HAM 19292 Steven Meet the Team V2 Website

Job title

Web developer

How did you get started in your industry?

I studied Media at RGU and it was there that I really started to enjoy creating things using code. In those days, Dreamweaver and Flash were the tools of choice! Career-wise I started off freelancing as a developer, building websites using WordPress for smaller businesses. I also enjoyed building custom WordPress plugins for more complex sites.

How would you explain your role to someone who isn’t familiar with your area?

I make it so the content on your website can be easily changed easily by you. I also ensure users have a positive experience on your website through high performance, accessibility and using best practices.

What are the key responsibilities of a web developer?

Maintaining our current clients' websites by making sure they perform well, are accessible for all, and are built for effective SEO.

In my role, I integrate the work created by our front-end developers so that each website design is hooked up seamlessly to the client's content management system.

What is the difference between a front-end developer and back-end developer?

Using The Matrix as an analogy, the front-end developer is like the Oracle in that it is the visual parts that users interact with. The front-end developer helps guide the user through the website. A back-end developer is more like the Keymaker in that they are more involved in connecting data with a CMS and/or databases.

Fun fact about yourself

I am a fermenting fiend! I love to make my own kombucha, kefir, sourdough and apple cider vinegar. If you go into my kitchen it looks like a crazy botanist's lab - think Flubber!

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If you could learn to do absolutely anything, what would it be?

I would love to be a street artist; the skill that is involved to produce the artwork featured in the likes of Nuart Aberdeen is just amazing.

If you could only have three apps on your phone, which would you pick?

Camera, Calculator and WhatsApp.

What’s your favourite desk snack?

Butteries. We often have a buttery in the office. Most of the time it's a classic from JG Ross and sometimes we go for a more up-market one from Rephilosophy or Cognito. You can’t beat a warm buttery with jam!

When you’re not at Hampton, what’s your favourite thing to do?

I am a keen 'dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodger'. I’ve been playing dodgeball for about 7 years now, and have played with teams such as Deeside Bandits and the Buchan Sharks. I’ve travelled across the UK playing the sport, and a personal highlight was playing the Belfast Open a few years ago.

Lastly, top three things on your bucket list?

Finish renovating my van into a camper van, grow a prize-winning vegetable at the Turriff Show, and visit Barcelona.

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