Problem: Throughout the school year, students may be stuck with a giant gap of free time between classes. In order to pass the time, many choose to study for their classes. However, studying can be a great challenge for anyone when done solo or in the wrong spot.
Solution: A website listing different study spaces on UH Manoa Campus and their amenities. For example, indoor/outdoor, bathroom, outlets, noise level, lighting, chairs, space (maximum capacity of the room), food options (nearby cafe, vending machine, etc.), and more.
Some possible mockup pages include:
After implementing the basic functionality, here are ideas for more advanced features:
Throughout the academic year at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, many students find themselves navigating schedules filled with long, inconvenient gaps between classes. While this time could be used productively, such as catching up on coursework or studying, the reality is that finding an appropriate place to focus can be surprisingly difficult. Study environments play a crucial role in productivity, and when students are left to wander campus without clear guidance, they may end up in spaces that are too noisy, overcrowded, poorly lit, or lacking essential resources like power outlets or seating. As a result, valuable time is often wasted, and the overall quality of studying suffers.
To address this issue, our project proposes the development of a centralized website dedicated to helping students easily discover and evaluate study spaces across the UH Mānoa campus. This platform will serve as a comprehensive directory of locations, providing detailed information about each space’s amenities and environment. Key features will include whether a location is indoors or outdoors, availability of restrooms and electrical outlets, noise level, lighting quality, seating comfort, and the maximum capacity of the space. Additionally, the site will highlight nearby food options, such as cafés or vending machines, which are often an important consideration for students planning extended study sessions.
The website is designed with usability in mind, incorporating several core pages such as a landing page, a user dashboard, a profile page, and an admin interface. The landing page will introduce users to the platform and allow them to quickly search for study spots. The user dashboard will provide a personalized experience, potentially showing saved locations or recommended spaces. User profiles may allow individuals to contribute content or track their activity on the site. Meanwhile, the admin home page will give administrators the ability to monitor and manage the platform, including removing inappropriate or inaccurate postings to maintain the quality and reliability of information.
Beyond the basic functionality, the project also envisions more advanced features that enhance user engagement and practicality. For example, integrating map APIs would allow students to visually locate study spaces and navigate to them with ease. A ratings and reviews system would enable users to share their experiences, offering insights into real-world conditions that may not be captured by static descriptions alone. This community-driven aspect would help keep the platform dynamic and up to date.
Overall, this project aims to transform how students utilize their free time on campus by eliminating the uncertainty of finding a good study environment. By providing accessible, detailed, and user-driven information, the website empowers students to make better decisions about where to study, ultimately improving both their productivity and their overall academic experience. The project is a collaborative effort by Chloe Whitaker, Jonell Elizabeth Udasco, Tanner Tashiro, and Isabella Mow, combining thoughtful problem-solving with practical design to meet a common student need.
Contributed to by ChatGPT