GrandConnect

GrandConnect — bridging hearts, not just screens.

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Inspiration

We were inspired by the India Ageing Report 2023 (UNFPA), which highlights that by 2050, 1 in 5 Indians will be elderly (60+ years), and loneliness is emerging as a major social challenge.
We realized that while video communication apps exist, most are not senior-friendly — they’re cluttered, complex, and not built with simplicity in mind.

GrandConnect was born to make video calls as easy as switching on a TV — with large buttons, minimal steps, and features designed to reduce loneliness and foster companionship.

What it does

  • Create & Invite: Start a video room and share via link, WhatsApp, or QR code.
  • Smart Matchmaking: Seniors are auto-matched into small video groups based on hobbies and mood.
  • Conversation Starters: Simple prompts (e.g., “What’s your favorite childhood memory?”) to keep the chat flowing.
  • Senior-Friendly UI: Large buttons, minimal steps, no tech jargon.

How we built it

  • Frontend: React + Bootstrap for a clean, accessible UI.
  • Backend: .NET Web API with SQL database for rooms, matchmaking, and user management.
  • Video Calls: Integrated with Jitsi (open-source, secure, easy embedding).
  • Sharing & Invites: Auto-generated links, QR codes (via qrcode.react), and WhatsApp integration.

What we learned

  • Designing for seniors means simplicity > features.
  • Matchmaking and mood-check-ins can create more meaningful conversations.
  • Accessibility and inclusivity need to be part of tech design from the start.

Challenges we ran into

  • Making the UI senior-friendly while still feature-rich.
  • Implementing auto-matchmaking logic with room creation/joining.
  • Integrating QR code + WhatsApp sharing smoothly inside the video room page.
  • Ensuring stability and performance of video calls with multiple participants.

What’s next

  • Add AI-powered conversation starters for more personalized chats.
  • Build a companion mobile app for even easier onboarding.
  • Add reminder notifications (via SMS/WhatsApp) for scheduled meetups.
  • Conduct usability testing with real seniors to refine the experience.

👉 GrandConnect isn’t just an app — it’s a step towards building digital companionship for an ageing India.

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