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Adrian

GET IN TOUCH

#### Why do we blindly trust AI, what Elon came up with, and yes, we saw the new iPhone


In our latest newsletter, we've gathered the most fascinating updates from the tech world, sprinkled with intriguing tidbits from its many orbits. Our subscribers were the first to get their hands on these cutting-edge insights, delivered straight to their inboxes.

#### [Telegram](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvglp0xny3eo) will now provide some user data to authorities

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The messaging app Telegram said it will hand over users' IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities with search warrants or other valid legal requests.

Telegram has historically been known for its strong stance on user privacy, encryption, and resistance to government interference. However, in recent years, there have been instances where the platform has complied with legal authorities under certain conditions, particularly in cases involving serious crimes, such as terrorism or child exploitation.

[Read more](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvglp0xny3eo). 



#### Tool of the month 

![notebookLM_tool of the month.jpg](https://bitnoise-cms.btn.fyi/uploads/notebook_LM_tool_of_the_month_e12ad5e4f2.jpg)

NotebookLM is an experimental AI-based tool from Google that uses the Google Gemini model. As the authors say - It helps you “think your best” by reading, taking notes, asking questions, and organising your ideas. In other words, NotebookLM is like an AI-based research assistant that helps users better understand, summarise, brainstorm, and generate ideas based on their submitted sources. NotebookLM excels in workflows that involve synthesising information spread across multiple documents. Some of the main features of this tool are uploading multiple sources, using the Notebook Guide, asking questions, taking notes, changing articles into a podcast, and suggesting actions.

[Check it out](https://notebooklm.google/). 

#### Trending

1. [It’s all about the money](https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/openai-chair-says-board-has-discussed-equity-compensation-ceo-sam-altman-2024-09-26/). The chair of OpenAI mentioned that the board has considered offering equity compensation for CEO Sam Altman.
2. [You have been blocked.](https://www.engadget.com/social-media/x-is-nerfing-the-block-button-blocked-users-will-be-able-to-see-your-posts-214928396.html) But not really. X is weakening the block button: Blocked users will still be able to view your posts.
3. [iPhone 16 is here.](https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/iphone-16-review) But is it really worth the upgrade? 

#### Around the Web

🏰 We are all part of one big [Disney](https://www.techradar.com/streaming/disney-plus/disney-plus-unveils-password-sharing-pricing-ahead-of-its-impending-price-hike-and-now-i-m-not-sure-i-ll-be-able-to-finish-agatha-all-along) family. Disney Plus’ password-sharing fees are official—here’s how much they cost. 

🧭 [The CTO is leaving Open AI](https://www.engadget.com/ai/cto-mira-murati-is-the-latest-leader-to-leave-openai-200230104.html) because “she wants to create the time and space to do her own exploration”.

❌ [Advanced AI chatbots](https://www.engadget.com/ai/advanced-ai-chatbots-are-less-likely-to-admit-they-dont-have-all-the-answers-172012958.html) are less inclined to acknowledge that they don't have all the answers. The study also revealed that people tend to accept incorrect answers from bots too quickly.

#### What's new at Bitnoise

🚀 The first part of our series on the #InklusionDigitalSaga is live! 

In the first article, Luiza Kwiatek explores why the Discovery and Design Phase is critical to product success. 

Learn how taking time to thoroughly research, plan, and design before development can lead to more innovative and user-friendly solutions and save much money! If you want to understand how strong foundations lead to great products, this one’s for you.

[Check it out](https://www.bitnoise.pl/blog/the-discovery-and-design-phase-as-the-main-component-of-product-success-the-inklusion-digital-saga-part-1)! 


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Unveiling the Latest Tech Insights: October Newsletter Highlights

Seemingly it is better not to stay in the port during a storm, at least that hypothesis was presented by Robert Zemeckis in "Forrest Gump". In the film the only boat that has stayed on the open sea during a hurricane was the one that belonged to Forrest and Bubba. Thanks to this, it survived and monopolized the shrimp catchers market in the region.

Today, small companies are just like small independent boats. The decision-making process is maximally simplified, and thus, they are agile and flexible. They find themselves better in a dynamic situation and when they see the opportunities they can immediately take action.

At the beginning of the pandemic crisis, the business world held its breath, some for a shorter, time others for a longer time. Some could not or did not want to stop, others were stopped by force, and still others held their breath for so long that they either suffocated or lost their momentum so much that now they are trying hard to come back to reality.

We have taken this opportunity and talked about what is happening here and now during the conversation with Adrian and Łukasz Roth, the founders of Bitnoise, but we also talked with Martyn Roberts, a Scot who lives in Berlin, where he runs Squareball, which is in the top 10 digital studio in the UK (the company's second headquarters is Manchester) and with Luisa Tatoli, an Italian who has been living in London for 7 years and is the managing director of Roll Studio - a digital agency that has cooperated with brands such as Universal, Google, Ikea or Unit9.

We have gained a multicultural perspective and several answers to all the questions that are now bothering us. We have also confirmed that we are in the right place and that, although we are like everyone shocked by what is happening in the world, both we and our partners are relatively well.

Bitnoise's stable position on the market has been strengthened by going virtual. Thanks to the fact that practically the whole world is in the same situation, it is easier for us to communicate, we can share experiences and count on understanding from others, not only within our company, our city but also in the world.

What was repeated in our conversations was the fact that, although we have been ready for the digital revolution for a long time, we needed an impulse in the form of a crisis that forced us to take advantage of already available solutions.

The situation of individual companies in the IT sector depends on many factors, such as the company's current strategy, location of clients, partners on the market, cooperation with specific sectors. Adrian and Łukasz Roth emphasized that the stable position of Bitnoise is a consequence of the strategy of customer diversification and shifting the center of gravity from project-only work to a greater share of stable and long-term contracts. Martyn Roberts noticed that realistically speaking, for many companies in the IT sector, little has changed. Remote work was commonplace, and what other sectors had to deal with, was obvious to those related to IT. Everyone agreed that the basis of a well-functioning company is mutual trust and respect. Luisa Tatoli talked about the unique position of Roll Studio, which is based in Italy and in Great Britain, which are two countries most affected by pandemics in Europe. From her perspective, the policy of the British authorities was completely incomprehensible, since they saw closely what Italy had gone through, while in London the approach to a pandemic, despite the huge number of infections, was very reckless. Roll Studio itself used the Italian experience and prepared well for the onset of a pandemic in London. They switched to 100% remote working mode, took care of their employees, gave up actions that could pose any threat earlier than it was expected by the authorities. And, like people around the world, they locked themselves in their homes. That last aspect of the pandemic turned out to be much less burdensome than one could have been expected. Flexible working time, smooth reconciliation of home and work life, more time with loved ones, and the invaluable impact of a pandemic on the environment are repeated as a big positive of the current situation.

If you want to listen to the whole interviews, you will find them on the [Bitnoise page on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitnoise/)
.

An unexpected contradiction arises from the pandemic situation. The world may have taken a few steps back in terms of social activity or mobility, but technology has moved with impetus and made us aware that we are ready for professional and social functioning in the virtual world.

With the conversation with Luisa Tatoli, we have concluded sub-section “is IT crisis” and we are heading towards the “digital revolution” with different examples of solutions and tools that can help us with a smooth transition into virtual reality. 

We would also like to talk about the change within us and how to prevent digital exclusion.



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How does Forrest Gump relate to the pandemic situation?

**We all feel that the whole world is spinning faster and faster, not only in terms of technology but also in the way we do business. Here are some bits of predictions on what is likely going to happen in the next few months, brought to you by our CEO, CTO, and CRO.**

### **Adrian Roth** - CEO
> *I am somewhere in between a humanist and a scientific mind. Although I am a philosopher by education, my experience includes management, communication and broadly understood technological issues.*


#### **1. Bringing up the new generation of developers**
If we look at hiring rates and an interest for new developers in Poland and around the world, we can see a gap - depending on who estimates - of 50 thousand up to even 300 thousand programmers in market demand. So we face an industry need on the one hand and a lack of new programmers on the other. Something has to be done, and in the long run a constant race between businesses for new employees that are being taken out from competing companies is not benefiting anyone. 

It leads to high uncertainty in project management, a bigger risk of client churn, and is not good for the IT industry in the long run.

What we can do, aside from looking at closer cooperation with universities and schools, is to start to teach and to create a space for new developers' promotion inside the companies. It is costly and demands a long-term strategy, but this is a price we need to pay to be able to develop and grow our businesses. 

#### **2. New budget ranges and the problem of the pile of money**
Last year, markets were flooded with a huge amount of money and tech businesses got used to ever-larger budgets for digitization (e.g. for IT services and product building). This year we can already see the first signs of the crisis and it surely will make investors less willing to spend money and is going to drive them to make more informed decisions. If we put it together with - sometimes missed - expectations of IT service providers, it may lead to problems for some organizations that are not prepared for shifting from last year’s boom into an upcoming downfall.

#### **3. Instability in Ukraine - as a potential threat for the region**
If a large-scale military conflict in Ukraine (and Belarus) begins, it is possible that companies running IT projects in this region will turn their eyes to other markets, including Poland. If we consider all three topics mentioned, the situation in 2022 can be both a threat or more likely a chance for the Polish tech industry. Of course, a lot depends on whether the money will be spent wisely, and if tech companies are ready to create an environment in which there will be a space for the education of more specialists.

### **Łukasz Roth, CTO**
> *For me, being a CTO means trusting and delegating technology decision-making to the teams.*


#### **4. Efficient remote engineering teams management**
The year 2022 will be a time where remote work of engineers will not be an exception, but a new standard in our industry. What is already routine for members of technical teams, will continue to be a challenge for project managers. Transformation of processes and methods of communication is inevitable, and the market advantage will be achieved by companies that will adapt faster to the new reality and be able to deliver business value to their customers with the same efficiency and the same high quality as before changes.

#### **5. Enterprise jamstack & nocode solutions**
The digital transformation is speeding up, not from year to year, but monthly. Increasing market expectations put pressure on technical teams to deliver solutions at a faster pace. The approach in which the programmer assigns as much responsibility as possible to external services and focuses his work on architecture and business logic fits perfectly into this trend. Headless CMS, headless e-commerce, (Amazon / Google / Azure) Cloud in projects is no longer a surprise. We buy more and more services such as data, identity, and operations in the PaaS model, and we focus on the value unique to the client's needs and ideas. Projects can be validated on the market much faster, and we can witness more specialization in developers' work.

#### **6. Knowledge sharing, soft skills development** 
Any forward-thinking and responsible organization must start investing its time and resources in knowledge transfer. The demand for software engineers in the market is very high, the expectations of professionalism are as high as never before. Nothing happens in a vacuum, if we want to give more responsibility for the tech industry to qualified people, we have to start preparing them now. Market demand lowers standards. If we do not want to let that happen as an industry, this is the time to act. Moreover, the days when a programmer was responsible for code and only code ended a few years ago. Currently, a mature engineer is required to have a whole range of soft skills, and it is also worth taking care of strengthening these qualities in your teams.

### **Greg Motriuk, CRO**
> *I build stable, long-term software development teams in Poland for clients worldwide.*


#### **7. Technological elasticity**
For the next few years, we will witness an increase in the flexibility of experienced engineers in the domain of shifting between technologies. It is true that we live in a world of specialization, but the pace of development of new technologies is so fast that moving from PHP to Node.js should be a new must-have skill-set for every experienced developer. 

Of course, specialization has its advantages, but if you are a mature developer, your background and knowledge is more important, and you should be able to become a senior in new technology within months if you put in enough effort. 

In companies and projects, this kind of skill-set is going to be in bigger demand, so don't be afraid to do that, especially when it is not necessary to always fit in 100%. If you are experienced and flexible, you can start the journey now, and get better with time passing.

#### **8. Ultrafast decision making - startupization of tech industry**
It used to take months to finish an initial part of a deal on software development, and today - in many cases - it takes only a few days. In the blink of an eye, your potential development team can sail to another project - that is how much good coding skills are in demand on the market. And companies (clients) started to realize that. 

The entire industry is going through a "startupization" phase, and it is very important to have a partner who combines business and tech maturity with the speed and flexibility of a startup. In the past, if you got something immediately, it wasn't of good quality. 

Now you have to be precise and fast. Luckily the whole tech industry got more mature and experienced, so it is easier to find a good fit for new challenging projects. 



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A Bit of noise in the predictions about the tech scene at the beginning of 2022

Tech companies, including Bitnoise, thrive on the success of their clients. When starting a new project or enhancing existing ones, our focus should always be to deliver high-quality services within a reasonable time frame, especially in React.js-driven projects. 

At our company, we have a strong commitment to our clients and prefer to establish long-term relationships with them. Hence, setting a high standard for product quality and ensuring that we meet these standards by implementing our philosophy throughout the organization is a must. Communication, accountability, and timely delivery are all integral to customer experience. We believe that by following these standards, is a path of consistently delivering the best possible work to our clients. 

Here are the 8 pillars of quality in further detail.

#### **1. Excellence Over Quantity**
While growth is an crucial aspect of any tech endeavor, it is important to understand that business goals should never supersede our commitment to quality. This commitment allowed companies like Biitnoise to develop a sparkling reputation in the first place. As a result, there is a need to be extremely careful during the hiring process so that it ends with bringing in **the best talent**. We should not be blinded by our desire for growth and take on projects our team can’t handle. In Bitnoise, most candidates we interview do not meet the caliber we expect in our organization. Thus, we turn them away.

Furthermore, it is important that developers work with confidence knowing that they have support systems behind them. The assistance of CTO and head of technology during the development process ensure that they receive support or guidance where needed. Realistically, no developer is infallible.

In Bitnoise, collectively, our team has a deep pool of knowledge. Our developers are always welcome to consult with one another when they need advice on how to solve a problem.

#### **2. Responsibility**
When working with clients, the **full ownership** of the product in development is a highly desirable feature. This is not so common in our industry, but it goes to show you just how committed the tech company is to delivering quality work for clients.

In Bitnoise we want to be there both for the scaling and the building of the software to watch the company evolve. Several of our clients have worked with us for over a decade. We're in it for the long run.

The secret is, instead of outsourcing developers, we focus on developing an internal culture of accountability. As a result, we partner with companies worldwide to service their technology needs.

#### **3. Working Globally, Coding Locally**
Many prominent tech companies have clients sprinkled throughout some of the world’s top global innovation hubs, ranging from Berlin to London to Silicon Valley, but still they prefer to work as a team at home.

In Bitnoise, we are located entirely in Poland. Most of the time, we all work at our office in Poznan even though we have the option of working from home.

The main advantage of this kind of setup is that since **we’re located within the EU**, we can all benefit from their legal framework, and our clients can expect stability when they work with us.

#### **4. Stable Teams With Low Turnover**
The software industry can be extremely chaotic, and its job market is always competitive. To build a stable team, you must have an attractive offer and a positive work environment that incentivizes everyone to stay on board.

![ ](\uploads\blog-Quality2_28l1PL2QiWf1AAmOJrGjkO.jpg)
By managing our employees sensibly without being overbearing, we’re able to win their respect. A good idea is to foster a **culture of independence** in organization and endeavor to exercise common sense in all situations.

As a consequence, the team can develop a level of stability that might make some of the competition jealous. 

In Bitnoise few of our engineers have worked with us for 8 years or more, and it is all thanks to an internal culture of independence, knowledge development and trust.

#### **5. A Holistic Approach**
In pursuit of quality a specialization is a very important feature, but it can not overshadow other technologies. For example in Bitnoisie we are a **React.js-driven company**, and you might assume that we only build frontends. But it is not the whole picture. We’re extremely competent with back-end technologies including Node.js, Python, and PHP. A large portion of our engineers are specialists in specific areas of technology. However, we also employ full-stack developers who can work on a project from start to finish. 

Some of our core competencies include UX/UI, quality assurance, and project management. So you know we’re a team that can excel at any aspect of app development.

#### **6. Seniority And Maturity** 
It's impossible to run a software development company without employing and training junior developers but what makes a difference is seniority. For our part, we emphasize **seniority** as much as we can. The majority of our developers at Bitnoise have over 7 years of industry experience. In some cases, they have worked with multiple tech stacks. Moreover, our developers usually have an educational background in Computer Science or a STEM field. 

As a result of their experience and education, our clients reap the benefits in the form of Quality Audits, Consulting and Strategy services, and CTO as a service. This variety is unique among software development companies. 

#### **7. Transparency**
Clients in many cases place their faith in companies whose fee structure is clear and simple. In Bitnoise we charge hourly or daily fees and validate our work on the invoice with corresponding timesheets. We don’t charge any upfront fees, recruitment costs, or any other cost that might arise during our work. In the case of a fixed-price project, we agree on a maximum fee from the beginning of the project so there won't be any unpleasant surprises down the road. Rest assured that you will get what you pay for. 

Even though we involve project managers in our work, our clients still have **direct contact with our developers** and often collaborate with them. There won’t be any middleman mediating your communication. Moreover, our entire management team is approachable in case you have any inquiries. Feel free to reach out to us.

#### **8. Fostering A Community**
To encourage growth and education in our industry, we made it our mission to build a thriving community of software developers. In doing so, we’ve founded or participated in several software initiatives such as: 

[**Land On Moon**](https://www.landonmoon.co/)
 – a series of Berlin meetups for founders, CEOs, and product managers to discuss their experiences with one another and inspire startup leaders and other businesses that are attempting to scale. 

[**PozTechTalks**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZB5qCQg9go&list=PL7zHBa_5KmnLSaEp4qQLNPCmm1SuUpEsl&ab_channel=Bitnoise)
 – an educational initiative where leading software companies based in Poznan promote engineering and development quality. 

[**ITCorner**](https://itcorner.org.pl/)
 – Poland’s most prominent software development business association made up of like-minded IT companies. 

[**Bitnoise Meet**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfCA-2nzN4A&list=PL7zHBa_5KmnJxiilc9bvKt48J3wHxsNw3&ab_channel=Bitnoise)
 – in which our in-house developers meet together to train and enhance their programming skills.

**These are the 8 pillars of quality in software development:** 

1. Excellence Over Quantity 

2. Responsibility 

3. Working Globally, Coding Locally 

4. Stable Teams With Low Turnover 

5. A Holistic Approach 

6. Seniority And Maturity 

7. Transparency 

8. Fostering A Community 


Of course, there is more to this topic, and we eagerly look forward to discussing it with you if you have any questions or suggestions. Reach out to us at hi@bitnoise.pl, and let's have a talk.

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The 8 pillars of quality of a React.js project

There are many ways to avoid the trap of being "just another generic software development company." For me, it is specialization, the value proposition that comes with it, and organizational culture. 

Why is it important not to be "just another generic software development company," you may ask? For us, it is crucial because **we like working with interesting brands, and our developers love coding in tech-challenging and satisfying projects.** We don't want to compete only with time and money because that is a dead end for any tech company. But what exactly is specialization and organizational culture for a company that mostly works on JS-driven projects and has a team of 50 tech-savvy programmers? Let's break it down.

#### **Specialization and the value proposition**
The main problem with genericity comes from the fact that many of us don't think and plan ahead when starting a company. We tend to have a vague concept of what we want to achieve with our business in ten years, relying on the technology that our CTO or tech lead knows best and a handful of recommended clients. This approach lacks experience, vision, and a positive attitude, leading to daily struggles. It can even consume the best entrepreneurs and undermine their motivation to work on their own unique value proposition. 

At Bitnoise, we have adopted a "**doing things a little different**" approach, **with a strong vision and values, and specialization**. It may be easy to say, but the real challenge begins when you start implementing specialization in your company. For us, it took some time, but we eventually discovered that our holy grail is JavaScript - specifically **React**, **React Native**, and **NodeJS**. This does not mean that we have no knowledge of other technologies, but we consciously focus on JS and direct our messages to customers who require such services. 

It took years of work and deep experience to be able to say that we are specialists in this area, not only in our marketing communication but also in practice. To prove it, we have taken part in hundreds of large and small projects, run internal workshops, and participated in industry events over our 14 years of existence, and it has paid off. 

#### **Culture - take it seriously and you will see the difference**
In our case, it means always cooperating with people with matching characters, temperaments, and values. This does not mean "the same" people, **but if the teams work on the same page technologically and socially, you have a win.** For us, the most important thing that makes our team well-connected and cooperation easier is acceptance of differences to a reasonable extent. We have people on the teams with extremely opposite worldviews, but we have never had conflicts at this level. Why? 

One of our ideas is to create a space for casual discussion, an internal platform like Hyde Park, and we actually call it Hate Park (the rest is confidential). From my point of view, another important thing is to be "**a present manager**," not "the owner of a high castle." We have a custom of open doors. Any of the company's leaders, as well as a person who has just joined the organization, can at any time have a talk with me and the company CTO. The same thing applies to business partners; devoting time to them makes it much easier to deliver the value proposition we've promised. 

![ ](\uploads\blog-post_adrian_bitnoise_post_02_5mG9Sq5Y3QB3ptliYbzKgq.jpg)
#### **Specialization out of expertise and experience**
Face it, running away from generality into specialization is a challenge and takes a lot of work, not only in the marketing of your company but also on the level of your teams. Basically, **you need the best people, and they need to constantly develop their skills**. It is time and money-consuming, but in the end, it pays off. At Bitnoise, we have come up with [Bitnoise_meet](https://www.bitnoise.pl/blog/tags/meetup)
, where more experienced Bitnoise members can share their experiences with those with less skill in a given field. 

We provide training not only on technical topics - we have mastermind workshops, public speaking, or event storming workshops behind us, and mini-conferences **-** [Land on Moon](https://www.landonmoon.co/)
 **- organized in Berlin**, **where we encourage local communities of scale-ups and start-ups to share their knowledge** and acquire new skills. What impact does this have on our clients' business? It's simple: it translates into a committed team that not only completes tasks and builds high-quality products but also looks after each other and works effectively as a unit. 

#### **Summary**
Both tech socialization and culture are not a silver bullet, but they work well for me and Bitnoise. There is more to add, among others, a niche industry, extraordinary partnership, and many others. For us, what works is to have a mature, independent, and high level of seniority teams and a strong **React.js** core on the side of competency and in the clients' portfolio. It allows us to go outside the simple software development process, and if we see areas around the business in which we can support the client - whether in technical terms or in terms of processes - we help to make the right decisions or refer to one of our many partners who, in a given area, can help (being part of the community is something I'll discuss in the future).

Finally, what I think is worth mentioning - as owners and managers of Bitnoise, **we are always available to developers and customers to help dispel any doubts or problems that may arise.** On time and as efficiently as possible, because when our clients' business works well, it means that we do our job well. It is an important consequence of being a "present manager," which I mentioned previously. My final take on the whole genericity problem, if you want to overcome it: 

- Make an in-depth analysis of what is the strongest value of your company;

- Research how and what problems of your clients it answers;

- Specialize in technology; 

- And last but not least, build strong, independent, and experienced teams (and support them). 


Of course, it takes time and resources, but it is worth it. Do you agree? Or maybe I should talk more on some specific point? Give me a heads up, and let's talk.

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Why we are not just another generic software development company

In this blog post, I will explore the responsibilities and significance of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) role in startups and scaleups and the factors that should be taken into account when deciding between employing an in-house CTO or opting for the services of an external consultant ([CTO as a Service](https://www.bitnoise.pl/services/cto-as-a-service)
). 

**Let's begin with a fundamental question: What is the role of a CTO and what does their operational environment encompass?**

My focus will center on two primary contexts: startups during their initial financing and development phase, and established organizations during the scaling phase. While I acknowledge the existence of other possibilities, the purpose of this post is to offer insights rather than provide an exhaustive list of technological roles. Furthermore, I assume that the distinction between CTOs and Tech-Leads is less significant at this stage, as these roles often interchange and the nomenclature arises more from chance than deliberate decision-making.

#### **The most important qualities of a good CTO**
A Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is a highly skilled professional who assumes overall responsibility for the technological aspects of your startup. They bring extensive experience and expertise in understanding the inner workings of your solution and delivering value to end-users. However, it is essential to consider additional dimensions of this role.

**CTOs come from diverse backgrounds, often having held positions as software developers, tech leads, DevOps specialists, project managers, or even academic personnel.** Within your startup, their responsibilities may encompass technological leadership, research and innovation, business and technology development, product development, and the recruitment of key technical specialists.

Given the wide range of competencies required, finding the right person for the job can be challenging. During the MVP stage, when numerous pressing issues demand attention, the decision to hire a CTO can be overlooked. However, as your startup progresses beyond the MVP stage, effective technological management becomes crucial, especially when addressing any technical debt accumulated during the initial product phase.

What are the most important qualities of a good CTO?

**A leader in technology** 

The CTO plays a critical role in making architectural decisions, ensuring infrastructure scalability, and selecting the most effective tools to achieve both client and company objectives. They may also have greater control over the implementation of tech solutions. 

**Research & development for innovative solutions** 

The CTO holds a unique position in driving innovation by defining key directions for technological advancements. They inspire and motivate teams to think creatively, fostering an environment that encourages innovative ideas and thinking outside the box. 

**Hiring Talent**

Finding qualified candidates in the IT industry can be increasingly challenging. Involving the CTO in the recruitment process for development teams can enhance efficiency and satisfaction for both parties, as they possess the technical expertise to identify suitable candidates. 

**Product & development**

As the representative of the tech team, the CTO must effectively demonstrate how innovation and technology align with customer needs. Collaborating closely with the Chief Product Owner, the CTO ensures the creation of tech-enabled products that meet market demands. 

**Business & technology enabler** 

Working closely with both the in-house tech team and clients, the CTO serves as a bridge between business requirements and technical execution. Their deep understanding of both domains allows them to effectively translate business needs into a comprehensive technical plan.

Having identified the key qualities of a competent CTO in a startup, let us now shift our attention towards examining the benefits and drawbacks of employing an in-house candidate versus opting for the expertise of an external specialist.

#### **Pros and cons of in-house CTO** 
The in-house solution for a CTO has its own advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, having an in-house CTO provides proximity and familiarity with the organization, but it can be costly. It is particularly beneficial for complex projects involving big data, AI, or large data volumes, whereas it may not be cost-effective for less advanced applications. 

An in-house CTO holds a crucial role within the organization as they possess extensive knowledge of internal processes, strategies, and the target market for product development. This internal perspective fosters a sense of organization, motivation, and deep involvement among team members. Furthermore, this model offers the advantages of high flexibility, simplified organization of agile workflows, and reduced response times for quick issue resolution.

![ ](\uploads\Blog-post_recyklning_ebooka_01_post01_3Ee3fEqUXYzqHJZIusGPIv.png)
#### #### **Pros and cons of CTO as a Service**
CTO as a service provides several advantages and disadvantages. The outsourced CTO is responsible for managing your company's technologies, engineers, IT support, and tech partners, ensuring proper diligence operations. They can work on a part-time, full-time (for a specific project or the entire company), or hourly basis, offering flexibility in decision-making. CTO outsourcing services are particularly beneficial for medium and small companies that don't require a permanent CTO but still need temporary leadership and technical supervision during specific software development cycles or for developer teams. Additionally, CTO as a Service is generally more cost-effective than hiring a full-time expert.

![ ](\uploads\Blog-post_recyklning_ebooka_01_post02_2IDrEsR6eIvGLMp07rarvM.png)

Naturally, the process of hiring a competent CTO poses its own set of challenges, and this blog post may not provide a definitive answer regarding the ideal CTO fit for your business. However, it can certainly help you evaluate the stage of your journey and identify experts best equipped to assist you in progressing further. Several crucial considerations need to be made when determining the type of CTO you require and the necessary skill set: 

1. **Business partner or technical manager:** Do you need a business partner with technological expertise to scale the business, or someone solely focused on managing the technical aspects without involvement in other areas of company development?

2. **Development stage:** Is your business in the early stages, requiring process organization and alignment of business goals with technology? Or are you post-MVP, seeking someone to plan and lead further technological development while building a reliable team? 

3. **Future goals:** If you plan to outsource part or all of your technological team in the future, an in-house CTO would be advantageous. However, if you already have a skilled team and only require part-time technical leadership, CTO as a Service may be sufficient. 

4. **Budget:** Consider the financial resources you are willing to allocate to the CTO position. 


Once you have determined the ideal solution for your organization, you can begin searching for suitable candidates or outsourcing services. 

___
#### **Summary** 
In this blog post, we explore the role of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in startups and scaleups and discuss the decision between hiring an in-house CTO or using a CTO as a Service. A good CTO possesses leadership in technology, drives innovation, helps in hiring talent, oversees product development, and acts as a bridge between business and technology.

Having an in-house CTO offers proximity and familiarity but can be costly, while CTO as a Service provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness for smaller companies. Factors to consider include whether a business partner or technical manager is needed, the development stage of the business, future goals, and budget.

Ultimately, finding the right fit for your organization requires careful consideration. Once you determine the ideal solution, you can start searching for suitable candidates or outsourcing services.

If you found this article interesting, we invite you to explore our ebook tailored for CEOs, founders, and product managers. It offers invaluable insights into the product development process, providing you with valuable knowledge and expertise.

[Link: The Product Journey: building application that scale](https://theproductjourney.bitnoise.pl/#form)




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CTO as a Service or in-house CTO? Which is best for you?

In our latest newsletter, we've gathered the most fascinating updates from the tech world, sprinkled with intriguing tidbits from its many orbits. Our subscribers were the first to get their hands on these cutting-edge insights, delivered straight to their inboxes. 

From the groundbreaking launch of OpenAI’s GPT-4o to the thrilling countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics, we’ve covered it all. Stay ahead of the curve with Bitnoise and explore the innovations shaping our future. Check out the highlights now and see why it's worth subscribing! 

Explore the latest from OpenAI, countdown to the Olympics, and meet the Polish Enigma code breaker!

#### GPT-4o and additional tools are now available to free users of ChatGPT

GPT-4o, the newest flagship model from OpenAI, offers GPT-4-level intelligence but operates faster and enhances capabilities in text, voice, and vision.
To broaden AI's global accessibility and utility, GPT-4o has improved language functionalities in terms of quality and speed, supporting over 50 languages for various user interactions. Are you curious how it might work in practice? Be sure to check out [this moment](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQacCB9tDaw&t=1349s&ab_channel=OpenAI) from
yesterday's presentation.

[Read more about it!](https://openai.com/index/gpt-4o-and-more-tools-to-chatgpt-free/)


#### Tool of the month

![stackradar_tool of the month.png](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/stackradar_tool_of_the_month_ef4a30257d.png)

Stackradar offers a curated selection of the best tech tools available online, designed to help individuals enhance and expand their work. At Stackradar, a tech stack is seen as a set of business operators, each playing unique roles and interacting with other departments, offering cost efficiency compared to traditional departments.

Check what others use, get inspired and find your own tool of the month!

[Check it out!](https://www.stackradar.co/)

#### Trending

[1. The latest major update to ChatGPT-4o now supports audio-video interactions with an AI chatbot that can express “emotions”. Check out more news from the presentation.](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/05/chatgpt-4o-lets-you-have-real-time-audio-video-conversations-with-emotional-chatbot/)
[2. Bloomberg reports that Apple is close to finalizing a deal with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT features into iOS 18.](https://9to5mac.com/2024/05/10/ios-18-chatgpt-features-apple-openai/)
[3. Paris 2024 is preparing to tackle an unprecedented level of cybersecurity threats.](https://oebmgr.clicks.mlsend.com/tj/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjg0NzIxMixcImxcIjoxMjEzODE3NzYxNTQxNjcyNzgsXCJyXCI6MTIxMzgxNzc3Mjc4MjM5OTgzfSIsInMiOiI3ZWRiNDA4MzAzMGFlNGI5In0)

![nagłówek newsletter.png](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/naglowek_newsletter_f1f3c5940f.png)

#### Around the Web

🍎 Did you know that Alan Turing wasn't the first to decipher the Enigma code? [Tune into these interviews](https://www.flyingpenguin.com/?p=56989) to uncover more about this fascinating piece of history!

⚖️ TikTok and ByteDance are [taking legal action against the US government](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/may/07/tiktok-sues-us-ban?CMP=share_btn_url&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email) to prevent the
enforcement of a law that mandates the sale of the app.

🤖 Kids are forming [friendships with AI chatbots](https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/4/24144763/ai-chatbot-friends-character-teens).

🎤 Deciphering in pop culture. [Switzerland wins Eurovision with song 'The Code’.](https://eurovision.tv/story/switzerland-wins-eurovision-2024)

#### What's new in Bitnoise

![blog-Midjourney guider_blog okładka.png](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/blog_Midjourney_guider_blog_okladka_feac2e3ddd.png)

Are you ready to begin your journey with MidJourney? Kaja, our Project Manager, has crafted a comprehensive series of articles that serve as a complete guide!

[Check it out!](lhttps://www.bitnoise.pl/blog/midjourney-guide-part-1-simple-thing-settings)

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Unveiling the Latest Tech Insights: May Newsletter Highlights


In our latest newsletter, we've gathered the most fascinating updates from the tech world, sprinkled with intriguing tidbits from its many orbits. Our subscribers were the first to get their hands on these cutting-edge insights, delivered straight to their inboxes. 

From the AI clones that will be able to participate in video calls to the the world's thinnest lens, we’ve covered it all. Stay ahead of the curve with Bitnoise and explore the innovations shaping our future. Check out the highlights now and see why it's worth subscribing! 


### Digital avatar clones, the world's thinnest lens, virtual IKEA and META has some trouble, again


#### AI clones will be able to participate in online meetings on your behalf

Eric Yuan, CEO of Zoom, aims to expand the company beyond videoconferencing to compete with Microsoft and Google by offering a suite of enterprise tools, including email, documents, and chat. A central element of this vision is the use of AI, especially in creating "digital twins"—AI avatars capable of attending meetings and making decisions for users.

He acknowledged the technological and cultural shifts required to achieve this, emphasizing the need for personalized AI and ongoing advancements in AI and AR technologies. Eric believes AI can significantly reduce manual work, potentially leading to shorter workweeks.


[Read more about it!](https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/3/24168733/zoom-ceo-ai-clones-digital-twins-videoconferencing-decoder-interview)

#### Tool of the month

![blog-AI Tools for Developers_high (1).png](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/blog_AI_Tools_for_Developers_high_1_503d656e1e.png)

Elevenlabs has created a tool that generates any sound effect from a text prompt, streamlining the audio production process. Users can quickly produce a variety of sound effects simply by describing their needs. The tool offers precise control, allowing customization of sounds such as "footsteps" by specifying details like shoe type and environment. All paid subscriptions come with a comprehensive commercial license, guaranteeing royalty-free use.

[Check it out!](https://elevenlabs.io/sound-effects)

#### Trending

1. [On June 6, privacy advocacy group NOYB lodged complaints in 11 European countries, alleging that Meta is using personal data from its platform users to train artificial intelligence models.](https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/06/06/meta-faces-complaints-in-11-countries-over-data-use-for-ai)
2. [Elections to the European Parliament.](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-parliament-poised-rightward-shift-after-final-voting-2024-06-09/)
3. [Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024: 10-14 June.](https://developer.apple.com/wwdc24/)

#### Around the Web

👁️ New "Recall" function from Microsoft AI - [security issues](https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/05/microsoft-ai-recall-feature-records-everything-secures-far-less?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR15R8YOt-VaXVYViW-R3TCtuYmzCnA92uZouriI0GSF2Hlxsiud5BKOwDE_aem_AZCm_r1z6t3S3F6xt7nAFBShHCSk1jOKUJH7uHds1CCZgSj1tOSwjtpQr474-2IpbPV-BmZpBgfoD2ogCm_UUIG5).

🚨 Adobe intends to [train its AI models using user-generated content?](https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/6/adobe-faces-backlash-over-new-photoshop-tos-granting-unlimited-access-to-user-projects/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uNHcXDm7x--FSpGN4h_9SQsLgx_SYW5j1ulrLb_KvW1hIkitWLK7eLHA_aem_AZA9tsiaerAcPR-li0nPTSFLp97JFdSJgeJw7ohwNjZXmaOldTzFyCUNeAIleRqi6sggsJgc8hgR7Yvv2G31aPiC)

🔥 Scientists have developed [the world's thinnest lens](https://scitechdaily.com/just-three-atoms-thick-scientists-have-developed-the-worlds-thinnest-lens/), just three atoms thick.

🎮 IKEA wants to pay people to [work in its new store inside Roblox game.](https://time.com/6985642/ikea-hiring-workers-roblox-game/)

#### What's new in Bitnoise

![blog-_cover.png](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/blog_cover_1187589fac.png)

Kaja, our Project Manager, has crafted a comprehensive series of articles that serve as a complete guide!

**Midjourney guide part 6: The puppet method**
Maintaining the consistency of the generated image - to apply it in later ones and create a coherent story - is a huge challenge for Midjourney. The puppet method is tedious and rigorous, but it allows for very satisfactory results - especially for individual characters.

[Check it out!](https://www.bitnoise.pl/blog/midjourney-guide-part-6-the-puppet-method)

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Unveiling the Latest Tech Insights: June Newsletter Highlights

In our latest newsletter, we've gathered the most fascinating updates from the tech world, sprinkled with intriguing tidbits from its many orbits. Our subscribers were the first to get their hands on these cutting-edge insights, delivered straight to their inboxes. 

Visualizing our dreams, code that writes itself and transmitting information with light - check out the highlights now and see why it's worth subscribing!


#### New 'Artifacts' Feature in Anthropic Claude Revolutionizes AI-Generated Code Interaction

![CLAUDE SONNET_1.jpg](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/CLAUDE_SONNET_1_7d8ae9e831.jpg)
Anthropic Claude's new ‘Artifacts’ feature allows you to run and visualise code directly in your chat window, transforming how we interact with AI-generated code.

**How is it done?**

1. Access Claude 3.5 Sonnet on Claude AI and enable Artifacts in the Future Preview settings.
2. Start a New Chat. To explore its capabilities, type: “Demonstrate some Artifacts you can make.”
3. Request Code Generation for your specific use case (e.g., React components, websites).
4. Interact with the Generated Artifact - preview, modify, and expand on it!

This new feature opens up exciting possibilities for developers and AI enthusiasts, making code interaction more intuitive and dynamic. 

[Check it out! ](https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-3-5-sonnet)


#### Tool of the month
![LUMA AI.jpg](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/LUMA_AI_b4209c528d.jpg)

**Luma Dream Machine**

Dream Machine is an advanced AI model designed to create high-quality, realistic videos from text and images quickly.

This highly scalable and efficient transformer model is trained directly on videos, enabling it to generate physically accurate, consistent, and eventful shots. Dream Machine represents our first step towards building a universal imagination engine, which is now available to everyone!

Explore the possibilities with Dream Machine and bring your creative visions to life with unprecedented ease and precision. And you can have a lot of fun at the same time ;)

Check it out! (https://lumalabs.ai/dream-machine)



**TRENDING**

1. OpenAI's newly released ChatGPT macOS app had [a concerning security flaw](https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/3/24191636/openai-chatgpt-mac-app-conversations-plain-text?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email): it was relatively easy to locate and read your chat logs in plain text on your computer. This vulnerability meant that if a malicious actor or app gained access to your machine, they could effortlessly read your conversations with ChatGPT and access the data within them.

2. Researchers have pioneered [a novel technique for transmitting quantum information](https://scitechdaily.com/flying-qudits-unlocking-new-dimensions-of-quantum-communication/) using light particles known as qudits. This method leverages qudits' spatial mode and polarisation properties, facilitating faster and more secure data transfer while enhancing error resistance.

3. Poe, Quora's subscription-based platform that aggregates AI-powered chatbots such as Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s GPT-4, [has introduced a feature called Previews](https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/08/quoras-poe-now-lets-users-create-and-share-web-apps/). This new functionality allows users to create interactive apps directly within their chatbot 

**AROUND THE WEB**

🚨 [How fraudsters are getting fake articles onto Facebook](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68843985?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1cn21p3MXNcA3nJGRmCe5jShpQBXBJPq93hEG2DgMSv3opLz_Z-o5r364_aem_wMOX4V_Yi4oCO4zB3W49cw). 

👁️ The Webb Space Telescope has captured an astonishing [image of a quasar-galaxy merger](https://scitechdaily.com/webb-space-telescope-captures-a-staggering-quasar-galaxy-merger-billions-of-light-years-away/) occurring billions of light years away.

🚀  NASA's 1st year-long mock [Mars mission](https://www.space.com/nasa-simulated-mars-mission-chapea-1-end) wraps up in Houston.


#### What's new at Bitnoise

![blog-DecodingReactUI_cover_high.png](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/blog_Decoding_React_UI_cover_high_e9d380dff7.png)

Git is a fundamental tool that every developer must have in their arsenal. In a modern and agile world of software development, where codebases are managed by huge teams, having a tool that helps to streamline the process of adding features, changes, or fixes is a necessity.

Now, you can take care of your commits history like a pro!
[Check it out! ](https://www.bitnoise.pl/blog/Git-Gut-Take-care-of-your-commits-history-like-a-pro)


**MEME**

If you are looking for a new path in life, [gymnastics](https://x.com/i/status/1808533347276312883) is for you!


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Unveiling the Latest Tech Insights: July Newsletter Highlights

### AI at the Olympics, two halves of an apple and Google makes boredom go away

In our latest newsletter, we've gathered the most fascinating updates from the tech world, sprinkled with intriguing tidbits from its many orbits. Our subscribers were the first to get their hands on these cutting-edge insights, delivered straight to their inboxes. 



#### Google Meet will soon be able to take notes during your calls automatically.

![news GOOGLE MEET.jpg](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/news_GOOGLE_MEET_f6e270da41.jpg)

Have you ever wished your Google Meet calls could take notes for you? Well, that wish is about to come true! Google is rolling out an exciting new feature that automatically generates notes during your meetings, saving you time and helping you stay focused on the conversation. This new addition is perfect for busy professionals who juggle multiple meetings and want to ensure they get all the details. Want to know more about how this game-changing feature works? 

[Check out](https://www.techradar.com/pro/good-news-your-google-meet-call-will-soon-be-able-to-take-notes-for-you?_bhlid=576f4a4de257c6aa0a3886a6cbb5ce34d6294bd1) the full article to get the inside scoop!


#### Tool of the month

![news FLUX.jpg](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/news_FLUX_f633650130.jpg)

Flux is an innovative AI model designed for image generation, functioning similarly to the widely known Midjourney. It utilises deep neural networks, specifically diffusion models, to convert text descriptions into visual content. The process begins when a user inputs a text description of the desired image. The AI model then interprets this text through its neural network, "understanding" the content and producing an appropriate image based on the description.

What sets Flux apart? It's open source. Interested? [Give it a try!](https://blackforestlabs.ai/#get-flux)


#### Trending 

1. Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the sports industry. [The Olympic AI Agenda](https://olympics.com/ioc/olympic-ai-agenda), the third in a series of strategic documents spearheaded by IOC President Thomas Bach, outlines the potential transformative effects AI could have on the world of sports.
2. [Intel is on a lengthy path to recovery](https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/1/24210656/intel-is-laying-off-over-10000-employees-and-will-cut-10-billion-in-costs), and over 15,000 employees will not continue the journey. The chipmaker has just revealed plans to reduce its workforce by more than 15 percent as part of a new $10 billion cost-saving initiative for 2025. This reduction translates to a potential loss of over 15,000 jobs, with layoffs possibly reaching up to 19,000 people. 
3. OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT AI has begun responding to voice commands and conducting conversations with users. The latest feature, called [Advanced Voice Mode (AVM)](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/07/when-counting-quickly-openais-new-voice-mode-stops-to-catch-its-breath/), is impressive in its effects but also a bit scary.


#### Around the web 

⚖️ Judge Rules ['Google Is a Monopolist'](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/05/technology/google-antitrust-ruling.html) in Landmark Antitrust Case
The decision on Google's search dominance marks the first antitrust ruling of the modern internet era against a major technology company.

🧜‍♀️ Changing of the guard at [Starbucks](https://www.geekwire.com/2024/brian-niccol-who-led-chipotles-digital-push-named-new-ceo-at-starbucks/). What impact will a new CEO have on the coffee giant?

🍏 Foldable Apple? Why not! New iPhone [coming soon](https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-likely-release-foldable-iphone-early-2026-information-reports-2024-07-23/). 

🕶 [Gemini ](https://blog.google/products/gemini/made-by-google-gemini-ai-updates/?_bhlid=38eb5834b5ee043160c764f22bc38870316d39ef)transforms your mobile device into a powerful AI assistant.


#### What's new at Bitnoise

![blog_cover_high.jpg](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/blog_cover_high_2db7c5d85d.jpg)

Excited to dive into the first part of our new blog series: "Backend Architecture on Frontend" by Łukasz! 

Discover:
🤖 how frameworks like Next.js and Remix are bridging the gap between frontend and backend development, 
🤖 why architectural discipline is crucial, 
🤖 and how adopting principles like GRASP can bring order to your codebase. 

Perfect for developers looking to streamline complex interfaces with simple APIs. Stay tuned for practical tips on creating a robust architecture that meets your actual needs.

[Check on your own! ](https://www.bitnoise.pl/blog/backend-architecture-on-frontend-part-1)


Unveiling the Latest Tech Insights: August Newsletter Highlights

Quite recently, we delivered a project for one of our German clients, Inklusion Digital. Our task was to design and build an application for two groups of users: German teachers and students. Within the solutions provided, both groups had a common goal: to develop annual goals for students and verify their progress through feedback and self-reflection.

This is a fascinating example of an implementation in which we involved many different specialists; I had the pleasure of acting as the Product Owner of the entire idea. Today, I want to tell you the history of this whole project in several posts - so that you can understand the completed stages of the project, learn about the tools and practices... and learn from our mistakes.

We will start by analysing the discovery and design phases, allowing us to develop product design and UX tailored to users' needs.


In startups, the discovery and design phase is often overlooked and, as it later turns out, the most necessary. This stage of the product creation and development process aims to understand user problems, market needs, and technological possibilities. During this phase, the product team collects and analyses information to define the product's vision and determine its potential value and the risks associated with its implementation.

Suppose you are asking yourself what this is or are already answering this question by claiming that you do not see the relationship between the project's success and this phase. In that case, I will help you pragmatically out of this mistake.

According to [the latest research](https://www.nngroup.com/articles/discoveries-in-industry-revealed/) by Nielsen Norman Group and MIT:
- Product Discovery can help you lower the risk of failure by 75%.
- Teams using Product Discovery report 83% 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀.
- Discovery saves 50% of development rework time & 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝘆 33–50%. 

![blog-grafika 1 - discovery phase.jpg](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/blog_grafika_1_discovery_phase_639acd94c3.jpg)


The above information guided us and convinced us that it is worth investing money into the discovery phase, as the results at the delivery and launch stages can be much more profitable. 
Before we started the design phase, we decided to work with the client in several weekly sprints to understand the needs of our end users (teachers and students) and their most significant pain points. How did we do it?

#### Customer Journey - process mapping

We set out to build a tool for the German education market to digitize the existing manual process of creating and managing students' annual goals. Using customer journey mapping, we analyzed the current process in German schools and identified the associated challenges. The results exceeded our expectations—it became clear that goal cards are often lost or forgotten, and their current format needs to be updated and made more appealing. As a result, students are less motivated to achieve their goals.

We definitely obtained tips and information that—as it now turns out—were the core of building basic functionalities in both applications.

We have placed the map and all information in MIRO.

#### User Personas - who is our end-user?

In parallel to building the Customer Journey, we decided to deepen our knowledge about our potential users - teachers and students in Germany. We started from the level: we want to make applications for all children and teachers in Germany. We concluded that the needs and requirements for using different applications are different and depend, among others, on the age of children/teachers, the type of school, and the education regulations of a given Bundesland. And this is how we defined our end-users (in an extensive summary :)):

- children and teenagers from various backgrounds, aged 10 to 16 (the most popular age group, we do not want to expose younger ones to technology), from secondary-level schools (business reasons for the client: gymnasium, Forderschule, Gesamtschule.. - the largest group of students)
- teachers - of different ages (challenge here!), and secondary-level schools (the same as above).
In addition to the specific characteristics of our users group - we have defined their key pain points, wishes and expectations in accordance to the build solutions. 

![blog-grafika 2 - personas.jpg](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/blog_grafika_2_personas_26f5211ca0.jpg)
_Sample user personas template: https://miro.com/templates/personas/_


#### Business Model Canvas + User Stories
##### What do we want to build, and what are its chances of success?

After completing work on the customer journey and user personas, we felt ready to define the scope of our new product—digital applications for teachers and students that will improve the process of achieving school goals—together with the client.
We knew that: 
![blog-grafika 3.jpg](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/blog_grafika_3_599cd991e0.jpg)


We started developing a [BMS](https://miro.com/templates/business-model-canvas/) and an Epic and User Stories outline. And we were like, wow - we create products tailored to the real needs of users! The Discovery Phase lasted about a month in total. After that, we started the design phase with full excitement. 

Those needs were converted into user stories with a MoSCoW prioritisation. We ended up with two scopes of products: one for teachers and a second for students. Suddenly, we realised that we were creating products that truly meet user needs. The Discovery Phase lasted about two weeks, and we moved on to the design phase, which took about a month.
Here, you can see the effects of the user stories slicing process: in the form of 2 maps in the Miro board.

![blog-grafika 4.jpg](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/blog_grafika_4_1a511232de.jpg)
![blog-grafika 5.jpg](https://btnw-strapi-prod.dev.btndev.space/uploads/blog_grafika_5_ac22b5d1a6.jpg)

The design was really smooth, primarily because of the great output from the discovery phase and the client’s involvement in the reviewing process. Teachers could expect a module as an add-on to the existing platform, and students would experience a separate app (independent of this platform). Teachers could, among other things, set annual goals together with students, leave feedback on progress, view results on an interactive chart, set a reward system and monitor students’ emotions. On the other hand, students carried out the self-assessment process, were recipients of rewards, collected points and shared their emotions. We have validated the design three times and, most of all - tested prototypes with teachers and students. We have received an enormous amount of input that has confirmed that we are ready for the development process.


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The discovery and design phase as the main component of product success - the Inklusion Digital Saga part 1

Being a Product Owner (PO) is a challenge that requires managing many aspects of the project, from understanding user needs to working with the development team. Especially in the MVP phases, it is worth balancing between what is necessary and what is unnecessary. However, there are essential tools that cost nothing, can improve the quality of your work, and make it much easier at the same time. In this article, we will look at several of the most critical tools, such as Jira, Miro and Chat GPT and how they helped me build digital products for German students and teachers.

#### Jira - Backlog and Task Board Management

Holly Jira, but I won't hide it - I like this tool. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I enjoy collaborating with teams in this particular tool. In the beginning, when building an MVP, the free version was completely sufficient for me! Why?

**Because I could flexibly manage the development plan (so-called timeline).**
Jira's timeline uses the epic level to build a delivery plan. At first, I managed to create just a few epics (including login/registration epics, building the basic architecture, etc.). Still, as development work progressed, I learned more and more and eventually built a 4-month development plan (for both applications - teacher and student). This was great because I made sure that the most important screens and functionalities for both end-users would be delivered, tested, and working. What's more, the timeline function revealed to me the fact that it's worth starting development work by building an architecture and backend to get ahead of the frontend a bit - thanks to this, we built interfaces based on a working system and endpoints.

**Because I could manage the backlog at the level of tasks and functions**
For me, the backlog is a sacred tool for every Product Owner. Properly organised, it supports the team, and introduces transparency and order instead of chaos. How did we organise it within the project?
- Backlog as a list - and looking at it from above - there were tasks with the most significant degree of detail, which were refactored and ready for development. At the bottom of the backlog were tasks at an early stage of their preparation.
- project scope in form of ticket types
as the development team progressed, the backlog was supplemented with backend tickets, stories, bugs or extra change requests from the CEO, CTO and other stakeholders.
- impact analysis - every time a new scope (sometimes more or less needed) was reported to the team - we tried to analyse its impact on the timeline and current priorities in the backlog. 

Keeping the nice and clean backlog is not easy, but it is necessary if the Product Owner expects the development team to operate efficiently at the delivery stage.
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**Because I could order delivery on the Kanban board**

For me, the Kanban board is a must and a standard tool for tracking tasks and communicating with the team. A good task board reflects the team's current work and helps rather than hinders. Therefore, our Kanban board has evolved, as the needs reported by, among others, the team have grown. We started from the level of "TO DO, IN PROGRESS, DONE" columns and ended up... on the Mendeleev board ;)

![blog-grafika 2.jpg](https://bitnoise-cms.btn.fyi/uploads/blog_grafika_2_f5c7177481.jpg)

#### MIRO - visual collaboration and brainstorming

Miro is an interactive board that made it easier for me to visually present ideas and collaborate in real-time. Since our team worked entirely remotely, it was a challenge to work out solutions together. MIRO came to our aid. 
- Discovery and Research—If you red a previous article and learned what our Discovery phase looked like, you will know that all diagrams, User Personas, research results, Customer Journeys, and BMS were visualised and developed in MIRO.
- Workshops and Brainstorming: Miro was primarily used in my work to plan new features and their early visualisation. For example: gamification logic in the student and teacher application.  I visualised several scenarios for both end-users and carried out a requirements refinement, which was then used to create the final design and flows. In addition, our developers were also very keen to use it for their activities. For example, our Senior BE developer led Event Storming sessions in MIRO, thanks to which we learned the scope of necessary endpoints to prepare for the entire project.
- Retrospectives and presentations at review meetings - Miro is very rich in [templates](https://miro.com/templates/retrospective/), and I decided to transfer the process of conducting retrospectives and tracking actions from retro right there . My favorite retrospective is [the 4L method](https://miro.com/templates/4-ls-retrospective/) - and it's great that I didn't need any additional external tool to conduct it. 

![blog-grafika 3.jpg](https://bitnoise-cms.btn.fyi/uploads/blog_grafika_3_15848c3225.jpg)

Going further into experimenting with MIRO, I also decided to check the slide-show function - I used it to present the results of increments at a review meeting. But here, honestly? I would go for simpler tools like Google Presentations or Canva :)

#### ChatGPT - my personal advisor

Last but not least - ChatGPT. There is so much talk about genAI in products and projects, but I personally had a hard time getting used to this new reality. However, I managed to find a practical application for ChatGPT in my work as a Product Owner. What did I do with this tool?
- I planned meetings - the structure, flows, timeboxes and Agendas e.g Review Meetings. ChatGPT gave me also insights on how to engage programmers and stakeholders so we could conclude any assumptions and key points from discussions
- I looked for statistical data - ChatGPT came in handy during the discovery phase when I validated various data and statistics regarding the education industry in Germany. And so, among other things, I learned that the most popular age group among young people are children aged 6 to 14, and German schools have problems accessing wifi and working equipment. So I adjusted the strategies of both products (teacher and student) with additional assumptions: the age of end-users and the need to design the flow of the feedback and self-assessment process so that it meets its goals both remotely (on users' private devices) and at school (on, e.g. a school tablet).

#### Summary

Creating an MVP, which is really two products, requires managing many tasks and collaborating with various specialists. Although I built products from scratch and didn't need advanced tools to start with, without Miro, Jira and ChatuGPT, everything would have taken me longer, and the quality of my work as a Product Owner would have been questionable.

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