In 2024, generative AI* and large language models* are expected to expand further opportunities within the CX domain. Consequently, experts foresee an increase in hyper-personalization*, leading to enhanced customer service quality. There are people who possess a profound understanding of user requirements and have devoted their careers to facilitating the growth of businesses. One of them is Chike Mgbemena, a professional Android Software Engineer at Postly, who will offer insights into his experience of honing his skills to grasp user needs and deliver top-notch applications effectively.
Background and Experience of Chike Mgbemena
Why does Chike Mgbemena consider this area so important? He shares: "I decided to work on advanced mobile applications during my tenure at Zone Payment Network (formerly AppZone Group). It was there that I recognized the immense potential of mobile technology to improve user experience. Working on complex mobile banking features such as account opening, money transfers, bill payments, and QR payments made me realize the critical role mobile apps play in people's daily lives."
Chike Mgbemena's educational journey has been very important in his ability to innovate and enhance user experiences. By earning a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Chike laid a solid foundation in the principles of computing and software development. Chike states, "You really need to have a good education to be equipped with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to understand complex systems and algorithms, which are crucial for developing user-centric solutions, and never stop learning."
This ongoing education enabled Chike to apply innovative techniques and best practices to his work, directly impacting the quality of user experiences he could deliver. For instance, his proficiency in Java, Kotlin, Dart, and modern mobile development frameworks allowed him to create more efficient, responsive, and user-friendly mobile applications. By understanding the latest trends and technologies, Chike was able to anticipate user needs and incorporate features that enhanced usability and satisfaction.
Chike's progression toward professional expertise was captivating as he assumed pivotal roles within organizations like Pacent Technologies, Zone Payment Network (formerly AppZone Group), Carbon, and Snappy Shopper (UK). At Carbon, a fintech company focusing on financial services, Chike started as a Senior Android Software Engineer and was promoted to Lead Android Software Engineer, which is an important role. During his tenure, he spearheaded various initiatives that significantly impacted the company's growth and user experience.
Chike's dedication to ensuring a seamless user experience is evident from his meticulous debugging efforts, which resulted in an impressive 97% crash-free user rate with over 2 million downloads on the Google play store for the Carbon Android application. By focusing on optimizing app performance and stability, he created a reliable mobile application for users to engage with the company's services effortlessly.
Chike's first success story revolved around the successful development of the virtual debit card feature at Carbon, as well as the Carbon Express keyboard app. These notable accomplishments significantly enhanced the app's capabilities, resulting in a remarkable 50% surge in user transactions and a 30% increase in app retention rates. As the Lead Mobile Software Engineer, Chike oversaw the project's execution, which played a pivotal role in driving Carbon's expansion and enhancing user satisfaction.
Furthermore, Chike took proactive steps in the development process by revolutionizing the Android Continuous Integration (CI) pipeline. By integrating comprehensive code quality checks and rigorous unit testing practices, the proposed method successfully minimized production bugs, ensuring a smoother and error-free experience for both users and developers.
Another significant achievement occurred during Chike's tenure at Snappy Shopper, where he contributed to the creation of cutting-edge product search functionality that revolutionized the user experience. By implementing this feature, Chike significantly improved user navigation and product discovery, leading to a remarkable 40% increase in user engagement and a notable 25% boost in sales conversions. Chike also developed a multi-layered product item menu interface, seamlessly blending advanced UI design with complex business logic. This innovation is crucial for users as it simplifies navigation through product items, enhances the overall user experience, and allows for more intuitive access to the app's diverse product offerings. These enhancements not only streamlined the shopping process for customers but also directly contributed to the company's revenue growth.
Furthermore, he spearheaded the creation of a real-time order-tracking feature within the app, setting a new standard for customer convenience and satisfaction. This addition proved to be instrumental in enhancing the overall shopping experience, resulting in a notable 30% increase in customer satisfaction and further solidifying Snappy Shopper's reputation as a customer-centric online grocery delivery service provider.
Expertise Contributing to Business Growth
As an experienced Senior Android Software Engineer at Postly, Chike Mgbemena has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the team and has been a reliable consultant. His role involves leading the design and implementation of modern features for the company's Android application, focusing on seamless integration and delivering exceptional user experiences. By staying abreast of industry trends and best practices, he maintains a competitive edge and guides the team toward delivering high-quality solutions that satisfy users' evolving needs.
Chike works on optimizing the app's performance and reliability through a thorough process of debugging, performance analysis, and the implementation of industry best practices. By diving deep into the app's codebase, identifying potential issues, and applying strategic solutions, he has been able to enhance the overall user experience, making the application more responsive and stable for Postly customers.
With over seven years of professional experience in mobile development, Chike possesses a deep knowledge of modern mobile technologies, including Java, Dart, Kotlin, Android SDK, Retrofit, Dagger/Hilt, RxJava, Coroutines, Jetpack, Compose, and Room. He also has expertise in advanced mobile development tools such as Kotlin Multiplatform, Compose Multiplatform, GraphQL, Flutter, Firebase, and RESTful APIs. His skill set further encompasses proficiency with CI/CD pipelines, modular architecture, and advanced testing frameworks. His technical skills have enabled him to develop robust, scalable, and high-performance mobile applications that stand out in the market. Chike shares his approach to understanding user needs in mobile app development: "To create apps that really resonate with users, I focus on integrating their feedback and collaborating closely with the whole team. I work hand-in-hand with UX/UI designers and product managers to make sure the app's design and functionality match what users expect. I also keep a close eye on how people use the app and look at performance metrics to find ways to make it better. This way, we ensure the final product not only meets user needs but also provides a smooth and enjoyable experience. Once the initial data is collected, I dive into detailed analysis sessions, including reviewing user feedback and conducting usability tests, to pinpoint specific user needs. By maintaining continuous communication with stakeholders and incorporating user feedback into each development cycle, I ensure that the final product aligns closely with user expectations and delivers a smooth, seamless experience on mobile devices."
At the same time, Chike is focused on improving the team's efficiency and productivity by introducing agile methodologies and streamlining development processes. This included conducting thorough code reviews and optimizing the CI/CD pipeline to ensure faster and more reliable builds and deployments. These changes help the team improve their workflow, reduce bottlenecks, and increase overall productivity. Chike is happy to say that he has encouraged team members to take on more challenging tasks and projects, providing guidance and support as needed. This approach boosted their confidence and enabled them to become more independent in their roles. As a result, the team saw a marked improvement in their technical capabilities, problem-solving skills, and overall productivity, contributing to the successful delivery of high-quality projects and a more cohesive and efficient team dynamic.
Chike Mgbemena has significantly contributed to the field of mobile development by writing numerous technical articles online, delivering impactful technical talks at various conferences, and leading the development of high-impact mobile applications in the fintech, edtech, and retail sectors. His work at Postly, Zone Payment Network (formerly AppZone Group), Carbon, and Snappy Shopper (UK), where he spearheaded the launch of innovative features and optimized app performance, had driven substantial user engagement and satisfaction and an increase in company revenue. Additionally, his technical leadership and mentorship have fostered a culture of excellence and continuous learning within his teams, advancing the capabilities of mobile applications and inspiring the next generation of developers. Chike Mgbemena's insights are a testament to the value of prioritizing user-centricity in achieving business growth and fostering sustained success in the dynamic world of technology and innovation.
