VZZ1 - Peter Griffin - WAYFINDR

Navigate campus, accessible to all

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Inspiration

Every day, people with disabilities, visual impairments, or mobility challenges face unnecessary barriers navigating cities that weren’t designed with inclusivity in mind. Our team wanted to reimagine how urban navigation could feel; not just convenient, but empowering and community-driven. Inspired by the theme of inclusive urban design, we set out to build a web service that enables everyone, regardless of ability, to navigate their environment safely, confidently, and with dignity.

What it does

WAYFINDR is an inclusive web application that helps users find the best possible route between two points based on their personal needs:

Standard Routes: Optimized for speed and convenience.

Eco-Friendly Routes: Paths through greener, more nature-filled areas.

Accessibility Routes: Prioritize wheelchair access, ramps, and smooth terrain.

Visually Impaired Mode: Prioritizes good lighting, being indoors, and simple turn-complexity.

Additionally, WAYFINDR features a Buddy System, allowing users who need assistance to “ping” nearby volunteers. Volunteers can chat, guide, or even meet the user to help them reach their destination safely, creating a connected, compassionate community.

How we built it

Backend (Node.js/Express + TypeScript) Built a REST API with Express.js and TypeScript Used Prisma ORM with SQLite for user accounts, buddy requests, and messages Implemented JWT authentication with bcrypt password hashing Ingested OpenStreetMap data via Overpass API to build a routing graph Implemented A* pathfinding with accessibility profiles (wheelchair, visually impaired, eco, default) Added route reasoning to explain path choices

Frontend (Next.js/React + Mapbox) Built a responsive React app with Next.js 14 Integrated Mapbox GL JS for interactive maps Implemented real-time location tracking and buddy discovery Added messaging between accepted buddies Created a dark/light mode toggle

Challenges we ran into

Pathfinding algorithm tuning Routes didn’t vary enough between profiles Solution: Added weighted penalties/rewards (e.g., indoor toll for eco mode) and route reasoning GPS accuracy Browser geolocation was off by ~100m indoors Solution: Increased timeout and enabled high accuracy, with user feedback on limitations Deployment configuration Vercel build failed due to strict TypeScript checks and Next.js export rules Solution: Installed missing @types packages and removed invalid page exports

Accomplishments that we're proud of

  • Created a fully functional full-stack web service that integrates mapping, authentication, and real-time data.
  • Designed an inclusive navigation system adaptable for visually impaired and mobility-limited users.
  • Implemented a community-based buddy system, bridging technology and human connection.
  • Deployed and demonstrated the project live during the hackathon — with multiple routing modes working seamlessly.

What we learned

  • How to design with accessibility-first thinking, not as an afterthought.
  • Practical experience integrating Mapbox APIs and managing environmental datasets.
  • Real-world challenges of frontend-backend coordination and deployment pipelines.
  • The power of inclusive design, technology can be simple yet transformative when built for everyone.

What's next for VZZ1 - Peter Griffin - WAYFINDR

  • Launch a mobile app with real-time GPS tracking and voice guidance.
  • Partner with local governments to integrate real accessibility data (e.g., ramp availability, crosswalk sensors).
  • Add multi-language support and AI-driven route recommendations.
  • Expand the Buddy Network into a verified volunteer system with in-app safety checks.

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