Meet John, Our New Senior Software Developer

We're back again with another new team member! John has join us at an exciting time of growth here at Newicon, so expect to learn many more random facts about new team members in the near future. For now though, let's get to know John...

What’s your working background, and how did you come to work for Newicon?

I’ve been doing software development for nearly 15 years now. I’ve got experience working as an in-house developer for many companies from a furniture manufacturer to an eco-clothing brand. More recently I’ve found a passion for agency work. The variety of clients and being a part of helping them innovate in their own field is exciting. Seeking a new challenge and a desire to relocate to Bristol brings me to Newicon. 
 

Describe your job to a six-year-old.

I’m like a teacher but my students are computers, not people. I help the computers to learn how to do things.
 

What are you looking forward to working on the most?

I’m excited to get hands-on with more IoT projects (internet of things).
 

What excites you most about the future of web development?

Accessibility! We’ve seen a bit of a push in the public sector due to legislation now requiring the bare minimum of compliance to help people that are differently-abled. I can only see this growing over time and expanding to make a more inclusive experience for all users of technology. 
 

What tech breakthroughs do you think we’ll be seeing in the next ten years? 

I think it’s possible that quantum computing could leave the realms of academia and be more prevalent. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a long way off and I’m not saying we’ll all have quantum smartphones, but it’d be nice to see continued progress over the next 10 years. 
 

What do you like doing outside of work, any unusual hobbies?

Playing with fire! I’m a fire performer who enjoys breathing/eating/juggling fire and just generally doing things that should be preceded by a ‘Don’t try this at home’ warning.
 

Favourite film/TV show/podcast?

I’m a big fan of films by Hayao Miyazaki. They bring you deep into a whimsical world like no other. 

I’m a fan of the podcast Darknet Diaries with Jack Rhysider and Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster.
 

Do you have any hidden talents, or is there an interesting fact about you?

After I finished college I moved to the US where I lived for a while before moving back to the UK. I once road-tripped from Alabama to California, driving 3815 miles over 10 days and travelling throughout 9 states. I’m currently learning to play the drums.
 

What book should everyone read? 

I’m severely dyslexic so sitting down and reading a book doesn’t really appeal to me. I would recommend, however ‘The Anthropocene Reviewed’ by John Green. It was originally a podcast and was later turned into a nonfiction book. It reviews "facets of the human condition on a five-star scale".
 

At Newicon we listen to a lot of music and make far too many playlists. What are your go-to songs and/or artists?

It depends on my mood. If I’m driving long distances in the car then something that I can sing along to as loud as possible, I find 80’s rock/alternative great for this (Guns N’ Roses, Queen or Springsteen for example).

If I want to get pumped up then some nerdcore rap (mc chris, MC Lars or Schaffer The Darklord).

If I need to concentrate on a task then some lofi hip-hop playlists always fit the bill.
 

Share a meme that sums up you or your job...
 

Draw yourself!
Me about to tuck into a bowl of strawberry kakigori (shaved ice) in Kyoto, Japan. 🍨