Meet the Virti Team: Chris Joe - React Developer
As React Developer at Virti, Chris Joe is responsible for creating a seamless User Experience and an intuitive interface for all learners accessing the platform.
As React Developer at Virti, Chris Joe is responsible for creating a seamless User Experience and an intuitive interface for all learners accessing the platform.
Tell us a little bit about your background?
My studies in Engineering and Computer Science at Auckland University and Unitec, New Zealand, inspired a career in exploring tech integration with web technologies. Having now spent ten years working as a web developer, I’ve gained a wealth of experience and expertise across a vast range of technologies. For example, in my previous role as Senior Software Developer at Soul Machines, I was responsible for the web development that helped businesses interact more easily with both clients and digital humans.
When did you first become interested in virtual and augmented reality technology?
I’ve had my eyes on virtual and augmented reality since 2012, when the first Oculus headset was released to the public. I became interested in how this technology could help elevate gaming and learning to new heights for our societies, something which still fascinates me today.
When (and why) did you join the Virti team?
I joined Virti in May 2021. Having admired their work in empowering people across the world to learn and train more intuitively, I was keen to join the team and contribute to the achievement of their mission.
Can you describe your role at Virti? What does a ‘typical’ day look like?
My responsibility as React Developer at Virti centres around developing and maintaining the admin core webapp. A typical day? This could include anything from styling the webapp interfaces to provide better UX to dealing with requests from the team, or reviewing and improving code.
What skills did you bring to the team, and what skills have you developed since joining?
I brought a great deal of first-hand experience of working with web technologies, which I’d picked up in my previous roles. My expertise on web development and the interaction between various technologies has proven crucial in managing the admin core webapp.
Being a part of the Virti team has helped me to develop the skill of navigating the balance between work and family time. Flexible working is really encouraged at Virti, and this has had a really positive impact for me.
What excites you about being part of Virti?
The most exciting thing about being part of the Virti team is knowing that we’re helping make a real impact for people all over the world. Being able to help people access better training and learning opportunities is extremely rewarding. And knowing that we’re providing them with a science-backed learning platform that guarantees a higher level of success is great.
What’s your proudest achievement (so far) as part of the Virti team?
Without a doubt, my proudest achievement so far has to be the Student Web Player. This software expands the learner’s ability to use their own computers to access the Virti system. This makes VR training more accessible and also gives learners the flexibility to train from wherever they like.
Looking ahead, what do you think the rest of the year holds for Virti? What are you particularly looking forward to?
After an extremely busy 2021, I’m looking forward to many more exciting projects next year. I can’t wait to continue working on improving systems to further elevate the Virti platform and enable more and more learners to access VR training. It will also be great to continue working alongside and learning from the amazing members of the Virti team.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
In my spare time, you’ll often find me challenging myself with platform and puzzle games. Family is really important to me, so I try to spend as much time as I can with them. On the side, I’ve also been developing my understanding of new technologies by working on prototype projects.
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn and via email
Owen Evans