone &#8211; imagine skill-building, tech gossip, and soaking up all those professional vibes.&nbsp; So, if you&#8217;re looking for your first job but shy away from [&hellip;]

<p>Remote work sounds like heaven? No doubt! But there's something special about kicking it off inside an office.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For newcomers to coding, the office atmosphere is like a turbo-charged learning zone - imagine skill-building, tech gossip, and soaking up all those professional vibes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So, if you're looking for your first job but shy away from the 9-to-5 office routine, stick around and discover what you're losing out on by not hanging out at the company's headquarters.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Seasoned Professionals' Proximity Value</strong></h5>



<p>Working with your mentor or experienced coworkers in person is priceless. Having them nearby means faster fixes and fewer issues when your code runs into a snag. Spontaneous interactions and simply watching and listening can lead to acquiring extra knowledge. However, it's not only about getting advice but also about developing human relationships that screen chats simply cannot match.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, a top tip! Whether you work from home or in an office, knowing when to seek assistance from a seasoned professional is critical. While at the office, you can tell whether they are overburdened with essential tasks. It's vital to remember no one wants to be interrupted. So, while waiting for your colleague's attention, reconsider whether you can devise a solution alone. That's how you become more independent anyway!</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mastering Team Communication</strong></h5>



<p>A typical workday includes lines of code as well as lines of conversation. When you're part of a team, it's not just what you say but also how you say it. Virtual communication may not always portray a credible tone, which can lead to misunderstandings and strained relationships within the team. As a result, you must first spend time in the office to become acquainted with your superiors' and coworkers' ways of speaking, tone, and even body language. While digital platforms are convenient, they overlook these nuances.&nbsp;</p>



<p>What is essential in your profession is sharing information briefly and precisely, whether through your team’s internal channel, an email to superiors, or a meeting with clients. However, it is preferable to practice this skill in real life. Only by working at the office can you get a sense of the authentic ambiance and communication style that is part of the company's culture.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Productivity</strong></h5>



<p>Most importantly, a typical office setting increases productivity. It's a place of better concentration and efficiency, a bullseye for those still honing their talents. In contrast to remote work, the physical closeness of teammates not only ensures on-the-spot corrections but also offers you a slew of technical resources and tools for real-time problem-solving on your own.</p>



<p>One additional thing about office space. Spontaneous team talks provide a fertile ground for unique solutions, creativity, and innovation. Workshops, informal Friday gatherings, seminars, and indoor team-building events are also excellent ways to feel like part of a team, meet new colleagues, develop soft skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the software business through interactions.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Company Culture Assimilation</strong></h5>



<p>We can't stress how important it is for you to be aligned with the business culture. Although you most likely researched the company's values and norms before applying, being physically present and experiencing what it means in practice is quite different.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Working at an office in your early stages can help you align your personal growth with the company's mission and success in the long term, from team dynamics to understanding the company's ethos to the decision-making process. Consider the office not only as a workplace location but also as a space for belonging, adaptability, and your effect on the digital future as you evolve as an equal member of the organization from junior to senior.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Building Professional Network</strong></h5>



<p>Face-to-face encounters, as you know, develop deeper relationships and trust among team members, resulting in improved collaboration. What about professional networking? When you are a rising star, you have a different number of business contacts than seasoned software developers. On the other hand, a lack of expertise on business networks such as LinkedIn will hardly draw the attention of notable potential partners to your profile. A strong network can offer doors to new possibilities, partnerships, and even mentorship in today's competitive corporate world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>You may demonstrate your abilities, learn from industry leaders, and make valuable contacts by attending networking events or conferences in your company. And you know how people say, 'I know a person who knows a person'? Familiarizing specialists with your knowledge and potential collaboration is far more likely when the experts know you personally, outside the monitor's framework.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Another Reason to Head to the Office</strong></h5>



<p>The truth is that routine benefits us all. Working from home frequently requires getting out of bed and immediately going to work. On the other hand, working at the office gives you regular hours, a workstation, and a clear understanding of your responsibilities. It's an excellent method to get organized, better manage your time, and build positive habits like sleeping correctly and developing a morning routine.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Let's be honest. Commuting isn't anyone’s favorite activity. However, it forces you to prepare for the day and remain disciplined. So, if you want a healthy work-life balance, starting at an office can make all the difference in setting yourself up for success.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>You Can Still Make Yourself at Home</strong></h5>



<p>In conclusion, while the appeal of remote work remains strong, there is much to be gained from starting in an office. The workplace provides a fertile learning ground for your early career, from soaking up the combined wisdom of seasoned professionals to mastering the art of team collaboration and delving deep into business culture. Add to it the sense of structure and routine that an office provides—essential for personal and professional development.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So, begin the path that will offer you coding abilities and the development needed for a rewarding career. Oh, one more thing. If Lilly021 is that place, please bring your favorite mug to work and engage in humorous coffee break talks next to our espresso machine!</p>

Why Juniors Should Start in the Office

Get in touch with Lilly021, a leading software development company based in Novi Sad, Serbia. Our expert team is ready to help you with innovative software solutions, maintenance, and quality control. Contact us today to learn more and transform your business.

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