From curiosity to capability: lessons from Notitia developer Livia Gu
TL;DR: Confidence in technology is not about certainty. It comes from solving problems, learning through experience and being willing to figure things out as you go.
For Livia Gu, Notitia Senior Web Developer confidence in technology is not something you start with, it is something you build.
“Confidence in technology is not about knowing everything, it's about being willing to make mistakes, learn, and then solve the problems anyway," Livia says.
Livia recently explored this idea in a thought leadership article published by TechDay Australia, reflecting on her unconventional path into web development and how her mindset has evolved.
She says that in digital and data projects, technical capability matters, but the ability to approach problems, adapt and keep learning is what drives long-term impact.
From photographer to developer: a non-traditional path into tech
Livia’s entry into web development didn’t begin with formal training or a traditional computer science background. It started with a practical problem.
While running her photography business, she decided to build her own website from scratch, not using templates, but learning as she went.
“I was Googling, watching YouTube, figuring it out bit by bit. During the process, I realised I was enjoying it too much," she said.
“I liked bumping into problems and solving them. That really triggered my interest.”
What began as curiosity quickly turned into a career pivot, moving from self-taught coding into formal training and then into a full-time development role.
What building confidence in tech really means
Early in her career, Livia says she held back unless she was completely certain. Over time, that mindset shifted.
“At the start, I didn't want to speak up unless I was 100 per cent sure. But over time, I've realised that waiting was holding me back," she said.
“No one knows everything, we're all facing uncertainty and it's okay to make a mistake. You own it. You fix it. Then you move on.”
In development environments, where problems are often new and undefined, this mindset is critical.
It allows teams to move forward, test ideas and solve problems in real time, rather than waiting for perfect answers that don’t exist.
The shift from coding to ownership
One of the biggest transitions in Livia’s career came when she moved from junior developer tasks into full project ownership. Her role expanded beyond writing code to include scoping, estimation, client communication and delivery.
“When starting out as a junior web developer, I was given requirements and told what to build. But now I can be handed a whole project and can figure out what it needs," Livia said.
“I realised that development is not just sitting in a dark room doing your magic. You have to think about the whole project.”
Ownership introduces a broader responsibility, not just delivering functionality, but ensuring the solution actually works for the client and their environment.
Why strong developers think architecturally
As Livia’s experience grew, so did her approach to problem-solving. Earlier in her career, she would jump straight into implementation. Now, she takes a step back first.
“I'll sit back first. Draw out the problem. I look at the bigger picture.”
This architectural thinking is what separates early-stage development from more mature technical delivery.
Instead of focusing only on code, the focus shifts to:
- What problem is being solved
- How systems connect
- What the long-term impact of decisions will be
This leads to more stable, scalable and maintainable solutions.
What a full-stack developer actually does
Behind the scenes, full-stack development involves far more than front-end interfaces.
Livia’s work spans:
- Front-end and back-end development
- API integration
- Security implementation
- Data-driven web applications
Clients often don’t see this complexity until they experience it.
“One common 'aha' moment is when clients see how seamlessly complex APIs can integrate into their systems," Livia says.
This is where technical work connects directly to business value — turning complexity into something usable, reliable and effective.
How diverse experience shapes better developers
Livia’s background across finance, telecommunications, hospitality and photography plays a significant role in how she approaches development.
Each experience contributes a different way of thinking:
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Creative thinking and perspective
- Understanding user needs
This combination allows her to approach problems from multiple angles — not just technically, but practically.
Why solving real problems is what matters
At the core of Livia’s work is a simple principle: Technology only matters if it solves a real problem.
“The biggest motivation is being able to create something that fills a gap and solves someone's needs," Livia says.
This is what drives meaningful development, not just building features, but creating something that works in the real world.
How Notitia supports development that works in practice
At Notitia, developers like Livia work across projects that combine data, digital products and human-centred design.
These projects often involve:
- Building custom web applications
- Integrating data platforms
- Designing secure, scalable systems
- Supporting real-world operational workflows
Across industries including healthcare, government and FMCG, the goal remains consistent: Deliver digital solutions that people actually use.
That requires more than technical capability, it requires curiosity, adaptability and a focus on solving the right problems.
Read more about Livia here or visit Notitia's team page to find out more about our people.
FAQs about becoming a web developer
What skills do you need to become a web developer?
Strong problem-solving, curiosity and persistence are key. Technical skills can be learned, but mindset and willingness to learn are what drive long-term success.
Do you need a computer science degree to become a developer?
No. Many developers, like Livia Gu, enter the field through non-traditional pathways, including self-learning and bootcamps.
What does a full-stack developer do?
A full-stack developer works across both front-end and back-end systems, building, integrating and maintaining complete web applications.
How do developers build confidence in tech?
Confidence comes from solving problems, learning from mistakes and continuing to improve — not from knowing everything upfront.
