Booktify

Inspiration

The journey of Booktify began with a simple observation: a friend, frustrated with the limitations of existing book discovery apps and resorting to social media for recommendations. This highlighted a gap in the market for a service that not only simplifies the search for new reads but also maintains the communal joy of sharing book recommendations. We envisioned a solution that combines AI's precision with the engaging aspects of a reading community. To address the critical issue of literacy and motivation to read, we introduced gamification, making reading more interactive and rewarding.

What it does

Booktify revolutionizes book discovery by leveraging natural language processing to interpret users' unique reading tastes and preferences. Our chatbot acts as a personal book curator, offering tailored suggestions based on genres, moods, themes, or a mix of nuanced interests. Beyond mere recommendations, Booktify transforms reading into a habit with its gamified approach, engaging users in challenges and quizzes that celebrate their progress.

How we built it

• Frontend Development: Crafted with React for a seamless, responsive experience.
• Natural Language Processing: Employs NLP models for accurate interpretation of user inputs and personalized book matches.
• Database Integration: Utilized APIs from diverse book databases, adapting to the absence of Goodreads API for a rich repository of book data.
• Scalable Backend: Built on robust cloud-based services to support a growing user base and data volume.

Challenges we ran into

• User Account Complexity: Creating a comprehensive system to manage user data, from preferences to reading history.
• API Integration: Overcoming the limitations of third-party APIs for chatbot functionality while ensuring user privacy.
• UI/UX Design: Ensuring an intuitive and inviting interface for users of all technological backgrounds.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

• Pitch Deck Excellence: Assembled a compelling pitch deck that vividly conveys Booktify's mission and potential.
• Collaborative Success: Fostered a productive development environment through the effective use of Git.
• Concept Validation: Demonstrated Booktify's feasibility and its transformative approach to book discovery through a successful proof of concept.

What we learned

• Backend development with Node.js and Firebase. It was a challenging experience, and I had hurdles implementing account creation features for the demo.
• Working ## What's next for Booktify With the web application's proof of concept proving successful, Booktify's horizon expands to the mobile realm. Our plans include developing a mobile app with Flutter for broader reach and refining our NLP models for even sharper, more personalized book recommendations. We aim to make Booktify a cornerstone for readers worldwide, fostering a love for reading through technology.

Built With

• css
• firebase
• google-books-api
• javascript
• python
• react