GenBridge | Devpost

Inspiration

GENBRIDGE was sparked by a blend of observation and empathy towards the growing isolation experienced by the older generation—a situation only exacerbated by the rapid pace of technological advancements. Recognizing the untapped wealth of wisdom and experience residing within these individuals, we sought to create a platform that not only addresses their loneliness but also enriches the younger generation. Our inspiration was further fueled by the realization that while technology often serves as a barrier, it also holds the potential to be a powerful connector. Thus, GENBRIDGE was conceived to bridge this gap, leveraging technology to foster meaningful, intergenerational connections.

What it does

GENBRIDGE is a unique platform that enables senior citizens to offer advice and share life experiences with younger individuals seeking guidance. Through a user-friendly app, we facilitate one-on-one interactions that are both meaningful and mutually beneficial. Seniors can impart their wisdom on a range of topics, from career advice to life’s big questions, while young adults gain invaluable insights. Our platform uses a sophisticated matching algorithm to ensure that connections are relevant and enriching for both parties. Furthermore, each interaction has the potential to be transformed into a digital keepsake, capturing the essence of the exchange for posterity.

How we built it

Our journey in creating GENBRIDGE involved an interdisciplinary approach, combining elements of psychology, technology, and design thinking. We developed the platform with a focus on accessibility, ensuring that it is senior-friendly simple navigation and an engaging interface. The matching algorithm was crafted using advanced AI techniques to analyze user profiles and preferences, facilitating meaningful connections. The tech stack includes React for the frontend, Python, FastAPI, and PostgreSQL for the backend, and Web Speech API for speech to text.

Challenges we ran into

One of the most significant challenges was designing an interface that caters to the usability needs of seniors while maintaining the engagement factor for younger users. Achieving a balance between simplicity and functionality required extensive user testing and iteration. Additionally, refining the matching algorithm to accurately reflect user preferences and ensure relevant connections was a complex task that involved continuous tweaking and learning. We are particularly proud of creating a platform that not only addresses a social issue but also fosters intergenerational learning and understanding.

What we learned

Throughout this project, we've gained deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities of designing technology for social good. The importance of empathy in the design process and the potential of technology to serve as a bridge between different generations were key lessons. We also learned the intricacies of developing a matching algorithm that takes into account the diverse and nuanced preferences of users across generations.

What's next for GENBRIDGE

Looking ahead, we aim to expand GENBRIDGE's capabilities by incorporating voice to text features to further enrich the platform's accessibility. We also plan to explore partnerships with educational institutions and organizations focused on senior care to broaden our reach and impact. Ultimately, our vision is to transform GENBRIDGE into a global community where wisdom transcends age, fostering a world where every generation feels valued, connected, and understood.