DStv - Interview with the developer of a fantastic app

Did you have any prior development or coding experience?

Yes, I have a dedicated business for web and app designing called 'Compufix Designs'. Recently this app was number 3 on Best Trending Business Apps and it was number 15 on Top Free Business Apps.

What was the most challenging aspect of developing mobile app?

The main challenging part was the interface of the app. We wanted to make sure the app was user friendly with all the devices and we made sure that it was smooth enough and easy to use without confusing the user.

_{Siyabonga Mtyobo}

My name is Siyabonga Mtyobo, I’m 27 and I live in South Africa. I’ve studied Diploma in Information Technology for 3 years and Computer Science for 2 years. My focus on my studies were Programming, Web Development and Networking in 2012. In 2015 I started my own company called 'Compufix Designs (Pty) Ltd' in South Africa, PE, that focuses on graphic design, web development, hosting, application design and more. We’ve made over 80 websites and more than 30 apps for us and our clients throughout the years. We've managed to build a successful company and opened jobs for the youth. Our main website is called 'iSearch Engine': this website has over 18 subdomains and each domain is for different function/service, such as organization, business, entertainment, school, job search...

Name a few of your favorite apps and reason you love them.

'myMail' is one of my favourites because I can send emails with ease, it's fast and reliable. The other one is 'Facebook', I love this app because of the way it publishes my ads for business purposes, and 20% of new clients are obtained from this app. 'Google Maps' is one of the best apps, I love finding places and getting correct directions.

How long have you been working on this app?

2 years.

What need of the user did you have in mind when developing this app?

This app covers the following needs: payment, schedules, TV guide, statement, watching live TV, renting...

In what way do you think your app is better than similar apps on the market? Please describe in detail what innovation you think you bring and what you are proud of in your app.

Similar apps to mine, they focus mainly on one thing, whether they are developed for payment or for entertainment solely. Yet this app has everything in one place and each section is organised to help the users know if they want to make a payment, to watch live TV or to just download the TV guide that’s available for them. This app even has a section (program) where people across Africa can invest and make money on. Our users can buy products online with a delivery option...and many more useful tools are available in this app comparing to other apps which don't have them.

What are your future plans and expected features of the coming new versions of this app?

Currently we are developing a new futuristic interface that helps to guide users while using the app, especially the elderly. The plan for the near future we are testing now is to introduce 4K streaming service, at this point the app only shows 1080i and 1080p content.

Assuming new users of your app are reading this page. What do you want to ask them to do (contact you about X, Share the app, etc.)?

I want to ask them to download and use our apps with their friends and give us feedback, so we can do better.