%20(1).jpg)
A new name? Yes.
Just a visual refresh? Far from it.
This is a redefinition of who we are - a stronger heartbeat, a clearer voice, and a bolder step into the future we’re here to shape.
We began as Walter Code - the tech arm of Waltecon AB, a Swedish-Bosnian company founded in 2008.
From our offices in Sarajevo, Mostar, and Stockholm, we built engineering excellence across AEC, FinTech, E-commerce, EdTech, and HealthTech.
But over the years… something shifted.
%20(1).jpg)
From doers you could count on to partners you can grow with.
From just writing code to building long-term value.
From following someone else’s roadmap to creating our own direction.
We’re no longer just “the ones who build software” - we bring clarity to chaos, unlock human potential, and co-create innovation that actually means something.
And the name “Walter Code”?
It simply couldn’t hold all of that anymore.
Galeyo is more than a new name.
It’s a new identity - born with intent, shaped by values, and fueled by the desire to make things that matter.
%20(1).jpg)
Alongside the name comes a bold promise:
Uncode what’s next.
It’s not just a slogan. It’s a mindset. A call to action.
A belief that the future isn’t something you guess - it’s something you uncover, shape, and lead. Together.
We don’t change for the sake of being new - we change to move forward.
It’s about growing into who we were always meant to become:
We’ve shifted:
This rebrand was shaped in-house - by the people who live and breathe this company every single day.
Most importantly, the whole team was involved. From first ideas to feedback sessions, everyone played a part. This wasn’t a top-down makeover, but an awakening from within.
“We wanted people to feel the transformation - not just see it. Branding is how you act, how you think, and how you make others feel. This is who we are now”,
Our Values - No Fluff, Just Truth
%20(1).jpg)
We’re going deeper into human-centered design.
We’re investing in ethical AI, meaningful innovation, and partnerships that seek purpose - not just profit.
We’re building a company where people grow alongside the products they create.
We are Galeyo.
And we’re just getting started.
Change is inevitable. And in tech, it’s fast. Over the years, Galeyo (formerly Walter Code) has evolved – and so have we. Projects, people, processes… all in motion. But through all the transitions, what’s stayed constant is the quiet sense of curiosity that drives us to build things that didn’t exist before. I know that feeling well – it’s been the throughline of my time here.
When I first joined Galeyo, I thought I knew what I was getting into: code, deadlines, sprints, the usual. But what I didn’t expect was how much I’d come to value the moments between the milestones. Like late-night prototype tests in VR headsets, laughing with teammates while debugging surreal animation glitches. Or the feeling of skateboarding to work with an idea for a feature spinning in my head and leaving that evening knowing we made it real.
One thing I discovered about myself through this journey is that I need to create with both my mind and my hands. VR gave me that. It’s not just logic or syntax – it’s space, motion, experience. It activated a part of my brain I didn’t even know needed activating. Suddenly, the fact that I love building music setups at home or tweaking physical gadgets made sense. It was all connected.
Funny enough, the skill I never expected to use at work? Listening. Not just hearing people talk – I mean really listening. To users. To colleagues. To silence in a meeting when someone’s unsure. It turns out, listening is what makes the tech better. It’s how we got from “cool demo” to “this actually solves a real problem.”
Over time, my idea of success shifted. Early on, I thought success meant doing something technically impressive. Now? It’s when I see someone use what we’ve built and go, “Oh wow, this makes sense to me.” That’s the win. When the tech disappears, and the experience stays.
There are tough days, of course. Projects hit walls. Things break. Motivation dips. But then I remember how rare it is to be somewhere that lets you build new realities. Literally. That’s what keeps me showing up – the permission to explore, to rethink how we learn, move, connect.
If I had to explain my job to my 10-year-old self, I’d probably say: “I make virtual worlds where you can learn things by being inside them. Like teleporting into a history book or stepping into someone else’s shoes.” And I think that version of me would just nod and say, “Cool. Can I try?”
Maybe the biggest mindset shift I’ve made at Galeyo – and one that stuck with me outside of work too – is understanding that progress isn’t always visible. Just because something isn’t flashy or finished doesn’t mean it’s not moving forward. Sometimes the most important steps are quiet: a refactor, a deep breath, a rethink.
Looking back now, I see how much has changed – in tech, in the team, in me. And still, I’m here. Listening. Building. Skating between ideas. Steady in motion.
Then, I was curious about what we could build.
Now, I’m still exploring what’s possible – just with more tools, more experience, and a bigger vision.
My journey at Galeyo (formerly Walter Code) began with a mix of excitement and curiosity, a life-changing opportunity to learn, grow, and do work I’m truly passionate about. I walked in eager to prove myself, express my creativity, and deliver awesome results.
What I remember most about those first months is the trust and ownership I was given. Instead of waiting my turn, I was encouraged to take initiative, share ideas, and make an impact. That early trust set the foundation for everything that followed. I also remember great people that brought enthusiasm and great time on a daily basis.
Over time, my approach to work has evolved. Today I focus more on understanding problems, considering scalability, maintainability, and long-term impact. Collaboration has become crucial to my process – drawing on teammates’ perspectives, brainstorming openly, and letting diverse ideas shape solutions. I’ve learned that the best results don’t just fix problems; they elevate the team, the product, and the process.
For me, a strong team thrives on respect, communication, enthusiasm, and work ethic. Passion is contagious, and when everyone brings their best, we become more than individuals completing tasks – we become a force creating something greater than ourselves. Seeing different strengths and ideas collide and lift each other is what drives me every day.
To stay grounded and motivated during busy periods, I rely on discipline. Motivation can be fleeting, but discipline keeps me moving forward. Stress is overcome with channeled focus, resilience, and steady progress.
What surprised me most in IT is that technology is only half the story – the real magic comes from people. Collaboration, trust, and shared creativity turn good solutions into great ones. Software isn’t just code; it’s the art of turning ideas into experiences that matter.
Today, what drives me is the pace of change – and the opportunity to grow with it. I don’t just want to prove what I can do; I want to contribute, to lift others, and to help build what’s next, together.
My focus has shifted from achievement to impact. I want to contribute in ways that empower teams, strengthen products, and create meaningful experiences for people.
When I joined Galeyo (formerly Walter Code) in 2016, I didn’t walk into a company – I walked into something that felt like home. There was this calm, respectful energy from day one. No hierarchy in the air, no stiff formalities. Just people treating each other like equals. I noticed it right away – from my teammates, and even the CEO. That kind of atmosphere doesn’t just happen. It’s built.
Looking back, it’s strange how much the world – and tech – have changed. When I started programming in 2008, we were building things in a completely different way. Then came the shift to remote work, and the rise of AI – two moments that, for me, marked real turning points. Suddenly, everything needed to be faster, smarter, more connected. And so did we.
But for all the code I’ve written, I think the real project I’m most proud of is myself. Growing within the company. Learning to lead, to listen, to work with people in a way that builds trust and mutual respect.
My time as a team lead taught me more than I expected. I had to step back and really observe people – how they think, how they work. It forced me to become more objective, more thoughtful. You start to see beyond the task at hand and into the person behind it. That shift stayed with me, even outside of work.
One thing I’ve learned here – and that I try to pass on – is to treat every task like it’s your own. Not just something for the client, but something that reflects you. Especially working with Nordic clients, where everything is documented and structured - no loose ends. It’s a different rhythm, but one that teaches you discipline.
People outside of IT often think we just sit at our computers, click around, and everything magically works. But the truth is, what we do requires patience, continuous learning, and solving complex problems. It’s a lot of responsibility – and a lot of trust.
Over the years, the thing that’s kept me here hasn’t been the tech – it’s been the people and the culture. The feeling that who you are matters as much as what you do. The space to grow not just as a developer, but as a person.
Then, I was finding my place.
Now, I’m helping others grow in the same environment that shaped me.
When I first stepped into the world of tech, I didn’t expect it to teach me so much about myself. But over the years, one thing has stood out: I’m more adaptable than I ever imagined. Technologies change constantly, deadlines shift, challenges evolve – but somehow, I’ve always found a way to learn, adjust, and grow stronger with every iteration.
There’s one moment I often go back to in my mind - the day a complex project I worked on went live for the first time. Watching something I had built, piece by piece, finally meet the real world – it was a quiet kind of magic. Not flashy, but deeply rewarding. That feeling never really gets old.
Looking back, I never thought I’d lean so much on a skill like patience. But it’s become one of my greatest assets – not just for debugging tricky code, but for working with people, navigating uncertainty, and staying calm when things get messy. Because in tech, things do get messy. It’s part of the process.
And I’ve learned that real wins at work aren’t just about shipping features. They’re about shared milestones – those moments when the whole team celebrates, knowing every single person played a part. That sense of collective ownership is what makes the work feel meaningful.
Maybe the biggest surprise has been realizing just how much of tech is really about people. Communication, collaboration, trust – they’re just as critical as any language or framework. Code matters, of course. But the connections behind the code? They’re what carry projects across the finish line.
In the early days, success meant writing “perfect” code. Today, it means something different. It’s about delivering value, supporting your team, and making steady progress – even when things aren’t perfect. Especially when they aren’t.
On tough days, what keeps me going is simple: the small wins. Learning something new, no matter how tiny. Solving a puzzle. Unblocking a teammate. At the end of the day, those little steps add up to something bigger – and that’s enough to keep me moving.
If I had to explain my job to my 10-year-old self, I’d probably say: “I tell computers what to do, so they can help people do things faster. Kind of like being a teacher… but for machines.” And honestly, I think she’d be impressed.
Mentorship has been a huge part of this journey. I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who took the time to guide, support, and challenge me. Those peer connections didn’t just sharpen my skills – they built my confidence.
And if there’s one mindset I’ve taken with me – at work and beyond – it’s this: Progress matters more than perfection. You move forward one step at a time. You don’t need flawless to make an impact.
Then, I thought success meant perfect code.
Now, I know it’s about steady growth – for myself, for the team, and for the people we build for.
Every new chapter brings reflection – and for me, that often means thinking back to when this journey began eight years ago. What I remember most about those early days isn’t a specific project or task. It was a feeling. A quiet kind of confidence that came from being trusted – from being part of a culture that genuinely believed in people.
From the beginning, it was clear that this place wasn’t built just on processes. It was built on understanding people – their motivations, their challenges, and their potential. That realization shaped everything for me. It pushed me to see Human Potential not as administration or HR, but as strategy, culture, and empowerment.
Over the years, I’ve come to believe that real growth – personal or professional – starts with communication. With empathy. With emotional intelligence. One of the things I’m most proud of is reshaping the way we support our teams from within. Helping developers feel seen, supported, and encouraged to be creative and engaged. When people feel safe to take risks and be themselves, everything changes – not just for them, but for the work we do together.
Working in tech has taught me to make peace with change. It’s fast, unpredictable, and sometimes overwhelming. But it also forces us to stay open, grounded, and adaptable. What keeps me steady is knowing that the people come first. They are the constant – the reason, the fuel, and the outcome.
I’ve been lucky to work alongside people who are open, curious, and always ready to collaborate. That spirit makes the team strong, and it inspires me to keep showing up with energy and purpose. My “why” is simple – to help people unlock parts of themselves they didn’t know were there. To support them as they do things they once thought impossible.
Eight years in, and I still feel like I’m learning. Still building. Still evolving -with the company, with my team, side by side.
Then, I supported others by learning what they needed.
Now, I support them by shaping the space where they can grow – and I’m still learning, every day.
At Galeyo (formerly Walter Code), every journey looks a little different. For some, it’s about discovering new skills. For others, it’s about finding fresh perspectives. For me, it’s been a mix of both – a path shaped by curiosity, resilience, and the belief that teamwork always comes first.
When I first joined Galeyo, I knew I had made the right choice the moment I discovered which project I’d be working on. It combined computer and mechanical science, the same intersection that fascinated me back in college. From day one, it felt like I was in the right place.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that sometimes, you need others’ perspectives to see a challenge differently. No matter how much experience you have, a fresh angle can completely change the way forward.
Outside of work, I coach rugby, and that experience has deeply shaped how I see leadership. Rugby taught me that everyone has a place in a team, the key is to discover each person’s strength. With that, you set a common goal and, step by step, training after training, game after game, you reach it together.
Of course, not every project runs smoothly. When things get tough, my ritual is simple: calm myself, think smaller, put on some Pink Floyd, and start working. That reset helps me stay focused.
Stepping into unknown territory has also been a constant in my journey. Each time, it makes me stronger and wiser. The project I’m on now helps big and small manufacturing companies track their products from idea to final delivery, and knowing the real-world impact of that work is incredibly rewarding.
Over time, I’ve seen how teams grow stronger when they’re not afraid of failure. I don’t like to put the pressure of perfection on anyone. Instead, I encourage progress, because that’s what makes the team resilient.
Some of my favorite moments are actually the small ones, like lunch breaks with colleagues. Even when we don’t talk much, just sitting together in silence leaves an impression of belonging.
If I could give advice to someone starting out, it would be this: don’t be afraid to ask “stupid” questions – but first, explore every possibility yourself. That balance of curiosity and persistence is what helps you grow.
Looking back, I see how much I’ve learned – about people, about teamwork, about myself.
Then, I stepped in with curiosity.
Now, I step forward with experience – and the same drive to keep learning, growing, and building together.
Virtual Reality (VR) has come a long way from gaming. Today, healthcare is becoming one of the most exciting innovations. From helping patients manage pain, improving how doctors learn, to changing the way caregivers understand their patients, VR is opening new doors for medicine.
Let’s explore how VR is changing the healthcare world, and how Galeyo’s work with Virotea is part of that transformation.
Helping Patients Feel Better
VR is already helping patients deal with pain, stress, and anxiety. In several hospitals, patients wear VR headsets during treatments or recovery to immerse themselves in calming virtual environments.
One study showed that cancer patients who used VR during procedures reported less pain, and the effect lasted even for 24 hours. In another case, patients going through physical therapy recovered faster when VR made the exercises more engaging.
Instead of just lying in a hospital bed, patients could “walk” through forests, swim with dolphins, or even play interactive games, all while healing.
Training Doctors and Surgeons
Learning to become a surgeon isn’t easy. Traditionally, students learn from books, videos, or by watching experienced doctors. But with VR, they can now practice procedures in a realistic, hands-on way, without needing to be in the operating room.
At UCLA, students who trained in VR performed significantly better on orthopedic procedures than those who didn’t. They made fewer mistakes, completed tasks more quickly, and remembered the steps longer.
Other hospitals are using VR to rehearse complex surgeries. Surgeons can explore a 3D model of a patient’s body before ever making a cut. It’s not science fiction, it’s real, and it’s happening now.
Supporting Mental Health and Rehabilitation
VR is also helping people recover emotionally and physically. Stroke patients use VR games to rebuild movement and coordination. People with chronic pain or PTSD can “escape” into guided VR therapy sessions that ease their symptoms.
Even astronauts on the International Space Station have used VR to reduce stress and improve mental health during long missions in space!
Building Empathy with Virotea & Galeyo
One of the most powerful uses of VR isn’t medical, it’s human. That’s where Virotea comes in.
Virotea created a unique VR platform that helps caregivers understand what it feels like to live with dementia, autism, or other conditions. Through short, immersive videos, caregivers step into the world of the people they care for. They experience confusion, frustration, or sensory overload, just as a patient might.
This changes everything.
Galeyo is proud to work with Virotea to bring this idea to life. Together, we are helping shape the platform into a user-friendly, reliable tool that’s now used in elderly homes and disability care centers. The goal was simple: help caregivers build empathy and provide more thoughtful, compassionate care.
And it’s working. Care staff report stronger connections with their patients, better communication, and more confidence in difficult situations. It’s a reminder that tech, when done right, can make us more human, not less.
What’s Next?
The future of VR in healthcare is only just beginning.
From FDA-approved VR treatments for chronic pain, to virtual support groups for mental health, to new surgical simulators powered by AI, this space is growing fast.
At Galeyo we believe in using technology not just to build products, but to solve real problems. Our work with Virotea showed us how powerful VR can be, not just in hospitals, but in everyday care.
So, what’s next?
We’ll keep supporting innovative projects like this, ones that combine empathy, design, and tech to make life better. Because virtual reality isn’t just about putting on a headset — it’s about seeing things differently.
Interested in bringing VR into your healthcare work?
Let’s talk. Whether it’s training, patient support, or product development, we’d love to be part of the journey.
.jpg)
In a world where software drives innovation and efficiency, protecting intellectual property is more important than ever. In 2020, the global software market was valued at around $400–500 billion, showing intense competition and rapid technological progress. To stay ahead, companies protect their intellectual property through patents and copyrights.
A software patent or copyright provides legal protection for your software source code, ideas, and inventions. Developers and companies must choose between these two forms of protection, or sometimes both, depending on their needs. Patents protect the functional aspects and innovative processes of the software, while copyrights protect the actual written code from being copied.
Apple’s design patent (D675,6391) for the ‘slide-to-unlock’ feature, introduced in 2007 on the iPhone’s interface, reshaped smartphone interaction. Apple’s legal battles over this patent, including a landmark victory against Samsung, show its importance in the tech world.
Amazon’s patent (US5960411A) for “One-Click Buying” transformed online shopping by allowing purchases with a single click. The patent’s impact was evident in legal disputes, like Amazon’s case against Barnes & Noble, highlighting the competitive edge patent protection provides.
Airbnb’s patent (US Patent №10,896,449) automates booking availability for accommodations, improving prediction accuracy using sophisticated models. This innovation shows how patents drive efficiency in tech platforms.
The PageRank patent (US6285999B1), titled “Method for node ranking in a linked database”, was issued in 1999 and is owned by Stanford University. Although Google holds the trademark rights for “PageRank,” the algorithm was developed by Larry Page during his PhD studies. The patent expired on January 9, 2019.
An important example in digital music is the patent (US5579430A) for the MP3 encoding process by the Fraunhofer Institut. Granted on November 26, 1996, this technology underpins MPEG Audio Layer III, known as MP3. It encodes audio data to maintain high sound quality while significantly reducing file sizes, revolutionizing music storage and consumption.
Certain AI and algorithmic innovations can be patented if they meet specific criteria:
Concrete Applications: AI systems solving specific technical problems innovatively.
Technical Contribution: The solution must provide a novel technical contribution not obvious to experts.
Examples include AI algorithms that enhance voice recognition in noisy environments or improve search speed in large databases.
In today’s digital age, patenting software code is crucial. It involves protecting intellectual property through formal applications, which must meet criteria such as novelty, non-obviousness, and utility. Patenting software code ensures protection against unauthorized use, though it can be complex due to multiple contributors and rapid technological advancements.
Two key types of IP protection relevant to software are copyright and patents. Copyright covers the expression of the software code. However, copyright only protects the exact source code, and minor changes can get around this protection. Patents, on the other hand, protect the novel features, processes, and design of a system that powers an app. A patent covers the system architecture and the various processes and data manipulations carried out by a computer.
Securing a software patent involves several steps:
Consult a Patent Attorney: Start with a discussion with an experienced patent attorney.
Conduct a Prior Art Search: This identifies prior art references that might prevent getting a patent and helps draft the application.
Draft the Application: The application is a collaboration between the attorney (who knows the legal requirements) and the client (who knows the technology).
File the Application: Once filed, a patent examiner with expertise in the technology area examines the application and issues a letter identifying patentable and non-patentable claims.
Respond to the Examiner: Applicants, through their attorney, can respond to any deficiencies and request the application’s allowance.
Obtaining a software patent typically takes about two years. Initial patent searches can take up to three weeks. Expedited options, like “Track One” applications, are available for an additional fee, and certain applicants, such as those over 65, may qualify for free acceleration. Engaging a skilled attorney can streamline the process.
The costs involved in securing a software patent can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the invention and the legal services used for the application process. These costs include application filing fees, which are typically nonrefundable, and can vary by jurisdiction. It’s also important to budget for legal representation and prosecution costs, which can range depending on the expertise of the patent attorney or firm. Additionally, there are ongoing maintenance fees required after a patent is granted to keep it in force.
Patenting software and algorithms is a complex but valuable process. As the software market continues to grow, securing intellectual property becomes increasingly important for maintaining a competitive edge. For developers and tech companies, understanding and leveraging software patents can unlock new opportunities for innovation and success in the industry.
Sources
· Recent Software Patent Examples from Top Companies — The Rapacke Law Group (arapackelaw.com)
· Can You Patent Software? Exploring Eligibility & Strategies | Cypris
· Recent Software Patent Examples from Top Companies — The Rapacke Law Group (arapackelaw.com)
· Analyzing Software Patents: Latest Software Patent Examples (2024) | PatentPC
· Software Patent Examples: Everything You Need to Know (upcounsel.com)
· Business Software And Services Market Size Report, 2030 (grandviewresearch.com)
· Global: software market revenue 2019–2028 | Statista
Innovation in software development doesn’t always require writing thousands of lines of code. As companies look for smarter ways to respond to evolving business needs, Low-Code and No-Code (LCNC) platforms are becoming a practical and powerful alternative. These tools open the door for professionals across different roles - not just developers - to turn their ideas into working applications quickly and efficiently.
What Are Low-Code and No-Code Platforms?
At their core, LCNC platforms are designed to simplify the application development process:
Low-Code Platforms: These platforms provide a visual development environment with minimal hand-coding. They offer drag-and-drop components, pre-built templates, and reusable modules, allowing developers to accelerate the creation of applications.
No-Code Platforms: Tailored for individuals with little to no coding experience, no-code platforms enable users to build fully functional applications using intuitive interfaces and pre-configured templates, eliminating the need for any coding knowledge.
Both platforms aim to streamline development, reduce costs, and enable faster time-to-market.
The Benefits of LCNC Platforms
The adoption of LCNC platforms offers several advantages:
Accelerated Development: By reducing the complexity of coding, applications can be developed and deployed in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
Cost Efficiency: With less reliance on specialized developers, businesses can save on development costs and allocate resources more effectively.
Empowered Citizen Developers: Non-technical users can actively participate in the development process, fostering innovation and enabling solutions that are closely aligned with business needs.
Enhanced Collaboration: LCNC platforms facilitate better communication between IT and business teams, ensuring that applications meet user requirements and expectations.
Popular LCNC Platforms
Several platforms have emerged as leaders in the LCNC space:
Microsoft Power Platform: A suite of applications, connectors, and a data platform that empowers users to develop apps, automate workflows, and analyze data.
Mendix: A comprehensive low-code development environment that supports the entire application lifecycle, from ideation to deployment.
AppSheet: A no-code platform that allows users to create mobile and web applications using data from various sources like Google Sheets and Excel.
Bubble.io: A no-code platform that enables users to build interactive, multi-user apps for desktop and mobile browsers.
Webflow: A no-code platform focused on web design and development, offering a visual interface for designing responsive websites.
Real-World Applications
LCNC platforms are being utilized across various industries, including healthcare, where they help develop patient management systems and telemedicine applications to enhance patient care; finance, by creating custom financial dashboards and reporting tools to streamline operations; education, through building learning management systems and student portals that facilitate online learning; and retail, by designing inventory management systems and e-commerce platforms to improve the overall customer experience.
The Future of LCNC Platforms
The future of LCNC platforms is closely tied to their growing integration with emerging technologies. AI-powered LCNC platforms are increasingly capable of automating repetitive tasks, delivering predictive analytics, and improving decision-making processes.
Additionally, these platforms facilitate the development of applications that connect and manage IoT devices, enabling smarter, more efficient operations. Incorporating blockchain technology further enhances security and transparency within applications.
As LCNC platforms continue to evolve, they will break down barriers to application development, empowering a wider range of individuals and organizations to innovate and succeed in the digital era.
Case Studies
Cofidis - Online Loan Applications
Cofidis used OutSystems to build a transactional website in five weeks, replacing their static site. This sped up time-to-market and allowed staff to manage content without IT help.
Medtronic - Remote Cardiac Monitoring
Medtronic developed the FocusOn™ 2.0 platform with OutSystems in six months, improving cardiac patient care by automating data analysis and reducing clinician workload by 80%.
PVH Europe - Retail Operations
PVH Europe built budget and chargeback apps with Mendix, saving time on data gathering and improving GDPR compliance while streamlining retail operations.
Kaneka Malaysia - Manufacturing Digitization
Kaneka used Mendix to automate material and quality management, cutting reporting time to zero and reducing inspector time by up to 96%.
Conclusion
Low-Code and No-Code platforms are not just trends; they represent a fundamental shift in how applications are developed and deployed. By empowering individuals across various skill levels to participate in the development process, LCNC platforms foster a culture of innovation and agility. As businesses strive to keep pace with technological advancements, embracing LCNC platforms can be a strategic move towards achieving digital transformation and sustained growth.
The learning landscape in the corporate world is evolving at lightning speed. Gone are the days of outdated training manuals and rigid classroom sessions. Today, companies are embracing modern EdTech solutions that are scalable, AI-powered, and tailored to diverse learning needs. At the core of this transformation are advanced technologies - especially artificial intelligence (AI) - driving faster, smarter, and more personalized experiences.
And while businesses are racing to deliver these next-gen learning platforms, they often turn to trusted tech partners to bring their vision to life. That’s where Galeyo (formerly Walter Code) comes in.
Galeyo: Building the Tech, Empowering Our Clients
At Galeyo, we specialize in developing custom EdTech platforms for companies. We are the tech engine behind the scenes -designing and building robust systems that our clients then deliver to their end users.
Our role is to ensure that the product is fast, secure, scalable, and feature-rich. From internal training systems to white-labeled learning platforms, we help businesses bring their EdTech ideas to market efficiently, while the ownership and delivery of the solution remain fully in the client’s hands.
Now let’s explore the key tech trends shaping this evolution.
1. AI-Generated Content: Smarter, Faster Course Creation
Creating corporate training content is no small task. It often requires instructional designers, SMEs, writers, and lots of time. But with AI-driven content generation, much of this process is now automated.
Galeyo builds systems that allow clients to input a few prompts or documents - and generate entire course outlines, training modules, assessments, and more. This dramatically reduces preparation time while still allowing for human customization and oversight.
2. Easier Preparation and Execution for Training Managers
With AI embedded into backend tools, training managers no longer need to manage every detail manually. Our platforms automate routine tasks like:
• Course assignment based on job roles
• Reminders and notifications
• Attendance and completion tracking
• Certification and compliance updates
This allows clients to deliver polished, professional training experiences with less overhead and fewer bottlenecks.
3. Online Courses: Enabling Scalable, Remote Learning
Corporate training must now reach remote teams, international offices, and freelancers. Galeyo builds cloud-based platforms that support on-demand courses, live sessions, and blended learning - all accessible across devices.
This gives our clients the infrastructure to train hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously, without geographical limits or high operational costs.
4. Personalization: AI-Powered Learner Experiences
Different users have different goals, skills, and learning paces. That’s why we integrate AI-based personalization engines into our client platforms.
These features allow end users to receive:
• Dynamic content recommendations
• Adaptive testing and progress tracking
• Custom learning journeys based on their role or skill level
The result? More relevant training, better engagement, and improved learning outcomes.
5. Efficiency at Scale: Less Manual Work, More Impact
Whether it’s a startup launching a client-facing LMS or an enterprise building an internal academy, efficiency is everything.
By leveraging automation, analytics, and smart architecture, Galeyo helps clients:
• Reduce time-to-deploy
• Minimize manual intervention
• Generate real-time insights and reports
•Integrate seamlessly with HR or CRM systems
We focus on building the kind of efficient systems that allow our clients to scale smoothly.
6. Faster Go-to-Market: From Idea to Launch, Quickly
Time is a competitive advantage. When our clients come to us with a product idea, we use agile methodologies and proven tech stacks to build and deliver MVPs rapidly.
Whether it’s a mobile-first training app or a full-scale LMS, Galeyo helps clients hit the market faster, with a product that’s flexible and ready to grow.
Final Thoughts
AI and emerging tech are transforming how companies approach learning - and the pace of change is only accelerating. Businesses that want to stay ahead need EdTech platforms that are intelligent, efficient, and scalable.
At Galeyo, we build exactly that.Our mission is to empower our clients by developing the tech foundation they need to succeed - so they can focus on delivering value to their own users. From advanced AI tools to custom-built platforms, we are proud to be the engine behind some of the most innovative learning experiences in the corporate world.
Galeyo: Powering the next generation of EdTech - one platform at a time.
.jpg){kind=spacer}
The EdTech sector is evolving rapidly - driven by new learning needs, rising user expectations, and the increasing demand for scalable, interactive, and personalized digital experiences. While education companies focus on vision, pedagogy, and growth, it’s the right blend of technologies that brings their ideas to life.
At Galeyo (formerly Walter Code), we help our partners harness modern technologies to build flexible, high-impact EdTech platforms. From infrastructure design to frontend interactivity, we bring in the engineering force and technical insights to shape scalable systems and engaging learning environments.
Here are the top technologies redefining EdTech - and how we support our partners in integrating them efficiently and strategically.
1. AI & Machine Learning - Powering Personalized Learning
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are revolutionizing digital education by enabling personalized learning journeys, adaptive assessments, and intelligent content recommendations.
Galeyo works closely with education platforms to implement:
• Recommendation engines that tailor content based on user activity.
• AI tutors and support bots for on-demand assistance.
• Progress prediction models that help educators intervene early.
Our role is to ensure these systems are both powerful and maintainable- designed with performance, data privacy, and future scalability in mind.
2. Flexible Learning Management Systems (LMS) & Headless Architectures
Today’s LMS needs to be more than just a content host - it has to be a flexible learning hub that adapts to branding, user needs, and diverse content strategies.
We support our clients in:
• Building custom LMS modules or extending existing platforms.
• Implementing headless LMS architectures that decouple backend systems from user interfaces for more control over UX.
• Integrating with SCORM/xAPI for standardized tracking and reporting.
This flexibility allows EdTech companies to innovate faster and deliver a seamless learning experience without being tied to rigid systems.
3. Low-Code & Interactive Content Authoring Tools
Creating engaging e-learning content shouldn’t require a developer every time. That’s why intuitive authoring tools - like drag-and-drop editors, scenario builders, and interactive media creators - are essential.
Galeyo enables clients to:
• Develop custom low-code content editors suited to their content teams.
• Integrate platforms like H5P or Evolve for interactive media creation.
• Support gamification and branching logic to elevate engagement.
The result? Faster content development, greater collaboration, and more dynamic user experiences.
4. Cloud-Native Infrastructure & DevOps Automation
Performance, reliability, and security are non-negotiable in EdTech. Cloud-native development paired with strong DevOps practices ensures that platforms run smoothly at scale.
We help EdTech companies:
• Design resilient, auto-scaling architectures using AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Implement CI/CD pipelines for faster releases and fewer errors.
• Set up real-time monitoring and alerting to ensure peak availability.
This backbone allows learning platforms to grow quickly while maintaining a strong foundation.
5. AR/VR & Immersive Learning Modules
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) offer deeply immersive learning - perfect for skill-based training, simulations, and experiential learning.
Our expertise covers:
• Building custom immersive experiences using Unity or WebXR.
• Creating lightweight AR modules accessible via browser or mobile devices.
• Integrating immersive lessons with LMS platforms and analytics systems.
We focus on making these technologies practical and accessible - unlocking engagement without overcomplicating development.
6. Seamless API Integrations & Modular Architecture
EdTech platforms must integrate with a variety of tool - from CRMs and HR systems to video conferencing, assessment platforms, and billing solutions. A modular, API-first approach makes it all possible.
Galeyo delivers:
• Custom API layers built for performance and flexibility.
• Integration with key platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Stripe, or Salesforce.
• Modular backend services that can evolve with product growth.
By structuring systems around clean, scalable APIs, we help our partners stay adaptable and future-ready.
7. Data Security, Compliance & Access Control
With sensitive user data at stake, compliance and security are crucial. Whether it’s GDPR, FERPA, or internal enterprise policies, we help partners meet high standards across the board.
Our contributions include:
• Implementing SSO, 2FA, and RBAC for secure user management.
• Ensuring encryption in transit and at rest, plus secure data storage practices.
• Guiding on privacy policy alignment, audit logging, and incident response planning.
We make compliance a natural part of the development process - not a burden or afterthought.
How We Work
Galeyo combines deep technical expertise with strategic guidance. We don’t just write code - we design smart systems, optimize for growth, and help EdTech companies translate their goals into scalable, maintainable technology.
Whether we’re:
• Advising on the best stack for a learning platform MVP,
• Building a custom authoring tool,
• Or integrating AI features into an existing system, our team focuses on delivering clean, well-structured, future-proof solutions that align with our partners’ long-term goals.
Final Thoughts
EdTech is more than just technology - it’s about shaping how people learn and grow. But the right technology makes that journey smoother, more engaging, and more effective. As new platforms emerge and existing ones scale, choosing the right tech and the right technical partner is essential.
At Galeyo, we bring the experience, foresight, and engineering excellence that help EdTech innovators move forward with confidence. We stay in the background - so our partners can shine at the front.
.jpg)
In our latest workshop, the focus was on artificial intelligence. Our colleague, Sanel Delić, conducted an enlightening session that significantly expanded our knowledge in this dynamic field. Sanel’s expertise and engaging presentation style brought clarity to complex concepts and highlighted the potential of AI in transforming our workflows. Join us as we embark on an exploration of two cutting-edge technologies that are revolutionizing the fields of language processing and document management: LangChain and Document AI.
LangChain is a pioneering orchestration framework that empowers developers to leverage the capabilities of Large Language Models (LLMs) in their applications. Let us take a closer look at the components that power this innovative framework:
Document Loader: LangChain supports a variety of document loaders, providing developers with flexibility in ingesting data from diverse sources. Whether it is Airtable for structured data, CSV files for tabular data, AWS (Amazon Web Services) S3 directories for cloud-based storage, or even Figma for design documents, LangChain’s document loaders streamline the process of ingesting and preprocessing textual data, making it ready for analysis.
LLMs: At the core of LangChain’s functionality are Large Language Models, which excel in tasks such as text generation, summarization, and sentiment analysis. These advanced AI models have been pre-trained on vast amounts of textual data and can be fine-tuned for specific applications using LangChain’s framework.
Vector Stores: LangChain integrates seamlessly with vector stores such as Azure Cosmos DB, Elastic Search, PG Vector, and Redis. These vector stores provide efficient storage and retrieval of textual information, enabling developers to store and access semantic representations of text for analysis and processing.
Chains: Configurations that link multiple components in a sequence, enabling complex workflows and multi-step reasoning.
Agents: Systems that use language models to make decisions, execute tasks, and interact with external tools dynamically.
Callbacks: Mechanisms for logging, monitoring, and modifying the behavior of various components during runtime to enhance control and debugging.
Datasets: Collections of data tailored for training, evaluating, and fine-tuning language models within specific contexts or domains.
Tools: Integration capabilities that allow language models to interact with APIs, databases, and other external systems to extend functionality.
Prompt Templates: Tools for creating, storing, and managing prompts to standardize and optimize interactions with language models.
Each component plays a vital role in building robust, flexible, and efficient applications that leverage the capabilities of language models.
LangChain’s capabilities and processes provide a powerful way to extract information from all sorts of documents and media. Here is a detailed example of how to ask questions and get answers from PDF files:
PDF Processing: The process starts by processing one or multiple PDF files and extracting the raw text data contained within.
Chunking Text: The extracted text is then broken down into manageable chunks. This step is crucial as it allows for more efficient processing and analysis of the content.
Embeddings: Each chunk of text is converted into embeddings, which are dense vector representations of the text. Embeddings capture the semantic meaning of the text, allowing for more nuanced analysis and comparison.
Vector Store: These embeddings are stored in a vector store, such as Azure Cosmos DB, Elastic Search, PG Vector, or Redis. The vector store allows for efficient retrieval of embeddings based on semantic similarity.
Semantic Search: When a user queries the system, the query is also converted into an embedding. Semantic search techniques are then used to find the most relevant text chunks in the vector store by comparing their embeddings to the query embedding.
Ranked Results: The results from the semantic search are ranked based on their relevance to the query. The highest-ranked results are then used to generate the definitive answer.
Answer Extraction: Based on the ranked results from the semantic search, the system uses the Large Language Model (LLM) to extract or generate the most relevant answer. The LLM processes the context provided by the top-ranked text chunks to generate a coherent and accurate response.
Document AI is a game-changing technology developed by Google that leverages machine learning algorithms to extract valuable insights from unstructured documents. Let’s delve deeper into its capabilities through an example where we set up a processor to extract information from invoices and use it to streamline our internal invoice management processes:
Creating a Processor: The first step in harnessing the power of Document AI is creating a processor. This involves choosing the best pre-trained model to be used to extract text from documents. There are general processors, made for generic text extraction, and specialized processors, which have been trained to extract information from specific documents like invoices, bills, or passports.
Uploading Documents: Once the processor is created, we upload documents to the system for processing. Document AI supports various file formats, including PDFs, Word documents, and images. Users can upload individual documents or batch upload large sets of documents for processing.
Editing Schema: Users can edit the schema, or in other words, customize which labels should be used for training and data extraction. This includes renaming fields, adding new fields, or removing unnecessary fields to streamline further processing.
Auto-labeling: Document AI utilizes machine learning algorithms to automatically label documents based on their content. By analyzing the text and context of each document, a well-trained Document AI processor auto-label documents with high accuracy. This automated labeling process saves time and effort, especially when dealing with large volumes of documents.
Manual Labeling: In cases where auto-labeling may not be sufficient, users can and should manually label documents to ensure the most accurate classification. This approach allows users to review and correct the labels assigned by the automated system, improving the overall accuracy of the document classification process.
Model Training: Document AI allows users to retrain and fine-tune the underlying machine learning models based on feedback and additional labeled data. By continuously training the models with new data, users can improve the accuracy and performance of the document processing pipeline over time.
Evaluation and Testing: Once the models are trained, they are evaluated and tested to ensure their accuracy and performance. This involves running test documents through the processing pipeline and comparing the predicted labels against ground truth labels to measure the model’s performance metrics such as precision, recall, and F1-score.
Deployment: Finally, the trained models are deployed into production environments, where they can be used to process large volumes of documents efficiently and accurately. Document AI provides APIs and SDKs for seamless integration with existing systems, allowing developers to incorporate document processing capabilities into their applications with ease.
As we explore the exciting world of LangChain and Document AI, we see how these cutting-edge technologies are transforming the way we handle documents and process language. They’re making tasks like managing document processing easier and more efficient. These solutions are driving innovation and changing the landscape of technology.
.jpg){kind=spacer}
Why does architecture evolve so slowly?
It’s a fair question. After all, we’ve been building since the dawn of civilization. But despite the centuries of experience and innovation, the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry often clings to the familiar. Change is slow. Risk aversion runs deep. And new technologies, especially disruptive ones like AI, tend to hit a wall of skepticism. But we are, undeniably, entering a new era. And this one isn’t just about drafting boards or 3D models. This one is about intelligent systems shaping how we design, build, and live.
From pen and paper to predictive intelligence
Architecture’s evolution has come in phases. First, the drafting board. Manual. Painstaking. Every revision meant hours of redrawing. Then came CAD. Computers replaced pens, and designs moved into digital space. It was a leap, but mostly a faster version of what we were already doing. Then came BIM (Building Information Modeling). It added depth, literally. We started building in 3D. Our models gained intelligence. Walls weren’t just lines anymore, they had attributes, data, and behavior. Now, we’re entering the next phase: AI-augmented design. And once again, adoption is slow.
Why so slow?
There are a few reasons. First, habit. People trust what works. In an industry where delays and cost overruns are common, changing a reliable process, even if it is inefficient feels risky. Second, time. Companies operate on tight schedules. Experimenting with unfamiliar tools that may or may not deliver results just isn’t a priority. Third, fear. With AI, the unknown looms large. Will it take jobs? Break processes? Be too complex to use?
The truth is less dramatic. AI isn’t here to replace architects or engineers. It’s here to make them faster, more efficient, and more productive. It’s not about reducing headcount. It’s about doing more with the same team.
AI across the building lifecycle
AI doesn’t just belong in one part of the process. It fits across the entire lifecycle — from concept to demolition.
Design: This is where AI has made the most visible progress. Tools like Autodesk Forma (formerly Spacemaker) generate hundreds of layout options based on a few parameters like site conditions, daylight, regulations, etc. Designers can iterate faster and explore more possibilities. AI is also transforming visualization. You no longer need to spend hours on a perfect render. Give it a rough model, and it’ll generate visuals that are more than good enough for early feedback.
Construction: AI can optimize scheduling, monitor site safety, and improve resource allocation. Pair it with sensors and real-time data, and you get smart systems that can flag risks, suggest logistics improvements, or even reroute deliveries based on traffic.
Facility Management: Once the building is complete, AI shifts to maintenance. It can predict when systems need repair, optimize energy usage, and flag inefficiencies. Want to know when the HVAC will fail? Or how to reduce your lighting costs? AI can help.
Demolition and Recycling: Even at the end of a building’s life, AI has a role. It can guide demolition, identify reusable materials, and control robotic systems for disassembly and recycling.
Who benefits?
Everyone. But in different ways.
• Architects and engineers save time and get better design outcomes.
• Contractors get smarter logistics and fewer delays.
• Facility managers run more efficient, cost-effective buildings.
• Owners and developers see higher ROI and fewer surprises.
• Communities benefit from safer, greener, smarter environments.
The more AI is integrated, the more value we unlock. Especially as we scale from individual buildings to neighborhoods and cities.
The bigger picture: AI in the built environment
The vision isn’t just about smart buildings. It’s about smart environments. Imagine a network of AI-powered agents coordinating everything — traffic lights, irrigation systems in parks, waste collection, even parking space optimization. These systems don’t work in isolation. They talk to each other. They adapt in real time. Want to reduce congestion? AI adjusts signal timing based on actual traffic. Want to conserve water in a public park? AI controls irrigation based on weather forecasts and soil moisture. This is where we’re headed: a built environment that runs like a living system.
What we’re building
At our company, we’re not just talking about this future, we’re building it.
Digital Twins: We’ve spent over a decade creating digital replicas of real buildings and infrastructure. These models are more than 3D, they’re data-rich systems that help manage assets over time
Bimification: Many older buildings were never modeled in BIM. We’re working to change that. Our sister company, Bimify, converts legacy data such as PDFs, AutoCAD drawings, even napkin sketches, into usable BIM models.
BIM RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation): Think of this as ChatGPT for your building model. Ask it anything, materials used, space dimensions, maintenance history, and it gives you the answer.
AI agents: We’re building systems where AI doesn’t just inform, it acts. Need to run a report, update a model, or notify a team? Agents can handle it. No manual trigger required.
Model Context Protocol (MCP): LLMs are powerful, but only if they have context. MCP connects large language models directly to databases and systems. Think of it as a bridge between your data and intelligent decision-making.
What comes next?
We’re just scratching the surface. The AEC industry is beginning to understand that AI isn’t about automation for its own sake. It’s about augmentation. It’s about giving professionals superpowers, faster feedback, deeper insight, better decisions. And ultimately, it’s about people. Because better buildings mean better lives. Smarter cities mean more livable communities. AI might start in the design phase, but its real value is in shaping the spaces we move through every day.
.jpg)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. Once slow to go digital, the sector is now using AI to boost efficiency, cut costs, improve safety, and unlock new levels of creativity.
From generative design to predictive modeling and smart automation, AI is reshaping how we plan, build, and manage our built environment. Let’s take a look at how it’s making a difference across every stage of construction and throw in a few cool facts that may surprise you.
Let’s start at the beginning: the design phase. One of the most exciting developments is generative design, where AI algorithms produce thousands of design options based on input parameters like space requirements, structural constraints, budget, and sustainability goals.
Instead of manually drafting every layout, architects and engineers can now collaborate with AI to explore novel configurations they might never have considered. Tools like Autodesk’s Generative Design in Revit use AI to balance form and function while optimizing for performance, cost, and energy use.
Fun Fact: AI doesn’t “design” in the way a human does — it explores permutations based on rules. Still, it often leads to more sustainable and efficient layouts than traditional approaches.
The power of AI to analyze vast datasets is revolutionizing risk assessment and project planning. With predictive modeling, machine learning tools forecast potential delays, budget overruns, or structural issues before they occur.
By analyzing past project data, weather patterns, material delivery schedules, and labor availability, AI can offer proactive insights that keep projects on track. In high-risk projects or environments, this can mean the difference between success and costly failure.
Construction managers are also using AI to simulate environmental impacts, evaluate energy efficiency, and identify potential compliance issues — early in the design phase.
Good to Know: AI models are only as good as the data they’re fed. Poor data quality can lead to flawed predictions — so data governance is becoming a key skill in construction teams.
AI-powered automation is picking up speed - literally. Robotics guided by AI are now performing repetitive or hazardous tasks such as bricklaying, rebar tying, and even concrete pouring.
Drones equipped with computer vision can inspect job sites in real time, while autonomous machinery adjusts to site conditions without human intervention. AI is also used in scheduling and logistics, optimizing crew assignments, equipment usage, and material delivery to avoid idle time or resource conflicts.
In the design office, AI helps automate tedious tasks like clash detection in Building Information Modeling (BIM), ensuring smoother collaboration between disciplines.
Interesting Insight: Some AI bots on job sites can now detect whether a worker is wearing proper safety gear (like hard hats or harnesses) using real-time video feeds. Smart safety, indeed!
Let’s face it - construction documentation and reporting are essential but often tedious. AI is changing that, too. By integrating with BIM and project management tools, AI can auto-generate reports, flag inconsistencies, and even suggest improvements to documentation processes.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is being used to read and understand large volumes of documents - from contracts to inspection reports — and extract relevant insights. Some AI tools can even help write documentation based on progress data and voice memos from the site.
Did You Know? AI can summarize daily site activity, flag safety incidents, and automatically generate compliance reports - saving hours of manual labor.
Let’s break down how AI is being used across AEC phases:
Project Stage AI Application
Planning Site selection analysis, cost estimation, timeline optimization
Design Generative design, clash detection, energy modeling
Construction Robotics, real-time site monitoring, resource scheduling
Management Predictive maintenance, safety analytics, document control
Post-construction Facility management, occupancy analytics, system optimization
AI has the potential to enhance every stage of the AEC lifecycle — from planning and design to construction, management, and post-construction. Try it out, the results are more than obvious.
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a futuristic concept - it’s already transforming the AEC industry, from concept sketches to post-construction facility management. By embracing tools like generative design, predictive analytics, and smart automation, firms can deliver projects faster, safer, and with better outcomes.
.jpg)
The AEC industry has always been about precision, coordination, and building things that last. But if you’re a fellow professional, you’ve seen things. You’ve seen how easily “controlled precision” can slip into “complex chaos of tasks and last-minute changes”, am I right?
Luckily for us, we are stepping into the new era of construction, where many of those time-consuming headaches are being replaced by faster, smarter workflows. It’s the age of automation and smart software, where projects are under control long before the first brick is laid.
Curious how all that chaos turns into seamless execution? Let’s dive in!
AEC Nostalgia: From Ink to BIM
Before we cut to the chase, let’s take a quick trip down the memory lane.
If you can still remember the frustration of ink smudges on your 20-day drawing, you’ll appreciate how far the AEC world has come. From the era of blueprints, to revolutionary rise of AutoCAD, followed by the profound shift brought on by BIM (Building Information Modeling) — a powerful tool that integrates 3D modeling, data, and collaboration into one epic platform — we are fast forwarding to today. The age of automation. Where the add-ons for BIM are taking it even further, covering everything from project management to cost estimation, making the entire process faster, more precise, and seamlessly connected.
AEC is Automated: Here’s How it Works
It’s all about smarter workflows, reducing repetitiveness, and giving space to creativity and collaboration:
• Workflow automation: Tedious, weeks-long tasks like design reviews, approvals, tweaking that perfect position for the view on the sheet — are now much simpler thanks to automation. Naviate for Revit by Symetri, for example, offers tools for automated documentation, parameter management, and project standardization that make the process feel effortless. Can you imagine having a Room Drawings feature that auto-generates views, schedules, and even picks the perfect view position for you? Total time-saver — and it keeps everything consistent across the entire project.
• BIM integrations: One of the biggest advantages of BIM is its ability to bring multiple aspects of a project into one cohesive eco-system. With automation, instant extraction of quantities and batch editing tools, everyone from architects to contractors can access the latest data in real time, cutting down the project delivery time and risk of errors caused by outdated information.
• Custom dashboards: Project health, risks and resource planning gets a lot smarter and quicker when automation pulls fresh data straight from your BIM model!
• AI-assisted planning: AI has an impressive ability to foresee the future, okay! AI-powered tools can predict which construction phases might fall behind and suggest adjustments to keep the project on track. Tools like Autodesk Navisworks, enhanced with AI integration assist with clash detection, model navigation, and smart data and report extraction, streamlining project coordination. Some AI-powered AEC tools like Procore can even integrate weather forecasts, optimize delivery logistics, and manage equipment and crew schedules — ensuring the entire project runs smoothly, like clockwork.
Automation in Action
It’s safe to say that automated tools are reshaping AEC workflows.
Outdated files? No more confusion — automated version saves your precious time. Software now reads your BIM model in seconds, cutting down what used to take days of manual calculations. With sensors and smart software, you can now track site conditions, flag safety risks, and even automate incident reporting. These tools aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re the norm in today’s competitive market. They eliminate repetitive tasks, allowing professionals to focus on high-value work. Thanks to these innovations, project timelines can be reduced by up to 30%, errors cut by 50%, and teams can focus on creativity and collaboration, not delays and inconsistencies. Yay!
IT Minds Behind AEC Automation
Behind many of these innovations, there are IT teams who really get both technology and construction. At Galeyo (formerly Walter Code) our developers work closely with AEC professionals to understand the unique challenges AEC professionals face. This is how we create unique custom software solutions that address real needs. From automating workflows and integrating BIM with business intelligence tools, to developing internal platforms for managing assets and documentation, we help make the entire process more efficient and effective.
Of course, we’re just one example. The key takeaway is the importance of having a partner who can bridge the gap between construction expertise and digital technology, ensuring everything clicks seamlessly.
Fear Not, Automation is Here
The reality is that some professionals worry automation could mean fewer jobs or less control over their processes. But the opposite is often true.
Automation doesn’t replace expertise - it elevates it. When done right, automation creates room for smarter decisions, better collaboration, and ultimately, higher-quality projects.
Automation Will Stay
The next wave of construction tech is going to keep transforming the industry. AI-powered generative design will quickly explore optimal designs, while predictive project management uses data to anticipate and address potential delays or budget issues. IoT-enabled smart buildings continuously monitor and adjust systems to enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Lastly, cloud-based project ecosystems enable real-time collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring everyone works from the same live data set, improving transparency and reducing errors. These innovations are making construction smarter, faster, and more efficient.
Embracing Automation in AEC
What does this mean for you? It means fewer headaches and more opportunities to innovate. And no, you don’t need to overhaul your entire operation overnight. Many companies start small — automating one or two pain points, and build from there. Audit to figure out where you’re losing the most time, communicate with your team, look for the small wins. And consider a tech partner because engineers are peers.
Final Calculations
Let’s not get too nostalgic. If you’re still into ink, make a cute little drawing for your friend’s wall. But as professionals, it’s time to embrace the future of the AEC industry, where automation is making workflows faster and boosting efficiency. With the right tools and small steps toward smart automation, processes will improve drastically, leading to more accurate and successful projects. With the right IT partners, the future of construction is just — better (than ever).
At Galeyo (formerly Walter Code), we believe the earliest stages of a startup’s journey are also the most critical. The ideation, the prototyping, the long nights of uncertainty, and the first feedback loops - all of it shapes the DNA of the future product. That’s why we focus on guiding founders through market needs and helping them build products with purpose. Whether it’s providing clarity during complex product decisions or delivering working tech that helps secure funding, our mission is to be the reliable partner startups need - especially at the beginning.
We’ve been proud to collaborate with startups through our partnership with HETCH, a Swedish innovation hub based in Helsingborg. HETCH provides tech startups with the tools, networks, and space to thrive, whether through mentorship, co-working, or international partnerships. Galeyo is honored to be one of HETCH’s key technical partners, offering product development support to emerging startups in their ecosystem.
In a recently recorded interview, two inspiring founders from HETCH-Mathilda and Apoomatic-shared their startup stories and reflected on their collaboration with Galeyo.
Mathilda: Making Math More Accessible with AI
Oscar Forsvall, founder of Mathilda, is on a mission to make math education more effective through the power of AI. In Sweden, like in many parts of the world, students often face a lack of personalized support in large classrooms. Oscar saw a gap-while AI has transformed many industries, education, especially math instruction, which had been left behind.
“I had a very pleasant experience with Galeyo, Deni and Sanel helped me think through how to structure the product and the AI elements and created some design assets that we’re using today,” says Oscar.
He credits the early conversations with Galeyo as formative. From initial concepts and wireframes to technical insights and design thinking, our team helped shape a product that is now entering its testing phase with promising feedback from users and stakeholders.
“Many of the ideas and sketches we developed with Galeyo are still part of the product today. They’re a great team-structured, supportive, and very talented designers,” he adds.
Apoomatic: Bridging the Gap Between Pharmacists and Doctors
For Olle, co-founder of Apoomatic, the journey began with a health tech challenge: streamlining communication between doctors and pharmacists. Initially working with limited resources, the team built a demo and began piloting, but they knew they needed a more robust product to scale.
That’s when HETCH recommended Galeyo.
“We reached out to Galeyo to help us build a better, more functional product that we could use both for sales and a second pilot. The collaboration was fantastic-daily check-ins, transparent communication, and a really dedicated team of developers,” shares Olle Andersson.
A Proven Track Record: Virotea
Our support for early-stage startups goes beyond HETCH. One of our most rewarding long-term collaborations has been with Virotea, a Swedish company using virtual reality to enhance elderly care and disability services.
“Galeyo helped us take our MVP to a fully developed product. They also provided valuable guidance, handled ongoing maintenance, and helped us make smart development decisions,” says the Founder & CEO of Virotea.
With a focus on immersive VR experiences and staff training simulations, Virotea needed both solid technical execution and a development partner who understood their mission. Galeyo provided end-to-end support-from scaling the product’s architecture to refining the user experience.
“What stands out most about Galeyo is their culture. They feel like part of our team, not just a vendor. Their developers care deeply about what we’re building.”
Why Startups Choose Galeyo?
Through our experience working with startups — and the development of our own Galeyo Innovation Lab — we’ve built a strong foundation that made collaborating with Mathilda and Apoomatic even smoother and more effective. At Galeyo, we don’t just deliver code. We empower innovation.
Galeyo Innovation Lab: From Idea to MVP
The Innovation Lab is a structured platform created to help founders, teams, and our own employees transform early ideas into validated, market-ready solutions. Designed with clarity and speed in mind, the Lab offers:
• Templates and frameworks for market research, Lean Canvas modeling, and MVP development
• Mentorship and expert support across product, tech, and business strategy
• A tested pathway to avoid costly mistakes and accelerate go-to-market timelines
Whether you’re validating a concept or scaling a prototype, the Lab ensures structure, quality, and confidence at every step. And yes — our employees use it too.
🔗 Explore the platform: innovationlab.waltercode.com
This internal initiative was developed with the financial support of Sweden through the project Challenge to Change 3.0, implemented by the Sarajevo Regional Development Agency SERDA and the Enterprise Development Agency Eda.
More Than Code: A Strategic Partner for Founders
Startups don’t just need developers — they need clarity, collaboration, and creative input. At Galeyo, we offer deep expertise in:
• Product strategy
• Technical architecture
• User-centered design
• Business model validation
We help founders turn bold ideas into compelling products that resonate with users — and attract investors.
Whether it’s AI-powered education, healthtech innovation, or VR for social impact, our approach stays the same:
• We listen first.
• We co-create from the ground up.
• We bring structure to uncertainty.
• And we invest ourselves in your success.
We’re proud to support organizations like HETCH that champion innovation, community, and cross-border collaboration. Together, we’re building a more connected and entrepreneurial future.
Thinking of launching your own startup? Let’s talk. We’re always excited to support new ideas and turn them into reality.
Short video interview: Hear directly from the founders of Mathilda and Apoomatic about their startup journey - and what it was like working with Galeyo.
👉 VIDEO
👉 Contact Us | Visit Galeyo| Explore our Culture
We are thrilled to announce that Galeyo has won the Impact Stars Award at the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Central Europe 2024! This prestigious recognition highlights our dedication to innovation that positively impacts business, society, and the environment. Our team’s passion, hard work, and commitment to meaningful change have led us here. This award is proof that technology, when driven by purpose, can reshape industries and create lasting value.
Gratitude to Our Team, Partners, and Clients
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Deloitte for celebrating innovation and excellence. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our team, the trust of our partners, and the support of our clients. Your contributions fuel our success, and together, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
.jpeg)
Driving Innovation with Purpose
At Galeyo, we focus on developing sustainable solutions that go beyond traditional business success. Our initiatives aim to:
• Empower local talent and reduce dependency on outsourcing
• Promote eco-friendly solutions that minimize waste and costs
• Foster diversity to drive creativity and innovation
By embracing different perspectives, we create adaptable products that serve global markets while supporting local growth.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Our dedication to making a positive impact was also recognized when we won the SDG Award, highlighting our efforts toward sustainable development and responsible innovation.
Looking Ahead
This award marks a significant milestone, but our journey is far from over. We remain committed to innovation and growth, seizing new opportunities and tackling challenges head-on.
We also congratulate all the inspiring companies recognized at the event. Your work continues to raise industry standards, and we are proud to stand alongside you.
.jpeg)
Here’s to a future filled with innovation, impact, and meaningful change!
Projects in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry are becoming increasingly complex, with an increasing need for efficient planning, execution, and management. Traditionally, decisions in project management were driven by experience and intuition. With the rise of digital tools and Building Information Modelling (BIM), data analytics is playing a major role in transforming project management. Data-driven decision-making is now a game changer, resulting in improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced project outcomes.
Data-driven decision-making (DDDM) is the process of using accurate, real-time, and historical data to guide strategic planning, forecast potential outcomes, and continuously improve project workflows. In the AEC industry, DDDM enables a shift from reactive to proactive project management. By leveraging technologies such as BIM, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), AEC professionals can make well-informed choices that minimize risks and maximize efficiency. Technologies used by DDDM facilitate data integration across disciplines, enhance collaboration, and enable predictive analytics, allowing teams to identify potential issues before they arise, reduce uncertainties, and make decisions that drive productivity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
Enhanced Project Planning and Design
Data analytics can help architects and engineers design smarter buildings by analysing environmental factors, material efficiency, and sustainability metrics. BIM models allow stakeholders to visualize projects in a virtual space, reducing errors and rework.
Improved Cost Management
By using predictive analytics, project managers can anticipate cost overruns and optimize budget allocation. Historical data from past projects provides insights into cost-saving opportunities and procurement efficiency.
Optimized Resource Allocation
Data helps in the strategic allocation of labour, equipment, and materials, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. Construction scheduling software powered by AI can analyze data to prevent downtime and delays.
Risk Mitigation and Safety Enhancement
Predictive analytics can identify potential hazards on-site by analyzing safety data. IoT devices and wearables provide real-time monitoring, helping to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Better Collaboration and Communication
Cloud-based data management solutions facilitate seamless communication among stakeholders and all participants in the project. By having access to a centralized data repository, teams can make informed decisions quickly, reducing misunderstandings and project delays.
Sustainability and Compliance
Data-driven strategies help make construction more sustainable by tracking things like carbon emissions, energy use, water consumption, and waste. With access to this information in real time, it is possible to make better decisions to reduce environmental impact and use resources more efficiently. Tools like BIM and IoT sensors help collect this data throughout the project. Automated compliance checks also make sure the project follows environmental laws and building standards, helping teams stay on track with sustainability goals.
Despite the advantages, there are challenges in adopting a data-driven approach in AEC projects:
While challenges exist, investing in the right technology and processes can unlock immense benefits. As the industry moves towards digitalization, leveraging data effectively will be crucial for future success.
The future of AEC lies in advanced data analytics, AI, and automation. Digital twins, real-time IoT monitoring, and AI-driven project forecasting will further enhance decision-making. Companies that embrace data-driven methodologies will gain a competitive edge, delivering projects faster, safer, and more cost-effectively.
Got a project in mind? Let’s build the future, together. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how Galeyo (formerly Walter Code) can help your company build better, faster, and smarter.
.jpg)
From chisels carving stone to pixels forming blueprints, the creation of architectural documentation has always been intertwined with the tools at hand. Each innovation has brought both excitement and a touch of apprehension. The advent of CAD, for instance, while liberating us from the tyranny of the eraser, also sparked whispers about computers replacing draftsmen. Yet, what unfolded was a surge in efficiency, allowing architects to iterate faster and dive into more complex designs. BIM took this further, offering a data-rich environment that streamlined collaboration and reduced errors, again raising questions about the evolving role of the human architect.
Now, the spotlight is on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Its integration into BIM software promises another leap in how we design, document, and construct buildings. AI algorithms can already analyze vast datasets to optimize designs for energy efficiency, predict structural performance, and even automate the generation of repetitive documentation elements. Imagine AI sifting through building codes and automatically flagging non-compliant details, or generating schedules with unparalleled speed and accuracy. This acceleration of documentation processes can free up architects and engineers from tedious tasks, allowing them to focus on the more creative and strategic aspects of their work. The fear of machines replacing humans is understandable, but the real potential lies in augmenting our abilities, providing more room for innovation and less for mind-numbing repetition.
The landscape of AI in AEC is already buzzing with promising solutions. Take the Swedish startup Finch, for example. They are developing AI-powered tools that aim to revolutionize early-stage design. One specific workflow that Finch enables is the rapid generation of apartment layouts based on a set of design constraints and performance targets. Imagine an architect defining the overall building footprint, desired number of units, target daylight factors, and acoustic requirements. Finch’s AI can then automatically generate numerous layout options that meet these criteria, providing the architect with a diverse range of starting points that are already optimized for key performance indicators. This allows for a much faster exploration of design possibilities in the crucial early stages, potentially uncovering innovative spatial arrangements that might have been overlooked in a manual process.
📽️ Watch how Finch generates floor plans in seconds.
Then there’s Bimify, a platform focused on the creation and maintenance of digital building models. A key workflow offered by Bimify is the AI-powered conversion of 2D architectural drawings into a fully detailed BIM model. Traditionally, this is a time-consuming and often error-prone manual process. With Bimify, users can upload their CAD drawings, and the platform’s AI algorithms analyze the linework, identify architectural elements (walls, doors, windows, etc.), and automatically generate a 3D BIM model complete with basic parametric information. This significantly speeds up the initial BIM modeling phase, reduces the potential for human error in interpretation and data entry, and allows AEC professionals to leverage the benefits of a data-rich BIM environment much earlier in the project lifecycle.
However, it’s not all sunshine and algorithmically optimized roses. There’s a legitimate concern that over-reliance on AI for creative solutions could lead to a homogenization of architectural styles. Just as some might argue that AI-generated music lacks the soul and nuance of human composition, could AI-designed buildings lack character and charm? Imagine a world where every apartment block feels eerily similar, devoid of the unique touch that comes from human intuition and artistic vision. Would we truly connect with spaces that are purely the output of an algorithm? It’s a valid question, and one that the AEC industry must grapple with. The risk lies in treating AI as a replacement for creative thought, rather than a powerful tool to enhance it.
In conclusion, AI in BIM presents a fascinating duality. It offers incredible opportunities to streamline workflows, automate tedious tasks, and potentially unlock new levels of design efficiency and innovation. However, it also carries the risk of diminishing the human element in architecture, potentially leading to a loss of individuality and character in our built environment. The key lies in embracing AI as a powerful assistant, a tool that frees us from the mundane, allowing us to focus on the uniquely human aspects of design: creativity, empathy, and the ability to craft spaces that truly resonate with the human spirit. The future of AI in AEC is not about replacement, but about thoughtful integration - ensuring that technology serves to amplify our creativity, not stifle it.
Fintech is completely transforming the way we handle financial transactions. Whether it’s simplifying payments for businesses or making them more secure and efficient, the impact is undeniable.
At Galeyo (formerly Walter Code), we’re proud to be part of this revolution - working on innovative projects alongside the clients who are shaping industry standards and redefining how payments are done in the financial and banking world.
One of the exciting projects we’re working on is a payment service that helps businesses - whether small, medium, or large - streamline how they pay invoices. This service allows them to pay suppliers who don’t typically accept credit or debit cards, helping to avoid late fees and improve cash flow management. Since 2011, we’ve been supporting a platform that helps over 50,000 businesses across Europe make invoice payments more efficiently and securely. While we can’t share full project details, we’re proud to contribute to its ongoing impact.
But it doesn’t stop there. We also build individual-focused solutions that make everyday transactions easier for individuals - through e-wallets, alternative payment methods, and digital signatures. These tools enable secure, flexible, and user-friendly payment experiences in both online and in-store environments.
Whether it’s for businesses or individual users, our goal at Galeyo is to simplify the payment process - making it convenient, secure, and adaptable, no matter the size of the business or the complexity of the transaction.
While fintech is advancing rapidly, there are still challenges - especially when it comes to security, system integration, and compliance. The sensitive nature of financial data means we have to be extremely vigilant about security, ensuring that all transactions are protected. At Galeyo, we’ve made it our mission to prioritize top-tier security standards and build systems that are ready to meet the strict regulatory requirements of the financial industry.
Compliance isn’t just a checkbox - it’s a core part of what makes fintech solutions trustworthy. By understanding and integrating financial regulations into our development process, we help clients stay aligned with industry standards and build products that are both innovative and compliant.
Fintech continues to grow at an impressive pace, with innovations expanding across several sectors. The market is often broken down into four categories:
Technology - AI, Blockchain, and Cloud Computing are driving innovation, especially in fraud detection and automation.
Service - Payments are dominating the market, but Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and cross-border payments are growing fast.
Application - Fintech is making waves in Banking, Insurance, and E-Commerce.
Region - Asia-Pacific is leading the charge, followed closely by North America and Europe.
The future of fintech will be shaped by AI and Blockchain, with advancements in personalized services and security continuing to redefine how financial transactions are handled.
At Galeyo, our mission is simple: to help businesses and individuals leverage technology to make their financial operations easier, more efficient, more convenient - and most importantly - more secure. We’re passionate about finding innovative solutions to the challenges companies and users face today, from payment processing to data security.
Working alongside clients, we develop platforms that simplify complex transactions and bring them into the digital age - whether it’s streamlining B2B invoice payments or enabling smooth everyday purchases for individual users through e-wallets and alternative payment methods.
It’s all part of our commitment to creating smart, secure, and user-friendly financial solutions that make modern payment systems more accessible, reliable, and future-ready.
The fintech revolution is far from over, and at Galeyo, we’re excited to be part of shaping the future. By focusing on innovation, security, and ease of use, we’re helping businesses navigate the complexities of modern payment systems. Whether it’s through projects like our payment services or the work we do with clients, we’re dedicated to making payments safer, faster, and more efficient for everyone.
.jpg)
The architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has truly seen a revolution, hasn’t it? We’ve gone from the almost meditative strokes of pen on paper to the intricate, code-driven world of custom software. Picture those old drafting tables — the battlegrounds where blueprints were born, demanding days, sometimes weeks, of sheer grit. One slip of the pen? A sigh, a rubber eraser, and you'd be starting over. Revisions? Forget about it, you were redrawing the whole thing. The sheer, honest-to-goodness manual labor was a testament to the dedication of those architects and draftsmen, a world where precision was king and patience, well, patience was a survival skill.
Then, bam! The digital revolution hit. The 1960s and 70s brought us Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and suddenly, lines were pixel-perfect, revisions were a few keystrokes, and the “undo” button became our new best friend. CAD solutions like AutoCAD? They let us modify designs faster, improve accuracy, and reuse elements. But let’s be real, it was still mimicking that old drawing-based approach, just on a screen.
As buildings and infrastructure got more complex, we needed something smarter, something interconnected. Enter Building Information Modeling (BIM). Forget those flat 2D or 3D representations. BIM was like a living, breathing database, integrating geometry, spatial relationships, metadata, and collaborative workflows. Change a wall in one view? Bam, it updates everywhere. Errors? Considerably reduced. Design process? Streamlined like never before.
For us AEC folks, BIM was a game-changer. We weren’t just drawing walls anymore; we were designing with intelligence, with data driving every decision.
Even before BIM, the need for customization came. Early adopters started messing around with custom scripts and macros, automating the boring stuff and smoothing out workflows. These were the early days of custom AEC software, hinting at the power that was about to be unleashed. Architects and engineers, often those self-taught coding wizards, began building tools to solve their own headaches.
Now, we’re in a whole new era, where software is more like a teammate. Dynamo, for example, is like giving someone a box of digital Legos. You can build anything! For instance, a common Dynamo script might automate the placement of room numbers based on room geometry and a specific naming convention, saving hours on large projects. It’s a lifesaver for those tedious, repetitive tasks.
But, while Dynamo is fantastic for bespoke solutions, purpose-built add-ins? That’s where the real magic happens. They’re designed to tackle specific industry challenges, with a level of integration you just can’t get from generic scripts.
Let’s talk pyRevit. It’s the go-to freebie for Revit users, an open-source add-in that boosts productivity. Think batch processing, advanced sheet management, and a whole bunch of other nifty tools. For example, pyRevit’s “Sheet Duplicator” tool can clone multiple sheets with their views and schedules in a single click, a huge time saver when setting up similar floors or building sections.
Then there’s Naviate Accelerate. It’s a more polished, out-of-the-box solution, perfect for those who want a streamlined experience. Naviate Accelerate tackles the tricky stuff, like managing complex schedules, automating documentation or helping you navigate Icomplex models. For example, it allows you to visually analyze your Revit model by applying color coding based on selected parameters and their values. It can help you highlight different categories of elements, making it easier to assess and differentiate aspects of your model and it only takes a few clicks. And if you want to dip your toes in without committing, Naviate Discover offers a free version with the essentials.
We’ve come a long way, from pen and paper to CAD to BIM. But we’re not stopping here. AI-driven design, cloud-based collaboration, AR for real-time visualization — it’s all coming, and it’s going to change everything.
The beauty of these custom solutions? They get us. They understand the quirks of our industry, the mind-numbing repetitive tasks, and the data management nightmares.
Think about it:
Ultimately, it’s about working smarter, not harder. Leveraging technology to create better buildings.
In this fast-paced world, customization is key. Whether it’s scripting, free tools like pyRevit, or advanced solutions like Naviate Accelerate, it’s about finding the right tools to make our workflows smarter.
So, here’s the million-dollar question: How are you going to optimize your workflow?
The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has long been defined by ambitious designs and complex planning. However, a new kind of blueprint is now in the spotlight: digital transformation. This isn’t just another tech trend; it’s the essential foundation for AEC companies aiming to not only survive but thrive in today’s dynamic environment. Sticking to traditional methods is like trying to build a skyscraper with a ruler and pencil - increasingly inefficient and ultimately limiting. Companies that hesitate to embrace digital solutions risk being left in the dust by forward-thinking leaders who are already leveraging technology to their advantage.
Imagine project teams working together effortlessly, regardless of location. Cloud-based platforms make this a reality. They allow real-time sharing and editing of project files, ensuring everyone - from architects to engineers to contractors - has access to the latest information. This eliminates frustrating delays and misunderstandings, fostering a more unified and productive project environment. Say goodbye to endless email chains and outdated documents; with cloud storage and integrated communication tools, instant updates and faster decisions keep projects running smoothly and on schedule.
The adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other digital technologies is revolutionizing the precision of design and construction. Forget sifting through 2D drawings; 3D modeling offers superior visualization, allowing you to identify and resolve potential issues before a single brick is laid. This drastically reduces errors and costly rework. Advanced simulations, like clash detection and structural integrity analysis, ensure buildings meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Plus, automated design validation tools help architects and engineers stay compliant with regulations, preventing expensive headaches down the line.
Digital tools are designed to streamline workflows and free up your team from repetitive, time-consuming tasks. Imagine construction teams on-site accessing digital designs directly on their tablets, eliminating the constant back-and-forth with paper plans. According to the World Economic Forum, a mere 1% reduction in global construction costs could save society a staggering $100 billion! Automation in areas like scheduling, material procurement, and on-site coordination optimizes resource utilization, leading to more predictable project timelines. This means your company can take on more projects without stretching your workforce thin.
Digital transformation isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about significant cost savings. By automating processes and optimizing resource allocation, technologies like project management software and analytics tools help you identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and lower labor costs. Think about the possibilities with 3D printing, enabling the creation of complex structures with less material waste and reduced labor expenses. Furthermore, predictive analytics can forecast project costs with greater accuracy, helping you avoid budget overruns. By minimizing manual errors and rework through digital quality control, you can allocate funds more strategically, fueling sustainable business growth.
Safety on construction sites is essential, and digital technologies are playing a crucial role in making them safer. Tools like drones and sensors provide real-time monitoring and data collection, allowing for proactive identification and mitigation of potential hazards. This not only ensures compliance with safety regulations but also significantly reduces the risk of accidents. Wearable technology, such as smart helmets and vests, can even monitor workers’ vital signs and detect hazardous conditions, preventing injuries before they happen. AI-powered risk assessment models help safety managers anticipate and address potential threats before they escalate.
Digital technologies are also empowering the AEC industry to embrace sustainable construction practices and significantly reduce its carbon footprint. BIM facilitates precise material calculations, minimizing waste from over-ordering. Smart building technologies enable real-time energy management, boosting energy efficiency and directly contributing to lower CO2 emissions from building operations. Green construction techniques, such as prefabrication and modular building, benefit greatly from digital planning, further decreasing the embodied carbon associated with construction processes. By adopting these technologies, your company not only contributes to a greener future and helps meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations but also positions itself as a leader in environmental responsibility, enhancing your market appeal.I
Looking ahead, the AEC industry is increasingly being shaped by cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) for design optimization and safety, the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time site monitoring, Machine Learning (ML) for predictive analytics, and Virtual Reality (VR) for immersive design experiences. These advancements promise to further enhance efficiency, safety, and collaboration in the construction sector. Embracing these innovations will be crucial for AEC companies looking to stay competitive in the years to come.
The integration of digital technologies in the AEC industry isn’t a trend - it’s the new reality. The benefits are undeniable: enhanced collaboration, improved accuracy, increased productivity, significant cost reduction, enhanced safety, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. By embracing digital transformation now, AEC companies can not only meet the demands of the modern market and deliver higher-quality projects but also secure long-term success. Investing in these technologies today isn’t just about gaining a competitive edge; it’s about future-proofing your business against the evolving challenges of the industry. The time to act is now - be at the forefront of innovation and set new standards for efficiency and excellence in construction.
The future of AEC is undeniably digital, and having the right tools can make all the difference. At Galeyo (formerly Walter Code), we’ve dedicated years to crafting custom software solutions specifically designed to tackle the unique challenges faced by the AEC industry. Whether you’re looking to automate repetitive tasks, streamline your BIM workflows, or build smarter collaboration platforms, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life.
Got a project in mind? Let’s build the future, together. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how Galeyo can help your company build better, faster, and smarter. Click here to contact us or visit our services page for the AEC industry.
Every November, a major new release of .NET introduces a mix of impactful and exciting changes for developers. Upgrading to the latest version can be challenging, especially in large-scale projects, making it crucial to understand the improvements it brings.
Last November, we welcomed .NET 9, an odd-numbered release with 18 months of support. As the successor to .NET 8, .NET 9 places a strong emphasis on cloud-native applications and performance improvements. But how will this new version truly impact a developer’s day-to-day work? Let’s find out!
As a .NET developer working with C# daily, I’m always most interested in the concrete features each new .NET release introduces — especially those I can start using right away. I’ve highlighted some of the most exciting ones that can enhance everyday development, helping you refine existing code or shape new implementations more effectively.
Feature Switches
Feature Switches is one of those features that makes you wonder, how did we not have this before? As the name suggests, it allows you to enable or disable features effortlessly. By adding a simple flag to your feature’s class, you can control whether it gets included in the runtime or completely ignored — making feature management more flexible and efficient.
Feature switches help maintain backward compatibility while introducing new features. You can deploy a new feature in your application without fully enabling it. This allows you to keep the old functionality intact, ensuring that existing users won’t be impacted until you’re ready to turn on the new feature.
Also, this new feature enables you to implement A/B testing, where you can expose different versions of a feature to different user groups. This allows you to gather data on which version performs better or is more favored by users, without requiring a full deployment cycle.
Personally, I look forward to the fact that you can test how the introduction of a new feature affects performance in various environments. You can enable or disable features in real-time to measure the impact on application performance.
Since code speaks better than words, let’s see a simple example.
LINQ CountBy and AggregateBy
A pretty exciting improvement of the LINQ library came with the new .NET 9 version. We have new methods called CountBy and AggregateBy which simplify the process of counting and aggregating without the need to group the elements. There’s no need for creating intermediate groupings anymore or chaining LINQ operations. This not only makes your code cleaner but also boosts execution speed. We all know that performance is one of the main reasons developers sometimes hesitate to use LINQ, but with these new methods, we can now enjoy the best of both worlds — efficiency and readability.
params in C# 13: Beyond Arrays
Since C# 13 ships with the .NET 9 SDK, we are looking at one of the most exciting changes that C# 13 brought to us — the params limitation to arrays is gone!
Since its introduction in C# 1.0, the params keyword has allowed developers to define methods that accept a variable number of arguments, passed as an array. This simplified method calls when the number of arguments was unknown at compile time.
Until C# 12, however, params was limited to arrays. C# 13 removes this restriction, enabling params to accept any collection type compatible with collection expressions, such as Span, IReadOnlyList, and IEnumerable. This allows developers to pass data in various forms, including lists, arrays, and even LINQ expressions. params parameters now accept any collection implementing IEnumerable, allowing smoother integration with the .NET ecosystem.
The flexibility that this brings for developers is amazing!
Thanks for joining me in exploring some of, in my opinion, the most exciting updates that this .NET version has brought to us from a developer’s perspective!
Meet our talented QA Engineer who has seamlessly transitioned from Electrical Design to ensuring the highest quality standards in our projects. In this interview, he shares his journey, the valuable skills he brings from his engineering background, and what excites him most about his role at Galeyo (formerly Walter Code). Read on to find out how he approaches quality assurance and what drives his passion for continuous improvement.
1. Could you tell us about your journey to become a QA Engineer at Galeyo? What initially raised your interest in this field?
I remember a conversation with a colleague at my previous job, where she mentioned that QA engineers are sought after and how I should investigate that field. Almost a year later, I had completely forgotten about it and was looking for a job as an Electrical Designer when I was contacted by Galeyo for a job opening as a QA. I thought it was a funny coincidence, and while preparing for the interview I was intrigued by the meticulous approaches QA can apply during testing.
2. In what ways does your engineering background enhance your approach to quality assurance? Are there specific skills or principles you find useful?
Engineering studies have taught me that taking shortcuts in preparation is just a quick way to failure. As an Electrical Designer, I’ve always tried to be methodical and prepare for every new project, and I think I apply the same approach in my current job. There are still many things I don’t know but I enjoy doing research, whether it’s for a new feature or investigating how a defect occurred.
3. Can you describe the current project you’re working on and how your expertise adds value to it?
We’re developing add-ins for Revit, where my team focuses on improving workflows for MEP engineers, and currently, we have four products: HVAC, Electrical, MEP, and Fabrication. I first started as a QA for Electrical, and my previous job helped me understand the tools and brought me closer to a user’s way of thinking. I also had previous interactions with Mechanical engineers, which helped me understand what my teammate Admir, an experienced QA with over 10 years of expertise, is trying to convey.
4. What are the key metrics or goals you use to measure the success of your QA process?
My main goal during testing is to prevent a serious bug from reaching the user, and collaborating on how a certain functionality can be beneficial to them. Having accurate estimates on the duration of tickets can influence how much work a team can take during one sprint. Writing meaningful test cases where a large percentage of functionality is covered can make us more confident in finding any future defects.
5. Collaboration can be crucial in QA. How do you handle situations where you and developers or product owners might have differing views on quality or functionality?
Product we’re working on, Naviate, already has some well-established quality standards, which is very helpful. We work with technical people from differing engineering backgrounds, so it’s crucial to have everyone on the team heard and to trust the Product Owner’s decisions. Our MEP and Fabrication products are focused on customers from the US market, so we lean on our Product Owner’s experience with that market and the users’ habits. If there are still any dilemmas left, we consult Product Specialists and even gauge how much a particular tool is used, but ultimately it is the Product Owner’s decision.
6. How has agile methodology impacted your work? Could you give an example of how it’s helped streamline processes or improve product quality?
In my previous position, I can say I worked in a Waterfall-type of project development, where I depended on different colleagues to finish their phases first.
Now as a QA, even though I still rely on Developers to do their work first, I feel feedback is gathered and decisions are made much faster, which in return makes us more in control of our product development. During our last PI planning, the team had to make some decisions in real time, causing the team to have to land on its feet immediately, but in turn resulted in some fruitful negotiations with potential clients.
7. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Do any of your hobbies or interests connect back to your skills in QA?
I always enjoyed going to the mountains, and a long time ago I was an avid skier. Nowadays I enjoy hikes with my wife and friends, testing their spirit with challenging routes. I’m a fan of standup comedy, I like relaxing on a couch watching a good show. I would like to cross as many places as possible from my travel list before I leave, something which Galeyo helps me with. I’d like to return to reading specialized engineering literature, which can always be helpful in thinking as a QA for Electrical.
8. What excites you the most about working at Galeyo, and what do you look forward to achieving here?
It’s great that this work has provided me with constant opportunities to improve my knowledge - be it modeling in Revit and learning new tools, soft skills as a Scrum Master, or QA competency in the form of testing automation (I find this to be most exciting as of late). Every new task in these roles can ask of you to investigate and serve as a learning experience. I look forward to deepening my knowledge in testing automation, and overall, to learning more about every aspect of product development. As long as I’m constantly improving, I’m content.
At Galeyo, we value growth and development, and it’s inspiring to see how our team members, like our QA Engineer, are always striving for excellence. Whether it’s improving product quality or mastering new skills in testing automation, we’re proud to support our employees as they shape the future of our work. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights from our amazing team.
At Galeyo (formerly Walter Code), we are always on the lookout for innovative talents who drive our projects to new heights.
Our latest feature in the Galeyo Humans series spotlights Damir Silajdžić, a brilliant software engineer whose work is transforming the landscape of mechanical engineering. Since joining us in early 2019, Damir has been instrumental in developing key projects like Sovelia Sync and a CAD add-in for Autodesk tools. His dedication to improving efficiency, reducing errors, and accelerating time-to-market has made a significant impact on our team’s success.
Let’s dive into the journey of Damir and discover how his contributions are making a difference.
Can you tell us more about your experience working at Galeyo?
My connection with Galeyo started back in March 2018. It took almost a year to find the right project and client where I could contribute my knowledge and skills. I officially began in February 2019 with the Sovelia Sync project, which is a file management system similar to OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. After a year and a half, we started working on a CAD add-in project for Autodesk tools, and since then, we have been developing and maintaining these projects.
What is it that you appreciate most about your colleagues at work?
The best thing about my colleagues is their great personalities. I’m happy to work with people who are direct, honest, and willing to help each other with both work projects and personal matters.
Are you satisfied with your work-life balance?
Yes, I am. After work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. When the weather is nice, I like to go mountain biking and visit the gym.
Can you tell us more about the project you’re working on?
The project I am currently working on is quite interesting. We are developing a system that makes life easier for mechanical engineers. Our project reduces the time a mechanical designer spends on writing necessary documentation, prevents errors caused by incorrect product information, reduces unnecessary costs and delays, and enables faster time to market.
Can you describe a complex problem you’ve recently solved at work? What tools and techniques did you use?
I successfully developed a system to provide metrics for the usage of all our project features and options. Each project provides its data to a centralized location, where our Sovelia Sync project manages the data transmission and clears previously provided data. With this approach, adding new project data is seamless; we simply direct the data to the centralized collection point without needing to modify the Sovelia Sync project.
How do you ensure the code you write is efficient and maintainable?
We use tools to assess the quality and complexity of our code. Additionally, every pull request is reviewed and tested by all team members before it is merged into the development branch.
What practices or methodologies do you follow to manage and prioritize tasks effectively in your role?
We plan our tasks every three months. Fortunately, we don’t have many urgent hotfix tasks, which allows us to focus on the planned tasks.
How do you stay updated with the latest developments and trends in your field?
Since we work with .NET technologies, Galeyo provides us with opportunities to stay updated with the latest developments from Microsoft by attending the MS Network conference and offering a Pluralsight account with tutorials where we can learn and get familiar with new trends.
How do you approach learning a new technology or programming language that is required for a project?
The first step is to get the official documentation or tutorials for the technology we need to learn. Additionally, we use our Pluralsight account to check tutorials for the required technology.
What strategies do you use to ensure good collaboration and communication within your development team?
Most of our development team is based in the Mostar office, so we communicate directly face-to-face. This approach has proven to be the best practice, as it allows us to discuss, design, and brainstorm possible solutions for our tasks efficiently.
Conclusion
Damir’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and dedication in the field of software development. Through his work, he has exemplified what it means to streamline processes and enhance productivity for mechanical engineers.
At Galeyo, we are proud to have Damir as a part of our team, and we look forward to the continued advancements and successes that lie ahead. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our Galeyo Humans series, as we continue to highlight the exceptional talent that drives our company forward.
Goran Arsenić’s journey into the world of programming began with tentative steps in high school, yet it was only after his college years that he discovered a passion for the profession. Now, with 7 years of experience, most of which have been spent at Galeyo (formerly Walter Code), he reflects on his growth, the culture at his workplace, and offers insights into maintaining positivity in high-pressure scenarios.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
My first touches with programming were in high school, but it was not until long after I finished college that I discovered that this profession suited me well and that I could do it.
Since then, 7 years have passed, and I have spent most of that period at Galeyo.
How would you describe the culture and work environment at Galeyo?
I especially like the work environment at Galeyo because there is a lot of respect among colleagues, we are all equal, and the culture is such that a relaxed atmosphere is encouraged. Although the quality of work is in the first place, there is also room for socializing and relaxation.
What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of your job and your experience at Galeyo over the past years?
My greatest satisfaction achieved in the last couple of years of working at Galeyo is that together with my team I managed to secure profound respect and faith in us as consultants from our clients.
How do you maintain a positive and constructive attitude when faced with tight deadlines and high-pressure situations?
Fortunately, on the project I am working on, we do not have many such situations, but when they do happen, I try to accept them as an additional challenge and an opportunity to prove myself.
Give us a breakdown of your daily tasks as a Lead Software Developer, and tell us what tools you use daily.
As for my role as a lead, a lot of my responsibilities are related to supporting other team members, communicating with everyone in the team, reviewing PRs, etc.
But most of the day I spend like any other developer, working on my project tasks and writing code.
In what technologies are you currently proficient, and how do you stay informed about new developments in your field?
I fell in love with JavaScript a long time ago and it is my weapon of choice, whether it is frontend or backend.
As for how I stay informed, I like to read. I mostly rely on blogs, but I also like to read a book now and then, especially if I am researching a new area of the programming world.
How do you like to spend your free time and what are some of your hobbies and interests?
I like to spend my free time with my wife the most. We like to go for long walks, and it is the best way for me to relax.
As for hobbies, I have many. My main hobby is video games, I like to collect and play them.
Apart from that, I like photography, and I am also in RCs, I own a drone and a couple of RC cars that I like to modify and drive.
What would you recommend to people who think it is too late to choose their life’s career path?
I believe the thought of changing careers in later years is very frightening.
When we talk about a career in IT, the competition is mostly made up of younger people, so it may seem impossible to succeed, but if the will is there, I think it can be achieved.
We at Galeyo have many examples where colleagues have changed careers, tried something else, and succeeded.
That is why whoever feels the need to change, do not give up, do your best, and you will succeed!
Goran’s story serves as an inspiration for those contemplating career shifts, emphasizing that with determination and effort, success is attainable regardless of age or initial background. His advice to not give up and strive for the best resonates, showcasing the spirit of resilience and adaptation crucial in today’s dynamic professional landscape.
Stay tuned for future stories, where we continue to shine a spotlight on the diverse and extraordinary individuals shaping the landscape of technology at Galeyo and beyond.
With eight years of experience in Human Potential (HP), I have had the privilege of growing alongside a company that truly values innovation, transparency, and trust. At Galeyo (formerly Walter Code), my journey has been one of continuous learning, applying new technologies, understanding the specific needs of IT professionals, and refining processes to create a dynamic and engaging workplace.
Growth Through Innovation
Galeyo has provided me with countless opportunities to develop professionally. Being at the heart of an work environment that is always advancing, I have embraced change, improved work processes, and contributed to a culture that fosters both personal and collective growth. The company’s values have shaped my development, encouraging me to push boundaries and seek new ways to support our team.
The Power of Communication and Emotional Intelligence
In my role as an HP Specialist, communication skills and emotional intelligence have been the foundation of success. Actively listening, providing clear and constructive feedback, and expressing thoughts with clarity and empathy are essential in building trust with employees and management. Understanding the motivations and concerns of our team members allows us to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. As the IT sector constantly evolves, adaptability and empathy are crucial in ensuring our employees feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Beyond Administration: Redefining HP in IT
A common misconception is that HP is merely an administrative function, limited to hiring and paperwork. The reality is far different. At Galeyo, HP is a strategic partner in shaping our culture, driving innovation, and ensuring the professional development of our employees.
To create an environment where engineers, programmers, and designers can excel, we focus on motivation, creativity, and a strong feedback culture. By fostering a space where employees feel safe to experiment and innovate without fear of failure, we enable them to contribute to the company’s success in meaningful ways. HP plays a crucial role in defining strategic goals, optimizing processes, and maintaining a positive, forward-thinking work culture.
Shaping the Future of Work
The role of Human Potential in IT is not just about managing people - it’s about empowering them. By challenging stereotypes and embracing a more strategic approach, we can create workplaces where individuals grow, ideas flourish, and companies thrive. At Galeyo, we believe that HP is at the core of innovation, shaping the future of work -one relationship at a time.
.jpg)
At Galeyo (formerly Walter Code), we value education in various fields. Recently, our colleague Nađa Zubčević Redžepagić, a multi-award-winning innovator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, led an enlightening workshop titled “The Power of Patents: Intellectual Property Assets.” If you’ve ever wondered whether to protect your invention with a patent, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the exciting world of patent protection and explore whether it’s the right choice for you.
Imagine having a revolutionary idea that could transform the world for the better. But here’s the catch - just having an idea isn’t enough to safeguard it with a patent or any other form of intellectual property protection. An idea, in its raw form, isn’t a tangible product that can find its footing in the market.
So, what does it take to patent an invention? Three key criteria come into play:
Novelty: Your invention must be entirely novel, with no prior existence in the known technical realm.
Inventiveness: It shouldn’t be an obvious solution to someone skilled in the relevant technical field.
Industrial Applicability: Your invention should be usable or producible across various industries.
Before rushing into filing a patent application, the smart move is to delve into patent databases. Surprisingly, many innovators overlook this crucial step, which can lead to setbacks in the patent protection journey.
Now, let’s weigh the pros and cons of patent protection:
Benefits of Patent Protection:
• Competitive Edge: Prevent competitors from exploiting your invention for commercial gains.
• Licensing Opportunities: Earn revenue by licensing your innovation to interested parties.
• Investor Attraction: Patents can be a magnet for investors looking to fund groundbreaking ideas.
• Networking: Unlock doors to networking events where you can connect with like-minded innovators and potential collaborators.
Drawbacks of Patent Protection:
• Public Disclosure: Patents require disclosing technical details, making your invention’s specifics public.
• Territorial Limitations: Patents are valid only in countries where they’re filed, leaving gaps for production elsewhere.
• Lengthy Process: Patents don’t happen overnight; the application process can take years.
• Costs: From filing fees to legal expenses, patenting can be financially demanding.
• Limited Duration: Patents have an expiration date, typically after 20 years.
The ultimate goal? Commercializing your patent. But that’s where the real challenge begins. Timing, market readiness, and production feasibility all play pivotal roles in turning a patent into a profitable venture.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for patent success. It’s a complex decision influenced by myriad factors unique to each invention and its market potential.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to protect your invention, you can check out workshops led by patent agents. Links and speakers are provided below:
• Filling out a patent application led by Tarik Kapić, a European patent attorney and the general director of BOVARD law firm with offices in Bern, Bienne, and Neuchatel in Switzerland.
• How to search patent databases, led by Adi Krdžalić, a patent agent and one of the leading specialists in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of intellectual property.
• International patent protection, led by Elvedin Pandžić, a long-time collaborator of the Intellectual Property Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina, from the patent department, who also deals with international protection (PCT).
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of patent protection empowers innovators like you to make informed decisions about safeguarding your intellectual property. So, are you ready to embark on this exciting journey of innovation and protection?
.jpg)
Introduction
Meet Džemil Koca, the newest feature in our Galeyo Humans series. A skilled Developer at Galeyo (formerly Walter Code) for over six years, Džemil has consistently demonstrated dedication and curiosity in crafting innovative web applications. As a natural problem solver, he applies precision and innovation to tackle complex challenges and drive impactful solutions. His growth as an innovator in the tech world stems from his passion for understanding how things work.
Outside of work, Džemil channels his creativity as a musician, blending his dedication and precision to achieve excellence both in tech and music.
The Journey to Becoming a Developer
Can you share the journey that led you to become a Software Developer at Galeyo?
It all started with a deep Curiosity about how things work beneath the surface - whether it was taking apart gadgets or figuring out how websites tick. As soon as I got my college degree, I started my first web development role, and I got hooked. My journey, from learning the basics of PHP and JavaScript to working with advanced web technologies, felt like a natural progression. More than six years ago, I joined a small group of people that would later become Galeyo. It was a big step forward - a place where I could flex my creativity while solving complex problems and, most importantly, a place filled with good people.
Motivation and Career Goals
What motivates you to keep growing in your field?
It’s the thrill of constant evolution. The tech landscape is always shifting, and I love staying at the edge of Innovation. Plus, building something from scratch and seeing it come to life is pure satisfaction. Each solved problem feels like leveling up.
How do you stay focused on your long-term career goals?
I break it down. Having big goals can feel overwhelming sometimes, so I focus on smaller milestones - whether it’s mastering a new framework or completing a challenging project. Dedication is key.
Life Outside Work
What are your favorite ways to unwind after a busy day of coding?
It’s a good mix of physical activity and gaming. A run clears my head, and a quick session of Elden Ring keeps the strategy gears turning.
Are there any hobbies or activities you’re passionate about outside of work?
My number one hobby is music production. It also means sitting in front of the computer mostly because I do almost everything in a software environment, except for using MIDI keyboards for playing. Music is an important part of my life and one of the most enjoyable activities I can get into.
Working at Galeyo
What do you enjoy most about working at Galeyo?
What keeps me here all this time are mostly people. The collaborative culture is exceptional, and everyone’s on the same wavelength when it comes to problem-solving, communication between tasks, and humor. Plus, the freedom to be creative with solutions keeps things exciting.
How do your colleagues inspire or support you in your daily work?
They’re an incredible mix of talent and motivation. Whether it’s a brainstorming session or code review, they challenge me to think deeper and improve daily. That kind of positive push is invaluable.
Can you tell us about the project you’re currently working on and what excites you about it?
Until a couple of weeks ago, I worked on a large-scale LMS system called GO+, produced, owned, and managed by the Swedish company TicTac. I started working on this project about five years ago, contributing to both backend code and databases, as well as basic server operations and frontend programming. The system initially supported over 1.5 million users and 10,000 courses and modules. Over time, the team expanded to include additional developers, designers, and QA testers, and I played a key role in assembling and leading the team. A significant part of this project was the complete rewrite of the application about 2–3 years ago. As the number of customers and users grew, and as technologies became outdated, we transitioned to newer technologies and architectures. We became a team of six people through this process, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining high-quality standards.
Tips for Developers
Do you have any advice or tips for aspiring developers or those looking to break into tech?
Start building. Theory is important, but there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and fail - it’s the quickest path to learning. The main thing is to make progress but - but mostly in the sense of learning how to fail better.
What’s one thing you wish you knew earlier in your career?
The importance of understanding the business side of things. Tech is about solving problems, and having a solid grasp of the larger business picture helps you deliver solutions that truly matter.
Conclusion
Džemil’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, curiosity, and innovation in the tech world. From his early days of tinkering with gadgets to advancing major web applications at Galeyo, he continues to inspire those around him.
Stay tuned for more stories from our talented team in the Galeyo Humans series!
.jpg)
Introduction
Welcome to the newest edition of Galeyo (formerly Walter Code) Humans, where we celebrate the outstanding professionals who drive our company’s success.
Today, we shine the spotlight on Vedad Orahovac, our brilliant Product Owner, whose unique blend of creativity, technology, and expertise in software development has been pivotal to our growth.
Vedad’s career path began in architecture, where he coordinated engineering teams and designed various facilities. His journey with Galeyo started with a scholarship to the Galeyo BIM Academy, leading to his role as a QA for Naviate for Revit. Now, as the Product Owner for Naviate Accelerate, his leadership continues to make a lasting impact on our work, providing a unique blend of creativity, technology, and expertise in software development.
Join us as we delve into Vedad’s career journey and discover his innovative approach to achieving success.
The Journey to Becoming a Product Owner
Tell us more about your career in Galeyo
My career path to Product Owner has been quite an adventure. I will start with a short story. During the memorable recent major power outage that impacted our country a few weeks ago - when the lights dimmed, and the coffee machines fell silent - my colleagues and I found ourselves in an unexpected situation. It was like a corporate campfire, minus marshmallows. We had no other option than to talk to each other. The question floated across the room: “Could you have ever imagined doing this job when you were younger?” My immediate response? A resounding “No!” Back in high school, Product Ownership didn’t exist the way it does now, I had no awareness of Scrum practices.
Let’s now rewind a bit. Before I became a Scrum preacher, my career started in the field of architecture. After graduating from the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Sarajevo, I worked as an associate architect at a Sarajevo-based architectural firm for 6 years. Here, I acquired the experience of coordinating between different engineering teams (architects, electrical, structural, HVAC and plumbing) through every twist and turn in different phases of project execution. We designed everything, from cozy residential buildings, health facilities, sport arenas, and commercial facilities - from preliminary design phase to following execution on-site. And guess what, our tools for trade were vintage software products such as the good old AutoCAD.
Then, in 2018, Galeyo BIM Academy was founded. They offered courses for Autodesk Revit, an advanced architectural software not yet popular in Bosnia at that time. I applied for a scholarship and got accepted as a part of the inaugural group of students. Autodesk Revit for me was a great introduction to BIM (Building Information Modeling) way of creating architectural documentation. It seemed like magic in digital form. A couple of months after completing the Revit Basic Course, I was offered a position at Galeyo as a QA for Naviate for Revit, a plug-in with a variety of tools for Revit. I accepted and this is where my Galeyo career begins.
As an architect and a QA, I was constantly brainstorming possible enhancements to Naviate features that could improve the overall user experience, one Revit button at a time. Soon I took the role of Scrum Master. I was continuously seeking new opportunities to learn and grow, and I instilled the importance of self-management among team members to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
As Naviate for Revit grew and new markets were introduced, there was a need for a new Product Owner for one of Naviate for Revit products. With excellent knowledge of the product and Scrum practices, I was promoted to a Product Owner for Naviate Accelerate product. I aim to continue to contribute to the team and the product by organizing, prioritizing, and clarifying the work we do and deliver to end-users.
So here I am, juggling user stories like flaming torches (metaphorically, of course - I don’t want to set the office on fire). I’m the bridge between code and dreams, making sure that what we build delights our users and makes their architectural lives easier.
And as I sip my morning coffee, I remind myself: Life is like a backlog - full of tasks, surprises, and an occasional bug. But hey, that’s what keeps it interesting, right?”
What inspired you to pursue a career as a Product Owner?
From the beginning of my work with Scrum framework I was very attracted to the agile methods for work organization. Starting as a QA I was constantly thinking about the ways we could improve our processes. This is something I started implementing once I became a Scrum Master. Since I am an architect by calling, that meant I was naturally on a quest to find potential software improvements, and Naviate for Revit is an AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) software. Being able to organize work, define clear software requirements, and communicate all this with stakeholders is what attracted me most to the PO role.
But wait, there’s more! From day one at Galeyo, I had the privilege of working alongside a Swedish colleague Bo - the Jedi Master of Product Owners. His work ethic, knowledge, and Jedi-like calmness left a permanent mark on me. He’s my role model - the Yoda to my Luke Skywalker (minus the green skin). Bo taught me that mastering software knowledge, collaborating with stakeholders, staying humble, and constantly learning and improving are the secret ingredients to a successful PO potion.
Motivation and Career Goals
What do you enjoy most about working as a Product Owner?
In one of his books Daniel Pink defined three factors required for satisfactory work: autonomy, purpose, and mastery.
•Autonomy - the sweet freedom. How I manage backlog, how I refine stories, and how I communicate with stakeholders, it is all up to me. I feel the autonomy in choosing How I do the work. It is crucial for me to understand What I need to do and Why it needs to be done. With clear What and Why, How provides a lot of space for autonomous work.
•Purpose. A Product Owner role implies maximizing the value of a developed product. As a Product Owner I aim to make the work of my teammates as easy as possible. Communicating the goal of the product, having well defined and easily understandable PBIs (Product Backlog Items) and prioritizing work that Development Team does, if done well, all lead to a smooth process of fulfilling team’s objectives. Being responsible for PBIs, little puzzle pieces which make up the bigger picture of the product, serves both my teammates and customers and gives me the feeling of purpose.
•Mastery: The software development is a fast-changing field. Blink, and Revit has updated to .Net 8 framework. Blink again, and AI is writing code. There is a constant need for new learning and adapting. The needs of the market change and so do the software requirements. This demands constant learning and problem solving. If you manage to keep up with this, then you are rewarded with the feeling of mastery.
How do you prioritize features and requirements for a product? Can you tell us how you decide what’s most important to work on?
Now the question about the never-ending quest of Product Backlog management. Prioritizing work to be done is a process that requires delicate balancing of stakeholder’s wishes, team capacity and deadlines. I will try to break down the process of prioritizing into smaller parts.
Process of prioritizing features
•Ideas Portal - a place where all the work originates from. Here, anyone can submit and vote for improvements and new feature ideas. I review this regularly with Product Managers. But it is not a popularity contest. Not only top voted ideas are prioritized. Features recognized to bring the most value to the future product are most important. Often these features are not yet foreseen by our customers. This means that to place a successful product, a Product Owner needs to be one step in front of the market.
•The next step is to plan how to develop and test this selection of features. Every three months one batch of features is selected for development and testing for a quarterly release. The capacity of the team plays a big role in prioritization here. This largely influences what gets into scope. If QA resources are low, research and POC are prioritized over work that requires testing.
•After the Product Backlog is built, further prioritizing needs to be done in terms of development start dates. Does feature A need to wait for feature B to be done first? Dependencies linger. It is important to include the Development Team in setting the priorities here. They are the ones creating the increment of work and they should have a say in how they deliver what the Product Owner defined.
•As features are developed, unknowns are discovered, and Product Owner needs to fill in the blanks here. It is very important for the team to be transparent so that irregularities are detected early, and adjustments can be made in time.
In summary, prioritization is not a solo act - it is a symphony. The Product Owner conducts, stakeholders hum along, and the Development Team jams. Hopefully, autonomy, purpose, and mastery also hum in the background. And as the curtain falls on each release, I hope our software leaves the audience - our end users - clapping, cheering, and maybe even doing a little encore dance.
What is your experience with agile methodologies? Can you tell us how you’ve used them in your work?
At the start of my career, I was lucky to join a seasoned Scrum Team. It was easy to catch up with scrum practices and for my beginner eyes there weren’t many evident challenges. The software was delivered on time, no one was complaining.
However, very quickly the team grew, many new people joined. At that time, I had the role of a Scrum Master, and it was my responsibility to make sure everyone in the team understands Scrum framework.
This is when I embarked on a quest for Scrum knowledge which resulted in me obtaining two Professional Scrum Master certificates. This was a eureka moment for me. I understood the meaning of the saying Knowledge is power. Obtaining voluntary education has empowered me and opened my eyes to many benign, but faulty practices in my team and it has given me inspiration for many improvements that were introduced from then on.
Delving into the Scrum guide, I discovered sacred pillars of Scrum. Those are transparency, inspection, and adaptation. These principles are my guiding stars, not only in applying Scrum framework in the workplace, but also in everyday life. In personal life I translate transparency into authenticity, inspection into introspection and adaptation into change. I believe a constant improvement is desirable and possible and with using Scrum framework as a helping tool, this becomes easy.
Working at Galeyo
What do you love the most about your team?
My beautiful Accelerators. The characteristic I respect the most about my team is the ability to self-organize. There are many pre-requisites to self-organization, but the most important one is respect and treating each other as professionals.
I love helping teammates overcome obstacles, but I am the happiest when I plan and define work in such a way that they don’t require me. I love it the most when my teammates overcome obstacles and find ways to remove impediments on their own. Also, if one person finishes work earlier, they usually help others instead of taking on new work, which shows that they are aware of the importance of achieving the agreed common goal rather than getting the extra work in.
Life Outside Work
What are your favorite after-work activities and hobbies?
As an architect, I am deeply passionate about interior design. That’s why I really love making my living environment as enjoyable as I can. I love spending time at home, making DIY wonders, decorating, redecorating, reorganizing and so on. There are always some home-improvement projects going on at my place. I spend a lot of time attending to my (too big) plant collection, trying to save my last few remaining calatheas from their certain death. But after some time, indoors bore me and then I love leaving the house and spending time outdoors. I enjoy hiking, even in the afternoons after work. I also have a passion for photography. Right now, I am more inspired by taking photos of landscapes than urban environments.
I still collaborate with other architects for whom I do 3D renderings and animations. This takes up a significant amount of my after-work free time, but I do enjoy it immensely. Building a 3D model from 2D drawings and then turning it into a photorealistic rendering is a very satisfactory process.
Since I sit a lot at work, a lot of my free time is devoted to healthy living and exercise. This includes daily gym, swimming, sauna, and meal preparation.
Conclusion
Vedad Orahovac exemplifies dedication, innovation, and leadership in his role as Product Owner at Galeyo. His unique career journey from architecture to product management showcases his adaptability and commitment to excellence. Vedad’s contributions have significantly impacted our organization, and we are excited to see what he accomplishes next. Thank you for joining us in celebrating Vedad’s success and learning more about his inspiring professional path.
In our latest installment of Galeyo Humans, we are thrilled to introduce you to Dragana Božović, a remarkable and inspiring software developer at Galeyo. With a passion for innovation and a drive for excellence, Dragana’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we delve into the transformative experiences, challenges conquered, and invaluable insights gained throughout her career in the interview below.
Could you provide some insights into your journey at Galeyo?
My journey at Galeyo started nearly six years ago through an internship program offered for students at my faculty. At Galeyo, I was empowered to evolve beyond the skill level of a student developer and become proficient in a wide array of technologies, enabling me to make substantial contributions to critical projects. My journey at the company has not only shaped my professional growth but also instilled in me a deep sense of adaptability and resilience in the face of evolving challenges.
When you’re not at work, what activities and hobbies do you enjoy the most?
When I’m not at work, I practice activities that keep me balanced and fulfilled. I love reading books to unwind and destress. Spending time with friends is always a blast, whether we’re exploring new places or just hanging out. Nature is my happy place, where I find peace and rejuvenation there. Lately, I’ve been hitting the gym, but who knows how long that’ll last!
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
To maintain a healthy work-life balance, I prioritize setting boundaries and allocating time for activities outside of work. This includes scheduling regular breaks throughout the day, adhering to set work hours, and disconnecting from work notifications during personal time.
Can you tell us about the project that you participated in that was innovative and made a significant impact?
Over the past six years, I’ve engaged in a diverse range of projects, including ventures into BIM solutions and a notable project within the Fintech industry. The project I’m working on now is interesting and innovative. This project involves creating a solution to assist architects in their day-to-day tasks of managing interior design products and we will accomplish it using AI technology. I believe using the power of AI is among the pivotal advancements defining technology in the 21st century.
Can you share an example of a time when you made a difficult decision and how you handled it?
In the initial four years of my career, I focused on PHP programming, working on two distinct projects with different frameworks. However, I eventually felt the need for a change and Galeyo gave me the opportunity to learn a new programming language and to switch to Python. While the transition presented its challenges, the supportive team environment made the process smoother, and I believe it was a beneficial decision overall.
How do you stay motivated and positive, even when facing challenges?
I stay motivated and positive by reminding myself of the bigger picture and the goals I’m working towards. When facing challenges, I view them as opportunities for growth and learning rather than obstacles. Seeking support from colleagues and mentors, supporting a healthy work-life balance, and celebrating small victories along the way also helps me stay resilient and focused.
Have you set any specific long-term career goals, and if so, how do you plan to achieve them?
Yes, I’ve set specific long-term career goals to guide my professional growth. One of my main goals is to become an expert in my field, continuously expanding my knowledge and ability in backend web development. To achieve this, I plan to pursue advanced certifications, attend relevant workshops and conferences, and actively seek out challenging projects that allow me to apply and refine my skills.
In such a fast-evolving field, what strategies do you employ to stay updated and continue growing professionally?
I consistently dedicate time to self-directed learning, engaging with industry publications, blogs, and research papers to stay updated. Also, I value certifications as a means to further my professional growth. I already hold one, Google Cloud Digital Leader certificate.
What ethical considerations do you think are most important for software engineers to keep in mind today?
In the tech world today, software engineers need to safeguard user data and privacy, make sure their algorithms are fair and unbiased, and think about how their creations affect society. It’s also important for them to be honest and accountable in their work, communicating openly with others. By keeping these things in mind, software engineers can create technology that helps everyone and contributes positively to the world.
As we conclude this insightful journey into the life and career of Dragana Božović, we are reminded of the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream and persistently pursue their passions. Stay tuned for future stories, where we continue to shine a spotlight on the diverse and extraordinary individuals shaping the landscape of technology at Galeyo and beyond. Until then, may Dragana’s story serve as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging us all to embrace challenges, seize opportunities, and strive for greatness in our own endeavors.
.jpg)
In the ever-evolving landscape of learning, technological innovations have continuously reshaped the methods and experiences available to individuals’ seeking knowledge and skill development. Among these advancements, Virtual Reality (VR) technology appears as a transformative tool, fundamentally changing the way people engage with information and interact with their surroundings.
In one of our latest internal workshops, led by our esteemed colleague Haris Hadzic, we delved deep into this fascinating topic of education in virtual reality. Haris, with his extensive ability in both education and technology, brought a wealth of insights to the discussion, shedding light on the practical applications and implications of integrating VR into learning environments.
This blog post explores the profound impact of the latest advancements in VR technology on learning experiences and opportunities.
VR technology has the remarkable ability to transcend physical limitations and geographical boundaries, offering individuals from diverse backgrounds access to immersive and enriching learning experiences. Whether in urban centers or rural communities, individuals can now explore virtual environments, interact with content, and engage in learning activities without constraints. This accessibility ensures that learning opportunities are available to all, fostering inclusivity and equality in education.
Gone are the days of passive learning, where individuals simply consumed information from textbooks or lectures. With VR technology, learning becomes an active and immersive experience, allowing individuals to fully immerse themselves in virtual environments and interact with content in meaningful ways. From exploring historical landmarks to conducting virtual experiments, VR creates dynamic learning experiences that captivate and inspire learners of all ages.
VR technology empowers individuals to take control of their learning journey by offering personalized and adaptive experiences. Through customizable modules and interactive content, learners can tailor their learning paths to suit their interests, preferences, and skill levels. Whether revisiting challenging concepts or delving deeper into specific topics, VR enables individuals to learn at their own pace, fostering a sense of autonomy and ownership over their education.
Beyond traditional learning environments, VR technology prepares individuals for real-world challenges by providing immersive simulations and practical experiences. From vocational training to professional development, VR offers hands-on practice in simulated environments that closely resemble real-world scenarios. This practical approach equips individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in their chosen fields and navigate the complexities of modern society.
As VR technology continues to advance, the possibilities for learning are boundless. Educators, trainers, and learners alike are exploring new ways to use VR technology to enhance learning experiences, foster collaboration, and drive innovation. From virtual collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries to immersive simulations that replicate real-world challenges, VR opens doors to endless opportunities for learning and growth. By embracing innovation and embracing the transformative power of VR, individuals can step forward into a future where learning knows no bounds.
As we embark on this journey into the world of VR-enhanced learning, we stand at the forefront of a new era in education - a future filled with excitement, discovery, and boundless potential. With VR technology as our guide, we can break down barriers, engage learners in meaningful ways, and unlock the full potential of human potential. Together, let us embrace the transformative power of VR and step forward into a brighter future where learning knows no limits.
.jpg)
In our latest workshop, we delved into the fascinating world of Real-Time Fantasy Premier League (FPL) using SocketIO. Led by our colleague Adin Hadžović, the session was an enlightening exploration into the realm of real-time communication in web applications. Here, we’ll dive deeper into why real-time communication matters, the differences between WebSockets and HTTP, and the key features of Socket.IO versus plain WebSockets, along with some practical use cases.
Real-time communication is the key of modern web applications, facilitating seamless exchange of instant updates. From live chat apps to collaborative editing tools and real-time games, its role in enhancing user experience is undeniable. Beyond these, real-time communication is integral in sectors like finance, healthcare, and education. In finance, it enables timely stock updates, aiding investors in decision-making. In healthcare, it empowers remote consultations, improving access to medical services. Likewise, in education, it fosters interactive learning through virtual classrooms. Overall, real-time communication transcends web applications, driving innovation and efficiency across industries.
WebSockets provide a full-duplex communication channel over a single TCP connection. This means they facilitate real-time, bidirectional communication between clients and servers, offering low latency and high performance. Unlike HTTP, WebSockets maintain an open connection between the client and server, allowing data to be pushed from either side without the need for repeated requests. This makes them ideal for applications requiring instant updates, such as chat apps, live tracking systems, and online gaming platforms.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. It follows a request-response model, where a client sends a request to a server, and the server responds with the requested information. Unlike WebSockets, HTTP does not provide real-time, bidirectional communication out of the box, making it less suitable for applications requiring instant updates.
Socket.IO is a JavaScript library that enables real-time, bidirectional communication between web clients and servers. It builds upon the capabilities of WebSockets and provides additional features to simplify real-time communication.
Some key features of Socket.IO include:
HTTP Long-Polling Fallback: Socket.IO can gracefully degrade to HTTP long-polling if WebSockets are not supported by the client or server. This ensures compatibility across a wide range of browsers and environments.
Automatic Reconnection: Socket.IO automatically handles reconnections in case of connection loss, ensuring a seamless user experience even in unstable network conditions.
Packet Buffering: Socket.IO buffers messages to optimize data transmission and reduce overhead, enhancing performance and reliability.
Acknowledgments: Socket.IO allows clients to acknowledge receipt of messages, enabling reliable message delivery and error handling.
Broadcasting: Socket.IO supports broadcasting messages to multiple clients, making it easy to send updates to all connected users simultaneously.
Multiplexing: Socket.IO enables multiplexing, allowing multiple logical channels to share a single WebSocket connection. This optimizes resource usage and improves scalability.
Live Score Updates: Users can receive real-time updates on match scores, player statistics, and team standings during live FPL matches, enhancing their overall gaming experience.
Interactive Chat: Users can engage in real-time chat with fellow FPL enthusiasts, discussing match strategies, player transfers, and league standings while watching live matches.
Live Leaderboard: A dynamic leaderboard can display real-time rankings of FPL managers, updating instantly as match results and player performances unfold.
Trading Platform: A real-time trading platform can allow FPL managers to buy and sell players during live matches, with prices fluctuating based on player performances and market demand.
In conclusion, Real-Time FPL with SocketIO represents a significant advancement in web communication technology. By leveraging the power of WebSockets and Socket.IO, developers can create dynamic, interactive web applications that deliver instant updates and enhance user engagement. As the demand for real-time communication continues to grow, understanding these technologies becomes increasingly important for building modern web experiences.
At the end of 2023, during Galeyo (formerly Walter Code) ceremony, we had the privilege of recognizing the extraordinary individuals within our company who exemplify unparalleled dedication and excellence.
Among them, Haris Starčević emerged as the embodiment of our highest ideals, earning the prestigious “The Ace” award - a tribute reserved for the most influential professionals who set an exceptional standard for all.
In our latest Galeyo Humans series, we present to you Haris Starčević, a shining example of excellence within our company.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into Haris’s story. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Haris Starčević - The Ace.
Tell us more about your career in Galeyo?
My journey at Galeyo company began 8 years ago. At that time, still a small company, it offered me the opportunity to join the team, contribute to development, and learn new things. Like many, I initially started with smaller projects, but very quickly I took on more serious projects due to my knowledge in both frontend and backend development.
How would you describe the culture and work environment at Galeyo?
Generally positive and friendly. Above all, we cherish human factors, and everyone is respected with equal regard and has the opportunity to showcase their abilities. What I can particularly mention is open communication, team spirit, and a social environment that results not only in professional development but also in deeper friendships.
As a team lead, how do you foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture to encourage knowledge sharing and effective communication?
My experience throughout my entire IT career has always been positive when it comes to communication and sharing knowledge. My approach towards all colleagues can be characterized as friendly and with a relaxed atmosphere, and I don’t see myself as more important than other team members because of my position as a team lead, or as some like to say, a boss. I am always happy to help colleagues in the team, as well as others in the company, and this willingness to assist others often comes back to me as others are also ready to help me and others if there is a need. Positive energy cannot turn negative, and knowledge spreads as it is shared.
What qualities do you value most in your colleagues at work?
Professionalism, dedication, and seriousness in approaching work are key elements for successfully managing projects and achieving goals. A collegial and friendly relationship is certainly an advantage where I feel at home among colleagues. Overall, this results in better outcomes and more satisfied employees.
In your experience, what are some common scalability challenges faced in Full Stack applications, and how do you address them during the development process?
As technology advances, applications become a more significant factor in everyday functioning, whether they are used for serious life and business purposes or for entertainment. All of this data needs to be processed and stored somewhere, and as time passes, the amount of data constantly grows, posing a challenge for applications that are not optimized. We live in a fast-paced world where all information must be available to us instantly, and if we want to remain competitive, we must seriously address this issue. The quantity of data directly affects processing speed, which we try to compensate for by expanding hardware capacities, but this is not always effective as it directly impacts costs.
Can you tell us more about the project you’re working on?
The project I am currently assigned to on a full-time basis is the GO+ e-learning platform, used by companies for internal employee training. The client, TicTac, comes from Sweden, so primarily Swedish companies use the client’s platform, but also companies from other Nordic countries, and recently even Germany. Some of the well-known companies using the platform include Mercedes, Philips, Volvo, Lego, and others.
Our collaboration with the client has been ongoing for a little over 6 years. Initially, I was the only team member from the Galeyo side, but later the team started expanding according to the client’s needs, and today we actively have 5 employees from Galeyo working on it
Can you discuss a particularly challenging technical problem you’ve encountered recently and how you solved it?
Currently, we are actively working on a newer version of the e-learning platform for the TicTac client, which adheres to the latest web standards and will provide better stability and support for a larger number of users. One of the main issues with the older version of the application is that entering larger amounts of data results in slower server response times, causing the user to be stuck on the page and wait for a certain action to be executed. We have completely moved this part of the operation to the backend, relying on the use of event-driven architecture. It is crucial for the process that the user provides the necessary information while other calculations are performed in the background without the user noticing. Furthermore, the user can continue using the application smoothly, which is an additional plus for the user experience.
What technologies or frameworks are you currently excited about in
the Full Stack development space?
In our application, we use ReactJS for the frontend and Laravel PHP framework for the backend due to its multitude of integrated options and project organization capabilities. Stability and performance are greatly contributed to by the NoSQL ArangoDB database, which enables writing microservices through NodeJS.
How do you stay motivated and positive, even when facing challenges?
Every problem is solvable, even if it initially seems impossible to solve. If it’s impossible in the way we initially envisioned, then it’s very likely that there is another approach to the problem. This is where the benefits of a collegial environment and exchange of experiences come into play. Other colleagues can see the problem from different perspectives and may have their own experiences that can help us. Certainly, some seemingly unsolvable problems I perceive as challenges that contribute to my growth within the company and the expansion of my knowledge.
What excites you most about the future of web development?
Definitely, AI is something new that is entering the market in a big way, and in a few years, it will surely dominate the web. It’s very important to keep track of this process so that we don’t fall behind if we want to stay up-to-date.
Do you have anything to suggest to our readers?
Although our job is related to computers, at the end of the day, we are all human beings. Above all, we should strive for what is natural for us and lies at our core, which is humanity, interpersonal relationships, support, and understanding.
For those who are just entering the field, I want to emphasize the importance of continuous learning and development because the speed of technological advancement does not tolerate stagnation if we want to keep up with current technologies. To others, more experienced colleagues, I encourage them to be open to helping and understanding younger colleagues and to assist them in both hard and soft skill development.
Essentially, success in IT is not only measured by technical skills but also by the ability to build positive interpersonal relationships, support each other, grow together as a team, and break boundaries.
In conclusion, Haris Starčević’s remarkable journey exemplifies the very essence of excellence and collaboration within our company. His unwavering dedication and commitment to our highest ideals illuminate the path for others to follow, inspiring a culture of achievement and mutual support.
As we reflect on his outstanding contributions, let us collectively applaud his achievements and celebrate the spirit of excellence that he embodies. Join us as we continue to celebrate remarkable individuals like Haris, and stay tuned for more remarkable stories of dedication and achievement.
Did you know that a single data breach can cost a company millions of dollars? In today’s digital world, secure software isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a strategic imperative. That’s why we recently held a workshop on building secure software, and we discovered a game-changer: Aikido. This innovative platform promises to streamline security without sacrificing speed. Let’s explore how Aikido can help us protect our data, our reputation, and ultimately, our bottom line.
More Than Just a Scanner
Unlike traditional security tools that operate in silos, Aikido combines nine essential scanning techniques into one unified platform. Imagine having cloud posture management, dependency scanning, secret detection, static code analysis, and more, all readily available at your fingertips. This holistic approach offers a panoramic view of your software’s security posture, enabling you to identify and address vulnerabilities across the entire development lifecycle.
From Reactive to Proactive
Gone are the days of scrambling to fix security breaches after the fact. Aikido empowers you to adopt a proactive security mindset. The platform seamlessly integrates into your continuous integration/delivery (CI/CD) pipeline, automatically scanning code, containers, and infrastructure as you develop. This early detection allows you to squash vulnerabilities before they ever reach production, saving time, resources, and, most importantly, your reputation.
Security Without Sacrifices
Worried about adding security slowing down your development process? Aikido understands. Their platform is designed to be lightweight and efficient, minimizing the impact on your pipeline execution time. And while traditional security tools often require specialized expertise, Aikido prioritizes user-friendliness. Their intuitive interface and clear reports make it easy for developers of all skill levels to identify and understand potential security issues.
Beyond the Hype
Aikido isn’t just another security buzzword. The platform boasts several unique features that set it apart:
Reduced False Positives: Tired of chasing down irrelevant alerts? Aikido employs intelligent logic to minimize false positives, ensuring you focus on the vulnerabilities that truly matter.
Actionable Insights: Forget cryptic reports. Aikido provides clear, actionable insights to help you quickly understand and remediate vulnerabilities.
Developer-Centric Design: Developed by developers for developers, Aikido’s intuitive interface and seamless integration make security an effortless part of your workflow.
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, Aikido offers a compelling solution for securing your software from the ground up. With its comprehensive scanning capabilities, proactive approach, and developer-friendly design, Aikido has the potential to become an essential tool in your security arsenal. So, why wait? Take your software security to the next level with Aikido today.
Welcome to the first feature of our Galeyo (formerly Walter Code) Humans series in 2024, spotlighting the talented individuals shaping innovation at Galeyo.
Meet Haris Hadžić, a seasoned Software Developer who has been an integral part of the Galeyo family for seven years. Haris’s journey with us has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in the realm of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, contributing significantly to our strides in VR development.
Now, let’s dive into an insightful interview with Haris, where he shares his experiences, insights, and the exciting ventures he’s been spearheading in the world of VR development.
Can you tell us more about your experience working at Galeyo?
Working at Galeyo for the past seven years has been an incredibly rewarding journey for me. The environment here fosters creativity, innovation, and personal growth, which has been crucial in shaping my career in VR technology.
I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities Galeyo has provided, allowing me to delve into the world of virtual reality, a field I might not have explored otherwise. The support and encouragement from the team have been instrumental in my development as a VR developer. I’ve had the chance to work on a variety of challenging projects, each of which has contributed to my professional growth and deepened my passion for VR technology.
The collaborative atmosphere and the constant push towards embracing cutting-edge technologies make Galeyo an exceptional place to work. I can confidently say that without Galeyo, I wouldn’t have reached the heights in VR development that I have today.
How do you balance your work and personal life, and what does your off-time look like?
Balancing work and personal life is crucial for maintaining both productivity and well-being. At Galeyo, although the work can be demanding, I’ve found ways to ensure a healthy balance. I adhere to a disciplined schedule, dedicating specific hours to work and then disconnecting to focus on personal time. This helps me stay productive during work hours and fully enjoy my off-time without work-related distractions.
In my off-time, I engage in various activities that help me unwind and rejuvenate. Additionally, spending quality time with family and friends is a top priority for me. Whether it’s a simple family dinner or a weekend getaway with friends, these moments are essential for my personal happiness and for maintaining a balanced life.
I also believe in the importance of continuous learning. So, I occasionally dedicate time to personal development, whether it’s through reading, online courses, or attending workshops. This not only contributes to my professional growth but also keeps me engaged and excited about new challenges.
Overall, I’ve found that a combination of disciplined scheduling, engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and personal development activities is key to a fulfilling work-life balance.
Without going into sensitive details, can you tell us more about the project you are currently working on and what excites you about it?
In my current role at Galeyo I’m thrilled to be working on a pioneering VR education app specifically designed for the Swedish market. This project excites me for several reasons.
Firstly, it’s an opportunity to blend cutting-edge VR technology with educational methodologies to create an immersive learning experience. Our goal is to make learning more interactive and engaging, especially for younger audiences. By leveraging the power of VR, we can transport users into diverse environments that enhance their understanding of subjects in a way traditional methods can’t match.
Secondly, the project is focused on cultural and linguistic aspects unique to Sweden, which adds an interesting layer of complexity and relevance. We are working closely with local educators and experts to ensure that the content is not only educationally valuable but also culturally resonant.
What’s particularly exciting about this project is its potential to transform how educational content is delivered and consumed. We’re exploring interactive scenarios, gamified learning modules, and immersive storytelling, all within a VR framework. This not only makes learning more enjoyable but also increases retention and understanding.
Lastly, the project challenges me to push the boundaries of VR technology, especially in terms of user experience and accessibility. It’s rewarding to work on something that has the potential to make a significant impact in the educational sector and potentially change the way we think about learning and engagement in a digital age.
What are some innovative features or aspects of that VR project that you find particularly exciting or cutting-edge?
Our educational VR project is distinguished by a few key innovative features that are particularly exciting and place us at the forefront of VR education technology.
360-Degree Video Integration: One of the standout features is the use of 360-degree videos for immersive education. This allows students to engage with their learning environment in a highly interactive and realistic manner. Being able to look around and feel as if they are physically present in the location provides an unparalleled depth to the learning experience.
Offline Functionality with Downloadable Content: Recognizing the importance of accessibility, we have designed the app so that videos can be downloaded from our server to the device. This is crucial because it ensures that once the content is downloaded, the device can operate offline. This feature is particularly valuable for areas with limited or unreliable internet access, making our educational content more accessible to a wider audience.
High-Quality Educational Content: The videos are not just technologically advanced but also rich in educational value. They are designed by experts to ensure that they are not only engaging but also convey the educational material effectively and memorably.
User-Friendly Interface for Easy Navigation: We have put a lot of thought into the user interface to ensure that it is intuitive and user-friendly. This allows students of all ages and teachers to easily navigate through the content, download videos, and use the app with minimal technical know-how.
Interactivity within Videos: Beyond passive viewing, we are incorporating elements of interactivity within these 360-degree videos. This could include clickable hotspots for additional information, quizzes popping up during the video, or interactive tasks that students need to complete, which enhances engagement and learning retention.
Scalability and Updating of Content: Another key aspect is the ease with which new content can be added and updated on the server. This scalability ensures that our educational offerings can continually evolve and stay up-to-date with the latest curriculum requirements and educational standards.
These features collectively make our VR education app not just a technological marvel but also a powerful tool for transforming how educational content is delivered and experienced.
VR is known for its immersive user experiences. How does your team prioritize and design for a compelling user experience in the project?
In our VR project, user experience is at the forefront of our design and development process. Our team prioritizes and designs for a compelling user experience through several key strategies:
User-Centric Design Philosophy: From the outset, we adopt a user-centric approach. This means we continuously seek feedback from potential users - both educators and students in this case - to understand their needs and preferences. This feedback directly informs our design choices, ensuring that the final product resonates with our target audience.
Iterative Design and Testing: We employ an iterative design process, which involves creating prototypes, conducting user testing sessions, gathering feedback, and refining the product. This process helps us to quickly identify and address any usability issues, enhancing the overall user experience.
Immersive and Realistic Content: Given that VR is celebrated for its immersive capabilities, we invest heavily in creating high-quality, realistic 360-degree video content. This involves not just technical excellence in video production but also a strong emphasis on storytelling and educational value to keep users engaged and motivated.
Intuitive User Interface (UI): The user interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, reducing the learning curve for new users. We ensure that interactions within the VR environment are natural and straightforward, enabling users to focus on the learning experience rather than figuring out how to use the application.
Ensuring Comfort and Accessibility: VR experiences can sometimes cause discomfort due to factors like motion sickness. We address this by optimizing the VR environment for comfort - including adjustable settings for visual and motion sensitivity - and making sure that the app is accessible to users with various needs and abilities.
Collaborative Efforts with Experts: Our team works closely with VR technology experts, educational content creators, and user experience designers. This collaboration ensures that every aspect of the VR experience, from the technological infrastructure to the educational content, is crafted to provide an engaging and effective learning experience.
Continuous Improvement Based on Analytics: We use analytics to understand how users interact with our app. Insights from this data help us to continually refine and improve the user experience, ensuring that we keep pace with evolving user expectations and technological advancements.
By focusing on these areas, our team ensures that the VR experience we provide is not only technologically advanced but also deeply engaging and educationally effective.
How closely do you work with the design team to ensure the project meets both technical and aesthetic standards?
In our project, the collaboration between the technical team and the design team, particularly with our in-house designer Robin, is integral to ensuring that our VR application meets both technical and aesthetic standards.
Regular Collaboration and Communication: I work very closely with Robin, engaging in regular meetings and discussions. This ongoing communication is vital for aligning our technical capabilities with the design vision. It ensures that both aspects of the project are moving forward in harmony.
Joint Problem-Solving Approach: Whenever we encounter challenges, whether they’re technical limitations or design dilemmas, Robin and I tackle them together. This collaborative problem-solving approach not only leads to more innovative solutions but also ensures that neither technical feasibility nor design quality is compromised.
Feedback and Iterative Development: I frequently provide technical feedback on Robin’s designs, while he offers insights into the user experience and aesthetic aspects of my technical implementations. This mutual feedback is part of our iterative development process, allowing us to refine and enhance the product continuously.
Shared Vision and Goals: Robin and I share a common vision for the project, which is to create a VR application that is not only technically robust but also visually stunning and user-friendly. This shared understanding helps in making decisions that align with our project’s overall objectives.
Prototyping and Testing: Together, we develop prototypes that integrate Robin’s designs with the technical framework I build. These prototypes are then tested for both usability and performance, ensuring that the end product meets our high standards for quality.
Leveraging Each Other’s Expertise: The collaboration is a learning opportunity for both of us. I gain insights into the latest design trends and user experience strategies, while Robin becomes more familiar with the technical possibilities and constraints of VR development. This cross-disciplinary knowledge enhances the overall quality and innovation of our project.
In summary, the close working relationship with Robin is crucial in striking the right balance between technical excellence and outstanding design. Our collaborative efforts are key to delivering a VR application that not only functions flawlessly but also provides an engaging and aesthetically pleasing user experience.
Within your tech stack, do you have any favorite tools or frameworks that you find particularly efficient or enjoyable to work with?
In our tech stack for VR development, my favorite tool is undoubtedly Unity. There are several reasons why I find Unity particularly efficient and enjoyable to work with:
Versatility and Flexibility: Unity’s versatility is unmatched. It allows for the creation of a wide range of VR experiences, from simple interactive simulations to complex, immersive environments. This flexibility is crucial in a field as dynamic and rapidly evolving as VR.
Ease of Use and Rapid Prototyping: Unity’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of tools enable rapid prototyping. This means we can quickly turn concepts into playable experiences, which is essential for iterative design and testing.
Strong Community and Support: The Unity developer community is a treasure trove of resources. Whether it’s troubleshooting, exploring new features, or staying updated with the latest VR trends, the community and the extensive documentation provided by Unity are invaluable.
Cross-Platform Development: Unity’s ability to deploy projects across multiple platforms is a significant advantage. It allows our VR applications to reach a wider audience, irrespective of the hardware they use.
High-Quality Graphics and Physics Engine: Unity’s rendering capabilities and physics engine are impressive, enabling us to create visually stunning and realistically behaving VR environments. This is crucial for creating immersive VR experiences that are both engaging and believable.
Integration with Other Tools: Unity integrates well with a variety of other tools and plugins, which enhances its functionality. For instance, integrating Unity with 3D modeling software or using various asset libraries can significantly streamline the development process.
Scripting Power with C#: Unity’s use of C# for scripting offers a perfect balance of power and accessibility. It allows for complex programming without being overly daunting, which is great for developing sophisticated VR interactions.
In conclusion, Unity stands out in our tech stack as a powerful, versatile, and user-friendly platform for VR development. It empowers me to bring creative ideas to life efficiently and enjoyably, which is why it’s my tool of choice in the realm of VR development.
Do you have any advice for aspiring VR developers or those interested in entering the field?
Entering the field of VR development is an exciting journey, and based on my experience, here are some pieces of advice for aspiring VR developers:
Learn the Basics: Start with the fundamentals of programming and computer science. Understanding the basics of languages like C# or C++, which are commonly used in VR development, is crucial. Also, get a good grasp of 3D mathematics, as it is essential for creating immersive VR environments.
Get Comfortable with Unity or Similar Engines: Unity is a great tool for VR development, so investing time in learning how to use it effectively will be extremely beneficial. There are plenty of online resources, tutorials, and communities that can help you get started.
Understand VR Hardware: Familiarize yourself with different VR headsets and their capabilities. Understanding the hardware is key to designing effective VR experiences. Try to get hands-on experience with as many devices as possible.
Focus on User Experience (UX) Design: In VR, user experience is paramount. Learn about VR-specific UX design principles, such as spatial design, user interaction in 3D spaces, and avoiding motion sickness.
Build a Portfolio: Start creating small projects or demos to showcase your skills. A portfolio of work is essential for demonstrating your abilities to potential employers or clients.
Stay Curious and Keep Learning: The field of VR is rapidly evolving, so staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and technologies is vital. Follow industry news, participate in forums, and join VR development communities.
Network and Collaborate: Engage with the VR development community. Networking can lead to learning opportunities, collaborations, and even job prospects. Attend VR meetups, conferences, and workshops whenever possible.
Experiment and Be Creative: VR is a field where creativity has no bounds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
Focus on Performance Optimization: In VR, maintaining high performance is crucial to ensure a comfortable and immersive experience. Learn about optimization techniques specific to VR.
Seek Feedback and Iterate: Always test your VR experiences with real users and seek feedback. Iteration based on user feedback is key to developing successful VR applications.
Remember, entering VR development is a continuous learning journey. Embrace challenges, be patient with your progress, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating new realities!
The tech industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay updated on the latest technologies?
Staying updated with the latest technologies, particularly in a field as dynamic as VR, is crucial for continuous growth and relevance. Here’s how I ensure I remain on the cutting edge:
Regularly Reading Industry Publications and Blogs: I make it a habit to read various tech news sources, industry publications, and blogs. Websites like TechCrunch, Wired, and VR-focused platforms provide valuable insights into the latest developments and trends.
Participating in Online Forums and Communities: Engaging with online communities, such as those on Reddit, Stack Overflow, and specialized VR forums, is a great way to keep a pulse on what’s happening in the industry. These platforms are often the first places where new ideas, tools, and challenges are discussed.
Attending Conferences and Workshops: I attend VR and tech conferences, workshops, and webinars regularly. These events not only offer insights into current trends and future directions but also provide opportunities to connect with other professionals and experts in the field.
Networking with Peers and Industry Experts: Building and maintaining a network of colleagues and industry experts is invaluable. I often engage in discussions with peers to exchange knowledge and learn from their experiences.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development: I enroll in courses and certifications to update my skills and knowledge. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on the latest VR technologies and programming languages.
Experimentation and Personal Projects: I believe in learning by doing. Working on personal projects using new technologies or techniques helps me understand their practical applications and limitations.
Following Key Companies and Thought Leaders: I follow major tech companies and thought leaders on social media and professional networks. Their insights and announcements are often indicative of where the industry is heading.
Reading Research Papers and Technical Articles: For a deeper understanding of where the technology is headed, I read research papers and technical articles. Academic journals and conferences in VR and computer science are excellent sources for this.
Feedback from Users and Clients: User and client feedback often highlight areas that require more attention or improvement, which can lead to exploring new technologies or methodologies.
By combining these approaches, I manage to stay informed and adaptable to the ever-evolving landscape of VR technology. It’s a continuous process of learning and adapting, which I find both challenging and exhilarating.
Haris’s story exemplifies the passion and expertise that define Galeyo commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. As we conclude this feature, we invite you to stay connected for more inspiring narratives from the individuals shaping our technological landscape. Thank you for joining us on this exploration of creativity, technology, and the extraordinary individuals behind Galeyo success.
Welcome to an insightful interview with Sanel Delić, our Product Owner at Galeyo (formerly Walter Code). With a background in architecture, Sanel brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to his role. Join us as we explore his journey, insights into product development, and the intersection of architecture and innovation in the tech space.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I usually start by saying that I am an architect by education but a bit of everything by vocation. I have been working at Galeyo since October 2015, back when it was called Walter BIM Solutions, as BIM was more or less our main focus. As the company grew, so did I. I started working as a QA on a product within the AEC industry, but over time I slowly transitioned into the role of Scrum Master and eventually into the role of Product Owner, which is what I am doing currently.
What inspired you to move from a more technical role in architecture to the strategic and business-oriented role of a Product Owner?
It is basically a passion for creating and building products and making everyday life slightly better for the people who are using those products. The role of an architect is more or less the same — building and improving the living environment to make life better for the inhabitants. The only issue with the role of an architect is that it requires a lot of investment, paperwork, bureaucracy and many other parties involved. That is why I have taken my love for architecture and design to the tech side, crafting and improving our products to make the work and life of our customers easier. If you are a creator and enjoy building things, it makes it a lot easier to see your creation in real life have an impact.
How did you navigate the transition from a technical architecture role to a business-focused Product Owner, and what challenges did you overcome in the process?
When I got the job at Galeyo, one of the requirements for the QA position was having an architectural background. Getting to know the product in detail as the QA and understanding what our customers need as an architect were the key ingredients for what would later become the role of the Product Owner. The main challenge of the new role was getting to know all the technical parts and understanding how things work in the background. Even working as the QA and Scrum Master required some understanding of the technical aspect of the work, but being a Product Owner means making decisions on who should work on what and when, and describing user stories or features, understanding how things are built makes this work easier.
How do you leverage your architectural knowledge in your current role?
Architecture is possibly one of the best studies one can take to get a solid background for any task or job. It is a mix of art and engineering, but to work as an architect, you need to understand psychology and human behavior, nature and the environment, physics, materials, finance, and so many other things on top of just being creative and being able to draw. The foundations I have built as an architect help me daily in my role, whether it is just understanding our customers, turning their needs and ideas into features or drawing mockups.
As a product owner it is crucial to have effective communication skills. What tools, methodologies, or practices have you used to ensure effective communication among team members, stakeholders, and other project parties, and could you provide specific examples?
It is the most important skill for any role involved in the process of creating products. It is the key to getting things done. For product owners, it is at the core of our job since you are communicating with all involved parties on a daily basis to keep things going. Firstly, you have to communicate with your team regularly to explain what needs to be built and why. Then you have to communicate with all other stakeholders whether to get their input or just to update them on the progress. The key ingredients to all of that are honesty, transparency, and accountability. Just the basics, it does not matter that much what tools and methodologies are used. Being clear and concise in your communication helps as well.
How do you motivate and inspire your team to achieve project objectives?
The key to motivating the team to achieve the project objectives is something that I have noticed lacking very often and that is just the understanding of the bigger picture. Understanding the why. Why something is being built, what value it creates for the people using it, how it benefits them. We are often locked in the process of just building features to release them and that demotivates people, especially if we are working on some long tedious tasks, refactoring old legacy code, and very boring things. In that situation, it helps to just zoom out and see the bigger picture. Who are we building this for, how many people will benefit from it, what problem does it solve for them. Additionally, to motivate and inspire people we often just have to listen to them, to understand them, to get the feedback and eventually to channel that demotivation or even frustration into something that will benefit them. This can be a change of feature they are working on, change of technology, or sometimes even changing the people they are working with closely.
How do you implement agile principles in your work?
When I first started to work on the project, we were following a traditional waterfall method and since that was too hectic and messy, and without any structure to it, we have shifted into using SAFe or Scaled Agile Framework throughout the whole organization. Initially, it was a guidebook example of SAFe, just trying to follow all principles and events and see what works for us and what does not. As time passed, we have been changing the way we work and got an adapted version of SAFe, with events and artifacts that made sense for us. So, the whole idea of being agile does not refer only to the process of getting the work done but also being agile about the methodologies we use and how we work. It is a long and never-ending process of making small incremental changes to our processes to quickly see what works. We have tried many different things over the years and abandoned just as many, so it is important just to get it out quickly, iterate over it, make changes, and if it doesn’t work abandon it or try something else.
How do you use data to inform product decisions and improvements?
There are many different ways of harnessing data to build better products. It usually starts with data collection and analytics, whether we want to improve our existing features and processes or if we want to decide on building something new. For the first case, it is about monitoring the usage of our features- when, why and how some features are being used. We use various tools to collect and analyze this information, and the good ol’ “talk to your customers” method. For the second case, we again have to be customer centric. We have to collect the right data about what people really need and what are they willing to pay for to make an informed decision about potential new products or features. What is important to have in mind is that the customers are not always right, sometimes they do not know what exactly they want or they are not informed enough about the product or the market, so it requires a careful approach and weighing in what data is really valuable and what might be misleading. Even if we feel that we have enough data and that the data right, we need to trust our gut when making any product decisions.
How do you conduct market research to stay informed about industry trends and user needs?
If the goal is to understand the industry and the market from deep down and within, the key is to gather information to understand human behaviour. Who is your target audience, how does that audience behave, what do they use and consume, why? To do that, what I would suggest is collecting data through various means, whether it is reading or watching content, following influential people and companies within the industry, and tracking how their products evolve over time. For example, if we talk about AEC industry, architects in general are very reluctant to try new things and change their behaviours. It took years to switch from hand drawings to CAD tools, again from CAD to BIM, and it will be the same from BIM to a new and shiny technology. So if you are creating a product within this industry you have to accept that it is difficult to do anything new and to change what is currently being used. No drastic changes, no sudden mass adoption and viral growth, you have to slowly convince people that what you are doing would benefit them. Sometimes it is even worth to make bold guesses and monitor how they might unfold without any major consequences and repercussions.
What do you find most enjoyable about working as a Product Owner?
Creating value. Seeing how the things that we build improve the workflow of our customers and create value for them. Apart from that I take joy in working on our internal processes and making the work easier for the team. Tiny, incremental changes and improvements that just make the work slightly easier or more enjoyable for everyone.
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your free time, and do you find any connections between your hobbies and your professional experiences?
Part of it is closely related, I love wandering and experimenting with products, whether it is trying new products or building my own. I have spent a lot of time in the past couple of years learning to code and about tech in general so I built a couple of products I am using daily. Other than that it is mostly about spending time with the family and occasional gaming.
As we wrap up the year, we’re delighted to share another insightful story from within our team. Today, we’ve explored the journey of Sanel Delić, our Product Owner with a unique architectural background. Stay tuned for more engaging narratives in the coming year as we continue to spotlight the diverse experiences and talents that make Galeyo a dynamic workplace. This marks the final feature for 2023, but there’s much more to come in the year ahead!
In the ever-evolving realm of web development, certain technologies emerge as keystones of innovation and efficiency. Just as we mentioned in our last blog post, Observability and Monitoring serve as sentinels for operational excellence, Vite.js stands as a beacon in the landscape of modern web development.
In a recent internal workshop, Nedim Korjenić, our frontend developer, unveiled the intricacies of Vite.js, offering profound insights into its capabilities and potential impact on the development ecosystem. As we embark on this journey, we invite you to join us in decoding the essence of Vite.js - the heartbeat of a resilient and forward-thinking technological paradigm. Together, let’s delve into the depths of this intriguing topic and uncover the keys to unlocking innovation and efficiency in web development.
Vite.js is a build tool and development server designed to enhance the web development experience. It is particularly known for its speed and efficiency in the development process. Vite.js focuses on leveraging native ES Module imports to provide a fast development server with on-demand compilation and efficient bundling during the build process.
Key characteristics of Vite.js include its support for modern JavaScript features, a development server with Hot Module Replacement (HMR) for real-time updates, and a flexible plugin system. While initially associated with the Vue.js framework, Vite.js is not limited to Vue.js projects and can be used with other frameworks and libraries.
Developers often choose Vite.js for its ability to deliver a rapid development experience while optimizing for production builds, making it a valuable tool in modern web development workflows. However, it’s advisable to check the official documentation or community resources for the most up-to-date information on Vite.js, as the web development landscape can evolve over time.
Vite is a versatile build tool and development server that can be used with a variety of JavaScript frameworks and libraries. Here’s how different technologies can integrate with Vite:
Vanilla JavaScript (Plain JavaScript): Vite can be used with plain JavaScript projects. It provides a fast development server and efficient build process for any project using modern JavaScript features.
React: Vite supports React applications. Developers can use Vite to build and optimize React projects, taking advantage of its fast development server and optimized build process.
Vue.js: Vite was initially created with Vue.js in mind, and it is particularly well-suited for Vue.js applications. It offers seamless integration with Vue.js, providing enhanced development speed and efficiency.
Svelte: Vite can be used with Svelte, a component-based JavaScript framework. Developers can leverage Vite’s capabilities to enhance the development experience and optimize production builds for Svelte applications.
Preact: Preact, a lightweight alternative to React, can also be used with Vite. Developers can benefit from Vite’s performance optimizations and development server features when working on Preact projects.
Atom (JavaScript in the context of Atom editor): While Vite is primarily a build tool for web development, its capabilities may not be directly applicable to the Atom editor. Atom is typically extended using JavaScript and other web technologies, but Vite’s primary use case is for building and optimizing web applications.
Solid.js: Solid.js, a reactive UI library, is compatible with Vite. Developers can use Vite to build and optimize Solid.js applications, taking advantage of its speed and efficient development workflow.
Vite.js offers a compelling solution to modern web development challenges with a range of benefits that set it apart from traditional tools. Here’s why developers are choosing Vite.js:
Up to 50x Faster:
Vite.js introduces a paradigm shift in speed, providing a development server and Hot Module Replacement (HMR) that can be up to 50 times faster than conventional alternatives.
This acceleration significantly reduces development cycle times, allowing developers to see changes in real-time and boosting overall productivity.
Cold Starting Dev Server, and During HMR:
Vite.js excels in both cold start times for the development server and maintaining rapid speeds during Hot Module Replacement (HMR).
Developers experience minimal delays in initiating the development server and can enjoy consistently fast updates during the development process.
Reliable:
Vite.js emphasizes reliability in the development workflow. The tool has gained a reputation for stability and dependability, ensuring a consistent and trustworthy environment for building web applications.
Optimized Build Process, Zero Config by Default:
The build process in Vite.js is optimized for performance, resulting in production-ready bundles that are efficient and streamlined.
Developers appreciate the zero-configuration approach by default, minimizing setup complexities and allowing them to focus on coding without the need for extensive configuration.
Easy to Use:
Vite.js is designed with developer experience in mind, offering an easy-to-use and intuitive environment.
The simplicity of Vite.js makes it accessible for developers of varying experience levels, enabling a smooth onboarding process and reducing the learning curve.
Intuitive Setup and Easy Migration:
Setting up a project with Vite.js is intuitive, with a straightforward process that accelerates the initial stages of development.
Migration to Vite.js from other tools or frameworks is facilitated by its user-friendly design, allowing developers to transition seamlessly and take advantage of the speed and efficiency offered by Vite.js.
Vite.js stands out as a tool that not only accelerates web development but also prioritizes reliability, ease of use, and an optimized build process. Its performance gains, coupled with an intuitive interface and minimal configuration requirements.
Vite.js achieves its exceptional speed through several key mechanisms and optimizations:
Native ES Module Support:
Vite.js takes advantage of the native ECMAScript Module (ESM) support in modern browsers. This means that during development, there’s no need for bundling of modules.
Native support for import/export syntax allows modules to be loaded directly by the browser, leading to faster loading times and improved development speed.
Efficient Hot Module Replacement (HMR):
Vite.js incorporates a highly efficient Hot Module Replacement (HMR) mechanism. When a file is modified, only the specific module affected is updated in the browser without requiring a full page refresh.
This real-time feedback accelerates the development process by providing instant updates, allowing developers to see changes in their application immediately.
Dependency Pre-Bundling During Development:
Vite.js optimizes the build process by pre-bundling dependencies during development based on their usage patterns.
By analyzing and bundling dependencies in advance, Vite.js reduces the time it takes to rebuild and re-serve the application during development. This approach enhances the development experience by minimizing wait times for developers.
Direct Support for Code-Splitting and Lazy Loading:
Vite.js provides direct support for code-splitting and lazy loading. Unlike some frameworks where developers may need to manually declare lazy-import components for each route, Vite.js automates this process.
Vite.js intelligently splits code chunks automatically based on a vendor-based configuration, determining what needs to be loaded and when. This automated approach streamlines the handling of code-splitting and lazy loading, contributing to faster application performance.
Vite.js prioritizes leveraging native browser capabilities, optimizing build processes, and providing automated support for code-splitting and lazy loading. These features collectively contribute to the tool’s outstanding speed
Vite.js establishes reliability through a combination of factors that contribute to a stable and efficient development and production environment:
Optimized Rollup Build for Production:
Vite.js employs Rollup as its bundler for production builds. Rollup is recognized for its efficiency and tree-shaking capabilities, which are crucial for eliminating unused code and minimizing the size of the final bundled output.
The utilization of Rollup ensures that the production version of the application is optimized, resulting in stable loading and improved runtime performance.
Zero Config by Default and Plugin Support:
Vite.js adheres to a “zero-config” philosophy by default, requiring minimal configuration to get a project up and running. This approach reduces the complexity associated with project setup and enables developers to focus on coding without unnecessary overhead.
Vite.js further enhances its reliability by providing a flexible and extensible plugin system. This allows developers to customize and extend the functionality of Vite.js according to their project requirements.
The plugin support in Vite.js ensures adaptability, making it easy for developers to integrate with various tools and libraries seamlessly. This flexibility contributes to the reliability of Vite.js across diverse development scenarios.
Vite.js establishes reliability by leveraging the efficient Rollup bundler for production builds, optimizing the final output for stability. The “zero-config” default approach simplifies project setup, and the extensible plugin system allows for customization and integration with different tools, enhancing the overall reliability of the development and build processes.
The provided statistics highlight the remarkable speed and widespread adoption of Vite.js:
39x Faster Hot Module Replacement:
Vite.js achieves an impressive 39x improvement in Hot Module Replacement (HMR) speed. This means that developers using Vite experience significantly faster updates when modifying code, enhancing the real-time development experience.
50x Faster Development Server Start:
The development server start-up time with Vite is accelerated by a factor of 50x. This rapid server initialization allows developers to start working on their projects swiftly, minimizing wait times and improving overall development efficiency.
10–100x Faster Dependency Module Bundling:
Vite.js achieves a substantial speed boost in dependency module bundling during development, ranging from 10x to 100x faster. This optimization reduces the time it takes to bundle and serve dependencies, contributing to quicker feedback loops for developers.
9 Million Weekly Downloads:
Vite.js boasts an impressive download rate of 9 million times per week. This statistic underscores the popularity and widespread adoption of Vite within the developer community, indicating that many developers rely on it for their web development projects.
Over 100k Websites Use Vite:
Vite.js has found its way into over 100,000 websites. This broad usage demonstrates that developers across a diverse range of projects and industries trust Vite for its speed, reliability, and efficiency in web development.
These statistics collectively emphasize Vite.js as a high-performance build tool and development server, resonating with developers seeking faster workflows and optimal tooling for their projects.
In concluding our last Knowledge-Sharing blog post for the year, we’ve unraveled the power of Vite.js - a beacon in modern web development. Nedim Korjenić, in an insightful workshop, delved into its intricacies, showcasing its capabilities and potential impact on our development ecosystem.
As we wrap up this year’s knowledge-sharing journey, we look forward to the continuous exploration of innovative technologies and practices in the coming year. The dynamic discussions, workshops, and insights from our team have enriched our collective knowledge, and we can’t wait to resume this enlightening journey in the next year. Here’s to a year filled with more learning, collaboration, and technological exploration!
Meet Deni Radović, the Head of Business Development at Galeyo (formerly Walter Code). With over 13 years of experience in business and sales, Deni has been a driving force in the company’s growth.
His journey began in 2011, and since then, he has focused on constant learning and skill development.
Join us as Deni shares insights into his career, the dynamic field of business development, and the innovative strategies employed at Galeyo.
1. Can you share a bit about your professional journey and how you initially entered the field of business development?
My professional journey started in 2011 when I got the first important chance to work in a real business environment and with great people and professionals. My first business role was also related to business and sales and that is the reason why I’m still contributing in this field. In 13 years of professional career so far, I was a part of the entire business and sales organization, where I had the chance to learn and develop myself on a daily basis. It usually takes years to develop your skills, face various client’s problems, communicate with different clients from different industries, complete complex projects, lead the teams, and most importantly to understand how the business is growing and what is the best way to help your existing and potential clients. I took the time to develop my own skills and interests, and I had no doubt that business development is something where I wanted to be involved constantly.
2. What motivated you to pursue a career in business development, and were there any specific experiences that influenced your path?
In my opinion, you cannot work in business if you are not constantly motivated. Motivation can be found in different situations such as working with your clients, building various business relationships, securing the company’s growth, and making your employees happy by providing them with new ways and opportunities for further professional development. In my case, I was always interested in leadership and business organization and getting a chance to work closely with people. Part of growing up in business is learning more about your interests and trying new things to find out which career will be right for you. If you’re motivated, sharp, and interested in working with people, a career in business development might be a fit for you.
3. What attracted you to join Galeyo, and how has your experience been since joining the company?
My experience so far is very positive and I had a lot of opportunities to learn and develop myself in many ways. I have joined the team because we share the same business vision and the mindset of ‘WHY’ we do our business and where we want to be in the near future. Galeyo has great possibilities for its people and we are constantly working to make sure our company is growing and providing various international opportunities to young and passionate people. Our business philosophy is clear, and I just want to support our internal and external growth by keeping in mind that sustainable growth is crucial for every business and its success.
4. From your perspective, what are the key skills that someone in a business development role should possess to excel in their position?
If you are looking to pursue a role in business development, there are several common skills you will need to develop. Setting personal goals to improve these skills can help you be more competitive and relevant for this role.
Here is the list of the skills I would like to emphasize:
Sales skills - while business development and sales roles serve different purposes, they share a few similar tasks and responsibilities. For this reason, basic sales skills can help you be successful in this role.
Negotiation skills - you should be able to negotiate. While they might not be the ones closing the deal, they are responsible for generating leads and keeping them interested as they move through the sales funnel. To succeed in negotiations, you need to be able to think creatively, listen and understand the needs of others, and prioritize properly. If you want to develop this skill even more, just remind yourself that we are negotiating constantly, and many of us are unaware of it. We are negotiating with our children, whether they want to eat or not, or is their favourite toy right for them and their age, and there are many more similar situations in our regular daily lives that can help us understand the essence of negotiations.
Communication skills - without strong communication skills, it will be difficult to achieve success in the world of business development. You have to be able to write and speak confidently and clearly, as well as listen to the responses and concerns of potential clients. The responsibilities of a business development executive include calling prospects, maintaining long-term relationships, and sharing valuable information with those involved in the business.
Management skills - developing a business is a large and complex project. Managing it closely is imperative to the overall success of a company. These skills include more business knowledge, technical competencies, leadership methods, the ability to monitor and manage risk, recognizing opportunities, developing skills for efficient team management, and many more.
Other skills - are ‘nice to have’ skills such as relevant knowledge in Finance, Legal, Collaboration, Research and strategy, Business growth, Marketing, etc., These skills can take you wherever the organization needs support and your involvement. It is completely normal if you are involved in some sales, business, marketing, project management, PR, and other related activities.
5. Can you share the top three skills you believe have been instrumental in your success as the Head of Business Development at Galeyo?
Our core business is very specific and we need to use many skills to make our company stable and ready to face various market trends and challenges. I would say that proper communication is crucial in our business and that is why we are very open and transparent with our employees, clients and partners. Management skills are also very important if you want to do serious business and run your company successfully through complex business environments and situations. You need to use your knowledge and expertise to follow the market trends and make your company stronger and more flexible with a clear focus on delivering only quality services to your clients. Other skills can be beneficial as well, but understanding all business processes/situations and gaining daily experiences with your projects, situations and challenges, can help you achieve your business and strategic goals.
6. Can you highlight some key milestones or projects that you have been involved in during your time at Galeyo?
Project management is also my big passion. I enjoy working with our clients in solving their daily business problems and providing them with great technical and digital solutions that will make their usual business activities much easier than before. I have to say that recently we have implemented lots of serious projects for different startups, mid-size companies, and global market leaders in various industries such as Fintech, AEC industry, MedTech and eCommerce industry.
7. How do you stay informed about industry trends and changes in the business landscape, and how do you apply this knowledge to drive business development strategies?
You always need to be updated with new things and actual market trends. By following them timely you can come up with concrete plans on how to make our company more secure and adjustable in different and challenging times. Also, staying close to the market and our clients is something that helps us a lot to make necessary moves and create a path in the right direction. We are constantly analyzing our current position in the market and preparing ourselves to respond efficiently to potential uncertainties and negative business trends. On the other hand, we are also reviewing and evaluating our best practices as well as the positive stories and how they can be constantly improved and upgraded.
8. Building strong relationships is crucial in business development. Can you share a specific example where relationship-building skills significantly contributed to a successful partnership or deal?
Fully agree, building strong relationships is crucial in business nowadays. If you don’t understand people, you don’t understand business. Galeyo is trying to build long-term and trusting relationships with our employees and clients, because it is the only way to show people that you care about them and their professional success. I have great examples of how fantastic things can be done if you have a friendly relationship and a normal working environment with your clients and partners. Galeyo managed to help its clients achieve their dreams and business goals by providing them with friendly and professional consultancy services in different market situations and business(product) lifecycles. By supporting our clients in many ways, we are showing them that we are the same team and that we work together in order to write successful business stories.
9. What is your approach to developing and implementing strategic business development plans for Galeyo?
When it comes to developing strategic business development plans for our organization, I’m trying to achieve the following:
• to help our clients and their businesses to grow
• to provide the best possible opportunities for our employees and their personal development
• and to make our company and its portfolio better than a year before
There are also other factors and parameters which I evaluate before making my business plans and strategic approaches. The only thing that matters in our business is to do your best every day and use your knowledge and expertise to bring something new to your organization and to the clients as well.
10. In the ever-evolving tech industry, how do you ensure that your business development strategies remain adaptable and innovative? Can you share a situation where Galeyo adaptability was crucial to success?
Technology is evolving literally on a daily basis and my business strategy is defined based on the newest trends and innovations together with the company’s readiness to be flexible and adaptable to it. Galeyo is investing a lot in its people and their expertise. Our people are our main force and without them, we couldn’t have done great things and achieved important milestones in the past. In order to continue this positive trend, we have decided to invest even more in our people and their expertise. Our goal is to involve them in the most challenging and complex projects in the IT industry, together with a concrete plan to expand their technical knowledge with various educations, certifications, and knowledge-sharing sessions. I strongly believe that knowledge can’t be taken from anyone and that only people can break boundaries between industry and technology. There are a couple of great examples where our teams managed to solve the most challenging project situations by using various technical approaches and the newest technologies. Nowadays, companies need to innovate or they will be left behind - in case companies do not have internal resources and relevant technical competencies, bringing Consultants in can be vital for integrating new technologies.
11. How do you measure the success of your business development initiatives?
There are no winners in business. Business is a long-term run, and you need to work constantly on its improvements and new initiatives. When we are talking about successful stories, yes, they can be used in your future activities and projects. More experience and knowledge you gain through your career means that more possibilities and initiatives can be taken and successfully finalized in the future. If we want to be successful in our business, we need to go towards building trust between partners, listening to our clients, adding value, and solving their challenges.
12. Every role comes with challenges. Can you discuss a specific challenge related to your role as Head of Business Development and how you navigated through it to achieve a positive outcome?
There’s no question that running a business comes with challenges. While some problems might be unique to a particular industry, others are extremely common, no matter what type of business you are meeting. Overcoming these problems can position your business for faster growth and stability. To put your business on the path to success, learn how to work through some of them:
Finding the right customers - The first step to solving this challenge is to narrow down your target customer segments. Conduct market research, find relevant prospects, and start organizing your work which will bring added value to your future partners by defining your sales approach and business strategy.
Culture of feedback - Business Development is all about relationships. The client’s feedback is very important and will help to build trust and improve the processes.
Deliver what you promise - This is a very common problem for all kinds of clients. You simply need to find a way to deliver everything that you define during the sales process. Organizing additional sessions with the client in order to prepare and confirm requirements for development is a good foundation to make life easier for your development team.
Communication between the teams - It is crucial to define the communication channels and collaboration tools in order to establish representative communication between the development team and the client’s team. Aligning the team in order to work towards shared goals - that’s the art of business development.
Time vs Budget approach - these two items are very important for a company. You need to organize processes internally and externally, so it is crystal clear what is the right thing to do for a successful external project or general long-term collaboration. Just make sure the teams are on the same page and deliver things on time and on budget.
Time management - Managing your time appropriately can be difficult, and getting distracted with small tasks can take away your time which you need to spend working on company and business growth.
13. Moving into more technical aspects, how do you integrate data analytics and similar innovations into your business development strategies?
At Galeyo, we aim to put out software that improves the quality of work processes and that brings additional value for the different industries. From data analytics and collection apps that improve efficiency and supply relevant information with ease, to BI software solutions and VR-based apps for fast-moving clients, we connect the incredible potential of technology with the market.
These new trends are also a part of our business strategy where we want to leverage the latest technologies and frameworks to create solutions that meet client’s unique requirements and deliver exceptional user experiences.
14. Can you discuss your proficiency in utilizing CRM tools and other technology platforms essential for business development?
As a serious company, we need to use serious sales, business development, project management, and collaboration tools and platforms. Personally, I have my preferred tools which are being used mostly for sales and lead generation activities. Project and collaboration tools for better managing complex projects and agile development are crucial, especially if we want to establish a transparent delivery process for our clients. Also, certain collaborative design tools for building meaningful products are something that always brings added value. By using all these tools, we are showing our expertise, knowledge, and flexibility with the main focus to provide the best possible services and showcases to our clients and partners.
In conclusion, the captivating journey in business development with Deni Radović unveils a tapestry of strategic insights, resilience, and visionary leadership. Deni’s commitment to fostering innovation, building meaningful relationships, and navigating the dynamic landscape of business development has been nothing short of inspirational.
Gratitude to Deni for sharing his insights in our Galeyo Humans series. Stay tuned for more captivating stories in the future!
.jpg)
Embarking on the ever-evolving journey of web development, we recently navigated the intricate world of load balancing algorithms in our blog “Demystifying Load Balancing Algorithms: An Intermediate Guide.”
Today, we shift our focus to another critical facet of the digital realm - software testing, with a particular emphasis on End-to-End (E2E) testing. This exploration is a natural continuation of our previous discussion, as both load balancing and testing stand as essential pillars for achieving optimal performance, scalability, and reliability in web applications.
End-to-end (E2E) testing is a software testing methodology that evaluates the complete functionality of a software application from start to finish. The goal of E2E testing is to ensure that all components of a system are working together as expected and that the application behaves as intended in a real-world environment.
In E2E testing, the entire application workflow is tested, simulating the user’s interaction with the software. This type of testing is typically conducted in a production-like environment and may involve multiple subsystems or components. The purpose is to identify and address any issues related to the integration of various system components and to ensure that the application performs as expected in a real-world scenario.
E2E testing can be automated or performed manually. Automated E2E testing involves using testing tools and scripts to simulate user interactions and verify that the application functions correctly. This automation helps in repeating tests efficiently, especially when new code changes are introduced.
End-to-End (E2E) testing is essential in software development for several reasons. It simulates real-world scenarios, ensuring a positive user experience by testing the entire application from the user’s perspective. E2E testing identifies integration issues, detects defects early in the development cycle, and provides comprehensive test coverage, including regression testing.
It fosters collaboration between teams, contributes to a culture of quality, and enhances the overall reliability and stability of the software. By delivering a high-quality product, E2E testing ultimately contributes to customer satisfaction by reducing the likelihood of critical issues impacting end-users.
Manual End-to-End (E2E) testing poses challenges such as time consumption, susceptibility to human error, resource intensiveness, limited scalability, repetitive tasks leading to tester fatigue, inconsistency in execution, incomplete coverage of scenarios, difficulty in bug reproduction, and associated costs.
The manual testing process is hindered by its inability to efficiently execute tests in parallel and struggles with scalability for complex applications. While human intuition is valuable, combining automated testing with manual approaches can help address these challenges by improving efficiency, reliability, and overall test coverage in software development.
Introduction to Cypress as a JavaScript-based E2E testing framework
Cypress is a powerful JavaScript-based End-to-End (E2E) testing framework designed for modern web applications. It stands out for its developer-friendly approach, ease of use, and capabilities that enable efficient testing of web applications. Cypress is built on JavaScript and utilizes its ecosystem, making it accessible to a broad audience of developers. One notable feature is its ability to perform in-browser testing, providing a real-time view of the application under test.
Cypress supports a range of browsers and offers a comprehensive set of commands for interacting with web elements, making it well-suited for simulating user interactions and ensuring the functionality and performance of web applications. With a robust set of features, including automatic waiting, time-travel debugging, and a simple setup process, Cypress has gained popularity as a preferred choice for E2E testing in JavaScript-based web development projects.
Cypress, a JavaScript-based End-to-End (E2E) testing framework, boasts a developer-friendly syntax, real-time browser testing, and automatic waiting, enhancing test reliability and ease of use. Notable features include time-travel debugging for effective issue identification, cross-browser support ensuring consistency, and fast test execution, crucial for continuous integration.
Cypress provides comprehensive logging and reporting, supports parallel test execution, and offers built-in capabilities for mocking and stubbing network requests. Its interactive test runner facilitates real-time feedback, while fixture data and custom commands contribute to test readability and reusability. Continuously developed with a strong community, Cypress remains a powerful and efficient choice for testing JavaScript-based web applications.
Cypress does not use Selenium
Most end-to-end testing tools are Selenium-based, which is why they all share the same problems. To make Cypress different, we built a new architecture from the ground up. Whereas Selenium executes remote commands through the network, Cypress runs in the same run-loop as your application.
Cypress focuses on doing end-to-end testing REALLY well
Cypress is not a general automation framework, nor is it a unit testing framework for your back-end services. There are already great tools out there that do that. Rather, we specialize in one thing - creating a great experience while you write end-to-end tests for your web applications.
Cypress works on any front-end framework or website
Cypress tests anything that runs in a web browser. All of the architecture surrounding Cypress is built to handle modern JavaScript frameworks especially well. We have hundreds of projects using the latest React, Angular, Vue, Elm, etc. frameworks. Cypress also works equally well on older server-rendered pages or applications.
Cypress tests are only written in JavaScript
While you can compile down to JavaScript from any other language, ultimately the test code is executed inside the browser itself. There are no language or driver bindings - there is and will only ever be JavaScript.
Cypress is all in one
Writing end-to-end tests takes a lot of different tools to work together. With Cypress, you get multiple tools in one. There is no need to install 10 separate tools and libraries to get your test suite setup. We have taken some of the best-in-class tools you are likely already familiar with and made them all work together seamlessly.
Cypress is for developers and QA engineers
Cypress is for developers and QA engineers. One of our goals was to make test-driven development a reality for end-to-end testing. Cypress is at its best when you use it as you build your application. We give you the power to code as fast as possible.
Cypress and Selenium are popular web testing tools with distinct characteristics. Cypress operates directly in the browser, offering real-time testing, faster execution, and automatic waiting, primarily supporting JavaScript. In contrast, Selenium follows a client-server architecture, supporting multiple languages and browsers. While Cypress excels in speed, ease of use, and built-in parallel execution, Selenium boasts broader browser support, a mature ecosystem, and extensive community resources.
The choice between them depends on factors like language preference, testing requirements, and project needs, with Cypress favored for simplicity and speed, and Selenium for its versatility and established community support.
In conclusion, End-to-End (E2E) testing is a critical methodology in software development, ensuring comprehensive evaluation of application functionality. Cypress, as a JavaScript-based E2E testing framework, stands out for its developer-friendly approach, real-time browser testing, and features like automatic waiting and time-travel debugging. E2E testing, whether automated or manual, plays a vital role in detecting integration issues and ensuring a high-quality, reliable software product.
While Cypress excels in speed and simplicity, its comparison with Selenium highlights the trade-offs between the two tools, emphasizing factors such as language preference and testing requirements in the decision-making process for web testing frameworks. Ultimately, the choice between Cypress and Selenium depends on project needs, with both tools offering valuable features for effective E2E testing in the dynamic landscape of web development.
In our latest Medium blog post, we delved into the fascinating world of web servers, but there’s more to explore. In the world of web servers, one of the key challenges is the efficient distribution of incoming traffic across multiple server instances. Load balancing serves as the secret ingredient that unlocks the doors to high availability, scalability, and enhanced performance for web applications. But what fuels this magic? It’s the load-balancing algorithms. In this intermediate-level guide, we will take a deep dive into the universe of load-balancing algorithms, uncovering their types, inner workings, and the scenarios in which to deploy them.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of load-balancing algorithms, let’s understand why load-balancing is crucial. A load balancer, whether in software or hardware, serves the purpose of preventing any single server from becoming overloaded. A load-balancing algorithm is the logic that a load balancer uses to distribute network traffic between servers (an algorithm is a set of predefined rules).
If a single server goes down, the load balancer redirects traffic to the remaining online servers. When a new server is added to the server group, the load balancer automatically starts to send requests to it.
In this manner, a load balancer performs the following functions:
Distributes client requests or network load efficiently across multiple servers
Ensures high availability and reliability by sending requests only to servers that are online
Provides the flexibility to add or subtract servers as demand dictates
Scalability
Imagine you’re running a popular e-commerce website, and traffic spikes during holiday sales. Without load balancing, a single server might crumble under the overwhelming requests. Load balancing ensures that these requests are distributed evenly across multiple servers, keeping your website responsive and available.
High Availability
Hardware failures are inevitable. Load balancing helps mitigate the risk by rerouting traffic to healthy servers when one goes down. This redundancy ensures that your website remains operational even when hardware fails.
Performance Optimization
Load balancing also enhances performance. By intelligently distributing traffic, it minimizes server overload, reducing response times and improving user experience.
Now, let’s explore the various load-balancing algorithms commonly used:
Round Robin
In the round-robin, the request from the client is distributed cyclically. What does that mean, we will see with the help of a diagram.
In the above diagram, let’s say we have three servers A, B, and C and requests from the client 1,2,3,4,5,6 come to the load balancer. The load balancer will forward the request from client 1 to server A, client 2 requests to server B, and client 3 requests to server C. Now, for the client’s 4 requests, the load balancer will forward back to server A, and the client’s 5 requests to server B and the same cycle repeats.
Loads are evenly distributed which increases the responsiveness of the servers. But what will happen, if server B has higher RAM, CPU, and other specs than server A and C? In that case, servers A and C may get overloaded and fail quickly, while server B sits idle. This method can be preferred where the server’s configuration is the same.
Least Connections
In the round-robin and the weighted round-robin, we can see that the load balancer is not taking into consideration the current load connections on each server.
On server A the client’s 1 and 2 requests are not disconnected yet. On server B client’s 3 requests are not disconnected. But the client’s 4,5 & 6 requests are already disconnected. Now if the new request comes in according to the round-robin algorithm, it will be forwarded to server A, then server B, and then server C. Now from here, we can see loads on server A pile up, and server A resources may be exhausted quickly.
So, here the least connection method can play a major role. The least connection algorithm takes into consideration the current load on each server, so for new upcoming requests, the load balancer will forward that request to the server that has the least connections.
Weighted Round Robin
Dealing with different configurations of the servers, the administrator can assign the weight or ratio to the server, depending on the request it can handle. Let’s say, server A can take 3 requests per second, server B can take 2 requests per second on average, and server C can take 1 request per second.
So the load balancer will assign a weight to the server A=3, B=2, C=1. You can see the diagram below:
Now, if the request comes from the clients, the load balancer will forward the first three requests to server A, then the client’s 4 and 5 requests to server B, and the client’s 6 requests to server C. After this, if the seventh, eighth, or ninth request occurs, the same cycle will be repeated, just like a round-robin.
Hashing methods
Hashing algorithms are used in the case of persistent connections (which means sticking a client to a specific server). This may be due to the wide range of content that is served to the clients like videos. Cache to be served, this reduces the response latency, and better CPU utilization.
Different hashing methods can be used:
URL Hash method
Souch IP Hash method
The below diagram shows how requests from the client are hashed based on its URL or IP address, forwarded to the respective server.
URL Hash Method
The load balancer generates the hash value based on the HTTP URL present in requests coming from the clients. Based on the hash value, requests will be forwarded to servers. So if the same request comes for the same URL, it will be sent to the same server.
Source IP Hash Method
In this method, the client (source) and the server (destination) utilize the client’s IP address to generate a unique hash key. Subsequently, based on this generated key, the load balancer directs the client to a specific server.
This method is particularly useful for ensuring that a client is consistently connected to the same server, even after a disconnection occurs.
Least Response Time
Least Response Time directs requests to the server with the lowest response time. This algorithm is suitable for applications where server response times are crucial, but it requires continuous monitoring of server response times to be effective.
Random
The Random algorithm, as the name suggests, randomly selects a server to handle each request. While simple, it doesn’t guarantee even load distribution and can lead to uneven server loads.
The choice of a load-balancing algorithm depends on your specific use case:
Round Robin is a good choice when all servers are equally capable and response times are consistent.
Least Connections is best when server capacities vary, but response times are still relatively similar.
Weighted Round Robin and Weighted Least Connections are suitable when your servers have different processing capacities, and you want to balance the load based on their capabilities.
IP Hash is ideal for maintaining a session state when a client needs to interact with the same server consistently.
Least Response Time is useful when you need to minimize response times, but you must monitor server response times continuously.
Random can be a quick choice if you need simplicity and load balancing is not critical.
Load balancing is a fundamental component in the realm of web servers, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the availability, scalability, and optimal performance of web applications. By distributing client requests intelligently across multiple servers, load balancing prevents overloading of individual servers and guarantees that your online services remain responsive and reliable, even in the face of server failures.
As you venture further into the world of web servers and load balancing, consider the unique requirements of your application. The choice of a load-balancing algorithm can significantly impact your application’s performance and reliability. Select the algorithm that best aligns with your goals, whether it’s even distribution, resource-aware load balancing, or session persistence. Your choice will be a key factor in providing a seamless and responsive user experience in the digital landscape.
In the vast landscape of the internet, web servers quietly perform an indispensable role, ensuring that web pages are stored, processed, and seamlessly delivered to users worldwide. They serve as the backbone of the World Wide Web, acting as the unassuming bridge between users’ requests and the vast repository of online content.
In one of our recent internal workshops, skillfully led by our colleague Stefan Rajić, we delved into the intricacies of this essential topic. This enlightening session shed light on the often-overlooked yet pivotal role of web servers in shaping our online experiences.
In this introductory blog post, we will explore the fundamental concepts of web servers, their functionality, transfer protocols, and common use cases, as well as explore key features and performance metrics.
At its core, a web server is a specialized software or hardware system designed to handle and respond to HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) requests from clients. The primary function of a web server is to store, process, and deliver web pages to clients, which are typically web browsers. Clients communicate with the server by sending HTTP requests, and the server responds with the content of the requested resource, which can include HTML documents, images, style sheets, scripts, and text.
Users interact with web servers by entering a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) that points to the web server using its Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) and specifies a path to the desired resource.
Web servers primarily use the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to transfer web pages. However, they also support other protocols, such as HTTP over Secure Sockets Layer (HTTPS) for secure communication and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) for uploading and downloading files. HTTP status codes play a significant role in these interactions, categorizing responses into five classes based on their first digit, including Informational, Success, Redirection, Client Error, and Server Error.
Web servers, often referred to as HTTP servers, handle requests on the internet through HTTP and HTTPS protocols. They are distinct from other server types like application servers (e.g., Gunicorn) and servers for various protocols (e.g., WSGI), as they specialize in handling HTTP and HTTPS requests, making them an essential component of web infrastructure.
Web servers offer a range of features to meet different needs. Common features found in most web servers include:
Static Content Serving: Serving static web files (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to clients via HTTP.
HTTP Support: Compatibility with various versions of the HTTP protocol, including HTTP/1.0, HTTP/1.1, and, in some cases, HTTP/2 and HTTP/3.
Logging: The capability to log information about client requests and server responses for security and statistical purposes.
Virtual Hosting: Serving multiple websites using a single IP address.
Authorization: Managing access to specific website paths or resources.
Content Cache: Caching static and dynamic content to improve response times.
Large File Support: Serving files larger than 2 GB on 32-bit operating systems.
Bandwidth Throttling: Limiting the speed of content responses to prevent network saturation.
Rewrite Engine: Mapping clean URLs to their actual file paths.
Custom Error Pages: Providing customized HTTP error messages to clients.
Web servers send file content when a request matches a valid URL path corresponding to an existing file under the website’s root directory. Static content remains unchanged until modified by a program, making it an efficient way to deliver unchanging web resources.
Web servers can also serve dynamic content. In this case, the server communicates with internal modules or external programs associated with the requested URL path. It passes client request parameters, receives data responses generated on the fly, and forwards them to the client. To enable this communication, web servers implement gateway interfaces.
Web server performance is crucial for delivering a seamless user experience. Web servers must respond quickly to client requests, ensuring high transfer speeds and low response times, even under high web traffic loads.
In other words, a web server should always be very responsive, even under high load of web traffic, in order to keep the total user’s wait (sum of browser time + network time + web server response time) for a response as low as possible.
Key performance metrics for web servers include:
Requests per Second (RPS): The number of HTTP requests processed per second.
Connections per Second (CPS): The rate at which connections are accepted by the web server.
Network Latency and Response Time: Measuring the time it takes for clients to receive a response.
Throughput: The rate of data transfer in bytes per second.
Concurrent client connections also influence performance, and understanding how a web server handles various levels of concurrency is vital for optimizing its performance.
As we conclude our exploration of web servers, guided by the insights of our colleague Stefan Rajić in our recent workshop, we recognize the critical role these unsung heroes play in the digital landscape.
At Galeyo (formerly Walter Code), our commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous learning is at the heart of our success. We believe that understanding the fundamental technologies that underpin the internet is essential for delivering cutting-edge solutions to our clients.
We encourage you to stay engaged with us, as we embark on future journeys to demystify the world of technology and to stay at the forefront of innovation. Thank you for joining us in this enlightening blogpost, and we look forward to sharing more knowledge and insights in the days to come.
Welcome to an insightful interview with Nina Hasanbegović, a seasoned professional in the realm of Human Potential and Employer Branding.
Nina shared her remarkable journey, from teaching and banking to leading the charge in the dynamic field of HR. As the Head of Human Potential and Employer Branding at Galeyo (formerly Walter Code), she brings a wealth of experience in cultivating positive company cultures, resolving complex employee relations issues, and driving talent acquisition strategies that attract top-tier candidates.
Usually, individuals like Nina are excellent sources of information, inspiration, and motivation for others, so join us as we delve into her career journey and learn more about her unique approach to achieving success.
Can you tell us more about your background, including your journey leading to your current role as Head of Human Potential and Employer Branding at Galeyo?
My professional background is initially not related to Human Potential. I have a master’s degree in German language and literature from the Faculty of Philosophy in Sarajevo, and I started my career as a German language teacher in a high school.
After a year of work, I realized that I needed a more dynamic environment, as well as an environment in which I could develop, so I continued my professional path in the banking sector. Through my career in two banks and an insurance company, I went through various positions and departments, and in the end, I ended up in the HR department as a Specialist in recruitment and training/people development.
I also completed the Employer Branding certification at the Employer Branding College in Australia because I realized that Human Potential and Employer Branding are two inseparable entities in today’s labor market.
After gaining enough experience in HR and realizing that I needed a new, more modern environment, I moved to Galeyo to the position of Head of Human Potential and Employer Branding.
How do you prioritize and manage your time when dealing with multiple HP initiatives and projects simultaneously?
Organization and prioritization of tasks is a very important skill in HP, especially when you are in contact with legal regulations and deadlines related to labor relations. Daily meetings with the team greatly help to deliver all projects and tasks on time, while keeping an eye on priorities. In our business, we use various agile methods to organize time as best as possible, while taking care of deadlines and delivery.
Communication is crucial in HP. Can you provide an example of a challenging employee relations situation you’ve successfully resolved through effective communication and collaboration?
Communication with people is crucial in this department. We often have challenges in teams with different profiles of people.
In one instance, the project manager could not agree with his team of developers, so we had problems with the project. On the one hand, we had a manager who was very organized and wanted all tasks to be completed exactly and precisely within the given deadlines, and on the other hand, we had developers who were not used to pressure and this type of communication, and then they deliberately did not want to carry out their tasks.
To fix it, we held face-to-face meetings, fostering better team collaboration. This personal interaction led to improved understanding and reduced miscommunication, making a significant positive impact.
Galeyo values a positive company culture. How do you contribute to creating and maintaining a positive workplace environment for employees?
Transparent and open communication is something that describes Galeyo. It is the basis for maintaining a positive working atmosphere among all employees. We maintain open communication through regular gatherings, townhall meetings, and monthly and weekly meetings. This approach allows employees to stay informed and actively contribute to our company culture.
Additionally, we organize team-building events, both internally and externally, as well as run the Galeyo Club. These initiatives provide various benefits to our employees, ensuring they feel valued and content in our company. Also, during recruitment, we pay close attention to the profiles of the people we employ. It is very important to us that, in addition to the technical knowledge required for a certain position, the person has a profile that fits into our culture, to maintain the positive working atmosphere we have.
Can you describe a time when you had to handle a difficult conversation with an employee or manager? How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?
In a previous experience, we faced a situation with one team member who was struggling to make a meaningful contribution to a project, leading to consistently poor performance. Through multiple discussions, it became apparent that this team member was grappling with personal issues that were impeding their ability to perform at their best.
We engaged in numerous difficult conversations to reach a resolution that would benefit both parties. Recognizing the employee’s valuable skills, we decided to support their transition into a different role that better suited their abilities and interests. Although this transition posed its own set of challenges, the employee is now a valuable contributor to a different project within the organization, thriving and making a significant impact.
In your role, you likely deal with talent acquisition and recruitment. Can you share your approach to attracting top talent and the strategies you use to assess candidates effectively?
Employer Branding stands as a pivotal pillar in modern recruitment excellence. Our central focus revolves around nurturing employee satisfaction and harnessing their positive influence in the market, a force far more compelling than any conventional marketing effort. There’s no greater affirmation than when candidates enthusiastically share that they’ve encountered glowing praise about our company from those currently immersed in our work culture.
It’s at that moment we realize we’re charting a course of success, one that effortlessly draws high-caliber candidates to our doorstep. This is why we’re actively committed to perpetually elevating employee contentment, empowering them to organically become our most compelling brand advocates.
Could you discuss your experience with designing and implementing employee training and development programs, and how you measure their effectiveness?
The process typically starts with a needs assessment. This involves identifying gaps in skills, knowledge, and competencies among employees. This can be done through surveys, performance evaluations, and feedback from managers and employees. Based on the needs assessment, specific learning objectives are established.
These objectives outline what employees should be able to do or know after completing the training. Gathering feedback during and after the training is crucial for assessing its effectiveness. Comparing performance or knowledge levels before and after the training can provide a clear indication of its impact. Managers or supervisors can observe employees in their actual work environment to see if they are applying what they learned.
Data analytics plays an essential role in HP decision-making. Can you provide an example of how you’ve used data and HP analytics to improve HP processes or make strategic recommendations?
One of the examples of how we use data analytics is tracking employee turnover, including reasons for leaving, length of employment, department, and performance evaluations. We use this data to identify trends and patterns. There might be a particular department that has a significantly higher turnover rate compared to others. With this data, we make recommendations to address the identified issues. This could include implementing mentorship programs, providing leadership training for managers, and improving communication channels.
The next step is collecting feedback from employees to assess the impact of the changes. This data-driven approach not only helped reduce turnover but also led to an overall improvement in employee satisfaction and performance.
Employee engagement is a key aspect of employer branding. How do you measure and improve employee engagement within the organization, and what initiatives have you spearheaded to enhance employee satisfaction?
The best way of measuring employee engagement is through clear communication, regular feedback sessions, surveys, etc. Our goal is to gather feedback from employees about their job satisfaction, work environment, management effectiveness, and overall engagement. The HP Team ensures that organizational goals, values, and expectations are communicated clearly to all employees.
Regular updates on company performance and plans can help keep everyone aligned. Through Galeyo Club we also provide opportunities for skill development and career advancement, because employees who feel they are growing and learning tend to be more engaged.
Outside of your professional life, could you share some of your hobbies or interests?
In my free time, I usually do sports activities - hiking, swimming, fitness, and skiing. I have been dancing professionally for a very long time, so training remains a part of my everyday life even today. I also spend a lot of time in nature, so I mostly use my weekends for hiking and swimming in the summer, and skiing in the winter. In addition, in my free time, I do translation, since I am a Court interpreter for the German language, so my free time is mostly filled with different activities.
As we conclude this enriching interview, we’re reminded of the importance of Human Potential and Employer Branding in today’s ever-evolving business landscape. Nina’s journey and insights reflect the dedication, passion, and expertise that shape their role as Head of Human Potential and Employer Branding at Galeyo. With a commitment to open communication, data-driven decision-making, and fostering a thriving company culture, Nina serves as a beacon of inspiration for HR professionals and business leaders alike.
Thank you for joining us in this exploration of HR excellence, and we look forward to more inspiring conversations in the future.
In today’s tech landscape, Observability and Monitoring stand as pillars of operational excellence.
Observability provides profound insights into a system’s intricacies while Monitoring acts as a vigilant guardian over predefined metrics. Together, they create a symbiotic duo, fortifying organizations against downtime and bottlenecks.
In our recent internal workshop, our colleague Ajdin Baručija delved into this intriguing topic, and we’re excited to share key insights with you. Join us on a journey as we decode the essence of Observability and Monitoring - the heartbeat of a resilient technological ecosystem.
Observability gives engineers a proactive approach to analyzing and optimizing their systems based on the data they generate. Observability platforms provide a centralized way to collect, store, analyze, and visualize logs, metrics, and traces to provide a connected real-time view of all the operational data in your software system, as well as the flexibility to ask questions about your applications and infrastructure to understand system behavior and get to the answers you need to improve system performance.
A simple way of describing observability is how well you can understand the system from the output. In control theory, observability is defined as how engineers can infer the internal states of a system from knowledge of that system’s external outputs.
Expanded to IT, software, and cloud computing, observability is how engineers can understand the current state of a system from the data it generates. To fully understand, you’ve got to proactively collect the right data, and then visualize it and apply intelligence.
Monitoring is a process to periodically collect, analyze, and use the information to actively manage performance, maximize positive impacts, and minimize the risk of adverse impacts. It is an important part of effective management because it can provide early and ongoing information to help shape implementation in advance of evaluations.
Monitoring and observability are related concepts in that they help software engineers understand the behavior of their IT environments. However, there is one major difference between them.
Monitoring will usually concern capturing metrics related to the current health and performance of systems, while observability includes all facets of an application’s performance, such as logs, metrics, events, and traces.
Monitoring tools use dashboards to capture and display predetermined data that helps DevOps and other IT teams detect potential problems and long-term performance trends. However, while monitoring notifies DevOps teams of operational issues using alerts, it may not pinpoint the individual component or underlying reason behind the issue, especially in a highly complex distributed system.
On the other hand, observability software provides insights and comprehensively assesses the entire IT environment using data gathered from each internal system, including metrics like memory usage, bandwidth utilization, response time, requests per minute, or uptime, as well as logs of recorded events, and traces for transactions. This granular and contextual insight it provides can help teams understand, identify, and troubleshoot the root cause of issues across the IT infrastructure. Thus, it acts as a knowledge base for engineers to define what they want to monitor and how to improve performance.
Fundamentally, observability and monitoring use the same type of telemetry data. These are additionally referred to as the “three pillars of observability “, which are:
Logs are application and system records of events in your software. It also provides context and details on how an issue impacted the system.
Metrics give a numerical assessment of the system’s performance and resource utilization. This assessment can show the difference between past and current values (delta metrics) within a specific period (gauge metrics) or changes over time (cumulative metrics).
Traces show how operations move throughout distributed cloud environments. Thus, it contextualizes troubleshooting to specific user actions or service relationships.
The similarity between observability and monitoring lies in their end goal, which is to get insight into the infrastructure of your complex distributed systems and deliver a great user experience.
Monitoring notifies teams of issues to address issues before they escalate using telemetry data and alerts. However, to prevent recurrences of the same issue, in-depth analysis, and pinpointing of the underlying cause of the issue are needed. This can only be provided by observability.
Let’s paint a scenario.
Memory, CPU utilization rates, and cache hit ratio are often tracked when monitoring a database. Thus, alerts are usually set on them to ensure they don’t exceed the threshold. An alert stating that the CPU utilization has increased or that the cache hit ratio has decreased could be a sign of a poorly written or optimization query. However, an observability tool would need to be utilized for you to be sure.
Monitoring complex distributed applications is much more than this conventional database performance use case. It is also much harder to debug. Thus, the bottom line of the observability vs. monitoring dilemma is that pairing the two approaches is essential to address issues more efficiently and promptly. By doing this, teams will be able to know the occurrence, understand the context, and provide answers to what, how, and why of today’s distributed multi-cloud microservice architectures with multiple dependencies and shifting complexities.
While they share similarities and differences, it isn’t a monitoring vs. observability situation. You should instead think of them as complementary strategies that help you efficiently achieve your goal - understanding your system better.
Although monitoring helps one track what’s happening within the environment, observability is necessary for any contextualized analysis of your infrastructure landscape. On the other hand, the opposite is also true. Monitoring is necessary for observability and, thus, is a prerequisite. This is because you cannot observe an unmonitored system.
Both approaches are, therefore, essential to get meaningful insight into today’s complex IT systems.
In conclusion, the symbiotic relationship between Observability and Monitoring emerges as a crucial foundation for achieving operational excellence in today’s intricate technological landscape. Observability empowers engineers with proactive insights, allowing them to understand and optimize systems based on real-time data. On the other hand, Monitoring serves as a vigilant guardian, capturing predefined metrics to ensure the current health and performance of systems. While both share similarities in utilizing telemetry data, they differ in scope, with Observability encompassing a holistic view of application performance through logs, metrics, events, and traces.
In the spirit of this sharing knowledge culture, stay tuned for more engaging workshops, discussions, and explorations into fascinating topics shaping the tech landscape. From emerging technologies to innovative strategies, we aim to bring you valuable insights that empower you in navigating the ever-evolving world of IT.
A masterful UX/UI Designer is akin to an artist crafting the user experience with finesse, navigating the ever-evolving landscape of design trends and user preferences.
As the creative visionary behind user interfaces, Amila Šabić plays a pivotal role in shaping digital experiences at our company, serving as the bridge between client visions and stunning design realities.
We recently had the pleasure of engaging in an insightful conversation with Amila, a seasoned UX/UI Designer here at our organization.
Join us as we delve into her remarkable journey, unparalleled expertise, and unique approaches to the world of user experience and interface design.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
My name is Amila Šabić, and I’m from Sarajevo. My journey has been one of creativity and a passion for design. I initially ventured into the world of architecture at the Architectural Faculty but soon realized it wasn’t my true path. My passion for product design led me to the Academy of Fine Arts.
My heart also beats for sports - from tennis to skating, skiing, and surfing the wind. Youthful days spent in figure skating and representing Bosnia and Herzegovina at competitions shaped my beginnings.
How would you describe the culture and work environment at Galeyo (formerly Walter Code)?
At Galeyo, I encountered a new energy, revolutionary BIM technologies, and an expert team. It’s a place where I feel like part of a team that’s changing the world of architecture, construction, and technology. The pace of learning new technologies and construction systems, along with the support of inspiring colleagues, has made challenges enjoyable.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you first started working at Galeyo, and how did you overcome them?
The transition to Galeyo brought challenges, including adapting to new technologies and the construction industry. However, with the support of my colleagues and my passion for learning, these challenges became opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of your job and your experience at Galeyo over the past years?
The most rewarding aspect has been the feeling of being part of a team that’s transforming the fields of architecture, construction, and technology. Additionally, specializing in UI/UX design has opened up new creative avenues for me.
How have you continued to grow and develop your skills and knowledge as a UX/UI designer while working at Galeyo?
My journey at Galeyo led me to specialize in UI/UX design, which opened up a new chapter in my creative journey. I’ve honed my skills using various design tools such as 3DS Max, Revit, After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Adobe XD to create exceptional UI/UX experiences.
What are some of the main tools and software you use in your work as a UX/UI designer?
My tools are like magic wands - 3DS, Max and Revit for 3D worlds, After Effects for video magic, Illustrator and Photoshop for imaginative designs, and Adobe XD for creating outstanding UI/UX experiences.
Can you explain the difference between UX and UI and how they work together in the project?
UX (User Experience) focuses on the overall experience a user has with a product, considering usability, accessibility, and how users interact with it. UI (User Interface) design focuses on the visual and interactive elements that users see and interact with. They work together closely to create a seamless and enjoyable user experience, with UI elements being the tangible components of the broader UX design.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a UX/UI designer, and how do you overcome them?
As a UX/UI designer, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the design meets both user and business needs. This requires a deep understanding of user behavior and preferences, effective communication with the development team, and the ability to iterate on designs based on feedback and usability testing.
How do you collaborate with other members of a design or development team to ensure that the final product meets both user and business needs?
Collaboration is key. I work closely with developers, product managers, and other team members to align project goals and user requirements. Regular meetings, feedback sessions, and usability testing help ensure that the final product not only looks great but also functions effectively and meets business objectives.
What do you enjoy most about being a UX/UI designer, and what do you find most challenging?
What I enjoy most is the creative aspect of design, the opportunity to solve puzzles, and the satisfaction of creating functional and beautiful solutions. The most challenging part is striking the right balance between aesthetics and usability while meeting business goals and user expectations.
And there you have it - a peek into the world of Amila Šabić, a highly experienced and dedicated UX/UI Designer. With her exceptional design skills, unwavering commitment to creating exceptional user experiences, and passion for staying at the forefront of design trends, Amila continues to shape digital landscapes with her creativity.
Amila is another shining star among our team at Galeyo, and it’s not just her design prowess that sets her apart; it’s her friendly and collaborative nature that makes her an absolute joy to work with.
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know our talented team members through this blog series so far, as much as we’ve enjoyed introducing them to you!
Stay connected with us on our social media channels for more insights into the incredible people who make up our company. There are many more exciting profiles coming your way soon!
.jpg)
The importance of giving young people the opportunity to show their talent is huge, and at Galeyo (formerly Walter Code), we are committed to providing a nurturing platform for aspiring individuals to thrive.
Our internship programs exemplify this dedication by empowering the next generation with valuable experiences and practical knowledge that foster personal and professional growth.
Recently, two inspiring interns, Dževad and Ahmed, finished their internship journey in our company by mastering React.
Dževad’s journey as an in-office intern, allowed him to experience our dynamic work culture firsthand, immersing himself in collaborative projects and learning from experienced developers.
Meanwhile, Ahmed’s remote learning experience showcased how we extend opportunities beyond geographical barriers, enabling young enthusiasts from different corners of the world to participate and excel.
These two hard working guys shared their internship experience at our company through an interview. First, we spoke with Dževad, who, due to his proximity to our office in Mostar, had the opportunity to spend time with our Mostar colleagues.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining Galeyo (formerly Walter Code)?
My name is Dževad, an Information technology enthusiast who loves designing websites and developing e-shops using open-source content management systems. I enjoy blending creativity and functionality to create user-friendly digital experiences. Continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies drive me to make a positive impact in the field of technology
What motivated you to apply for an internship at Galeyo?
Galeyo has a reputation for being an innovative and dynamic company, known for its cutting-edge projects and supportive work culture. I wanted to be part of a team that embraces creativity, encourages personal growth, and allows individuals to make a genuine impact. The opportunity to work with skilled professionals while contributing to meaningful projects drew me to apply for the internship.
During your internship at Galeyo, what projects did you work on, and what were some challenges you faced?
During this internship program, I expanded my knowledge of technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React. The main task was to create a fully responsive NEWS WEBSITE. It was a valuable experience that allowed me to apply my skills in web development and gain hands-on experience in building dynamic and adaptable websites. I enjoyed the challenge of making the website accessible and user-friendly across various devices, ensuring a seamless experience for all visitors.
This internship has further fueled my passion for web development, and I look forward to taking on more exciting projects in the future.
How did the team at Galeyo support you during your internship?
The team at Galeyo was incredibly supportive and nurturing. From day one, they made me feel like an integral part of the team and encouraged me to ask questions and seek help when needed. I was assigned a mentor who guided me throughout the internship, providing valuable feedback and insights. They created an environment where I felt comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on new challenges.
What were some of the most significant lessons you learned during your internship?
One of the most profound lessons I learned was the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. Technology is constantly evolving, and to stay relevant, one must be open to learning new skills and staying updated with industry trends. I also discovered the value of teamwork and effective communication, as collaborating with others often leads to better solutions and a more enriching experience.
How has your internship at Galeyo influenced your future career goals?
My internship at Galeyo has had a profound impact on my career aspirations. It solidified my passion for software engineering and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in this field.
The exposure to real-world projects and the mentorship I received inspired me to keep striving for excellence and to contribute positively to the tech industry.
In the second interview, we spoke with Ahmed. He also did a React internship in our company, but unlike Dževad, Ahmed did a distance learning internship, so among other things, we talked with him about that topic, what was his experience with a distance learning internship.
Can you share a bit about your background and experiences before starting your current internship role?
From my early days, computers have always played a significant role in my life. However, it was during my high school years that I truly discovered my passion for programming, and I knew that this was the path I wanted to pursue. As I progressed through my academic journey I was faced with the decision of choosing a specific path in software engineering and web development emerged as a fascinating option.
I started exploring various courses, and tutorials, and seeking guidance from professors at the university. The dynamic nature of web development kept me motivated to continuously learn and adapt to evolving technologies.
What factors inspired you to pursue an internship opportunity with us at Galeyo?
From the moment I first heard about Galeyo at a jobfair in Sarajevo, I was immediately captivated by the company’s reputation for professionalism and its strong emphasis on fostering a positive and supportive culture. The more I learned about Galeyo projects and values, the more I was convinced that it was the perfect place for me to continue my learning journey.
Applying for the internship was a natural step, as I saw it as the perfect place to gain valuable experience and the opportunity to grow as a software developer.
During your internship at Galeyo, how did the team provide support and guidance to help you succeed in your role?
From the very first day of the internship, I felt incredibly welcomed. Although the internship was remote, everything went smoothly, thanks to my amazing mentor Eldin Graho. He was always there to offer help and guidance even beyond regular working hours. His assistance made the experience highly rewarding.
Throughout your internship experience, what were some of the most valuable and impactful lessons that you learned?
Apart from gaining technical knowledge, my internship provided me with valuable insights into the real-life processes of software development. Prior to this experience, I primarily worked on personal projects and without receiving code reviews I was never 100% sure that my code was the best as it could be.
During the internship, I learned the immense value of code reviews, which not only made the coding process more rewarding but also significantly boosted my confidence in writing code.
How did you set up your remote workspace during the distance learning internship, and what tools did you use to communicate with your team?
Distance learning wasn’t a significant challenge for me as I was already accustomed to it on my faculty due to the pandemic, so I didn’t have to alter my workspace much.
As for communication we used Slack and Google Meet. Google Meet was used for our weekly meetings where we discussed our progress from the past week and planned our tasks for the upcoming week.
How did you stay motivated throughout the internship, considering the lack of in-person interactions and the remote nature of the program?
The remote nature of this program didn’t impact my motivation. I viewed this internship as an opportunity to learn something new and improve my skills. I gave my best effort and tried to use this internship in the best way possible, and I believe I succeeded in doing so. I feel that my knowledge has improved, and I gained valuable insights into real-life software development.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during the internship, and how did you overcome it?
I would assume that the biggest challenge during remote learning or work in general would be reaching people and colleagues, but as I mentioned above I didn’t have that problem because my mentor was there for me whenever I needed help or opinion on my code or project ideas in general.
What valuable skills or knowledge did you gain from this internship that you believe will be helpful for future remote work opportunities?
I gained valuable time management, communication, and remote project management skills, which I believe will be highly beneficial for future remote work opportunities. I also realized that remote work can be just as productive as working in an office.
In conclusion, Dževad and Ahmed’s internship experiences at Galeyo showcase the company’s commitment to nurturing young talents and providing valuable opportunities. Their dedication and enthusiasm for React development, whether in-office or through distance learning, have contributed to their personal growth and strengthened their passion for web development.
As they continue on their career paths, they carry with them valuable lessons, technical skills, and the confidence to excel in the dynamic world of technology. Galeyo is proud to have been a part of their journeys and looks forward to empowering more aspiring individuals in the future.
A great Project Manager is like the captain of a ship, steering the team toward success amidst the ever-changing tides of challenges and complexities.
As the central point of contact, a Project Manager serves as the liaison between stakeholders, clients, and the project team, ensuring clear communication, managing expectations, and delivering on project objectives.
Recently, we had the privilege of sitting down with Amela Fazlić, a highly skilled Project Manager at Galeyo, to gain insight into her journey, expertise, and approaches to project management.
So, let’s dive into this enlightening conversation with Amela.
1. Can you tell us about yourself and your background?
I started my journey at Galeyo in October 2022 as a Project Manager. I have a master’s degree in communication technologies and 4 years of experience in web development and WordPress and over 4 years in project management. I’ve also worked previously as a Project Manager. My technical background helps me translate clients’ wishes into development tasks, and I’ve built strong relationships with colleagues and clients. I’m diligent, friendly, and feel very comfortable in the Galeyo community.
2. What motivated you to choose a career as a Project Manager?
I believe that the career of a Project Manager chose me rather than me consciously choosing it. Throughout my personal and professional life, I found myself naturally gravitating towards roles that involved organizing, coordinating, and leading teams to achieve successful outcomes.
This, and the circumstances I encountered along the way, led me to embrace a career as a Project Manager.
3. What aspects of working as a Project Manager do you find the most enjoyable?
As a Project Manager, one of the aspects I find most enjoyable is the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of individuals, who may start off as complete strangers but eventually become partners, clients, or colleagues.
Great aspect of being a Project Manager is the exposure to various projects across different industries. Each project brings its own set of challenges and requirements, allowing me to continually expand my knowledge and expertise.
Moreover, as a Project Manager, I take pride in being able to assist and support different roles within the project team. Witnessing the successful outcomes of a project, knowing that I played a part in enabling its success, fills me with a sense of accomplishment and pride.
4. How do you approach working with people who have different communication styles than your own?
Firstly and most importantly, I strive to be open-minded and empathetic, understanding that everyone has unique ways of expressing themselves. I make an effort to listen actively and observe the communication patterns and preferences of those around me. While adjusting to different communication styles, I maintain a sense of self-awareness and stay true to my principles, ensuring that I express myself honestly and authentically.
In addition to adapting and maintaining authenticity, I firmly believe in the power of a smile. A smile can bridge gaps, ease tensions, and create a positive atmosphere in any interaction.
5. What out-of-work activities do you find most enjoyable?
One of my greatest sources of enjoyment is making jokes and sharing a laugh with the people around me. I also believe that humor not only creates a positive work environment but also fosters stronger relationships and enhances teamwork.
Additionally, I find great pleasure in attending knowledge-sharing presentations powered by our own company as they provide valuable insights, promote continuous learning, and foster a culture of innovation within our organization.
6. Can you describe a time when you had to navigate a difficult conversation with a team member or stakeholder? How did you handle it?
Once, I had a challenging situation where I had to navigate a difficult conversation with a team member who was consistently missing project deadlines. This issue was impacting the overall progress of the project and causing frustration among other team members and stakeholders.
To address the situation, I approached the team member privately and confidentially and expressed my concern about the missed deadlines and the impact it was having on the project’s success. I then actively listened to the team member perspectives, allowing them to explain the reasons behind the delays. By actively listening, I gained a better understanding of the challenges they were facing, such as a heavy workload and competing priorities.
To deal with the problem, I involved the team member by brainstorming together and exploring potential strategies to overcome the obstacles.
7. How do you motivate and inspire your team to achieve their goals?
There are numerous ways to do this, depending on the individuals included in the project, but I find myself mostly using these two:
Leading by example: My own attitude and behavior can set the tone for the team. Showing a strong work ethic, integrity, and a willingness to go the extra mile.
Empowering independence and ownership: Trusting my team members and empowering them to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Giving them the freedom to explore new ideas, make mistakes, and learn from them.
8. Can you tell us about a project you worked on that did not go as planned? How did you handle the situation and what did you learn from it?
When I worked as a project manager on a particular project, we encountered significant challenges that ultimately led to the project not going as planned. One of the primary issues was an incorrect estimation on the technical side, which resulted in delays right from the start. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to catch up and meet the original timeline. We realized that working overtime wouldn’t be sufficient to save the project.
In such circumstances, I learned it’s necessary to make some hard decisions and temporarily stop the project. What should come next is actively engaging with all stakeholders, including team members, clients, and relevant partners, and sharing transparent updates on the challenges we faced and the potential risks involved.
However, it’s important to note that only explaining the problem is not sufficient, and proposing solutions and alternatives is the way to go.
9. How do you prioritize and manage your time effectively to meet project deadlines?
Breaking down the project into smaller tasks enables me to identify the dependencies between tasks and determine the critical path for the project. I identify and prioritize critical tasks that have a significant impact on meeting deadlines. I delegate tasks to my team members based on their skills and expertise, empowering them to take ownership. Regularly tracking and monitoring progress against the project schedule helps me identify any bottlenecks or delays.
10. How do you develop and manage project budgets?
It all starts with defining a project's scope, objectives, and deliverables. This allows me to identify and estimate different cost categories together with relevant stakeholders and business developers. In order to estimate the costs accurately, I consult the technical team lead and other team members for breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks and estimate the time and cost for each one. Based on all this, I developed a project budget that should be reviewed with key stakeholders to ensure it meets project goals.
At this point, after the project kick-off, budget monitoring starts. Financial software or spreadsheets can help a lot in regularly comparing actual and estimated costs. In case of significant budget deviations, we investigate the reasons behind them and take appropriate action. It’s important to learn from past projects and review the budget and financial performance to improve accuracy and efficiency in future projects.
And there you have it - a glimpse into the world of Amela Fazlić, a talented and dedicated Project Manager. With her strong technical background, communication skills, and passion for driving successful outcomes, Amela continues to make waves in the project management field.
Amela is yet another amazing Galeyo Human, and apart from her professional devotion, it is her friendly character that sets her apart, making her a pleasure to work with.
We hope you enjoy meeting our people through this blog series so far, because we love creating them for you! Stay tuned to our social media channels to meet more of our colleagues soon!
The IT industry is quite flexible when it comes to job hopping, changing stacks, and work models, but every now and then, you have people who turn out to be loyal, and ambitious to grow with the company, and they usually become the most influential people within the team.
One such example is Dragan Jovicic, our Senior Backend Developer and Team Lead, who’s been our colleague for more than 8 years now.
Usually, these types of people are excellent sources of information, inspiration, and motivation for others, and we thought it would be only right to introduce you to him!
Tell us more about your career in Galeyo (formerly Walter Code).
I’m with a company for 8 years now and there is a lot to say but start of it is interesting. I got a call from friend of the friend. Initially I said no, but luckily guy on the other side was persistent and in the end I joined the company. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.
What are your favourite after-work activities and hobbies?
Spending time with my family, I have a son who is two and half years old. He is probably my biggest activity right now. Apart from that, I’m in love with skiing, and I also enjoy cycling and playing football.
What do you love the most about your team?
No matter if things are going good or bad we stick together. We’ve been working for years together and something that I love and I am proud of is that we consider ourself friends.
What is the best thing one of your co-workers has done for you?
Recently I got bottle of wine. Still waiting special occasion to open it ☺
How would you rate your work-life balance?
Great, It’s important to have it in balance.
Can you tell us about the project that you led that was innovative and made a big impact?
We’ve been involved in developing BIM cloud platform called Bimeye for almost a decade now. It’s purpose is to change how building industry operates today and make it more efficient and we are really pushing the boundaries here.
Can you share an example of a time when you made a difficult decision and how you handled it?
As always in life things are sometimes good and sometimes not so good. Couple of years ago we had to reduce team working on specific project, not because of bad performance but for other unforeseen circumstances. Making those decisions is hardest thing I had to do in my career. In the end some new opportunities showed up and couple of those people are now leading teams on their own which turned out to be great.
How do you stay motivated and positive, even when facing challenges?
Although in our industry all people see on social networks is fun, fun and fun in reality we all face a lot of challenges. As written in the question have in mind it’s just a challenge which will be solved.
How do you reach your long-term career goals?
To be honest, I’ve never had long-term career goals. Everything we do in this industry is a team effort. I’ve had the luck of being surrounded by good and skilled people most of my career which naturally pushed me forward.
How do you stay up to date and continue to grow in your field?
I like reading blogs and listening to podcasts from famous names in the IT industry like Netflix, MongoDB, StackOverflow, LogRocket, GitHub… It’s always fun and interesting to see how some technology or approach helped products and/or teams.
There you have it, now you know something about Dragan! He’s one of the people you are lucky to have in your company, whose dedication and leadership inspire and drive the team towards success.
Welcome to the second edition of Galeyo (formerly Walter Code) Humans, where we celebrate the outstanding professionals who make our company a success.
Today, we shine the spotlight on Nikolina Nastić, our brilliant Product Owner and respected Team Lead.
Nikolina’s expertise in product management and her exceptional leadership skills have been invaluable to our organization’s growth and success. Her dedication to delivering top-quality results has earned her the respect and trust of both her team and clients.
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Nikolina Nastić, so join us as we delve into her career journey and learn more about her unique approach to achieving success.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
By education, I am a civil engineer and I have worked on different construction projects, including designing constructive phases of buildings, static calculations, consulting, and outsourcing.
In the last five years, however, I’ve shifted my focus to software development for the construction industry, specifically the development of Autodesk Revit Plugins (Naviate).
At first, I shifted my career to working as a QA tester and Scrum Master, and since 2018 I have been working as Product Owner for Naviate Structural and Naviate Rebar applications.
It’s been an interesting transition from civil engineering, for sure!
What inspired you to pursue a career as a Product Owner?
Well, I find the role itself inspiring due to the opportunity to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and development teams and be the link between them.
At the same time, the satisfaction of seeing successful software products that meet the needs of users is always motivating and rewarding!
What do you enjoy most about working as a Product Owner?
Product ownership is like playing a game of chess - you have to make strategic moves to prioritize and guide the development of the software product and anticipate the needs of the users and the market.
I like the feeling when ideas come to life.
When you see that something that was just an idea or someone’s wish becomes a real thing and the satisfaction of knowing that I played a part in making it happen keeps me motivated and passionate about my work.
How do you like to spend your free time outside of work?
I consider myself someone who values work-life balance, and I truly believe that taking time outside of work is essential for overall well-being.
For me, being active and engaging in outdoor activities is a great way to clear my mind and recharge my batteries, so I consider hiking and skiing to be my favorite activities.
Traveling, and meeting new countries and cultures is how I fill my free time, as well!
How do you prioritize features and requirements for a product? Can you tell us how you decide what’s most important to work on?
There’s a lot of communication with stakeholders and customers, and based on the timely situation in the market, and the Initiatives that we have recognized, we decide what to prioritize at a global level.
Continuing on, features that are ready for development are prioritized. It is the things with higher business value that usually receive more attention, as expected.
Additionally, we keep track of potential risks and dependencies along the way, in order to optimize performance and reduce errors.
Can you share a time when you had to adjust your priorities during a project? How did you handle it?
As a product owner, adapting to changing circumstances and adjusting priorities is an essential part of the job.
I can share a specific instance where I had to pivot my approach during a project to meet new demands and ensure success.
We were developing a new application and during the development, we found that it would take more time than we estimated.
To save the team from the stress of delivering the new app within a short timeframe, I needed to postpone the release and keep the focus on other things.
Sometimes it is hard to give up on something that you had all your focus on, but it is necessary to ensure the best outcome.
How do you know if a product is successful? Can you explain what metrics you use to measure success?
As a product owner, measuring the success of a product is critical to understanding its impact and making data-driven decisions.
There are usually several metrics that can be used to assess a product’s performance and determine its level of success.
Customer satisfaction and the actual usage of a product are the most relevant metrics for product success for me.
All these products have the same purpose, to serve the customers and their needs, and if we succeed in that, we can be satisfied with the outcome.
Can you explain how you work with stakeholders who have different opinions about a product? Can you give us an example of how you managed that in the past?
Stakeholders always have different opinions.
When they come up with new ideas, I usually tend to ask these 3 questions: What, Why, and Who, and the answers to these help clarify ideas and get everyone one the same page.
If that is not good enough, then I use what I like to call “intelligent balancing”, where we would release one feature with more options, or find a way that all use cases are met, or define a MVP and say that other requirements will be met later and added as improvements.
What is your experience with agile methodologies? Can you tell us how you’ve used them in your work?
At Galeyo, we use Agile techniques such as Scrum - in development, and SAFe (the Scaled Agile Framework) - on an organisational level.
Those are frameworks that operate in accordance with Agile and Lean ideas and ideals.
Scrum is an iterative process; it aims to help teams focus on small parts of each sprint (or quick mini-project) with a simple demonstrable goal.
Then we do “plan,”- “develop,”- “check,” and “adjust” as needed to get closer to the desired outcome.
As we wrap up our interview with Nikolina Nastić, we can see the value that a dedicated and passionate Product Owner brings to a company.
Nikolina’s ability to communicate and collaborate with different teams and stakeholders, as well as her strong vision and focus on the customer, is a testament to her expertise in the field. It’s clear that her unique perspective and skill set, combined with her determination and hard work, have helped drive the success of the company’s products.
We thank Nikolina for sharing her insights with us and look forward to more interviews with inspiring professionals like her in the future of Galeyo Humans.
The first edition of Galeyo (formerly Walter Code) Humans features Boris Aničić, an outstanding Senior Software Engineer and a crucial member of our Mostar office team. Boris has played an important role in the growth and success of our organization, especially in our Mostar office, where he has been an integral part of the growth of our team.
Through his exceptional technical skills and his unwavering dedication to excellence, Boris has consistently delivered top-quality results on our projects, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and superiors alike.
Boris has also made it his mission to ensure that our corporate culture is extended to our new employees in Mostar, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and growth.
With all that said, we are proud to present to you - Boris Aničić!
Can you tell us more about your experience working at Galeyo?
In August 2019, I began my employment with Galeyo as a WPF developer in a newly found office in Mostar. I was assigned to a team stationed in Oslo as the only member from Bosnia and Herzegovina on a project that is developing an application for the Autodesk CAD system. After a year and a half, the team in Oslo dissolved and the whole development transferred to me and my colleagues in the Mostar office. Since then, we are working on the implementation of new features and maintaining the product together with our clients.
How do you balance your work and personal life, and what does your off-time look like?
After work, I am mostly enjoying my time with friends and family, watching some good movies and TV shows, or going out to live music events. I am also part of the Rugby club Herceg, from Mostar, where I am a member of the board and I am coaching younger generations. Rugby is a big part of my life and besides the physical benefits that I’m getting from it, it made me tougher and taught me to always go forward no matter how hard I get hit.
What is it that you appreciate most about your colleagues at work?
The best thing about my team is that we are a bunch of different personalities that are doing well together and making things done. Having a team made up of diverse personalities can bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences, which can lead to more creative problem-solving and innovative ideas. It is my joy to find new ways of connecting individual strengths to make the team more efficient!
What is the best thing one of your co-workers has done for you?
The best thing that a team member has done for me has to be the moment that they referred me and later recruited me to Galeyo. It was a great feeling to get the recognition and to be suggested as a great addition to the team. Since then, I used the opportunity to develop, grow and enjoy the great atmosphere that our team has nurtured since.
Are you satisfied with your work-life balance?
The team that I am in has been together for quite a while now, and we’ve made great adjustments when it comes to planning out the work, and meeting deadlines.
I am quite satisfied with my work-life balance, as we tend to plan our work really well so there is no need to think about it after working hours and there is no unnecessary pressure or tension. It is a crucial part of being happy at your workplace, as “bringing work home” cannot be good for you in the long run.
Can you tell us more about the project you’re working on?
The project that I am currently working on is quite interesting. We are developing a system that makes life easier for mechanical engineers. Our project reduces the time a mechanical designer is spending on writing necessary documentation, prevents errors caused by incorrect product information, reduces unnecessary costs and delays, and enables faster time to market.
We are also following the latest IT trends by integrating virtual and augmented reality contour products as well as support for cloud-based CAD systems.
Have you ever had to make a tough decision? If so, can you describe the situation and how you handled it?
At the beginning of my career in Galeyo, I was quite new to the sort of industrial project that I was working on. After the team in Oslo dissolved, I thought my lack of experience in this particular niche would be an issue, and I thought about leaving the project.
Afterward, thanks to the support of our clients and my Mostar colleagues, I handled it well and continued to expand my knowledge in the industry.
How do you stay motivated and positive, even when facing challenges?
Overall, I would say that I am a pretty easygoing person, and it is not hard for me to stay positive. I believe that every challenge can be overcome by understanding its needs and requirements. If it happens that I make a mistake, and it happens, I try to learn something from it and move on.
The biggest idea behind keeping cool in the face of difficulties is that you can come up with more solutions if you don’t let the emotions run you.
How do you feel about long-term career goals?
I let my long-term career develop naturally. I am always adapting to a current situation and making the best of it, just like in Agile development. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon - many would say, and I completely agree. For me, thinking about what might happen in the future, without knowing the circumstances under which it will happen, is a waste of time. I just adapt to ongoing challenges and “roll with it”.
Do you have anything to suggest to our readers?
If you want to be better in anything you need to put yourself in unknown and awkward situations, that is how I continue to grow in my field, by accepting challenges and moving outside of my comfort zone. Also, I am always trying to learn from other people, be it clients, managers, teammates, seniors, or juniors, always expanding my knowledge and accepting various constructive inputs.
I would also like to add that staying calm, and paying attention to work-life balance is sometimes key, especially in the fast-paced IT Industry that can leave you with severe stress if you let it.
Everyone is unique. That’s a strength, not a weakness.
As Boris said, when different people get together, it’s wonderful seeing how cooperation, teamwork, and focus on the goal can bring great results.
It has been our pleasure introducing you to Boris. We hope that his story helps you see the IT industry from a bit of a different perspective, where it’s not all about the tech stack, but it’s about making the best out of any situation and aligning the circumstances with your goals.
Stay tuned for future Galeyo interviews.