Q1. Can you share a brief overview of your role at MMDC and your experience in web development?

Subeesh Thampi: I started my web development career around 2002. That was around the time Web 2 became more popular. Before the introduction of multiple screens and smartphones, there were only desktop and laptop screens. During that time, things like web animations and moving objects using Flash Animation became more prevalent, especially on e-learning sites. Particularly for kids, they would need animated text and animated objects, which were the projects I worked on when I started my career. During that time, there was a tool called Flash Animation. Another important note about that time is that there were no phone screens, so there wasn’t responsive web design. Developers only worked on one screen size. 

I’m glad that is when I started my career because I’ve seen how technology has changed and evolved since then, with things like smartphones and new screens. Fast-forward to 2009, when I started working with Mystic Media. My first project was creating website header animation for a client called Critter Repellent, and they are still a client. 

Q2. What sets MMDC apart regarding website development services compared to other agencies?

Subeesh Thampi: The first thing that sets us apart is the breadth of our experience. I started working at MMDC in 2009, but Jim Moore had been doing the work for years before then. So, we have that experience with technology from the ground up through our work, which is our strength in the development arena. We can keep our skills sharp by experiencing technological shifts and always learning.

Secondly, the MMDC team has grown a lot over the years. We now have more experts in web development and other fields like marketing, analytics, and more. So when a client chooses us, we have a complete solution for their business, like a one-stop shop.

Q3. Walk us through the typical process of working with a client on developing a website.

Subeesh Thampi: While I and the other development team members don’t have direct contact with our clients, the process usually starts during our weekly team meetings. Jim Moore provides background information about the client and the project, and then we can make recommendations based on the project brief. 

We discuss what strategy will work best; then, we get input or approval from the client. If needed, we also loop in our design team during the project process and ensure that the design they create is compatible with the tools we use to develop the website. 

Q4. Can you share a success story or memorable project you’ve worked on at MMDC?

Subeesh Thampi: My favorite project is the first one I worked on at MMDC for Critter Repellent. The current live site is the third iteration of the website, so it has evolved a bit. It was also an SEO project, and the site was on the first page of Google Search for the relevant keywords from 2019 till now. 

There have been many changes in that particular project. The technical needs changed, so we changed the platform, framework, and technology. It was initially Flash Animation, and that has changed. We’ve also changed to different CMS platforms to better meet the client's needs.

Q5. What are some common challenges you face during the website development process, and how do you overcome them?

Subeesh Thampi: A common challenge for us is known issues with our different technologies. For example, when people visit websites on their smartphones, the site has to adjust to the phone screen. Accounting for those challenges is essential to a successful project.

On the human side, the biggest challenge was usually from clients changing their minds during the project. They might initially think they want something a certain way, but by the end, they could have new ideas. Sometimes, this improves the final product but it does affect the timelines of completing the project which can be challenging. But we always communicate with the client and try to give them as much information as they need to help alleviate this. 

Q6. How does MMDC stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in web development to provide cutting-edge solutions to clients?

Subeesh Thampi: I follow a lot of experts on YouTube and other social media channels to stay up to date on trends in web development. I also read articles and blogs from the top technology writers, they share information on new technologies as well. Right now, I’ve been keeping updated on the latest updates regarding ChatGPT and other AI tools.

Q7. What advice would you give to businesses or individuals looking to invest in website development services?

Subeesh Thampi: It really does depend on the person and the project. For business owners whose website is essential to their business, I would definitely advise them to invest in it, either by learning the technology themselves or by investing in a partner who has the expertise. For companies like this, the more you invest in your website, the better the business will perform. 

Q8. Finally, what excited you the most about the future of web development at Mystic Media?

Subeesh Thampi: AI is definitely one of the main things that I’m excited about. As of now, we’re not even fully aware of the full capabilities of AI when it comes to web development. That’s what I’m looking forward to seeing. With the way AI is expanding now, things could be totally transformed in a few years.