Arc'onnect

Arc’onnect is your window into the Arc’teryx community — a lightweight Chrome extension where conversations begin, events are shared, and relationships thrive.

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Inspiration

We were inspired by the idea of effortless connection — something as seamless as opening your laptop and instantly seeing useful, curated content. Think of those striking images and prompts you see on your lock screen or new tab — they draw you in without asking for anything in return.

We wanted to bring that same energy to the Arc’teryx community. Instead of downloading another app or digging through emails, what if staying connected was as easy as opening a new tab? That’s where the idea of a Chrome extension came in — a low-friction, always-accessible tool that opens the door to events, forums, and conversations the moment you open your browser.

What it does

To strengthen the Arc’teryx community, we’re creating a space where grant recipients, strategic partners, and ambassadors can connect, ask questions, share support, and plan meetups. This platform will foster collaboration, build lasting relationships, and amplify our collective impact.

Transforms your chrome into a personalized, productive, and inspiring workspace that allows fast and easy access to the Web Application.

How we built it

We built Arc’onnect using a combination of design tools, web technologies, and browser extension APIs to create a smooth, integrated user experience.

  • Figma was used to map out user flows, design the UI, and maintain a cohesive look aligned with Arc’teryx’s brand identity.
  • HTML, CSS, and JavaScript formed the foundation of our frontend, allowing us to craft a responsive and accessible layout.
  • React powered the component structure and dynamic routing within the extension, helping us deliver a seamless multi-page feel inside the popup window.
  • Node.js helped us simulate backend logic and handle local data to represent forums, events, and user actions during development.
  • We structured the extension using Chrome Extension APIs, enabling browser-based integration and ensuring content is accessible directly from the user’s new tab or extension click.
  • Lastly, we used GitHub for collaboration!

Challenges we ran into

One significant challenge we faced was integrating geolocation on both the frontend and backend, which proved more complex than expected. We also struggled with styling and layout, as this was our first time working with frontend design. Managing routing and navigation in React also added another layer of difficulty.

Coming up with a concept that could go beyond traditional social media and still feel meaningful for outdoor communities was also a creative challenge. But through teamwork and trial-and-error, we learned a lot and pushed through those roadblocks together.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We’re extremely proud of how sleek and visually aligned the extension is with the Arc’teryx brand, creating a seamless user experience that feels both professional and community-oriented. Despite this being the first experience with multiple aspects of development for many of us, we overcame numerous challenges — from managing styling and routing to integrating a fully functional Chrome extension.

One of our biggest achievements was successfully getting the Chrome extension integrated. Initially, we weren’t sure if we'd have enough time after working on the web application, but through careful planning and teamwork, we made it happen.

What we learned

Developing Arc’onnect provided us with invaluable insights into user experience, design, and technical implementation. We learned how to create a seamless, intuitive interface that blends into the user's everyday browsing without being intrusive. Balancing functionality with sleek, minimal design was key.

Additionally, working on Arc’onnect gave us a closer look at Arc’teryx’s community programs, from grants to strategic partnerships, and how important it is to build tools that support and nurture these vibrant, outdoor-focused communities.

What's next for Arc'onnect

We plan to expand Arc’onnect's features and functionalities to enhance the user experience. This includes refining the design by aligning with Figma for consistency and improving the location-based features to help users find and connect with nearby events. We also aim to introduce a personalized login system that allows users to customize their experience and access exclusive content.

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