Overview
Built a full-stack web application serving 5,000+ USC students to crowdsource ratings and reviews for 100+ campus study locations. The platform helps students find the perfect study spot based on community feedback.
Problem Statement
USC students faced challenges finding good study spaces:
- Information about study locations was scattered
- No centralized platform for reviews and ratings
- Difficult to know which spaces were quiet, had outlets, or were crowded
- No way to reserve spaces in advance
Solution
Crowdsourced Study Space Reviews
Created a platform where students can:
- Rate study locations on multiple criteria
- Write detailed reviews about their experiences
- View aggregate ratings to make informed decisions
- Filter and sort locations based on preferences
Rating Criteria
Students rate each location on:
- Noise level (quiet to loud)
- Availability of power outlets
- WiFi quality
- Seating comfort
- Crowdedness at different times
- Natural lighting
Features
Search, Sort, and Filter
Implemented comprehensive search functionality:
- Search by name - Find specific buildings or rooms
- Sort by rating - See top-rated spaces first
- Filter by amenities - Outlets, WiFi, quiet zones
- Filter by location - Near specific buildings or areas
Reservation System
Built a reservation feature allowing students to:
- Book study rooms in advance
- View availability calendars
- Receive confirmation notifications
- Cancel or modify reservations
User Profiles
- Track personal review history
- Save favorite study spots
- Build reputation through helpful reviews
Technical Architecture
Frontend
- React.js - Modern, responsive UI
- Component-based design - Reusable UI elements
- Real-time updates - Live rating changes
Backend
- Java - Robust server-side logic
- RESTful APIs - Clean interface between frontend and backend
- Authentication - Secure user accounts
Database
- MySQL - Relational database for structured data
- Efficient queries - Optimized for search and filtering
- Data integrity - Proper constraints and relationships
API Design
GET /api/locations - List all study spaces
GET /api/locations/:id - Get specific location details
POST /api/locations/:id/reviews - Submit a review
GET /api/locations/search - Search with filters
POST /api/reservations - Create a reservation
Impact
User Adoption
- 5,000+ active users among USC student body
- 100+ locations catalogued and reviewed
- Reduced time students spend searching for study spaces
Community Value
- Centralized scattered information into one platform
- Enabled data-driven decisions about where to study
- Created a sense of community around shared experiences
Skills Applied
- Full-Stack Development
- React.js
- Java
- MySQL
- REST API Design
- User Experience Design
- Database Modeling