Arc'connect

Inspiration

We were inspired by the passion and authenticity of Arc’teryx employees, whose love for the outdoors and sense of community seamlessly integrate into both their work and personal lives. Arc'connect was born from this spirit to connect like-minded outdoor enthusiasts, fostering real connections and experiences both inside and outside the wild.

What it does

Arc'connect lets you discover and explore outdoor groups and events before you sign up. Once you’re a member, your personalized home page/dashboard shows recommended groups and events based on your interests. Easily search, join or register, and keep track of everything you're involved in. Participate in group and event discussions, stay up-to-date, and connect with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

How we built it

Arc'connect was designed using Figma for sleek, user-friendly interfaces. We built the app using MongoDB, Express.js, Node.js, and Next.js for a seamless, fast experience. For event weather data, we integrated the OpenWeather API to give users real-time updates. The Google Places API powers location search, making it easy to find and explore nearby events and groups.

Challenges we ran into

One of the biggest challenges we faced was narrowing down the design direction due to time constraints. With so many ideas to explore, it was tough to decide which features to prioritize. Additionally, many of us stepped into new roles, such as tackling backend development and UX design for the first time. This pushed us to learn quickly and collaborate closely to deliver a product that we’re proud of.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We're really proud to have built a fully functional application with a working backend powered by MongoDB — especially since it was our developers' first time using it. We’re also proud of stepping into new roles and quickly with two first time hackathon attendees. This allowed us to grow and push our skill sets in new directions. We also developed a strong design sense, ensuring the user experience is both intuitive and engaging.

What we learned

Our team learned to build a full-stack application using MongoDB, Node.js, and Express.js for the backend, while also developing the complete frontend. For our first-time hackathon designers, it was a great opportunity to understand the value of user experience and scalable design principles.

What's next for Arc'connect

The next steps for Arc'connect include fleshing out additional pages and expanding the entire website. We’ll also focus on conducting user research and testing to ensure the platform meets the needs of our community. Building stronger community engagement will be a priority, ensuring that users have an interactive and meaningful experience as they connect with others through outdoor events and groups.