Locked In

Inspiration

As students, we've all struggled to retain information and manually create flashcards. We wanted to streamline learning, making it efficient and accessible to enhance self-learning. The idea for Locked In was born from our frustration with traditional learning methods.

Why is it called "Locked In"?

It was a 'dead-lock' situation – we were 'locked out' of the room at 10, but we had to locked-in for our project!

It aims to:

Automatically generates flashcards from uploaded documents PDFs and web links
Extracts key concepts, definitions, and formulas using AI-powered NLP
Creates customizable flashcards with adjustable learning depth (basic, intermediate, advanced)
Allows users to focus on specific topics and retain information efficiently
Streamlines learning and saves time, enhancing productivity and understanding

How we built it

Frontend: Developed using React.js for the user interface
Backend: Built with Node.js, Express.js, and JSON for efficient data management
Flashcard Generation: Powered by Gemini API for automated flashcard creation
Document Parsing: Integrated PDF.js for document parsing and Cheerio.js for web scraping

Challenges we ran into

Unfamiliarity with Tech Stack: Node.js, Express.js, JSON, and Gemini API were new to us.
API Integration Difficulties: Gemini API's documentation and implementation posed challenges.
Data Parsing and Processing: Handling diverse document formats and web page structures posed significant parsing and processing challenges.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Document Parsing: Successfully integrated PDF.js and Cheerio.js for document parsing.
Successful API Integration: Seamlessly integrated Gemini API for automated flashcard generation.
Collaborative Teamwork: Demonstrated effective communication and task delegation.
Tech Stack Mastery: Overcame unfamiliarity with React, Node.js, Express.js, JSON, and API.

What we learned

Through building Locked In, we gained valuable hands-on experience with React.js, Node.js, Express.js, and JSON, and successfully integrated the Gemini API for flashcard generation. We also learned NLP techniques and document parsing with PDF.js and Cheerio.js. Beyond technical skills, we developed essential soft skills, including effective communication, time management, problem-solving, and adaptability.

As three of us being the first-time hackers, we overcame initial unfamiliarity with the tech stack, building confidence in tackling new technologies.

What's next for Locked In

Our goal is to enhance Locked In by building a robust database with secure user authentication, ensuring data integrity and protection. We aim to:

Develop a scalable database architecture for efficient data storage and retrieval
Implement robust user authentication and authorization for secure access
Optimize API integrations for seamless data exchange and accurate flashcard generation
Refine NLP implementation for precise text analysis and improved learning outcomes