setup for the pinata api
Firebase config for authentification
sign in page that uses the firebase authentification
Home screen where service events will be displayed
Figma makeup of the home screen

PinIt Project Overview

Inspiration

As a team of Terry Scholars, we were each chosen based on several key pillars, one of which is service. We are all deeply committed to staying involved in service, which has led us to participate in numerous events. However, keeping track of our volunteer hours can become difficult, especially when using multiple platforms, causing information to get lost or overlooked. One of our team members came up with the idea for a single website that would consolidate all the volunteer-related information we need. This idea led us to create PinIt.

What It Does

PinIt is a website designed to help users track their volunteer hours and discover volunteer opportunities. Users must log in to track their personal hours, but logging in also simplifies the process of signing up for events and submitting volunteer forms. The website allows users to easily search for events using keywords in the search bar and either upload or sign up for new opportunities. A unique feature of PinIt is the PinBoard, where users can showcase their top volunteer experiences in a personalized way. Visualizing these experiences helps users feel proud of their work, motivating them to continue volunteering.

How We Built It

PinIt was built using React.js and integrates with the Pinata Explorer database.

Challenges We Ran Into

The biggest challenge we faced was understanding the Pinata API and figuring out how to integrate it into our project. We also encountered difficulties with implementing authentication for user logins, which required learning new tools and techniques.

Accomplishments We're Proud Of

We are proud to have built a fully functioning website and demo in just 24 hours. Despite limited prior experience, our team was able to quickly learn new technologies and integrate them into the project, making this accomplishment even more rewarding.

What We Learned

Throughout the project, we developed our technical coding skills, such as learning how to use Firebase for authentication. We also expanded our design skills with Figma, where we learned how to create overlays and improve the visual layout of the website. Most importantly, we learned how to work together as a team, helping one another to overcome challenges and achieve our shared goal.

What's Next for PinIt

Looking ahead, we plan to expand the functionality of the Pinata database by allowing users to display their pins on their profiles for other users to see. This feature will allow others to view their top volunteer experiences, collaborate, and leave comments, further enhancing the sense of community and engagement on the platform.