&nbsp;Being a developer means you never stop learning.



The world of frontend and web development is moving fast, due to the emerging new technologies, APIs, and libraries that are changing the field.&nbsp;



As a result, the term “full-stack developer” is constantly changing and even now, it is hard to define it within the specific frameworks and languages the developer should know. One thing that’s for certain though, is that there is a huge demand for full-stack developers (as evident by the numbers), with front-end developers not falling too far behind it.



In simple terms, a full-stack developer is someone who can understand both front-end as well as back-end technologies and solutions. They build programs and applications fully, combining their skills to make something that works in production.



On the back-end side, some applications last forever. Once you set up your server, you can let it run for quite a long time without any interruptions. Some back-end technologies, such as Java, PHP, Ruby, etc., even last for decades and are still used today.



Front-end, meanwhile, is a whole different story. The <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/3-important-tech-development-key-trends-and-predictions-for-2019/">tech development trends</a> are constantly changing, there are new APIs and frameworks being developed, which in turn, causes some of the current applications to deprecate, and for the most part, a lot depends on the tools.



This partly happens due to the <a href="https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/user-experience-explained-in-5-minutes-for-newbie-front-end-developers-1293c1521407/">user experience</a> aspect within front-end development. According to the UserTesting report from 2015 &#8211; “companies will invest heavily in creating products and experience based on continuous feedback from customers, customer experience will become a shared responsibility among all teams in an organization.”



What does this mean for front-end developers?



Simply put, for clients and users, the code is a tool, not a goal in itself.



This is why some browsers evolve and lose support, why user-interfaces are changing in their looks, and why there are other important factors, in addition to the code, such as scalability, performance tests, browser speed, code tests, and more.



So, the front-end development world is moving fast. It is no longer about the code. Developers also need to know other <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/essential-skills-every-software-developer-should-have-2019/">essential skills</a>, and need to be able to see the bigger picture beyond the code.



At Scale3C, we work closely with React.js for front-end technology, Node.js for back-end, Swift for iOS, and Kotlin for Android.&nbsp;



We believe that one of the essential skills as a developer is being able to adapt to changing technology and development languages &#8211; depending on the project requirements. Typically, we either work with IT projects from scratch, improve current ones or help find a dedicated team for development projects by connecting them with the right talent.&nbsp;



If you need any web or mobile development for your IT projects, feel free to contact us at <a href="mailto:hello@scale3c.com">hello@scale3c.com</a>



With that said, here is our take on the future of front-end development in 2020:



<h2>Overview</h2>



According to the <a href="https://insights.stackoverflow.com/survey/2019#technology">Stack Overflow developer survey of 2019</a>, the most commonly used development languages include: JavaScript (for the seventh year in a row), HTML/CSS, and SQL (from 87,354 responses who selected all that apply). 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="908" height="814" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Stack-Overflow-Most-Popular-Technologies.png" alt="" class="wp-image-376" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Stack-Overflow-Most-Popular-Technologies.png 908w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Stack-Overflow-Most-Popular-Technologies-300x269.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Stack-Overflow-Most-Popular-Technologies-768x688.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 908px) 100vw, 908px" /><figcaption> Source: Stack overflow</figcaption></figure>



Though, it’s not particularly surprising to see JavaScript at the top of the list, as it’s a development language that’s vital to front-end development as well as relevant to the back-end.&nbsp;



It is also essential in the user-experience process in terms of user usability (scrolling, transitions, object movement, etc.).&nbsp;



And finally, JavaScript often includes a wide range of frameworks, web libraries, and APIs that help developers create complex applications and increase application functionality.



Front-end is an important part of any website or app development. The success of the website largely depends on the visual appeal, and of course, usability, as mentioned above. If the user can’t navigate through the website, then the whole purpose is lost.&nbsp;



As a result, front-end developers are constantly in demand.



Compared to a few years ago, front-end developers now play a more significant role and also take on parts of usability research, UX/UI, and more.&nbsp;



While the specific front-end languages a developer needs to know varies depending on the task, there are still a number of core principles that will unite front-end developers in 2020.



With that said, here’s our take on the matter:



<h2>Product for the End-User in Mind</h2>



As a front-end developer, you most likely develop websites and online products through HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and other languages and then make them look good by building from the user interface mockups.



But the bigger picture is how well the user warms up to the product and how well the target market responds to the product.&nbsp;



If it doesn’t solve their problem, sooner or later the product owner will stop investing in it.



So, in other words, the final web solution needs to be tailored with the target market in mind.&nbsp;



Front-end developers need to know who will be using their product from their target group and start from there.&nbsp;



And if developers want to enhance their skills, they need to start asking questions like:



<ul><li>What’s the specific problem of the user they’re trying to solve?</li><li>What are their goals?</li><li>What are their pain points in terms of design, and usability?</li><li>How can you make it easier for them?</li></ul>



If this is starting to sound a lot like <a href="https://uxplanet.org/ultimate-guide-to-user-research-bed4a57d260">user research questions</a>, then you’re on the right track.



The idea is to get front-end developers more involved in the whole team process and to better understand end user’s needs, behaviours, motivations, and more. By collaborating with users, front-end developers take a more hands-on approach with a user-centered design in mind.



This also connects the front-end developer and the product owner, so that they’re working closer and are on the same page as to what the final product should look like.



How that would look like will depend on the <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/important-project-management-methodologies-for-software-development-choose-one/">project management methodology</a> you choose to use.



The Scrum framework, for example, links the team’s progress to the product owner to define requirements and solutions. For team meetings as well as development sessions, this can clear up any potential bottlenecks for the final product.



<h2>2. Increased Focus on Usability</h2>



A great end product is all about being clear, taking advantage of conventions and providing a practical user-interface.



Front-end development is not just JavaScript and the actions users take. The bigger picture also needs to be consistent, have a clear visual hierarchy, and be simple to navigate through.



Users scan through web pages looking for the main information, and the web page needs to accommodating of this.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/articles/f-shaped-pattern-reading-web-content/">Research</a> has found that on average, users read only 28% of the text. In fact, most users simply scan through a webpage in a way that best resembles an “F-shaped pattern” 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="785" height="364" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/F-Shaped-Pattern-UX.png" alt="" class="wp-image-377" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/F-Shaped-Pattern-UX.png 785w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/F-Shaped-Pattern-UX-300x139.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/F-Shaped-Pattern-UX-768x356.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 785px) 100vw, 785px" /><figcaption> Source: Nngroup</figcaption></figure>



So, they mostly scan for things like:



<ul><li>First few lines of the text and headings, which should be consistent throughout the page to help them navigate better.</li><li>Buttons and elements that stand out, which should be clear and clickable.</li><li>The most important information, within the page. If it’s an article, there’s usually going to be a section that’s most important to the reader.</li></ul>



The navigation needs to be clear, and logical &#8211; from the user’s perspective.



As a general approach, you can split up your web pages into 4 quadrants, based on the F-shape pattern, based on importance and what the user values. Assuming the typical user readers from left-to-right, top-to-bottom, your web page can be split up into the following parts:



<ul><li>Primary focus &#8211; what is most important to the user? Your value proposition can go in in the top left zone.</li><li>Follow area &#8211; think of this as the follow-up. It’s not as important as the primary area, but users will look here next.</li><li>Weak follow area &#8211; after that, users will either scroll down or glance through this area, not giving it much importance.&nbsp;</li><li>Terminal area &#8211; this is when the user reaches the lower right section of the page, where there needs to be a break and the users need to take action. This is the perfect spot to place a call-to-action button, link, form, and so on.</li></ul>



This is what’s known as the <a href="https://medium.com/user-experience-3/the-gutenberg-diagram-in-web-design-e5347c172627">Gutenberg Diagram</a>, and though you can’t predict user actions in every case, it’s still a good starting point for developers. 



<h2>3. Mobile First User-Interface That Makes Sense</h2>



Mobile first can help developers create a consistent and clear user experience for all devices, as long as it makes sense and is done right.&nbsp;



From 2015 to 2020, the number of mobile users has gone up by nearly one billion, up to 4.68B as of now (<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/274774/forecast-of-mobile-phone-users-worldwide/">Source</a>).



Though the number of people browsing from their mobile devices is increasing, many websites are still not as accommodating as one would like.&nbsp;



Ideally, mobile first should not be just the desktop version but shrunk down to a smaller size. When developing a website with mobile first in mind, developers also need to take into consideration how comfortable the experience is in terms of sliding, tapping, ticking, and other users, from a mobile device.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="512" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mobile-First-User-Interface-1024x512.png" alt="" class="wp-image-378" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mobile-First-User-Interface-1024x512.png 1024w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mobile-First-User-Interface-300x150.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mobile-First-User-Interface-768x384.png 768w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mobile-First-User-Interface.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



This, in turn, impacts all the forms and the elements on a web page that may take on a different interaction form from a mobile device.&nbsp;



Mobile is also usually used with one hand with a thumb size. The most convenient touch area is usually at the bottom of the screen, so developers need to think in terms of horizontal and vertical scrolling.



Though the specific mobile first uses differ from industry-to-industry, there are still a few practices that should be consistent throughout front-end, such as:



<ul><li>Accessible buy (call-to-action) buttons.</li><li>Email signup forms that don’t disturb the mobile experience</li><li>Clear interactive and engaging elements when scrolling.</li><li>High-quality visuals based on mobile swiping.</li></ul>



Mobile, in itself, is a touch first approach for many users.&nbsp;



As more and more users choose to browse from their mobile device, the front-end side of the website needs to be ready to handle all of their requests.&nbsp;



If users can browse the website flawlessly and go through the final call-to-action (making a purchase, sign up, booking a demo, etc.), then the website is truly optimised for mobile first.



<h2>Conclusion</h2>



All in all, even though the front-end development scene is constantly changing within the specific libraries and frameworks used, some things still stay constant. And for developers to start thinking in terms of user-centric design, there are certain UX principles they need to take into consideration.&nbsp;



First, JavaScript is still the most commonly used development language for a long time now (and likely to continue the trend). Though the specific libraries and frameworks might vary and change from time-to-time, (also depending on the task), it’s still a good idea to have the main framework down first (along with HTML/CSS).



Then, in terms of development, some user-experience practices, such as usability, are crucial.&nbsp;



Which is why it makes sense for front-end developers to take a more hands-on approach and be involved in the bigger picture of project management. In other words, the more they know about the end-users &#8211; the better (how they browse the site, their needs, wants in terms of front-end development). This helps developers as to how they should structure the website from the front-end side.



Finally, to make for an overall seamless and smooth user-experience, the mobile first side of the interface needs to be up to par as well. As more and more users are browsing from their mobile phones, the website needs to be accommodating to handle all of their requests. If done well, users will be able to follow through the final call-to-action &#8211; directly affecting the conversion rate of the website.



Need help with front-end or app development? We help existing IT projects, work from scratch, and also help development teams connect with the right talent. Interested in how we can help? Get in touch at <a href="hello@scale3c.com">hello@scale3c.com</a>

What is the Future of Front End Development in 2020

To stay competitive in the business world, companies increasingly rely on <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/what-you-should-look-for-when-outsourcing-tech/">outsourcing tech</a>.



For many, staying competitive means capitalising on cost-efficiency in their work, taking advantage of lower expenses and the convenience that comes with outsourcing.



In other words, they got more bang for their buck when outsourcing IT projects.



The online gig economy is constantly growing and outsourcing is becoming a more common solution for many businesses.



To back that statement up with some numbers, here’s what you need to know about the global IT outsourcing industry:



<ul><li>The revenue of the total global ITO (information technology outsourcing) industry peaked at $62 billion in 2018. </li><li>65% of the firms that outsourced in 2017 say they would like to continue doing so.</li><li>IT is one of the most common outsourced service types, as 31% of it was outsourced in 2017.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Global-IT-Outsourcing-Industry-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-373" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Global-IT-Outsourcing-Industry-1.png 1024w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Global-IT-Outsourcing-Industry-1-150x150.png 150w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Global-IT-Outsourcing-Industry-1-300x300.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Global-IT-Outsourcing-Industry-1-768x768.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption> Source: <a href="http://transcosmos.co.uk/blog/outsourcing-statistics/#C">transcosmos</a> </figcaption></figure>



The point is, more and more businesses choose to outsource certain tasks and positions.



More specifically, these positions usually include tasks they can’t do on their own &#8211; like IT!



Meanwhile, the other side of the coin is hiring an IT professional in-house. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that but if you’re working with a tight budget or a short deadline &#8211; then outsourcing might be more up your alley.



If that’s the case, then this guide is for you as we’ll be covering how you can start outsourcing your IT projects and why you might want to consider Lithuania&nbsp;



Now, outsourcing implies hiring another person or a business to do your job. Typically, from an outside country.



So, where do you outsource?



Let’s take a look&#8230;



<h2>Where to outsource</h2>



As of now, in the IT world, the most common countries businesses outsource to include India, Ukraine, Poland, and <a href="https://existek.com/blog/top-it-outsourcing-countries-in-2019/">more</a>. But the most common ones don’t necessarily mean they’re the best choice.



Let’s take at a couple of factors that define these top outsourced regions.



<h3>Eastern Europe&nbsp;</h3>



Eastern Europe countries often deal with highly-competent outsourcing developers who can deal with innovations and keep up with the latest <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/3-important-tech-development-key-trends-and-predictions-for-2019/">tech trends</a>. Experts are known for high-quality education and a good level of English. Services can be provided full-time due to the convenient location and relatively lower expenses.



The time-zone difference is negligible and the culture is close to the Western one, too.



Note: We discuss the time-zone difference in more detail <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/scale3c-talking-with-simon-anderson-the-ceo-and-founder-of-notis/">here</a>.



<h3>Asia and the Middle East</h3>



This region, India in particular, still remains one of the most popular destinations for programming outsourcing. The number of outsourcing developers is also one of the biggest for its size.



With that said, the geographical location is not that convenient and the time-zone is more noticeable. Another downside has to do with the communication aspect and the different mindset.



Receiving services for the cheapest price rates also comes with certain risks.



If you’re still on the fence about outsourcing, be sure to consider all of your <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/in-house-vs-outsourcing-what-you-need-to-know-and-overview-of-each/">options</a> first.&nbsp;



<h3>Latin America</h3>



Latin America is still a relatively new player in the world of IT outsourcing. This destination has become particularly attractive for the US customers due to its convenient geographical location and time-zone difference.



Though, the IT sphere is going through a stage of development due to the insufficient technical knowledge.



Other questions you might want to think about when outsourcing include:



<ul><li>What is the infrastructure like?</li><li>Is the culture exposure high?</li><li>Is the economic/political environment stable and under control?</li></ul>



All of these questions are worth considering to discover whether or not it’s worth doing business abroad.



So far, there are a number of key takeaways here.



First, cheap work doesn’t necessarily mean quality work. “Soft skills” (such as communication, involvement in projects, etc.) matter in terms of their mindset and who you’re going to be working with. And though the time-zone difference can be fixed, it still requires regular commitment and discipline.



Note: also consider other things you should look for when <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/what-you-should-look-for-when-outsourcing-tech/">outsourcing tech</a>.



Outsourcing to Eastern Europe is becoming increasingly popular for that perfect balance of quality and quantity &#8211; the best of both worlds.



Each nation provides access to both an affordable and highly skilled pool of labor. It can be hard to find a developer with a mix of strong soft <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/essential-skills-every-software-developer-should-have-2019/">skills</a> as well as the technical background.



From the Eastern Europe region, one country, in particular, stands out due to its competitive advantages and the country’s approach to IT and tech development.



Here’s what you need to know about outsourcing your IT projects to Lithuania:



<h2>1. Talented and young labor pool</h2>



It’s important you’re getting the best talent for your budget when outsourcing. For businesses that prioritise results (budget + quality) outsourcing to Lithuania lets them invest in quality teams and save money.



The tech sector has been thriving in this Baltic state since <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-rise-of-lithuania-as-a-force-in-it-why-google-and-nasdaq-are-investing-here/">2015</a>, with education and STEM fields at the core of its growth.&nbsp;



Lithuania’s ICT sector is quickly evolving, with no signs of slowing down any time soon.&nbsp;



With some of the fastest internet connections in Europe and a particularly tech-savvy population, the labor pool is naturally drawn to the IT sector.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="667" height="500" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IT-Sector-Labor-Pool.png" alt="" class="wp-image-364" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IT-Sector-Labor-Pool.png 667w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IT-Sector-Labor-Pool-300x225.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></figure>



In the recent years, the country has become more and more attractive to tech giants as well, such as Google and Nasdaq when they decided to set up shop in Lithuania in 2015 (more on that <a href="https://investlithuania.com/news/the-rise-of-lithuania-as-a-force-in-it-why-google-and-nasdaq-are-investing-here/">here</a>).



The abundance of IT professionals in the country is very much part of its appeal. According to Invest Lithuania, there are currently 26,000 residents employed in the ICT and IT industries, with an additional 1,600 future experts graduating each year.&nbsp;



Additionally, Lithuania is one of the most educated countries on the continent, with the highest proportion of university graduates among people aged 30-34 (<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/6787423/3-20042015-BP-EN.pdf/b2f295ba-2e15-409c-bec9-91c4e49c5d32">Source</a>). Nearly all young professionals speak English as well, making it ideal for international business.



Note: Interested in finding the right talent for your future IT projects? We work with IT projects from scratch, improve current ones, and help in finding a dedicated team for your development project. We work with businesses internationally and make IT projects go by a lot smoother by connecting them with talented individuals perfect for the specific job. If you need help with finding the right individuals for your future IT projects &#8211; get in touch at hello@scale3c.com



<h2>2. Focus on high-quality infrastructure and progress in innovation</h2>



Due to its convenient location and strong logistics infrastructure, Lithuania is an ideal tech hub with access to the EU and nearby markets.



Lithuania’s physical infrastructure includes a reliable, and high-quality logistics option for streamlining operations. And the location gives easy access to Northern Europe, Western Europe, as well as Asia through the sea, air, road, and rail.



In terms of innovation, the capital, Vilnius, is one of the main forerunners in Europe within IT, and other fields.&nbsp;



The country’s accomplishments also include:



<ul><li>10% of the global laser market.</li><li>19% annual growth in life sciences.</li><li>5x startups increased in the last 5 years.</li><li> 20% high-tech export growth in 2017. </li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lithuania-In-Innovation.png" alt="" class="wp-image-366" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lithuania-In-Innovation.png 1024w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lithuania-In-Innovation-150x150.png 150w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lithuania-In-Innovation-300x300.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lithuania-In-Innovation-768x768.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption> Source: <a href="http://www.kcci.lt/file/manual/Lithuania%20in%20Focus.pdf">Lithuania in Focus</a></figcaption></figure>



The most important takeaway from those numbers has to do with the great start-up ecosystem.&nbsp;



The number of startups has been consistently growing in Lithuania for some time now, with over a total of 183 million EUR of investments in 2018 and government entities such as “Startup Lithuania”, “Startup Visa”, LitBan”, and more.



Now, the main reason so many tech and IT startups flock to Lithuania is partly due to its high-quality infrastructure and the country’s business environment.



<h2>3. Business-friendly environment&nbsp;</h2>



For those looking to grow their business with little red tape and bureaucracy, Lithuania offers a lot of benefits and the connectivity needed to succeed.



Lithuania is committed to providing the best conditions for businesses (and startups) to thrive. It takes only 24 hours to register a business using an e-signature and to get it up and running



Currently, Lithuania is ranked 14th globally in the ease of <a href="https://www.doingbusiness.org/en/data/exploreeconomies/lithuania">doing business</a> and among the top 10 EU countries in ease of <a href="https://www.pwc.com/lt/lt/assets/publications/PwC_Business_Guide_Lithuania_2018.pdf">paying taxes</a>.



The Lithuanian government is actively attracting and helping businesses transition within its borders. For foreign investments as well as IT outsourcing, there are plenty of incentives for businesses to move (and do) their work in the country.



Here’s what you need to know in terms of taxes when doing business in Lithuania:



<ul><li>Corporate profit tax varies from 0-15%</li><li>The standard value added tax (VAT) rate is 21%</li><li>The personal income tax is 20% on wages (<a href="https://www.renkuosilietuva.lt/en/taxes/">Source</a>)</li></ul>



What does this mean for the IT sector?



Essentially, we’re likely to see more tech and IT startups in Lithuania, due to the growing innovation potential.&nbsp;



With Lithuania’s affordable high-quality labor and a relatively lower median wage (compared to most bigger countries), foreign investments in the IT sector are not likely to end any time soon.



Let’s look at that last part in more detail.



<h2>Lithuania by the numbers</h2>



As far as IT projects are concerned, Lithuania provides the ideal place for tech professionals.&nbsp;



Here’s why:



<ul><li>Perfect internet speed for the modern business &#8211; fastest public wifi, 3rd most affordable in Europe</li><li>Talented labor pool &#8211; over 31,500 IT professionals, 2,000 IT graduates in 2018, 85% proficiency in English among young professionals. (<a href="https://investlithuania.com/key-sectors/technology/">Source</a>)</li><li>Enhanced tech-savvy culture &#8211; one of the largest startup communities and dedicated office hubs in Baltics (Vilnius Tech park Sapiegos), first in region blockchain technology center &amp; co-working space to incubate and accelerate blockchain startups, local offices for corporations like Google, Uber, Wix, and more. (<a href="https://investlithuania.com/key-sectors/gbs/business-services-it/">Source</a>)</li></ul>



<h2>Recap</h2>



Thinking of outsourcing your IT projects?



Due to Lithuania’s talented labor pool and business-friendly environment, working with international businesses from here is easier than ever.&nbsp;



The country also happens to be the geographical center of Europe. With easy reach to neighboring markets, making it an ideal location for IT projects and professionals.



Lithuania has the largest ICT industry in the Baltics with potential for local as well as foreign expanding businesses. 13 of the 20 largest IT companies in the Baltic states are located in Lithuania and some of the national corporations have decided to move their business there as well.



In terms of the ICT services, the main ones include:



<ul><li>Computer programming, consultancy and related activities</li><li>Telecommunications</li><li>Information services activities</li><li>Web solutions, and more</li></ul>



And the top 5 key markets include:



<ul><li>USA</li><li>Ireland</li><li>Great Britain</li><li>Germany</li><li>Denmark</li></ul>



Finally, the country’s key competitive advantages include:



<ul><li>Largest industry in the Baltic states</li><li>Leading professionals within the region that’s growing annually&nbsp;</li><li>Rapid technological development of services and outsourcing potential</li><li>Growing startup community and rising investment into IT field</li></ul>



If you’re looking to outsource your next IT project,&nbsp; consider Lithuania as a potential market.



The country has a thriving IT sector and plenty of benefits, as well as incentives, for tech startups to set up their business here.&nbsp;



If you need help with your IT, tech, or design projects, we’re interested to hear you out. We regularly work with clients within their existing projects through improvements or from scratch. We also make sure you work with the right talent. If you need help finding the right individuals for your projects, get in touch at <a href="mailto:hello@scale3c.com">hello@scale3c.com</a> and we’ll collect a dedicated remote team that’s right for your specific project.

Lithuania is an ideal country for outsourcing IT projects for a number of reasons. Here's how the country deals with information technology and development work.

Why You Should Outsource Your IT Projects to Lithuania

Becoming a software developer, whether it be through an online course like Treehouse or independently, can be one long, never-ending journey. The habits you form along the way can have a direct effect on your career and how well you work with others.&nbsp;



As we talked about some of the <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/essential-skills-every-software-developer-should-have-2019/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">essential software developer skills</a> last week, we mentioned that the difference in skills is what separates a good developer from a great one.&nbsp;



The same applies to your habits in your work as a developer.



If you want to make sure you’re following the best practices when working within a team of developers and your personal coding skills are suited for teamwork &#8211; be sure to read on.



Everyone has a different approach to coding, some less harmful than others.&nbsp;



A lot of this comes down to experience. Bad habits can be hard to break, especially if you develop them early and they follow you throughout your career.



This is even more the case when you’re not even aware of your habits that could be taking up your precious time.&nbsp;



“First we form our habits, then they form us” &#8211; Rob Gilbert



The same applies to your bad habits that could be killing your drive and ruining your development efficiency.



<a href="https://jamesclear.com/new-habit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Research</a> says that it takes anywhere from 21 days to 66 days to form a habit. In the long career span of a software developer, adopting small programming habits can have a huge impact on your overall work.



If you want to set your expectations appropriately, it might take some time to time to build new behavior, but it’s worth noting that building is not an all-or-nothing process.&nbsp;



Building habits take time, but as long as you stick to them, the small investment is guaranteed to pay off.



You might look back on your previous web development projects, for example, and realise that your code could look better. But this shouldn’t discourage you. Everyone makes mistakes once or twice, this doesn’t necessarily impact your long-term habits.



Similarly, there is no reason to get discouraged if you start adopting a new practice in your development efforts for a few weeks and it doesn’t stick at first. As long as you’re aware of your habits and embrace the long-term, you can always change and improve your work quality.



With that said, If you’re a developer yourself, you might want to take note of some of the best-use practices to make sure your code performs optimally.&nbsp;



The following is what we’ve found to work for us at Scale3C during our software and mobile development projects, and because of the nature of the programming habits, they can work for you as well.



<h2>1. Planning Before Coding</h2>



It’s essential you know the ins and outs of a project before beginning.&nbsp;



In the development world, it can be relatively easier to plan ahead if you know the project requirements in advance (ideally, you should). Consider some of the features you might have to implement in the future.



Do you know how they work? Are there any parts you’re unfamiliar with? How will that interact with your initial code?



These are all questions you might want to ask yourself before writing the code.



If you are not sure, be sure to look it up beforehand, as opposed to when you’re halfway through a project. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Programming-Habits-Planning-Before-Coding-1024x682.png" alt="Planning before coding, idea, planning, strategy, success" class="wp-image-352" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Programming-Habits-Planning-Before-Coding-1024x682.png 1024w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Programming-Habits-Planning-Before-Coding-300x200.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Programming-Habits-Planning-Before-Coding-768x512.png 768w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Programming-Habits-Planning-Before-Coding.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Your planning and research phase may vary, depending on your time constraints.&nbsp;



Consider the following scenarios and how you can form your habits for doing research.



<ol><li>It’s simple, and relevant to you. In this case, take the time to read through it carefully as it may contribute to your broader understanding of the subject and give you a stronger foundation when you begin. Consider how the <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/scale3c-recommends-5-effective-time-management-techniques-for-startups/">80/20 rule</a> can affect your efficiency here.</li><li>It’s important, but may not be essential to your project at hand. In that case, see if you can familiarise yourself with the main idea and don’t get too invested in learning all the details.</li><li>It’s not relevant immediately or for the mid-term. In this case, you can simply return to the original task and come back to this if you ever need it later. It might not be worth spending your time reading about it for now.</li></ol>



With the above habit in mind, you’ll find that you can stay on top of any resources relevant to you and not venture far off from the original task.&nbsp;



If it’s relevant for you to begin coding &#8211; save it as an important resource. If not, you can always come back to it later.



<h2>2. Writing Human-Friendly Code</h2>



Once you do your research and have a plan on how you’ll approach the project, you can then start writing code, as long as it’s human-friendly and readable.



Unclear code is a pet peeve for developers all over the world.&nbsp;



You start working on a development project, the code makes sense so far, but somewhere along the way, it loses readability in favor of functionality.&nbsp;



Does this sound familiar?



Just because the code works, doesn’t mean it’s optimal.



Remember, you’re not writing just for machines, but for your future self and your colleagues as well. It’s important to write readable code if you ever want to revisit it in the future and optimise it later.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Human-Friendly-Code-Web-Development-1024x682.png" alt="Writing human friendly code illustration" class="wp-image-353" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Human-Friendly-Code-Web-Development-1024x682.png 1024w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Human-Friendly-Code-Web-Development-300x200.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Human-Friendly-Code-Web-Development-768x512.png 768w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Human-Friendly-Code-Web-Development.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Instead of saying “I’ll fix it later” or “I’ll come back to this in the future”, make sure to document your thinking process while coding and prioritise the architecture of the code first.



When writing human-friendly code, make sure that:



<ul><li>You’re not disrupting the flow with unnecessary conditions. Are you leveraging <a href="https://the-pastry-box-project.net/nina-zakharenko/2018-february-14" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">flow state</a> to write better code? Focus on what’s important.</li><li>You’re following a consistent naming practice. For example, if your variables start with an underscore as the first letter, make sure you follow this habit for the rest of the project Similarly, if you’re working collectively with a team, be sure to discuss your naming practices before you begin coding.</li><li>You’re commenting on the important parts of your code. This should be obvious, and it’s an easy habit to form. Also, this helps save time should you need to come back to the code later or pass it on to a colleague for revision.</li></ul>



<h3>Bonus tip:</h3>



At Scale3C, we sometimes jump into already existing projects where we have to go back and improve or add certain functions within the code.&nbsp;



Having clear, human-friendly code with proper documentation is a huge relief as it allows us to save a lot of time going over pre-written code. Taking over development projects can be scary if you’re not sure what you’re getting yourself into.



Remember, you (and the machine) are not the only ones who have to understand the code. Make sure it’s readable to other developers as well.



<h2>3. Asking for Help</h2>



Asking for help can be hard at first, but it’s a great chance to practice collaborative problem-solving and improve your overall habits as a developer.



There are a number of things to consider here.



First, most people are afraid to ask for help due to <a href="https://www.laserfiche.com/ecmblog/shut-up-imposter-syndrome-i-can-too-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">impostor syndrome</a> or that they feel they should know it or they’ll just figure it out. In reality, this just wastes your time and hinders growth.



As a developer, you have access to a lot of important resources.



Sometimes a quick Google search or a Stack Overflow answer is all you need. But in most cases, someone working close to you will be a better resource for the specific project at hand.



Daily scrum meetings are ideal to share your experience with colleagues and to ask for help.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="936" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Asking-For-Help-Development-Process-1024x936.png" alt="Asking for help development process teamwork illustration
" class="wp-image-354" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Asking-For-Help-Development-Process-1024x936.png 1024w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Asking-For-Help-Development-Process-300x274.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Asking-For-Help-Development-Process-768x702.png 768w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Asking-For-Help-Development-Process.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



No matter how long you’ve been a developer for, there’s always something new you can learn.&nbsp;



Whether it be a new tech <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/3-important-tech-development-key-trends-and-predictions-for-2019/">trend</a> you can catch up on or a new app development framework, you never stop learning as a developer.



Then, as soon as you learn something new, be sure to note it down for future reference. This also contributes to being consistent in your development, as mentioned above, and you’ll have a place for resources you can always double check with.&nbsp;



<h2>4. Consider Code Review</h2>



Speaking of communication, if you want to be on the same page as your team for future development sessions, consider adopting code review practices in your team.



Many developers dislike code review sessions because of how time-consuming they can be. But the aim of a successful peer review is to maintain code quality moving forward.&nbsp;



For this, code reviews require a balance of consistent documenting practices that make for a highly efficient collaborative environment.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Code-Review-Development-1024x682.png" alt="Code review development process illustration image
" class="wp-image-355" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Code-Review-Development-1024x682.png 1024w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Code-Review-Development-300x200.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Code-Review-Development-768x512.png 768w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Code-Review-Development.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<a href="https://smartbear.com/learn/code-review/best-practices-for-peer-code-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Effective code review</a> is only worth doing if it’s done right.&nbsp;



For this, consider adopting a checklist and proven best practices within your team.



Test-driven development and quality assurance practices have proven value in the long-term.&nbsp;



More specifically, you should be keeping an eye out for the following.



What to review:



<ul><li>Consistency.</li><li>Structure.</li><li>Style.</li><li>Performance.</li><li>And more.&nbsp;</li></ul>



As for when you should do code reviews, consider the scope and the size of your project. This may vary across teams and may also depend on the <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/important-project-management-methodologies-for-software-development-choose-one/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">methodology</a> you use.



Overall, look for consistent communication and feedback in your code reviews if you want to increase your development efficiency.



<h2>5. Proper Use of Version Control</h2>



Version control (also known as source control) is the management of file changes throughout a specific period of time.



These systems automatically record changes for all files stored, allowing you to get back to a particular version or a point you made some changes in.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="800" height="683" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Git-Version-Control.png" alt="" class="wp-image-356" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Git-Version-Control.png 800w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Git-Version-Control-300x256.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Git-Version-Control-768x656.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption>Source: Git</figcaption></figure>



If you want to keep every version of your code, you can use a version control system like <a href="https://git-scm.com/">Git </a>as a way to handle and track any kind of changes during your project. It allows you to revert to selected files to a previous state or version, see who modified it last, compare changes over time, and more.



Benefits of using version control include convenience when collaborating, understanding what happened better, and having a backup in case of an emergency.



Versioning is also a great way to keep track of application versions and to see which version is currently in development, in the QA phase or in production.



Essentially, it makes for better teamwork and communication.&nbsp;



With a proper version control system, everyone on the team can work on any file, any time.&nbsp;



The VCS will then allow you to merge all the changes into one common version. This way, there is no need to look for the latest version or the status of the project, as it will be in one place that everyone can access &#8211; your version control system.&nbsp;



In order to use a VCS system optimally, be sure to:



<ul><li>Commit often so that you’ll be dealing with small changes at a time, in case you need to revert back.</li><li>Add a commit message to convey a message to other team members.</li><li>Only push completed work to make it easier for everyone involved to know the status.</li></ul>



If you’re following all of the above habits, all while documenting everything and using a proper version control system &#8211; you’ll be well on your way of developing habits needed to become an efficient developer.



The above approach prioritises collaboration and communication within a development team.&nbsp;



Not only will the habits help you in becoming a better developer, while maintaining teamwork and efficiency, they will also help your colleagues in working with you and focus on the same long-term common goal.

Programming Habits All Developers Should Adopt

Two
years into our great adventure of helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to
life by leveraging design and technology we are proud to share that we have
been selected by Clutch for their Leaders Award Report as a top Lithuanian
Development Firm. 



Within
2 years’ time we delivered more than 35 unique projects to our clients in the
United States, Canada and Western Europe as well as brought together a team of
25 talented developers, designers and product owners. 



<a href="https://clutch.co/lt/app-developers">Clutch, a B2B
marketplace</a>,&nbsp; has been connecting buyers with the top
service firms in a variety of industries and locations since 2013. The Clutch
team analyzes industry data as well as conducts in depth client reviews in
order to create their rankings. Our profile has earned a 5-star Clutch rating
thanks to the participation of our clients in the Clutch interview process!
Check out one of our recent reviews below written by Scott Clarke from <a href="https://homehubspot.com/">Home Hubspot</a>. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="564" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-25-15_54_51-Scale3C-Client-Reviews-_-Clutch.co_-1024x564.png" alt="" class="wp-image-403" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-25-15_54_51-Scale3C-Client-Reviews-_-Clutch.co_-1024x564.png 1024w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-25-15_54_51-Scale3C-Client-Reviews-_-Clutch.co_-300x165.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-25-15_54_51-Scale3C-Client-Reviews-_-Clutch.co_-768x423.png 768w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-25-15_54_51-Scale3C-Client-Reviews-_-Clutch.co_.png 1065w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<a href="https://themanifest.com/lt/app-development/companies#Scale3C">The Manifest</a> and <a href="https://visualobjects.com/lt/app-development/top-mobile-app-development-companies">Visual Objects</a>, Clutch sister sites, have also listed us on their unique platforms. 



Our
whole team is proud of this award, as well as the work we were able to
accomplish for our clients! Being acknowledged as one of the top companies in
our first years means a lot and we’re excited to see what future brings! 



Does
your company need a new development partner? Check us out today and <a href="https://www.scale3c.com/">see if we would make a good team</a>!

Clutch names Scale3C a Top development company in Lithuania

Simon Anderson is an Australian living in Utah (US). We met him during our visit to Salt Lake City and after a quick chat, we have decided to start rebuilding the platform he had developed. A few months ago Simon has decided to come to Lithuania for the first time and visit our team. Here is a short interview about his business and the overall impressions he got while visiting Vilnius.



Can you briefly describe your company and your product?



For 5 years I have been building a platform called Notis which allows students from high-schools/ colleges and their parents or teachers to communicate more effectively with each other, especially for their out of class activities. It’s all started in Australia, but now we are operating in the USA market. 



How did you find out about Scale3C and why our services were attractive to you?



A co-working space in Utah called Kiln was using your services and the founder was very satisfied with the collaboration you had established, so he had suggested meeting you guys during your visit in Salt Lake City because at that time we were looking for a new development team. A good referral from Arian took away a lot of risks and build the trust to try the development in the country we haven’t heard anything about before.



Is a time zone difference or that your team is working remotely makes the development process very hard for you? Why?



Overall, no! I am not that person who sits close to the developer watching him work. Even if I had a team in the US, the work would be flexible and remote, internet connection is the thing you need. I was a bit scared regarding the communication during the night time in Lithuania, but the response from the team was really really good, we were always getting the response within a couple of hours, the bugs were fixed in less than 24 hours, all of this makes us comfortable.



What are the biggest challenges you are facing when working with a remote development agency?



The only challenge could be the time management, but we haven’t had any problems with that, all the work and meetings were scheduled on time. We also thought that language might be a challenge, but Scale3C made sure that everyone in the team members speaks English really well. So we, actually, haven’t had any challenges and we have begun to make the decision to use Scale3C for full-time development positions.



You came to visit our country Lithuania for the first time, so what are your overall impressions about people, culture, and the country itself?



Before coming you have sent us a short video which was a great overview of what is Lithuania, so I came a bit prepared. Before that I knew nothing, we don’t hear a lot about your country. During our visit, I have learned more about your history and how strong the people were during hard times. Lithuania feels like a very historic country, but has all the newest technology, old from the outside, but modern from the inside. It loved it, it feels like you have a strong culture!



You have the experience of working with other development agencies, maybe you could tell us what are the biggest Scale3C differences or advantages compared to others?



Your business model is based on your name, you want to scale for each company. We have experienced that you have a great network of developers and are able to offer us a certain type of talents which we need at that moment. The biggest advantage for me is that I don’t need to go through the hiring and recruitment process, all the pressure in on you and you are managing it perfectly! The management process here is much smoother than in the US and it is another strong service you are offering.



Would you recommend other companies to try development/outsourcing services at Scale3C and why?



Absolutely, I&#8217;m already referring friends and other business people to Scale3c. The process is smooth, and the team at Scale3C are willing to tell you how it is. No fluff, If there are better options they will let you know. This is what every tech company needs, a team that wants the best product and best outcome for all.



Thank you Simon for the interview and your honest answers!

Scale3C talking with Simon Anderson, the CEO and Founder of Notis

Jesse Robinson is one of our key clients living and working in Salt Lake City (US). We had a pleasure to have a chat with him while he was visiting our office and here is what he told us about his business and the work we are doing together.



Can you briefly describe your company and what is your product about?



I am the Executive Director of “The Getch Foundation”, which is a private foundation established by a giving family from the US who&#8217;s passion is mainly focused on ocean conservation and mental health. “Getch Foundation” also has a sub-foundation which is a public charity called “My sunshine”, devoted to helping families which suffer from cancer or other traumatic experiences. Together with Scale3C, we are building a tech platform, which is going to be an emotional wellness platform for the families in order to get more information about the disease, connect with a social worker or a therapist 24/7 and simply communicate with people who are in the same situation as they are. At the moment people are using social media as a channel to communicate, but their data are not well protected, we want to create a secure and private place for that.



How did you find out about Scale3C and why our services were attractive to you?



We got a recommendation from our investors who have utilized Scale3c before, that led a flourishing partnership.&nbsp;



Is a time zone difference or that your team is working remotely makes the development process harder for you?



Yes, you are overseas, but I have never experienced any issues while trying to set up a call with you or get the bugs fixed. You are always very flexible with time. The other thing which crucial when you are trying to build a product is speaking the same language, your team is so fluent in English that I have never had any issues in understanding or expressing myself while working together. There is a bit of the time difference, but honestly, I would hardly call that an issue. 



What are the biggest challenges you are facing when working with a remote development agency?



Maybe for some people, it might be an issues not being able to talk to your team face to face, but for me, face to face is less important, technology is so good these days when it comes to virtual communication. 



You are visiting our country for the first time, what is your overall opinion about people, culture, and the country itself?



Everyone speaks really good English and makes you feel comfortable for visiting, I think it is the most important part in order to feel welcome. I have also become very good friends with everyone who works at Scale3C, so we had as much fun as we had work done during my visit.



You already have tried other development agencies, so maybe you could share what are the biggest differences or advantages comparing Scale3C and other IT companies?



I will tell you what I tell other people when talking about Scale3C. They are cheaper than most of the development companies in the US, but they are not the cheapest compared to outsourcing through some other countries in the world. Although at the end of the day it is all about the quality vs. what you pay. Working with Scale3C is the best &#8220;band for your buck&#8221; I have come across in the development industry. 



Would you recommend other businesses to try development/outsourcing services at Scale3C and why?



Although we have been very successful in raising a significant amount of funding for our businesses and now we could easily build an in-house development team, all the founders and partners have unanimously agreed that we should continue working with Scale3C and scale a team in here. Why? Because we never had any issues with Scale3C and we share the same work ethics. You guys always set the delivery timeliness, everything comes on budget and the thing that I appreciate the most is their ability to provide the input beyond my vision. You always come back with additional ideas and suggestions which 90 % of the time is even better than mine 🙂



Thank you Jesse for your feedback and honest answers!

Scale3C talking with Jesse Robinson, Executive Director @ Getch Foundation

Having a strong sense of company culture as you scale up as a startup is essential in not falling apart from the original core values.



A great company culture ensures you recruit the best people in terms of their skills and how well they’re going to fit within the team.&nbsp;



This can be hard to maintain and keep track of, as you scale up, but it’s important not to lose track of the vision that got you started with in the first place.



The culture can make or break the company as it affects the company’s most valuable resources &#8211; the people.



According to <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/millennialsurvey.html">research</a>, younger individuals joining the workforce are looking for organisations that reinforce their own personal values, and can maintain a positive environment. &#8211;



“Younger generations are putting their money where their mouths are when it comes to supporting businesses that make a positive impact on society.”



While the paycheck still remains a strong motivator, many say that they would not hesitate to end a relationship with a company that they disagree with in terms of their practices, values and/or political leanings.&nbsp;



Company culture is defined within how people in the organisation behave, their vision, values, language, beliefs, habits, and more.



So, there is no one specific thing that defines company culture. It’s a long-term investment in people that pays off through employee performance.



By maintaining a positive environment where people feel calm and can achieve better performance, the company culture is directly affecting the bottom line. 



Better performance equals better final product and higher productivity, which in turn affects just about every other aspect of the business.



With that said, here’s how to develop a strong sense of company culture and maintain it as you scale up.



<h2>1. Building the Foundation</h2>



It all begins with the “Why”. As your company grows, it’s important to reinforce the starting company missions and values.



The first step of building the company culture begins involves discussion and decisions based on the fundamental values of the business.



What does the organisation want to be known for? How are they different? What makes them stand out?



Ideally, these questions should be asked at the beginning to define the core values as soon as possible.&nbsp;



To make sure you’re on the right track and don’t lose track of your values, it’s a good idea to get them down in writing.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/welcome-to-our-blog-the-story-behind-scale3c/">Our own story behind Scale3C here</a></blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="311" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Scale3C-Entrepreneur-Centric-1024x311.png" alt="" class="wp-image-388" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Scale3C-Entrepreneur-Centric-1024x311.png 1024w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Scale3C-Entrepreneur-Centric-300x91.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Scale3C-Entrepreneur-Centric-768x233.png 768w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Scale3C-Entrepreneur-Centric.png 1684w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Looking for the right talent for your development project? Get in touch at <a href="hello@scale3c.com">hello@scale3c.com</a> to see how we can help.</figcaption></figure>



Think of what matters to your company (vision), and values you want your team members to associate the company with.



From their perspective, this might include things like: 



<ul><li>Flexible/remote work</li><li>Clear communication</li><li>Accountability</li><li>Diversity</li><li>Fun (how you have fun as a company, team building, etc.)</li><li>And more</li></ul>



Once a list of company values is created, it’s time to put them into action. 



These messages then should be shared via employee communications and be present in most of the company decisions. 



The best way to do this is by including them in everything you do. 



For example, if you believe in producing a high-quality product, make sure the feedback and communication methods with the product team is as transparent as possible. 



Ask questions like “What is the WHY behind the product? Is anything missing? How can we improve the product?” 



During the process, make sure to keep your standards high and that everyone involved in the process is not afraid to speak up. High-quality should be present across every single custom-experience touchpoint. 



Company values need to be mirrored in day-to-day activities and communications with clients as well as other employees. An organisation that seeks to be open and transparent in their communications, for example, should make any information they consider important to be accessible by all employees. 



In terms of communications, if they plan to be more informal and close-knit, they could use their first names in emails or even hold face-to-face meetings (though this might depend on the <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/important-project-management-methodologies-for-software-development-choose-one/">methodology</a> and team location). 



The point is that the language you use matters and reflects your team culture. It’s important to keep that consistent as you scale up.	 



Once you have identified a list of values and beliefs you aspire to, the next step is to put those values into action and identify the “Why” behind your activities. 



<h2>2. Defining and tracking the Why</h2>



Defining the “Why” is not a new concept, but many companies often still have a hard time with it.



For many startups, this includes creating the perfect working environment &#8211; one full of foosball tables, free food, bean bag chairs, and more.



While all of that’s good to have, as it can create a welcoming atmosphere, it’s not really a part of your company culture.



You can’t buy your way into having the right culture, as this is focused on the short term.



Instead, the only thing that will hold your company culture intact is determining what your values are and holding yourself accountable to that every single day.



Now, this does not happen overnight and takes patience.&nbsp;



Building a strong Why takes time and patience, but is arguably one of the most important parts of your vision. If you want to recruit, hire, and onboard the right people make sure your Why is clearly defined.



Likewise, culture goes both ways.



Make sure the people you’re recruiting fit within your organisation well also.



When defining the company Why, most organisations go with the Golden Circle concept by Simon Sinek. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="700" height="498" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Golden-Circle-Why.png" alt="" class="wp-image-389" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Golden-Circle-Why.png 700w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Golden-Circle-Why-300x213.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption> Source: <a href="https://www.smartinsights.com/digital-marketing-strategy/online-value-proposition/start-with-why-creating-a-value-proposition-with-the-golden-circle-model/">SmartInsights</a> </figcaption></figure>



This concept is just as popular now and an important part of defining your value proposition. The golden circle is a concept in an attempt to explain why some people and organisations are able to inspire others, and why some can’t. 



Sinek explains that organisations should start inwards, with the Why first and then move on to the How and What. 



Successfully articulating your Why is essential in your communications (with other people, businesses, etc.).&nbsp; 



Essentially, the Why part refers to the motivation, the How refers to the process and the What to the product. 



As a business, you start off by focusing on the benefits of your product or solution, from the outside in. Then, you focus on how you do what you do.&nbsp; 



Many businesses often overlook why they do what they do. As in, what motivates and inspires them. 



For building the foundation of culture, this is an important step. Because, once you know the Why you can then better communicate your purpose for being to your employees as well as clients.



<h2>3. Scaling up With Culture in Mind</h2>



Once you more or less have a list of certain core values and beliefs in mind, the next thing you should focus on is scaling up, without losing those core beliefs that got you started.



When you’re a smaller team, it’s arguably easier to develop a sense of culture between your employees. When scaling up, it’s important not to lose that close relationship.



One way to do that is to provide feedback channels so as you don’t lose touch with your company when scaling up. Consider weekly video meetings, sending out company-wide (anonymous) surveys, and having regular social meetings and traditions.



Here are some more practical ways to analyse your company culture



<h3>Culture overview</h3>



The first place you can check for an overview of your culture is your communication channels.



For example, consider the language used in your Slack or other communication <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/8-essential-tools-we-use-while-running-a-business-remotely/">tools</a>. To get an overview of your morale, collaboration, freedom of opinion, and more, you can use analyse your team’s keywords used. Here’s how that works. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="998" height="381" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Bunch.Ai-Keywords-Culture.png" alt="" class="wp-image-390" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Bunch.Ai-Keywords-Culture.png 998w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Bunch.Ai-Keywords-Culture-300x115.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Bunch.Ai-Keywords-Culture-768x293.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 998px) 100vw, 998px" /><figcaption> Source: Bunch.ai</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://bunch.ai/">Bunch.ai</a> is an AI tool that maps your keywords and phrases used to cultural characteristics, by incorporating the latest research from organisational behavior. Then, a set of KPIs show you how well you’re doing in several key areas of company culture &#8211; such as being customer-focused, goal orientation, collaboration, and more.



<h3>Ensure the environment reflects culture</h3>



Office design and environment can have a significant impact on the company culture, but it can’t replace it.&nbsp;



Keep this in mind when physically scaling the company and designing your new spaces. Several <a href="https://www.dezeen.com/2016/03/22/haworth-white-paper-research-how-to-create-a-successful-organisational-culture-working-styles-office-design/">studies</a> suggest that “architecture and design can support or even change company culture&#8221;. The research points out that the workplace is usually viewed as a cost rather than a performance indicator



Some companies need more formal office layout to help the staff focus on technical problems, this kind of approach requires more individual workspaces.



Meanwhile, others that want to encourage collaboration should, in turn, reflect that with flexible design and plenty of spaces for group activities.



<h3>Recognising achievements</h3>



As you grow and onboard more employees, keeping track of employee satisfaction becomes more and more important.



According to the <a href="https://www.bluleadz.com/blog/annual-digest-of-company-culture-statistics">research</a>, organisations that show regular recognition for achievements experience 31% lower voluntary turnover.



Recognising achievements and milestones show that you’re paying attention and that you care. Consider project achievements, achievement-wide milestones, and other important group KPIs. Make sure you’re tracking what’s important, and when possible, celebrating it with your employees.



<h2>Conclusion</h2>



All in all, developing a strong company culture is an essential part of business, no matter how small it might seem.&nbsp;



Many companies rely on short-term onboarding processes that give the employees only a general overview of their culture. But learning is a continuous, long-term process, and many companies often lose track of this.



If you ever plan to onboard the right people and scale up eventually, it’s good to have the Why behind your company developed, and ideally, written down.&nbsp;



Once done, you have to make sure you don’t lose track of it. Keep track of your communication channels and ensure that your working environment reflects it.



Remember &#8211; culture has a direct effect on productivity. By creating a welcoming environment, you’re investing in your future and current employees.



If you’re looking for the right talent for your development project, skill-wise as well as culture-wise, contact us at <a href="mailto:hello@scale3c.com">hello@scale3c.com</a>. We work with IT projects from scratch, improve current ones, or put them in touch with the right individuals for specific company needs.

How to Develop and Sustain a Strong Company Culture as a Startup

The project management methodology you use will dictate how the rest of the project will perform. Having the right one in place is. essential to success.

5 Important Project Management Methodologies for Software Development (and How to Choose one)

When you’re running a startup, every second can make the difference between meeting your deadlines or falling short.&nbsp;



How you manage your time means the world of a difference between sleepless nights or running a successful corporation. When you realise the importance of time management, you might start taking it more seriously and think about how you can save time each day.



Time is one of the most important resources we’ve got. Once it’s lost, it cannot be recovered.&nbsp;



Everyone has 24 hours each day. How you make use of that is what determines if your startup is going to be successful.



From hacking your sleep schedule to the different project management methodologies though, there are many time techniques out there &#8211; some more effective than others. Though staying up every day till 4 AM to work on your startup might sound like you’re getting more work done &#8211; it’s also a sure way to achieve burnout or gain some serious health problems.



When talking about time management, it’s essential to stress the importance of health.



A healthy mind resides in a healthy body.



If you’re going to be planning for the long-term future, you need to be sure you’ll get there in the first place and not lose your drive.



Elon Musk, for example, is known for putting in 120-hour work weeks and getting less than 7 hours of sleep per day. Science says sleep deprivation is a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-sleep-deprivation-damage-2018-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">recipe for disaster</a>.



If you’re going to be putting in long hours of work, make sure you know some of the health issues you’re risking.



But why risk damaging your body and brain in the first place?



Instead, you might want to consider working smart, not hard.



Some of the benefits of proper time management include:



<ul><li>Increased efficiency and productivity.</li><li>Reduced stress and a higher quality of life.</li><li>More free time to spend with your loved ones.</li><li>Achieving your set goals and meeting your deadlines.</li><li>Having more time to work on the more important parts of your business and scale-up.</li></ul>



Once you know how to manage your time effectively, you can accomplish more.&nbsp;



With that said, at Scale3C, we recommend the following time management techniques to get more done in your startup:



<h2>1. The Eisenhower Matrix</h2>



Dwight Eisenhower lived an extremely productive life.



He was a five-star general in the United States Army, a president of the Columbia University, the first Supreme Commander of NATO, and more &#8211; all this before becoming the U.S. president.



Yet, he still somehow found time to pursue hobbies like golfing and oil painting.



Eisenhower had the incredible ability to sustain his productivity throughout not only weeks, but also decades of work. To say he had a lot of tasks to balance daily would be an understatement.



This eventually led him to invest the now world-famous Eisenhower Method, which is used to help prioritise tasks by urgency and importance.&nbsp;



“I have two kinds of problems, the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent.” &#8211; Dwight Eisenhower



When you’re focusing on efficiency, it’s important to set your priorities first. This is where the above framework comes in. It’s a simple decision-making tool that can help you get started right away.



Here’s how:



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="990" height="800" src="http://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eisenhower-Box-Time-Management-Technique.png" alt="Eisenhower box as a time management technique illustration" class="wp-image-276" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eisenhower-Box-Time-Management-Technique.png 990w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eisenhower-Box-Time-Management-Technique-300x242.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eisenhower-Box-Time-Management-Technique-768x621.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px" /><figcaption>Source: <a href="https://jamesclear.com/eisenhower-box" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Jamesclear (opens in a new tab)">Jamesclear</a></figcaption></figure>



Essentially, there are four following quadrants:



<ol><li>Important and urgent tasks with a strict deadline that you need to do straightaway.</li><li>Important, and not urgent tasks that have a deadline and you can do later.</li><li>Unimportant and not urgent tasks that you can delegate to someone or <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/what-you-should-look-for-when-outsourcing-tech/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">outsource</a>.</li><li>Unimportant and not urgent tasks that you need to eliminate from your schedule completely.</li></ol>



The main goal of the matrix is to help you filter any unnecessary noise from your decision-making process and concentrate on the tasks that matter.&nbsp;



As with all time-management frameworks, if you’re going to adopt this one in your life, it’s important you stick to it and work on it consistently. Try not to add more than eight tasks per quadrant so as you don’t get overwhelmed.



Once you have a list and know what’s urgent and what’s not &#8211; getting started becomes much easier.



Tip: if you’re not sure whether you should outsource or do it in-house, read our guide on the topic <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/in-house-vs-outsourcing-what-you-need-to-know-and-overview-of-each/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">here</a>.



<h2>2. Pomodoro technique</h2>



You might have already heard of this time management technique before.



The Pomodoro technique is famous and one of the most effective productivity methods used by startups all around the world. Mainly due to how easy it is to start using it &#8211; all you need is a timer (or just an <a href="https://zapier.com/blog/best-pomodoro-apps/">app</a>).



The technique helps you power through any distractions and stop procrastinating by cutting your tasks into bite-sized pieces. If you always end up distracted halfway through a task, this technique is for you as it allows you to work in short bursts instead.



Once you compile a list of all the tasks you need to take care of for the day, you can then use the Pomodoro technique to manage your time effectively.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="538" src="http://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pomodoro-Time-Management-Technique-1024x538.png" alt="Pomodoro guide as a time management technique" class="wp-image-277" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pomodoro-Time-Management-Technique.png 1024w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pomodoro-Time-Management-Technique-300x158.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pomodoro-Time-Management-Technique-768x404.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption> Source: <a href="https://project-management.com/what-is-pomodoro-technique-and-how-to-utilize-it-to-maximize-productivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Project-Management</a></figcaption></figure>



The whole process can be broken down into four simple steps:



<ol><li>Choose a task you’d like to get done. Doesn’t matter how big the task is. What matters is that you can concentrate on getting it done.</li><li>Set the timer for 25 minutes dedicated to that task and that task alone. Concentrate on giving it all you got and make sure you don’t get distracted until the timer rings.</li><li>Once the time is up, you can then take a short 5-minute break to grab a coffee, go for a walk, or do anything else as long as it’s not work-related.</li><li>Now, repeat the process four times and then take a longer 15-30 minutes break. Afterwards, start again until you’re out of tasks!</li></ol>



Simple, right?



The short work sessions help you really get engrossed in the tasks and the frequent breaks keep your mind fresh. After the break, you can come back with a refreshed state of mind and continue working.



If you’re working in development, for example, the Pomodoro technique is a great way to work in sprint coding-sessions and get a lot of work done in short sprint sessions. While this tactic works in any industry, we’ve had a lot of success in our web development tasks and projects.



If you can’t stand working for hours on end, try the Pomodoro technique and use your breaks wisely.



<h2>3. Pareto Principle (or the 80/20 rule)</h2>



The Pareto Principle simply states that 20% of the inputs or activities are responsible for 80% of the outputs or results.



Originally, the observation came from the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto who noticed that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. This concept can now be applied to most situations in our daily lives and business.



<ul><li>20% of the company’s customers often produce 80% of the total revenue.</li><li>20% of the workers generate 80% of the result.</li><li>20% of the code makes for 80% of the value.</li><li>And so on.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="594" src="http://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pareto-Principle-Time-Management-Technique-1024x594.png" alt="Pareto principle for time management 80/20 cup" class="wp-image-278" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pareto-Principle-Time-Management-Technique-1024x594.png 1024w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pareto-Principle-Time-Management-Technique-300x174.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pareto-Principle-Time-Management-Technique-768x445.png 768w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pareto-Principle-Time-Management-Technique.png 1463w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



It’s important to note that this is not always the case and the ratio might be different sometimes (e.g. it can be 70/30, 90/10, so on).



The practical application of the principle has to do with how we manage our time-to-tasks ratio and prioritise tasks.&nbsp;



Most things in life are not distributed evenly.&nbsp;



So, to better manage your time, try to approach your decision-making and task-management with the 80/20 rule in mind.&nbsp;



Consider the 20% investment you can put into developing a task (e.g. 10 minutes research) and how that will affect the 80% of the bulk work (e.g. 50 minutes writing the code).



There is often an underlying cause with most tasks that can help you get it done faster.&nbsp;



Work backwards and try to figure out what you need to effectively finish the task.



<h2>4. Eat the frog</h2>



“Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day” &#8211; Mark Twain



Now, we don’t advocate actually eating live frogs. Instead, let’s interpret these “frogs” into the most difficult tasks we dread. That makes much more sense and sounds plausible too.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="960" height="611" src="http://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eat-the-Frog-Time-Management-Technique.png" alt="eat the frog illustration " class="wp-image-279" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eat-the-Frog-Time-Management-Technique.png 960w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eat-the-Frog-Time-Management-Technique-300x191.png 300w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eat-the-Frog-Time-Management-Technique-768x489.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



“Eating the frog” means doing the worst or extremely important task first thing in the morning, to get it out of the way before moving onto other tasks. Once the worst is behind you, you’re more likely to take on a more positive approach the rest of your day.



If you’ve been putting off your worst task because it’s too difficult or demanding, this technique suggests you should focus all of your attention on it so that you can move on. Otherwise, you might end putting it off and procrastinating too long.



Find your most important task, and tackle it first thing in the morning. Getting it out of the way will you give you a momentum to continue and a strong sense of accomplishment early in the day.



For some, this includes code reviews or a long-dreaded web development project. Whatever the task, it’s better to get it out of the way first.



After all, once you’ve eaten the frog, everything else doesn’t sound as hard.&nbsp;



The frog, in most cases, may include tasks that you don’t want to do, but actually have to.



You can use this approach with the Eisenhower Matrix to see what’s the most urgent and important thing you have to do, and start there.



<h2>5. Stop multitasking, start automating</h2>



If you want to get more done, it’s better to go through your daily list of tasks by giving them your undivided attention and then move on only when you’re done. As opposed to trying to juggle too many tasks and getting only half of each done.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" width="632" height="954" src="http://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Multi-Tasking-Time-Management-Technique.png" alt="juggling balls as multi tasking time management" class="wp-image-280" srcset="http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Multi-Tasking-Time-Management-Technique.png 632w, http://old.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Multi-Tasking-Time-Management-Technique-199x300.png 199w" sizes="(max-width: 632px) 100vw, 632px" /></figure></div>



Instead of doing many things at half-effort, concentrate on getting specific tasks done one at a time. When we switch our focus from one task to another, the change often disrupts our train of thought and forces it to wander off in another direction.



This mainly happens due to small tasks or distractions that might not take long, but long enough for us to switch focus and lose our concentration.



For example, switching to and from different development projects may cause you to lose focus and get lost in your code. It’s better to go through developing each task at a time.



To make the best use of your time, think about how you can automate (if not delegate or outsource) those minor tasks.



Look into using <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://ifttt.com/" target="_blank">IFTTT</a> (If This, Then That) or <a href="https://zapier.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Zapier</a> to connect your apps and streamline your workflow process.



The tools you use in your day-to-day activities are just as important. You need to make sure they’re working for you and you’re not wasting time with any unnecessary features you don’t need.



Tip: we at Scale3C also recommend using the following <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/8-essential-tools-we-use-while-running-a-business-remotely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">tools</a> to help you get started in managing your startup.



Multitasking can be just as harmful as procrastinating and can kill your productivity. In terms of time management, it does more harm than good. When your focus is split apart between a number of tasks, you’re not really doing either of them that well.



In short, it’s better to list out your priorities (by using the above time management techniques, for example) and then attack them one-by-one. The number one priority should be on quality.&nbsp;



When you’re taking it slow, as long as everything is on schedule &#8211; you’ll be able to clear your workload eventually, slow and steady.



Focus on what&#8217;s urgent and important, ideally at the beginning of the day, and everything else will follow from there.

Every second matters when running a startup. Here's what we at Scale3C recommend for time management to get more tasks done daily.