Future Rewired connects local entrepreneurs

Dave Wratten from Resolution IT, discussed Web App Development using Azure and DevOps. Guiding attendees on how to develop web apps effectively, with a comprehensive list of pro's and pitfalls - Dave rounded off his talk with a focused discussion on how to develop in the most cost-effective way.

Helen Walton, Head of data analysis for the States of Guernsey discussed the collection of Guernsey's Census Records, and how this data affects how decisions are made and strategically saves the island money. In 1971 the first computer (ever on the island) was brought to Guernsey for the first Bailiwick census, collected and collated by the bailiwick itself. Before then the UK had always handled the census of the island, dating all the way back to 1821. Helen then discussed big data within the states next, and how collecting data from each individual citizen as well as collating from the different sectors helps provide population forecasts and tax evaluation.

Every 100 years the census data that has been stored away (traditionally a box full of handwritten paper forms and sealed with a wax stamp) will be opened and evaluated to access changes in society and to affirm past forecasts made. Within this conversation is how to then preserve the census data that will be opened in the next 100 years and what sort of format these new findings should be stored in.

Fill out this year's community survey here; https://gov.gg/communitysurvey2021 

Don Lowe from Submarine Guernsey discussed what information is and the idea of the incurring data in every aspect of our known universe in his session, 'Metaphor in Systems'

'We are information gatherers' much like the hunter gatherers of previous ages Don proposed, before discussing idea incarnates, the concept of how most things that we see today (for example motorbikes, cars and washing machines) arent found anywhere in our natural surroundings. How all the intricate workings and parts were born of the human mind, and how we perceive all this information. 

2D and 3D Designer Brent Alexander founder of Craft, began his talk with an overview of the history of game design and the seven pillars that these systems are built on. Next, we took a dive into the architectural benefits of working in VR and AR, something Brent is working on currently. The models, that can be walked through in VR, are as close to the finished product as possible, with sounds recorded from the actual plot of land and the actual lighting built into the model.

Viewers can easily mark areas they want to change and use an inbuilt system to preview material changes such as wallpapers and flooring. Working to a spec given to them by the architects, Craft can cut down decision making time with clients from months to weeks! This sort of system is also used to train emergency services and classrooms, and to create adverts and television visuals.  

In Trevor Nicholls' talk, he presented his application EaseeDo Ltd, along with the journey while developing it. Trevor works on EaseeDo in his spare time, created from his personal experience face the need he had to support his children's organisational skills to help calm their emotions, building time management skills to minimalise stress. 

His application looks to train your executive function to better build the fundamentals to a better self. Through live shared calendar updates that have separate interfaces for children and parents, a day is segmented into timelines and routines which makes it much less stressful by being organised and training these core life skills.

Damien Guard from Intracia discussed 'Interviewing at Big Tech' providing some different interviewing techniques and insight into the questions you may face and the programming exercises that big tech companies may give you. 'Some companies will hire you as a fit for the company culture rather than a specific role, then assign you a role once you've spent a few months working with different teams on different projects.'

Damien then shared some tips on remote interviews and the do's and dont's of conveying a good impression on your interviewers under pressure. 'You've got an hour, they have to make a decision and if your interviewer feels they don't know you their decision will default to no-hire.'

Tom Langford from the Potting Shed discussed the journey of a brand from the beginning, the tools they can use such as social media (the best free tool to grow your audience that is well-optimised for the channel islands) and using your website as an important platform to capture peoples attention instead of flooding users with information. "You reach more people with less money with social media, clients can quickly and easily generate content"

Tom also showcased some examples for physical brand copies, some business card designs and graphics used for traditional press, an important and sometimes forgotten channel of communication that when optimised correctly, you can use to help spread the word of your brand - with some tips and tricks that he has learnt over the years.

The Digital Greenhouse team concluded the day with an innovation challenge, where attendees were invited to illustrate solutions to the problem statement "How can technology create a positive impact to Guernsey's traffic problem?" Trophies were handed out after a group voting session for the most innovative solution, most practical, most humourous and best drawing.