Software Developments

When developing bespoke software in the form of a web app or an app on your mobile device, I test and deliver it in small pieces of functionality each day, so the client gets fully-tested, quality software that meets key requirements – without having to wait for the next monthly release. Keeping everyone on target to meet the deadline.

What Happens?
FAQ's
  • Initially we meet at your business premises or a local restaurant in order to discover more about the business and your proposed project.
  • I work with companies all over the UK and can travel upon request (expenses to be agreed). Video conferencing platforms such as Skype and Google Hangouts can be used to undertake meetings for the convenience of clients.
  • A brief is required so that I can fully understand the scope of the project and the requirements of the system.
  • An initial 50% deposit is required to begin the planning/development phase of the project.
  • We will then have a further meeting to discuss the brief, agree deadlines/milestones and identify improvements that will aid the systems development, such as improvements to the interface design or the functions in the system.
  • UX design will be provided so you can see visually how the system will look and how interactions with the system will be performed.
  • Development will begin.
  • Progress is reviewed periodically throughout the project. However, progress can be viewed at any time.
  • You will be invoiced for the remaining 50% of my development fee towards the end of the project. Once payment is received, the software will be released, ready to go into production.
  • I do accept contracted work on a monthly basis if you require such service.
  • The cost of development will vary depending upon the complexity of the system and the module builds required. However, costs will be outlined in our very first meeting.
  • Dedicated servers & services which may be used in the project will be discussed, along with their benefits and additional costs.
  • I have experience with using AWS and Digital Ocean, for providing software hosting services.
  • Systems will be built using React/Redux/Go or Laravel/Vue depending on the requirements of the system.
  • Machine Learning may be incorporated into the system if we agree a requirement for its use. This would be discussed after the initial project brief has been produced.

Google Extension for Ad Hoc Building / Website Cleaning

To help with the development of  an automatic website scraper, a number of steps can be taken. One of these steps is reducing the noise on the website. Secondly to create an automatic xPath extraction which basically defines the path to a certain element within the website.

I was tasked with developing a Google Extension that automatically removes the noise whilst also automatically calculating the xPaths for all the required fields from within the website. These fields are then passed to a system which then starts the automatic scraping.

Digital Drinks Menu for the Hotel Hotel, Bude, Cornwall

Rupert from the Falcon Hotel approached me to produce a digital interactive drinks menu with the intention of improving the experience for their customers whilst they enjoy a relaxing meal at the Falcon Hotel.

The result is a bespoke system that is clean, clear and easy to navigate, to be viewed on both mobile and tablet devices. These devices will be available to anyone on arrival at the restaurant. I paid close attention to the mobile version of the site, enabling customers to retrieve the information they need as quickly and easily as possible.

The menu can also managed by the staff, allowing prices and drinks to be edited and changed at any given time.

If you’re looking for similar Bude Solutions, whether its a bespoke system to automate your business processes or you are interested in having a similar digital drinks menu created, then please feel free to contact me by visiting my contact page here.

PHP Development: 3rd Party Bookings Integration for VisitBude

I was approached by Tourist Information Centre to integrate a 3rd party bookings system into their existing system, as a part of the website’s revamp, whilst still allowing staff at Bude TIC to continue adding/modifying new pages to the website without interfering with the booking system.

Using the 3rd Party API documentation, I set about creating a bespoke WordPress plugin to interact with the booking data from their system, using PHP as the programming language. This allowed me to develop a page showing which of the accommodations in the system were available to book, for both online and telephone/offline bookings. After a booking has been selected, the data is then passed back up to their system with the parameters  arrival date, departure date and many others for them to process the booking. All this is done seamlessly between Bude TIC and the 3rd Party company. I then created a bespoke availability calendar using the data from the 3rd Party system to make it easier for the pupil when searching for a booking.

The main issue with this project was understanding how WordPress would retrieve its data from the 3rd party system when viewing an individual accommodation. The solution involved mapping accommodation entities in the 3rd party system, to the accommodations posts created in WordPress. This in turn allows accommodations to be created in the booking system, enabling staff at Bude TIC to link it to an accommodation post within WordPress.

Whilst developing the plugin, I made sure all programming standards and practices as set out by WordPress were used. This ensures any future updates to the core of WordPress does not affect the website.

For all your cornwall software development needs, get in touch by telephone or drop me a line to start discussing.

Working with Dean has been an integral part of the re-design, branding and continuous marketing of Bude and developments to the VisitBude website.  He is consistently able to take our brief and work his magic in creating a strong, impactful result that has seen positive feedback from locals and visitors to the area. We continue to work with Dean on numerous projects and value his input when required.
Mark - Director, Bude Area Tourist Board Ltd.
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Testimonials

Dean recently created an excellent animated logo for my website, Bude & Beyond (www.budeandbeyond.co.uk). What I never realised at the outset was how much time, effort, discussion, creativity and dedication goes into producing a logo. After an initial discussion, Dean created many versions, in different colour schemes and formats, which he also animated. He sought appropriate feedback and went the extra mile to ensure that the colours and design were absolutely spot on. I was very impressed at his determination to get it right and to re-create and adapt until both he and I were both very happy with the final result.

So, I’d say Dean’s major strength is communication. I’m not IT-focused, but I appreciate a good-looking website/logo, so it really helps that he is able to discuss ideas in a friendly and accessible way, without over-use of jargon. He explains things well, and will interpret ideas in a client-focused way. He is extremely responsive, so wait times are very short. He listens to his client and creates ideas based on what he hears/understands. He checks all along the way (wording, colours, images, positioning) and will ask: what if we try this? He is also very open to constructive comments. Therefore, he provides plenty of guided choice.

I’m rather proud to now have a Dean Wronowski animated logo already in use on my social media and ready for my website (currently undergoing a major revamp). Dean’s designs are his trademark. Fresh, colourful and lively, they always try to encompass the nature of the product he is working with.

He is a remarkable talent which Bude is fortunate to have

Dawn Robinson - Bude and Beyond
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