This week we've had the opportunity to catch up with Windows Phone 7 developer Lawrence Gripper. He is best known for being the developing power behind his BBC News Mobile app, as well as My LoveFilm and Traffic Updates UK. Check out the interview after the break.
Tell us about yourself and how you got into software development?
I’m 22 and waiting for the results of my economics degree before starting work on a graduate scheme in September. During my degree I worked part time developing software for a small company, this is where I really got my first taste of software development and I’ve been hooked ever since.
BBC News Mobile is fairly popular, what's your secret?
On a personal level I’m never really happy with what I make and always have more ideas, more tweaks and more features to add. This has meant that the app has come a long way since it’s early inception and is constantly progressing which users appreciate. I’ve also put a lot of work into listening and responding to the requests of my users, their feedback has been instrumental in improving the application and moving it forward.
What’s next for your apps in future versions?
Currently there are a lot of additional features and new apps in the pipeline it’s just a matter of finding time to finish and test them all. I’m about to start working on a Mango update for BBC News Mobile which I’m really looking forward to, as I have a wish-list of features which should really improve the app.
Do you develop for any other platforms, how does their developer process compare?
I started out on Windows Mobile and have moved on to Windows Phone 7. Although I have played with different platforms I’ve never found anything as easy to develop for as Windows Phone 7, due to the familiar and polished SDK.
What do you think of Microsoft's platform (from a user perspective), and how do you compare it to competitors?
Having used it day in day out since its UK launch in October I’ve been really impressed. Not only does it compete with android and iPhone, I think it beats them in many respects. Metro with Live Tiles and Panoramas makes for a great user experience.
How is the development process on WP7?
For me it’s been great. After a weekend of reading MSDN, forums and guides I had my first simple app up and running and from then on it just snowballed. I also contacted Microsoft’s UK developer evangelist, Paul Foster, and was given the chance to go up to London and test my apps out on some real hardware before the general release in October. In general, I’ve really enjoyed the whole processes and hopefully made some useful apps along the way.
What other projects are you working on?
I’m working on a few things at the moment but keeping them close to my chest for now.
What advice would you give to other developers?
Having had no formal training in C# or development techniques, I will steer clear of giving technical advice. At a practical level, I think the best advice I was given early on, when working on a little script, was to make sure you’re focused and set achievable goals. There is no use in trying to make an app with masses of features and failing to release anything for a year, or worse still releasing it with features that don’t work well. Start with a small set of features, do it well, then update the app with more as you progress. This means you get feedback from users as development rolls on and users love to see the app improve and progress.
Thank you for your time, any closing words about WP7's future?
I’m quietly optimistic. It’s a break from the norm with a genuinely innovative look and feel. Mango also gives you more freedom as a developer with loads of new API’s so I would expect to see a lot of new or improved apps following its release.
There you have it folks, awesome stuff. You can check out Lawrence's website for updates and more information on his app development.
