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Benefan: Connecting Fans with Celebrities for a Cause

Inspiration

The project started as a simple concept. We drew an elephant on paper, and brainstormed things associated with elephants. Initially, we explored fans and air-conditioning systems but then had an aha moment. Instead of mechanical fans, we could focus on connecting people who are fans with the celebrities they admire. This led to the idea of Benefan: a platform where fans can connect with celebrities via online video calls while supporting a good cause.

What it does

Benefan allows fans worldwide to make a donation and earn the right to a private, face-to-face video call with their favorite celebrities from the list. This is done through a convenient mobile platform, enabling a guilt-free experience where fans contribute to a meaningful cause while enjoying a personal meeting. For celebrities, it's a flexible and fun way to support their favorite charities. They can compete to raise the most funds while reaching out to their fanbase. The charity of the month gains not only funds but also global exposure and social consciousness.

How we built it

We approached the project with varying levels of experience in programming and design. Our team consists of second-year computer science students, one with a background in media design and another with some professional experience. Many of us were new to React Native, Expo, Supabase,... and spent time watching tutorial videos just 24 hours before the competition began.

After solidifying our idea, we set up the project, created wireframes, and started developing a prototype. We worked in parallel to refine the design, integrate the backend, and manage the responsive, multi-platform app. Our work included incorporating case management services and handling mobile compatibility.

Challenges we ran into

Inexperience posed a major challenge. We struggled with dependency versions, basic concepts like React hooks, and spent significant time understanding the compilation process. Managing environment variables, deciphering warnings and errors, and other foundational tasks were also time-consuming. Maybe leaving this whole writing after not sleeping for about a day was not the greatest idea too.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Despite the challenges, we're proud of the final product. It looks great, is fairly complete, and is functional given the 24-hour timeline. Moreover, we are thrilled with the creative concept we developed, and this project provided a comprehensive learning experience.

What we learned

We learned invaluable lessons about programming and teamwork, particularly in getting started on foundational skills like React Native frameworks and concepts. Managing dependencies, environment variables, and understanding compilation errors became clearer through practice. We now understand how preparation and research can prevent roadblocks.

What's next for Benefan

We hope to create a fully functional MVP and explore the potential of bringing Benefan to life (maybe we can raise some funds!), especially if we secure funding. We’re excited to return to HackUPC next year with improved skills and an even more ambitious project!