“Soft Tech”: Bridging the gap between technology and mindfulness in the workplace

“Soft Tech”: Bridging the gap between technology and mindfulness in the workplace

by | Aug 17, 2022 | Technologies

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

We all know how it feels to have a long, stressful day at work. After sitting in front of a computer for hours, staring at code on a screen, or attending back-to-back meetings in faraway places, the last thing you probably want to do is come home and use even more technology, even if it is to relax. 

“Soft Tech”: Bridging the gap between technology and mindfulness in the workplace

However, there are some great ways to take advantage of technology to unwind after a stressful day, from streaming music to meditation apps can help to calm your mind and ease anxiety, and this is thanks to the rise of the “self-care” movement and increasing awareness of the critical importance of mental health in the workplace, where the plague of burnout and social anxiety has made more difficult for many developers to keep a healthy relationship with themselves. 

However, when people think about self-care, they often think of things like taking a bubble bath or going for a massage, but this is far from the truth. Self-care is an important tool for software developers, who do an activity that can have a physical toll (is well known how sitting in front of a computer for long hours can lead to eye strain, back pain, and even carpal tunnel syndrome, for example), as well as a mental weight thanks to the continuous challenge of solving technological puzzles under constraints almost every day. 

And today, this is the raison d’être behind the rise of a new field of software development currently known as “soft tech”; the idea of creating applications, interfaces, and programs whose purpose is helping us take care of ourselves, especially during those short windows that sometimes appear during a stressful day (or week, or month).  The essay “Radical Softness” by Kat Brewster, from the boutique videogame magazine A Profound Waste of Time, explains it best:

“To be radically soft in the digital age is not simply to recognize caring for one’s self as potentially a radical act, but also to recognize the unique strengths, limits, and realities of soft things. The radicalization of organic, messy, squishy, real-world bodies through creative technologies”.

“Soft tech” has been gaining traction during the last decade, and that shot up in importance since the COVID pandemic began in 2020, helping people to get through the isolation and anxiety that those circumstances brought in. In short, what “soft tech” wants to accomplish is using technology to create self-care tools to relax and regain a lost balance, a few minutes at a time. And when it comes to software development of every kind, whose demand skyrocketed during the pandemic, creating unending deadlines to meet and problems to solve, these kinds of applications can be a great resource to take care of oneself.

The best “soft tech” applications you can get

It seems like everywhere you look these days, a new app or software tool is promising to help you take better care of yourself. And it’s no wonder that this is becoming such a popular topic, especially with so many people moving towards working remotely, which can be isolating depending on your set-up. When you’re not surrounded by colleagues and are just working all the time, it can be easy to let your health and well-being fall by the wayside, but with soft tech apps, you can stay on track and make sure you’re taking care of your mental health. 

Many of these apps even offer helpful tips and articles on everything, from reducing stress to eating better, and with so many people now working remotely, it’s easier than ever to find an app that fits your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for help with meditation, fitness, or diet, there’s sure to be an app that can help you out, so we compiled some recommendations from our team on the best ones you can get right now:

Soft-Tech-Bridging--mindfulness-in-the-workplace-headspace

Headspace

If you’re looking for a meditation app that will help you relax and de-stress, then you should check out Headspace. This app is extremely user-friendly, and it has a ton of great features; you can choose from a variety of different guided meditations, and some helpful animations that explain the concepts behind this practice. In addition, the app keeps track of your progress, so you can see how your meditation practice is improving over time. “I’ve been using Headspace for a while now, and I can feel a notable difference”, says Denisse Morelos, Marketing Executive at Scio. “With just ten minutes spent on it, my day can always get better.”

Soft-Tech-Bridging--mindfulness-in-the-workplace-mountain

Mountain

This is a simulation game with a pretty simple concept: the app procedurally generates a digital mountain, with its own geography and climate, and you watch it evolve through simulated time (hours, days, years). It sometimes generates some insights to share, but that’s pretty much it. It doesn’t have controls, or anything else; it’s about stopping and enjoying the passage of time, a pretty calm, and even meditative, experience.

Soft-Tech-Bridging--mindfulness-in-the-workplace-mountain

Viridi

Depending on the type of person you are, you might find gardening either very stressful or one of the most rewarding pastimes you can have. If you are one of the latter, Viridi was made for you. Similar to Mountain, this game lets you watch the growth of a digital object (in this case, a succulent plant), giving you the task of watering and taking proper care of it, accompanied by nice, soft visuals and a relaxing atmosphere with nothing pressing on you.  

Soft-Tech-Bridging--mindfulness-in-the-workplace-throw-cubes

Throw cubes into brick towers to collapse them

Yes, the title tells you everything you need to know: a “sandbox” game where you can generate block towers (choosing everything from the shape of the bricks to the configuration of the tower, to even the parameters of the physics), and you just topple it down throwing cubes, selecting their size and mass, or even dynamite, if you want something messier. It’s basically a digital Jenga tower that you can collapse over and over, so just put some of your favorite music as background and unwind after a stressful day. “Toppling down writer’s block is more literal than you might think”, says Sergio Martinez, Content Manager at Scio.

An application for every need

Nearshore and FinTech: Easier than you may think

“Technology doesn’t need to be this hard-edged dark thing. It can be something that embraces your body, where the interfaces are designed around you, where the colors are warm and gentle, and promote health and well-being. And that’s really different from the attitude a lot of people had in the 90s, which was ‘Jack me in the Matrix and get rid of my physical body”, indicates the aforementioned “Radical Softness” essay.

We know that, as a software developer, a lot of your time is spent sitting in front of a computer screen. And while you might be used to working long hours, it’s important to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself both mentally and physically. That’s why learning some basic self-care techniques can be so important; things like getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and exercising regularly can help improve your focus and concentration and reduce your stress levels, and something as simple as an application on your phone can make the difference in your day.

It’s no secret that the workplace can be stressful. But by taking a few to focus on your wellbeing, you can increase your productivity, improve your mood, and reduce your anxiety levels. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, be sure to download a self-care app and give yourself the break you deserve.

The Key Takeaways

  • Self-care is not bubble baths and having your favorite tea; it’s a discipline where you take proper maintenance of your physical and mental health, keeping a proper balance in your life.
  • In software development, which saw demand skyrocket during the pandemic, taking proper care of yourself is becoming more important than ever to keep performing as well as you can.
  • This resulted in the rise of “soft tech”, applications meant to help you reach a state of relaxation through meditation guidelines, or simply engaging, low-stake activities designed to bring mindfulness a few minutes at a time.

Scio is a Nearshore software development company based in Mexico where we believe that everyone deserves everyone should have the opportunity to work in an environment where they feel like a part of something. A place to excel and unlock their full potential which is the best approach to create a better world. We have been collaborating with US-based clients since 2003, solving challenging programming puzzles, and in the process showcasing the skills of Latin American Engineers. Want to be part of Scio? Get in contact today!

Developing FinTech applications: A puzzle of high stakes and many pieces.

Developing FinTech applications: A puzzle of high stakes and many pieces.

by | Jul 29, 2022 | Product Development, Technologies

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

When it comes to software development, the core principle of “Know Your Customer” is as important as ever; after all, you can’t develop a truly useful application without a deep understanding of your user base. And when it comes to the world of Financial Technology, this is especially true, as the stakes are higher, so to ensure safety in your product, there’s simply no substitute for due diligence. And by collaborating closely with our clients and understanding their unique risks, we at Scio can develop FinTech applications that are both useful and safe.

DevOpinions Is the Python language here to stay

“With FinTech apps constantly flooding the market, FinTech app design might seem like a pretty sweet and easy job to do. But, in reality, designing a FinTech app is probably one of the toughest jobs out there, as it carries a number of unique challenges that can significantly impact the efficiency and adoption of the final product. One such challenge is the “KYC” or “Know Your Customer” requirement that all financial services providers need to comply with”, explains the article “The pain of KYC in FinTech”.

In other words, developing financial software is a challenge that requires regulations and laws that avoid any serious issues for the user. It’s a puzzle of many pieces, and getting them to fit together can be a tricky situation, but when everything comes together, the result is a beautiful thing. So by taking the time to get to know your clients inside and out, you can develop a much better FinTech application that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations.

However, when it comes the time to expand your team, and choose to collaborate with a Nearshore partner like Scio, what are the challenges faced during the project by our teams, and what are the best ways to ensure the products we helped create are the best they can be, and guarantee that KYC checks are followed properly?

Keeping Your Compliance: The other meaning for “KYC”

Keeping Your Compliance: The other meaning for “KYC”

Very few industries have higher stakes than FinTech, and that’s a core belief that any team developing financial service software has to internalize down to instinct: money is no laughing matter. Be it transferring, keeping it, or doing important operations with it (such as insurance, or billing), regulations on money and banking are an issue taken seriously by all, both private and public organizations. This is, then, what poses the biggest challenges faced when developing FinTech products, summarized so well in the initialism “KYC”: Knowing Your Customers.

“KYC is a regulatory requirement for financial institutions. By law, they are obliged to verify the identities of their clients to prevent fraud and constrain the service access of users who don’t fulfill certain standards of credibility”, says the article Keep Your Compliance: The FinTech’s Guide to KYC. “But Know Your Customer policies are not just regulatory boundaries. They also act as competitive factors. KYC yields insightful data on one’s own services and customers.”

So mastering KYC is critical for any FinTech related-product, although it should be noted that this concept doesn’t establish a concrete set of guidelines, and different types of clients (from a single person to an entire corporation) may have different requirements for their projects, with varying levels of detail, based on the type of transaction needed from the application. This, in turn, can have an extra layer of complexity by building an application meant to work in different territories, each with its regulations, laws, and context, which means that profound knowledge of the financial sector is often required to successfully develop such products.

And although following KYC to achieve the best outcome in FinTech products is necessary for any successful project, the truth is that the costs of these procedures add up, with the average cost of a single KYC check between 13 and 130 dollars (depending on the personnel number, as well as the cost of the particular platform used to do the checks), and up to 25% of FinTech platforms abandoned it due to friction in the customer’s end, which can require a long process to verify one’s ID. 

This poses FinTech as a notoriously risky venture, where tight regulations, costs, and market demand for easy interaction that, nonetheless, also require a rigorous procedure to avoid issues like fraud and money laundering, so any organization attempting it is incentivized to look for any help that might alleviate development, and Nearshore development might hold an answer.

Nearshore and FinTech: Easier than you may think

Nearshore and FinTech: Easier than you may think

When it comes to software development, a FinTech company has options; either choosing to do everything in-house or looking to augment their team with the help of a Nearshore organization. There are pros and cons to both approaches, but it can be a particularly good option for FinTech companies, helping them access the expertise they need to build a successful product by working with a partner with a deep understanding of the financial sector, with the skills they need close by. 

Opting for team augmentation this way allows companies to tap into a larger pool of talent, or “Adding workforce the Nearshore way” in the words of Rod Aburto, Service Delivery Manager, and Co-Founder at Scio, ensuring that communication and progress overview is done in a timely and convenient manner. This ability to collaborate in real-time is another key advantage of Nearshore partnering, and critical to ensuring that KYC is followed, with the final product meeting all the requirements needed. 

Ultimately, there are many reasons why these partnerships are a good idea for FinTech companies, and the biggest one is that you can get the best of both worlds: someone who knows the ins and outs of the industry and can help you navigate the regulatory KYC landscape and also shares a passion for developing amazing software.

After all, FinTech companies are under constant pressure to release new features and products quickly, without compromising on quality or security, so to meet these demands, many firms are discovering that by expanding their team resources with a Nearshore organization, a Fintech company can access some expertise that might otherwise be unavailable, and in the case of the financial sector, the proximity between the US and LATAM means that companies like Scio already have a close understanding of all the culturally and legally relevant details that are so important for the correct implementation of KYC checks.

As a result, FinTech companies stay ahead of the competition, speeding up the development process, easing the costs of KYC in the project, and all in all, getting all the talent and expertise you need to develop FinTech applications. So if you’re looking to develop FinTech applications, don’t be afraid to reach out and collaborate with a Nearshore partner: with the right team in your corner, anything is possible.

The Key Takeaways

  • Although FinTech solutions are in high demand, developing applications for it is full of challenges and obstacles that need a critical eye.
  • One of the biggest is KYC, or Know Your Customer, which dictates plenty of the requirements of any software, platform, or app.
  • KYC can be costly, so most FinTech organizations need to proceed with development in an especially careful way, and seek the best support available. 
  • Nearshore development can offer plenty of solutions for the FinTech sector of the US, as the geographical, economic, and cultural proximity between North America and LATAM can ease many of the challenges of KYC.

Scio is a Nearshore software development company based in Mexico where we believe that everyone deserves everyone should have the opportunity to work in an environment where they feel like a part of something. A place to excel and unlock their full potential which is the best approach to create a better world. We have been collaborating with US-based clients since 2003, solving challenging programming puzzles, and in the process showcasing the skills of Latin American Engineers. Want to be part of Scio? Get in contact today!

DevOpinions: Is the Python language here to stay?

DevOpinions: Is the Python language here to stay?

by | Jul 20, 2022 | Technologies

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

No single programming language can claim to be the most popular (as popularity is subjective and depends on factors such as industry type, location, and personal preferences), but Python is certainly one of the best candidates to grab that title. After all, according to the TIOBE Index, Python is the most used language overall (reaching the 1st position in July of 2022), and it has been steadily gaining ground since its debut in the early 90s, so now it’s the perfect time to review what’s so good about this tech, what capabilities let Python takes its current place in the software industry, and what downsides it might have.

DevOpinions Is the Python language here to stay

After all, Python has been the language of choice for many major technological projects in recent years, including Google’s App Engine, Instagram, and Pinterest, as well as being one of the most popular languages for teaching introductory computer science courses at various universities. It has even found applications in fields such as web development, scientific computing, and artificial intelligence, so given its versatility and widespread use, it’s no wonder that Python is often considered a basic skill among most developers around. 

However, is the excitement around Python warranted? You may already know that Python is praised for its readability and simplicity, often described as an “executable pseudocode,” which means that it’s easy for even non-programmers to understand, making it an ideal language for prototyping, or as a starting point for beginners.

In addition, it’s also open-source, meaning that anyone can contribute to its development (and keeps its already large library growing), so all this makes it a no-brainer when it comes to software development, but if we were to ask some actual developers about the good and bad sides to Python, maybe we can get insight on why this very dynamic (but sometimes confusing) language has earned its place in programming, so we asked Martín Ruiz and Elier Ramos, Application Developers at Scio with experience creating software with Python, to share their takes on this popular language.

What are the cool things about Python?

DevOpinions Is the Python language here to stay

On one hand, Python is a very versatile programming language that offers many advantages to developers, perhaps the most notable being its readability. Thanks to its use of indentation and whitespace, Python code is often far easier for people to read and understand than code written in other languages, which saves valuable time when working on larger projects. In addition, Python is an interpreted language, which means that it doesn’t need to be compiled before it can be run. 

“I like the dynamism of Python. By being a higher leveled language than others like C, Java, or C#, it’s possible to develop the same kind of programs with briefer code”, says Martín. “It’s a multi-paradigm language where you don’t need to know OOP to generate programs capable of solving problems”.

The dynamism Martín mentions refers to, according to the words of the blog Data Towards Science, to a peculiar quality of this language, in which “to evaluate an expression, a compiler first searches the current block and then successively all the calling functions”. Additionally, even if the object-oriented features of Python are not as robust as those found in other languages, it still offers excellent support for it, making it a great choice to develop complex applications. 

“This language is widely used for mathematical simulation and data analysis, and it’s very focused on engineering, but it can also find a lot of applications to replicate what other languages can do, making it a sort of “all-in-one”, explains Elier.

Python also includes a large standard library that can be used to develop a wide range of applications, and with so many advantages, it’s no wonder that it has become one of the most popular programming languages in the world. However…

Some downsides to coding in Python

DevOpinions Is the Python language here to stay

While Python is a versatile language with a wide variety of applications, it does have some well-documented disadvantages worth discussing. One potential downside, for example, is that Python code can be difficult to master, with a potentially confusing syntax due to its use of whitespace and indentation, which can make code written by more experienced programmers a challenge to understand. 

In addition, it’s not well suited for low-level tasks such as system programming or network programming, and Python’s interpreted nature can lead to slower execution times compared to languages like C++, which are compiled. Martin Ruiz, again explains some of its shortcomings:

“Since it’s more dynamic, and it doesn’t have as many restrictions as other languages, the developer is the one responsible for following good practices and documentation to achieve clean code. In other words, it’s a lot easier to generate illegible code with Python than with other languages, and it’s also more prone to generate errors thanks to this same dynamism. After all, the variables of Python can take any other value type.”

Furthermore, Python’s syntax, already somewhat difficult, is not consistent across all platforms, which can lead to compatibility issues, and the resulting code can be more difficult to debug and maintain, as well as having some structural issues that any seasoned developer must watch out for. In the words of Elier:

“Developing software with Python is very quick, but the design pattern and dependency injections can get lost very easily with this language. You can have way too many instanced things, and that gets hard to follow. I really wish the design patterns were more explicit in their instance and declaration.”

Additionally, the same popularity of Python makes finding experienced developers more difficult, as all big companies use it one way or another, reducing the available talent pool constantly. But despite these potential drawbacks, it remains a popular language for many types of projects due to its ease of use and wide range of libraries.

Final thoughts

“I started to learn Python during college, thanks to a teacher I worked with, building a system for a software conference. He used it for everything he developed, and it helped me a lot when I got my Master’s Degree because almost every teacher there used it”, explains Martín of his total experience with Python. “I would definitely add the optional use of keys to group code to make it more legible, though. And anyone willing to study this language should try to understand dynamic scoping to make full use of it, without taking the same approach as more structured languages such as Java or C#.”

So, taking it from an experienced Python developer, what this language offers is a “high risk / high reward” type of deal, where code in Python has to be very carefully constructed and documented to be maintained properly, but the results you get from it can be formidable. However, considering all this, is Python truly the code of the future? The same article for Data Towards Science sums it up:

“As we’re witnessing the shift from desktop to smartphone, it’s clear that we need robust languages to build mobile software. But Python wasn’t made with mobile in mind. So even though it might produce passable results for basic tasks, your best bet is to use a language that was created for mobile app development. […] To be clear, laptops and desktop computers should be around for many years to come. But since mobile has long surpassed desktop traffic, it’s safe to say that learning Python is not enough to become a seasoned all-around developer.”

So even with all these downsides, the continued popularity of Python in software development is still up in the air. Although this language has found its place in machine learning and web development, if you’re a seasoned programmer and want to stay ahead of the curve, you have it in your repertoire right now. It may be replaced one day by a newer language with better mobile support, but for now, it’s still the most popular option out there. And even if that does happen, maintaining the current Python-based software means it will remain a basic skill that every programmer needs to know. Dynamic or just very confusing, Python is an interesting language that is worth understanding.

Scio is a Nearshore software development company based in Mexico where we believe that everyone deserves everyone should have the opportunity to work in an environment where they feel like a part of something. A place to excel and unlock their full potential which is the best approach to create a better world. We have been collaborating with US-based clients since 2003, solving challenging programming puzzles, and in the process showcasing the skills of Latin American Engineers. Want to be part of Scio? Get in contact today!

The significant impact of Green Coding on the environment: Is balanced software development possible?

The significant impact of Green Coding on the environment: Is balanced software development possible?

by | Jul 18, 2022 | Product Development, Technologies

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

With the need to be more environmentally focused every day, we look at an approach to software development that can help our industry utilize its resources better and more efficiently: Green Coding.

With the need to be more environmentally-focused every day, we take a look at an approach to software development that can help our industry to utilize its resources better and more efficiently: Green Coding.

When it comes to good practices in software development, there’s more to it than just efficiency and delivery of results during every sprint; there’s also a lot to consider about the impact caused by the products we make, both for our clients, final users, and the world at large. 

After all, we all know that software development can be a resource-intensive process. First, it generally requires a significant amount of development time to create robust and efficient applications. And second, developing software often requires the use of multiple tools and technologies, which can add to the cost of development. However, beyond these normal cases of resource investment from any software development company, what many people don’t realize is that coding can have a significant impact on the environment. After all, software development has always been a complex and time-consuming process, but in recent years this process has come into sharp focus, as the effects of global warming (and the time we have left to mitigate its effects) have become more and more pressing. 

In the case of technology, the creation of new software often requires the use of powerful machines, which consume large amounts of energy, and generate considerable amounts of heat and noise, in addition to the involvement of dozens or even hundreds of software development tools, each of which has a footprint. As a result, the environmental impact of software development can be significant.

Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the environmental impact of software development, like using more efficient development tools that consume less energy or developing software in collaboration with other developers, which can help to reduce the overall number of development tools in use. However, all this could be for naught if our approach to software development doesn’t include a responsible mindset, which is the origin of a new way to approach the creation of new applications: Green Coding.

Green Coding: Efficiency in balance

The significant impact of Green Coding on the environment Is balanced software development possible

By taking these steps, developers can help to protect the environment while still creating high-quality software products, which is why more and more companies are adopting “Green Coding” practices. Green Coding is all about developing software in a way that minimizes its environmental impact, and that means anything from using energy-efficient hardware to writing code that is easier to recycle or reuse.

There are a lot of reasons why green coding is becoming a necessary practice in the software industry. For one, it’s simply the right thing to do: we have a responsibility to take care of our planet, and Green Coding is one way we can make a difference. But there are also practical reasons for adopting these practices; energy-efficient hardware, for example, can save developers money on their electric bills (an essential concern in remote setups), and code that is easier to reuse can save time and resources in the long run. So no matter what your motivation is, there are plenty of ways to go, so let’s review some techniques to ensure your code is as environment-friendly as possible.

  • Efficient writing: Before going into coding itself, let’s take a step back and think about the physical tool you use to write: your keyboard. How much energy does your keyboard spend during the day? Although the amount might seem negligible (around 1W per hour on average, maybe even less), most USB keyboards increase around 5 times the amount of energy they consume the older they get, depending on their build type and brand. And going along with the energy used by the whole computer setup, this energy adds up, which is why using wireless, rechargeable keyboards is getting popular in Green Coding circles, as it only needs a single 3-hour charge to work most of the day, and doesn’t consume energy directly while you use them. It may seem like a very small change, but considering how, on average, 600,000 people hit a space bar at the same time every 1/10 of a second, saving energy will have benefits in the long run.

  • Efficient coding: “Coding, for the most part, can become greener almost instantly if we adopt the same software development processes as our industry did 20+ years ago, when coding was confined to strict lengths and sizes”, is an interesting point mentioned by Dean Clark, Chief Technology Officer at GFT, regarding the idea of implementing Green Coding practices. The truth is that, while our ability to code today is virtually limitless, the lean way of writing code when you had to make the most with limited space also meant that no waste of resources was allowed, and optimization was a day-to-day practical concern. “Nowadays, with a lot more leeway in the way we write code”, says Adolfo Cruz,  Project Management Officer, and partner at Scio. “And these approaches to making software could still teach us a thing or two in regards to taking care of our resources, allowing us to create more environmentally-responsible applications whose efficiency could save us a lot of energy and time in the long run”. 

 

  • Efficient debugging: “Coding will inevitably result in bugs, and the act of debugging is, by itself, a way to improve the energy efficiency of software”, is the opinion of the blog TechXplore, which is why having a strong QA department with the appropriate tools is so important to achieve a true Green Coding approach. Following the last point, making sure that our applications are using resources responsibly, and wasting the least amount of energy possible at every step, could go a long way toward making software development more friendly to the ecosystem, and leading to more environmentally responsible practices overall. 

Collaboration as a key to Green Coding

The significant impact of Green Coding on the environment Is balanced software development possible_2

So to recap, Green Coding is the process of developing software in a way that minimizes its impact on the environment. We already mentioned some ways to achieve it, but a key practice in environmentally-friendly coding includes collaboration, Nearshore development, and expertise sharing. Collaboration is essential to Green Coding because working closely with others helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that no one is duplicating effort, allowing for more efficient use of resources, which can help to reduce a company’s carbon footprint. 

In the specific case of Nearshore development, working with developers in countries closer to their clients and end-users helps reduce travel emissions, allowing you to take advantage of different time zones so work can be done around the clock, which combined with good Green Coding practices, can make a difference when it comes to leaving a carbon footprint. 

“You might not think that Nearshoring your software development would have anything to do with the environment, but the truth is it can be very beneficial, helping to improve efficiency and cut down on waste”, is the summary Adolfo Cruz offers about the advantages of collaborating within your same time zone, as expertise sharing is crucial to Green Coding, helping to raise the overall level of expertise in the industry to not only improve the quality of software but also help it reduce the need for training and support. 

Development involving a team of experts can often get the job done faster, with fewer errors, and less need for constant testing and development, saving a lot of time and resources. As a result, expertise sharing is an essential part of green coding. All in all, there are many good reasons to consider outsourcing your software development – even if you’re worried about the environment.

In the software development industry, going green is not just about being eco-friendly; it’s also about being efficient, effective, and collaborative. When development teams adopt Green Coding practices, they can work faster, and more efficiently, and as a result, have a positive impact on the software development process. In addition, by adopting green coding practices, development teams can help to make the software development industry more sustainable, and in turn, help the march towards a better future.

The Key Takeaways

  • The technology industry as a whole is very resource-intensive, and thus, a good starting point for more environmentally friendly practices.
  • However, beyond adopting hardware that spends less energy overall, there are practices in the software side of things that could help to be more responsible with resources.
  • Green Coding is an approach to software development where code is as efficient, light, and bug-free as possible, helping to run applications that overall leave a smaller footprint in the environment.
  • Nearshore development is a good approach to green coding, reducing the need for long travels (and thus, the emissions they involve), as well as sharing the necessary knowledge to always improve software, achieving a better balance with our environment.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies to help you reach new heights. We have been developing since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – we’ll be happy to help you achieve your business goals.

Five years of technology: What has changed in the world of software since 2017?

Five years of technology: What has changed in the world of software since 2017?

by | Jun 23, 2022 | Technologies

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

Every year, the data insight company Gartner, as part of their mission to help our industry to pay attention to the latest trends and development in software and development, publishes a list of the most promising technologies of that year, the ones that seem to be able to change the direction of the future.

It’s (not) about time: Why is managing your energy the best software development approach?

Knowing this, and with the benefit of insight, we took a look into some of the predictions made way back in 2017, asking some of Scio’s leader, Luis Aburto, Rod Aburto y Adolfo Cruz, their thoughts about these technologies during the past five years, what they got right, and if some new developments could still await for us in the future. Enjoy!

Prediction 1: AI & Advanced Machine Learning

“It has definitely become popular”, Luis Aburto, CEO, and Co-founder of Scio, comments. “Applications like Jasper.io have advanced to a point where they are not toys anymore, but tools that a professional organization can rely on.” On the other hand, Adolfo Cruz, PMO Director, holds the opinion that this technology is still in its infancy. “There’s still a long road ahead. These programs are still unable to emulate the soul of many creative tasks. Maybe one day, but not very soon.” 

And in the case of software like the Applicant Tracking Systems we have talked about before, Luis still believes that AIs and Advanced Machine Learning are still not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. “These programs could work well in bigger companies that have an enormous amount of information to sift through, so an AI program could perform better in that case. But for medium companies like Scio or even smaller companies, human intervention keeps being preferable.” 

Prediction 2: Intelligent Apps

“Although they aren’t ubiquitous yet, applications like chatbots and virtual assistants have proven to be a valuable tool in many businesses”, comments Luis Aburto. “We are currently building a chat application along with one of our clients, and it’s an interesting challenge that will get more complex, but also more useful day by day. Someday, you’re probably not going to be talking to humans in any client service.”

Prediction 3: Digital Twinning

“Building a virtual mirror of a physical object is going to get big in manufacture and development of systems”, says Rod Aburto. “I know of business areas like airspace that can develop planes using the tons of data generated in each flight, gigabytes of information transmitted directly from the plane that could revolutionize the industry. In that sense, digital twinning might be a useful tool from now on, but I only see it in specific industries. Not much in the mainstream.” 

Prediction 4: Virtual and Augmented Reality

“I believe AR is still marching slowly. Maybe now with the Metaverse, they can jump forward, although I see more future in full virtual reality than AR”, says Luis. 

“And it’s still more of a plaything than anything else, without much in the way of practical applications”, adds Rod Aburto, referring to the current state of most popular AR uses. “At some point, it was said that doctors could do surgery at a distance with the help of this technology, but I see that as a very unlikely outcome.  

“Even Microsoft, with the big push of the Hololens, couldn’t really crack it”, continued Luis. “They sold some to the military and the like, but for the average person, it seemed more of a novelty than a truly groundbreaking tool. And the idea of everyone walking around with Google glasses, seeing augmented reality applications everywhere, is not really the future I expect.” 

Prediction 5: Blockchain

“Okay, that one is everywhere”, said Rod Aburto. “But not necessarily with their original purpose of being a public ledger audited by everyone. Their main application is still in cryptocurrency, and more as a financial gamble than anything else.”

“Although the future seems to lead to the so-called Web3, where the more transactional aspects of the blockchain become clearer”, intervenes Luis at the end. “Like the whole “digital ownership” concept of NFTs, I think that this technology still has many issues to solve, like how costly it is to make transactions and not to mention how slow it is for any practical purpose. But those things can only improve.” 

So what do you think? With all these technologies constantly growing and evolving, where will we be standing in five years’ time? Will some of these still be around as we know them, will they find new and exciting applications or something new will throw our predictions in an unexpected direction? Because one thing is sure: however the future shapes up, here at Scio we will be ready to help you explore new technological territories with the best talent in all of LATAM. Give us a call and let’s get started!

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies to help you reach new heights. We have been developing since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – we’ll be happy to help you achieve your business goals.

HR, AI and the future of job applications: Where are we headed?

HR, AI and the future of job applications: Where are we headed?

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Project Management, Technologies

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

Maybe it’s not exaggerated to say that the future will be driven by machines. With advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, neural networks, and algorithmically-driven programs; machines can be applied virtually anywhere, from transportation, to design, to even art.

HR, AI and the future of job applications: Where are we headed?

And right now, one of the hottest new trends, at least when it comes to Human Resources and the job market, is the implementation of job interview software that can select, completely neutrally but with 100% accuracy, the best candidate for a given position. Or at least, that’s in theory what is supposed to happen, but what is the reality and ramifications right now? What does a machine do that an HR professional can’t, and what are the limits of these kinds of technologies?

The theory: Machines looking for data

The most common programs for this type of work are called Application Tracking Systems (ATS), which is software that helps businesses manage job applications. These systems automate many of the tasks associated with recruiting, such as posting job ads, screening resumes, and scheduling interviews, and often use machine learning algorithms to help identify the best candidates for a given position. 

Many ATS systems also offer features that allow candidates to track their applications and receive updates on the status of their hiring process, normally with minimum human involvement, and they are getting popular by the day in most industries, with software development and technology at the forefront. As explained by Oracle: 

“Some organizations lack the reach to connect with top job seekers or to cast a wide enough net in the marketplace. Others are missing critical data on the right channels to find specific candidates; other organizations may lack brand recognition and the means to develop it. An ATS can help address these critical candidate challenges”. 

It’s no wonder, then, that these systems are becoming so popular, thanks to the many key advantages they offer over traditional methods of recruiting. For one, machine learning and artificial intelligence can sift through large numbers of applications quickly and efficiently, instead of relying on human recruiters to go through every application, which is both time-consuming and expensive.

Furthermore, these programs can identify patterns and trends in data that might otherwise be difficult to spot by the human eyes, which could help businesses to better understand the kinds of candidates that are most likely to be successful in a given role, as well as identify potential red flags that might indicate that a candidate is not worth pursuing. And more critically, artificial intelligence can help automate repetitive tasks like sending out interview requests or scheduling follow-up calls, freeing time for human recruiters to focus on more strategic tasks, such as developing relationships with potential candidates. 

And the cherry on top is that an ATS can help a company ensure that its hiring practices are fair and compliant with equal opportunity laws, ensuring inclusion and openness to all kinds of candidates. So with many issues solved, what are then the challenges that these systems face? And can they completely replace a hiring process done through interviews and human interactions? 

HR, AI and the future of job applications Where are we headed

The reality: Machines finding (only) data

At a first look, the idea of using IA to select job candidates isn’t far-fetched; after all, the heart of it is just comparing information: the needs of the position vs. the experience and skills of the applicant. Current job application software could theoretically perform this well by using specific data points calibrated to look for particular needs. However…

“Job hunting may be one of the few instances where technology doesn’t improve our lives”, says an article by the Wall Street Journal about the flaws in these tools. “That’s because most companies use Applicant Tracking System software to parse the resumes they receive. This helps recruiters by simplifying the task of assessing resumes. But research indicates that the ATS rejects a startling 75% of resumes because of formatting, insufficient use of relevant keywords, and other criteria that have nothing to do with candidate qualifications.”

The reality is that, while these systems are designed to help employers sift through the hundreds or even thousands of job applications they receive, in practice they often end up weeding out qualified candidates making the job search even more competitive, and with less accurate results for the final candidate. And the problem only grows when we start to rely on IA to drive things like interviews or tests instead of human interaction.

For example, in the podcast “In Machines We Trust” of the MIT Technology Review, the effectiveness of these virtual tools was tested, with some startling results: “One gave our candidate a high score for English proficiency when she spoke only in German”, and “[the] algorithm assessed candidates differently when they used different video backgrounds and accessories, like glasses, during the interview.”. 

And that’s without getting into the parameters and limits of these tools, which necessarily reflect the limits and parameters of the people designing and implementing them. As mentioned earlier, the idea for many of these ATS and AI interview software is to help companies find the best possible candidate for a job, but who and how defines what is “perfect”? Or “fair?” To quote the aforementioned MIT Technology Review:

“Instead of scoring our candidate on the content of her answers, the algorithm pulled personality traits from her voice, says Clayton Donnelly, an industrial and organizational psychologist working with [AI-powered interview software] MyInterview. But intonation isn’t a reliable indicator of personality traits, says Fred Oswald, a professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Rice University. “We really can’t use intonation as data for hiring,” he says. “That just doesn’t seem fair or reliable or valid.”

HR, AI and the future of job applications Where are we headed

The question, then, is how an organization interprets and analyzes the knowledge and insights offered by this technology. After all, the biases of AI job interview applications can be difficult to spot, but they can significantly impact who gets ultimately hired. For example, if a company’s AI job interview application is trained on purely historical data, it may mistakenly favor candidates who are similar to those who have been successful in the role in the past. This can lead to talented candidates being overlooked simply because they don’t fit the profile of those who have been successful in the role before, and whose needs may have changed since. So to overcome these biases, companies need to be aware of the limitations of their tools, like:

  • They’re powered by machine learning, which means they’re not always accurate. Although machine learning is evolving by the day, and results could only get more accurate in the future, right now the flaws of the algorithm, the parameters of the search, and the logic behind these programs could be driving out valuable talent today.

  • They often screen out qualified candidates because of resume format issues. If you have ever tried to use a program to scan a PDF, transcribe a conversation, or use an IA to describe an image accurately, you might see how unusual formatting can trip the entire system up. 

  • They’re designed to save time for recruiters, not applicants. So a system could ask for some very specific and time-consuming requirements from the applicants (like aptitude tests, CV formats with little flexibility, keyword density optimization, photos, etc.) that, while useful for an organization hiring, could discourage a valuable candidate from applying.

  • They’re biased against certain groups of people. For example, a study by the New York University’s IA Now Institute discovered that “such systems have historically had trouble understanding women’s voices”, and it goes from there, so relying on them could be counterproductive to the goal of “fair” hiring.
HR, AI and the future of job applications Where are we headed_3

Machines helping humans (and not the other way around)

“These technological tools will keep getting improved and optimized, that’s for sure, but the value of a person involved directly in a process as critical as hiring the perfect candidate cannot be underplayed”, says Helen Matamoros, Human Capital Manager at Scio. “Because, even if the idea of automating these tasks is no longer out of reach, we must not forget that hiring people goes beyond selecting skills and experience; a cultural fit with the organization, the capacity to grow, the disposition to collaborate and teach others, and else are things that an algorithm, as perfect as we can make it, cannot master on its own, and need the criteria and experience of an expert that can take away such information and use it properly”.

That’s why the “Human” portion of “HR” is still a necessity, even in an age of IA and automated software: tools that help perform our jobs better and more effectively, without taking away what makes the system works: understanding from person to person to ensure the best possible choice, which is the approach Scio has when looking for talent to join our organization. 

Because beyond merely selecting and onboarding a candidate, the idea of our process is to ensure our vision is shared, both parties (Scio and the candidate) have clear and common expectations about collaborating, and ensuring that any new Scioneer fits right in with the team. These tools might facilitate some of these processes, but at the heart of it, the future is still relying on expertise to make the best possible choices.

 

The Key Takeaways:

  • Hiring a candidate for an open position in an organization is a critical activity that can be time-consuming and expensive.
  • New kinds of software and IA-based tools can help with this, but they come with a lot of caveats.
  • Relying solely on them to hire someone for a position can have unintended consequences, from discouraging talent to apply, to giving incorrect insights to make a final choice.
  • Having people involved in the process is still invaluable because hiring a person goes beyond checking a CV: it has to be a cultural fit, make sense with the team dynamic, and be a fit for both the candidate and the organization, and that can be something outside the scope of a program.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies to help you reach new heights. We have been developing since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – we’ll be happy to help you achieve your business goals.