5-minute sit down with Serena Sensini, Apps UP 2022 Judge

This year, we’ve sat down with our judges who will be taking part in Apps UP 2022 to get an insight into what they think developers need to succeed, along with what they’ll be looking for in a winning submission

Today we will be speaking to Serena Sensini , Enterprise Architect and Writer, who gives some well-rounded advice to all developers out there, including how to make an app innovative, the importance of being in a developer community and the skills that a developer should possess (other than coding!!).

Apps UP

Firstly, we asked Serena to share her thoughts on Apps UP, and to give some insider tips on how applicants this year can succeed.

So, Serena, what is your impression of Apps UP and what are you hoping to see in this year’s submissions?

Apps up is the best way to make a developer express its own creativity and make a difference in our digital world. The impact that digital devices have in our lives is priceless and this project gives everyone the opportunity to make a step in the future we'll be living in the next years.

For this year’s submissions, I would like to see creativity and above all else, apps that include functionalities related to these topics that have a huge impact on our lives. I'd like the apps of the future to teach more about the value of diversity through inclusion and accessibility, as well as respect for our environment.

What are you looking for when you try a new app?

Firstly, inclusion. Does the app provide functionalities that do not discriminate any minority? Is it engaging for a heterogenous target?

Secondly, accessibility. Even if it is a difficult task, it is essential for a successful and inclusive app.

Last but not least, innovation. In our app stores we have thousands of apps that may have cross functionalities, and when you find one that best suits you and your needs, using an approach you have not experienced yet, it fantastic.

What is the best way for Apps UP contestants to make an impact and stand out with their app?

Neatness and accessibility in functionalities and design, but also the evolution of their environmental impact, if related to the original scope.

What makes an app innovative?

The use of an approach that looks at different perspectives. In this sense, I mean that adopting more than one point of view and above all diversifying the way we think about the functionalities we want to offer to end users is fundamental to create innovation.

Which award category are you most excited to receive submissions for and why?

For sure, the Tech Women's Award: last year we have had different great examples of what diversity can produce positively.

What is the definition or the formula of a great app?

Apps that include a benefit in frequent, if not daily use, are great apps to me. For example, "Go Zero Waste" and "Smart Tales" are two of last year's winning apps that report to criteria such as creativity, innovation, environmental impact assessment and inclusion.

What kind of impact does a contest like Apps UP have not just in the developer community but in digital lifestyles?

Smartphones and digital devices are part of our everyday life and capture our attention and a lot of our time. Developers need to take advantage of this change in lifestyle and jump at the opportunity to create a better world – one where the developer community can express themselves, make themselves known and show their own talent.

Developer Advice

Next up, we asked Serena on her top tips for Developers, to help them excel in the industry.

What are some of the mistakes or common pitfalls you've seen developers make?

Writing the code that will make your app work should take no more than 30% of your time: the remainder should be dedicated to designing that allows a correct evaluation of the app's functionality. Developers should be asking themselves what impact does it have on end users? What benefits does it offer? How can I make it inclusive and innovative?

What does being in developer community mean to you?

It means being able to tell my story, and contribute towards a community that consists of an environment of shared knowledge. Every contribution, even the most insignificant, can have a huge impact on the developers of the future, which is why having the opportunity to share with others is the most important part of being in a community. The creation of a shared knowledge base that can contribute to open innovation: this has always been the result of great creativity and incredible products that have made a difference in our history.

What other skills should great developers have apart from coding?

Communication and empathy are the most important skills a developer can have. Evaluating the impact that a software product can have on users' lives requires a great test.

Which programming language/framework do you think most interesting of creating an app?

Nowadays there are many languages and frameworks that allow you to create applications without using native programming: Ionic is among them, and is recognized by the community as one of the most used languages for its versatility and ease of use and learning for the creation of an app.

HMS Core

Lastly, as Apps UP requires applicants to integrate kits from HMS Core, we asked Serena to share some thoughts on HMS Core.

Which HMS Core Kit do you find most innovative?

ML Kit offers a great opportunity to include functionalities that offer a better experience on the user's knowledge: how to adapt the app lifecycle to the user's needs is one of the best chances we have to earn loyalty in our users.

What is the most impressive way you've seen the HMS kits been integrated into an app?

The usage of the Graphics kit is massive: different apps have raised the standards of the UX design in a huge way. The ML Kit with their functionalities have a great potential, even if it hasn't been expressed too much yet.

We’d like to thank Serena for giving such an in-depth insight into her thoughts on the benefits of initiatives like Apps UP 2022 and the importance of developer communities. While it is important for developers to be up to scratch with their coding and developing, it is just as essential that they take advantage of networking and engaging in different communities to gain real life experience and knowledge from the in the developer industry.

If you are interested in furthering your experience in the developer industry, there is still time to enter our Apps UP 2022 competition. Whether you have an existing app or have a great concept for a new one, simply integrate HMS Core for a chance to win from our $200,000 USD prize pool in one of our award categories, ranging from Best Game, Best Student Innovation, Tech Women’s Award, to Best Social Impact App (to name a few!). Register now for a chance to win HERE !