WalkWithMe

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Walking buddy map

Inspiration

The inspiration for WalkWithMe came from the recognition that walking is a sustainable and effective form of transit, yet its popularity is often hindered by concerns about safety and boredom. Many individuals, particularly university students, may opt for other modes of transportation due to these challenges. The goal was to create a solution that would make walking more enjoyable and safe while encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle. By adding social and motivational elements, WalkWithMe aims to transform walking into a productive and engaging activity.

What it does

WalkWithMe is a web application that connects users with nearby walkers based on shared routes, times, and preferences. It facilitates walking together by finding paths that facilitate shared walking time while minimizing travel distance. Users create verified accounts, which adds a layer of safety, and the app introduces a social aspect to walking by pairing individuals with similar interests. This approach reduces safety concerns, especially for nighttime or unfamiliar area walks, while fostering connections and making walking more enjoyable and productive.

How we built it

The application was developed using the following technologies:

Frontend: React.js was used to create an interactive and user-friendly interface.

Backend: Sonr and Golang were employed for backend development.

Hosting: Firebase was used to host the application.

Mapping: The Google Maps API was integrated to generate route data and optimize paths for users walking together.

The team worked collaboratively to integrate these technologies despite limited prior experience with some of them, such as React.js and Sonr.

Challenges we ran into

The development process presented several challenges:

The frontend team had to learn React.js from scratch during the project.

Integrating Sonr with Golang and the Google Maps API required significant effort due to the team's lack of prior experience with these tools.

Debugging issues related to Google's geocoding API posed additional hurdles. Despite these challenges, the team successfully overcame technical obstacles through persistence and collaboration.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We achieved several milestones during the project:

Developed a heuristic algorithm capable of finding optimal paths for users to walk together. This algorithm considers the safety of the individuals involved through rating and social circle references.

Built an effective backend and frontend setup despite learning new technologies during the hackathon.

Resolved complex bugs related to the Google Maps geocoding API, ensuring smooth functionality of the app.

What we learned

Through this project, the team gained valuable skills and insights:

Learned React.js to create an efficient and interactive user interface.

Mastered integrating Sonr into the backend for storing profile and location data.

Gained experience in using the Google Maps API to achieve routing goals effectively.

What's next for WalkWithMe

The future plans for WalkWithMe include:

Tiered Verification System: Introducing a rating system where users earn trust points for completing walks without issues. High-rated users will be matched more often in smaller groups.

User Interface Improvements: Enhancing the app's design to make it more intuitive and user-friendly.

Expanded Social Features: Allowing users to form walking groups and build deeper connections with others they meet through the app.

Geolocation Tracking: Adding features that enable users to track their group members' locations in real-time for better coordination. These updates aim to further improve user experience, safety, and social engagement within the app