JUNR | Devpost

Junr Head

Inspiration

The inspiration behind JUNR stemmed from our firsthand experience at hackathons. We found ourselves meeting numerous talented individuals, but there was always a challenge in exchanging contact information. This frustration became the driving force behind JUNR.

Imagine attending a hackathon where every participant has JUNR on their lanyards. With this powerful tool in hand, connecting with others becomes effortless and seamless. No longer will you have to worry about missing out on potential collaborations or losing valuable contacts.

JUNR was born out of the desire to make networking at hackathons easier and more efficient. By providing participants with a convenient and accessible solution, we aim to revolutionize the way connections are made in these events.

What it does

It simplifies the process of networking during a hackathon. Each user will get a QR code representation of their wallet address. Participants of the hackathon can access other participants’ social media links simply by scanning their QR code. Uses can share what link they wish to be made public

How we built it

We built JUNR using a stack that includes VS Code, Vite, React, React Router, Bootstrap, and Jackal. We also, erroneously, used Expo to bootstrap a React Native app (before pivoting due to technology constraints with Jackal, see below). We used Vite to quickly bootstrap a React app (we could not use Create React App due to Jackal limitations). React was used for the front end, and open source React packages were used to generate QR Code and navigate to different pages. We also used Jackal’s NPM package (Jackal.js) to integrate with Jackal’s distributed backend and

Challenges we ran into

During our project journey, we encountered several challenges. Initially, our aim was to develop a solution using web3 technologies, specifically implementing Jackal and React Native, to enhance networking with other hackers using mobile devices. However, we faced difficulties in integrating these technologies, leading us to pivot from our original plan.

In response to these obstacles, we decided to focus on developing a web version instead. This shift allowed us to create a proof of concept that still achieved our goal of making networking easier. By opting for a web-based approach, we ensured that users have complete control over their networking experience, placing the power right in their hands.

While we had to adjust our initial plans, this adaptation allowed us to deliver a functional and accessible solution, showcasing the potential of our concept. Despite the challenges encountered, our determination to make networking a seamless experience prevailed, resulting in a web-based platform that puts you in complete control of your networking interactions.

Another significant challenge we faced was the difficulty in getting the Jackal storage to function properly. The API documentation proved to be confusing and challenging to navigate. However, we were fortunate to have the support of mentors who generously offered their assistance both online and in person.

Their guidance and expertise proved invaluable in helping us understand the intricacies of web3 technologies, specifically Jackal, and how we could effectively integrate it into our application. We are incredibly grateful for their time and dedication in explaining the concepts and providing us with the necessary insights to overcome the hurdles we encountered.

The mentorship we received not only aided us in grasping the complexities of Jackal but also allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of web3 technologies as a whole. Their contribution was instrumental in shaping our project and ensuring that we could deliver a functional and impactful solution.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the mentors who generously shared their knowledge and supported us throughout this journey. Their guidance was crucial in our ability to navigate the challenges and bring our vision to life.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We take great pride in the following accomplishments: learning how to code in React Native, effectively utilizing GitHub for version control, successfully getting the React Router working, implementing the wallet functionality with Jackal protocols, gaining proficiency in using and understanding Vite, actively working on front-end development with React, and successfully generating a QR code by following an online tutorial.

What we learned

During this 36 hour hackathon, we were able to be exposed to blockchain technologies, which none of us had previous experience in. We were able to work on an area that we previously had no knowledge on. We tried to utilize the sponsor's protocols/APIs by understanding who they are and what their product is. We learned the rapidly prototype our product due to the limited time frame and absorb knowledge in the areas of React Native, Vite, and Bootstrap.

What's next for JUNR

Looking ahead, we are determined to address these challenges and improve the JUNR platform. We plan to explore alternative mobile development options to provide a seamless experience for users on both web and mobile platforms. Additionally, we will focus on optimizing the file editing and merging process to ensure smooth collaboration among team members.

Our goal is to deliver an exceptional networking tool that empowers individuals at hackathons and similar events. We appreciate the support and feedback we've received thus far and remain dedicated to refining JUNR to meet the evolving needs of our users.