Less is More: The Minimalist Solution

Andrew has a storied past across technology jobs including infrastructure and application support, software development, and data analysis.

2020 was a transformative year worldwide. The challenges of the global pandemic prompted a collective reassessment of our priorities and lifestyles, reigniting interest in the 1960s art and design philosophy of simplicity and minimalism. As people spent more time at home, the desire to eliminate excess and concentrate on what truly matters became increasingly important to many. 
 
Ablesoft's developer, Andrew Currens, embraced these minimalist ideals, starting with a realization about material possessions. "I understood that material things don't lead to long-term happiness," he says. "This change in mindset has not only transformed my personal life, but also shaped my approach to software development."  

1. Using What Works: 
His minimalist approach values reuse and scalability, characteristics also found in the Ablesoft Core, our foundational software. "The Ablesoft Core is complex, but it helps us build projects that are straightforward and easy to maintain," he explains. By using Ablesoft Core, Andrew and the rest of the team can streamline development by reducing the need to start from scratch each time. "Less code often means cleaner, more maintainable projects," Andrew points out.  

The Illinois winters drove Andrew to move to Arizona where he works remotely.

2. Solutions Tailored to Specific Needs: 
Andrew focuses on addressing the core challenges faced by clients without adding unnecessary complexity. By concentrating on the essential aspects of each project, he ensures that the solutions are effective and user-friendly. This targeted approach accelerates the development timeline and delivers software that aligns closely with the client's expectations.  

3. Making Technology User-Friendly: 
Like our other developers, Andrew is committed to creating applications that are intuitive and easy to navigate. By breaking down complex interfaces into simpler components, he ensures that the software is accessible to users of all levels of tech-savviness. This user-friendly approach not only enhances adoption but also simplifies maintenance and updates.  

When he’s off the clock, you can find Andrew conquering bike trails and discovering craft brews.

Applying Minimalism Beyond Software: 
Not surprisingly, Andrew's minimalist principles extend beyond the world of software. In his personal life, he gravitates towards hobbies and activities that offer genuine value without accumulating unnecessary stuff. For instance, he enjoys biking, which combines exploration, fitness, and skill-building without requiring a lot of equipment. This approach could be mirrored by companies considering custom software. Starting with a minimal but robust foundation like the Ablesoft Core, mentioned above, businesses can start small and expand as needed, like how Andrew approaches his hobbies.  

Conclusion: 

Andrew's minimalist approach to software development offers small businesses a pathway to efficient, user-friendly solutions in the context of the challenges and changes of 2020. By focusing on simplicity, addressing specific needs, and prioritizing user experience, he demonstrates the enduring relevance of minimalism even in creating effective software solutions.  

If you're interested in exploring how a minimalist approach can optimize your business in these changing times, we invite you to give us a call.