Inspiration
As a student juggling classes, assignments, and a part-time job, I kept running into the same problem: I had time between commitments, but figuring out what to do with it became another task. A long to-do list made everything visible without making anything easier to start. I built Between to turn those overlooked pockets of time into a clear next step.
What it does
Between helps students move from "I have so much to do" to "I can start this now." It brings together tasks, Canvas assignments, and calendar availability, breaks larger tasks into manageable steps with Gemini, and helps fit work into the gaps between existing commitments.
Pip is the friendly companion at the center of the experience, making planning feel more approachable and encouraging. The goal is to make a small start feel possible, even on a busy day.
How I built it
I built Between with a Python backend and a JavaScript, HTML, and CSS frontend. Google Calendar and Google Tasks integrations connect scheduled commitments and tasks, while Canvas import brings coursework into the planning flow. Gemini supports task decomposition, and a scheduling engine identifies available gaps for work sessions. Local data and connector credentials are kept separate from the source code.
Challenges I ran into
The biggest challenge was translating messy, scattered work into realistic sessions. An assignment title alone does not tell you where to begin, and an empty calendar slot does not automatically become useful time. Bringing imports, task splitting, and scheduling together required careful iteration. Another challenge was giving Pip a helpful personality while keeping the next action clear.
Accomplishments I'm proud of
I'm proud of connecting the journey from an overwhelming assignment to a concrete work session. Between combines tools students already use with an approachable interface and a companion that makes planning feel more personal.
What I learned
I learned that reducing the friction of starting matters as much as organizing tasks. AI is most useful here when it helps turn an unclear intention into a specific, achievable action. Building the integrations also taught me how much reliable planning depends on consistent data and understandable scheduling behavior.
What's next for Between
Next, I want to improve duration estimates, help plans adapt when commitments change, and refine Pip's guidance through student feedback. I want Between to become the place students open when they have a little time and need help deciding how to use it.
