Sift | Devpost

Inspiration

Our team noticed how people across the world have valuable skills yet lack ways to share them due to distance, cost, or language barriers. We believe learning is universal but opportunity isn't.

What it does

Sift is a peer-to-peer skill exchange platform that connects users around the world. Users can create profiles listing skills that they can teach and skills they want to learn. The dashboard lets them search and enroll in skill sessions. The map view plots users based on location, so people can visually explore global learning opportunities. Through the messaging system, users send and receive enrollment requests and chat with Gemini API powered text translation ensuring smooth communication across languages.

How we built it

For our frontend, we used React and React Native Maps for a responsive, user-friendly interface. For out backend, we used Node.js and Firebase for authentication, real time data, and scalability. For our APIs, we used Google Gemini for text translation between users. We collaborated through Github for easy and fast file sharing.

Challenges we ran into

Some challenges we had were integrating our Gemini API in our messaging for real time translation without latency or format loss. We also had issues integrating user location data with map pins.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We're proud of building a fully functional platform that connects users worldwide in real time. We are also proud that were were able to integrate Gemini API for our text translations in chats. In addition, we're proud that we designed a clean, consistent, and human centered UI that supports global inclusivity and a point system that makes learning equitable and motivating.

What we learned

We learned how to effectively integrate APIs and manage data flow between them. We also learned the importance of user-centered design and how to collaborate efficiently under time pressure while maintaining quality.

What's next for Sift

In the future, we would like to integrate video calls with live Gemini translation , enabling real-time teaching across languages. We would also like to add a feature of group learning sessions and verified mentors. In addition, we would like to add AI-driven skill recommendation to match learners and teachers intelligently and host community events and challenges to encourage engagement and global connection.