Jigsaw

The best from around the world!! Team Jigsaw

Inspiration

The needs of family and children are often very complex; a comprehensive electronic repository of available support services, resources, and benefits is necessary for those needing assistance in these areas.

What it does

This repository app will incorporate programs and services from statewide government agencies and non-profit agencies in a user-friendly “one-stop-shop" directory making it easier for those needing support services and referrals.

How we built it

Our app is built with Microsoft Power Apps. This allows for fast development, and quick deployment, with little coding. That way, we were able to develop a professional-grade app in such a little amount of time, and with limited coding skills within the team. The data is stored on a Google spreadsheet but would need to migrate to a SQL database at a later point.

Challenges we ran into

Our team of six people is spread across four vastly different time zones; Hawaii, Kentucky (+5h), Norway (+11h), and Guam (+20h). Being able to get together and collaborate efficiently under the circumstances was a major challenge. However, with the help of internet tools, agile people, and great will, we were able to turn the challenge into an accomplishment

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Besides establishing a great communication and contribution culture within our team that is located all over the world, we are proud to have created a solution that demonstrates a real understanding of what an application of that sort has to provide: ease of use, a two-fold approach where clients and staff can create content, and great design.

What we learned

By doing research and collecting content for the app, we got introduced to the exact problem that we are trying to solve with this app; the vast amount of information and services spread across different departments, offices, and websites. Connecting the dots, and tying them together into one user-friendly place was not as easy as we initially thought. Another thing we learned about was the possibility of creating an app without the need for extensive knowledge of coding. In fact, our team was able to put together this app, after only a few weeks of coding experience. Throughout this project, we have also experienced how GitHub and Devpost facilitate efficient collaboration for teams like us, with people located all over the world, and with different sets of skills. Lastly, a major challenge for the development of this app was the fact that we have to follow federal privacy laws such as HIPAA, which restricts the sharing of personal information across agencies.

What's next for Jigsaw

In addition to polishing the appearance of the app, the next steps will be to move data from the spreadsheet into a SQL database. Furthermore, the application will need some refinement before it reaches users. More specific information needs to be gathered in order for the app to serve users in the best way possible. Certain features of the app will also be targeted at departments only and hidden from individuals to ensure privacy. This would include a notes section with pertinent information that could only be accessed by the appropriate department/agency. Finally, a unique identifier will be added to the application in order to facilitate a “warm handoff” to the different departments/agencies. This will not only provide staff with unduplicated client information but also ensure no privacy laws are being violated.