In the bustling realm of IJYI, we had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Inky Simmons, our Quality & User Experience Engineer.

In this edition of our “Day in the IJYI Life” blog series, Inky graciously opens the door to their world, offering valuable insights into their role, professional journey, and the aspects that make working at IJYI a truly rewarding experience.

So, Inky...

Tell us about your role as Quality & User Experience Engineer - what does it involve?

Absolutely - my journey with IJYI began nine years ago through an apprenticeship in web development. Over time, as IJYI evolved and expanded, so did my role. Seeing a need, I assumed the role of a Quality Assurance (QA) specialist, ensuring the high standards of our technical deliveries.

I have always been very creative, so when the opportunity came up for me to take on User Interface / User Experience (UI / UX) design, I enthusiastically embraced it. This involves not only customer interaction, but also delving into the twists and turns of crafting wireframes and prototypes. My goal is to enhance the accessibility of our technical deliveries, making them seamlessly user-friendly and intuitive for all.

It's a fulfilling journey that combines technical precision with artistic flair, and I'm excited to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence at IJYI.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

What truly excites me in my role is the chance to tackle various dimensions – whether it's problem-solving through testing or the creative journey of user experience design. There's a unique thrill in translating ideas into visually compelling experiences that users will love, and in the equally captivating task of intentionally stress-testing products during QA.

Beyond that, the array of diverse projects I get to work on ensures that I'm in a perpetual state of learning. This continuous learning process is incredibly fulfilling, as it fuels my growth and keeps me at the forefront of innovation within the field.

How do you keep your skills up to date?

On the QA side, I think you’re always learning and developing your skills. As you work on a project and get to know the interface, you’ll come to learn what parts need more attention when writing and executing your test cases. Getting to work on a variety of products will help this too - you’ll work out what type of platforms need more testing and you can then apply this going forward, building up strategic plans for many different types of software. 

Another slightly off-beat thing, but I always find it’s worth keeping up to date with tech failures in the news. If there’s been a huge bug unearthed after a popular platform has put out a new update, the world is going to hear about it. While we shouldn’t scorn people who have failed, I think it’s definitely worth reading up and learning about their mistakes, so you can ensure you avoid the same kind of things slipping through the cracks when performing your own testing.  

Other than the usual, what type of software do you typically use as part of your average day?

For my UI / UX work, I use the online software Figma. In my opinion it’s an essential tool for anyone putting together visual designs for any kind of software. Not only can I create static wireframes, using Figma I am able to create click-through prototypes so that I can bring our customer’s ideas to life in an immersive and interactive way before any development work has even started.  

How would you describe the company culture at IJYI?

The company culture at IJYI is centred around people. As we've grown, we've held onto the close-knit and friendly vibe that marked our early days as a small team of four. We know that it's the people who shape IJYI's identity, and we're dedicated to nurturing that sense of togetherness.

IJYI has a flexible and remote working policy - how do you make that work for you?

The flexible and remote working approach at IJYI aligns nicely with my roles. This setup allows me to adapt my schedule to match the demands of various projects, whilst balancing life commitments. It's a key factor in maintaining my productivity, keeping me motivated and prepared to tackle fresh opportunities with enthusiasm each day.

Is there anything you do to de-stress at work?

Personally, I find that staying productive is a fantastic way to unwind. The sense of accomplishment from contributing to projects and overcoming obstacles is incredibly satisfying and rejuvenating. Moreover, the diversity in my tasks adds an element of excitement, serving as a natural buffer against burnout.

Thank you, Inky.

Our Chief Technology Officer, Asa Margetts, commented: "As IJYI continues to expand, we are always on the lookout for exceptional talent who shares our passion for innovation and creativity. Come join us on our exciting journey and be a driving force in shaping our future."

Visit our careers page for further information https://www.ijyi.com/careers