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Webpage
Inspiration
We wanted to solve the common problem students face when finding a place to study in the library. Instead of wandering around aimlessly, we created a tool that helps users quickly locate available seating areas organized by subject sections (English, Maths, Computing, Science, History, Art, Physics).
What it does
The user selects the subject that they want to find the seat for, and the program finds the shortest path to the seats.
How we built it
We developed the application using vanilla JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. The core features include: A 2D grid-based layout representing the library floor plan with walls, open spaces, and subject zones A Breadth-First Search (BFS) algorithm to calculate the shortest path between the entrance and subject areas Dropdown that changes color based on the selected subject Pathfinder that animates the route to the destination Responsive grid rendering with visual distinction between different cell types
Challenges we ran into
Implementing an efficient pathfinding algorithm that works on a larger grid layout Managing the state of the grid when clearing previous paths and rendering new ones Creating a user-friendly UI that clearly represents the library layout and path Balancing visual appeal with functionality in the grid display
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Successfully implemented pathfinding with smooth animation that shows the user exactly where to go Created an intuitive interface where users can instantly see paths to different study areas Built a flexible grid system that can accommodate various library layouts Developed a clean, modern design that's both functional and visually appealing
What we learned
Grid-based pathfinding algorithms and their practical applications DOM manipulation and dynamic element creation in JavaScript
What's next for Library Team Seat Finder
Add real-time seat availability data integration from library management systems Implement multiple building/floor support for larger libraries Add user preferences (preferred study areas, quiet zones, group study spaces)
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