Inspiration
We were inspired by the idea of helping people explore their cities in a more meaningful way. Too often, people miss out on unique local experiences, hidden spots, or exciting events because they’re hard to find. We wanted to create an app that connects users with these treasures, fostering a deeper connection to their surroundings.
What it does
Our app helps users discover hidden gems , local experiences , and upcoming events in their city. It provides a centralized platform where users can:
Explore unique spots submitted by locals. Book authentic experiences hosted by community members. Stay updated on nearby events through real-time listings. Save favorites and leave reviews to share insights with others. By combining location-based features, third-party event data, and user-generated content, the app creates a dynamic and personalized way to explore what your city has to offer.
How we built it
Planning : We started by defining the core features—hidden gems, local experiences, and event listings—and prioritized an MVP approach. Frontend : Using React Native, we designed a clean, intuitive interface with navigation and interactive components. Backend : We leveraged Firebase for authentication, database management, and hosting, ensuring scalability and real-time updates. APIs : We integrated third-party APIs like Eventbrite for event data and Google Maps for location-based features. Testing : We tested the app on both emulators and physical devices to ensure smooth performance. Tools & Tech Stack:
Frontend: React Native Backend: Firebase APIs: Eventbrite, Google Maps Version Control: GitHub
Challenges we ran into
Learning Curve : As a team new to React Native and Firebase, we spent time understanding their ecosystems and best practices. Data Integration : Combining data from multiple APIs while keeping the app responsive was challenging but rewarding. Filtering Limitations : Firestore’s single inequality clause limitation required creative workarounds for advanced filtering. Time Constraints : Balancing feature development with deadlines pushed us to prioritize effectively.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Successfully integrated third-party APIs, such as Google Maps, to display real-time event data and location-based features. Overcame challenges with GitHub by troubleshooting repository issues and ensuring smooth collaboration, which strengthened our problem-solving skills. Built a scalable backend using Firebase, enabling real-time updates and efficient data management. Delivered a user-friendly interface with React Native, ensuring a seamless experience across devices.
What we learned
Through this project, we learned the importance of user-centric design and rapid prototyping. We also gained hands-on experience with tools like React Native, Firebase, and third-party APIs such as Eventbrite and Google Maps. Most importantly, we discovered how to balance simplicity with functionality to deliver a seamless user experience.
Key Takeaways:
Prioritizing features for an MVP is crucial. Real-time updates and scalability are game-changers. Challenges are opportunities to grow as a team.
What's next for Hidden Guide
User Authentication : Implement user login capabilities, including Google Sign-In, to allow users to save their favorite spots and personalize their experience. Event and Place Integration : Enable users to find and add new events and places to the platform, enriching the database with community-driven content. User-Generated Recommendations : Display user-submitted entries alongside data from web scraping in the "Recommended" section, creating a more dynamic and personalized feed. Working Prototype Enhancements : Refine the prototype by adding features like advanced filtering, location-based notifications, and improved search functionality.
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