Working at Modality
Meet Niels
Niels: from user experience to Software Engineer Delphi
Since November 1st, Niels has been part of the Modality team as a Software Engineer Delphi. After more than 25 years at Ortec, where he gained extensive experience in both software development and user experience, he chose to refocus on the core of his profession: programming.
At Modality, he designs, develops and maintains new features, translating functional requirements into technical solutions in close collaboration with colleagues. His background in user experience helps him understand user needs and turn them into practical solutions.
In this interview, Niels shares the experience he brings to Modality, explains his decision to return to his core, and we get a glimpse of his adventurous side.
A broad foundation
Niels has a background in Computational Science, which revolves around performing complex calculations as efficiently as possible. One example is physics simulations and the optimisation of route calculations - a combination of mathematics, computer science and practical application.
Following his graduation, he joined Ortec. At the start of his career, he focused on a wide range of responsibilities: from developing software used globally to customer installations, support, training, and sales support. As the organisation expanded, the tasks became increasingly specialised, and that all-round role faded into the background. He now brings that broad foundation to his work at Modality.
Niels:
"For me, it is important that we constantly aim to improve all aspects of software development. This involves coding standards, for example, but also tools and processes to boost efficiency and enhance the quality of the final software."
In his element
As a Software Engineer, Niels seems to have rediscovered his ikigai: writing code. This is what gives him the most energy and keeps him fully absorbed.
Building new features that customers will soon use in practice is precisely what gives him satisfaction. It motivates him to do a good job - and to keep refining both the code and the surrounding processes.
This drive for continuous improvement is not limited to his own work. Niels enjoys thinking about ways to improve things and likes tackling issues with colleagues.
Reaching new heights
Niels’ rock-solid foundation is not only reflected in his professional life. While we have come to know him as ‘down-to-earth’, it turns out he also enjoys ‘reaching new heights’ in his spare time.
Whenever possible, he heads to Italy or Spain with his eldest daughter to tackle via ferratas. Secured to a steel cable, they climb rock routes and reach places few others do. Interestingly, Niels only took up this adventurous hobby relatively recently (about six years ago).
