ePlannerAI

Inspiration

ePlannerAI was inspired by the fact that most student planners only track deadlines but don’t actually help students plan realistically or protect their well-being. We think our planners cause stress rather than reduce it, so we set out to build a calmer, more supportive tool that understands energy levels, mental load, and sustainability.

What it does

ePlannerAI turns messy task lists into realistic schedules. Students enter tasks in natural language, and the AI breaks them into manageable chunks, assigns them to time blocks based on workload and energy level, and recommends focus sprints using a Pomodoro-style structure to reduce burnout. It also adds gentle wellness and sustainability prompts, and intentionally shows only a few priority cards at a time to create a calmer planning experience.

How we built it

Using ChatGPT, Figma, and Gemini, we built the app using React and TypeScript with TailwindCSS and shadcn/ui for a soft, friendly interface. Firebase Authentication and Firestore handle user storage and real-time syncing. The OpenAI API generates task breakdowns, schedule suggestions, and supportive wellness prompts. We designed collaboratively in Figma, used GitHub for version control, and deployed on Vercel.

Challenges we ran into

The hardest challenge was deciding which deployment method would best support students. A fully native mobile app offers deep integration and frequent use, but a mobile-first web app allows instant updates, easier onboarding, and universal device access. We debated mobile app and browser-based versions before choosing a responsive web deployment as the most accessible path for student adoption.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are proud that we created a fully running version of ePlannerAI with a working local development build directly from our GitHub repository. Anyone can clone it, install dependencies, and launch the full interface exactly as we designed it with Figma, including the rounded task cards, soft color palette, and Pomodoro-based scheduling flow. Delivering not just a prototype, but a functional, installable version of the complete UI in under 24 hours is something we’re especially excited about.

What we learned

We learned that thoughtful visual design is not just decoration, it changes how users feel. Choosing a soft color palette, rounded cards, and gentle typography helped ePlannerAI feel calm instead of overwhelming, and this aesthetic choice immediately set our planner apart from traditional, stressful task apps. We also learned how to prompt AI in a way that supports decision-making rather than dictating it, and how to blend wellness, sustainability, and productivity into one cohesive planning experience.

What's next for ePlannerAI

Next, we plan to continue building ePlannerAI beyond the hackathon. Our top priority is developing a fully working mobile widget feature so students can see their task list/calendar, Pomodoro timers, and wellness prompts directly from their lock screen or home screen. We also intend to refine AI scheduling personalization, integrate calendar syncing, and expand sustainability insights.

Built With

• figma
• firebase
• openai-api
• react
• tailwindcss
• typescript
• vercel