In a world where there is an app for everything, we have Ben to make sure there is an app for IZEA.
Meet Ben Hanzl
Ben is our Senior Software Engineer focusing on mobile development. He joined the team less than a year ago and is making a huge impact; inheriting the maintenance and development of our WeReward and Staree mobile applications.
Mobile development was originally just a hobby for him and now he’s in it everyday. Ben graduated from Florida Institute of Technology with a degree in Computer Engineering. He started out working on our Android apps, but quickly learned Apple’s language for iPhone and now is our resident guru for both.
His favorite aspect of mobile is watching the process go from computer to the device to your pocket. Then you have it wherever you go.
Application Complications
Usability is the key to mobile
You have to keep people coming back. If the app is too complicated, they won’t keep using it. The challenge when you add new features is figuring out the best place to put them while making it intuitive enough for users to understand them… and use them in the way you intended.
Network connections vary
Something that works great in the office, might get bogged down in a high traffic city. Make sure you test out your app in various places. Or get your friends from out of state involved. Ben tests apps on his weekend adventures where network connections might not be as strong.
iPhone and Android development require different thought processes
Switching between the two platforms can be challenging. Ben suggests focusing on one at time. He will work on the iPhone apps one week and the Android apps the next.
Want to get into mobile? Here are some of Ben’s tips
Jump on in: Google and Apple have amazing tutorials on how to create apps. Read those then just go for it – Nothing beats the hands on experience.
Get involved in your local mobile community: There are plenty of networking organizations specific to mobile development. Ben frequents the local iOS Developer Group here in Orlando.
So does mobile interest you? We are looking for an additional mobile engineer to join our team!
