I'm Refael Ben Zikri, a developer, designer, and technology writer based in Israel.
My background sits somewhere between software engineering and visual communication. I work with technologies such as React, Next.js, Node.js, TypeScript, and MongoDB, while also bringing a strong background in UI/UX and visual design.
What I enjoy most about development isn't simply writing code — it's understanding how things should work. I like designing data structures, thinking about application architecture, and figuring out how complex ideas can be turned into simple, intuitive products.
My design background strongly influences the way I approach development. I care about visual hierarchy, typography, interaction, and the overall experience just as much as I care about the underlying technical structure.
I'm especially interested in the space where engineering, product thinking, architecture, and design overlap. That's where I believe I can create the most value.
Experience
- 2023 — Present
Full Stack Developer
Wedev Technologies
Building and maintaining Shopify e-commerce experiences across the frontend and backend, and creating internal tooling — including a Chrome extension that streamlines Shopify Dev Dashboard workflows.
- 2021 — Present
Technology Writer & Editor
Major News Website
Covering smartphones, leaks, and emerging technology — researching complex subjects and communicating them clearly to a broad audience.
- 2019 — 2022
Frontend & UI/UX
Freelance & Independent Projects
Designing and building component-based interfaces and full-stack products (Mentalica, Logym, Pulse) with a focus on architecture, design systems, and user experience.
- Studies
Computer Science & Visual Communications
The Open University of Israel
A combination of design and technology that defines my professional profile.