Scrawl&Sprawl

General option
Note option
Sticker option
Photo option
Doodle option
How it looks

Inspiration

As international students far away from home, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with academic stress and homesickness. Many spend their break time doomscrolling, which actually increases anxiety and disconnection. Thus, we wanted to make a platform where students can leave and receive small acts of encouragement for others nearby.

What it does

When users open the app, a map shows sticky notes, doodles, stickers, or pictures left by others. Users can choose what they want to post at a certain location (a note, doodle, sticker, or picture), which will then be seen by others. The post would live for 1-7 days. A sidebar lets users revisit their recent and saved notes.

How we built it

We built it as a web app using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. We used the Google Maps JavaScript API to display locations and post something on the map. We used SVG images for the stickers, allowing the app to feel playful, cute, and most importantly, positive.

Challenges we ran into

It was our first time integrating the Google Maps JavaScript API, so we had to learn how to set up API keys and implement the map correctly.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

As first-timers in a hackathon, we are proud of designing a tool that connects to us -- international students -- personally. When we're stressed, we tend to forget the little joys around us. This app will help us pause, notice kindness, and stay positive.

What we learned

We learned the importance of communication in a team. Whether it is during ideation or development, syncing helps us avoid conflicts and make faster decisions, such as when making changes to our file and pushing & pulling to our repository.