Navigating Complex Projects: Jake’s Work with Welldoing

At Fat Fish Digital, we pride ourselves on our dynamic team and innovative projects that make a real difference. One of our lead developers, Jake Barter , has played a huge part in this journey, particularly in the development of Welldoing.org , which seeks to improve therapist matching for individuals seeking mental health support. This article explores Jake's role at Fat Fish Digital, and his personal experiences with the Welldoing project, where he focused on modernising the user experience and enhancing its functionality.

My Role and Responsibilities?

Having joined Fat Fish Digital over three and a half years ago, I was drawn here by a desire to work with a fast-paced, dynamic team on exciting projects. As a lead developer, I'm deeply involved in every aspect of our projects, where my responsibilities involve a wide range of tasks. This means not just developing technical solutions, but also understanding the entire project ecosystem. When challenges arise, I'm responsible for investigating root causes, developing comprehensive solutions, and ensuring project success.

My technical background is primarily in React and React Native , with experience in Unity development. Recently, I have developed a keen interest in utilising open-source infrastructure, such as Coolify, and expanding my knowledge of React frameworks, including React-Router v7. This diverse skill set has equipped me to tackle complex projects like Welldoing.org .

Approaching Complex Projects: My Work on Welldoing

The Welldoing project consisted of rebuilding their therapist matching platform to modernise its functionality and accessibility. Our primary goal was to create a platform that was user-friendly and adaptable, allowing for further development and enhancements in the future. This project is significant as it aims to provide individuals seeking mental health support with easier access to the right therapists.

When I initially took over the project, I faced the challenge of navigating an existing codebase, identifying which components could be retained and which needed redevelopment. It took considerable time to familiarise myself with the nuances of the code, which was quite complex.

A challenging decision I had to make during this project was to develop the admin portal from scratch, rather than relying on pre-existing frameworks like ReactAdmin. This was done in order to meet the specific needs of the platform, which would have been compromised by using a drop-in solution.

User Experience in Mental Health Technology

User experience is crucial in any development project, but especially for a platform that involves personal services like therapy. My strategy focused on presenting relevant information without overwhelming users, ensuring those seeking mental health resources can do so with confidence and ease.

Collaborative Development Process

Working closely with the Welldoing.org team has been crucial whilst rebuilding the platform. Balancing client feedback with technical feasibility throughout this project required assessing the scope of tasks and determining their value relative to the project's priorities. This process helped with overall efficiency, allowing us to focus on more high-impact issues.

Continuous Learning and Growth

Working on this project has significantly contributed to my growth as a developer. Inheriting a large project with a pre-existing codebase has challenged me to consider various factors I might not have encountered while developing from scratch. Utilising debugging tools has been invaluable in navigating unfamiliar code and understanding existing workflows.

While the project has progressed tremendously, I recognise the potential for further growth in both technical skills and project management. Streamlining processes and addressing legacy code can enhance efficiency in future developments.

Reflections on the Journey

The most rewarding aspect of this project has been the successful launch of the new platform. Despite facing challenges during the rollout, the sense of accomplishment in delivering a functional product was immensely gratifying. I take pride in the admin portal’s development, particularly the visually appealing data representations created with minimal reliance on external packages.?

Creating a platform for such a personal service as therapy comes with its unique challenges. Balancing the needs of clients and therapists requires careful consideration of their perspectives and ensuring effective communication between both parties.

As technology continues to evolve, its role in mental health and wellness services is becoming increasingly vital. With widespread internet access, individuals can more easily seek the help they need, fostering a culture of support and openness.

For developers working in sensitive areas like mental health, my advice is to prioritise simplicity. It is essential to avoid overwhelming users, as this can discourage them from seeking the help they need. By maintaining a straightforward approach, we can create platforms that truly support individuals in their journeys towards better mental health.