This article is the entry for day 19 in the KINTO Technologies Advent Calendar 2024 🎅🎄

This is Nakanishi from Manabi-no-Michi-no-Eki (Learning Roadside Station) team. This year, the Learning Roadside Station Project was officially launched and later established as a team. We are also running an in-house podcast and we're excited to share some of its episodes in this year's Advent Calendar.

What is the Learning Roadside Station?

The Learning Roadside Station project was launched to enhance accessibility to the study group sessions frequently held within the company, with the goal of making them more accessible and effective. The initiative aims to support the organization of study group sessions led by enthusiastic employees and promote in-house knowledge sharing.

Report on Participation in WWDC

The KTC Learning Roadside Station podcast features interviews with team members organizing study group sessions in the company. These interviews are titled "A Peek into the Study Session Next Door". Today, we’re changing things up a bit and interviewing Nakano-san, who recently attended WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) in person in the hopes to share with everyone insights and inspirations that Nakano-san brought back from attending the event in person.

Interview

Akeda-san: Today we are joined by Nakano-san, who attended WWDC in person. Thank you for joining us.

Nakano-san: Thank you for joining us.

Akeda-san: First, could you please introduce yourself and tell us about the kind of work you usually do?

Nakano-san: I am the product manager for the "KINTO Kantan Moushikomi App" (from now on, The App) in the Mobile App Development Group. In my work, I develop The App and synchronize it with new vehicle data from KINTO ONE on the web side. Since this requires regular updates, I participate in weekly meetings to stay informed. In addition to my work, I often serve as an MC for events within KTC.

Akeda-san: Thank you. I have the impression that he is well-known within the company. Could you tell us what motivated you to attend WWDC?

Nakano-san: Since The App is a mobile application, it must go through App Store review before release. Anyone with an Apple Developer Program–linked account can apply to attend WWDC. At our team we were told that it's open to anyone who wants to apply. I was an iOS engineer at my previous position here and had a developer account back then too, but unfortunately, I wasn’t selected at the time. This time, however, I was fortunate to be chosen and was able to attend.

Akeda-san: Was it difficult to secure the funding to attend?

Nakano-san: Well, actually, after I found out I was selected, I consulted with my manager about what to do. In the end, I took the matter to our CEO Kotera-san, prepared some materials, submitted them, and received approval. I guess it is because I was lucky that the company encourages employees to attend events.

Akeda-san: Could you share any episodes during your time at WWDC that you haven’t mentioned elsewhere?

Nakano-san: WWDC was held at Apple Park, where Californian plants filled the courtyard. There were also fruit trees, and employees were told not to pick them. The developer relations staff shared some fun trivia. It was fun. For example, the staff told me how long it would take to walk around the inner and outer perimeter.

Akeda-san: Did you learn anything from communicating with engineers and tech developers?

Nakano-san: Yes, I had the opportunity to interact with engineers and share what apps we were each developing. There were many people creating apps on their own, and many who weren't software engineers by profession but were developing apps as a hobby. Many people said that coming to Apple Park boosted their motivation.

Akeda-san: Did attending WWDC help you with app development or your work in any way?

Nakano-san: I had the opportunity to receive direct advice on app development and on several challenges I was facing. As a result, I am moving forward with improvements to The App's UI and UX. The next release will reflect the advice I received.

Akeda-san: Can someone who is not confident in English still participate in WWDC?

Nakano-san: I don't think it's a problem at all. It's better to be able to speak English, but I think you can get by with just the flow. Since I took an Uber to my destination and could easily specify the location through it, I had no difficulties. Knowing English definitely helps, but if you have the willingness to participate, you'll be fine.

Akeda-san: Finally, could you say a few words to everyone listening to this interview?

Nakano-san: I hope you will have the opportunity to attend WWDC and bring new ideas to KTC. To make KTC even better, I encourage everyone to take on the challenge. Determination leads to success.

Akeda-san: Thank you very much. That's all for the interview with Nakano-san.