COVID-19 NZ

COVID-19 New Zealand. Stay informed, stay safe.

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Inspiration

The COVID-19 NZ app was conceived from an increasing need for New Zealanders to have access to clear data relating to COVID-19 in New Zealand, with a particular emphasis on communicating the impact of COVID-19 to the younger generation of smart-phone users.

What it does

COVID-19 NZ enables users to remain up-to-date with the most recent data relating to COVID-19 in New Zealand. Through the use of interactive maps, charts, push notifications, informative timelines, and targeted news-feeds, users can explore the current and historical impact of COVID-19 in New Zealand.

How I built it

The app was built using Google's Dart and Flutter technologies, so that it is inherently available on both iOS and Android. I also utilised Firebase for a lightweight back-end to collate and store the data.

Challenges I ran into

Maintaining a robust and reliable data source was challenging, given the rapidly-evolving nature of official resources. The eventual solution was to host a lightweight API on Firebase, and use Google Cloud Functions (GCF) to periodically update the data. In this instance, if an official data-source changed, I would be able to update and redeploy the cloud functions (or even opt for temporary manual updates), without the need to redeploy the app, thereby maintaining full functionality of the app.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

In the past, my hackathon entries have been working prototypes without consideration for a cohesive design or user experience. However, with this app, I have designed and built a robust and attractive app that is market ready.

What I learned

I learned to never underestimate the amount of meta-configuration required for even a simple project, such as signing certificates, generating release-ready binaries, and deployment processes.

What's next for COVID-19 NZ

My hope is that I will generate exposure and gain endorsement from the New Zealand Ministry of Health in releasing this app to meet public demand for information and strengthen awareness on the impact of COVID-19 in New Zealand. There is potential for the app to be extended to enable users to undergo self-diagnosis through the use of interactive forms, and provide location-based support information to alleviate the strain on official helplines.

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