When I first started coding, my focus was just making things work—writing clean logic, fixing bugs, and getting the output right. But as I got deeper into real projects, I realized the most challenging part isn't just the code; it's understanding who you're building for.

From Syntax to Understanding

Stack Overflow and textbooks don’t teach empathy, but it’s essential. Once, during a group project, I coded a scheduling tool for classmates. It worked great—except nobody wanted to use it. Confused, I asked for honest feedback. Turns out, my design was cluttered, notifications were annoying, and the setup was way too complex.

Listening changed everything. I reworked the app, simplified steps, and made notifications gentle—not just functional. It wasn’t perfect, but people started actually using it.

Putting People First

In IB, we’re taught to look at issues from multiple perspectives—social, ethical, practical. That mindset helped me realize that good tech doesn’t just solve a problem; it solves someone’s problem, in a way that fits their life.

So now, before starting a new project, I ask:

• Who will use this?

• What frustrates them?

• How can I make this simpler, more enjoyable?

Sometimes that means ditching features I was excited about or redesigning pieces that worked for me but not for others.

Empathy Shapes Everything

I've learned the most from feedback—sometimes harsh, always useful. Whether it’s a classmate, a family member, or random beta users, their experience is what matters most. Some improvements came directly from casual hallway conversations and shared screenshots.

Coding Is Human

Tech is powerful, but at its heart, it’s about people—making life easier, more fun, or maybe just a bit less stressful. I’m still learning to ask better questions, to listen more, and to build with empathy. I’m not an expert, but I care about making a difference—one user, one project at a time. If you code, study, or build anything, start by getting to know the people you’re creating for. Every project gets better with a little more empathy