We’re speaking to Ashley Firth, front-end developer and Pokemon Go skilled, about making our web site quick, easy, and accessible to all.
So, Ashley, why did you be part of Octopus Power?
I used to be working at an company for a few years and loved it, however there wasn’t a lot alternative to work on one thing for a very long time – as soon as the undertaking completed you’d by no means see it once more. I did not know a lot about vitality after I began, however I used to be enthusiastic about rebuilding the vitality trade and the general public’s belief of their suppliers. I used to be additionally eager to work with such a gifted crew on some extraordinarily giant and complicated issues.
What do you do at Octopus?
I am a front-end developer, which implies I take all of the designs and consumer journeys and guarantee they’re constant and handsome for everybody, it doesn’t matter what machine or browser you are utilizing.
What makes the consumer expertise at Octopus completely different to different suppliers?
We use rather more superior know-how which we design and construct ourselves, with the shopper on the centre. Our programming code is scalable, serving to us stay versatile as we develop, and we automate what we are able to, making us extra environment friendly. We then move on these effectivity financial savings to the shopper.
Our web site is tremendous quick, easy, and intuitive. You will get a quote by answering 4 easy questions, and the entire becoming a member of course of is simply three steps. Individuals fear about switching problems, similar to double-billing, house visits and such, however we take as a lot of the ache out of switching as we are able to, speaking with previous suppliers so the shopper solely has to say sure.
For instance, we take a gap meter studying and move it to your previous provider as the ultimate learn. Different suppliers would possibly take a gap studying however anticipate you to offer one other one to your previous provider. This would possibly trigger conflicts if the readings are separated by a day or two. However with us, it is a lot easier.
We have additionally simply completed a significant assessment of the positioning’s accessibility, the place we optimised it for display screen readers, distinction ratios, colors, and format, to assist the visually impaired and people with dyslexia or autism. We wished to guarantee that all our clients may use the positioning simply, it doesn’t matter what their circumstances.
What are you engaged on proper now?
Though our web site is extraordinarily quick, we’re at all times taking a look at methods to make it run sooner. We’re taking a look at lowering web page load instances in the intervening time. Though there are solely three pages within the sign-up course of, if a buyer has to attend – even for only a second – it could possibly put them off.
Additionally, we have simply completed performance for purchasers on mounted time period contracts to allow them to selected what they need to do subsequent. We have additionally made it very easy to submit readings through an electronic mail hyperlink that does not require you to log in. As few clicks as potential, that is our rule!
What’s the most effective factor about your job?
An actual sense of possession and dealing with a incredible, collaborative crew. I get to implement the most recent and greatest know-how, with the liberty to innovate after I see methods of doing it higher.
What’s essentially the most difficult a part of your job?
That is really one of many good issues in regards to the job too, however engaged on lots of initiatives directly could be a problem, however everybody is inspired to counsel methods to resolve issues. Though individuals have their very own disciplines, everybody will get caught into downside fixing when the necessity arises.
Any message for these considering of switching?
Go for it! We’re aggressive, we have spent numerous time breaking down and fixing the advanced and onerous issues of the trade, and we’re at all times clear – even when it may not appear in our pursuits. The principle factor is that we need to rebuild the belief misplaced within the trade and be an organization that our clients are happy with.
Honesty, good worth, transparency – these are our core ideas.
Any message for many who’ve already switched?
Thanks. The belief and enthusiasm to date has been actually humbling. If you happen to can consider something we are able to do to make your Octopus expertise higher, tell us, it feels nice when our clients take the day trip of their day to offer us suggestions.
Obtained a query for Ashley or anybody else on the Octopus crew? Drop us an electronic mail at hiya@octopus.vitality.
