Bit by Bit

Logo
Landing page
Our logo!
Making a request for a pc (this would be done by schools)
UI for uploading PC components
The ui for seeing all the catalogue of parts
UI for seeing all the requests made by schools and or other communities in need

Inspiration 😍

The world is continuously developing more and more online tools with the goal of supporting a variety of educational needs, and to create more inclusive learning experiences. Yet there are parts of the world where 90% of students do not have access to computers to begin with. At the same time, 30 million computers are thrown out per year in the US alone. What if we could solve both of these problems with one solution? That is the purpose of BitbyBit: by assembling old computer parts into working PCs, we create a convenient and eco-friendly solution to upcycle stray PC parts.

What it does 😁

Through our website, it's easy for users to submit PC components for evaluation. We then analyze the compatibility of all available parts to determine the optimal way to combine them, minimizing logistics costs while also being more convenient for the user. Once rebuilt, these refurbished computers are donated to schools and individuals who normally cannot afford to purchase them.

How we built it 😮

Using Neon as a SQL database in the backend, we were able to store and retrieve information about users and components efficiently. This is seamlessly integrated into a dynamic and user-friendly frontend built with React through Next.js.

Challenges we ran into 😅

Our biggest challenge was diving into new technologies with no prior experience and just 36 hours on the clock. Those on the backend had to quickly learn to use SQL databases effectively, while the UI design posed similar difficulties due to its often confusing syntax. Balancing learning and implementation under tight time pressure was a real test, but it pushed us to adapt and grow quickly.

Accomplishments that we're proud of 😤

We are most proud of how we were able to effectively work together despite varying levels of programming experience. Although this was the very first hackathon for some of us, we were able to quickly learn and utilize the knowledge. Every member of our team was able to meaningfully contribute, and this seamless integration of our skills was key to successfully completing a project of this scale within a tight time frame.

What we learned 😎

Through this project, we learned to work with new libraries and APIs, improving our technical skills. Some of us have never used Git before, so using version control taught us how to collaborate efficiently on code. It was also really fun to meet new people and in general just experience the hackathon culture.

What's next for bit by bit 😲

We had several ideas we couldn’t implement due to time constraints. One was using the Google Maps API to locate PC repair shops and develop an algorithm to optimize part collection and assembly, reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing our sustainability efforts. Another key improvement would be refining component matching. While we cover major compatibility factors like PCIe and socket types, some finer details can still be overlooked. Incorporating AI into this process would ensure flawless PC builds, enhancing both accuracy and performance.