ZenFlo

Inspiration

During the previous school year, I was stressed often. One thing I found that helped me was taking deep breaths for a few minutes. I decided to create a program that guides the user through controlled breathing methods.

What it does

ZenFlo guides the user through two different types of controlled breathing that provides many health benefits. It even offers (optional) music! (which I cannot showcase in the video because my computer is unable to record audio. My apologies.)

How we built it

I used Scratch and my limited programming skills. I abused the broadcast message function, which I believe works similar to if then statements in traditional programming softwares.

Challenges we ran into

I never expected debugging code would take up so much time. Sure, I did struggle sometimes figuring out how to code a component, but I would figure it out relatively quickly. However, it would always end up interfering with another part, or not function properly. It was frustrating to figure out how to code something in two seconds, but spend ten minutes debugging and ensuring it worked properly. Fitting this project into my busy schedule was also a struggle for me. This hackathon landed on a weekend, which I have packed with extracurricular classes. I used time that I would normally spend sleeping coding. But, sleep deprived and eager, I still finished this project.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

I am proud that I took the initiative to participate in this hackathon. I don't know anything about coding, but I didn't let my doubts about my abilities get in my way, which for me, is a huge accomplishment. I am someone who constantly second guesses their skills, but by participating in this challenge, I improved that part of me much more than I anticipated. I am also proud of making a functional project, despite knowing almhttps://youtu.be/1wfY1Ci7Ufsost nothing about code and computer science. Learning to code has always been on my bucket list, and this project has catapulted me closer to my goal. I fully intend to study Java after this hackathon.

What we learned

Throughout this project, I wanted to give up so, so, so many times. Thoughts like I can't do this, I don't know anything about code, I could be sleeping right now ran through my head constantly. But I knew that if I gave up, everything that I worked for would be for naught, and I would never progress and learn to code on a better language. That's why, though cliche, I learned that perseverance can get you anywhere, while giving up gets you nowhere.

What's next for ZenFlo

Zenflo will have a better and more user friendly interface in the future, as well as more breathing techniques available. Zenflo will also add more small details, such as more music options, customizable aspects, and more quality of life features.