Side projects are more than just a creative outlet—they’re a way to solve real-world problems, learn new skills, and have a little fun along the way. Over the past few years, I’ve worked on three projects that are close to my heart: Nature Tech Jobs, Coworking Space Hub, and Beat Darwin. Each one has been a unique challenge and an opportunity to grow as a developer and creator. Here’s the story behind them.
Nature Tech Jobs: Bridging Nature and Technology
Nature Tech Jobs
The idea for Nature Tech Jobs came from a growing interest in how technology can help tackle environmental challenges. It’s a job board for green tech roles, designed to connect professionals with companies working in nature-focused innovation.
I built it using Laravel and added a scraper to pull job postings directly from company websites. The goal was to create a hub for job seekers interested in this exciting and impactful field.
What I Learned
Scraping websites is tricky. Every company seems to structure its job listings differently, so building reliable scrapers was a test of patience and problem-solving.
Automation is a double-edged sword. It saves time but requires careful monitoring to ensure data accuracy and avoid breaking rules.
I’ve been blown away by the positive feedback from users, especially when someone lands their dream job through the platform. It’s a small win for both them and the planet.
Coworking Space Hub: Helping Remote Workers Find Their Spot
Coworking Space Hub
With remote work becoming the norm, coworking spaces are thriving. But finding the right one—whether it’s for a day or a long-term membership—can be tough. That’s where Coworking Space Hub comes in.
This Laravel-powered directory focuses on coworking spaces in the UK, helping users search for and compare spaces based on amenities, pricing, and location. It’s designed to make the process simple and straightforward.
What I Learned
Data collection is half the battle. While automating some parts of the process helped, I still had to manually review and organize a lot of information to keep the listings accurate.
Design matters. Creating an easy-to-navigate site was a priority, especially since users want to find what they’re looking for quickly.
It’s been rewarding to see remote workers and coworking spaces connect through the platform. I’m already brainstorming ways to expand it beyond the UK.
Beat Darwin: A Fun Wildlife Trivia Game
Beat Darwin
Not every project has to be serious, right? Beat Darwin is a web-based multiple-choice game where you guess the species of an animal based on its photo. It’s a simple concept, but it’s been a lot of fun to build and share.
The game is lightweight and responsive, making it easy to play on any device. I also threw in fun facts about each animal to make it educational as well as entertaining.
What I Learned
Simplicity works. Sometimes, you don’t need complex features to make something engaging—just a clear goal and a bit of creativity.
Iterate, iterate, iterate. Getting feedback from friends and users helped me refine the game and make it more enjoyable.
I’ve got some ideas for adding leaderboards and timed challenges, but for now, I’m happy it’s bringing people a few minutes of joy and a little wildlife knowledge.
Reflecting on the Journey
What I’ve learned from these projects goes beyond coding. Here are a few key takeaways:
Start small: Every big project starts as a simple idea. Focus on launching something functional and improving it over time.
Solve real problems: Whether it’s finding a job in green tech or a place to work, people appreciate solutions to everyday challenges.
Keep it fun: Not everything has to be about productivity—sometimes, a little fun goes a long way.
Listen to users: Feedback is invaluable for refining your work and understanding what people actually need.
What’s Next?
Each of these projects is a work in progress. I’m exploring:
Advanced features for Nature Tech Jobs, like better filters and job alerts.
Expanding Coworking Space Hub to cover more areas of the UK.
Adding new game modes to Beat Darwin to keep it fresh.
If any of these projects catch your interest, check them out and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your feedback or collaborate with others working on similar ideas.
Got your own side projects? Share them—I’m always up for swapping ideas and learning from fellow creators.
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