Promenade

Walk together, anytime.

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Team name: The DeceptICONS 💅
Team ID: BZ9H

Inspiration

Promenade was inspired by the need to leverage technology to promote peace and inclusion in society, particularly addressing the alarming statistics regarding personal safety. With 50% of women feeling unsafe walking alone and 29% experiencing the sensation of being followed, we recognized the urgent need for a solution that could make walking a more inclusive activity. By providing a sense of security and companionship during walks, Promenade aims to break down barriers that prevent individuals, especially women and vulnerable groups, from fully participating in their communities. This app not only enhances personal safety but also fosters a more connected and inclusive society where everyone feels empowered to navigate public spaces freely.

What it does

Promenade is a social networking app designed to connect individuals for safe walks. It matches users based on proximity, walking routes, and personal preferences, allowing them to find walking companions and create a safer environment for everyone.

How we built it

We developed Promenade using a combination of technologies to ensure optimal performance and flexibility. The iOS app is built with Swift, providing a seamless user experience on Apple devices. For our backend, we utilize Firebase, which offers robust real-time database capabilities and scalable cloud functions. Additionally, we've created a React-based web app, expanding our reach to users across different platforms. This multi-faceted approach allows for efficient data management, quick matching algorithms, and personalized user experiences.

Challenges we ran into

One of our main challenges was achieving feature parity between our Swift-based iOS app and our React-based web app. Ensuring that both platforms offered consistent functionality and user experience while leveraging the strengths of each technology stack proved to be a complex task. We had to carefully balance the development efforts to maintain a unified user experience across different devices and platforms.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We're proud of creating a platform that directly addresses a significant social issue. Our sophisticated matching algorithm and user-friendly interface offer a visually welcoming experience for anyone seeking a Promenade companion. We’re also proud of our comprehensive go-to-market strategy, forging partnerships with universities, local governments, and safety advocacy groups to ensure widespread adoption and impact.

What we learned

Through this project, we gained valuable experience using Firebase, Tailwind CSS, React and SwiftUI. We also learned a great deal about women's safety and missing persons cases in North America. This deepened our understanding of these critical societal issues and reinforced our belief that everyone should be aware of and concerned about these problems. Our work on Promenade has not only enhanced our technical skills but also increased our social awareness, driving us to create a solution that addresses real-world safety concerns.

What's next for Promenade

Our future plans for Promenade are ambitious and user-focused. We aim to enhance the app's functionality by introducing an in-app chat feature, allowing users to easily coordinate their walks and communicate effectively. Additionally, we plan to implement map functionality, providing users with visual representations of walking routes to improve navigation and safety. A key priority is to improve feature parity between our iOS and web applications, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience across all platforms. Throughout all these developments, we remain committed to continuous improvement based on user feedback, ensuring that Promenade evolves to meet the changing safety needs of our users and maintains its position as a trusted companion during walks.

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