Big App Energy

Tune into Big App Energy, where hosts Ben Kimble and Jacob Luetzow demystify the increasingly popular world of cross-platform development. In this episode, they break down the basics of building apps for multiple platforms from a single codebase and compare it to the native app development process. They also dive into the key advantages and potential drawbacks of this approach, touching on topics...

In this episode of the Big App Energy Podcast, hosts Ben Kimble and Jacob Luetzow unravel the concept of app localization, a crucial component in scaling and expanding the reach of your application in today's global market. We begin by introducing and defining the term "app localization," including aspects like translation, number formatting, and region-specific content curation. We...

Join hosts Ben and Jacob on the Big App Energy podcast as they explore the realm of ethical considerations in software development. In this insightful episode, they discuss the importance of ethics in the tech industry, defining key concepts and shedding light on ethical issues. From privacy and user data to transparency, accountability, security, bias, and discrimination, Ben and Jacob provide va...

Ben and Jacob navigate the terrain of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on app development. Starting with a clear introduction to AI, its origins, and its evolution, they unpack how AI is influencing the app development landscape. They delve into AI's role in personalization, predictive analysis, process automation, and security enhancement in apps. Additionally, they discuss AI'...

In this episode of Big App Energy, hosts Ben and Jacob delve into the psychological journey that software developers commonly experience, from overconfidence to imposter syndrome, all influenced by the Dunning-Kruger effect. They explore the four major stages: the Peak of Mount Stupid, where junior developers overestimate their knowledge; the Valley of Despair, where realization about the vastness...

In this episode of Big App Energy, Ben, and Jacob dive into the world of dependencies and explore how they can be both a blessing and a curse for developers. Join us as we discuss the potential risks associated with relying on third-party software, including security vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, lack of control, and license problems. We'll also share valuable tips on mitigating these...

Join hosts Ben and Jacob as they delve into the world of technical debt, a term that refers to the cost of maintaining and updating a software system when developers prioritize short-term gains over long-term maintainability. In this podcast, they explore the risks associated with technical debt, including decreased reliability and increased development costs, and provide actionable steps for both...

Join hosts Ben and Jacob as they explore the power of social media and personal branding for businesses, particularly those in the tech industry. Despite the challenges of dealing with online negativity and criticism, they share how establishing an online presence is crucial for developers and small business owners to expand their brand and reach potential customers. Through real-life examples and...

In this episode, Ben and Jacob discuss the importance of handling currency properly when dealing with money in apps. While it may seem straightforward, currency math involves a lot of complexity, and rounding errors can occur if not handled correctly. They discuss how these errors can lead to significant losses, as seen in the Vancouver stock exchange and the infamous "salami slicing" te...

Ben and Jacob discuss the importance of User Experience (UX) in app development. UX is a critical aspect of any app, as it can greatly impact the success or failure of a product. Have you ever really wanted an app to work for you, but it was just too painful to use? Our hosts share their experiences with apps like Focus To-Do, Bounty Tasker, and some blockchain social media apps that just didn't q...

Ben and Jacob examine the hard truth when a product isn't testing or performing well.  They discuss the three options that product owners typically have in this situation: let it keep failing, give up and walk away, or fix the problem. Ben and Jacob share their experiences and insights into the common mistakes that product owners make when they should be pivoting but are more focused on their...

Ben and Jacob introduce analytics and its importance for tracking user behavior across your app. They discuss what information should be collected, the significance of sanitizing user data, and the importance of only collecting the necessary data. They emphasize the need to be mindful and treat user data like sensitive information you would want to avoid falling into the wrong hands. Ben and Jacob...

Ben and Jacob dive into unit testing, exploring what it is and why it's essential in software development. They discuss why unit testing is often overlooked by fast-paced startups that prioritize speed over quality. Ben and Jacob then delve into the benefits of unit testing and compare it to having security measures in place. They highlight how unit tests help catch bugs and errors early in develo...

Ben and Jacob explore whether no-code and low-code tools can be used to build successful apps. They start by defining the terms and explaining how these tools work. No-code solutions allow users to create apps through drag-and-drop interfaces, and low-code solutions allow for more customization through pre-built modules. Ben and Jacob then delve into the advantages and disadvantages of using these...

When building an MVP, it's important to focus on the essentials and avoid overcomplicating your initial release. Ben and Jacob suggest researching your market and competitors to ensure your app idea addresses a real need and offers a unique value proposition. Once you've identified your target market and validated your idea, the next step is to strip your feature list down to the bare minimum requ...

Ben and Jacob delve into the topic of "Race-to-the-Bottom" freelancing and the potential pitfalls of using platforms like UpWork and Fiverr to find affordable talent. They discuss how the pressure to compete on price can result in low-quality work, missed deadlines, and additional expenses for the client. The hosts provide examples of how paying more upfront for quality freelancers can save client...

Developing an app involves more than just the initial decision to create one; it can be challenging to determine the appropriate approach for your app.  Ben and Jacob explore the various types of apps available, including web, native, progressive web, and hybrid apps. They examine the advantages and disadvantages of each option and provide insights into the critical factors to consider when d...

Ben and Jacob discuss the importance of data privacy and why it should matter to everyone. They define what data privacy means and how it relates to data security. They also provide examples of data breaches and how they can harm individuals and organizations. The discussion then shifts to how various entities collect, share, and use data, including social media platforms, advertisers, and governm...

Ben and Jacob discuss the critical decision of whether to build or buy when developing software applications. They weigh the pros and cons of each option, sharing insights from their own experiences as well as from industry experts. They delve into the various factors that can influence this decision, such as the size and complexity of the project, the available resources and expertise, the desire...

Ben and Jacob discuss the concept of a "stack" in software development. They break down a stack, how it works, and why it is essential in development. They begin by explaining that a stack is a collection of technologies that are used together to create a software application. They discuss the different layers of a stack, such as the operating system, the programming language, and the database, an...

Ben and Jacob dive into agile project management and the SCRUM framework. They start by explaining the origins of SCRUM and how it evolved from rugby into a methodology for managing complex software projects. They then break down the roles in a SCRUM team, including the Product Owner, the Scrum Master, and the Development Team. They also explain the various ceremonies in a SCRUM sprint, such as th...

Ben and Jacob discuss the importance of keeping your developers happy to ensure a successful and efficient development process. They start by discussing the common misconceptions surrounding the role of developers and the impact that their satisfaction has on the overall success of a project. Next, they dive into some practical tips and strategies for keeping developers motivated and engaged, such...

Ben and Jacob discuss finding and choosing a development shop for your app. They start by discussing the importance of finding a development shop that fits your project, including their expertise, availability, and communication style. The hosts then share their own experiences with finding development shops, including the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned. They provide tips on wh...

Ben and Jacob dive into the often daunting topic of app development costs. They explore why app development can be so expensive, what factors contribute to these costs, and how businesses can manage them. From the cost of hiring skilled developers to the complexity of building and maintaining an app, they provide valuable insights into the various expenses associated with app development. Ben and...

Ben and Jacob dive into the app development world and explore every entrepreneur and product manager's question: How long does it take to develop an app? They discuss the various factors that can affect the app development timeline, such as the app's complexity, the development team's size, and the technologies and tools used in the process. The hosts also share some real-life examples of app deve...