Civix

Inspiration

Our idea initially came from noticing how many everyday problems people have to deal with but usually don’t know how to handle them safely and properly. Things like small injuries, issues with landlords, or problems with small businesses can quickly become stressful, especially when people don’t understand the legal side or don’t know what to do next. A lot of people just ignore these problems because they feel too complicated, expensive and time consuming to solve. That's where our idea for Civix came in play. We wanted to create something that makes these situations easier to deal with. Instead of feeling stuck or confused, people should have a tool that helps them understand what’s going on and what steps they can take. Civix is meant to give people clarity and confidence in situations where they usually feel lost.

What it does

Civix is a simple platform where users can describe a problem they’re facing, like an injury, property issue, or small claim. The system then gives them a risk score and a suggested way to handle the situation. It acts like a guide, helping users understand their situation without needing legal knowledge. The goal is to make problem-solving faster and less stressful. Instead of guessing what to do or ignoring the issue, users get clear suggestions and a better idea of their options. It’s like having a smart assistant that helps you figure things out step by step.

How we built it

Backend: Python, Flask, Gemini API, MongoDB Frontend: HTML, CSS Design/Presentation: Canva Some parts of the project were hardcoded so we could focus on showing how the idea works instead of building everything from scratch. We also added a simple AI-like system that generates risk scores and suggestions, which shows how a real AI like Gemini could be used in the future.

Challenges we ran into

One of the biggest challenges we faced was dealing with errors while running the project. We ran into multiple traceback issues, handling the databases in the right way, unfamiliarity and working with new technologies and frameworks, especially when setting up files and making sure everything was connected properly. These small technical problems took time to figure out and slowed us down. Another major challenge we faced was managing time/24 hrs properly. We had a lot of ideas we wanted to include, but time constraint was big issue and we wanted to atleast have a proper working model by end. It was hard to decide what to keep and what to leave out, but it helped us focus on the core idea.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We’re proud that we were able to turn a complex, real-world problem into a working and interactive prototype in such a short time. Our team successfully built a system that not only looks like a real product but also demonstrates meaningful functionality, including AI-driven insights. We also worked well as a team by dividing responsibilities and staying coordinated, which allowed us to bring our idea to life effectively.

What we learned

Through this project, we learned how to quickly build and prototype a full-stack application under 24hrs. We improved our skills in Flask, frontend design, learnt more on MongoDB and how to handle large database online and also and structuring applications for real-world situations. We also learned how to think about user experience and how AI can be integrated to provide meaningful insights rather than just basic outputs. Most importantly, we learned how to collaborate efficiently and adapt when things didn’t go as planned.

What's next for Civix

We plan to expand Civix by integrating and trying a different AI model in future to provide more accurate and personalized recommendations. We also want to add a proper database, user authentication, and real-time claim tracking. Additionally, we aim to include location-based insights, legal resources, and connections to local professionals. Our long-term vision is to turn Civix into a fully functional platform that empowers communities by making problem resolution more accessible, transparent, and efficient.