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Taken from doodle DESIGN website.It’s important to be aware of design’s origins and history. As a subject, it was created in the 20th century with the foundation of its first schools, the Bauhaus as one of its biggest progressors in Germany. Due to its, evolvingly, crucial role, during conflicts in the 20th century, and uses for engineering, propaganda and communication, production of military uniforms, it started to be interpreted as more than just as an aesthetic thing but, also, as something useful. During World War I, a very memorable and timeless example, of design’s impact on social and political matters, is the “I want you for U.S. Army” poster used for recruiting soldiers at that time. Graphic design and illustration had a major impact on society in World War II as it was, once again, used to create posters and other materials to promote patriotism, demonize enemies and encourage enlistment and support for the war effort. During the conflicts of Russia, it, also, impacted the production of military uniforms since they were designed for functionality, durability and harsh weather conditions. Excuse me for the dark examples, but, if you see the news today, and compare it to history, you associate the similar patterns, used through time, as a very effective way of communication and awareness.“I want you for U.S. Army” poster by James Montgomery Flagg, 1917I hope that, by now, you have a slight understanding of how impactful and important design can be (it doesn’t save lives, I know, but it can create awareness to different social, political and economic matters). With this, you can understand how frustrating it can be when we hear something like “make it prettier”, as if it’s only about a superficial point of view. Design is not just about aesthetics, although they’re also important and contribute to the effectiveness of the design, it must be functional and transmit a message. In the design industry, you have many types of designers specialized in different areas like interior designers, communication designers, graphic designers, user experience designers, user interface designers, product designers, motion designers and many, many more. These roles are often confused and understood as “It’s the same thing! If you can do one, you can do it all” but that isn’t, necessarily, the reality of it.I can’t speak for all designers, but I want, with this article, to educate whoever reads this and has been, so far, reading, what the role of a designer is, in whatever they specialize on. To give my unique perspective, as a UX/UI Designer, here are the main responsibilities of a User Experience Designer and a User Interface Designer.A User Experience Designer is responsible for understanding the product and user’s needs, expectations and frustrations. How users interact with the product and how we can improve their experience ensuring durability of the product lifecycle, this according to team limitations, urgency and client’s wishes. Some of the tasks that a UX Designer is responsible for is user research (user interviews, surveys, create user personas, understand user needs, behaviors and pain points), information architecture (sitemaps, userflows, user journeys, lo-fi wireframes creating the overall structure of the product) and usability testing and interaction.A User Interface Designer, on the other hand, is responsible for defining the look and feel of the interface respecting brand guidelines and creating interface guidelines to maintain a coherent visual throughout the product. Their tasks are creating layouts, selecting color palettes, choosing the right icons and illustrations, designing interactive elements, usability testing and organizing design systems with the team.“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”Steve Jobs.To close this article, the creator of one of the biggest and highly acclaimed brands that we know, Steve Jobs, used a strong design philosophy that is the essence of the success of Apple and its products. The key aspect of his philosophy lies on his commitment to user experience, simplicity and creating beautiful and functional products. And this is why the knowledge and voice of a designer is so important on making decisions about how a product is going to work and behave.

My name is Pedro Camacho . I'm a software engineer with over two decades of experience and currently the co-founder and CEO of Nearsoft, a tech company specializing in developing and managing digital banking platforms across multiple countries. I've decided to share some key moments that contributed to Nearsoft's success. The first significant event occurred in 2013. I discovered the power of Linux Containers, using Docker, Inc , which transformed my approach to software development, particularly regarding maintenance, deployment, and architecture. Discovering Docker: A Game-Changing Eureka Moment Having seen Solomon Hykes first presentation of Docker, Inc at PyCon 2013, its potential blew me away. I immediately started following the GitHub project and began using Docker in every possibleapplication.  When I found Nearsoft in 2017, containerization became a fundamental part of our software development approach. Every software package was containerized from day one, and Docker, Inc played an integral role in our success and agility. Its ability to streamline deployment, testing, and scaling allowed us to build faster, adapt quickly to change, and consistently deliver high-quality software to our clients. The Docker Revolution: Transforming DevOps and Software Architecture The software development landscape has undergone significant transformations over the past decade, with DevOps practices rising to prominence and Docker emerging as a game-changer.Docker, an open-source platform for automating application deployment via containerization, has profoundly influenced the way we architect software. By offering lightweight, portable, and consistent environments for applications, Docker has revolutionized DevOps and reshaped modern software architecture. Let's explore how Docker has contributed to this transformation. The Evolution of DevOps Before delving into Docker's impact, it's essential to understand DevOps. DevOps is a set of practices that unify software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops), promoting collaboration and efficiency. It emphasizes automation, continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), and a culture of shared responsibility. However, achieving these goals can be challenging without the right tools. This is where Docker comes in. Docker: A Brief Overview Docker introduced the concept of containerization to the mainstream, allowing developers to package applications and their dependencies into standardized units called containers. These containers run consistently across various environments, reducing the "it works on my machine" problem. Docker containers are lightweight and fast to start, making them ideal for dynamic, scalable systems. Docker's Impact on DevOps 1. Consistency Across Environments Docker ensures that applications behave the same way across different environments. Whether it's a developer's laptop, a test environment, or a production server, containers deliver consistent performance. This removes environment-specific issues that frequently hinder development and deployment. 2. Simplified Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) Docker seamlessly integrates with CI/CD pipelines, enabling automated testing and deployment of applications. Developers can build, test, and ship code faster, reducing cycle times and increasing the frequency of releases. Automated testing inside containers also leads to higher-quality code. 3. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Alignment Docker aligns well with the IaC philosophy. With Docker Compose, developers can define multi-container applications as code, specifying services, networks, and volumes in simple configuration files. This approach ensures reproducibility and simplifies version control for infrastructure. 4. Microservices Architecture The rise of microservices architecture, where applications are built as a collection of loosely coupled services, has been accelerated by Docker. Containers offer isolation, scalability, and rapid deployment, all of which are crucial for microservices. Teams can deploy individual services independently and use orchestration tools like Kubernetes to manage them. 5. Resource Efficiency and Scalability Containers are lightweight compared to virtual machines, reducing resource consumption. Docker containers can be scaled horizontally, making them suitable for cloud-native applications. Organizations can optimize infrastructure costs while maintaining performance. 6. Security Improvements While containers present new security challenges, they also offer benefits. Docker provides isolation between applications, reducing the impact of a compromised component. Additionally, Docker's security features and best practices, such as image signing and scanning, help safeguard containerized applications. Conclusion The Docker, Inc revolution has fundamentally altered how software is developed, deployed, and managed. By providing a consistent and efficient environment for applications, Docker has become indispensable in DevOps practices. It empowers teams to innovate faster, deliver better software, and adapt to ever-evolving business needs. As organizations continue to embrace microservices, cloud computing, and CI/CD pipelines, Docker will remain at the forefront of this transformative journey, enabling the next generation of software architecture.

New Markets | Exploring Toronto with Nearsoft | Part #01 As the CEO of Nearsoft, a company at the forefront of technological innovation, I, Pedro Camacho, have always been inspired by visionaries who foresaw the potential of the digital era.During my recent two-week work in Toronto, Canada, I uncovered a historic gem - the building where Marshall McLuhan, "The Prophet of The Digital Age", hosted his legendary public sessions. This building was known as The University of Toronto's "Coach House Institute", renamed the "McLuhan Centre for Culture and Technology" in his honor in 2016. McLuhan Centre for Culture and Technology, Pedro Camacho April 2024, Toronto, Canada This experience offered me a profound connection to the roots of digital prophecy and McLuhan's enduring legacy.Marshall McLuhan, despite his innovative contributions to communication theory and remarkably accurate predictions about the digital age, faced certain resistance and skepticism within the academic community for several reasons.  McLuhan Centre for Culture and Technology, Pedro Camacho April 2024, Toronto, Canada Even without universal acceptance by all academics at the university, Marshall McLuhan did not let this hinder his pursuit of knowledge and innovation in the field of media theory.His resilience and dedication to exploring the intricacies of media's impact on society led him to hold open sessions at the Coach House Institute.This venue became a focal point for intellectual exchange, where McLuhan freely shared his groundbreaking ideas with both supporters and skeptics alike.The Coach House Institute sessions exemplify McLuhan's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional academic discourse and fostering an environment of open inquiry, irrespective of the prevailing academic skepticism of his time. Full recording of a Monday Night Seminar at Coach House Institute at Toronto University (1969/1972) His unconventional approach and sometimes enigmatic ideas contributed to this perception, inspiring me! "The more years I spend building and expanding globally Nearsoft, the more I believe that the great disruptors who find unique angles to approach complex problems are never consensual. They create friction with the status quo and invariably evoke exponential emotions in others."Pedro Camacho, April 2024 Some people fear change and make excuses not to appreciate it, while others understand and become loyal—your team, collaborators, and partners on the journey to success. McLuhan Centre for Culture and Technology, Pedro Camacho April 2024, Toronto, Canada Marshall McLuhan's work and insights hold a special place in the realm of technology and communication, offering profound reasons why technologists and the broader technology community should admire him. Here are some key reasons: Visionary Predictions McLuhan's predictions about the digital age and the internet, made long before these technologies became ubiquitous, demonstrate his exceptional foresight. His concept of the "global village" accurately foretold the interconnectedness of the world through electronic communication, a reality we live in today with the internet. Technologists can admire McLuhan for his ability to see beyond the immediate horizon of technological development and understand the broader implications for society. Understanding Media's Influence The phrase "the medium is the message" encapsulates McLuhan's belief that the technology or medium through which we communicate affects society not just by the content delivered but by changing how we interact with the world and with each other. This insight is invaluable for technologists, who create the platforms and mediums that define modern communication, reminding them to consider the broader impact of their creations on human interaction and societal structures. Interdisciplinary Approach  McLuhan's work crossed various fields, including literature, psychology, and sociology, to analyze and predict the effects of media on individuals and societies. This interdisciplinary approach is something that technologists and innovators can admire and emulate, as the most groundbreaking advancements often occur at the intersection of different fields. Emphasis on Participatory Media Long before the rise of social media, McLuhan envisioned a future where media would be participatory and users would not only consume content but also produce it. This prediction has come true in the digital age, where user-generated content dominates. Technologists can appreciate McLuhan's early recognition of this shift, which has profound implications for how technology platforms are designed and operated. Critical Perspective on Technological Determinism McLuhan's work offers a nuanced view of technological determinism, the idea that technology shapes society. His insights help technologists understand that while technology is a powerful force in societal change, how society adopts and adapts to technology is complex and multifaceted. This understanding is crucial for responsible innovation. Educational Influence McLuhan's teachings and writings have educated generations about the significance of media and technology in shaping human consciousness and societal structures. For technologists and educators alike, McLuhan's work continues to be a rich source of insights on the impact of media and technology on learning and cognition. Legacy of Innovation McLuhan's legacy is one of innovation in thought and perspective. He challenged prevailing views and encouraged a deeper examination of the role of technology in society. For technologists like my seft, admiring McLuhan means embracing a mindset that questions, innovates, and looks beyond the conventional, to understand not just how technology works, but how it changes us.In essence, Marshall McLuhan's work provides critical frameworks for understanding the implications of technological advancements, making him a figure of immense admiration for those involved in shaping the future of technology.ConclusionMy interest in scrutinizing Marshall McLuhan's thoughts is currently very high; I will delve deeper into his ideas and mainly into his multidisciplinary vision to understand many of the topics so relevant to our society today in the coming weeks.I will return shortly with more of my learnings about the city of Toronto, Canada, where NEARSOFT is expanding its network of projects and businesses.#GoNEARSOFT #Disruption #NearsoftNorthAmerica #DigitalBanking

Traditional digital signing processes, rooted in Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificates, often present a myriad of challenges for users, making them a cumbersome and frustrating experience. The complexity begins with issuing digital certificates, which requires users to navigate through a rigorous and sometimes opaque validation process by a Certificate Authority (CA). This not only introduces delays but also adds an unnecessary layer of complexity for individuals and organizations alike. Moreover, managing PKI certificates entails significant overheads, including the need for regular renewals and the risk of certificate revocation or expiration, further complicating the user experience. Additionally, the centralized nature of PKI systems introduces potential security vulnerabilities, as they rely on the integrity and security of the issuing authorities.This centralized model contrasts sharply with the decentralized, user-friendly, and inherently secure approach offered by blockchain technology in document signing and verification processes. By moving away from PKI certificates, e-seal eliminates these pain points, offering a seamless, efficient, and more secure experience for users, and revolutionizing the way we think about and handle digital document security.The innovative e-seal from NEARSOFT empowers both individuals and organizations to safeguard their documents against fraud, all at an exceptionally affordable rate per digital seal.As we are currently in the beta phase across various institutions, we're pleased to offer special pricing conditions to our next 100 clients.For more details, please download the brochure from the e-seal website and reach out to our sales team.

On the International Day of Girls in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), we recognize and celebrate the crucial role of women in the world of technology. The goal is to advocate for their interests and encourage young women to explore diverse areas of ICT, as well as build a professional career in this sector.We are aware that women are still underrepresented in the technology industry and face unique challenges. Therefore, it is essential that we continue to support young women on their journey into the world of technology, providing opportunities to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Only then can we build a more inclusive and equitable world where women can thrive in all areas.At Nearsoft, we are a technology company primarily focused on banking software development. We consistently invest in female talent as we believe it adds significant value, both to the company's growth and to society.Sara Tranquada (33 years old), Ana Alves (27 years old), and Maria Rodrigues (23 years old), Nearsoft collaborators in the Mobile, Back-End, and Design departments, respectively, share their testimonies as women interested and active in the world of ICT. Their purpose is to inspire younger generations and challenge preconceived ideas about working in the technology field.SARA TRANQUADA | 33 years | Mobile Developer at Nearsoft"Computer engineering was a course I never thought of pursuing, but now I can't imagine doing anything else. I was indecisive about which path to take after high school because everyone around me, especially my family, was engaged in occupations traditionally associated with their gender. I wanted to pursue an academic path related to technology, thinking it would provide a secure future. Surprisingly, after deciding to study Computer Engineering, I enjoyed it so much that I even pursued a master's degree.Today, an engineer is still perceived by the majority as a man. However, it hasn't always been this way. During World War II, women led as engineers, but the situation changed after the conflict. It is important, therefore, that we create initiatives to address gender bias in computer science and engineering. This was the inspiration for my doctoral thesis: 'Confronting the Number of Women in Computer Science and Engineering: Making Bias Visible.' Since then, I have earned a Ph.D. in Digital Media and am part of the Nearsoft team, where my skills are recognized in a healthy organizational environment.I found my place in the technological world, and I believe it is possible for more young women to become interested in this field. The path forward is to invest in the education of the younger generation, informing them of the importance of technology and encouraging them to explore ICT areas."ANA ALVES | 27 years | Back-end Developer at Nearsoft"Ten years ago, when asked about the course I would like to take and the career I aspired to, I never thought about Computer Engineering. 'It's a guy thing,' I often heard about engineering in general. Until someone suggested that option, and I, always wanting to challenge stereotypes since childhood, thought to myself, 'why not?'. I decided to challenge myself and venture into an unknown area. In the initial phase of the course, I faced reality: out of around 70 students, little more than 5 were girls. However, the low representation of women motivated me even more to continue, and today, I am satisfied with working on something that constantly challenges me. It is crucial that programming is taught as early as possible in schools, considering that we are moving towards an increasingly digital world. This could contribute to changing less positive perceptions regarding the role of women in information technology.Currently, I work on the backend/middleware team at Nearsoft, where I feel recognized and have never experienced any discrimination or devaluation of my work because of my gender. However, my reality is not the reality of all women. Some still face barriers to being hired or even recognized for their work, with the lingering notion that men are more qualified to work in the technology sector.To women who want to start in this field: don't be afraid or give up due to social stigmas associated with this area, predominantly occupied by men. If this is a world that somehow captivates you, take the risk. The important thing is that you enjoy learning since continuous learning is a fundamental value in the technology segment."MARIA RODRIGUES | 23 years | UI/UX Designer at Nearsoft"This path has always been of interest and curiosity to me; I have always liked design and all the areas it encompasses. During my undergraduate studies, I explored all areas of design as a form of communication. When I experienced user experience and interactive design, I was captivated by the multitude of product possibilities we could develop. I participated in projects with sensory interaction and developed digital platforms for various purposes through the design thinking process.As a woman, I always face inequalities and discrimination, but in my field, there are people of all genders in companies. I even feel that design is understood as art by the uninformed, making it a profession perceived as feminine, given that societal paradigms say that women have a greater aesthetic sense than men. In this sense, the need to combat some prejudices persists, both for women who see their skills reduced to the aesthetic field of design and for men who are not valued in the area.It is necessary to understand that design is not subjective (as something beautiful) but objective. It is a method of visual manipulation, so we have to go through a process of understanding who we are going to manipulate (geographical position, age, gender, social class, etc.) and the reaction we want them to have to the product we are creating. This is called Design Thinking (research, analysis, empathize, experiment, and test). There is a notion that design is only aesthetic, and we are often not included, as designers, in the functional decisions of the products we develop when our initial role is also to do this functional survey and analysis, the most important part of our work.At Nearsoft, I am part of the Design team, where I feel integrated and heard. My role in the company is to handle the user experience and hand off design documents to the programmers.To those interested in entering the technology field, I recommend investing in knowledge and research in the area; you have many options. The more familiar we are with the subject, the greater our chances of success."In this way, it is evident that Nearsoft is a company that values diversity in its teams and believes that the inclusion of individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, skills, and genders is essential for success in an increasingly competitive global market. The presence of four Nearsoft women at Web Summit 2018 is a clear example of our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in our teams and throughout the technology industry. The four women who were part of a diverse team proved to be a significant contribution to the success of the company's participation in Europe's most important technology event. Therefore, we stand out as an example, and with a sense of responsibility, Nearsoft, as a technology company, will continue to participate in efforts to raise awareness of the important role of women in the ICT world.

As the banking industry continues to evolve, we are seeing new trends emerge that will shape the future of finance in 2023 and beyond. At Nearsoft, we are always at the forefront of disruption, so we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 banking trends that we believe will transform the industry in the next year. Digital Transformation Goes Mainstream: With the pandemic accelerating the adoption of digital banking, we expect to see even more banks invest heavily in technology to offer a seamless digital experience to their customers. From mobile banking apps to chatbots and AI-driven services, banks will be looking to enhance their digital capabilities to meet the changing needs of their customers. Open Banking Takes Center Stage: Open banking has been gaining traction in recent years, and we believe 2023 will be the year when it becomes a mainstream banking trend. Open banking allows customers to share their financial data securely with third-party providers, enabling them to access innovative financial products and services that were previously unavailable. As more banks embrace open banking, we expect to see an explosion of fintech startups and innovative banking solutions in the market. Blockchain Technology Disrupts Traditional Banking: Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the banking industry, and we believe 2023 will be the year when we see more banks exploring its potential. Blockchain technology can enable secure, transparent, and faster transactions, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing costs. We expect to see banks adopting blockchain for everything from cross-border payments to trade finance and asset management. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Revolutionize Banking: AI and ML are already being used in the banking industry to provide personalized customer experiences and detect fraud. In 2023, we expect to see even more banks adopting AI and ML to enhance their operations, from customer service to risk management and compliance. The use of AI and ML will enable banks to automate routine tasks, make better decisions, and improve efficiency. Customer-Centric Banking Takes Center Stage: With increasing competition from fintech startups and non-bank players, traditional banks will need to focus more on providing exceptional customer experiences to retain their customers. In 2023, we expect to see banks investing more in customer-centric initiatives, such as personalized product offerings, omnichannel experiences, and loyalty programs. Banks that can successfully differentiate themselves through customer experience will be the ones that thrive in the coming years. At Nearsoft, we are a team of experienced technologists and innovators who are passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to transform businesses. We believe that our expertise can help banks navigate these trends and embrace the disruption that is reshaping the industry. For instance, we can help banks enhance their digital capabilities by developing cutting-edge mobile banking apps and chatbots powered by AI and ML. We can also help banks leverage open banking by developing secure APIs that enable seamless data sharing with third-party providers. Additionally, our expertise in blockchain can help banks explore the potential of this technology for cross-border payments, trade finance, and asset management. Furthermore, we can help banks leverage the power of AI and ML to automate routine tasks, detect fraud, and make better decisions. Our customer-centric approach to software development can also help banks create personalized product offerings and omnichannel experiences that delight their customers. Overall, Nearsoft is well-positioned to help banks embrace the disruptive trends that are shaping the industry in 2023 and beyond. Our track record of delivering innovative solutions for clients across various industries makes us the ideal partner for banks that are looking to differentiate themselves and stay ahead of the curve.