Open to opportunities

Ben Dryden

@bendryden

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Frontend developer building interactive, user-centered web experiences.

Netherlands

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What I'm looking for

I’m seeking frontend or creative development roles where I can craft interactive, user-focused web experiences, collaborate with designers, and work on technically ambitious projects with impact and growth opportunities.

I am a frontend developer based in Amsterdam with a Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience and a strong focus on creating engaging, user-centered web experiences. I combine design empathy and analytical problem-solving with hands-on expertise in React, Svelte, Three.js and modern tooling to deliver polished, performant products and campaigns.

My recent work includes high-impact advertising campaigns at WeTransfer reaching millions, building an AI-driven mockup tool and custom WebGL portfolios, and contributing full-stack features for medical and client platforms. I value collaboration with designers and product teams, improving reusability through component libraries and pragmatic, research-informed UI development.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Frontend Developer

Current

Bendryden.com

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year)

Engineered an AI-driven mockup generation tool with Django backend, Midjourney integration, Stripe payments and Firebase SSO; built a React Native app with real-time WebSocket gameplay and a custom WebGL portfolio using Svelte and Three.js.

React Svelte Django WebSockets React Native Stripe Firebase WebGL

Creative Developer

WeTransfer

Jan 2021 - Dec 2024 (3 years 11 months)

Developed high-impact responsive wallpaper ad experiences for global brands using Svelte, React, Three.js and GSAP, expanded the component library to improve reuse, and contributed to WePresent and award-winning WeTransfer-funded projects.

Svelte React Matter.Js Component Libraries Responsive Design & QA Deployment

Frontend Developer

Robot Kittens

Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 (11 months)

Built frontend solutions for clients (Tommy Hilfiger, Air Jordan, Virgin Media) using Svelte and React, implemented a responsive design system and integrated Three.js, PixiJS and GSAP for interactive experiences.

Svelte React SCSS Responsive Design Design Systems

Frontend Developer

Adventure Club

Jan 2020 - Dec 2021 (1 year 11 months)

Contributed across design, wireframing, DevOps and development in a two-person tech team using Svelte, React and Unity; maintained site analytics and led a new style guide to improve product consistency.

Svelte React Unity Wireframing DevOps UI UX Style Guide Analytics

Junior Software Engineer

Finalist

Jan 2018 - Dec 2020 (2 years 11 months)

Resolved full-stack tickets including Spring/Java backend and React frontend features for clients such as GGD and VluchtelingenWerk, improving delivery of client projects.

Java Spring React Full Stack Frontend Agile

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Enspiral Dev Academy

Bootcamp, Web Development

2017 - 2017

Activities and societies: Practical projects in React/Redux and modern tooling; supplemented by volunteering and community events.

Intensive JavaScript bootcamp focusing on React/Redux and modern web development practices.

University of Auckland

Master of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience

2013 - 2014

Grade: First Class Honours

Activities and societies: Research and analytic coursework focused on user-centered problem solving; involvement in charitable and volunteer activities during study period.

Master of Science in Psychology with a major in Cognitive Neuroscience and First Class Honours, developing analytical and user-centered problem-solving skills.

University of Auckland

Bachelor of Science, Science

2008 - 2012

Grade: First Class Honours

Activities and societies: Volunteering and fundraising activities including fundraising for cancer research and participation in community rehabilitation organizations.

Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland, building a foundation in scientific methods and analytical thinking.