-
Landing Page - user can pick what they want to do
-
Where user can input their situation
-
Displays story
-
User can share their story
Inspiration
One of our team members experienced the loss of a loved one due to suicide. His uncle was known for being stoic and unemotional, and no one could have imagined the struggles he was facing; all because of the stigma surrounding men sharing their feelings.
We hope to address this issue by creating a safe environment where men can discover relatable stories, helping them feel less alone and more inspired to speak out or implement positive changes in their lives.
What it does
RELaiTE.CO has two main features: Discover Stories: Users share what they are going through, and RELaiTE.CO interprets their input, matches it with a similar story from our database, and displays it. If users struggle to express their feelings, prompts are provided to guide them.
Share Stories: Users can submit their own experiences, along with how they overcame them. These stories are categorized and saved in our database, allowing others to discover them when seeking relatable experiences.
How we built it
The RELaiTE.CO project is divided into three main components: Front-End: We designed the user interface using Figma and developed it with TypeScript, React, and Tailwind CSS for a modern and responsive experience. Back-End: The back-end utilizes the Gemini API, which we fine-tuned with Node.js to enhance performance and functionality. Database: For data management, we employed Firebase Firestore to create and store our datasets efficiently.
Challenges we ran into
Design Implementation: We struggled to translate our Figma designs into code, requiring extra time for adjustments. Firebase Setup: Setting up Firebase was challenging, as it took time to collect data from public sources for the Gemini API. AI Model Output: We faced difficulties in the back-end, particularly in achieving the desired output from the AI model, which needed fine-tuning.
Accomplishments that we're proud of and what we have Learned
We are proud to have learned and implemented Figma for the first time, enhancing the aesthetics of our front end. Some team members also acquired skills in TypeScript, React, and Node.js during the project. In hindsight, we realize this project was outside the scope of our existing skills, but we are grateful for the opportunity to learn in a competitive and encouraging environment.
What's next for RELaiTE.CO
We plan to refine the front-end and implement secure user login features. As we grow our user base, we will further fine-tune the Gemini API models, allowing us to provide even more relatable stories. Once we are satisfied with the current iteration, we aim to expand RELaiTE.CO to reach a broader audience, supporting not just men but anyone seeking connection and understanding in their mental health journey.
Disclaimer
Our application is not a replacement for professional mental health services. It is designed to show men that they are not alone and that others have gone through similar challenges. If you are experiencing severe symptoms or a mental health crisis, we urge you to seek help from a qualified professional.
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.