From Print to Digital: The Evolution of iPaper
Rasmus Seeberg, VP of Engineering at iPaper, has been instrumental in shaping the company’s digital-first experiences. With a background in building websites from a young age and extensive experience in frontend technologies, Rasmus shares his insights on the transition from traditional print to digital, incorporating user feedback, and the impact of company culture on recruiting and retention.
A Shift in Demographics and Regulations
The move from paper to digital is influenced by demographics, including geography and age. Younger generations are more inclined towards digital experiences, while high-end purchases often require a more tactile approach. Environmental factors, such as regulations around paper and ink usage, also play a significant role in this shift. As a result, companies are opting for digital solutions, and iPaper is at the forefront of this transition.
Embracing Individuality in Team Management
As VP of Engineering, Rasmus manages a team of engineers and emphasizes the importance of iPaper’s core values, particularly “Act as a team, embrace the individual.” This philosophy acknowledges that each team member has unique needs that change over time. By embracing individuality, iPaper fosters a culture of acceptance and support, leading to higher engagement and motivation.
Honesty is the Best Policy in Recruiting
Rasmus believes that honesty is key when recruiting engineers. By being transparent about the work environment and culture, iPaper attracts candidates who are a good fit for the company. This approach also leads to better retention rates, as employees are more likely to stay with a company that aligns with their values and expectations.
Staying Connected to User Feedback
iPaper’s customer care and success teams collect feedback from customers, which is then tracked and prioritized using Jira’s Ideas tool. This feedback is invaluable in shaping the product roadmap and ensuring that iPaper’s features meet the diverse needs of its customers. However, translating customer feedback into actionable changes can be challenging, especially when considering the varying use cases and scenarios.
Implementing Customer-Requested Features
Rasmus shares examples of customer feedback that led to the implementation of new features, such as the ability to showcase multiple products on a catalog page and offer a seamless purchasing experience. Another example is the integration of mobile applications like WhatsApp for checkout, which was requested by Latin American customers.
Measuring Product Performance and Team Contributions
iPaper tracks product performance using metrics such as error rates, consumption rates, and time spent. However, measuring the productivity and contributions of individual team members is more complex. Rasmus emphasizes the importance of spending time with team members, understanding their work, and asking questions to gauge their satisfaction and growth. By doing so, iPaper can ensure that its team members are happy, motivated, and contributing to the company’s success.