Transportation: Optimized

Inspiration

The idea for this project came about after understanding the parameters of the hackathon, which lead us to consider how we could use the tools we've been given to create something we would actually use in our own day-to-day. All of us try to use schedules, but one thing that we don't consider when blocking times for different tasks is the traffic to and from these places. we wanted to change that.

What it does

our project incorporates a scheduling system that uses data on traffic and distance to accurately recommend different tasks at different times depending on their circumstances. basically, this project helps you build a schedule with the most optimal commute times.

How we built it

We built this program mostly around the INRIX Routing API. This API allowed us to find the routes from any destination inputed and find how and how long it would take to get to said location. We also utilized Geolocation API's to ensure that the program can locate the user's precise location. In building the website, we used HTML. The website was built with a home page ,that introduces the product to the user. Then, at the press of a button, the user is transported to the main page, where they can enter their destination. The website elegantly guides the user through the process making it as seamless and stress free as possible

Challenges we ran into

One of the main challenges we ran into was integrating the APIs into our programs since this was our first time working with APIs, so fetching tokens took up a large part of our time in the beginning. Additionally, integrating the API into our website was also pretty challenging.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Some accomplishments we were proud of were creating the website, making sure that it looked very smooth and user-friendly, and felt satisfying to use. By the end of the hackathon, we were able to build a brilliant, satisfying, working website. Additionally, we were able to successfully implement our APIs into the website, which was a huge accomplishment for us. As stated before, none of us had ever worked with APIs at all before. Additionally, most of us did not have much experience with HTML, but we did not let that stop us from creating a product we are proud of.

What we learned

Seeing as this was all of our first times using API's in general and most of our first times programming in HTML, we learned a lot about the process in general and were introduced into the limitless possibilities of API's. Although it was very challenging, we ended up learning a lot about extracting tokens, pulling, and incorporating API's into our project in general. We also learned a lot about Web design, creating a smooth and aesthetically pleasing user interface

What's next for Transportation Optimized Task List

Our team sees this project as a constantly evolving product. This means that we are planning are adding a lot more features. One example of this is adding functionality for more cities, and eventually across the whole country. As our product scales, it will provide the user with the most relevant and up-to-date information possible. Another thing that we are looking forward to adding an extension for Google Calendar so that it can sync with the user's schedules and can automatically tell them how long it will take them to reach that destination. Additionally, the product will also tell the user what time they need to leave in order for them to reach their destination at the proper time to meet the appointment. Lastly, as the product expands, we will eventually introduce location services that will automatically detect the user's location, and route the journey to the destination from their precise location without any input needed.