Inspiration
We've always wanted to tackle climate issues on a larger scale, but have never had the resources to do so. We wanted to provide a gateway for people, just like us, to donate and support causes that create change through an easy-to-use platform.
What it does
This platform provides a simple directory for anybody to search up areas that are in need of support quickly. Our satellite provides real-time-imaging to locate areas that are need in aid currently. The website is being constantly updated with this information.
How we built it
There are 2 components to our project. The hardware, which is the satellite, and the software, which is our website. These 2 components work in tandem to provide a great experience. First, for the hardware, our first iteration originated from a reverse-engineered replica of a satellite built by BYU. Afterwards, we have made further adjustments to make our design more suitable and integrable with our current technology. Secondly, for our software, we first started off with a simple template or idea of what we wanted the website to look like. We then translated this idea into HTML and CSS, creating a real website finally.
Challenges we ran into
While developing our ideas we especially had a problem of the idea being too big, we had a lot of great ideas with potential but not the resources or time to accomplish all of them. This created a lot of wasted time with unnecessary innovations and time trying to develop too many things. By the time we came up with a final idea, we were already lagging behind our peers and had to rush in the end. This created discourse within our group and arguments wasting more and more time. I think with this being our first hackathon, it wasn't the best performance from us, though it allowed us to reflect and learn in the end.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Through all the developments we’ve made, some especially stood out. On the hardware aspect, our designs and simulations of a real life satellite, and the actual structural integrity of every fold is something that we were really proud that we could achieve. None of our team was inclined on web development and through all the hardships we’re proud of the progress we've made on learning and problem solving in HTML. Even though arguments and stress arose throughout the time, I think as a group we were proud of the progress we've personally made on our goals. Each and every one of us came out of this experience with more information than we came in with.
What we learned
We learned that as long as you have the drive and commitment to complete a task, you will be able to do it no matter how much time it takes. We also learned that the environment will only become increasingly more important in the future, as the increasing human population will rely more and more on the earth to support this growth.
What's next for EcoLite
What's next for EcoLite is to expand the database and add new locations that are in need of aid. We also hope to expand EcoLite to a bigger audience and more people.
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