Gravitywho? Gabriel Moon

In this series, I interview the award-winning team of creative geeks, thinkers and grafters, one by one.

 

Gabe, it's a pleasure. Where are you from and how long have you been at Gravitywell?

I was born and spent most of my early childhood on the Isle of Wight but after nearly 20 years in Somerset, I’ve been fully west-countryfied. Ooo Arr!

I’ve only been with Gravitywell for a month, but it’s been the best month of my career!

We'll take that sentence and pop it in a frame. What’s the best thing about working here (so far)?

The coffee machine at the office… Erm… I mean, working with people who are just as obsessed with tech as me! 

Agreed. The people are great but the coffee is 🤌 Who would be your dream client and what would you like to work on for them?

Boston Dynamics. I would love to work with them to create the first commercially available humanoid robot assistant. Is it worth risking AI & Robots taking over the world to get out of my turn doing the washing up? Totally.

So, how did you get into software development?

I dabbled as a youth with modding games and making Minecraft plugins, but my first proper taste of software development was when my friend Tor Webster asked me for advice on making an app he named "OURTOR".

The team Tor then hired to make the app withdrew from the project and Tor asked me "could you make the app?" I eagerly and slightly foolishly replied, "I have no idea how, but I’ll give it a go!"

And rest, as they say, is history. What’s your advice for someone wanting to get into development?

I’m a strong believer in self-learning. All of my tech skills have been self-taught, and there are so many free resources out there covering any subject.

All you need is willpower, passion and an internet connection!  

Fibre broadband FTW! What’s the worst thing about being a developer?

Forgetting that you are in a physical body that needs exercise and toilet breaks!

That is indeed an inconvenient reality. What’s your favourite piece of tech and why?

That's a hard one… despite the problems I’ve had with battery life I’d have to say my Apple Watch. It has allowed me to medicate a smartphone addiction by leaving the house without my phone while still remaining "on the grid" - having access to calls, texts, emails and even my bank cards. Plus, keeping track of my daily fitness and food/water intake has felt like a step into the future without the distractions of social media.

So, what would your Hackathon dream destination be..?

Japan: Samurais. Sushi. Need I say more?

*Blasts the 'Japanathon' klaxon* Lastly, what’s the best-kept secret in Bristol Glastonbury? 

Not living there I don’t know much about Bristol, but if you are ever in Glastonbury you may enjoy a night out at the most laid-back pub in the southwest, The King Arthur! If the bartender — who is definitely drunker than you are — can hear your order over the delightfully loud drum and bass, that is!

Many thanks to Gabriel for being interviewed.

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