Momento

Momento Logo
Figma Prototype
Running App's Home Screen with locked and unlocked momentos
Momento Mascot!
Running App's example of a locked momento

Inspiration

Inspired by the theme, "A Journal of Memories," our team began to contemplate the various ways memories could be stored. While photos and subsequent "image-posting" social media apps are a timeless choice, we also discussed mediums such as music and places. In addition to these thoughts, one team member mentioned how lately the "analog aesthetic" has returned with a whimsical, romanticized flourish. So, we wondered how we could sprinkle in the ambience of analog using a digital platform to evoke emotional, genuine responses from people. Then came the idea of how apps that encourage users to physically move around could be the answer to inspiring tangible moments within society and voila we developed "Momento."

What it does

We created a social media app that seamlessly combines photos, music, and location data to deliver an immersive nostalgic experience, which we like to call "momentos." These momentos are generated by users and can be shared among their friends. At the home screen, users encounter a map displaying all nearby momentos. All moments are initially locked, requiring you to physically revisit your memories to unlock them. There, they will either receive a push notification if the app is closed, or if it is open, the image of their momento will pop up on the screen accompanied by the music that takes them back to their cherished memory. Physically visiting memories provides a much more intimate experience than viewing them at your convenience. Additionally, the accompanying music further enhances the memory linked to the location and the song itself, as many of us associate songs with our memorable moments with friends and family. There are certain limitations in place: each user can only create one momento per location, ensuring that each place has your favorite memory. However, if multiple friends have shared momentos from the same location, users can view both their own and their friends' momentos once the location is unlocked, reminding you that you share these memories with them. Furthermore, each momento can be connected to one or more images, but only one song and one location. The second page is where users can create the actual momento. It's a three-step process elegantly guided by a progress bar. In any order, users can add images or a collection of images, choose a location (or use their current location), and select a song. Since the primary goal of this app is to associate these media components with a shared memory, users should follow these conventions to avoid it becoming a conventional social media app. The third page features the friends list, where all the friends you've added can be viewed. The last page is the settings page, where users can toggle permissions for accessing data related to music, photos, and location. 

How we built it

We developed an app in Android Studio. For the map and location, we used the Google Maps API. As for the music, we used a Spotify API to search for songs and play their previews. On the backend, we had a Django server, hosting “momentos”, track data, users, and friends. We used a REST API to fetch and store data. Our UI was designed with Adobe Illustrator and Figma, keeping the theme of nostalgia and music in mind.

Challenges we ran into

We encountered a significant hurdle when it came to learning how to implement Android Studio since it was a relatively new platform for all of us. In general, the complexity of the learning curve in Android Studio was exacerbated by the challenge of finding the appropriate, up-to-date documentation. Moreover, we aimed to utilize the Google Maps API as the foundation for the map within our application, but we faced issues related to server and Google Cloud services. The most frustrating aspect was the necessity to wait 24 hours for credit confirmation when we applied for them, which was impractically time-consuming. Another challenge we encountered was integrating the frontend with the backend. We were unable to create XML files directly from Figma, leading us to convert Figma images into drawable assets within Android Studio.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We were able to create something tailored to such a unique theme as memories. This was difficult as you do not usually think of nostalgia when dealing with technology. We’re also proud of being able to learn so many APIs and mobile development tools in such a short span of time.

What we learned

Our team was comprised of individuals with diverse areas of expertise. Nonetheless, we effectively collaborated and exchanged knowledge among ourselves. In parallel, we implemented our app by capturing Momentos on various occasions, such as pulling all-nighters at The Hub Atlanta, exploring a deserted Crossland, and even promoting our app at fraternity parties. Now, every time we revisit these locations, we'll be flooded with memories.

What's next for Momento

We’re looking to turn Momento into a startup that will transform social media, evoking sincere emotions and creating highly personal experiences among people. We want more people to be creating and sharing their “momentos”, just as we did at HackGT.