At its core, software development is creative work that involves heaps of problem-solving. To keep their wits sharp, many of our Rocket Scientists have other interesting hobbies, projects and aspirations that support their everyday work as coders.

We asked our diligent worker ants to tell us about their favourite pastimes. This list is your opportunity to dive deeper into the minds of our top experts and maybe even discover your next creative outlet!

#1 Coding competitions

Johannes Laire, Rocket Scientist #63, is into coding competitions, where the point is to solve different algorithmic problems as quickly as possible. Johannes began coding competitively in middle school, to challenge his growing intellect.

“I like solving problems. Competitive coding involves exact prompts that award a set number of points. Sure, it has nothing in common with my day-to-day work, but it has helped me develop my problem-solving skills.”

For more information about coding competitively, see this website: codeforces.com

#2 Publishing a debut novel

Jussi Pakkanen, Rocket Scientist #16, released his debut novel, ISO-askel ihmiskunnalle (ISO-lated in Space) at the start of 2023.

*We asked Jussi how many ISO standard jokes he’s heard so far: “I could’ve done with less.”*

“My book is about how humanity has been invited to join an intergalactic civilization, but then they end up losing their travel instructions and messing up the construction of the spaceship necessary for the trip,” Jussi says.

Jussi also coded the open-source layout application he used to create his book. To download the application, visit the project’s GitHub page. And that’s not all: Jussi has also created one special handbound hardcover copy of the book in suede!

#3 A price comparison app for luxury cruises

*Jarno is the man behind a mobile app that monitors luxury cruise prices.*

How does Jarno Laine, one of Rakettitiede’s founders, find the best prices for the Caribbean cruises he loves so much? By using his personal price comparison app for luxury cruises, which he coded himself about six years ago.

“Cruises tend to fluctuate heavily in price, especially compared to flights. If you want to find the best time to buy, you need to be on the ball on a nearly hourly basis. I’ve only used it personally so far, but I am thinking about making it available to other cruise enthusiasts at some point,” Jarno says.

#4 Collecting and fixing up old computers

“I collect computers that were made between the end of the 70s to the start of the 90s. Unsurprisingly, they’re usually busted, dirty and broken,” says Jari “Jartza” Tulilahti, Rocket Scientist #1. But, as a resourceful enthusiast, he’s more than up to the task of fixing them for his private collection.

*Jartza’s collection of vintage computers includes around 70 computers from three different decades.*

His computers aren’t just for display, either. “I like to play and code on them from time to time. For example, I once participated in a project where we created a modern development environment for writing Pascal-like code that runs well on these old machines,” he explains.

Check this video from the Finnish Museum of Games (3 min 35 s) where Jartza talks about repairing an old Commodore VIC-20. And if you’re interested in diving even deeper into the world of computer repair, we heartily recommend checking Jartza’s blog.

#5 Designing and building electronics

Our Rocket Ship is full of enthusiasts who like to design and build electronics. In addition to renovating vintage computers, Jartza’s other interests include designing and building PCBs and various home automation solutions. His motto is that if something breaks, you have to try fixing it before buying something new.

“When it comes to modern devices and appliances, I’ve fixed a lot of TVs, two PS4s, an Xbox, one coffee maker, a dishwasher, as well as a HiFi receiver, just to name a few.”

Juhana Leiwo, Rocket Scientist #24, also design and builds his own electronics: “I’ve built various gadgets, robotics tools, and home automation solutions, and even a few musical instruments.”

However, Juhana thinks that he isn’t quite at the level where he could design his own PCBs. Mayhaps Jartza has found a worthy apprentice?

#6 A virtual platform for card games

Niclas Lindgren, Rocket Scientist #65, is the developer behind Trigger Arena, a virtual platform for dealing random cards.

“It requires one host machine that acts as a virtual gaming table. The host can share their table’s ID to other people who want to join the game. All you need is a phone with a camera, and then everyone can play together remotely,” Nicce explains.

Next time someone in your gaming group tries to postpone your game night with a flimsy excuse, this is your trump card. Nicce is reportedly also working on an update to the platform.

#7 All sorts of art

The people behind Rakettitiede certainly are a creative bunch. Recruiter extraordinaire Tessi Reispakka is into ballet and knitting, while Tessi’s colleague Karri Kallela feels most at home behind an easel.

Rakettitiede’s top coordinator Mira Mondragon acts in plays to unwind, while marketing guru Elina Turunen is a voracious bookworm.

*As the saying goes, “reading is fundamental”, and many Rocket Scientists would agree.*

“I listen to one book per week, and I also like to read a few on the side. Literature is the perfect escape from my daily life: you can spend one moment hunting for a great white whale on the Pequod, then another in the trenches of a civil war before finishing your day by peeking into the secret diaries of historical leaders. Reading also supports my professional development as a writer,” Elina says.

#8 Painting and writing

*Serenity is the name of the game in this lakeside painting by Tuomas.*

In addition to the office crew, Tuomas Terho, Rocket Scientist #34, enjoys fine art and especially the act of creating it. While he is a completely self-taught painter, he has received a lot of great tips from professional artists. “My paintings are nature-themed, and I primarily paint with acrylics,” Tuomas explains.

Tuomas’ latest hobby is writing, but he refused to reveal any details about his book – so don’t ask!

#9 A CalendarKit library

Richard Topchii, Rocket Scientist #47, is an iOS development wizard both on and off the Rocket Ship. He’s the creator of the CalendarKit library that other developers can use to create their calendar apps.

“The library’s UI components have been used – and are still being used – to customise various calendar apps, such as those used at schools and universities,” Richard says.

And we’re not talking about any run-of-the-mill library, either: it has received over 2,200 stars on GitHub.

We also recommend checking Richard’s Youtube channel for more iOS development tips.

#10 Painting board game miniatures

Collecting and playing board games is a beloved hobby of Edvard “Ed” Majakari, Rocket Scientist #20. In addition to playing board games, he likes to paint the miniatures that come with them.

“Miniature painting helps me reach a zen-like state, which is a very welcome change in my otherwise occasionally hectic life,” Ed says.

*Miniature painting is a painstaking but rewarding process.*

#11 Instruments galore: guitars, pianos, and even the organ

Rakettitiede is full of avid musicians.

Ed Majakari, Rakettitiede’s own Jim Morrison, likes to play guitar in his spare time.

“Well, I’m no Kirk Hammett yet. I’ve got the basics down, but I can’t play any song from memory,” he laughs. Ed’s tip to any would-be guitarists is Yousician, which can also be used to learn other instruments.

“The hardest songs I know are like a level 5 on Yousician,” he says.

Tuomas Terho is also into playing the piano and organ – as well as singing and composing.

“I’ve composed a few classical pieces for the piano and organ, and even an orchestra. Classical singing is near and dear to my heart, but I’m sure I need a few more singing lessons under my belt,” he notes.

#12 Writing sci-fi novels

Juhana Leiwo is a master of both code and the written word. He is currently writing not just one but three sci-fi novels – in English!

“The first one is nearly done, and I’ve finished the second’s main elements and scenes, but the third only has a few key scenes, as well as its general ambiance,” Juhana reveals.

“I write because it’s fun. And no one else has written the stories that I want to read,” Juhana says. According to Juhana, his books will be done when they’re done.

#13 Creating designer lamps

What do you do when you can’t find the right types of lamps, even if money is no object? Well, you can do what Juhana did and create them yourself!

Juhana designs and builds floor and ceiling lamps from high-quality materials that are pleasing to the eye – or at least his eye. He fell into the world of lamp design when he couldn’t find a lamp that suited his style.

“My lamps feature very high-powered LEDs with a minimum colour rendering index of 95. Their warmth and intensity can be altered from sun-like to near-candlelight levels, which is a must for me,” Juhana says.

#14 Creating drag queen looks

Sometimes Juhana becomes Vilma. According to Juhana, Vilma is “a hot tart with a cherry on top” – and we agree!

Vilma enjoys partying and even performing when the opportunity arises. And, in the future, Vilma wants to make silly music videos and create infectious bubblegum pop songs.

*To see what Vilma’s up to, check her Instagram:* *@heliumvilmapallo*

#15 3D modelling based on trigonometric curves

And that’s not all! In addition to writing sci-fi novels, creating lamps and being a drag queen, Juhana is also an avid fan of spline modelling.

“I grew tired of the methods used in regular 3D modelling, so I decided to create a more versatile and intuitive system,” Juhana says.

The project is still underway, but Juhana’s methods should be sound from a mathematical standpoint.

#16 Building 3D printers and designing 3D models

In addition to Juhana, Jartza is such a fan of 3D modelling that he began building entire 3D printers.

*No, this isn’t a vintage joystick – it was designed and printed by Jartza!*

“Doing something with your hands from scratch is really interesting,” he says. “I also like to design 3D models for my 3D printers. My goal is to create models that are so simple that they don’t need any support materials while they’re being printed.”

You can take a closer look at Jartza’s 3D models here: thingiverse.com/jartza/designs

And if you’d like to see Rakettitiede’s 3D printing bootcamp from five years back, check this YouTube playlist.

#17 Building an electric system for toy cars

Tuomas Terho is currently creating an electric system for his kids’ toy car – or toy tractor, to be precise.

“It’s an Arduino-based system that can be used to control the car’s headlights, turn signals and motor,” he explains.

For more information, check out Tuomas’ GitHub page.

#18 A tool for converting Makefile automation scripts into Python

As a coder, Ed Majakari is no stranger to parsers, which are ubiquitous in software development. To make his job easier, he is currently developing a tool that can convert old Makefile automation scripts into Python code.

For more information, see the tool’s GitHub page.

#19 Restoring old bicycles

“I restored my first bicycle back in the mid-90s, after which I took a 20-year creative break before returning to the bicycle scene,” Jarno Laine says.

Most of the bicycles that Jarno has restored are gearless bicycles from the 60s. He revealed that he began his latest restoration project over a year ago, but that he hasn’t gotten further than putting on a base layer of paint – maybe it’s all the mentoring, animation projects, or the time he spends polishing his rocket suit?

*Before and after. This “Would-be Rocket” was painted with 2K Car Lacquer and decorated with the appropriate self-made 3D prints.*

#20 Welcome to the Doctor’s congregation

There is a YouTuber among us: Kari Hirvi, Rocket Scientist #61. His channel, “Tohtorin Seurakunta” (The Doctor’s Congregation) focuses on timely topics “with a politically incorrect but well-grounded approach”.

“I write and create all of my videos,” Kari explains.

According to Kari, making videos is a great counterbalance to software development – and he encourages others to try their wings as YouTubers!

#21 Writing a Forth compiler

According to Johannes Laire, it was “just a little C++ project”: a compiler that transforms a Forth-like language into C++ during C++ compilation.

“It was a fun challenge in C++ metaprogramming,” Johannes says.

See the example from row 414 onwards. It’s the solution to this problem.

#22 Rakettitiede’s very own DJ

Last but not certainly least is the Rocket Ship’s very own DJ – S-Quadro, a.k.a. Sergey Alto, a.k.a. Rocket Scientist #45.

After he’s hung up his keyboard for the day, Sergey likes to work on his electronic beats. His latest electronica LP is slated for release soon – and it’ll be performed live at the launch party.

To spin his LP at the release party, Sergey is developing a separate technical suite that will play nicely with his DVS (digital-vinyl system) without the use of a computer or tablet.

“I want to be able to play my songs directly from a USB drive, and the system must include the usual DJ staples– pitch, play, pause and cue,” he explains.

Sergey will most likely base his system on a Raspberry Pi or similar device, but he still reckons that he will need the assistance of Rakettitiede’s embedded systems experts.

We got 22 hobbies (and then some!)