Ron Dekker

Since January 2021

Doars is an open-source front-end framework that introduces a fresh approach to web development by enabling developers to add instructions directly to HTML through attributes. These attributes are then read and translated into functional elements by the framework, eliminating the need for complex JavaScript code. This allows developers to quickly and effortlessly add functionality without directly editing the page from the outside. Additionally, Doars empowers developers to intuitively incorporate interactive elements into server-rendered websites.

One of the advantages of Doars is the direct integration of functionality into the markup. This makes it easy to understand and maintain the code, as developers can quickly identify where and how the document is manipulated. This promotes collaboration within the development team and simplifies the maintenance process.

Doars offers a modular structure that facilitates easy integration of various plugins. A notable example is the navigation plugin, which improves loading times by prefetching pages as soon as their links come into the visitor's view. This enables seamless transitions between pages without complete reloading. This flexibility makes Doars suitable for various projects and needs.

Learn more about the project at https://doars.js.org and GitHub.

Since September 2020 at NC-websites

As a developer at NC-Websites, I have had the opportunity of playing a crucial role in the development of NC-CMS2, which stands for the NC-Websites Content Management System 2. This initiative was launched in response to the challenges posed by the outdated platform that the company had developed over the preceding 13 years.

Together with my colleagues, we embarked on the development of a new platform with the goal of reducing repetitive work and simplifying maintenance. Additionally, we aimed to leverage lessons from the past while maintaining user-friendliness.

Our team successfully streamlined the rollout of updates, improved the reuse of layouts, and strengthened the foundation, making the development of new systems more efficient.

One personal achievement that I take pride in is the implementation of various modules, including a flexible system for creating page categories with customizable fields. This system simplified the setup of customer-specific modules, eliminating the need for many solutions to be built by a developer but rather configured through the management system. The page editing system also played a significant role, allowing users to easily build pages with functionality and content according to their preferences.

Furthermore, we successfully delivered various custom applications such as registration, ordering, and reservation systems, seamlessly integrating with external tools like CRMs and accounting software. We also achieved integrations with external links, such as automatically processing real estate listings from real estate agents and showcasing used cars from automotive garages on the website.

With NC-CMS2, we not only increased operational efficiency but also optimized possibilities for future innovations, something I am immensely proud of.

Since March 2020 at NC-websites

At NC-Websites, I made essential contributions to the development and maintenance of two SaaS apps: Feedlie and Whappie. Feedlie automates the display of the latest Facebook and Instagram posts on company websites, while Whappie provides an interactive widget for direct communication via WhatsApp or email. My role involved technical implementation, including integration with a payment API, the Meta API, widget development, and the management system behind both apps. My contributions resulted in successful implementations, satisfied customers, and further strengthened my technical skills.

Since January 2018

Hoast is a simple yet versatile open-source data processor written in JavaScript for use with Node.js. It is designed to automate common tasks and increase the efficiency of data processing.

Hoast empowers users to automate various tasks using plugins. Currently, I use it successfully as a static page generator, where I write simple markdown pages that are automatically converted into a complete website or presentation slides.

In the past, I have successfully deployed Hoast to organize large quantities of files after a hard drive crash for an acquaintance, where the folder structure was lost. By intelligently extracting metadata and moving files, it was possible to automatically restore the correct structure.

Learn more about the project at https://hoast.js.org and GitHub.

After expanding my experience as a Web Developer, I progressed to the role of Full Stack Developer. In this enriching phase of my career, I further expanded my technical skills and became more deeply involved in developing systems and optimizing website functionalities.

As a Full Stack Developer, I was responsible for developing versatile systems, including a ticketing system that allowed users to purchase admission tickets online in advance. My work also extended to implementing external integrations, enabling seamless collaboration between websites and various platforms and tools. These projects required a broader range of technical skills, including back-end programming languages and database management.

Furthermore, I actively contributed to developing new methods to optimize content presentation, creating a more dynamic and engaging user experience. In doing so, I combined my creativity and technical knowledge to elevate the websites to a higher standard.

Throughout this period, I learned to be proactive and solution-oriented, approaching complex challenges with enthusiasm. Collaborating with external teams allowed me to gain deeper insights into software development.

These days my work primarily involves the development of the Content Management System, known as NCCMS2. This CMS emphasises on discoverability and user-friendliness, designed to provide an intuitive and seamless experience in creating and managing content.

I have successfully delivered various custom applications, including ticket systems, registration systems, ordering systems, reservation systems, and seamless integrations with external tools such as CRMs and administrative packages. Additionally, my contribution includes implementing integrations with external links, such as automatically processing property listings from real estate agents and car listings from auto garages on the website. I have also ensured that content creation is enhanced and more accessible through integration with OpenAI's GPT. Prior to this process, I am actively involved in client discussions to draft a detailed document outlining how the system will function, including an estimated number of hours and a cost estimate.

Another contribution of mine has been introducing new work processes, including version control, agile development principles, dependency management, and build tools. The implemented methodologies and tools simplify and expedite the development, maintenance, and deployment of updates, making the development process more efficient and effective.

I provide daily support to technical colleagues in creating websites on the CMS, focusing on knowledge sharing and collaboration. My involvement also includes writing detailed documentation to ensure colleagues always have access to the necessary information.

Additionally, I manage technical aspects for marketing, where I am responsible for setting up and maintaining Google Tag Manager containers and integrating them with the CMS and other tools to support marketing goals.

In my role as a Web Developer, I had the responsibility of building websites in the NC-CMS based on detailed proposals. My work often began with interpreting drawn plans, where I sometimes had the fortune of collaborating with designs from colleagues and, in other projects, only had the company's brand identity as a guideline.

My expertise primarily lies in front-end development, where I am proficient in HTML, CSS, and Javascript. On certain occasions, I also applied PHP to enhance the functionality of the websites. This diversity of projects allowed me to be flexible in my technical approach and find creative solutions that aligned with the client's needs.

What sets my work apart is the level of communication with which I approach projects. I closely collaborated with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure everything was accurate and met requirements.

My communication skills enabled me to effectively engage with clients throughout the projects. By providing regular updates and feedback moments, I ensured that the end product met all expectations. The highlight of my work is the moment when a project is approved and goes live, allowing me to reflect on my contribution to its success.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to integrate geographical information into serious games within the Unity3D game engine. During this period, I developed a demo system where users could interact with a map featuring a striking 3D effect. The shapes of buildings were extruded from the map, creating a realistic visual representation. Users could then plot a route for the player to follow.

The concept of the system aimed to allow users to explore the city interactively through a guided walking tour highlighting various historical points of interest. During this exploration, users could read related information or even participate in mini-games within the game. This provided a unique way to discover cities while simultaneously learning more about their history and culture.

My involvement in this project not only honed my technical skills in Unity3D and C# but also deepened my understanding of the power of serious games as tools for education and motivation. This experience strengthened my ability to find creative solutions to complex challenges within serious game development.

Propaedeutic obtained

While I did not complete my degree, I successfully earned my propaedeutics and gained valuable experiences. In the second year, we independently worked on assignments for clients, enhancing my collaborative skills in the development of serious games for children with autism. My internship at 8D Games and the minor in Art & Technology at the Minerva Academy expanded my practical knowledge, incorporating Arduino hardware into the phone browser. In my final year, I initiated a graduation project focused on speech recognition and voice synthesis for games, developing a demo during the Global Game Jam in 2018. Despite discontinuing my studies due to personal reasons, I cherish the knowledge gained and am determined to pursue my passion in my professional career.

January 2019 at the Global Game Jam Groningen

For the mobile browser game "Fitting In," where two players must collaborate effectively. One player instructs the other on how to position themselves as quickly as possible to stay within the time limit. The better the alignment, the more points they score.

January 2018 at the Global Game Jam Groningen

For the voice-controlled game "Lunar Limbo," created during the 2018 Global Game Jam in Groningen, Jesse Deerenberg and I were awarded the "Out There" prize by the jury for the innovative use of technology in the game.

January 2016 at the Global Game Jam Groningen

The award was for the game Holy Tower, created by Jesse Deerenberg and me during the 2016 Global Game Jam in Groningen. It was selected by the judges for the best storytelling.