Shift Schedule Pro - Interview with the developer of a fantastic app

Did you have any prior development or coding experience?

Yes, I did. I began coding after first class of Computer Science at the University. So, I learned a lot about it by myself, got some experience and the first version of 'Shift Schedule' was released in 2012. Through the years I've come a long way making the app easy for users, using new technologies.

What was the most challenging aspect of developing mobile app?

It was, and still is quite challenging to develop correct UX/UI for creation and editing of schedules as easy as possible. Also it's a bit difficult to make built-in alarm clock working on all Android versions.

I'm Vladimir Kondratenko, 44 years old. I was born in a small town in Ukraine. After finishing local high school school, I entered the Metallurgical University and got Master's degree in Electricity. In the meanwhile, I worked as electrician at the 'ArcelorMittal', the world's leading integrated steel and mining company. I started coding after my first class of Computer Science at the University. As far as I worked in shifts, my first program showed me calendar with my shifts and shifts of other teams. That was where 'Shift Schedule' started. Later, I started learning Android development and began to make 'Shift Schedule' with all the cool features. I have grown a lot in this sphere and few years later I found a job as Android developer in the capital of Ukraine - Kyiv. Now, programming is my job and hobby. I have a small team consisting of an Android developer, UX/UI designer, QA and Front-end developer, and together we work on 'Shift Schedule Pro', which can help people’s lives.

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

Well, first of all I would say 'Duolingo'. Great UX, nice design and it's really useful. Just think how many people it helped to learn new languages for free. That's cool. Also, I like 'Medium'. It is easy to use and it provides great content.

How long have you been working on this app?

For me developing this app is like a hobby. As I mentioned before, I’ve been working on the first version of Shift Schedule for almost 6 years, not constantly but from time to time. In summer 2017, I decided to make full app re-design, completely change architecture, look & feel. I decided to take the main idea of the old app (multi team periodic/non-periodic schedules with smart alarm clock) and add some new features, like fresh appearance and cloud storage. Working on the app in my free time, it took about one year from the idea to the market.

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

Everybody who works in shifts has a problem when he/she needs to calculate his/hers shift for any weekend, Christmas or child's birthday. So, this is the main need - find out your shift for any day of any year. Another problem I wanted to solve is that shift workers have to know who would be able substitute them on a particular day. And of course, if you work night shifts this week and day shifts the next three days after that, it’s difficult to control your alarm clock. The app helps to solve it by configuring smart alarm.

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.

Most of the apps show only one schedule, the user's schedule. Our app shows all teams' you work with. Moreover, you can add family schedules to be aware of their working time. In 'Shift Schedule Pro' there is a share feature, so you can send schedule to your co-workers and they don't have to spend a lot of time to make it on their own. We use cloud storage and it helps us to bring instant synchronization between all users’ devices.

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

The app will be developed according to its users’ needs. For example, now users are asking me to add some additional home screen widgets. They like this way of using the app - setting it up, putting the widget on the home screen and getting all the information quickly. I also have some ideas on how the app can help managers to organize and control their employees. We have a lot to do with UX improvement by trying different methods.

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.)?

If users found this app useful to create the schedule to track working shifts, please share the created schedule with other people, for example, with family members or co-workers. That will attract more people, whose lives will become easier. And, of course, we will gladly hear any feedback. Our app looks like this only because of the users. So, any ideas, wishes and dissatisfactions are welcome.

Shift Schedule Pro

About App: Shift Schedule Pro is the best shift calendar with alarm clock for Android. Everybody can use the app as advanced Alarm Clock that can be set to any date. Shift workers can use the app as their Shift Roster/Calendar. The app uses a cloud storage and instant synchronization between all of your devices. With this app it's easy to track your shifts, finding out your shift on next New Year's Eve or the closest matching day-offs with your friends. Set a sequence of your rotating shifts, assign a date when to start and the app will build your infinite rotating schedule. Available for Android only.

Categories: Productivity

Date: July 10, 2018

Developer: Vladimir Kondratenko

About developer: I'm Vladimir Kondratenko, 44 years old. I was born in a small town in Ukrain ... Read more

Website: https://shiftschedule.pro

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App URL in iTunes

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