Hokie Hustle

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  Explore page (home)

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  Bookmarks (to save finds)

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  Sell (provide goods and services)

Inspiration ~~~~

You've seen the advertisements that students post on Snapchat stories, YikYak, Reddit, etc... Hokie Hustle is the central platform for these advertisements. Students need a platform that understands their specific needs: affordable pre-owned textbooks, quick meal options, reliable ride-sharing to nearby cities, academic tutoring, and various odd jobs to supplement income.

What it does ~~~

Hokie Hustle is a campus marketplace web application designed specifically for Hokies. We can buy, sell, and trade items while offering services like tutoring, rides, and odd jobs within the campus community. The platform features accessible design with semantic HTML, WCAG rules for font size, contrast, and icons, and color-coded urgency indicators that work for all users. The intuitive UX includes category-based filtering, a bookmarks system, detailed product modals with contact information, and separate sections for browsing, managing favorites, and creating listings.

How we built it ~~

Built using React with functional components and hooks for state management across multiple pages. The architecture prioritizes accessibility through semantic HTML structure, consistency through pages, symbols as text alternatives, and responsive design. We implemented a user-centered design system with consistent typography, intuitive navigation patterns, and visual hierarchy that guides users through the browsing experience. The application includes features like horizontal scrolling, gradient overlays, and smart filtering while maintaining performance through efficient rendering.

Challenges we ran into ~~~

Modal integration for he different size products views while preventing event conflicts, connecting the pills categories together and sorting them with the accurate number, SVG import issues, ersponsive design by balancing information density across screen sizes.

Accomplishments that we're proud of ~~~

Creating an accessible platform that gives back to the Hokie community by keeping commerce local and fostering economic opportunities within our campus. The design bridges the gap between social media posts and organized marketplace functionality, creating value for the Virginia Tech community.

We successfully implemented a comprehensive visual design system where distinct gradient color schemes serve as intuitive wayfinding elements, enabling users to immediately recognize their current context without cognitive overhead. We created an effective onboarding solution through placing an information icon that proactively addresses user confusion and establishes clear interaction patterns for both new and returning users. This prioritizes discoverability and reduces the learning curve typically associated with complex marketplace interfaces.

What we learned ~~~~

It was difficult to sort the hierarchy of so many tabs, categories, and subcategories- it all had to make sense for the most inclusive experience. Technical challenges taught us advanced React patterns, state management, and the importance of user-centered design for the similar peer group around you.

What's next for Hokie Hustle ~~~

Implementing smarter filter options, enhanced mobile responsiveness, and features that better support student gigs. We want to expand accessibility features, add real-time messaging, and create verification systems that creates a secure system and builds trust. Our goal is helping more students discover economic opportunities while keeping the benefits within our Hokie community.

Built With

• css
• figma
• javascript
• react