MATRD Myanmar Currency Converter - Interview with the developer of a fantastic app

Did you have any prior development or coding experience?

This is the first app I developed.

What was the most challenging aspect of developing mobile app?

As I'm a totally blind man, look and feel for sighted persons was the most challenging aspect of developing this mobile app. I had to ask for help from my sighted friends and family members for this case, and Mr. Benedict La hkun, a sighted member of our Myanmar Access Technology Research and Development (MATRD) team, made pictures for me to use in this app.

_{Thet Py Oo}

Thet Py Oo has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, from University of Myeik. He also obtainted a Certificate in Network Engineering & Software Engineering from KMD Institute, and an Android Development Certificate from Fairway School of Technology. Professional experience: As a Customer Service Representative at Blue Ocean Contact Center, evaluating the quality of handling calls by other CSR, and handling calls from customers about IT issues. As an Online Computer Trainer, making audio tutorials about C# Programming Language, and helping trainees in fixing their issues. As a member at MATRD (Myanmar Access Technology Research and Development), developing 'MATRD Myanmar Currency Converter' Android app.

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

In Android, 'Google Text-To-Speech Engine' and 'TalkBack' are my favourite apps because they make my Android device usable for me.

How long have you been working on this app?

I think maybe one to two months.

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

There are many Myanmar people who have to work with foreign currencies and also foreigners who have to work with Myanmar kyats. They need to know the official exchange rate issued by Central Bank of Myanmar and convert on the go.

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.

I don't think my app is better for sighted persons than other similar apps on the market. What I'm proud of in my app is accessibility which is ignored by most developers in Myanmar and some other countries too...for example, when they use 'ImageView', 'ImageButton' etc. they forget to include 'contentDescription' attribute.

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

Currently my app uses only exchange rates from Central Bank of Myanmar. I expect to include rates issued by other popular exchange center in Myanmar when possible.

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'd like to read more reviews so that I could make better version of this app and better future apps too.