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Developer
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Hi, I'm Ben Hicks, a Software Developer from Adelaide. I specialise in building fast, reliable systems for full-stack web applications and mobile apps.

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Tech Stack

About Me

Iā€™m a full-stack software developer with three years of experience delivering end-to-end web applications, from planning and architecture through to deployment and optimisation. My core expertise is in React, Next.js, TypeScript, and modern backend development with Node.js, Express, and MongoDB. I also work across mobile platforms with React Native and SwiftUI, and use Python for automation and data-driven features.

I build systems that emphasise clean code, performance, and practical problem-solving. My work ranges from e-commerce platforms with secure payments and CRM automation to internal dashboards, API-driven applications, and production-ready mobile apps. Iā€™m comfortable owning the full development lifecycle, integrating third-party services, and designing intuitive user experiences.

I enjoy creating software that is reliable, efficient and easy to maintain, and Iā€™m always refining my skills to deliver faster, more scalable solutions.

My Projects

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E-commerce Store for Subscriptions

Stack: Next.js ā€¢ TypeScript ā€¢ Stripe API ā€¢ Tailwind CSS ā€¢ MongoDB ā€¢ Redis

A full-stack e-commerce platform built with Next.js and TypeScript, featuring secure Stripe integration for subscription-based transactions.

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Mandarin Dictionary AI

Stack: Next.js ā€¢ TypeScript ā€¢ Tailwind CSS ā€¢ MongoDB

A custom Mandarin dictionary and learning tool featuring AI-powered handwriting recognition and real-time pronunciation analysis.

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Know Your Rep

Stack: Next.js ā€¢ TypeScript ā€¢ Tailwind CSS ā€¢ MongoDB ā€¢ TypeSense

A web application that allows users to find out more about their local representatives including their voting history, spending, investments, and speeches.

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Case Studies

A selection of engineering challenges I have successfully navigated. Each case study breaks down my process for analysing complex problems, architecting robust solutions, and delivering measurable improvements in automation and efficiency.

Client Onboarding Portal Automation

Process Automation
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Challenge

Manual client onboarding process requiring 1-2 hours per client via phone and email, for over 50 new clients monthly.

Impact: High staff burnout, client frustration from disruptive calls, and frequent data entry errors.
Duration: Recurring bottleneck affecting 3+ staff members daily
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Analysis

Key Findings:
  • Multiple phone calls and emails required per client
  • Information scattered across calls, emails, and manual forms
  • Clients frustrated by interruptions during business hours
  • Staff spending 120+ hours monthly on repetitive data collection
  • High error rate due to manual transcription and missed details
Root Cause: No self-service system for clients to submit onboarding information at their convenience
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Decision

Chosen Approach: Architected an automated client portal integrated with the ClickUp API, ensuring minimal training for staff already proficient with the tool.
Alternatives Considered: Hire additional staff vs code a completely custom dashboard for the portal vs improve manual process
Reasoning: A custom portal was the most scalable solution, shifting the data entry burden to clients and integrating seamlessly into the existing ClickUp workflow.
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Implementation

Solution: Developed a secure Next.js client portal featuring ClickUp API integration, MongoDB for data persistence, webhook-driven automation, and unique, secure URLs for each client.
Tools Used:
Next.jsClickUp APIMongoDBWebhooksRedisREST APITypescriptTailwind CSS
Timeline: Initial version developed and deployed, with ongoing iterative improvements based on staff and client feedback.
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Results

10 minutes
Time per Client
90% reduction (1.5 hours saved)
120 hours
Monthly Time Saved
Staff freed for strategic work
High
Client Satisfaction
Self-service convenience
Key Lessons:
  • Overcoming API documentation gaps requires patience and experimentation.
  • Continuous improvement should be driven by direct feedback from both clients and internal users.
  • Robust security measures are non-negotiable for client-facing portals.
  • Webhook-based automation is key to enabling seamless, real-time workflow integration.

Automated Hourly Reporting System

Process Automation
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Challenge

Daily requirement to submit hourly, strictly formatted compliance reports, consuming over 40 minutes of development time each day.

Impact: Constant disruption of deep work, reduced coding productivity, and high cognitive load from frequent context switching.
Duration: Daily requirement affecting development work over 12+ months
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Analysis

Key Findings:
  • Eight hourly reports plus end-of-day summary required daily
  • Strict formatting template with specific spacing and line breaks
  • Manual time calculations and overtime justification logic
  • Context switching disrupted complex problem-solving sessions
  • High risk of formatting errors affecting compliance
  • Significant mental overhead required to manually track and meet reporting deadlines.
Root Cause: Lack of an automated tool to handle a repetitive, time-sensitive, and strictly formatted compliance task.
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Decision

Chosen Approach: Developed a custom automation tool integrating with the Google Calendar API and leveraging an AI model for intelligent note formatting.
Alternatives Considered: Continue manual process vs use existing time tracking tools vs request policy change
Reasoning: A custom tool was the optimal solution to maintain 100% compliance while eliminating repetitive manual work and preserving development focus.
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Implementation

Solution: Engineered a Next.js application that fetches calendar data, applies a rule-based formatting engine, and processes unstructured notes into compliant report entries using an AI API.
Tools Used:
Next.jsGoogle Calendar APIAI APIClient-side LogicAutomated Text Processing
Timeline: Developed and deployed in a single evening, providing immediate and continuous daily value.
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Results

35+ minutes
Daily Time Saved
87% reduction per day
3+ hours
Weekly Efficiency
Freed for strategic work
100%
Compliance Accuracy
Zero formatting errors
Key Lessons:
  • Targeted automation can preserve deep work focus, significantly boosting technical productivity.
  • AI integration is highly effective for transforming unstructured user input into structured, professional output.
  • Well-designed automation can satisfy stringent compliance requirements while reducing cognitive load.
  • Demonstrating improved consistency and reliability can lead to positive management recognition.

Let's connect and explore opportunities

I'm actively seeking new opportunities and open to discussing roles, projects, or collaborations. Feel free to reach out!