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UX/UI design is constantly evolving in relation to technological advancements, new industry standards, and developments in UX/UI best practices. It’s more important than ever before for UX/UI designers to stay up-to-date on industry trends and partake in continuous learning in order to remain competitive. This article breaks down the expanding responsibilities of UX/UI designers, as well as the evolving UX/UI designer skills required to be successful in the industry. What is UX/UI Design? User experience (UX) design and user interface (UI) design are two distinct but related areas of digital design . Their core work is creating websites or other digital applications that are user friendly and aesthetically pleasing. UX design User experience design centers designing digital products that are easy and enjoyable for individuals to access and navigate. In order to successfully design for user experience, UX designers must be knowledgeable of the needs, expectations, and behaviors of their users. UI design User interface design is specific to the aesthetics of the digital product. In other words, UI designers decide everything from the layout, color scheme, fonts, and other icons to improve the user experience. The design must also be coherent with the organization's image and identity. What Responsibilities do UX/UI Designers Have? UX and UI designers create visually appealing user centric digital products that communicate an organization’s image and function . Their responsibilities vary as they each focus on distinct parts of the design process, but ultimately their work frequently overlaps. Here’s a brief breakdown of UX designer and UI designer’s key responsibilities: UX designer’s responsibilities: User research: UX designers must understand their target users, their needs, expectations, behaviors, and specific challenges. User research involves surveys, interviews, user personas, and usability testing. Information architecture: structuring and organizing content and features in a user friendly, logical, and intuitive manner is crucial in creating a positive user experience. Wireframing and prototyping: UX designers must create wireframes and interactive prototypes to fully imagine the structure and layout of the digital product. These prototypes are later used to test for usability before the full design is complete. Usability testing: of the design is crucial in identifying usability issues, gaining feedback, and transforming the digital product accordingly. This can happen through user journey mapping, heatmaps, or behavioral analysis, in order to pinpoint potential challenges for users and other areas for improvement. UI designer’s responsibilities: Visual design: creates the visual aspects of the product including layout, color patterns, fonts, and other imagery that ultimately creates a cohesive and visually pleasing interface. Style guides and design systems : refers to the development of guidelines and systems that establish consistency across the product. Responsive design: ensures that the user interface is easily adapted across varying screen sizes and devices. Prototyping : showcases the visual design and interactive elements of the product such that collaborating teams and clients can preview the digital design. In many projects, the work of UX and UI designers can overlap or be divided based upon the size of the team, the complexity of the product, and the organization’s design process. Their collective goal is to create a digital product that offers extraordinary user experience while furthering the overall organizational objectives. How have UX/UI designer’s responsibilities evolved? The field of technology is always adapting and transforming with the introduction of new tools, design philosophies, and other industry trends. But just how have these greater advancements transformed UX/UI designer’s work? There are a number of ways: AI and machine learning integration : If designers can learn to integrate AI and machine learning into their work, they will be able to obtain actionable insights, streamline data processes, and improve user experiences. Globalization : in a time of increasing globalization of markets, designers must consider the cultural implications and nuances when designing for diverse user populations. Accessibility : UX/UI designers must create products that can be easily utilized by individuals with disabilities. This means designing with inclusive practices in mind and in hand with accessibility standards. Ethical design : the ethics question in UX/UI design is one that’s always developing as technology advances and transforms. Designers must consider issues like privacy, data security, and the potential impacts of their designs on user well-being. These are just a few of the many ways in which the role of a UX/UI designer has evolved in recent years. These transformations mean that UX/UI designers must possess a wide range of soft and hard skills in order to continuously learn, adapt, and stay ahead of the curve on industry trends and developments. This brings us to our next question: what skills are needed to be a successful UX/UI designer? What skills are needed to be a successful UX/UI Designer? Successful UX/UI designers must possess a variety of technical skills, creative ambitions, and a complete understanding of UX/UI design principles. Let’s break down the skills needed in order to thrive as a UX/UI designer in today's ever evolving tech climate. What skills does a UX designer need? There are many skills that a UX designer should have, including: Front-end development basics: UX designers must be confident with HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript in order to better straddle the gap between design and development. Prototyping tools: UX designers should be familiar with prototyping tools like Balsamiq, Axure RP, Adobe AX, and Sketch, among others. These tools allow UX designers to quickly sketch out concepts, create complex animations, and test design products. Collaboration: is crucial to the design process. UX designers must work effectively with cross-functional teams, including developers, marketers, and other stakeholders. Problem solving: is necessary to the UX design process. A UX designer must feel prepared to take on complex design challenges, receive feedback, and adapt based on that information. User-centric mindset: is a necessity for UX designers given that the user’s needs and objectives are at the core of all design decisions. What skills does a UI designer need? Key skills for a UI designer include: Visual design: this is at the core of the work of UI designers. They must be confident in their ability to create cohesive, creative, and visually appealing designs. This requires strong analytical skills in order to determine how their design reflects both user needs and organizational identity. Prototyping tools: mastery of specific prototyping tools is necessary for UI designers. These tools may include Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, and InVision Studio, among others. Mastering these tools is crucial in creating prototypes that will later be improved upon and transformed into final design products. Stakeholder management: this is a crucial aspect of a UI designer’s work and requires strong interpersonal skills in order to clearly communicate design decisions and rationale to non-design stakeholders. Creativity : without question, this is one of the most important parts of a UI designer’s work. A creative mindset leads to innovation design solutions that simultaneously address user needs and organizational goals. Adaptability : this is imperative to UI designers, given the need to adapt to changing product requirements, design trends, and technological advancements. In all, these are just a few simple skills that a UX/UI designer should have. UX/UI design is a dynamic field which requires regular upskilling and reskilling in order to continuously develop skill sets and stay up-to-date with the demands of the evolving tech industry. How to improve UX/UI design skills? Improving your UI/UX design skills and staying up-to-date on industry trends and developments is crucial for designers who wish to stay competitive in their quickly evolving field of work. In order to advance skill sets, designers must commit to continuous learning , embrace feedback, and tackle challenges head on. Here are a few ways UX/UI designers can continue to hone their skills: Read : UX/UI designers should take advantage of the many books and online resources that cover UX/UI design principles, methodologies, and best practices. Subscribing to the Ironhack blog is a great way to start! Participate in an online course or tutorial: today there are endless options for folks interested in learning UX/UI design or simply improving upon their UX/UI design expertise. Lucky for you, Ironhack offers online courses in UX/UI design . Join a design community: design communities help folks hone their skills, build their professional network, and find inspiration for new work. UX/UI designers can join online communities and forums like Graphic Design Forum , Behance , Dribble , or Slack’s Designer Hangout. Take on a personal project: we know that our daily work can often become repetitive and narrow in scope. That said, taking on a personal design project allows designers to address different design challenges and experiment with alternative styles and design techniques. Attend workshops and conferences : in order to learn from industry experts, stay up-to-date on design trends, and expand your network of UX/UI designers. Improving UX/UI design skills is a continual process. It requires dedication, an openness to feedback, and a willingness to take on new challenges without hesitation. Setting aside time for continuous learning, reskilling, and upskilling is an investment in yourself and your capabilities as a UX/UI designer. If you’re interested in improving your skills as a UX/UI designer, then look no further. Ironhack offers part time and full time bootcamps in UX/UI design . Our program will walk you through the basics of building your own interfaces and understanding design thinking. You’ll finish the course prepared to confidently enter the field of UX/UI design. Check out our course offerings today.

When it comes to inclusive classrooms, we’d all like to think we’re the industry leaders, boasting diversity in everything that we do. But the reality is that it’s not quite the case and truly fostering diversity, inclusion, and equality in the classroom requires an effort that’s deeply rooted in a commitment to bettering the world . And the tech sector, an industry that had low levels of diversity for so long, is in dire need of professionals looking to make a strong promise to diversity. The classroom is an essential place to start diversity efforts, showing all students that they’re welcome and belong. But even before that, how can we ensure that all students have the tools they need to be able to even step foot in the classroom? After all, if not every student has an equal opportunity to even start learning about tech, a diverse classroom will be impossible. In this post, we’ll explore some barriers to tech education that many groups face, in addition to tips to improving diversity and inclusion efforts in the classroom. Barriers to Tech Education People who want to learn tech can just sign up for a class, right? It may seem this simple to some people, but the reality is that many people are unable to even access basic tech classes, which then ensures that they can never advance in the field. Let’s cover some of the most frequent barriers to tech education that we witness: A lack of resources: this is quite obvious; if students aren’t exposed to technology, they won’t be interested in learning more, let alone pursuing it professionally. And for those who do get some technology knowledge in school, if they only see outdated machines or programs, they might doubt the importance of technology today and in the future. Other schools may have limited computers, weak WiFi connections, or budget constraints that don’t allow for a thorough tech education. Limited instructor knowledge : have you ever had someone try to teach you something that you just know they’re not an expert in? Unfortunately, this is common in areas with low resources; teachers are forced to lead classes in subjects they aren’t experts in and aren’t passionate about and this is frequently transmitted to the students. Institutional barriers : many schools don’t place the same importance on technology classes that they do math or English, meaning students don’t realize that technology is an incredibly important skill that could be quite beneficial later on. Other schools simply don’t have the bandwidth to take on an additional subject. Assumptions about the tech sector : it just takes one comment about how girls have no place in tech for a little girl to completely close off to tech; misconceptions about the industry communicated to students can completely change a person’s mindset when it comes to tech. A test-heavy dependence : as education has advanced in recent years, we’ve learned that there are many ways to learn and some students simply don’t test as well as others, despite having the same knowledge. Students who struggle with tests might be deterred by an excessive amount of tests or strict evaluation policies. Resistance to change : tech is becoming increasingly important and many people are reluctant to truly embrace it; while understandable, this resistance to change can limit the development and education of students. These general barriers can limit the tech education opportunities that students have and ultimately lead them to choose a different career path. To ensure that all students have the chance to truly explore tech and decide if they want to pursue a career in it, institutions should keep these following tips and tricks in mind: Ensure that technology offerings work for all students Low-income students may not have the broadband power they need at home to complete technology-focused assignments, resulting in them falling behind and losing interest in the subject. Before assigning at-home work that requires tools and resources that some may not have, familiarize yourself with all students’ situations and offer solutions or help when needed . And for students with disabilities who may not be able to work a computer for whatever reason, ensure teachers are familiar with accessibility options and work to provide a comparable and equal experience for all. Keep affordability at the forefront of lesson planning There might be an ultra-expensive program that would be a great resource for your students and the majority of them have no problem affording it. However, the financial barrier to tech is a major one and putting financial barriers in place can completely exclude some students from your lesson and ultimately make them feel like they’re not welcome. Keep affordability at the front of your mind at all times and make an effort to make adjustments for specific students if their circumstances require other solutions. Promote the use of technology in daily life Students react positively to tools and resources that they can see helping them in their daily life–they want to know that what they’re learning will be beneficial to their lives, no matter their specific circumstances. Bringing technology to the forefront of everything you do and showing how it can be beneficial to society can help spark an interest in technology that will propel them to keep learning. But how can we promote diversity and inclusion in the classroom, once the student is in the classroom? This takes dedication and a true passion for achieving a diverse and inclusive classroom, but it is possible. Diversity and Equality in the Classroom Diverse and inclusive classrooms are completely realistic and many efforts have been made in recent years to guarantee it. But if you’re unsure on where to start or how to deal with certain situations, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive right in. Create a place where everyone belongs : this seems obvious, but it’s easier said than done. Creating a classroom where all students feel welcome and cherished can be challenging, so follow these tips: Review names and preferred pronouns frequently at the beginning of the course, practicing the correct pronunciation of people’s names to avoid any microaggressions. Ask students to create a bio on a shared platform where they can share their photo and basic information, creating a place where everyone can review this information. Be attentive to student needs : some disabilities are visible and students talk about them easily; others may be hidden and students are reluctant to share them openly. To make sure you’re fully aware of student needs: Create a survey for them to take home or fill out online where they can privately share anything that is essential for their learning process. Keep a feedback box or online survey available for the entirety of the course so that students can anonymously communicate any problems or concerns with you. Promote teamwork and collaboration : you may have students that have never interacted with people from other cultures and to encourage cultural exchange and diversity, make teamwork and group projects an essential part of your course: Avoid letting students choose their own groups (this can lead to students picking people similar to themselves or others feeling left out) and instead pair or group students based on their varied backgrounds, encouraging this inclusive principle. Encourage a culture where students use each other for resources and answers, letting them see each other as tech professionals and boosting each other up. Ensure your classroom is accessible : an accessible experience is comparable and equal to that of the “regular” experience and classrooms that aren’t creating an equal and inclusive experience for all simply aren’t effective: Take the feedback from your initial student surveys into account and incorporate what you’ve learned into your course: offering captions or subtitles for second language learners could be incredibly helpful and accessible PDFs with image descriptions include visually impaired students. Listen to your students and watch for areas where someone might be struggling, reaching out and making the necessary adjustments as required. Remember that the technology sector has a history of being non-inclusive : we’re working towards becoming more inclusive but there’s still a lot to be done to repair the years and years of being non-inclusive: Don’t assume that everyone has the same knowledge and be patient with those just starting out; they deserve the same opportunities and may have had limited resources in the past. Boast flexibility to make all feel welcome, such as allowing students to have their cameras off during remote classes or study from different places if they have other responsibilities. Creating an inclusive and diverse classroom where all feel welcome is totally possible, but it will require hard work, patience, and adjustments when necessary . And if you’re looking to get started in tech in a diverse and inclusive environment where all are welcome, different backgrounds are cherished, and you’ll feel supported, there’s no better place than Ironhack. At Ironhack, we boast diverse students in our Web Development, UX/UI Design, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity Bootcamps, thanks to our flexible part and full time options, financing plans, career support, and no previous tech knowledge required. Interested? We’d love to see you in class. Apply today and help us make the tech sector more diverse and inclusive.

If you’re here, you probably understand why tech bootcamps are such great choices for those looking to switch careers and transform their lives. Gone are the days where university degrees and years and years of experience are needed; tech is advancing at a dizzying pace and employers need skilled and driven employees to keep up with market needs. And that’s exactly where bootcamps come into play: they’re intensive, focused, and help prepare you for the realities of working in tech through detailed career assistance. We could keep going and tell you all the reasons (and there are a lot!) why bootcamps are great options, but instead, we’ll let you hear from those who have experienced it themselves: our amazing Ironhack alumni. Ironhack Alumni Experience Our Ironhackers enter the bootcamp with one goal in mind: learning what they need to know about their chosen tech field to land their initial job in tech. They can choose from one of our international campuses or study remotely in the fields of web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Web development alumni Andrew Thomas-Worsley was working in an American public school as an academic interventionist when he decided to take the step to fulfill his dream: becoming a developer. He had worked in tech as a customer support specialist before he worked in schools, but wanted to harness the flexibility that most developer roles offer and become one himself. Once he found the eMerge Diversity in Tech scholarship, he knew he had found the right place for him and enrolled in the full-time, 9 week Web Development Bootcamp to truly immerse himself in the theory of web development. When things got tough, he turned to his fellow Ironhackers and instructors for assistance and support. “The best thing I learned from Ironhack has nothing to do with code. It has everything to do with how to ask for help. Personally, I believe it’s the most important skill to possess.” Andrew landed his first web development job soon after graduating from Ironhack’s bootcamp and feels fortunate to love what he does and benefit from flexible policies. Mariana Leitune Costa began her career as a lawyer, focusing on digital law, but soon realized her true passion was with development. And after ten years working in law, she took Ironhack’s Web Development Bootcamp in Amsterdam after trying a free, online course to see if she really wanted to dedicate her career to development. “Technology is an area that grows every day and encourages a flexible work culture.” She found a job quickly after graduation at one of Ironhack’s “Meet Our Partners” events and despite the fact that she was going to be spending three months in her home country immediately following graduation, she was welcomed by a company that prioritizes employee satisfaction and remote-friendly policies. UX/UI design alumni Originally an architect, Rosa Niggemann didn’t know where to look when she decided that architecture wasn’t for her. She learned about Ironhack’s UX/UI Design Bootcamp, prepped on her own on Figma, and then enrolled. She was initially drawn to Ironhack because of its practical nature; as she already had both university and postgraduate degrees, she wanted to learn the essential skills that would help her land a job. “The job hunt went well! After less than 2 months of "hunting,” I had 3 job offers and could pick the one I liked the most.” During the course, she took full advantage of Ironhack’s Career Services and fine tuned her interview skills and worked on her CV design. Wisler Altidor knew he loved both design and tech, and was looking for a way to combine the door when he was working as a warehouse employee in the US. After a few year-long stints at various jobs, he wanted to make the jump to get into tech and he met an Ironhacker who told him all about what a UX/UI Design Bootcamp could do for him. “I spent the next couple of weeks researching UX/UI and Ironhack to see what it really is and if it was going to be worth investing in it. The more I researched, the more I loved the career! I made the decision to attend Ironhack and that was the best decision I've made in my whole life.” During the bootcamp, he cherished the support he received from fellow Ironhackers and alumni, taking advantage of the remote course option and still using every opportunity to network. He decided to work as a freelance UX/UI designer and now boasts a network of various clients. Data analytics alum Maximilian Soren Pollak enjoyed surfing the internet and learning about tech and decided to take it a step further with Ironhack’s Data Analytics Bootcamp, initially drawn to Ironhack because it was one of the only bootcamps offered both remotely and in English, in addition to being verified by the German government. “Learning about tech can benefit everyone, not just people who want to work in tech later; it can also help people that want to level up their current career path.” He went on to win his class’ Hackathon with a web-based app that helps users pick the best stock option for them and visualize future results and intends to continue developing his design and then bring it to life. Cybersecurity alumni Knowing he loved client relationships and tech, Jean-Baptiste Gallot wanted to find a role where he could continue connecting with people and work in tech. He saw the importance of the relationship between technology and data privacy and found Ironhack’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp. “ Going back to study after many years working in the same field at an expert level can make you feel nervous because you have to start from zero. The Admissions team answered all my questions, gave me guidance and I was confident to say: if I do this, I know I had to give 100%. So it's all in!” Due to the pandemic, Jean-Baptiste took an online course, but was impressed with the ability to still connect and network with fellow students and instructors. Today, he works as a cybersecurity professional, protecting client data from emerging threats. In her previous role as a Project Manager in the aerospace industry, Ioana Oprea frequently encountered cybersecurity and took it upon herself to teach herself the basics of cybersecurity so that she could better do her job. As she learned, it sparked a real interest in the field and inspired her to switch careers. “Looking back now a year later, I can say beyond the shadow of any doubt that it was one of the best professional decisions I had ever taken.” Ironhack’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp was challenging but doable and Ioana relied on her classmates for assistance as needed, continuing their relationship well into the job search post-graduation. She received multiple offers after completing the bootcamp and was able to choose the best role for herself, thanks to the career assistance provided by Ironhack. Have we convinced you? There’s truly no better way to make a career change than at Ironhack and we’re eager to help you take the first steps. Ready? We’re excited to hear from you!

Are you interested in switching careers to specialize in technology and discover more about yourself? With an Ironhack Bootcamp, it’s possible to do just that without going back to university for four years. Our Web Development, Data Analytics, UX/UI Design and Cybersecurity Bootcamps are available for full time (9 weeks) and part time (24 weeks) and can be financed via subsidies, loans, or payment plans. We’re proud to partner with some awesome organizations that help finance our Amsterdam bootcamps. Let’s dive into them! TechMeUP TechMeUp is a tech fund that strives to help people dive into the tech industry, providing them with financial assistance to finance their bootcamp or course. To do this, they issue interest-free loans from €2,500, €5,000 and €7,500, meant for training fees and/or the living allowance. Students begin paying the money back only once they have a job. Eligibility : TechMeUp financing is available for Dutch students over the age of 18. Application process : Applications are reviewed every two weeks. Motivation and need-based selection plays an important role in the process. Regional Mobility Team (RMT) Are you in danger of losing your job or have you lost your job? Are you on welfare or not entitled to benefits? Are you an employer or entrepreneur and looking for support guiding staff to other job opportunities? Throughout the Netherlands, you can turn to one of the 35 Regional Mobility Teams (RMTs) to help with job search assistance, career advice, practical training, and more. These RMTs are an initiative of the Ministries of Social Affairs and Employment and Education, Culture and Science, municipalities, UWV, SBB, MBO Council, trade unions and employer organizations. Eligible applicants can apply for up to €5,000 to cover the costs of an Ironhack course. Eligibility : Candidates with a B2 level of the Dutch Language are preferred. Application process : The RMT checks your financial status to prove your eligibility and will be in touch quickly if approved. Pledg In partnership with Pledg, our students can pay their tuition in 3, 6, or 10 monthly installments for both our full time or part time bootcamps. After payment of the deposit and any third-party financing, the net tuition can be divided into monthly automatic payments via credit or debit card on the Pledg platform. For the three month installment plan, there is a 1.05% fee; for the six and ten month installment payments, the fees are 2.65% and 4.7%, respectively , of the total balance applied to the first payment. Finance4Learning Financing is available for 100% of your course fee and loans are extended for up to 72 months with Finance4Learning. When you borrow €1,000, your monthly payment is around €16.50, which includes an average interest of approximately €2.60 and penalty-free early repayment is always possible. To qualify, students must be Dutch residents, have a Dutch bank account, and meet certain lending criteria. Finance4Learning is backed by Banco Santander and the European Investment Fund . Eligibility : Financing is available for Dutch residents only. Quotanda Quotanda is a lending as a service (LaaS) platform that helps schools, banks, and organizations manage affordable student financing programs globally. For Ironhackers, financing through Quotanda means paying at 0% APR once you've started your course (with a payment extension for either 12 or 18 months). This option has a €400 admin fee from Quotanda that is added to the financing total for your convenience. Quotanda requires a co-signer or guarantor that can usually be a relative. Ideally, candidates for this option are based in the EU, but they have had clients from other countries. Why Pay in Installments? Paying in installments offers a range of benefits that can greatly assist individuals in effectively managing their finances . This approach allows people to spread out the cost of a larger expense over a period of time, making it more affordable and manageable, particularly when faced with unexpected or sudden expenses. By breaking down the total amount into smaller, regular payments, individuals can better align their budget and cash flow with their financial responsibilities. This method also reduces the immediate financial strain, allowing individuals to allocate their funds to other essential needs or savings goals. Moreover, paying in installments often comes with flexibility in terms of repayment duration and options, catering to various financial situations and preferences. Choosing the right installment duration requires considering one's financial capacity, the urgency of the purchase, and the associated interest rates to strike a balance between manageable payments and minimizing the overall cost of the purchase. Overall, this approach empowers individuals to make purchases or investments without causing undue financial stress, promoting more responsible spending and financial stability. There are a lot of opportunities for someone who wants to start one of our bootcamps. Discover which bootcamp suits you best and don’t hesitate to apply and dive into a career that you love!

In the dynamic realm of tech, web development and cloud computing have emerged as essential components, each playing a crucial role in shaping the digital landscape. Web development encompasses the creation and maintenance of websites and web applications, while cloud computing offers a scalable infrastructure for hosting and managing digital services. While seemingly distinct, these roles can synergize to create unparalleled advancements. Before we uncover the collaborative potential of these two domains, let’s define each role and its respective responsibilities. What is Web Development? Web development includes the entire process of creating, designing, building, and maintaining websites and web applications . It involves a blend of technical skills, design sensibilities, and problem-solving abilities. Web developers play a pivotal role in bringing digital concepts to life, delivering an array of benefits to individuals and companies looking to establish a robust online presence. Let’s jump into the key advantages that web developers bring to the table: Enhanced user experience: web developers are instrumental in creating websites and applications that are intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing. By optimizing navigation, layout, and interactivity, they ensure users can seamlessly interact with the platform, leading to higher engagement and longer browsing sessions. Boosted brand perception: web developers help companies by building websites that reflect a company’s professionalism and dedication to clients. By developing design elements with brand aesthetics, web developers foster a cohesive and memorable brand identity that resonates with visitors. Optimized performance: web developers optimize websites for speed, responsiveness, and compatibility across various devices and browsers. Faster load times and smooth interactions grow user satisfaction and encourage repeat visits. Increased conversion rates: web developers implement strategies that guide users toward desired actions, such as sign-ups, purchases, or inquiries. By designing compelling call-to-action buttons and intuitive pathways, they contribute to conversion rates and business growth. Scalable infrastructure: web developers ensure that as companies grow, websites and applications can accommodate increased traffic and evolving business needs. Their expertise in scalable architectures guarantee ease of expansion without compromising performance. The Role of a Web Developer Web developers are the digital architects who transform ideas into digital realities. Armed with proficiency in coding languages, design principles, and problem-solving prowess, web developers work to create captivating user-interfaces. Let’s delve into the distinctive skills and responsibilities that make web developers unique: Front-end development: web developers proficient in front-end development are masters of creating visually appealing and intuitive user interfaces. They employ a blend of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to design layouts, typography, and interactive elements that engage and delight users. Back-end development: web developers also work behind the scenes, handling server-side logic and databases. They build APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), manage data storage, and ensure secure data transmission between the server and the client. Full-stack development: web developers with expertise in both front-end and back-end development are known as fullstack developers. These professionals manage the entire web development process, from designing interfaces to managing databases and server infrastructure. User-centric design: web developers collaborate closely with designers and user experience (UX) professionals to translate design concepts into functional interfaces that align with user preferences and behaviors. Testing and debugging: web developers conduct thorough testing to identify and fix bugs, ensuring that websites and applications function flawlessly across various devices, screen sizes, and browsers. Security: web developers implement security measures such as encryption, authentication, and authorization to safeguard user data and protect against cyber threats. What is Cloud Computing? Cloud computing, often referred to as “the cloud”, has revolutionized the way digital services are managed, deployed, and accessed. In simple terms, cloud computing offers different computing services, like storage, processing power, and databases, over the internet. With this approach, organizations don’t need physical equipment, as they can use remote servers provided by cloud service providers. This technology is crucial for making modern web development accessible and adaptable. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages of cloud computing: Cost efficiency: cloud computing eliminates the need for substantial upfront investments in physical infrastructure. Instead, companies can leverage a pay-as-you-go model, lowering costs by only using resources as needed. Scalability on demand: cloud computing services easily scale up or down to accommodate varying levels of demand. Businesses can confidently handle surges in website traffic during promotions or events without compromising performance. Global accessibility: cloud computing services allow geographic boundaries to vanish, enabling companies to deploy web applications and services worldwide. Backed by scalability, cloud services ensure that users from various regions experience ideal performance. Heightened collaboration: cloud computing platforms foster real-time collaborative development, allowing teams to work on projects irrespective of their physical locations. This boundless collaboration methodology drives team diversity in addition to efficient development cycles. Innovation acceleration: cloud computing services provide companies with access to cutting-edge technologies and tools that catalyze innovation. Companies can swiftly adopt emerging trends, such as machine learning or serverless computing. The role of a cloud professional Cloud computing professionals play a vital role in shaping the digital framework that allows companies to succeed online. Their skills in creating, implementing, and overseeing cloud based solutions give organizations the tools they need to fully utilize their power. Here’s a general look at the role of a cloud professional: Infrastructure design and management: cloud professionals design and implement cloud-based infrastructure tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses. They select appropriate services and configure resources for best performance. Resource provisioning: cloud professionals make sure resources are provisioned efficiently, striking a balance between scalability and cost-effectiveness. They configure virtual machines, databases, storage, and network components. Continuous monitoring and improvement: cloud professionals monitor system performance, identifying bottlenecks and refining resources to secure ease of functionality and swift response times. Disaster recovery and backup: cloud professionals develop secure backup and disaster recovery strategies to protect data in the event of system failures or unforeseen incidents. Automation and DevOps: cloud professionals leverage automation tools to streamline processes through the creation of scripts and workflows. They often work in alignment with DevOps practices to foster collaboration between development and operations teams. Web Development vs. Cloud Computing: How do they Differ? Although both cloud computing professionals and web developers operate within the tech industry, they encompass distinct domains with individual goals. Let’s pinpoint some significant contrasts between these two roles: Focus: cloud professionals center around the management of infrastructure and resources necessary for deploying and hosting web applications. Conversely, web developers focus on the design, coding, and optimization of websites and applications. Skill sets: cloud professionals possess proficiencies in virtualization, networking, and cloud service management. Their mastery extends to platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and other DevOps tools. On the flip side, web developers specialize in programming languages as well as framework tools like React or Angular. Collaborators: cloud professionals work closely with IT teams, system administrators, and DevOps professionals, ensuring the dependability and scalability of cloud infrastructure. In contrast, web developers work together with designers, user experience experts, and directly with clients to shape aesthetically appealing and engaging interfaces. Salary expectations: cloud professionals can expect to earn more on average than web developers. However, an accurate comparison between a cloud computing vs. web development salary would depend largely on the specific role and organization. In general, both domains enjoy competitive salaries and lucrative freelance opportunities. How can Web Developers and Cloud Professionals work together? The convergence of web developers and cloud computing professionals is where innovation ignites. Together, these roles form a dynamic partnership that delivers exceptional value to companies and propels the tech world to new heights. Let’s outline some ways that cloud professionals and web developers collaborate to generate transformative advancements: Peak performance and stability: web developers are empowered by cloud professionals to create applications that not only excel in design and functionality, but also boast heightened performance and stability. By employing cloud systems, web developers can auto-scale resources to handle traffic spikes, guaranteeing application performance at all volumes of usage. Robust security integration: web developers and cloud professionals can work together to enhance the security posture of digital products; web developers craft secure code, while cloud professionals implement stringent security measures at the infrastructure level. Together, applications are further reinforced, guarding against a wider range of threats. Efficient development cycles: web developers and cloud professionals can unite to accelerate development cycles. Cloud environments offer sandboxed spaces for developers to test and refine applications without interfering with live services. This collaborative environment leads to faster iterations, swift bug fixes, and efficient deployment , leading to quicker time-to-market for new features and updates. Global accessibility: web developers and cloud professionals enable global accessibility and reliability. Web developers design interfaces that cater to diverse audiences, while cloud professionals see that applications are launched across geographically distributed servers. This collaboration helps applications be accessed and utilized by larger and more culturally diverse audiences. Data-driven insights: web developers and cloud professionals can use their respective skills to equip companies with valuable information backed by data. Web applications capture user interactions, while cloud services enable the storage and analysis of vast data sets. Using the data collected by web developers, cloud professionals then orchestrate pipelines that provide businesses with a greater understanding of user behavior, preferences, and trends . It’s clear that when the worlds of web development and cloud computing collide, there is an explosion of innovation for companies and users alike. The synergy between these two roles is not just a possibility; it’s a strategic advantage that can propel the tech world forward . Are you interested in cloud computing or web development? Or even looking to change your career from web development to cloud computing, or vice versa? You’re in the right place! Join one of our bootcamps to study with us flexibly online or at one of our worldwide campuses.

The future is here and there’s never been a better time to get into tech, taking advantage of the surplus of available tech jobs and rapidly advancing technologies. But tech isn’t the only thing that’s moving fast; education and tech education specifically are advancing at a dizzying speed and we can see certain trends on the horizon. We’re confident in making this bold statement: the biggest trend in tech education is bootcamps . What are bootcamps? Why are they valuable? Are they really the future of tech education? We think so and we’ll tell you why in this post. And later, we’re going to dive into other tech education trends that you can expect to see in coming years. The Beauty of Bootcamps Okay, let’s get right to the point: bootcamps are intensive and fast-paced courses that take place over the course of just a few weeks or months and aim to teach you the skills that are necessary to you landing a job in tech. And why have they gained so much attention and fame in recent years? Well: Because the tech industry is evolving so fast, it’s hard for employers to find candidates that have the right skills for the current market needs. University graduates, for example, are up-to-date on the skills from when they began their studies four or five years prior, not when they graduate. By learning the skills that hiring managers are looking for at that moment, bootcamp graduates are uniquely suited to fill the gaps in the tech hiring field. Bootcamps focus on the exact skills that are needed, providing their students with the necessary foundational knowledge and practical skills that are in-demand. They eliminate the filler and extra, time-consuming topics that university graduates might have to learn, ensuring that bootcamp graduates enter the job market as soon as possible. In a world where everyone has a million things going on at once, bootcamps offer a flexible and fast way to switch careers , allowing students to study while they work or maintain other responsibilities. The vast majority of bootcamp students choose to take a bootcamp for this precise reason; without such an option, learning an entire new skill and preparing to get a job in a new field would be financially impossible or too time-consuming. The majority of bootcamps don’t expect students to come in with any tech knowledge at all! This means that the door is wide open to practically everyone and ensures that all students begin the bootcamp on the same foot . Lots of institutions offer pre-work or special assistance before the course even begins, providing that essential foundational knowledge so they can get right to the good stuff once the bootcamp starts. Bootcamps are designed with the student in mind, offering the possibility of financing options, part-time or full-time classes, and even remote or in-person courses. While these may seem unnecessary to some, the option to take a bootcamp at night or from home might be a deciding factor for students. Many also offer career assistance from the very beginning, helping students finetune their resumes and practice their interviewing skills. Bootcamps: the future of tech education Bootcamps are the future of tech education and there’s no argument about it. In fact, more and more employers are looking to hire bootcamp graduates because of their drive, passion, and hunger for knowledge. In coming years, we will see tech bootcamps continue to expand and grow in popularity–we’re sure of it. Let’s discuss why. Tech bootcamps help you get a job Listen, we get the doubt: how can a few months of intensive classes prepare you to work alongside tech professionals with years of experience? It’s simple; tech bootcamps teach those important and in-demand skills that current tech professionals haven’t yet been exposed to! As a bootcamp, you’ll be taught what you need to fill very specific gaps in the tech market and then advance from there, ready to move up and on. Tech bootcamps don’t require previous tech experience You don’t need to have studied tech for years and years to join the tech field–we promise! In fact, bootcamps are designed for those who have little to no experience in tech; the curriculum is carefully designed to teach students the essential foundational knowledge needed for success and then develop the most marketable tech skills through hands-on, practical experience. And since most bootcamps boast small classes and teaching assistants, you’ll be able to have any questions answered. Tech bootcamps work with students, not against Whether you need to take part-time classes to stay at your current job and pay for your course or you simply prefer learning from the comfort of your own home, tech bootcamps offer lots of options so that you’re able to do what’s right for you. These scheduling options, in addition to financing and career assistance, help students access bootcamps and achieve their goals post-bootcamp. Trends and Innovations in Tech Bootcamps Now that we’ve covered the basics of bootcamps and why they’ve become so popular, let’s get right to the nitty gritty: what we can expect to see in the future from tech bootcamps. Remote/hybrid bootcamps Remote learning became a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s here to stay. Why? Because we’ve seen that it’s an incredibly valuable learning method that, in addition to providing a pandemic-safe way of instruction, makes learning accessible to even more people: In-person classes may be impossible for those who have childcare responsibilities or other familial duties that prevent them from attending classes for eight hours a day. Remote bootcamps eliminate geographical restrictions, opening the door to people who simply don’t have a local bootcamp that offers the topic they’d like to study. By removing an in-person requirement, bootcamps can accept a wider and more diverse range of students, enriching the learning experience for all. For those with erratic or non-traditional schedules, remote bootcamps offer the opportunity to study when they can, be that in the middle of the day or here and there when they have free time. Artificial intelligence You may have heard about the risks of using ChatGPT in the classroom, but the truth is that when properly used, artificial intelligence technologies can provide students with a completely new and transformative way to learn: The rise of augmented/virtual reality has given the opportunity to completely shift how we learn, offering students the ability to quite literally picture situations and learn in new ways. Instructors can use virtual reality to simulate situations where students have to find the right solution for the problem. ChatGPT can help students with common troubleshooting issues, freeing up instructors for more pressing questions. Accessibility Remote options are just one way that tech bootcamps are improving overall accessibility; as more and more people gain access to tech knowledge, the entire world will benefit and innovation will skyrocket: The increase of accessibility awareness in society means that accessibility is on the forefront of most tech classes and students are becoming continuously more informed about why accessibility is so key. The option to attend class from home makes learning accessible for those who cannot physically attend class due to social anxiety, disabilities, or other reasons. As computers and other tech tools become more inclusive, people with a wide range of disabilities, such as cognitive, hearing, visual, educational, or physical disabilities will be able to access the same education and tools that everyone else can. Diversity You know that diversity and inclusion is always our main goal, but bootcamps are on the forefront of providing diverse groups the opportunity to jump into tech, which is so crucial because: The more diverse your table is, the better solutions you’ll create. People draw on their own experiences when it comes time to brainstorm and share and with an increased focus on diversity, bootcamps are able to include more and more groups in crucial conversations. Learning from other classmates is an essential part of the bootcamp experience; only courses that work to achieve high levels of diversity will give students the best possible experience. Because bootcamps are so flexible and can be customized to fit the needs of students, they’re more likely to attract diverse groups of people and those who maybe weren’t previously able to enter the tech field, meaning a whole new group of people will be soon reflected in company decisions. The tech industry is booming and bootcamps are right there with them. After all, is there a better way to learn?! We don’t think so and we’d love to be with you on your journey towards a tech role with our bootcamps in web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, or cybersecurity. No matter what topic you choose, tech bootcamps are the future and you can expect to see lots of cool stuff happening in the near future. Are you in?

Artificial intelligence and UX/UI design are two distinct fields that intersect and greatly enhance the quality of digital products and services . AI technologies have the power to transform UX/UI design by offering actionable insights regarding user behavior that aid UX/UI designers in creating a more intuitive, personalized, and efficient user experience. Learning how to fully harness the potential of AI is the task at hand for UX/UI designers. What is Artificial Intelligence? First off, let’s start off by defining our terms. Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to the autonomous simulation of human-like tasks such that organizations can gain insights which allow them to solve problems more efficiently. Essentially, AI functions through computer systems which acquire information and learn the rules to process it, from which AI provides insights to aid decisions, and self-corrects if needed. AI systems have proven useful in performing human-like tasks such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. Types of AI AI can be categorized into two main types : Weak AI: the first type of AI is designed for a specific task . It is trained to successfully perform a singular task meaning that its function is limited to that specific domain. Examples include virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa, recommendation systems frequently utilized by websites like Amazon and Netflix, and self-driving vehicles. Strong AI: requires human-like cognitive abilities meaning it’s capable of understanding, learning, and performing intellectual tasks previously believed to only be achieved by humans. In theory, strong AI is capable of understanding natural language, engaging in complex reasoning, and adapting to new situations. However, Strong AI remains challenging to fully achieve, given the complexity of human-level intelligence. AI researchers have failed to achieve strong AI, although there remains much investment in developing conscious machines. Microsoft invested over $1 billion in developing OpenAI (ChatGPT) with the intention of realizing Strong AI’s potential. AI Techniques AI systems utilize numerous techniques and technologies depending on the task at hand. These techniques include: Machine learning or ML is a subset of AI that involves training algorithms to recognize patterns and make decisions based on data. Deep learning or DL is a subset of machine learning that utilizes multilayered models to process, transform, and learn from large amounts of data. Natural language processing (NLP) allows machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language. It’s crucial for applications like chatbots, language translation, and sentiment analysis. Robotics : we hear more and more about AI-powered robots that are designed to interact with the physical world, make decisions, and perform tasks autonomously. Expert systems are AI systems designed to replicate decision-making abilities of human experts in specified fields. They are essentially a knowledge base of facts and rules from which they can provide recommendations. The field of AI is constantly expanding across industries and these techniques are quickly being developed. We’d recommend staying up-to-date on these developments in order to harness the power of AI! What is UX/UI Design? UX design and UI design are two similar but distinct disciplines that operate within the field of design. They focus primarily on creating positive interactions and experiences between users and digital products or services. UX Design UX design, or user experience design, focuses on the user’s experience while utilizing a digital product or service. Is the website easy to access? Simple to navigate? And an enjoyable experience for a user? That’s thanks to the work of a UX designer. UX designers must have a strong understanding of user behaviors, expectations, motivations, and goals in order to design an intuitive and efficient digital product. This requires user research , creating user personas, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and improving the design accordingly. UI Design UI design, or user interface design, centers the visual aspects of the design . Their work includes determining color schemes, fonts, the layout, and other visual elements of digital product design. UI designers must create designs that are clear, visually consistent, and communicate the product’s identity, purpose, and functionality to users. How Can Artificial Intelligence Aid the UX/UI Design Process? Artificial intelligence and UX/UI design are undoubtedly two separate disciplines requiring unique technical skills and soft skills in order to master. That said, UX/UI designers can harness the power of AI in order to obtain valuable insights, streamline design processes, and enhance user experiences. Here are several ways that UX/UI designers can take advantage of AI: Data-driven insights: AI is crucial for breaking down enormous amounts of data that offers data scientists and designers insight into user behavior and preferences. These actionable insights allow designers to make informed decisions about design improvements, layout changes, and feature enhancements. Personalization: AI can personalize user experiences through pulling from user history, learning their patterns and behaviors, and adapting offerings to their preferences. Through tailoring content and features to each user, consumers are left more engaged and satisfied with their experience. Predictive analysis: AI gives insight into user behavior based on historical data. This can transform the design approach through allowing designers to anticipate the needs of users and create products that align with user expectations. User research and testing : AI-powered tools are useful in automating aspects of user research and usability testing. These tools include chatbots and text analysis to collect user feedback, heatmaps, and eye tracking to identify user areas of interest, and behavioral analysis like scrolling trends, click patterns, and session duration to identify design strengths and weaknesses. Generative design: if given specific parameters or constraints, AI can provide design options which can be expanded upon or adapted by designers. These generated designs can help designers think beyond their own mental blocks and explore various design possibilities and concepts. Accessibility : AI has proven useful in analyzing designs and recommending improvements to ensure accessibility for users with disabilities . This includes analyzing color contrasts, providing alternative text for images, and identifying other potential accessibility issues. Automating repetitive tasks: AI streamlines the design process through automating routine design tasks like resizing images, creating responsive designs, and generating design assets. This allows UX/UI designers to focus more on the creative and strategic aspects of their work and makes the design process more efficient. A/B testing: this is a method used in UX/UI design to compare two versions of a webpage, interface, or design element in order to determine which one performs better. AI aids designers in identifying trends and patterns in user behaviors, user engagement, conversion rates, and other relevant metrics from which data-driven design decisions are made. Will Artificial Intelligence Replace UX/UI Design? For many in tech, artificial intelligence may feel like a threat to our human knowledge and expertise. In the case of UX/UI design, AI has the potential to automate certain aspects of the design process. However, it’ll take a lot more for artificial intelligence to replace UX/UI design and here’s why: Creativity and human intuition: AI is incredible at pattern recognition, data analysis, and optimization; however, it still fails to fully grasp creativity, empathy and understanding of human emotion. Complex problem solving : AI can offer design templates and generate ideas, however, UX/UI designers are necessary in taking on complex challenges that go beyond standard patterns. They’re needed in synthesizing information from various sources, addressing multiple perspectives, and determining innovative solutions–all soft skills that rely on human expertise. Ethical considerations: AI is overwhelmed with ethical debates and implications. These include potential biases, privacy concerns, environmental sustainability, and more. It’s great to have tech professionals aid in ensuring a fair and transparent use of artificial intelligence. Collaboration and communication: UX/UI designers must also share their work with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and clients. That said, interpersonal skills like effective communication, presentation, negotiation, and human understanding are crucial to designing a successful digital project or service. While AI can greatly maximize efficiency for UX/UI designers, it cannot completely replace the need for human creativity and expertise . UX/UI designers remain crucial in understanding user stories, creating meaningful user experiences, and making ethical decisions. Instead of replacing UX/UI design, AI is a tool that will enhance the quality of product design and augment the role of UX/UI designers . Artificial Intelligence and UX/UI Design Jobs Without question, the fields of artificial intelligence and UX/UI design are greatly expanding. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects UX/UI design positions to increase 3% annually through 2028. Moreso, it is predicted that by 2035, AI technologies will “boost corporate profitability in 16 industries across 12 economies by an average of 38%.” Thus, in order to be a strong candidate for any UX/UI design position, designers must be able to harness the power of artificial intelligence. If you’re interested in launching your tech career in the areas of data science or UX/UI design, then you’re in the right place. Ironhack offers courses in Data Analytics and UX/UI Design –both fields that are growing at a fast pace and our career services and vast alumni network will help you secure a job in the tech industry. Let’s get to it!

The tech industry seems to have it all, right? It boasts flexible schedules, opportunities to work remotely, and great salaries. Those who originally chose a different career path might think it’s too late to get into tech, but here’s a little secret: it’s not! In fact, tech is one of the best and most welcoming industries for newcomers and career changers . And you can expect some great benefits (like the ones we listed above!). Why? Let’s see: The tech industry is evolving incredibly fast and new professionals who are up-to-date with the latest technologies and skills are in high demand. Because tech is always changing, even those with four-year university degrees are required to constantly learn new skills and stay updated on what’s needed. Tech professionals need a wide range of hard and soft skills; it’s not just about knowing how to program or code. Those who come from different backgrounds bring new skills to the table. So before we focus on how bootcamps can help fast-track your career into tech, let’s review what bootcamps are, what they offer, and key things to keep in mind when choosing your tech bootcamp. What is a Bootcamp? A bootcamp is a short and intensive course designed to teach you a very specific skill set. Although they can be offered across a wide range of topics, the most popular kind (and what we’ll talk about here!) are tech bootcamps, which aim to prepare you to enter the workforce immediately after graduation . How? Well: Bootcamp curriculum is designed by industry professionals who know exactly where the holes in the job market are. Throughout the bootcamp, students will have lots of hands-on experience that will help them not only master the theoretical details in their chosen field, but also prepare them to enter the workforce. Many bootcamps offer career support to their students, preparing their resumes, reviewing portfolios, and practicing interview skills. If you’re thinking about making a career change into tech, you might be considering self-teaching, a free online course to learn tech skills, or even going back to school to earn a university degree. And while these are quality options, bootcamps offer distinct advantages: Bootcamps vs. self-teaching : there are tons of videos to watch online to learn how to code and books you can get that explain everything you need to know about cybersecurity, right? While the answer is yes, you’ll find that this type of learning constricts your overall growth and development, limiting your knowledge to just the basics. And if you run into a wall or don’t truly understand something, you have just a few resources to help you solve it. Bootcamps vs. free online courses : courses you can find online for free might be easy to access and seem comprehensive, but ultimately you’ll find that there’s no way to practice what you’re learning with feedback and you might even run into barriers that block essential videos or exercises behind paywalls. Bootcamps vs. university degrees : you might think nothing can beat a four year degree, but these courses are expensive, time-consuming, and provide you with a lot of additional knowledge that may not be totally necessary for someone looking to move into tech ASAP. Is a bootcamp right for me? In addition to what we listed above, bootcamps are incredibly valuable for one specific reason: their flexibility and ability to open the door to tech for so many other people that would otherwise be unable to switch careers. How? Through various options and assistance: Different scheduling options : for some, the idea of attending a full-time course during the day is impossible and others might need to take classes part-time so they can maintain their other responsibilities, such as their current job, childcare, or other familial duties. Bootcamps offer full or part time options so that you can choose what’s right for you. Remote or in-person options : no bootcamp near you that teaches what you want to learn? Or you simply can’t commit to commuting to a nearby campus? Or maybe you simply prefer learning from the comfort of your own home? No matter your reasoning, the option to attend in-person or remotely can make tech more accessible for so many more people. Financing options : even though bootcamps are significantly more affordable than university degrees, they can still impose a financial hurdle to many; thankfully, lots of bootcamps offer a wide range of financing options such as payment plans, income share agreements, and scholarships to offset the cost. Now that you know why bootcamps have become quite the hot topic in recent years, let’s dive right into how tech bootcamps can help you land that first job in tech. How Bootcamps Can Fast-Track Your Career Think about it: how many other industries could you land a job in within a few months? And when you knew practically nothing beforehand, this is quite the feat. But tech bootcamps have been specifically designed to achieve this, helping you get into the field before you know it. Let’s review two areas, revamping your career when you’re already in the tech field and entering the tech field as a newbie. Fast-tracking your career from within the tech industry You’ve studied your chosen field and been working in that industry for a bit. But you’re seeing needs arise that you simply can’t meet or are concerned about automation taking over your job. Here’s where upskilling and reskilling come into play: Upskilling: what is it? As Forbes put it, upskilling is the future of tech. Why? Because it refers to taking your current skills and upgrading them to meet current market demands. Tech is moving incredibly fast and although it might seem easier to simply hire new candidates that have these skills on their results, that places unneeded stress on the hiring department, not to mention the risks that come from hiring a new person when you aren’t sure if they’ll end up being a good fit for the team. Reskilling: what is it? Reskilling follows the same basic idea as upskilling, but is a bit different: instead of teaching a current employee skills that are related to what they currently know, reskilling makes them proficient in a completely different area. This might seem a bit unnecessary--after all, wouldn’t it be easier to just hire someone who already knows the skill? Well, just like with upskilling, lots of skills in tech build upon skills professionals already possess and it’s more cost-efficient for employers to upskill the knowledge their employees have instead of going through the interview and hiring process for every new need that arises. Fast-tracking your career from outside the tech industry You’ve been working in a completely separate industry and aren’t sure how to get your foot in the door. After all, most tech professionals spent years studying to get where they are, right? And they’re the only ones suited for such a role? Well, that isn’t the case exactly. Tech bootcamps are becoming increasingly popular with hiring managers, for a couple key reasons: Bootcamp graduates have shown they have drive and a passion for tech : the decision to take a bootcamp is major and demands a significant commitment, both financially and time-wise, from students. In addition, they’re heading into something totally unknown and new--it could work out in their favor or end up being a big mistake. This eagerness to learn and bravery to take on a completely new task are characteristics that many employers highly value. Bootcamp graduates have an incredibly specific education that prepares them for a role that’s in need : since bootcamps are so short, there’s no time to waste on general, theoretical knowledge that isn’t necessary for day-to-day tasks. Graduates have spent up to 24 weeks practicing and practicing their skills so that they're ready to meet a specific market need. Bootcamp graduates bring more to the table : with the fast pace at which tech is moving, tech professionals need to have skills beyond their exact field to tackle new challenges that may arise. And bootcamp graduates from diverse backgrounds bring exactly that to the table. Bootcamps are a completely valid path into tech and help you maximize your time and effort to get the greatest outcome: landing that first job in tech. Your experience and skills gained from your previous education and jobs will be highly valued and even set you apart from other candidates. And your bootcamp will provide you with the foundational knowledge needed to make the most of your course, learning the most in-demand and marketable skills so that your job search is a breeze. If you’re looking to transform your career and get into tech or even move into a new field, a bootcamp is just what you need to learn the necessary skills and prepare yourself for the workforce . If you’re interested in learning more about what Ironhack offers, check out our courses in web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, and cybersecurity today–we can't wait to see how you make your way into tech!

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and deep learning are becoming increasingly common terms in our world. They’ve moved out of the realm of tech specialists and into our daily lives through tools like text assistance, face recognition technology, and chatbots like ChatGPT. These technical advances have the potential to revolutionize industries, take on complex problems, and improve efficiency in all areas of our lives. We’ve only just seen the basics of what AI makes possible. What would it mean to unleash the power of AI and fully embrace the potential of machine learning and deep learning? Understanding Artificial Intelligence First off, let’s get clear on what we mean when we say, “artificial intelligence.” Artificial intelligence, or AI, is the process of simulating human intelligence in computers or other machines with the explicit goal of computers performing human-like tasks autonomously . These tasks include everything from learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and language understanding–functions that historically require human intelligence. Artificial intelligence systems are designed and trained alongside vast amounts of data in order to learn from patterns and make recommendations or decisions based on that information. Under the umbrella of AI, there are many types and techniques that let computers effectively perform tasks previously only carried out by human beings. Machine learning and deep learning are two of the most commonly utilized AI techniques and are crucial in harnessing the power of AI. What is Machine Learning? Is machine learning artificial intelligence? The short answer is yes. Machine learning, or ML, is a subset of AI that utilizes data and algorithms to imitate human activity and make predictions and recommendations based on that mimicked human behavior. Types of machine learning: There are four main techniques that machine learning utilizes in order to train algorithms and best simulate human behavior. These techniques include: Supervised learning: Supervised learning trains an algorithm based on a labeled dataset, where each data point is tied to a correct label or outcome. Through having a correct answer, the algorithm learns to map out input features that correspond with output labels. Once the algorithm understands how to sort the controlled data, it’s able to make predictions on new, unseen data. Examples of AI and supervised learning include, fraud detection, spam detection, speech recognition, and medical diagnosis. 2. Unsupervised learning: Unsupervised learning trains an algorithm based on unlabeled datasets, meaning that the algorithm’s goal is to identify patterns, structures, or relationships within the data. Unsupervised learning typically results in clustering, where similar data points are grouped together, or dimensionality reduction, where data is simplified and organized based on its essential characteristics. Examples of unsupervised learning include anomaly detection, recommendation services, and predictive modeling. 3. Semi-supervised learning: Semi-supervised learning is essentially a combination of supervised learning and unsupervised learning. Semi-supervised learning uses both labeled and unlabeled data in order to improve the performance and predictive ability of the model. Examples of semi-supervised learning include text classification, medical image analysis, and situations in which obtaining a fully labeled data set is too time-consuming or expensive. 4. Reinforcement learning: Reinforcement learning teaches an algorithm through controlling the environment by which the model interacts. The algorithm is taught through a carrot and stick approach, rewarding desired behaviors and penalizing incorrect actions in order to train optimal strategies and decisions. Reinforcement learning is commonly utilized in robotics, training autonomous systems, and in developing personalized treatment plans. These four techniques provide a base from which models are built in order to make strong predictions and decisions based on data. Determining which technique to utilize depends on the problem, the ability to access data, and the desired outcome. Applications of Machine learning: Machine learning is becoming widely utilized across industries in order to maximize efficiency and personalize experiences for consumers . It’s used by companies like Facebook, Google and Uber in order to improve their products and services. Other industries and applications include: Healthcare : ML aids in diagnosing diseases, developing new cures and medications, and predicting patient outcomes. Finance : ML is utilized in fraud detection, risk assessment, and plays an increasingly relevant role in algorithmic trading. Consumer experience : more and more companies turn to ML in order to better understand consumers and increase customer engagement through personalized shopping experiences and product recommendations. Manufacturing : ML helps optimize production processes through predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and quality control practices. Marketing : ML optimize marketing decisions through predictive analysis, customer segmentation and targeting, and the personalization of product recommendations and marketing campaigns. In short, machine learning’s ability to process large volumes of data and transform those data sets into accurate algorithms to predict outcomes makes it an invaluable tool for optimizing organizational efforts. By leveraging ML’s capabilities, companies across industries can make stronger decisions and drive better business outcomes. What is Deep Learning? Is deep learning artificial intelligence? Again, the short answer is yes. Deep learning is a subfield of machine learning based on artificial neural networks in which multiple layers of processing are utilized to progressively extract higher level features from data . Deep learning models can recognize complex patterns and excel in tasks such as image and speech recognition, language processing, and generative tasks. Types of deep learning architectures Deep learning models are dependent layered architectures through which data is transformed . These models are composed of an input layer, one or more hidden layers, and an output layer. Each layer contains interconnected nodes (neurons) that process and transform data. Learning happens through adjusting the weights and biases of these nodes in order to minimize the difference between the model’s predictions and the actual outcomes. The “deep learning architecture” thus is the model’s neural network, designed to address specific tasks and data types. Deep learning architectures are often classified into supervised learning and unsupervised learning and from there, are broken down into numerous other structures. Some of the most notable architecture include: Convolutional neural networks (CNN): are designed for visual data processing. CNNs use convolutional layers in order to learn hierarchical features from images. They’re important for image classification, image segmentation, or object detection. Recurrent neural networks (RNNs): is a foundational deep learning network architecture. Its focus is on sequential data given that it maintains a memory of past inputs. RNNs are often used for time-series analysis, natural language processing, and speech recognition. Long short-term memory (LSTM): networks are a type of RNN that addresses the vanishing gradient problem and are well equipped to capture long-range dependencies in sequences. Gated recurrent unit (GRU): is also a type of RNN designed to capture sequential patterns while having a simpler structure. These are just a few of many deep learning architectures available. Of course, like all AI, deep learning is quickly evolving as researchers develop new architectures to improve performance across various domains. Applications of deep learning: Deep learning has been embraced across industries and has transformed our everyday lives through products like self-driving cars and virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri. A few of the most common applications include: Autonomous systems: deep learning is what makes possible many autonomous systems like self-driving cars, drones, and robotics. Its technology enables these systems to perceive and navigate their environments. Entertainment : deep learning continues to advance in creative industries, generating art, music, and visual effects. Image and video analysis: is one area where deep learning has proved to dominate. From image classification and video analysis to facial recognition, deep learning methods are applied. Natural language processing (NPL) : is quickly advancing through deep learning models that support language translation, language generation, sentiment analysis, and chatbots. Deep learning’s ability to learn intricate patterns from data is expanding what’s possible for new technologies and scientific advancements. Artificial Intelligence vs. Machine Learning vs. Deep Learning Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning are related concepts, but with specific definitions and scopes: Artificial intelligence is the broader concept of creating machines or systems that can carry out tasks previously designated solely to humans. Machine learning is a subset of AI that focuses specifically on the development of algorithms and models that allow computers to learn from data sets and improve their performance over time. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that creates multilayered models in order to process, transform, and learn from large amounts of data. Unleashing the Potential of Artificial Intelligence Machine learning and deep learning are undeniably having a transformative impact on the field of artificial intelligence. These advanced techniques have revolutionized the capabilities of AI systems ; machine learning and deep learning have allowed organizations to confront complex problems previously considered beyond the scope of humans or machines. We’re well on our way to a future where intelligent machines play a significant role across industries and in all aspects of human life. Whether it's machine learning or deep learning, it’s undeniable that artificial intelligence is the future for organizations across industries . Gaining a basic understanding of the concepts is useful to all tech professionals and diving deeper into these concepts will surely prove useful as companies invest more and more into these technologies. If you’re interested in the topic of looking to launch your tech career, you’re in the right place. Ironhack offers bootcamps relating to data science that will prepare you to confidently step into the field. Not only will you study alongside top tech professionals, but you’ll gain the fundamentals of machine learning–something that’s unique to Ironhack, earning our bootcamp the “ Intelligent Award: Best for Machine Training .” Let’s dive in!

The cloud is a place that for many is shrouded in mystery; it’s not something tangible that you can physically touch or see like laptop or desktop storage hardware. Nevertheless, data storage and other services that cloud computing does offer is an incredible tool to work more efficiently, affordably and intelligently, which is why the clouds have already formed–we’re in the storm. Before we navigate this powerful storm together, it’s important to know what cloud computing is capable of. Let’s dive in. What is Cloud Computing? When you are using any of the several services that the cloud offers, you are engaging in cloud computing. Cloud computing requires internet connectivity and its services take the hassle out of downloading, installing, and reconfiguring software or buying, making space for, and lugging around more hardware. The goal of cloud computing is to simplify computer usage and make it more flexible and simple for the user. How does it accomplish the task of making computing more efficient and flexible? Cloud computing services can shed light on that. Cloud Computing Services Although there are many services that cloud computing offers, the three main ones are: Infrastructure as a Service: one of the services with which most people associate the cloud is storage, but in addition to storage services, IaaS also provides access to networking and virtual machines. It provides the user with the possibility to run their own operating systems and applications without affecting the underlying infrastructure and as a result, there is no need to deal with configuring, downloading, and making adjustments to the computer. Platform as a Service: although IaaS is more commonly used by people, platform as a service is an extremely efficient tool for developers who are building and creating new software. PaaS provides developers the opportunity to deploy, manage, and play around with applications that they’re building without making any changes to the underlying software. They can then focus on coding and the application on which they are working. Software as a Service: users often need access to a variety of applications and by paying a subscription fee, they can access software as a service. Logging onto the website, the subscriber can use the software or applications without having to download, install, update, or make space on their hard drive for the programs. Many of the applications that you already use are actually SaaS, although you may not have realized it. To access these services, it’s often necessary to pay. There are a wide range of service providers that have developed and maintain a range of software for any of your needs. Cloud Computing Software There are a multitude of service providers that give users access to their cloud computing software and can be broken down into the different services of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS and their function. IaaS and virtualization Amazon Web Services Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines Google Cloud Compute Engine VMware vSPHERE PaaS and development tools Heroku Google App Engine Microsoft Azure App Service GitHub SaaS and business and productivity-based software Salesforce Microsoft 365 Dropbox SaaS and communication and collaboration-based software Slack Microsoft Teams Zoom SaaS and business and analytics-based software Google Analytics Tableau Online Microsoft Power BI Cloud computing is extremely versatile, customizable depending on you or your company’s wants and needs. Given the vast number of available cloud computing software, you’ll definitely find the right one. Cloud Computing Applications Thanks to all the cloud computing software and services, the applications of cloud computing are boundless. As companies and individuals continue depending on and leveraging their devices, cloud computing will also grow more in what they can provide their users. Currently, the five following cloud computing applications are what clients are looking for in their cloud computing services: Data storage One of the most essential and widespread applications of the cloud is data storage and as the world uses their devices for both personal and professional matters, the need for more space for their pictures, videos, documents, projects, and other files climbs as well. Most smartphone and computer users already rely on cloud computing’s data storage feature as their dependence on and use of the digital world grows larger. Compute resources Companies are constantly trying to grow and by outsourcing computer resources to a cloud computing service and accessing virtualized computer power, they can improve efficiency greatly. They also can run applications and automated programs and have no need to depend on their own physical hardware. Software development and deployment The tech world has a serious need for cloud computing, but it’s especially crucial for software developers. When designing, testing, and deploying their software, web development teams rely on cloud computing to be an infrastructure that won’t be impacted by their work. The use of cloud computing provides them with the opportunity to focus on coding instead of worrying about the underlying infrastructure. Big data analytics One of the most important aspects of big data analytics is the sheer amount of the data that data analysts use and because of this high number, they require not only a lot of storage space, but also computing power. Artificial intelligence and machine learning In addition to the computing power and storage space that big data analytics need, other virtual machines are leveraged to help with computing power for AI and machine learning software that perform complex analysis and other functions. Benefits of Cloud Computing Thanks to all the features and applications of cloud computing, companies and individuals benefit immensely in a variety of ways. Some of the benefits of cloud computing are: Scalability The cloud gives businesses the power to scale their computing resources up and down and in doing so, they are ensuring that they are staying within computing resources parameters. This prevents them from waiting to scale up and buy the necessary hardware when they’ve reached their upper limit. Cost efficiency Thanks to all the services that cloud computing provides, there is no need for companies to spend money upfront on hardware or infrastructure that may become insufficient or unnecessary in the future. By purchasing a pay-as-you-go cloud service, companies can avoid wasting money and easily expand their subscription service with a click of the mouse. Agility Not only does a business have the option to scale their cloud to their needs, but also they can deploy applications and services quickly when needed. If there are any market changes or opportunities to which they need to respond, they can make the appropriate adjustments and decisions accordingly. Accessibility Where there’s internet, there’s the cloud so since internet connectivity is ubiquitous around the world, users can use it almost anywhere. With only access to the internet, you can use the cloud from almost anywhere and with teams spanning the globe, cloud accessibility facilitates not only communication and collaboration, but also shared file usage. Backup and disaster recovery Although it’s only a precaution, the cloud often saves your data and keeps backups of it in the case of a disaster or other problem and cloud service providers will keep your data in more than one site so as to avoid the possibility of losing it. The importance of the cloud for many businesses is immense and because of it, the need to have professionals with expertise in cloud computing and its infrastructure is also becoming more essential for making their teams. Cloud Computing Jobs According to LinkedIn , cloud computing-related jobs are one of the fastest expanding professions in the tech world at a 30% growth rate annually and a projected global market value of $832.1 billion by 2025. As mentioned above, the dependence on the cloud by not only individuals, but also companies is increasing and not expected to slow down any time soon. As technology develops more, more cloud-related job openings will open up, such as: Cloud solutions architect Cloud engineer Cloud developer Cloud DevOps engineer Cloud security engineer Cloud data engineer Cloud database administrator Cloud project manager Cloud consultant More careers in cloud computing are worth exploring since the number of opportunities in cloud computing is increasing greatly. To follow this career, you can take several different paths; some may start with a bootcamp in web development, while others study an undergraduate degree in computer science. A great way to show that you’re invested in the cloud and make yourself stand out is to study in a cloud certification program. Cloud Computing Certification If you want to work in cloud computing, first things first: you have to learn about it in a certification program and before that, there may be prerequisites to be accepted into one of the cloud certification programs. The following are cloud computing certification programs that you can take to improve your cloud expertise: Amazon Web Services Certifications Microsoft Azure Certifications Google Cloud Certifications CompTIA Cloud+ Certification Certified Cloud Security Professional Certified Cloud Practitioner VMWare Cloud Certifications Cisco Certified Cloud Associate But prior to working hard for that certification, there are some fundamentals that are necessary to set you up for success and an incredible way to create a strong programming base is at Ironhack. Learn more at the courses page available here and get started on your journey into tech.

You know machine learning involves computers solving problems that would take humans a lot of time and effort, right? You’re halfway there then: learning about machine learning algorithms are the next step to understanding how to use machine learning to your advantage. In this article, we’ll cover the general importance of machine learning algorithms and the most popular ones that can help you make the most of your machine learning tools. What are Machine Learning Algorithms? Machine learning algorithms are simple: they’re mapping methods used to learn about and identify underlying patterns in sets of data . As Arthur Samuel put it, machine learning is “a computer’s ability to learn without being explicitly programmed” and as computers continue to process and sort more and more data sets, they learn more and more about the best ways to handle said data. Why are machine learning algorithms important? We know that machine learning algorithms use past data to predict future outcomes, which can lead to: Higher optimization rates Effective fraud detection Better decision making Improved disease/treatment prediction Proper sales predictions There are four types of machine learning methods, within which the main kinds of models fall: supervised, semi-supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning. Supervised learning Supervised learning sounds just like it is: machines that are fed a known data set by an expert, with included desired inputs and outputs. From there, the machine has to decide how to arrive at those inputs and outputs through identifying patterns in the data, making observations to arrive at predictions. In this case, the expert corrects the machine if needed and continues to work with it until it can guarantee high rates of accuracy. Experts using the supervised learning method can choose from three different algorithms: Classification : when using the classification algorithm, the program uses observed values to sort data into given categories. To do so, it uses observational data and improves the accuracy of its sorting as it gets more and more practice. Regression : when using the regression algorithm, the program is asked to estimate and understand variable relationships, using one dependent variable and other changing variables to predict what will happen. Forecasting : when using the forecasting algorithm, the program evaluates past and present data to predict future outcomes; it also analyzes trends to forecast the future. Semi-supervised learning There’s one key difference between supervised and semi-supervised learning: in semi-supervised learning, programs are fed both labeled and unlabeled data so that the program must take the labeled data and draw conclusions from the unlabeled data, drawing conclusions on patterns, trends, and future predictions. Unsupervised learning Just as the title suggests, unsupervised learning means the machine learning program works on its own, without labeled data or an expert , to find patterns and trends in the data. It’s given large data sets and organizes the information as it sees fit; as it receives more and more data, it’s able to become better at sorting the data effectively and properly. Two examples of unsupervised learning methods are clustering and dimensionality reduction: Clustering : when using clustering, unsupervised learning programs will sort the data into categories based on criteria they decide; they’ll then look for patterns and trends within those clusters to draw conclusions. Dimensionality reduction : to make it easier for unsupervised machine learning models to find patterns and trends, dimensionality reduction asks it to only look at a limited number of variables, reducing the overall requirements of the program. Reinforcement learning Our last category of machine learning algorithms is a bit different from the others; to help the program learn and advance over time, the algorithm is provided with a set of actions, paraments, and end values and from there, it’s asked to try out each and see which performs best. This helps the program learn best practices and try out different methods. These four ways to teach machine learning programs how to handle and analyze data are the main ways to categorize how programs learn, but we can choose from lots of different algorithms when it comes to actually analyzing our data. Let’s cover some of the most popular machine learning algorithms so that you can pick the best one for your next project. Machine Learning Algorithms Linear regression One of the most common and preferred algorithms, linear regression identifies a relationship between independent and dependent variables on a line, through the equation Y = a *X + b. Here, Y represents the dependent variable, a is the slope, X is the independent variable, and b is the intercept. Through this equation, the program is able to order and sort the data. Logistic regression Another common algorithm, logistic regression is used to separate specific variables from a larger set of independent variables and is valuable when it comes to predicting the probability of something happening. To improve the overall logistic regression model, interaction terms and non-linear models are frequently employed. Decision tree The decision tree algorithm is a supervised learning algorithm that classifies data successfully, using the data’s strongest qualities to divide it into multiple groups based on independent variables. This is one of the most commonly used algorithms for data categorization. Support vector machine algorithm To help visualize the data, the support vector machine algorithm allows you to plot your data points on a graph (the size depends on the number of data points) and then see how things are spread out, providing an easy way to see patterns and understand the data as a whole. Naive Bayes algorithm The Naive Bayes algorithm is popular because of its ability to evaluate very large data sets and find what makes specific variables stand out from others; it’s easy to use and can help successfully classify variables and predict outcomes. There are so many different machine learning algorithms that we could tell you about, but we don’t have the time! But knowing which one is right for you means you need to fully understand the type of data you’re working with and your desired outcome. If you’re interested in becoming more of a data expert than you already are and using data to make quality decisions, Ironhack’s Data Analytics Bootcamp is the right place for you. What are you waiting for? We’ll see you in class!

Companies want to stick out. They want to grab your attention every time you interact with them; whether it’s in real life or virtually, leaving a long-lasting and positive impact on their consumers is vital. And how does a company ensure that they are the one that has the biggest influence on you? One word: branding . What is Branding? What’s the logo that most sticks out in your mind? Is it McDonald’s golden arches, Apple’s gray symbol, or maybe Nike’s black swoosh? All of these are just one integral part of a company’s brand; other important visual aspects include the company’s: Packaging Design Color palette Imagery Typography What a customer sees is obvious; however, another important aspect of the brand is what it makes people feel. A major part of a company’s brand is their tone, personality, and what consumers perceive of both of them; this can include their: Mission and values Slogan Advertising Voice Attitude A company’s brand isn’t as simple as you may think it is; it’s a full identity and just like with a person’s identity, it has different levels. As you can see from the elements to branding above, there is one major goal when choosing a brand: achieving differentiation and uniqueness . Companies and organizations want to stand out from the rest and make a mental and emotional connection with clients and in doing this, they ensure that a bond is formed between themselves and their clients; where there’s an emotional attachment, there’s continued support and sales. This is what brands would call brand loyalty and creating that feeling with a company can be difficult sometimes. Nevertheless, establishing a strong, safe, consistent, and aesthetically pleasing brand will do exactly that: entice clients and retain them . What is UX/UI Design? UX/UI design is a combination of two different yet equally important parts of creating a consumer experience: UX design is concerned with creating a pleasant and easy-to-use interface that a user can navigate intuitively. They don’t only create wireframes and prototypes that map out the user’s experience, but also collect data and survey users on how to enhance their interaction with the product. UI design focuses on choosing the visual design elements that go into the final product, which includes: Fonts Color palettes Images and graphics Animations Layout and spacing Iconography Despite making up several pages of an app or website, these aspects give the user a cohesive and visually stimulating experience. How do Branding and UX/UI Design Intersect? Branding and UX/UI design are intertwined and overlapping parts of what a company or organization wants to present to the world when creating a website or an app. The brand is the company’s soul and heart, defining what they feel and determining their purpose. UX/UI design is there to interact with users visually, but in some ways can project that brand identity in the details and intention behind them. They work side by side to make the user experience that is most attuned to and engaging for their potential clients; they’re essential for pulling in and retaining those users. Since UX and UI design are not the same specialities, they both lend their strengths and skill sets in different ways to enhance the branding of a company. Branding and UX Design User research and feedback As mentioned above, UX design focuses on the user’s experience and because of that, UX designers love to gather data so they can see what users think about the website or app. When the company is trying to create that personality and tone throughout their website, apps, and other platforms, how the user interacts with them and how they feel is really important and the data can point them in the right direction or help them course correct. By analyzing the data from UX designers’ surveys, questionnaires, and interviews, the company can make adjustments and the earlier, the better. Consistency leads to trust and safety Since they are coordinating to project a brand identity and feeling into the minds of consumers, UX designers need to make sure that they are both consistent and cohesive throughout the whole experience. By creating stability on their pages, they are transmitting safety, trustworthiness, and comfort to users. For example, if some pages have a different layout than others, users may feel as if they’ve stumbled onto a different website. Ensuring that the whole project is on the same wavelength and written consistently makes a stronger and more reliable final product for users. Emotional connection through storytelling Both branding and UX design are both seeking to accomplish one major goal: create an emotional connection with the product. Users take in all the information when interacting with an app and website and the brand’s personality and tone are transmitted through storytelling . Swiping or scrolling through the pages, a user makes that emotional connection with everything they come in contact with, creating their own story. At the same time, the content, mission, and values furthers that story, connecting them with the company. Storytelling is a huge part of human history; the voice, tone, and design interface narrate a story to users. Branding and UI Design Words translated into art All storytelling starts off as just words on a page until UI design teams enter the process. Focusing on creating that brand loyalty and storytelling through design, UI designers must transmit the brand’s message through all those design elements: fonts, spacing, images, buttons and color palettes make up the entire feeling of the project: Fonts: a font like Times New Roman can be professional and clean-cut; Courier New feels like the text is straight from a typewriter from the early 20th century. Color palette: color theory comes into play, as electric blue and dark black transmit a pop of strong, bright color on an all encompassing dark canvas, telling a story of strength, hope, and subdue. Spacing and layout: the choice to place the text far apart can induce tranquility and grandness. Simply put, something that may seem as insignificant as the font or spacing can make a client connect with or reject the brand. Credibility goes a long way When it comes to design elements in UI, all details count. To make the experience more credible, UI designers must flesh out the entire brand’s identity so that they can be consistent and intentional when it comes time to choose the color palette, images, graphics, font, and more. A distinct and memorable logo What do a multicolored capital G and a green and white smiling mermaid have in common? They’re both logos for very well-known multinational companies with strong brand identities: Google and Starbucks. When integrating UI design elements with brand identity, they have to be that perfect match for each other, capturing and retaining user attention. The final decision for a distinct and memorable logo can be a painstaking one, but UI designers know what will work in the end and can adjust if necessary later. Why are branding and UX/UI design important? By combining branding and UX/UI design, the company gives their heart and soul to their users in an engaging, intentional, and truly authentic way. Branding is the core and UX/UI design enhances and extends that identity out into an interactive work of art; all the elements it takes to create this complete brand identity come from thousands of little decisions made between the company and both the UX and UI teams. Their collaboration entails a credible and safe final product to which users want to explore and return. Branding and UX/UI design work together when defining and transmitting the brand identity, ensuring that clients and users understand who they are, what they represent, and connect emotionally with their entire brand.

You’ve decided to bet on the cloud–you want a stress-free and cost-effective experience that allows you to safely store all your data. But once you’ve made this decision, you’re faced with another: how can you optimize your cloud performance to maximize efficiency and spend as little as possible? Luckily for you, there are quite a few ways. But before we dive right in, let’s review what the cloud is, its claim to fame, and why it’s such a popular choice among practically all companies in need of data solutions. What is the Cloud? No, it’s not that fluffy thing in the sky! The cloud refers to servers that are hosted over the internet and serve as an effective and efficient storage solution for many companies. Why? Because it’s not a physical storage building with limitations such as: Geographical concerns : if your server is located in a warehouse in North America but your public is trying to reach your site from Asia, they might have trouble or suffer from slow processing speeds. Outage risks : if all your information is in one place and there’s a data outage or worse, a fire, your server will be offline until power is restored. When you choose cloud solutions, you benefit from a decentralized service that ensures you’re always online. Security concerns : it’s easier to hack physical servers, especially when they’re all in the same place. Because there is no one location for the servers when you choose the cloud, your data is more protected and no longer dependent on backups or specific users. The three c’s of cloud computing To better understand the cloud and why it’s so valued, we can break it down into three categories: cost, convenience, and control. Cost: physical data storage options can be quite expensive and require you to commit to a certain amount of space for a specific period of time. The cloud, on the other hand, has a pay as you go option, meaning you can select exactly what you need and adjust it over time. There are also lots of free options offered by popular providers like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure. Convenience : most of today’s technologies exist with one purpose in mind: to make our lives easier. And the cloud is no exception; it comes with lots of pre-configured options to ensure you don’t have to waste time setting up your own infrastructure and you can choose the geographical zones in which you want to offer your services. Control : the amount of control you have over your data is totally up to you and you can choose pre-determined plans that work for you or choose to create your own. You can also choose the exact amount of space you need and time you’ll need it for, permitting you to have complete control over your plan. The benefits of cloud computing Choosing to use the cloud for your company is a big decision and you should consider all options before you make the jump. But if you choose to do so, you can expect to enjoy: Better performance : gone are your concerns about downtime–as they’re simply located on the internet, they’re available wherever you choose and as storage options are spread out, there is no risk of outages. Higher sustainability : energy consumption by companies is one of the main ways in which the world is negatively affecting the environment, but get this: companies that move to the cloud can reduce their energy consumption by up to 90%! Removing physical and energy-sucking machines from warehouses is the more sustainable choice. Wider accessibility : both employees and customers will benefit from access to your site from basically anywhere, no longer requiring you to be nearby for things to work smoothly. Immediate business insights : as your information is stored on the internet, it’s accessible from anywhere and you can run reports and analyze your data practically anytime, allowing you to fully understand what you’re doing and how you can improve your cloud presence. Lower costs : as we mentioned above, cloud computing providers offer affordable and customizable prices, but you’ll also save money as you’ll no longer have to support your own server, generators, routers, and everything you needed beforehand. And we’re not the only ones who trust in the cloud! Lots of industries use the cloud to maximize their services: Healthcare companies use the cloud to securely store patient information and share data between providers. Streaming services use content delivery networks and cloud providers like AWS to ensure that everyone in the world can access their content whenever they want to. Hotel and accommodation sites use the cloud to store massive amounts of information they have, such as available rooms, services, messages between guests and hosts, and customer preferences. Now that you know why choosing the cloud is such a fantastic option, let’s dive further into optimizing your cloud performance and our tips and tricks to making the most of your cloud usage. Optimizing Cloud Performance You already chose to use the cloud and have migrated all your data over to your provider–you’re done, right? Sadly, no, you still have responsibilities to ensure everything is working properly. Just like with anything, you’ll have to check for any issues, analyze what’s working for you, and make changes as needed. Two of the most common reasons people choose the cloud are cost and efficiency . Physical storage is extremely expensive and has a lot of drawbacks (we mentioned those above!). As these are the two main reasons companies choose to use the cloud, we’re going to focus on optimizing cloud cost performance and cloud efficiency performance. Optimizing cloud cost performance Know where your money is going We know cloud providers offer customizable options, allowing you to choose exactly what you need. But it’s important to set a clear budget for how much you’re willing to pay for this service and once you’ve already been with a provider for a while, review your pricing and billing information to highlight any areas that are unnecessary. For example, you might see that something you originally thought you’d use is not actually needed and you’ll save more money by cutting it from your plan. Take advantage of reserved instances (RIs) Many cloud providers offer large discounts if you pre-pay for your service–-some offer up to 75% off the total price! But to properly take advantage of this, you must review your history and make an accurate estimate of how much storage you truly need. Otherwise, you might end up overpaying anyway. Decide whether single or multi-cloud deployment is best If you go for multi-cloud deployment, you can lower overall costs and pick from more options, but it is a bit more expensive. If you choose a single vendor, you might be able to create a specific deal that works best for your company, but have limited options. Ensuring you choose the right option is key to solving money long-term; evaluate your situation to see what you truly need. Optimizing cloud efficiency performance Take advantage of automation tools Efficiency is typically equated with doing things faster, but it also includes doing things correctly and faster so that the task doesn’t need to be repeated and fixed in the future. Lots of actions on the cloud can be automated, like configuration management and deployment, which can save you time by doing it right the first time. Use the DevOps methodology We’re big fans of the DevOps methodology at Ironhack and that’s because it works and when implemented on the cloud, can help save time and improve agility. Continuous development and delivery are crucial aspects of the DevOps process and can easily be used on the cloud. Assess risks beforehand A security risk can seriously affect your business and even force you to go offline for a period of time if your data has been breached. To avoid this, make sure you have security measures in plan and have a plan of action in case the worst occurs. And if something does happen, make sure the team has a clear understanding of how it occurred and preventative measures to avoid repetition. Ready to optimize your cloud cost performance? Check out these helpful tools: AWS’ Cost Explorer helps you predict costs and suggest discounts and deals that can help you save money. Cloudability is a great tool that tracks and analyzes spending across the cloud, helping you see where your money is going. CloudChekr works across various cloud providers and provides a helpful overview of how you’re using the provider. The cloud is a truly incredible resource that’s helped lots of companies find better and more cost-effective storage solutions. But it’s not perfect and you’ll need to stay on top of it to ensure you’re getting the most from it–just like with anything else! At Ironhack, we know the importance of staying on the forefront of new technologies and innovations and pride ourselves on preparing the next generation of techies to enter the workforce with the knowledge they need to both land that first job and keep learning. So if you’re interested in joining us, we’d be happy to have you! Check out our available bootcamps here and let yourself be swept away into the world of tech.

Learning a foreign language isn’t a one-and-done experience and that’s true for programming languages as well. Whether you’re new to Python or want to polish your skills, consistent practice can seriously impact your fluency. Unlike other languages, you can’t just hop on a plane and start chatting with native speakers, but there are a few things you can do to add regular practice to your routine and improve your Python skills. A Beginner’s Guide: What is Python? Just in case you’re brand new to programming…what even is Python anyway? Commonly touted as the more beginner-friendly programming language, Python can be used in web development, task management and automation, design, AI and machine learning, and data analysis. It’s an open-source language with a thriving online community and countless applications. It’s a perfect choice for those just starting out in their web development careers, as it’s such a flexible tool to have in your kit, it’s easy to learn, and there are plenty of beginner-friendly projects to help you improve. If you don’t already have Python on your computer, download it from Python.org and decide which code editor or integrated development environment (IDE) to use. Some IDEs that work in Python include Pydev, Pycharm, Sublime Text, and Visual Studio. How to Practice Python Online It’s possible to find online platforms where you can practice Python without installing it on your computer. You can use browser labs, some of which are mobile-friendly. Coding on smartphones isn’t easy, and you shouldn’t rely on it. However, depending on your circumstances, you can use it for practice. If you’re using an Android smartphone, you can install applications like Pydroid, Dcoder, and Acode. Once you install them, you can practice coding offline. For iPhone, you can install applications like Pythonista and Pyto. You don’t need to carry your laptop everywhere you go to practice Python. With an online Python editor , you can start practicing from any computer. You don’t need the administrator’s permission to install the program since everything is accessible online. Best of all, this type of tool is free, allowing you to build, test, and share your code online–and you don’t have to worry about updates. Join an Online Python Community While your community of fellow Ironhackers will undoubtedly have some Python know-how (especially our Web Development and Data Analytics students), you may want to broaden your horizons and meet others who are learning or upgrading their Python skills. Try checking out the official Python community where you can meet other enthusiasts, learn more from seasoned professionals, and maybe even do some networking. Check Out Some Popular Python Books If you love a good book, there are plenty of great reads out there about Python and programming. We’ve handpicked these recommendations for you: Python From The Very Beginning by J. Whitington: this offers you a more hands-on experience, presenting you with questions to work through on your own time (don’t worry, all of the answers are inside!) Leaving the Rat Race With Python: An Insider’s Guide to Freelance Developing by Christian Mayar and Lukas Rieger: one for all of you entrepreneurs-at-heart who dream of building your own coding empire. Python 3 Object-Oriented Programming by Dusty Phillips: once you’ve mastered the basics of Python and you’re ready for the next step, give this a try! It’s the perfect tool to take you from beginner to a more confident programmer. Get Involved in Online Python Projects Building on a project is the best way to learn Python; it provides an opportunity to implement everything you learn. And it’s what employers look for when hiring programmers. The kind of project you choose will depend on your fluency in Python, your areas of expertise, and how much free time you have available. You may also choose to tailor your project to the industry, niche, or company of your dreams, as projects are great job-hunting fodder. But what if you have no clue where to start? Let’s see: You can build what you see others building or find Python exercises online . Try to pick something fun to get you interested and keep you motivated to finish. Regardless of what you choose, it will still help polish your skills. Contributing to GitHub online projects is a great way of improving your coding skills. GitHub has thousands of open-source projects that run simultaneously. It’s more likely that you’ll find a Python project that suits you and best of all, the platform has a place for all skill levels. If you’re new, you can find beginner-friendly projects. Plus, you can work on project documentation since it doesn’t involve any coding. Such projects involve finding errors in the code made by others and if you have advanced skills, GitHub has endless opportunities for you. Working on open-source projects also helps you learn from others and build relationships with online communities. You’ll improve your resume by showing that you can collaborate with other developers, and it’s a good way to build up your confidence. Tips For Practicing Python Consistency is crucial when it comes to practicing programming. So make it a habit to code every day. But keep in mind that breaks are just as important and maintain a schedule that alternates coding time with break time. If you join a class or an online forum, don’t just focus on learning from others. You learn better when you teach. If you can explain a concept correctly, it shows you understand it. And if you don’t, you can identify areas where you need improvement. Programming can be challenging if you skip the essential rules taught in the introduction. So don’t ignore Python theory and programming blogs, but keep in mind that practicing requires you to build code in-person. Knowledge without implementation doesn’t make you a good programmer. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you encounter a problem. Doing so will save your time and limit the risk of feeling frustrated when something doesn’t work out. If possible, practice coding as a group of two or three people. That way, you can learn faster and generate more ideas. Learn Python From the Experts These are all great ways to keep practicing Python in your own time. But if you’re just starting out or you’re thirsting for as much tech knowledge as possible, learning from home may not be the way to go. It can be challenging to stay consistent and to make sure you’re learning the right things. An Ironhack Web Development Bootcamp lets you join a global network of alumni, as well as getting you into your local tech community. And you know you’re learning everything you need to know for a blossoming tech career with us!

You’ve learned your programming language of choice and you’re done, right?! You’ve learned everything you need to know to land your dream tech job, right ?! Unfortunately, it’s not that simple–there are lots of other skills tech professionals need to know, both hard and soft, to ensure they’re ready to take on the challenge. Before we dive right into the crucial skills that you should have as a tech professional beyond those that you already have, let’s explore why it’s so important to learn other skills to land your dream role in tech. Why is it Important to Learn Other Skills in Tech? Programmers should be aware of cybersecurity threats in addition to their coding knowledge and UX/UI designers should know how to analyze the data that they see from their users to optimize their designs. But beyond the skills listed on a job description lie others that are essential. Why? Here you go: Tech moves at an incredibly fast pace : tech moves fast; we’re sure you already know that. To keep up with new technologies or innovations, it’s crucial that you’re constantly researching what’s happening in the industry and staying up-to-date with new advancements. Additional skills make you a more valuable candidate : if you just have the basic skills required to be a cybersecurity professional, you’ll find that your application is sitting next to a large pile of candidates with the exact same skills. Branching out and widening your skill set separates your application and makes employers more likely to hire you. You’ll be better suited to move into a different role: as we mentioned, tech moves fast and let’s be realistic: it’s possible that your job becomes unnecessary or filled by someone else with knowledge of newer tools and technologies. But if you boast a wide range of skills, employers are more likely to move you into a new role or choose to upskill or reskill you. We’ll dive into a more detailed summary of skills to learn for specific roles later on, but first, let’s cover some of the main tech skills that all techies should have in their toolbox. Important tech skills for all techies No matter if you’re the world’s best UX/UI designer or Python programmer, all tech professionals should be able to put these skills on their resume: General computer skills : we’re sure you know how to type, but are you proficient at using both Macs and PCs? Or various processing systems? Today, everyone is expected to have some computer knowledge because our world is so digitally-focused, but showing how comfortable you are with various softwares and machines helps instill a sense of confidence in your manager. Artificial intelligence : AI is all the rage right now and it’s only going to continue growing in popularity, with more and more AI-skilled professionals needed. If you can work on your AI skills outside the office and add it to your resume, hiring managers will definitely take note. Marketing : knowing how to create your product is just one step; you have to know how to market it as well. Reviewing some key marketing knowledge such as search engine optimization and content marketing can help you take your skills to the next level. Coding : listen, we’re not saying you need to become a hackathon champion if your goal is to become a data analyst. But it could be helpful to have some coding knowledge so you can handle little problems on your own or even identify what an issue is. Data analytics : data is behind every single decision we make and knowing how to read, sort, and visualize data can help you make better decisions in every part of your life and especially at work. You don’t need to be the world’s fastest data analyzer, but learning how to understand important figures at a basic level could help your actions become more effective. Web design : you could write some fantastic code but choose a design that just doesn’t resonate with your user and suddenly no one is checking out your website. Knowing the basics of quality user design can help you incorporate that into your project from the back-end. Now that you know why it’s important to learn other skills outside your direct responsibilities, let’s cover some key skills for each of these four sectors: web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Other Skills to Learn in Web Development Web developers boast knowledge in programming languages, frameworks, cording, and testing, but what else could be valuable? Let’s discuss: Familiarity with the user experience : at the end of the day, web developers are creating a product for a certain user and if the web design doesn’t meet user needs and expectations, it’s entirely useless. To ensure that designs are created for the user, web developers should understand the entire user experience, which will help them create a better product. Attention to detail: writing lines and lines of code can be tedious and seemingly endless, but a small mistake could make the entire site come crashing down. Web developers that can prove their attention to detail skills will reassure potential employers and be more attractive candidates. Teamwork : web developers tend to work on large teams with back-end developers, front-end developers, product managers, UX designers, team leads, and more and the last thing managers want is a developer who can’t play nice with others. Show off your teamwork skills and give examples of how you’ve worked on large and diverse teams before if you want to truly impress your prospective employer. Good communication : developers have a reputation for sitting at their computers all day and writing lines and lines of code and, well, there’s a reason for that. Similarly to the need for good teamwork skills, developers should expect to spend lots of time explaining what they’re doing to others and need to be able to communicate properly with the entire team. Other Skills to Learn in UX/UI Design To create the perfect design, UX/UI designers are proficient in interaction design, information architecture, prototyping, and design, in addition to these sometimes forgotten gems: Familiarity with the differences between mobile and desktops : the perfect design might exist solely on a mobile browser and when you bring it to a desktop it doesn’t work at all. Knowing the slight differences between mobile and desktop browsers such as loading time, page layout, and accessibility can help bring your design to an entirely new audience–and bring more business. Visualization skills : for some, it can be hard to picture what a final product will look like and we get it–how could anyone picture something that doesn’t exist yet?! But even though it’s challenging, successful UX/UI designers boast the ability to anticipate how a design will look, choosing the right elements right from the beginning and adjusting them as needed throughout the design process. Familiarity with testing procedures : the design process can be long and tedious and ultimately depends heavily on how testing goes and how users respond to the design. UX/UI designers who have experience with or knowledge about testing procedures can anticipate problems before they arise and quickly solve any found issues. Good listening skills : just like with developing a website, the success of a design ultimately lies with one thing: if the user reacts positively to it. Showing a potential employer that you’re ready to listen and incorporate all kinds of feedback into your design will be well-received. Other Skills to Learn in Data Analytics In addition to typical data analytic skills like machine learning, data visualization, data cleaning, and analysis, data analysts can spruce up their resumes with the following skills: Programming languages : you might equate programming languages with web development and coding, but programming languages like R and Python can analyze large quantities of data efficiently and quickly, allowing you to focus on other tasks that require human brainpower. Presentation skills : spoiler alert: your findings are practically useless if you can’t communicate them to your team, sharing what you’ve learned and your recommendations for the future. Knowing how to visualize your results can make all the difference between a good data analyst and an incredible data analyst. Writing skills : data analysts are frequently tasked with creating reports of their findings to share with colleagues or stakeholders; knowing how to not only put that information into charts but also write it well can be quite the challenge for those with weak writing skills. Problem solving skills : from incomplete datasets to tight deadlines, data analysts face lots of problems and need to be prepared to handle said issues professionally and properly, ensuring they’re completing their responsibilities to the best of their abilities. Other Skills to Learn in Cybersecurity Cybersecurity professionals might think all employers are looking for is Cloud knowledge and network security skills, but to become a truly competitive candidate, we recommend becoming familiar with: Attention to detail: scams or phishing attempts can seem really real sometimes and it’s easy to fall for one if you’re not paying full attention. Highlighting your ability to double and triple check every detail will reassure potential employers. Critical thinking : some threats require a lot of creativity and critical thinking to find the right solution; knowing how to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions is highly valuable. Coding : lots of protections put into place by cybersecurity professionals are embedded into a website’s code; if you have basic knowledge of some of the most common programming languages, you’ll be able to implement these protections yourself and check for updates or problems later on. Artificial intelligence : the rise of artificial intelligence has led to more realistic phishing and malware attacks. Cyber professionals who can identify computer-generated scams will become increasingly relevant in the coming years. It may seem like a lot of skills to learn, but that’s exactly why Ironhack was born: to take talented individuals and make them into the next generation of techies, ready to fill market gaps in different areas of the sector. Bootcamp graduates are incredibly valuable because of just that; they use their diverse backgrounds and their newly acquired technical knowledge to create a new kind of tech professional . If you’re thinking about changing careers, there’s never been a better time to dive right into tech and we’d love to guide you along your journey in tech. What are you waiting for? Check out our courses and apply today.

We’ve all been there: forced to work with that one colleague that refuses to listen, work as a team, or hear others’ opinions. Or sometimes teamwork issues arise in a different situation, like when different teams have to come together to work on a common goal. No matter the reason why , teamwork and collaboration are essential skills to master, especially in web development. Why? Well, DevOps, or a combination of development and operations, is becoming an increasingly common practice in the field, thanks to its ability to maximize efficiency and use the strengths of everyone involved to work faster and better together. It seems simple, right? Taking advantage of individual skills to contribute to the common goal of the team seems straightforward, but is hard to actually implement when working with a large group or different groups. DevOps works to bridge this gap between various groups, achieving superior communication and collaboration ; before we dive into DevOps and how it can help your organization, let’s cover some of the challenges of working across teams and certain situations you might face. Ready? Let’s dive in. DevOps and Teamwork As we mentioned earlier, DevOps seeks to optimize teamwork across different groups. The best thing about this methodology, however, is that it’s relatively new and malleable , meaning it can be molded to fit your teams’ exact needs. There are five main points that make up the DevOps process: Continuous integration : why wait until you’re done building something to test if it works? A crucial part of the DevOps methodology is continuously integrating new tools to ensure everything is working smoothly and correcting errors as they appear, instead of when it’s too late to fix. Continuous delivery : once code is written or developed, it’s immediately sent to be tested to check for bugs and issues and correct said problems if they exist. Infrastructure as code (IaC) : through managing infrastructure as code, IaC makes it easier and quicker to deploy new infrastructure. Developers learn what’s working and can repeat that throughout the rest of the project. Automated testing & development : to free up team members’ valuable time, automating testing and development feedback can alert the team of possible issues without monopolizing their time. Monitoring and feedback loops : you can create the perfect design in your opinion, but your users are the ones who need to like it and choose to engage with it. That’s why getting user opinions and comments throughout the entire development process, not just once the product is finished, can help you create an altogether better product. The benefits of DevOps Organizations that choose to employ the DevOps methodology in their projects can expect to see many benefits, including the following. Better and faster deliverables We’re sure that, at some point, you’ve reached the end of a project only to discover you were missing a crucial element early on. It’s time to throw out everything you did and start at the beginning–again. If you use DevOps practices, however, you will be checking the quality of your code and designs as you finish them , ensuring they’re working and what the client wants during the entire project lifespan, helping you fix errors before they impact other areas of the project. Not only does this make for a faster process, but also helps create better final products. Improved teamwork Teamwork and collaboration are essential parts of the DevOps methodology; however, these two skills can be tough to improve and nurture if you’re always working with the same group of people. Learning how other people work, think, and react to problems will help your overall teamwork skills, in addition to making future collaborations easier and more straightforward. Better reputation No one wants the reputation of creating low quality products that constantly require updates or improvements. DevOps help improve your overall company reputation by improving the products you’re releasing, ensuring they’re ready to enter the market and reliable. The Challenges of Teamwork in Tech Teamwork makes the dream work! Well, that’s what you’ve heard for years; while this saying is inspirational and does highlight the fact that teamwork can help certain situations, actually implementing proper teamwork principles across various teams, such as a web development team and a web design team, can be quite the challenge. Here are some of the most common challenges you’ll find when working on team in tech: Security and permissions : your team might have full access to the necessary information to complete the project, but the team you’re partnering with doesn’t. They ask you for complete access, but that could take a while to grant or compromise your organization’s security. The DevOps solution: evaluate the information that the other team truly needs to have to properly execute their role and ensure they have access to it. However, if it’s something that they don’t need to access, don’t compromise your organization’s security by giving it to them just because. Unclear roles and leadership : when two or more teams come together, two possible problems arise. First, it may be unclear who is leading the project and the leaders of the teams need to decide who will be the point person on this specific project to streamline communication and progress. Second, with a large group working together, it’s possible that roles could overlap or be unnecessary; make sure you clearly define what people’s roles are and avoid any overlap. The DevOps solution: clearly define the project leader and the go-to person for questions or concerns about specific issues. This will help people get help in the right places and make sure everyone understands their role, the structure of the project, and what they’re bringing to the team on an individual level. Clashing personalities : your team is probably quite used to each other and fully understands how each member thinks, reacts, and works. But when you introduce a whole new group into the mix, personalities could clash and feelings could get hurt. The DevOps solution: raise this matter to the entire team before you get to work, making sure they’re aware that there are new people with whom they’ll be working who may have different opinions or ways of handling processes. Then review the process of what to do in case of disagreements or problems so that solutions are easily reached without interrupting others. A lack of interest in the task : the team you’re working with may be totally uninterested in what they have to do to help your team; after all, they typically work in a completely different area and may not be thrilled to be put on a new project with a completely separate team. The DevOps solution: highlight the importance of each team member and establish the role they play, explaining why it’s necessary for the overall success of the project. Be empathetic towards the members of the other team, helping them adjust and finding an area in which they’re interested in to really let their abilities shine. We could go on and on; there are lots of things that could arise when different teams come together to work on a common goal. But that’s exactly what DevOps seeks to do: improve this teamwork between different groups, producing a superior final product. Implementing DevOps with Your Team We’ve convinced you! DevOps is a great way to bridge the gap between different teams and foster a collaborative mindset across your company. But what’s the first step you can take? How can you begin to incorporate the DevOps methodology into your next project? Here’s what you need to know: Evaluate what your team is currently doing : to identify areas of improvement and how the DevOps methodology could improve your processes, you need to first evaluate how your team currently works, flagging any problem areas. Once you fully understand how DevOps can help your team, you can customize DevOps practices to your needs and ensure you make the most of it. Focus on quality communication : proper teamwork is impossible without good communication between team members. Make sure every member of the team has a clear answer to the following questions: Who do I go to in case of an issue? What is the overall goal of the project? What is the desired timeline of the project? What is my specific role in the project? Who is the project leader? Create a DevOps culture : easy, right? Well, this can be quite the challenge for many teams, but it begins with highlighting the need for constant communication and feedback, checking finished work as quickly as possible. Above all else, make sure your team: Understands completely how and why the DevOps methodology is useful Is ready for a challenge and understands they might be making mistakes at first Knows how to communicate with the entire team Is committed to making DevOps work for your company Teamwork does make the dream work and establishing DevOps practices at your organization could make a difference in the quality of products you produce and the speed at which they’re released. So the next time you begin a project, consider DevOps and what it could do for you. And if you’re interested in gaining the skills needed to be on a team that uses DevOps, Ironhack’s bootcamps in web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, and cybersecurity are designed to help you enter the world of tech as soon as possible. We hope to see you in class!

You’ve heard about the importance of data privacy and security, especially in recent years as the risks of cyber threats have increased and become more widespread. Your passwords, credit card numbers, and personal information are at risk: what can you do? How can you protect your information from threats? That’s why we’re here. What is Data Privacy? Did you know that 90% of the data we use toda y was created in the last two years? It may seem impossible but it’s true: companies are collecting more and more data every single day , helping them gain important insights into customer trends and behaviors. However, this also means that they need new ways to store and protect this personal information. When we mention “data privacy,” we’re usually talking about how companies handle personal customer information or personally identifiable information (PII), such as social security numbers, health information, financial information, and more. It can, however, also refer to sensitive company information, such as internal reviews and reports or company financial data. Why is data privacy important? The types of information we listed above are crucial to a person’s life; if their ID number or social security number is compromised, they can suffer from identity theft or worse. And we have a right to confidential and thorough medical care that guarantees our records are private. And these are some of the biggest reasons why data privacy is so crucial: It protects personal information: if someone gets access to your financial data or social security number, they could open credit card accounts in your name, steal your identity, or pretend to be you. These are quite serious actions and ones that can have drastic consequences. It encourages trust : as we mentioned earlier, companies gather lots of useful information from client data, but customers will only consent to giving their data to a company if they truly trust them. When a company is committed to data protection, it shows in their client relationships. It respects local and international regulations : data security is so important that the vast majority of countries and international governing bodies have strict guidelines on how companies must treat and store client data; those not in compliance with said regulations can face heavy fines or other penalties. It’s the ethical decision : people’s private data is absolutely essential to their ability to function as a citizen and prioritizing data protection is an ethical choice that companies should make. Now that you’re clear on why data privacy is so crucial, let’s cover some of the best practices when it comes to protecting your own data on both a corporate and personal level. Corporate Data Privacy User data can provide incredibly valuable insights to you, helping you better understand your customers, their needs, and their wants. But with great things comes great responsibilities and it’s on you to properly protect your customers’ data. Here are some ways you can bring data privacy to the forefront of your practices: Create thorough and accurate privacy policies Be clear and transparent with your customers from the first minute, providing them with a clear explanation of how you’ll use their data and store it, avoiding any possible misunderstandings later on. If you use a third party for data storage, make sure you explain that and give clients the option to opt out of sharing their data. Educate your employees about the importance of data privacy Your employees are the ones who will be handling private information regularly and they should not only be aware of the best practices of secure data storage, but also why data privacy is so essential. Studies show that when people are truly aware of the consequences of their actions, they take more responsibility. Have strict remote work policies If your company offers remote or hybrid options for employees, that’s a great way to promote flexibility in the workplace. But if employees are working on different servers or even private devices instead of their workplace-secured networks, customer information could be at risk. When allowing employees to work from home, educate them about the risk of data breaches and enforce strict policies regarding the devices from which they can work. Enforce limited access to customer information The truth is that very few employees need access to all customer data and therefore, data should be stored securely and visibility granted to those who truly need to see it. If you let your entire company view private customer data, you’re more likely to suffer a data breach or another privacy-related issue. Regularly check corporate permissions and don’t be afraid to limit access. Personal Data Privacy When it comes to your data, you’re in charge! It’s up to you to decide who you share your data with, where you enter your information, and the best ways to guard your personal information. Review privacy settings and policies Before blindly entering your data into a website, review their privacy policies and check how your data will be used. Is it public information once you share it? Or is it used for a singular purpose? No matter the company, they must be transparent about how they’ll use your data and even though it seems tedious, take the time to review the policy and decide if you’re in agreement. Activate two-factor authentication No one wants to have to check their phone for a code–we get it. But this additional layer of security ensures that your account or information is secure, even if someone gets their hands on your password. Be cautious about phishing/fraud Today’s phishing attacks or fraud attempts are quite realistic. And sometimes it can be nearly impossible to identify when something is real or fake; in case of doubt, check for misspellings, grammatical errors, a sense of urgency, demand for money immediately, or anything else that seems a bit off to you. With the rise of the digital world and an increased importance on customer data to make better business decisions, keeping your data safe can seem almost impossible. But follow these tips and tricks and you’ll be a data privacy and security expert in no time. And if you want to go even further, what do you think about a Cybersecurity Bootcamp with Ironhack? You’ll learn everything you need to know in a short period of time: what are you waiting for?! We can’t wait to see you in class.

All UX/UI designers know that they’re designing for humans, right? It makes sense; your designs are to be used by humans so they’re naturally for humans. However, it’s not actually that simple. There are so many factors that contribute to the human experience that designing with a generic understanding of humanity isn’t enough; you need to fully understand your user, what they want, and how they browse your page to create a truly human-centered design. To better understand how to prioritize your user during the design process, let’s dive into the basics of user-centric design, human-centered approaches, and the overall importance of your user to your design process. What is User-Centric Design? Let’s put it simply: user-centric design is just what it sounds like. It’s a design practice that follows the typical stages of any design, but puts the user first at every step . Here’s an example: you’re creating a design for a social services website that serves a large community of immigrants from lots of different backgrounds. It might be easier to create a website that’s quite similar to what you already have for citizens, but that simply won’t be effective for this separate group of people. You need to create an efficient and effective design that simultaneously conveys trust and hope to the user, while having different language options and thorough explanations of the services available to them. The version of the website that exists for citizens of that country probably uses complex language and words and terms that citizens are expected to understand. However, your audience for this new website has a totally different level of understanding when it comes to your country, meaning you need to be thorough, offer lots of explanations, and include foreign language options. This is just one example of how UX/UI designers need to prioritize the user from the very first step of the design process. We can break the user-centered design process down into five steps: Think like your user This may seem super obvious, but lots of designers forget to include this basic step! Your first priority should be to put yourself into the shoes of the user and ask yourself these questions: who is your user? What is their goal? What are their main barriers to reaching this goal? Sometimes these answers might be obvious, but if you’re having trouble answering these questions, don’t be afraid to include your users in the design process and ask them to answer themselves! There’s nothing better than hearing about issues right from the horse’s mouth. If you have the ability to work with your users, try offering them the opportunity to provide feedback or simply watch them interact with the design–this will give you valuable insights. Identify problem areas Okay, you’ve talked to your users and you have an idea of what the issues are. The web design isn’t accessible, the language is too complex, or it’s impossible to find the information they need. So what do you do? Outline each problem area and make a list of the issues you wish to resolve with your design; remember, you can’t tackle every problem at once. It’s best to see where lots of users are struggling and resolve the bigger issues first and then handle smaller ones later on. Brainstorm solutions You may be the best UX/UI designer in the world, but you will probably need to brainstorm a few different solutions before you land on the perfect one. Opening up brainstorming sessions with your entire team where you record every single idea can help you think about problems in new ways and introduce innovative and creative solutions. Remember this: not every idea is award-winning, but it could be useful paired with another idea or beneficial to your design process later on. Be open to all ideas and attack your problems with a truly open mind. Test your ideas You have problems and you have solutions: let’s get to creating! With three crucial aspects defined (the user, their problems, and your solution), you can put what you’ve worked on into practice and see what’s actually viable in your design. Just like with the brainstorming session, don’t be afraid to try out different ideas and fail–the right solution is right around the corner. Release to users After you work on your design ideas and transform them into actual and real ideas, it’s time to release your design to the public! Although it might be tempting to just release them out there to the world, it’s probably best to move slowly and test them out on a small group of users before you release them to the general public. Now that you’re convinced of the importance of focusing on the user, let’s dive a bit deeper into what you can actually do to create human-centered designs. Human-Centered Approaches to UX/UI When working to create a design that’s truly catered to your user, you need to ensure that your design is ethical, easy to learn, user-friendly, intuitive, and error-free. Why? Because these five basic principles of human-centered approaches to UX/UI design ensure that everyone has equal access to the design , without requiring an advanced knowledge of tech or computers. Ready to learn how to prioritize the user in your designs? Here’s what you can do: Use user data to your advantage, gathering important information : to create a truly user-centered design, you need to fully understand the user, what they want, and what they need. To do this, pay attention to their behavioral patterns, such as what they click on and what emails they open, in addition to colors they respond better to or if the images used on the website are effective. Use your brand guidelines to create a familiar user experience : you want your users to recognize your brand every time they see an ad, post, or even head to your website. Make sure you use familiar graphics, fonts, colors, and styles so that you create a sense of belonging and comfort with your user, encouraging them to come back again and again. Make the user experience easy : no one wants to feel like they need a PhD to understand your website content and if users are bombarded with large amounts of text, they might feel unwelcome or overwhelmed and simply go elsewhere for whatever they’re looking for. To avoid this, make sure your designs are soft, inviting, and contain the necessary information in accessible manners, such as in lists, dropdown menus, or options to click to see more information. Focus on improvement over time : the UX/UI design field is one of continuous improvement over a long period of time; user needs will change or you’ll see a need to add more information/services to your design. Be open to changing the design in the future and ensure you listen to user feedback to improve any future iterations of your design. Embrace simplicity: it might be tempting to include all your services or client testimonials right on your homepage so that users see it immediately, but simplicity is key when it comes to human-centered designs. No one wants to be overwhelmed with text, graphics, or information as soon as they navigate to a web page; clearly define the absolutely essential information that needs to be on the homepage and find ways to incorporate the other details onto other pages–carefully, of course. Real Life Examples of Human-Centered Design It might seem overwhelming and borderline impossible to create truly human-centered designs, but it is a reality. In fact, these companies have done it quite well: FitBit : many of today’s users might not even recall when we didn’t have an easy and portable way to track our steps, calories, workouts, sleep patterns, and much more. But FitBit saw a need for users to have a long-term way to track these important details, compete with friends, and understand the benefits of healthy habits. Duolingo : you might have seen memes of the Duolingo owl reminding you to complete your daily challenge, but the Duolingo user design was created incredibly well, bringing the user’s goal of learning a foreign language to the forefront of the design with a clear and intuitive process for advancing through the course, fun marketing strategies, and appealing to the human desire for progress and achievement with awards, recognition, and a clear outline of what you’ve completed. Netflix : Netflix didn’t just put all our favorite shows and movies in one place; they managed to combat restlessness and boredom by offering users personalized recommendations to what they might want to watch next, the ability to rank what they’ve seen, and all the information you might want about what you’re watching. They saw what users were asking for and needing and incorporated that into their app design. We’re sure you get it now: user-centered designs with human-centered approaches are the only future of UX/UI design. After all, if your design isn’t ideal for your user, it won’t meet your goals. So when you start working on your next design, make sure you prioritize your user throughout the entire process. Are you ready to take the jump into UX/UI and create intuitive and user-friendly designs that capture the attention of your user, bringing them back for more? Then Ironhack is the perfect place for you.

Listen, we’re not pretending that students leave tech bootcamps an expert in all things web development or cybersecurity; in fact, we pride ourselves on doing something different: preparing our Ironhackers to enter the tech workforce with the necessary skills to land a job and then continue to grow and develop as a tech professional. What does this mean? Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to explain here. When you think of tech, you might think of hard skills such as coding or data skills as the main or only requirements for landing a job. After all, if you’re hired as a front-end developer, you’ll just need those skills, right? Unfortunately, no. Tech is one of the most complex fields for a few reasons: Tech is constantly evolving and changing and will require you to keep learning over the course of your career, ready to master the newest in-demand technology or skill. The knowledge needed for a successful career in tech isn’t limited to just hard skills; you’ll need to finetune your soft skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork to truly be successful. Before we dive into exactly how to hone bootcamp graduates’ tech skills once they’ve landed that first job, let’s review what bootcamps are, why they’re effective, and what makes them different from traditional learning methods. The Basics of Bootcamps You’re reading an article about nurturing tech skills after completing a bootcamp and landing that first job, so you’re probably pretty up-to-date with bootcamps and what they offer. But just in case you need a refresher, let’s cover some of the basics. What is a bootcamp? A bootcamp is a short and intensive course where students dive right into the nitty gritty of the subject they chose, learning the most in-demand skills of the moment so that they’re prepared to enter the job market as soon as possible after graduation. Tech bootcamps have become increasingly common in recent years, thanks in part to the dizzying speed at which tech is moving. Lots of bootcamps also offer career services to students, ensuring that their resumes, portfolios, and pitches are perfected prior to beginning the job search. Are bootcamps effective? It’s totally fair to doubt the effectiveness of bootcamps; after all, can a person truly be job-ready in just 9 or 24 weeks? We’d say yes, thanks to expertly designed curriculum, a dedicated teaching staff, and hands-on practice that our students get. Think about it: the tech workforce is severely lacking in qualified candidates and applicants; we look at exactly what hiring managers want and teach our students these skills, ensuring they’re filling in those gaps. How do bootcamps differ from other courses? Lots of educational programs have lofty requirements, such as expensive tuition, demanding time commitments, or long durations. As they’re typically held over just a few months or even weeks, bootcamps take advantage of the time spent in the classroom to provide you with necessary instruction, eliminating filler courses or old technologies that simply aren’t useful anymore. Bootcamps are also usually quite flexible, offering you part or full-time options, in addition to remote or in-person options to help you take the course around your schedule and other responsibilities. Why do employers hire bootcamp graduates? Employers are typically big fans of bootcamp graduates, thanks in part to the reasons we listed above. Let’s discuss a few more: Tech is moving so fast and university graduates are simply unable to keep up with the in-demand tech skills. Imagine that you sign up for a four-year computer science degree; when you graduate, you will be highly skilled in the tools you learned, but since tech moves so fast, there will be a whole batch of new and important tools that employers look for. Bootcamp graduates study a recently designed curriculum that researches what employers are looking for, meaning they’re uniquely suited to tackle the newest challenges in tech. The majority of bootcamp students come from other industries, supplementing their newfound passion for tech with a whole separate skill set that is extremely valuable. As more and more companies adopt digital practices in their day to day, the tech sector is expanding to practically every industry and employees with skills and experience in other areas are highly valued. These skill sets include both hard and soft skills, which are an absolute necessity in the tech industry. Bootcamp graduates have spent an intense period of time becoming skilled in a very specific area, making them the ideal candidate for an incredibly specific job . Many graduates that come from traditional university settings have much more of an overview and theoretical approach to tech, meaning they’ll need more practical experience to become self-sufficient in their role. Bootcamp graduates, on the other hand, began their hands-on experience from day one of their course, building their portfolio and skill set. Bootcamp graduates come from more diverse backgrounds than those who studied traditional learning methods . Let’s think about it: four-year universities or long courses require a significant financial investment, in addition to a large time commitment that can become a barrier to those with other responsibilities, such as childcare or familial duties. Tech companies that have diverse voices at the table benefit from increased productivity, higher profits, and better performance. Okay, you get it, right? Bootcamps prepare students for the workforce in a short period of time and allow them to maintain previous responsibilities until graduation, lessening the financial or personal commitment. But once they reach graduation day and land their first tech job, what comes next? What do employers need to know about bootcamp graduates? What can they expect from their new employees? Let’s discuss. Post-Bootcamp Learning You’ve done it: you’ve hired a bootcamp grad who has limited experience in tech, with just a bootcamp under their belt. In fact, they’re a career changer, meaning they worked for years previously in a completely different industry. So what now? How can you continue supporting your new employee and encouraging further learning? Well, their diverse experiences before they made the move to tech are extremely valuable; they probably boast both hard and soft skills that your other employees don’t have. Bootcamp graduates are typically the following: Highly motivated : making a career change, especially after lots of years in another field, is quite the challenge. If your new employee chose to drop their previous career to join the tech sector, it means they’re up for a real challenge and truly motivated to do well. Take advantage of this motivation to encourage them to further their education and continue learning. Open to learning : your new employee had very limited tech knowledge just a few months ago–and you just hired them for a tech role! This means that they’re open to learning and coaching with a strong desire to continue improving. Smart : have you tried to make a giant career switch in just a few months? Bootcamp students have to be intelligent, curious, and smart–use this to your advantage and challenge your new employee to keep learning. With this skilled yet novice employee at your fingertips, you may be lost on where to begin. Here’s what to do: Foster a supportive environment Your employee will probably make a few mistakes--and that’s completely normal. After all, they’re new to the field and probably have never worked in tech before. Set them up with a mentor that has more experience in the field (and maybe is a career changer themselves!) so that they have a support system in place at the office. It’s completely viable that your new employee isn’t up-to-date on tech office lingo, what to do in case of an error, or where to go with questions. If you have a mentorship system that fosters a gradual and supported transition into the tech field, you’ll see better results from your bootcamp graduate. Offer upskilling or reskilling opportunities Most bootcamps continuously update their offerings to ensure they’re meeting market demands and teaching their students what companies are lacking, but it’s possible your job requires a different skillset or you want to move the new employee to a more advanced role in the future. Creating mentorship programs, in addition to training programs for your bootcamp graduates, can help them expand their tech knowledge and prepare themselves for a promotion or different role altogether. Believe in the bootcamp methodology The last thing any new tech professional wants is to be made to feel lesser or ill-prepared simply because they don’t have a computer science degree or years of experience in data analysis. If you’re making the choice to hire a bootcamp graduate, commit to that choice and ensure that you value that graduate’s choice to switch careers or study a bootcamp and work to fill in any gaps in their knowledge that they need to be successful. In the last few years, bootcamp graduates have become increasingly popular with employers and now you know why. Overall, they’re an incredible asset to companies looking for skilled candidates with a zest for learning and knowledge: what are you waiting for? Ironhack’s graduates are skilled candidates with portfolios showing off all they’ve achieved and learned; they’re a great choice for your next open role. What do you think?

The rise of internet usage has brought around lots of benefits: cool new technologies, increased accessibility, and even more information at our fingertips. But as more and more people use and trust the internet with daily functions, cyber threats are also becoming increasingly common. When it comes to financial information, your privacy and security are even more important. After all, we’re used to doing practically everything online, from account management to transfers and everything in between. And that’s where blockchain technology has come into the picture over recent years, providing users with safe and protected ways to both send money and track transactions without fear of scams or losing their money. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of blockchain technology, how it came to be, and how it’s contributing to a safer and more secure internet experience for users. What is Blockchain Technology? You’ve definitely heard “blockchain” tossed around in recent years and might have conflated it with cryptocurrencies, but it’s quite different. Blockchain technology is a database mechanism that allows transparent information sharing within a business network , storing data in blocks that link to form a chain. Makes sense, right? Don’t worry; we’ll break it down even further: Its setup makes it nearly impossible to change, hack, or cheat the system It’s managed by multiple participants, meaning it’s decentralized and not at risk of one party having full control over the information It uses distributed ledger technology (DLT) What is distributed ledger technology? Distributed ledger technology provides a special protection for transactions, meaning transactions are recorded with an immutable cryptographic signature called a hash. The properties of DLTs are as follows: Programmable : blockchain technology is programmable, meaning it can be used for a variety of purposes Secure : all records are individually encrypted, meaning they’re uniquely identifiable Distributed : to ensure complete transparency, all network participants have a copy of the ledger Immutable : all records cannot be changed and are irreversible Anonymous : participants maintain anonymity in the blockchain Unanimous : the validity of the records are universally agreed upon by all participants Time-stamped : all information, including the time, are recorded on the block Why is blockchain technology important? As we mentioned earlier, blockchain technology provides additional security and trust to user transactions, in addition to being totally online and easily accessible. We can group the main benefits of blockchain technology into five areas: Better security : information on blockchain is encrypted end-to-end and immutable, meaning it’s completely protected and can’t be altered, shielding your transactions from fraud and/or unauthorized activity. In addition, blockchain technology is anonymous, meaning your personal information isn’t linked to your transactions, further protecting you. Lastly, the blockchain is stored across a network of computers and servers, not just one, meaning hackers aren’t able to access the data. Enhanced transparency : ever worry about sending money to a company and later have them change some sort of information regarding the charge? With blockchain technology, you can rest easy knowing that all participants can see the same information at all times and that information is unchangeable, guaranteeing that fraud is impossible. Immediate traceability : this brings two benefits: one, customers can see the transaction’s history through every single step, allowing them to see exactly what’s going on. Second, this helps reveal areas for improvement in the entire buying process for companies, shedding light on where there are unneeded delays or issues to be resolved. Increased efficiency : you already know that internet-powered processes are much quicker, and that’s because tasks that are traditionally delegated to humans can be completed much faster by computers and eliminate the risk of human error. And maybe most importantly, because all data is in one, third-party location, there’s no risk of different parties having varying records. Better automation: we know that one of technology’s best selling points is its ability to complete repetitive tasks in just seconds; blockchain technology can eliminate unnecessary human intervention, learning the steps and next processes to automatically push transactions to the next step and speed up the entire process. Now that you know what blockchain technology is and why it’s so valuable, let’s explore how companies are using blockchain technology to revolutionize security and transparency in today’s digital age. Real Life Examples of Blockchain Technology We get it–blockchain technology is relatively new and it can be tough to fully understand how it’s useful in the real world. Are companies actually adopting the technology? Or are they sticking to traditional methods? Let’s explore: Government : governments want to show their citizens that all processes are both secure and efficient, avoiding unnecessary delays when it comes to immigration, taxes, or social services. Healthcare : data breaches have severe consequences in healthcare, where patient information needs to be securely stored but also shared with other providers, not to mention the value of using anonymous patient data to see what’s worked in the past. Through blockchain technology, patient details are secure and can be safely shared to various providers. Finance : banking is one area that has significantly sped up in recent years and blockchain technology plays a major role in that; it can eliminate long and tedious paperwork processes, providing clients with secure ways to set up accounts, apply for loans, trade, and carry out regular banking transactions. Insurance : when it comes to the insurance industry, blockchain technology helps eliminate fraud or abuse while simultaneously streamlining insurance processes and automating repetitive tasks like claim settlement. The future of blockchain technology Many industries have adopted blockchain technology already, but the future is bright for those that will start using it more and more in the future. Overall, blockchain technology will increase visibility and tracking in sectors like transportation and food services, bringing much more transparency to the entire process. And on a general level across many sectors, blockchain technology will provide much more clarity and transparency to customers, allowing them to see the entire business process and where their money is going. At Ironhack, we know that blockchain technology will continue to evolve and improve, providing companies worldwide with new ways to protect and track their data and processes. If you don’t want to be left behind, what are you waiting for? There’s never been a better time to dive into tech and be on the forefront of this change yourself.

In the ever-evolving landscape of software development where speed, reliability, and continuous improvement are essential, the DevOps methodology has emerged as a guiding light. DevOps, short for “development” and “operations”, is a collaborative approach that aims to break down the traditional barriers between software development and IT operations teams. In short, DevOps is not just a set of practices but a cultural shift that emphasizes collaboration, automation, and efficiency. Before we get into the specific tools that drive DevOps, let’s further define what it is and why it's changing up the world of software development. Demystifying DevOps DevOps is a philosophy that addresses the challenges posed by traditional software development. Historically, developers and operations teams worked in separate silos, leading to communication gaps, slow release cycles, and a lack of accountability. DevOps aims to bridge this divide by fostering collaboration, communication, and integration between these two critical teams. At its core, DevOps seeks to achieve a seamless, automated workflow that spans from code development to testing, deployment, and monitoring. This is achieved by incorporating automation, continuous integration (CI), continuous delivery (CD) into the development process. Before we look closer at specific tools and practices, let’s go through some of the main pillars of DevOps: Automation: acting as the heart of DevOps, automation is the point from which all DevOps principles pivot. It is the art of leveraging technology to execute manual, repetitive tasks with precision, speed, and consistency, reducing human error and increasing efficiency . Automation permeates every stage of the software development cycle, from code creation and testing to deployment and monitoring. By automating routine tasks, developers and operations teams can focus on more strategic and innovative endeavors that propel their organization forward. Continuous improvement: emphasizing the ongoing enhancement of processes, tools, and methodologies, DevOps teams regularly assess their workflows, seeking opportunities to refine and optimize their practices. Flexibility and agility: responding successfully to the fast-paced technological landscape is a fundamental pillar of DevOps. By prioritizing adaptability, teams react promptly to changing requirements, market shifts, and evolving customer needs. Collaboration: dismantling traditional barriers between development teams, DevOps distinguishes itself through its emphasis on increased collaboration. By fostering a culture of shared responsibility and open communication , teams work toward common goals, share insights, and jointly resolve challenges. Key benefits of DevOps It’s no secret that DevOps has become a highly sought-after set of practices. By adopting DevOps principles, organizations can increase the efficiency and reliability of their digital products . Let’s go through some of the specific benefits that DevOps brings to both companies and teams: Faster time-to-market: DevOps streamlines the development process, enabling faster delivery of features and updates to customers, giving companies a competitive edge. Improved collaboration: DevOps fosters cross-functional collaboration between development, operations, and other teams reducing misunderstandings and fostering a shared sense of ownership. Enhanced quality: DevOps ensures that software is thoroughly tested by implementing automated testing and continuous monitoring systems, which reduce the likelihood of bugs and glitches reaching delivery. Increased reliability: DevOps practices like CI/CD and infrastructure as code result in consistent and reliable deployments, reducing system failures and downtime. Efficient resource utilization: DevOps automation allows teams to optimize resource allocation, saving time and costs by reducing manual interventions. Scalability: DevOps enables applications to be easily scaled up or down based on demand, ensuring smooth performance during peak usage periods. Innovation and experimentation: DevOps minimizes risks associated with software releases by addressing issues early on in the development processes. This creates a safer environment that provides the opportunity to test new ideas and features. DevOps Practices and Tools Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: the fusion of practices and tools that comprise DevOps has become an essential driver of collaboration, automation, and continuous growth for the software development industry. Let’s dive deep into some of the most prevalent DevOps practices and the tools that underpin their success: DevOps automation tools Continuous integration (CI): CI accelerates development cycles and verifies code quality. Tools such as Jenkins, Travis CI, and CircleCI automate the process of merging code changes from multiple developers into a shared repository. These tools then trigger automated tests to catch any glitches early in the development process. Continuous delivery/deployment (CD): CD extends the CI process by automating the deployment of successfully tested code changes to various environments, such as staging or production. DevOps deployment tools like Ansible and Puppet automate configuration management and ensure a consistent deployment environment, and Kubernetes plays a significant role in orchestrating the scaling of containerized applications. CD enables teams to quickly release new features without compromising reliability. Infrastructure as Code (IaC): IaC brings automation to infrastructure management. Tools such as Terraform and AWS CloudFormation empower developers to define and provision infrastructure resources using code. This approach ensures that infrastructure configurations are consistent across different environments and reduces the risk of discrepancies. Monitoring and alerting: automated DevOps monitoring tools are essential for maintaining the health and performance of applications in production. Prometheus is an open-source system that collects metrics from various sources, providing insights into application performance and resource utilization. Grafana , a complementary tool, offers visualization and alerting capabilities, enabling teams to create informative dashboards that track performance data. Together these applications automatically trigger alerts when specific metrics fall below acceptable thresholds, allowing for swift issue resolution. Additional DevOps tools and practices Version control: by leveraging robust version control systems like Git , DevOps teams can work together, track changes, and manage distinct software versions. Git allows developers to create branches for new features, experiment with changes, and merge their work back into the main codebase. Platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket enhance collaboration by providing web-based interfaces for managing repositories and reviewing code. Microservices architecture: by breaking down applications into smaller, loosely coupled services, DevOps teams can operate more independently, fostering faster development cycles. Docker containers play a pivotal role in microservices by encapsulating each service alongside its dependencies, ensuring consistency across different environments. DevSecOps: by including security maintenance into the development realm, DevOps security tools have cropped up to support each aspect of the development process. Under the umbrella of DevSecOps, tools like SonarQube assist in identifying code vulnerabilities and quality issues. OpenVAS is a widely used tool for vulnerability scanning, ensuring that applications are assessed for potential security weaknesses. Collaboration methods: by employing tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams , DevOps practitioners are able to streamline communication. These platforms facilitate real-time messaging, file sharing, and integration with other tools for DevOps, allowing teams to remain informed. Utilizing these methods promotes transparency and fosters overall project understanding. Exploring DevOps Tool Certifications Now that we’ve explored some of the best DevOps tools and methods, let’s discuss how to master them. DevOps tool certifications serve as beacons of expertise, showing employers that you are well-versed in the complexities of modern software delivery . Let’s delve into some common DevOps tool certifications: Certified Jenkins Engineer: this certification validates expertise in Jenkins, a widely used CI/CD tool. It covers topics such as setting up pipelines, integrating version control systems, and automating deployments. Docker Certified Associate: this certification assesses skills in containerization technology. It covers creating and managing containers, configuring images, and orchestrating applications using Docker Swarm. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA): this certification focuses on Kubernetes administration, evaluating proficiency in deploying, maintaining, and troubleshooting Kubernetes clusters. Certified Ansible Automation Engineer (Red Hat Certification): this certification confirms competence in automating infrastructure provisioning, configuration management, and application deployment using Ansible. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer: this certification proves proficiency in DevOps practices on the Amazon Web Services platform. Those seeking certification should be well-versed in AWS DevOps tools such as CodeStar, CodeDeploy, CodePipeline, and CloudFormation. Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert: this certification demonstrates mastery over DevOps practices on the Microsoft Azure platform. To gain this certification, one should be familiar with Microsoft Azure DevOps tools, such as Azure Resource Manager (ARM), Pipelines, and Boards. As we bring our journey through the world of DevOps to a close, we hope it’s evident that these practices have created a seismic shift in the software development industry. DevOps practices are no longer optional; they are pivotal for organizations aiming to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market. For those looking to immerse themselves in this dynamic realm, there’s no better time. If you’re eager to master technology, collaborate with others, and innovate the industry, we invite you to sign up for one of our bootcamps! Grow your career and be a part of the DevOps revolution.

Have you ever been lost in the clouds? No, not lost in your imagination but rather the cloud that stores a good amount of the documents, pictures, videos and other files that you have across your devices. Much of the world uses the cloud for personal use, but few know how it works and the importance of what it means for both individuals and companies alike . Instead of getting lost in the clouds, let’s take a look at the power and importance of the cloud in technology today. What is the Cloud? When you’re using the cloud on your phone or laptop, what are you using it to do? If you said storage , you’d be correct and you know that wherever you go you can access your files, as long as y ou have an internet connection . No internet, no access, but as soon as you have an internet connection once again, you can go right back to those files. The cloud is an interconnected set of remote servers that act as one environment, although one person cannot access the cloud space of another without proper authorization. When a cloud service deploys their cloud service, they can do it in the following ways: Public cloud: the public can access various resources and services over the internet. Private cloud: this cloud is not shared, but provides their services through the use of a private internal network. Hybrid cloud: since it is a combination of both the private and public cloud, hybrid cloud services are on both; some on the public cloud and others on the private one. Community cloud: this is a shared cloud that provides services and resources amongst organizations, such as government institutions. What is Cloud Infrastructure? When you think of the word infrastructure, what may come first to mind is the government and how they handle the roads, streets, buildings, highways, and bridges within their borders. When referring to the cloud, the infrastructure refers to similar structures: all the components that make up the cloud . The four elements that constitute cloud computing infrastructure are hardware, virtualization, storage, and network. Hardware As previously mentioned, cloud computing isn’t just a network that exists all around;it relies on hardware too. In several locations spanning the globe, there are spaces that are dedicated solely to housing hardware that includes switches, routers, load balancers, firewalls, servers, storage arrays, and backup devices. Virtualization To make the cloud a virtual space that a user can access or use, software called a hypervisor splits physical hardware resources like memory, storage, and computing power into various virtual machines (VMs) and runs independently so that when one system encounters problems, it doesn’t impact the others . It is considered a cloud when all these virtual resources are centralized into one area. Storage Data centers are established to house all the hardware, disks, and servers that store the data on the cloud; all of your data is generally distributed across several data centers so that the data is reliably stored and has backups. Thanks to virtualization, the cloud’s storage space is abstracted from the hardware systems so users can store their data. Network When discussing the network, there is both the hardware and the internet connectivity that come into play. The necessary hardware to create a network include switches, wires, load balancers, and routers and working in tandem, they configure a cloud network. For users to access the cloud through their devices, they require access to the network . We understand what a cloud is and what cloud infrastructure looks like, but what services do they provide through their infrastructure? Cloud Services Many cloud providers offer several types of services, which include the following: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) When you use the cloud for storage, this is the service under which it falls; it also offers networking components and virtual machines as other integral components. It is typically a pay-as-you-go service, which allows users to customize their usage depending on what they need. Some providers of cloud infrastructure services are: Amazon Web Services Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines Google Cloud Compute Engine IBM Cloud Platform as a Service (PaaS) Web developers are one of the biggest users of this service since it is a service that allows users a space to develop, deploy, and monitor applications without impacting any other infrastructure in place. Providing them a space such as this one, PaaS is extremely beneficial for the whole web development process from development to deployment and doesn’t require infrastructure management, which makes it quite the timesaver. Similarly to IaaS, there are a variety of PaaS providers such as: Google App Engine Openshift Microsoft Azure App Service AWS Elastic Beanstalk Software as a Service (SaaS) There are an infinite amount of applications that we use daily and there are some that we use less often; thanks to SaaS, users can open an application without installing or downloading it . Paying a subscription to the service and accessing the website, a user can log on and access an application and there’s no need to ever update or manage it since the SaaS service provider handles all of it. Some of the most well-known SaaS providers include the following: Salesforce Dropbox Microsoft 365 Google Apps Slack Zoom In addition to these features, the cloud offers other more specialized services, such as: Function as a Service (FaaS) FaaS is another service that web developers may leverage since it is used for running code when events occur and does so without needing to handle changes in the infrastructure. It has the incredibly useful feature of automatically making scaling adjustments of the code based on the quantity of executions. Container as a Service (CaaS) Web developers use this service to deploy and run containerized applications and is considered to be a mixture of IaaS and PaaS. Database as a Service (DBaaS) As databases are a necessity for many companies and organizations, DBaaS can be an incredibly important one and it gives companies and organizations the opportunity to provision, scale, and manage their databases according to their own needs. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning as a Service If a company needs access to machine learning models and APIs, this service can be an essential tool for their software development and data analytics teams. The cloud offers so many services that make it not only a beneficial tool for personal use, but also a staple for companies and organizations that require a large amount of storage space for documents, media, or other files. Cloud Infrastructure Providers Although you have already read about the different examples of cloud services, some of the most popular cloud infrastructure providers include: Google Cloud IBM Cloud Amazon Web Services Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Salesforce Microsoft Azure These and many other providers are available for your company or organization’s needs and can help you build scalable solutions to your IT infrastructure. What is Cloud Scalability? One of the important aspects of cloud computing for companies and organizations is the possibility of scaling, both horizontally and vertically, IT resources depending on their current needs. The IT resources that can be scaled include computing speed, data storage, and networking; with flexibility to adjust the amounts, companies and organizations can improve efficiency, cost, and speed . Vertical scaling When vertical scaling, or scaling up and down, a company or organization focuses on adjusting the processing power, memory, or storage on a server or changing to a different, more adequate server that meets their needs. Vertical scaling usually entails hardware changes and as a result, can take more time to install and set up. Horizontal scaling Also called scaling in or out, horizontal scaling modifies the quantity of servers that a company or organization depends on and thus increases availability and enables a wider distribution of traffic over more instances . Unlike vertical scaling, it is more of a software change, which provides the opportunity for automation to take the wheel, saving time to make the necessary modifications. Diagonal scaling Diagonal scaling sits in between vertical and horizontal scaling and as you can imagine, it is a mixture of both. Also known as hybrid scaling, diagonal scaling allows for a company to make modifications to computing power and availability, maximizing the opportunity for a company to grow . Cloud infrastructure is flexible and scaling in, up, down, and out carries many benefits for a company or organization since every day brings about new events, constant changes, and necessary adjustments. Solving scalability issues means taking a look at where the company is currently and where it’s going in terms of its needs and in using the cloud infrastructure for scaling, you can help a company exponentially grow. If the cloud interests you and you want to support companies in scalability, take a look at Ironhack’s course page and learn about the fundamentals of the tech world.

UX/UI design and cloud computing are two distinct concepts in the tech sector. Each serves a specific purpose as organizations create and access digital products and services. Although the nature of each activity varies, cloud computing , when utilized effectively, can enhance the overall UX/UI design process . UX/UI designers can harness cloud services in order to create digital products and experiences that promise improved performance, scalability, and greater user satisfaction. What is UX/UI Design? UX/UI design is composed of two closely related disciplines, User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI). The two areas focus on creating websites and applications that are user-friendly, effective, and visually appealing. UX Design UX design centers the user’s experience in navigating the website, application, or digital product. Their work aims to ensure that the user can access all aspects of the system in a smooth and enjoyable way. UX designers must have a strong understanding of user behaviors, expectations, needs, and frustrations in order to improve the product’s design and the user’s experience. This is done through creating user personas, testing web applications, and transforming the product in relation to that data and feedback received. UI Design UI design aims to create a visually pleasing and user-friendly application . Their work centers the visual and interactive aspects of web design, creating a cohesive design that aligns with the brand or company identity . UI designers focus on everything from colors, typography, icons, layout design, and other icons that improve the user’s experience and communicate the organization’s image. What Responsibilities do UX/UI Designers Have? UX and UI designers play a crucial role in creating visually appealing products that simultaneously provide an enjoyable user experience . In order to do this successfully, UX and UI designers must: Lead research on user needs and behaviors Conduct user personas and user journey maps Build wireframes or prototypes for the final product Determine the visual design and layout design Collaborate across teams of designers and web developers What is Cloud Computing? Cloud computing refers to the online on-demand delivery of various computing services . These may include storage space, processing power, networks, and databases . In lieu of buying, owning, and maintaining physical hardware and software resources, cloud computing allows individuals or organizations to access IT resources on an as-needed basis . Cloud computing is composed of several key features: On-demand self-service: this is arguably the most valuable aspect of cloud computing. Users can monitor and manage resources as needed without support from the service provider. Easy maintenanc e: servers are maintained by the service provider, meaning users do not have to worry about owning and maintaining hardware or software. Cloud computing services are also regularly updated to improve the services offered for individuals and organizations. Vast network access: servers are accessed through the cloud, meaning that anyone in the organization can connect insofar as they have access to the internet. This reduces any geographic limitations that organizations may have previously faced. Resource pooling: resources are shared among multiple users in order to optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Flexibility : organizations can scale up or scale down their computing services based on their needs and current demands. Normally, usage of resources is monitored and organizations are billed based on their consumption, ensuring a more cost-effective model in comparison to traditional IT infrastructure. Cloud computing is organized into three principal service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): proves online virtual computing resources. Users are able to rent virtual machines, storage, and networking capabilities and are granted control over the operating systems and the applications running on the infrastructure. Platform as a Service (PaaS): offers a platform and environment by which developers build, manage, and deploy web applications. PaaS manages the underlying infrastructure so that users may give their full attention to designing their product. Software as a Service (SaaS): enables the online use of complete software applications without requiring installation or maintenance. Cloud computing promises users scalable, cost-effective, accessible, and reliable services. It’s greatly expanding and regularly advancing in what services are offered to individuals and organizations. The technology, if used effectively by tech professionals, offers greater collaboration across tech disciplines. How Can Cloud Computing Aid the UX/UI Design Process? Despite being separate fields of technology, UX/UI designers can utilize cloud computing services in order to create optimal digital products and user-friendly experiences. Cloud computing services can provide scalable infrastructure for UX/UI designers, collaboration tools, testing environments, and additional resources that streamline design workflows. There are a number of ways in which cloud computing can streamline and improve the UX/UI process, these include: Enabling communication: cloud computing enables real time cloud-based collaboration among UX/UI designers, web developers, and other team members. The cloud facilitates seamless communication, document sharing, and version control, ensuring an effective design process and faster decision-making. Scalability for design tools: cloud-based softwares and tools allow designers to access their work from numerous devices insofar as they can connect to the internet. These tools allow for scalability because designers are not constrained by the limitation of local hardware. Prototyping and testing: cloud computing services provide platforms and resources that allow designers to create and host interactive prototypes. Such platforms enable real-time user testing and feedback collection from which designs can be adapted and improved. Cross-device testing: cloud computing infrastructures allow designers to test their products on a wide range of devices, screen sizes, and operating systems. This ensures the design’s consistency across different platforms. Secure design collaboration: cloud platforms have looked to improve security protocols in order to ensure that sensitive design assets and information are protected while being shared among team members. Geographic flexibility : through uploading work to the cloud, organizations are not limited by physical hardware and software resources. Designers can access design files, collaborate with team members, and work remotely with ease. This geographic flexibility is said to contribute to a better work-life balance and expands the talent pool that organizations can pull from. Cloud Computing Design If UX/UI designers are designing cloud based applications, there are numerous ways in which cloud computing services can aid those processes and support the construction of stronger, more optimal digital products. Cloud computing services reduce traditional technical constraints and allow UX/UI designers to build websites and applications with improved performance, scalability, and user satisfaction. Standards for cloud computing: First off, it’s important to know about the various committees and organizations that design standards for cloud computing: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) : is arguably the most prominent organization. They’re best known for their 2011 article, “ NIST Definition of Cloud Computing ,” which establishes guidelines for cloud architecture, security, and deployment. Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) : is a global organization “dedicated to defining and raising awareness of best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment.” Open Cloud Consortium (OCC) : maintains and organizes cloud computing, data commons, and data ecosystems with the intention of advancing “scientific, medical, health care and environmental research for human and societal impact.” Cloud computing design Cloud computing design refers to the process of creating applications, web systems, and digital infrastructures that leverage the benefits of cloud computing . Tech professionals must determine their deployment models (public, private, hybrid, or multi cloud) as well as the service model (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), provision resources, ensure security, and determine the design’s scalability. Designing for cloud computing centers scalability, resource efficiency, and centralized management. Ultimately, the designs must be coherent with the organization’s vision, values, and requirements while utilizing cloud resources. Cloud computing and edge architecture Cloud computing and edge architecture is similar to cloud computing design, but differs in terms of design requirements. Edge computing requires processing data closer to the data’s source which reduces latency and improves real-time responsiveness. Thus, edge computing focuses on local processing , has a more limited bandwidth , and often involves distributed systems where devices communicate and collaborate. Cloud computing design patterns Cloud computing design patterns look to reusable solutions for the common design challenges that UX/UI designers face in building applications or systems in the cloud. Through pinpointing commonalities, UX/UI designers can narrow in on best practices for structuring, scaling, and organizing cloud-based applications . Some of the most common cloud computing design patterns include: Load balancing pattern Catching pattern Auto-scaling pattern Event-driven architecture pattern Cloud application design in cloud computing Cloud application design is the process of building web applications for the specific deployment and operation in cloud environments . In designing said applications, UX/UI designers must consider scalability, elasticity, reliability, cost optimization, and security. Here are a few things to consider in designing cloud applications: Architecture selection: choosing the appropriate cloud architecture based on the application’s requirements is crucial. Scalability and elasticity: it’s important to utilize cloud services that enable scaling based on demand. Look for design applications that scale both vertically and horizontally to best manage varying workloads. Security : implementing robust security measures is more important than ever given the cyber threats that impact cloud databases. These include encryption, identity management, and access controls. Compliance : relevant regulations as well as cloud service provider standards ensure best practices in security and performance. There are numerous ways in which cloud computing services can aid UX/UI designers , improve their digital products, streamline collaboration, support troubleshooting, and optimize the entire UX/UI design process . Through utilizing cloud platforms, designers can focus more on creating user-centered designs and less on navigating technical limitations of non-cloud resources, leading to better-designed and more user-friendly digital products and experiences. If you’re interested in jumpstarting your career as a UX/UI designer, look no further: Ironhack offers part time and full time bootcamps designed to prepare you to enter the field with the necessary skill sets and confidence to be successful. Check out our course offerings here .

You’ve created the perfect design. It looks fantastic on your desktop and you sit back to admire your work. The colors fit together perfectly and the site loads quickly–what more could you ask for? You’re done, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Your boss checks out your design and is definitely impressed. But then they ask you to open the mobile versión and your heart rate picks up. It’s probably fine, right? Well, we have some bad news: while they are made up of the same content, mobile and desktop designs require different settings and designs to ensure they work well on these respective devices. Why? Well, that’s why we’re here. Mobile vs. Desktop Designs There are eight major ways in which mobile and desktop designs differ; let’s explore them to get a better idea of what we need to focus on when creating responsive web designs. Mobile screens are smaller This one is obvious, we know! But it is quite major–mobile screens are considerably smaller than those of desktops, meaning your designs need to shrink to scale, all the while maintaining the readability of your text. Web pages will typically appear much longer on a mobile device as the words take up more of the screen; you need to ensure that the mobile design allows users to zoom in or out and is usable–the last thing you want is a tiny, busy screen that users can’t actually read. 2. Mobile and desktops have different processors Computers have more power and we know this! But what does this entail when it comes to designs? Well, even though phones are getting faster and faster, computers tend to have superior processing power, meaning their loading times and battery lives are superior. When you are adapting your design for mobile, you may have to opt for less markup, JavaScript, and CSS to help your design run faster on mobile browsers. 3. Mobile devices have less bandwidth It seems like there’s a higher number in front of the “G” every year, right? And while internet speeds are certainly improving and getting faster, desktops that are connected to broadband internet have much higher bandwidth, which helps things run faster, increasing overall user satisfaction. Elements such as large and colorful graphics or videos complicate downloading speed and could cause your user to move on to a competitor’s website; this is something to keep in mind while creating your mobile design. 4. Desktop and mobile devices are operated differently Using a mouse for a desktop design allows you to take advantage of tons of different things: mouses have way more precision than the human finger and you can hover, right click, or double click on elements to trigger different responses. Mobile designs, which do boast similar tools, are different, however, and you’ll need to take the time to build the proper responses to users swiping, zooming in, grabbing, or pinching the screen. 5. Typing is more challenging on mobile devices Those small keyboards that pop up when you’re typing on your phone aren’t very conducive to writing a long text, right? The keys are narrow and mistyping is common. You may have to make adjustments, such as autofilling certain fields, providing drop down options to select instead of typing, or shortening URLs to facilitate an easier user experience. 6. Few users switch between multiple screens on mobile devices Lots of people work from home and are used to using two or even three desktop screens at a time, allowing them to multitask or simply view multiple screens at once. Although switching between mobile tabs is possible and is certainly easier than it was a few years back, it’s still impossible to see two screens at once. Designers must understand this when creating mobile designs and offer adjustments, such as a button to share the link directly via WhatsApp. 7. Lots of mobile users use apps instead of browsers Particularly for the apps you use frequently, you rarely use the browser function, electing to use the app itself instead. This means that your app design needs to be also optimized for apps; take into consideration the fact that many apps don’t have visible URLs, sharing options, or bookmarking options–something a user might be expecting if they’ve only viewed your website on a desktop. 8. People use mobile designs in varied locations If you’re using your desktop, you’re probably at work or at home, sitting at a desk. You can control the lighting around you and your experience is almost always the same. Mobile devices, however, are used practically everywhere and at every time--in the dark, in public, in the sunlight, and surrounded by other people. Your mobile designs must reflect this and take it into account; mobile designs have to be usable in a wide range of situations. Now that you know just how many variations exist between mobile and desktop designs, let’s focus a bit more on responsive web designs and what exactly they entail. Responsive Web Design Gaining much more popularity in recent years as mobile and app usage took off, responsive web design is an approach that prioritizes the user’s experience in changing environments , focusing on elements that can improve the overall experience. It’s self-explanatory, so you’re probably employing some of its principles without even realizing, but here are the two components of responsive web design: Fluid layouts : desktops and mobile devices have completely different dimensions and your design must be malleable, ready to fit whatever browser the user chooses. Using the max-width property or percentage is typically preferred to pixelated designs. Media queries: instructing your design to change its layout, moving elements around based on browser dimensions helps it become more versatile and usable for users. When you begin creating your responsive web design, keep in mind these tips: Your website design needs to support the content : remember, you’re creating a design that will properly display content and not content to support the design. You may be tempted to focus on the content, but if your web design isn’t supported on a mobile device, the content is useless. Keep this in mind throughout your entire design process. Carefully choose design elements : you found the perfect font selection for your website but when you look at it on your mobile device, it’s completely illegible. Or it’s a web font that needs to be downloaded, lengthening loading time for mobile users. Be flexible and choose a system font that’s supported across all devices and is readable. Prioritize your first fold : the first fold is the screen your user first sees when they head to your website, before they scroll down the page or navigate to another window. This area should have your company name, an inviting design, and a CTA to direct the user to where you want them to go. Responsive web designs are easy to use and intuitive, meaning your user should find everything they need immediately upon accessing your website. Include the same content on mobile and desktop designs : shorter and less thorough web designs used to be enough when people spent minimal time using their devices, but today people use their mobile devices for so much and your mobile design needs to support all of the functions that the desktop does, providing an equally intuitive and thorough user experience. Remember to optimize images : as we mentioned above, one of the biggest struggles when it comes to mobile designs is loading speeds because bandwidth speeds are usually lower and processors are smaller. And images, videos, and graphics are some of the most complex elements that take up the most space and time. To ensure that your mobile design isn’t weighed down by these necessary and enriching elements, optimize them or use vectors to lessen the burden on the mobile browser and processor. These tips should be a good starting point for you, helping you create intuitive and highly functional designs for multiple designs. But in case you still have some questions, we’ve put together a quick FAQ section: Which should I design first, desktop or mobile? Great question! At the end of the day, the decision is up to you, but we recommend starting with the desktop design as it tends to be more complex and larger; it’s easier to simplify it for a mobile design than the other way around. However, if you prefer figuring out what works for mobile designs and then adapting it for desktop, that’s a great option as well. Why is responsive web design important? Besides the obvious answer of reaching a broader audience with mobile and desktop designs, responsive web design ensures equal access to your website , regardless of internet speed, disabilities, or anything else that affects how a person accesses the internet. If a person with a physical disability could only access your website via a desktop with a special keyboard, then ensuring that this option exists should be your priority. Can’t I just prompt my users to head to the desktop site? Well, the answer is yes, you could. But as we mentioned earlier, mobile usage is becoming increasingly frequent as more and more people need to access the internet from their phones while on the go. And if you don’t take the time to provide these users with a high-quality experience from a mobile device, you’ll ostracize an entire group, pushing them to choose a competitor instead. Responsive web design is the future ; learning the intricacies of both desktop and mobile designs might seem like a drag, but is an absolutely crucial part of accessible and responsive web design. And who doesn’t want to create better web designs?! If you’re interested in learning more about creating responsive web designs and what the future could hold for you in the field, our Web Development Bootcamp highlights the importance of quality web designs , preparing you to enter the workforce. If you’re up for the challenge, we can’t wait to see you in class.