Inspiration + What it does
Devpost is an excellent platform for hosting hackathons and helping people find hackathons that match their interests. However, I think it would be even better if Devpost could add a new feature that connects hackathon participants with local non-profit organizations, schools, and other NGOs that need technical support. Though there is a current market that does just that: https://www.developforgood.org/, it requires a lengthy application process that is not easily accessible by everyone. My personal belief is that everyone should be provided the opportunity to help others, with no set restrictions in place. Likewise, many agencies hosted there are large non-profits such as 'Unicef,' increasing competition. At the same time, other local non-profits may not have the resources to submit to the lengthy application process that this site requires. Thus, my idea promotes open accessibility.
Social Good is a new tab on Devpost that would allow non-profits to post tech-related volunteer opportunities. This would help non-profits find aspiring developers looking to help them improve their web design, coding, and other tech-related needs. Additionally, Devpost could allow these NGOs to host "non-profit hackathons" where businesses and non-profits could offer monetary awards for the best business solution. This hub would offer both an ‘online’ and ‘in-person’ option for local non-profits and businesses as well.
The Social Good Hub would also include a collaboration platform where hackers could find others with the same interests and collaborate on social good projects. Once a project is established, Devpost could recommend ongoing or upcoming hackathons matching participants' interests.
Overall, this feature would expand the focus of Devpost to help non-profits and schools connect with aspiring developers and provide opportunities for students to make an impact in their communities. By offering hackathons that focus on social good, Devpost can encourage participants to think creatively about ways to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact in the world.
DEVPOST Social, a matchmaking that goes in parallel with DEVPOST Social Good but could also generalize into DEVPOST itself. I was inspired to create this because I believe there is a need for a platform that connects people with diverse skill sets to collaborate and work towards a common goal. DEVPOST Social will provide a space for developers, designers, and other tech enthusiasts to come together and form teams to work on various projects. By leveraging the power of collaboration, we can create impactful solutions that can make a difference in the world. DEVPOST Social will be a valuable addition to the Devpost ecosystem and help foster a community of changemakers passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems. Furthermore, an added 'mentors' tab will provide opportunities for experienced professionals to share their expertise and guide newcomers in the industry.
How I built it
Figma (website prototyping) and Canva (for creating the presentation)
Challenges we ran into
The main challenge I ran into while building the prototype was coming up with a design that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I wanted to ensure that all of the features I had envisioned were included in the prototype, but I also wanted to create a design that was intuitive and easy to use. To overcome this challenge, I spent a lot of time researching user interface design best practices and creating multiple iterations of the design
Accomplishments that I'm proud of
I like these two proposed ideas, and I'm a fan of how the presentation came out. I truly hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with DEVPOST on this because I feel like there is a lot of potential here in bringing together volunteers and community service organizations through a user-friendly site. The ability to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals toward a common goal is an essential part of promoting social impact, and I believe that this app has the potential to make a real difference in people's lives.
What I learned
I gained valuable skills and insights by learning to prototype on Figma and conducting UX research. I learned how to use Figma to create user interface designs and prototypes, allowing me to iterate on feedback-based designs. Additionally, I learned how to conduct UX research by gathering user feedback and using it to inform design decisions. This helped me to create designs that were more user-centered and effective.
What's next for DEVPOST Social Good
The next step for DEVPOST Social Good and DEVPOST Social is developing the platform and refining and enhancing the user experience. This could include expanding the user interface, refining the matching algorithms, integrating APIs, and creating features such as messaging and collaboration tools. Additionally, it would be beneficial to conduct further research to understand the needs of non-profits and volunteers better and ensure that the platform meets their needs. Once the platform is complete, marketing it to ensure it reaches a broad audience will be essential.
Note:
Please check the google drive link for my pitch deck (it's got cute animations!).
Built With
- canva
- figma
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