Inspiration

The inspiration for GeneXplorer came from my background in Biological Sciences and my passion for genetics, molecular biology, and anatomy. I have witnessed firsthand how challenging it can be for patients, families, and even healthcare professionals to find reliable, up-to-date information about rare genetic diseases. The lack of accessible resources and the long diagnostic journey motivated me to create a tool that could make scientific knowledge more approachable and trustworthy for everyone.

What it does

GeneXplorer is an interactive platform that empowers users to search for rare genetic diseases and instantly receive reliable, up-to-date summaries with trusted citations. Users can explore detailed information about symptoms, related genes, and treatments, ask follow-up questions, and access scientific articles—all within an intuitive and visually engaging interface. The app leverages the Perplexity Sonar API to deliver real-time research and deep insights, making complex genetic information accessible to patients, families, students, and healthcare professionals.

How we built it

I started by designing the user flow and interface in Figma, focusing on intuitive navigation and accessibility. For branding and visual assets, I used Canva. I created an interactive prototype using Webflow, integrating the Perplexity Sonar API via REST to power real-time search, summaries, and citations. This allowed users to explore rare genetic diseases, ask follow-up questions, and access trusted sources—all within a visually engaging and user-friendly environment.

Challenges we ran into

One of the main challenges was ensuring that every answer provided by the API included clear citations, as transparency is crucial in healthcare. Another challenge was balancing the depth of information with simplicity, so users would not feel overwhelmed. Finally, integrating complex API responses into a no-code platform required creative problem-solving to maintain both functionality and design quality.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Successfully created a user-friendly prototype that makes complex genetic data accessible and understandable.

Seamlessly integrated Perplexity Sonar API to automate real-time research and provide trusted, cited answers.

Designed a visually appealing and accessible interface, prioritizing clarity and inclusivity for all users.

Enabled users to ask follow-up questions and explore in-depth topics, enhancing engagement and learning.

Addressed a real-world need for reliable information in the rare disease community

What we learned

Throughout this project, I deepened my understanding of user-centered design, especially for health applications where clarity, accessibility, and trust are essential. I also learned how to leverage AI-powered APIs like Perplexity Sonar to automate research and content generation, making it possible to deliver valuable information quickly and accurately.

What's next for GeneXplorer

Expand the database to cover more rare diseases and genetic conditions.

Implement user accounts and personalized dashboards for tracking searches and saving information.

Add multilingual support to reach a global audience.

Collaborate with healthcare organizations and patient advocacy groups for content validation and outreach.

Integrate additional APIs and data sources for even richer insights and visualizations.

Gather user feedback to continuously improve the platform’s usability and impact.

Built With

  • canva
  • figma
  • google
  • javascript
  • logo-e-elementos-graficos.-webflow-(ou-bubble)-?-plataforma-no-code/low-code-para-desenvolvimento-do-prototipo-interativo-e-integracao-visual-com-apis-externas.-javascript-?-para-scripts-customizados-e-integracao-dinamica
  • perplexity-sonar-api
  • prototipagem-de-fluxos-e-experiencia-do-usuario.-canva-?-para-criacao-de-identidade-visual
  • rest-api
  • se-necessario.-rest-api-?-integracao-direta-com-a-perplexity-sonar-api-para-buscas-em-tempo-real
  • webflow
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