Meet Orla Conlon, Front End Web Developer at Aró Tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be working as a front-end developer at Aró. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, I studied database systems and software development. During that time, I quickly realised I was far more drawn to the creative side of software, particularly design and front-end development. I’ve always had a strong interest in both design and technology, and front-end development turned out to be the perfect way to bring those passions together. An internship opportunity at Aró gave me the start I needed to progress my career in front-end development, allowing me to apply my skills in a real-world environment, learn from experienced developers, and grow into the professional role I hold today. What are your primary responsibilities in the web team? My role at Aró mainly involves translating beautiful designs into interactive components with a focus on conversion. Creating engaging transitions and animations while also optimising websites for speed, usability, and accessibility standards so all users have a seamless experience. Working closely with designers and the project manager to bring projects together seamlessly. I also provide support to the sales team when pricing new jobs, and assist in any way I can. Is the way Aró creates hotel websites different from other agencies? We don't just design and build websites based on trends or client requests, we take a much more performance-driven approach, especially tailored to the hospitality industry. We focus on direct bookings where every design choice, layout, and call-to-action is made with conversion in mind, making sure the site doesn’t just look beautiful, but actively drives revenue for the hotel. What’s the most difficult part of your role? The most difficult part of my role is finding the right balance between creativity and technical constraints. On one hand, I want to create engaging animations and smooth interactions while also on the other hand, I need to ensure everything remains accessible and optimised for speed and performance. It can be challenging taking a creative concept and figuring out the best way to bring it to life without compromising usability or performance. What are the common misconceptions you come across when talking to hoteliers about their website? One common misconception is that a beautiful website alone is enough. Many hoteliers think if the site looks polished, it will automatically deliver results. In reality, a hotel website has to be much more than attractive, it needs to be designed to convert, with clear booking paths, strong calls-to-action, and optimised performance. I also often see people underestimate the importance of ongoing updates. A website isn’t something you just launch and leave, it needs continuous improvements, whether that’s optimising speed, or adapting the design and functionality based on user data. What’s your view on AI, and do you think a robot could do your job? I think AI is a really exciting, it can speed up so many areas of my role, it is a great source for code snippets and support in terms of problem solving. But I don’t think a robot could fully do my job, front-end development isn’t just about writing code, it’s about understanding the client’s brand, the hotel’s story, and the kind of experience they want their guests to have. And finally, how do you relax away from work? Away from work, I really value anything that lets me switch off from screens. I enjoy going for walks in the woods, getting some fresh air, and clearing my head. I also love my weekly pilates sessions, which helps me stay active while focusing on balance, strength, and mindfulness. Author: Richard Blowes