frij.space

a casual, colorful space to share notes with friends and family

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What problem are we addressing?

  • We wanted to look for a way to be present and share a space with loved ones, without constantly having to be in that space
  • Along with this, the notifications we receive from our digital devices often lead to distractions from the task that we are currently working on
  • During a time where we are severely lacking social connection and turning to our devices as the solution to just about everything, the pressure to be available and responsive at all times has been exacerbated
  • Modern social media platforms require immediate and active attention which can often be disruptive or stressful

Solution

  • frij.space doesn't require one’s active attention, it simply exists to be seen at some point, similar to a fridge door in a family kitchen
  • Offers non-addictive, passive communication while still sharing an intimate and unique space with others
  • Users can communicate and interact with each other at their own pace

Inspiration

  • A fridge door used to post sticky notes, reminders, or messages in a household kitchen

What it does

  • frij.space is a web app that lets friends and family share colorful notes, messages, and reminders in a private, personalizable space.

How we made it

  • frij.space is built around the interact.js JavaScript library, which provides most of its dynamic functionality. The auxiliary structure and styling were fleshed out with HTML and CSS, and we used the Axios library to handle our HTTP requests. These requests were directed at a RESTful API endpoint, built with Node.js and MongoDB, which handle CRUD operations on the state of each frij.space address.

Challenges throughout the project

  • Working for many hours without much rest
  • Learning to collaborate effectively using github as version control
  • Understanding the process of creating and deploying a website
  • Learning how to use JSONObjects and JSONArrays to connect the backend with the front-end

Accomplishments we are proud of

  • Able to change the color :D
  • Live-updating (on refresh)
  • Arbitrary urls for different spaces
  • Creating a website from scratch

What we learned

  • Using html/css/javascript to make a simple website and add interactive elements to it
  • Using frameworks and cloud deployment to quickly develop a RESTful API
  • Effectively collaborating online
  • Time and project management

Future of the project

  • frij.space can be scaled further to help users have live-editing and collaboration so that users can have immediate feedback on what others are communicating
  • More tools such as adding checklists, drawings, and images
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