Innovation


By 2028, Queensland will advance digital transformation with digital IDs, cybersecurity, and inclusive services. Key goals include addressing diverse demographic needs, leveraging emerging technologies, and enhancing service delivery. Challenges involve managing legacy systems, data sovereignty, and attracting talent. Queensland's proactive approach aims to lead in digital innovation and set a high standard for government efficiency and engagement.


Codebots’ new reports and analytics module offers customizable dashboards, a query builder for complex SQL queries, and integration with any relational database. It enables users to create, save, and export reports in PDF format, democratizing data access and enhancing reporting features. Suitable for both beginners and experienced users, the app transforms data into actionable insights with user-friendly and advanced querying options


This article explores challenges with legacy systems based on stakeholder feedback, highlighting five main themes: system performance and integration issues, data management problems, inflexibility and the need for modernization, poor user experience, and policy/budget constraints. While the feedback points to significant hurdles, it emphasizes that modernization efforts must balance current constraints and operational needs. WorkingMouse suggests a strategic, incremental approach to modernizing core systems, starting with improvements in satellite systems and addressing fundamental issues to enhance overall efficiency and reduce risks.


In 2024, the Software Readiness Level (SRL) model refines NASA’s TRL and Steve Blank’s IRL, offering a tailored 12-step framework for app development. SRL covers key stages from business model creation and market validation to technical development, testing, and commercialization. It also includes advanced considerations like AI integration, enhanced cybersecurity, and compliance with data privacy regulations. This model ensures software projects stay aligned with modern standards, enabling smoother development and faster market readiness.


In 2024, successful innovation requires organisations to target early adopters and align technologies like AI, IoT, and XR with their strategic goals. The five-step business model innovation process—understanding the current model, assessing performance, recognising disruptions, addressing resistance, and implementing changes—guides companies toward sustainable growth. Combining traditional methods, such as acquisitions and innovation labs, with modern collaborative ecosystems involving internal and external innovators fosters a culture of continuous innovation. This approach ensures businesses stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.


In 2024, protecting Intellectual Property (IP) is essential for businesses seeking a competitive edge. Key registrable IP rights in Australia include trademarks and patents, crucial for safeguarding branding and inventions, especially in tech-driven projects. Non-registrable rights like copyright, trade secrets, and confidential information also play a critical role, particularly in software development. Businesses must carefully manage IP ownership, monitor potential infringements, and ensure robust agreements with contractors. Staying informed about evolving IP laws and using modern tools to protect IP assets are essential strategies for corporate innovators in the digital era.


Digitising business processes into workflows helps businesses achieve consistency, reduce risk, and scale more efficiently. Workflows transform manual tasks into automated sequences, improving service quality and reducing costs. Key benefits include increased efficiency, the potential to monetise unique business processes through SaaS, and reducing reliance on key personnel. By defining and customising workflows to match business-specific processes, companies can modernise operations and unlock new revenue streams, as seen in examples like Aptus’ digital transformation.


Digitisation is the process of converting physical information into a digital format, while digitalisation leverages digitisation to improve business processes. Digital transformation is the impact of digitalisation, driving enhanced business competitiveness. With the Australian government investing heavily in the digital economy through initiatives like quantum computing, AI, and the Digital ID System, now is the ideal time for businesses to embrace digital transformation to stay competitive and avoid being left behind by more innovative rivals.


Continuous modernisation is essential for organisations to thrive in today’s digital landscape, as digital transformation is an ongoing process, not a one-time project. Shifting from a project-based approach to a product-focused mindset allows for constant assessment and improvement, ensuring businesses stay competitive. By combining software rewrites, cloud migrations, and strategic updates, while prioritising security and compliance, organisations can efficiently modernise and remain resilient in a rapidly evolving marketplace.


Working in a startup offers diverse experiences, giving you the chance to explore roles beyond your formal training and innovate freely without rigid processes. You’ll work closely with entrepreneurs, learn how to be self-sufficient, and make a noticeable impact on the company’s success, all within a vibrant and collaborative work environment. Startups also offer merit-based opportunities where age isn’t a barrier, helping you grow faster in your career compared to traditional corporate roles.


As of 2024, businesses still using AngularJS, which reached end-of-life in 2021, face significant risks including security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and limited developer support. To modernise, consider migrating to the latest version of Angular for smoother updates or switching to popular frameworks like React, Vue, Svelte, or Solid.js. This migration phase also offers a chance to evaluate your application’s performance and user experience. While it’s not too late to modernise, delaying further will increase risks as web technologies continue to advance.


As of 2024, WorkingMouse’s TrackerBot has received major updates, building on the foundation laid in 2023. TrackerBot, designed for the Australian Department of Defence, marks a significant leap forward in modernising Material Procurement Systems (MPS), offering enhanced flexibility, scalability, and control. The new system features innovative models such as the Entity, UI, and Meta models, all integrated with Codebots and built on a cutting-edge tech stack, aligning with the government’s push to phase out legacy systems. With its future-proof architecture and user-centric design, TrackerBot is set to revolutionise the way procurement is managed, improving efficiency and reducing costs for years to come.


In 2024, AI continues to drive innovation across industries by enhancing data analysis, automating processes, and improving customer experiences. Companies like Google and start-ups like X.ai are using AI to boost creativity, security, and efficiency in business. AI-driven consumer products like Amazon Echo also play a significant role in shaping daily life. As AI becomes more integrated into business and technology, its potential grows, but ethical considerations and safeguards are critical for its responsible use. WorkingMouse leverages AI to modernise legacy systems and improve project outcomes across sectors.


Bimodal IT, which separates development into two modes—Mode 1 for stability and predictability, and Mode 2 for agility and innovation—remains essential in 2024 for balancing legacy systems with modern advancements. Mode 1 focuses on reliable, structured processes, while Mode 2 emphasises exploration and rapid development. At WorkingMouse, we leverage the bimodal model to ensure stability for customers while driving innovation through agile projects. Integrating both modes collaboratively helps organisations adapt quickly to market demands while maintaining operational stability.


In 2024, AI is reshaping the job market by automating routine tasks and creating new roles in AI management, data science, and cybersecurity. Rather than replacing jobs outright, AI is transforming them, leading to the rise of “augmented intelligence” where humans collaborate with AI to boost productivity. Upskilling has become essential, as more roles focus on creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking, which AI cannot yet replicate. While concerns about job displacement persist, AI is also opening opportunities for human ingenuity and innovation across industries.


Owning your software’s intellectual property (IP) is crucial for full control over its use and distribution. Copyright law ensures that, unless explicitly stated in a contract, developers or companies retain ownership of the software they create. By securing IP through employment and service agreements, you gain exclusive rights to make copies, publish, adapt, and commercially license your software. Without this, you risk losing control over your product, limiting its potential revenue or resale opportunities.


Technology Readiness Level (TRL), initially developed by NASA, is hardware-focused and assesses technological maturity across nine stages, making it less applicable to software development. Investment Readiness Level (IRL), designed by Steve Blank, helps startups gauge market fit and business viability but can be too broad for specific cases like app development. Both models provide valuable frameworks but require adaptation for fields like software and co-creation. In 2024, as technology evolves, more domain-specific models are needed to guide development and investment decisions effectively.


This June, we attended TDC at Brisbane Powerhouse for an inspiring 3 days. The conference featured creative professionals sharing their journeys, with a standout didjeridu performance by Tommy of the Jagera people. The theme of AI in design emerged prominently, with discussions on AI as a collaborator and the responsibility of designers to shape the future. Key takeaways include AI's role in enhancing productivity and vulnerability, and the impact of consumer choices on corporate responsibility. Stay tuned for part 2 for more reflections!


WorkingMouse is rolling out its strategy for the 21/22 financial year, focusing on four key pillars: improving customer experience, enhancing continuous improvement, automating technology processes, and advancing career progression. Key initiatives include automating DevOps processes to streamline support and release cycles, increasing internal career growth opportunities, and simplifying customer interactions by reducing the number of contacts. The strategy aims to foster growth for both employees and clients, leveraging lessons from the previous year to refine their approach and deliver better results.


As we closed out the financial year, we took the chance to reflect and strategize for 2020-21. Our company-wide strategy day, led by CEO Matt Francis, highlighted our renewed focus. Our vision is to foster creativity and mastery to deliver valuable products, and our mission is to broaden our horizons through continuous improvement and client value. We have four main goals: 1) Ensure consistent quality throughout project phases, 2) Expand delivery capacity and customer reach, 3) Deliver and measure the value of our software, and 4) Prioritize people in our software development. These goals will guide our efforts as we continue to improve and grow.


InspectRealEstate teamed up with WorkingMouse to update its ROL Rentals platform with a new UX/UI. WorkingMouse delivered a design system, high-fidelity prototypes, and a database schema to modernize the product and guide future updates. InspectRealEstate is now set to implement these changes with their internal team.


Industries are increasingly ripe for digital transformation. For example, ride-sharing apps have revolutionized transport, real estate is moving towards more digital tools, and HR is benefiting from enhanced application processes. Healthcare, though slow, has huge potential for digital advancements. Overcoming barriers like legacy systems and skills gaps is key. WorkingMouse can help with these transformations.


The "Plan Like a General" workshop by The Disruption Group introduced the Military Planning Process (MPP) for strategic planning. Key takeaways included Boyd's OODA Loop for staying ahead of competition, Wargaming to test plans, and combating cognitive biases. The workshop emphasized quick, focused planning and spending 70% of time framing the problem, which was a significant insight. Facilitator Timothy Keeffe provided practical strategies for enhancing organizational innovation.


Onsider is a B2B platform connecting specialized independent contractors with civil construction companies in Australia and New Zealand. Founded by an experienced civil engineer, the platform allows companies to easily find and hire skilled contractors for flexible contracts, while offering engineers the freedom to work freelance and receive timely payments. WorkingMouse developed a mobile-responsive web app with user-friendly features for both contractors and employers. Future plans include enhanced features, a ChatBot, and a native mobile app.


Tool Protect, founded by Gayle, a health professional, and her police officer husband, addresses tool theft issues with a new app. Despite initial challenges, the app quickly gained traction, earning media attention and nearly 2,000 subscriptions in its first month. WorkingMouse helped develop the app with a user-friendly design and efficient workflow. Moving forward, Tool Protect plans to monetize through subscriptions and commercial partnerships, aiming for a national rollout.


The Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) revamped their outdated website and created a new platform for promoting local food and produce, partnering with WorkingMouse. By using user personas and the Codebots Resource Behaviour, they developed a responsive, filterable website and a dynamic platform for local vendors. The CHDC site went live in 4 weeks, and the new platform in 2 weeks. CHDC aims for continuous modernization and plans to use the platform’s success to potentially license it to other regions.


SuzanneStays is a real estate platform dedicated to providing truly accessible accommodation for everyone. Co-founded by Michael, Suzanne, and Paul, the platform emerged from Suzanne’s personal journey with motor neurone disease (MND/ALS) and their realization of the gap in accessible vacation options. Developed with a focus on user-friendliness and accessibility, SuzanneStays features a holiday-building wizard, detailed property accessibility descriptions, and a two-sided portal for users and property owners. Launching on March 28, the platform aims to expand its property base and features to meet growing demand.


At WorkingMouse, Eban is the creative visionary, bringing cutting-edge design and style to the team with over 20 years in IT and a knack for making products look amazing. Matty, the tech guru, turns Eban's ideas into functional reality with his coding expertise and leadership in tech innovation. Dave, the hustler, ensures that these ideas meet market needs and are commercially viable, leveraging his sales and tech experience. Together, they form a dynamic trio, focused on delivering innovative, high-quality products and developing an advanced software platform.


Involving end users early in the development process is crucial for creating effective software. Many developers miss this step, assuming they know best, which often leads to costly redevelopment and abandoned projects. Engaging users through agile and lean methods helps identify issues sooner and reduce rework. Agile emphasizes ongoing user feedback, while lean focuses on efficiency and simplicity. By integrating user input from the start and adapting plans as needed, you can avoid common pitfalls and deliver better results. At WorkingMouse, we use iterative sprints to build and refine our products based on real user needs.


Before diving into Agile methodologies, it's essential to understand traditional organizational models like the waterfall model, where decision-making is top-down and linear. Agile emerged as a response to these rigid structures, emphasizing flexibility and iterative processes. Originating from the 2001 Agile Manifesto and concepts like Scrum, Agile focuses on continuous user feedback and collaboration. It aligns closely with Lean principles, which prioritize simplicity and incremental improvement. Both Agile and Lean advocate for adaptability and user-centered design, offering a more dynamic approach compared to traditional methods.

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