WalkTheTalk

📌 About the Project

I created WalkTheTalk with a simple idea in mind:

Encourage people to use social media more mindfully—by tying every direct message (DM) they send to real-world movement.

🎯 Inspiration

In a world where it's easy to scroll endlessly or fire off dozens of DMs without thinking, I wanted to build something that gently nudges people to get moving first. The concept is simple but powerful: 1 step = 1 DM. It’s a creative way to make physical activity a prerequisite for online engagement.

🛠️ How It Was Built

• Backend: Python & Flask
• OAuth Integration: Google OAuth2 for secure login
• Health Data: Google Fit API to fetch real-time step counts
• Frontend: HTML and custom CSS for a clean, mobile-friendly UI

📚 What I Learned

• How to implement OAuth2 in a Flask web app
• How to securely access and use the Google Fit API
• How to design a lightweight UI that feels intuitive and motivating
• The importance of HTTPS when using OAuth (and how to test around it during development)

⚠️ Challenges Faced

• Setting up the OAuth2 flow securely in a local development environment
• Handling InsecureTransportError without compromising security
• Getting familiar with Google’s scope and permission system
• Parsing and calculating step data from Google Fit’s detailed datasets

This project was a fun and practical way to mix tech with behavioral change. I hope it sparks ideas for others looking to connect physical health with digital habits.

Built With

• css
• google-fit
• html
• json
• python