RouteFinder

Route Finder was inspired by a simple frustration of taking the same boring routes every day. Most navigation apps focus on speed, but we wanted to focus on the experience side. The idea was to let users choose how they want to feel during their journey, not just how fast they get there.

We built the app using React for the frontend and Python with Flask for the backend. We integrated the OSRM API for real-time routing and added an AI layer using the Geolocify API to turn basic route data into personalized journeys based on the user’s selected vibe, like scenic or adventurous.

One key feature is that Route Finder can guide users to their starting point first, then switch into their chosen experience, while also suggesting attractions along the way.

A major challenge was getting all parts - frontend, backend, routing, and AI - to work smoothly together. We also had to figure out how to translate something abstract like a “mood” into actual route changes.

Overall, we learned how to design something simple for the user while managing complex systems behind the scenes, and how small changes can turn everyday journeys into something more meaningful.