Capstone Proposal: OpenRecHub

CST489: Computer Science Capstone Project

Tiffany Andersen - Deniz Erisgen - Christian Vargas

Advisor: Feiling Jia, Ph.D

Fall 2023
CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 2

Executive Summary

Numerous individuals are interested in participating in team sports and recreational

activities but often lack a practical way to connect with like-minded enthusiasts. OpenRecHub

aims to bridge this gap by serving as a centralized website application that promotes community

engagement. The platform enables users to seamlessly find, create, and participate in a diverse

array of activities within their local areas, including sports and outdoor activities like soccer,

tennis, pickleball, disc golf, mountain and road biking, group hiking, and more. Designed to

serve individuals of all age groups, OpenRecHub aims to be a global platform without

geographical restrictions, for those interested in a wide range of sports and recreational activities.

This application offers distinct advantages over platforms like Meetup and Craigslist,

which also aim to provide similar features. On OpenRecHub, users won't need to join multiple

groups as is often required on other platforms to engage in a diverse range of activities.

OpenRecHub stands apart from other platforms with its user-friendly interface, offering a

searchable and categorized database of activities, sorted by location, time frame, and type. Users

can also create new events and specify the events details. The platform includes a messaging

feature for participants to communicate about activities, and displays essential information such

as date, time, and location for each event. The goal of this project is to streamline the way people

with shared interests engage in activities they enjoy, thereby strengthening community

engagement. In doing so, we anticipate that OpenRecHub will not only increase community

engagement by facilitating these connections, but also lead to higher rates of participation in

local sports and activities, potentially paving the way for collaboration with local businesses and

organizations.
CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 3

Table of Contents

Introduction/Background.............................................................................................................. 4
Project name and description..................................................................................................... 4
Problem and/or issue in technology.........................................................................................................4
Solution to the problem and/or issue in technology................................................................................ 5
Environmental Scan/Literature Review...................................................................................... 5
Stakeholders................................................................................................................................... 6
Ethical Considerations............................................................................................................................. 7
Legal Considerations............................................................................................................................... 7
Project Goals and Objectives:....................................................................................................... 8
Goals.......................................................................................................................................... 8
Objectives...................................................................................................................................8
Final Deliverables........................................................................................................................... 8
Approach/Methodology................................................................................................................. 9
Timeline/Resources...................................................................................................................... 10
Detailed Timeline.....................................................................................................................10
Milestones................................................................................................................................ 10
Resources Needed....................................................................................................................10
Platform......................................................................................................................................... 11
Risks and Dependencies............................................................................................................... 11
Risks......................................................................................................................................... 11
Dependencies........................................................................................................................... 12
Testing Plan................................................................................................................................... 12
Team Members............................................................................................................................. 13
Team member names................................................................................................................13
Division of labor, including clear roles and responsibilities....................................................13
References..................................................................................................................................... 14
CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 4

Introduction/Background

Finding the right people for your favorite games and activities shouldn't be a hassle.

That's where OpenRecHub comes in—a centralized platform designed to make connecting for

various outdoor games and activities straightforward and efficient. This proposal will delve into

the details of our project, discussing the challenges we aim to resolve and the solutions we

propose. We'll also cover similar projects, identify our stakeholders, and outline our ethical and

legal considerations.

Project name and description

OpenRecHub is designed for individuals from all backgrounds who are passionate about

sports and outdoor activities. It aims to solve the common challenge of finding like-minded

individuals to organize and participate in such activities, thus promoting healthy, active lifestyles.

By serving as a central hub for sports enthusiasts, the platform not only makes it easier to engage

in these activities but also fosters a sense of community among its users. Initial testing will be

conducted with friends, family, fellow students, and gym members who participate in racquetball

and pickleball.

Problem and/or issue in technology

The current landscape for community engagement in sports and outdoor activities is

fragmented and often ineffective. Traditional methods of connection, such as community bulletin

boards, social media groups, or word-of-mouth often fail to connect people to activities that

genuinely interest them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

approximately a quarter of U.S. adults are inactive, a situation that could be exacerbated by the

lack of convenient opportunities for engaging in sports and outdoors activities (CDC, 2022). A

separate study found that inactivity is influenced not just by a lack of sports or leisure facilities,
CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 5

but also by shortage of social opportunities to get physically involved, among other factors (Park

et al., 2020). OpenRecHub aims to simplify and unify this fragmented landscape, making

physical and social activity more accessible for everyone.

Solution to the problem and/or issue in technology

OpenRecHub proposes a solution to this issue by serving as a centralized platform where

users can easily discover and participate in activities that align with their interests. Through

user-friendly design and features that allow for easy discovery and joining of events, the platform

employs straightforward search algorithms and basic geo-location services, ensuring a

user-friendly and effective way to match individuals with local activities of interest.

OpenRecHub aims to address the limitations of traditional ways people connect for activities. In

doing so, the platform not only encourages healthier lifestyles but also fosters stronger

community bonds.

Environmental Scan/Literature Review

There are a handful of websites and applications available that offer event organization

and participation features. One popular option is Meetup.com, though it has its drawbacks. To

access details for various events, users must join multiple groups, which can be cumbersome.

Moreover, Meetup is not exclusively dedicated to sports and outdoor activities. As a result, users

may find themselves navigating through a plethora of unrelated events to locate those that align

with their specific interests (Meetup, n.d.).

Craigslist can be another option for finding and creating public activities; however, it

lacks structured event listings. Users are required to manually browse through listings, which are

arranged randomly, making it challenging to locate specific types of activities in their area

(Craigslist, n.d.). Eventbrite is also an option but tends to focus on formal or ticketed events
CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 6

rather than a casual game of soccer or hiking trips (Eventbrite, n.d.). Facebook Groups offers

potential, but varies widely in terms of format and reliability (Facebook, n.d.). Specialized apps

like Strava focus on just one or two sports, which limits their utility for those interested in a

broader range of activities (Strava, n.d.).

When it comes to finding or organizing events for sports and outdoor activities, the

current landscape of platforms leaves a lot to be desired. OpenRecHub addresses this by

integrating a personalized matching algorithm that considers users’ preferences and location to

suggest suitable activities. Our platform fosters community engagement by allowing users to

share experiences, reviews, and ratings. With a user-friendly interface and seamless navigation,

we enhance the overall user experience, addressing common usability issues present in existing

platforms. By focusing on these specific areas, OpenRecHub aims to fill the gaps in the current

landscape of platforms for sports and outdoor activities.

Stakeholders

Our primary stakeholders are the end users. These are individuals who are looking for a

convenient way to find and participate in sports and outdoor activities. By using OpenRecHub,

they stand to gain easier access to activities that align with their interests, thereby promoting a

more active and socially connected lifestyle.

Secondary stakeholders include local businesses and sports organizations that could

partner with OpenRecHub. They could benefit from increased visibility and customer

engagement. Additionally, developers and project team members are also stakeholders, as they

are invested in the platform’s success. However, both primary and secondary stakeholders could

face challenges such as data privacy issues or misuse of the platform. Consequently, achieving a
CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 7

balance between functionality and security is crucial for meeting the needs of all stakeholders

involved.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations for OpenRecHub focus on user privacy and data security.

Additionally, in future implementations of the website outside of the school classroom, there will

be features for user safety, such as an easy way for users to report abuse, harassment, or any

suspicious activities. Similarly, there is potential to establish guidelines for hosting and attending

meetups to avoid misunderstandings. To ensure that OpenRecHub is accessible to all users, we

are taking a two-step approach. First, the platform will be designed to comply with the Web

Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure accessibility for users with diverse abilities.

Second, we recognize that requiring an account to register for events could be a barrier to entry.

Therefore, we are committed to simplifying the account creation process while still maintaining

strong security measures. Furthermore, we plan to regularly conduct user feedback sessions and

accessibility audits to continuously improve OpenRecHub's inclusivity and security features.

Legal Considerations

Legal considerations for OpenRecHub particularly center around the protection of

personally identifiable information collected from users. As the platform will facilitate

connections based on location and interests, it is important to ensure compliance with data

protection laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States. If we

don't keep user data safe, we could face legal trouble and lose people's trust, which is crucial to

the success of our platform.

CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 8

Project Goals and Objectives:

Goals Objectives

To have a fully functional website application Establish the necessary infrastructure for
that aligns with the originally defined key deploying our application to the live web.
objectives while remaining open to
continuous improvement.

To attain approximately 30 unique users Seamlessly integrate Google Analytics to

within a two-week timeframe. comprehensively track application usage,
enabling precise monitoring of user
interactions and behavior patterns.

To establish a self-sustaining website Ensure the website's technical aspects are

primarily driven by user-generated event optimized for search engines.
postings, with minimal administrative
intervention required, limited to periodic
website updates and addressing flagged
content.

To design a user-friendly and visually Implement a robust event matching system

appealing UI/UX that sets the app apart from that intelligently connects users with local
competitors. events aligned with their interests, utilizing
algorithms and other user data.

To achieve a ranking within the top three Implement best basic SEO practices
pages of Google search results for the query
'Local outdoor activities near me'.

Final Deliverables

The final deliverables for OpenRecHub encompass a centralized website application with

an intuitive interface and comprehensive documentation. OpenRecHub will offer a

comprehensive, user-categorized repository of a wide range of sports and recreational activities,

which users can conveniently filter based on location, time slots, and activity types. Rigorous

quality assurance and testing will ensure a bug-free and efficient experience. The platform will

be designed for scalability and security compliance, safeguarding user data. A user feedback
CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 9

mechanism wil drive continuous improvements. An organized server hosting and maintenance

plan will maintain continuous service. Real-time monitoring and analytics will inform the

development team about future enhancements, solidifying OpenRecHub’s success and

sustainability. Importantly, OpenRecHub is designed to be freely accessible to all users, fostering

community engagement by providing a comprehensive platform for like-minded individuals to

connect and participate in local activities. This openness also opens up the possibility for

potential partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

Approach/Methodology

Our approach and methodology are firmly rooted in a structured software development

process, specifically embracing Agile principles to ensure flexibility, collaboration, and iterative

progress. The gathering of project requirements will be guided by user stories and collaborative

prioritization. Our emphasis on design and prototyping will guarantee the creation of

user-friendly interfaces as we implement changes during our project sprints. Throughout each

iteration, we will vigilantly monitor our progress to ensure we meet stakeholder expectations and

achieve our initial goals. Virtual communication with stakeholders will provide the necessary

feedback to enhance OpenRecHub and its features continually.

CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 10

Timeline/Resources

Detailed Timeline and Milestones

For a more detailed outline of our project tracking in terms of milestones, please refer to our

OpenRecHub Project Progression document.

Resources Needed

For a small website like OpenRecHub, essential computer resources include a reliable

internet connection, a computer or laptop for development, a text editor/IDE, and graphics

software for creating visuals. To support the project's implementation, we require a range of

media components and essential equipment. These media components encompass high-quality

images, illustrations of activities, and graphics for the user interface to enhance user engagement.
CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 11

We will utilize GitHub for version control and collaborative project management to enhance

efficiency and team coordination. Additionally, web hosting and a domain name are necessary

for making the website accessible online, with an estimated cost of approximately $50 to $100

per year, depending on the hosting provider and domain registrar we choose.

Platform

For this project, our primary choice of browser during development will be Google

Chrome, renowned for its developer-friendly features, robust debugging capabilities, and

excellent support for JavaScript. This decision will significantly enhance the efficiency of the

development workflow and improve the user-friendliness of OpenRecHub. Our team will utilize

Visual Studio Code due to its versatility, extensive extensions, and strong support for JavaScript

development. We have opted for the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js), a

potent combination for building robust web applications. This stack will empower us to create a

dynamic, scalable platform that aligns with our mission of making OpenRecHub user-friendly

while offering rich features to attract users. We aim to ensure OpenRecHub's mobile

responsiveness, enabling users to access it seamlessly on their smartphones without the necessity

of downloading from any specific app store.

Risks and Dependencies

Risks

Numerous risks have the potential to impact the project timeline. Firstly, technical

challenges, such as the implementation of specific features, could arise. For instance, the event

matching algorithm, a critical project component, might cause unforeseen technical issues,

potentially extending the project timeline. Additionally, undisclosed programming requirements

that could emerge in the future may cause delays. Another risk lies in our choice to employ the
CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 12

MERN stack. Tiffany and Deniz have limited experience with React, which could potentially

slow down development as they learn while programming. It’s worth noting that this is the first

time all members have developed a full-stack MERN application, which adds an additional

learning curve for the project. While we do not anticipate changes or additions to project

requirements beyond the current scope, such alterations could introduce delays. However,

perhaps the most significant risk we envision is the potential for our project to have a UI

interface that we think is good but is actually not ideal, leading to low user engagement. This, in

turn, could hinder user adoption and impact the achievement of our project objectives. The

website's design plays such a critical role that it introduces a risk, emphasizing the importance of

thinking not only as programmers but also as designers to ensure an optimal user experience.

Dependencies

Our front-end UI/UX design and the development of React components will hinge upon

the prior creation of wireframes and design mockups. Similarly, the back-end development relies

on the completion of front-end components since they are essential for interaction with the user

interface. Given our utilization of MongoDB, our database schema maintains flexibility, capable

of adapting to changing data requirements. Additionally, user authentication is crucial for the

back-end functionality. OpenRecHub's integration of a user feedback mechanism is not only

pivotal for iterative improvements but is also contingent on the progress of both front-end and

back-end development phases. Furthermore, the effective implementation of a geo-location

feature with GoogleMaps API represents another critical dependency.

Testing Plan

Our test plan will encompass a comprehensive testing strategy, involving a group of

testers who share an interest in OpenRecHub's offerings. Initially, we will execute an expert
CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 13

functionality check, wherein each feature will be meticulously assessed by the testers based on

our predetermined criteria. Subsequently, formal usability testing will be conducted, with users

engaging in various tasks on OpenRecHub and offering their feedback. We will also establish a

focus group utilizing user surveys to collect qualitative data, enhancing our understanding of user

preferences. This multifaceted approach will enable us to make intuitive changes to better align

with user preferences.

Team Members

Team member names

The three group members of the group are Christian Vargas, Tiffany Andersen, and Deniz

Erisgen.

Division of labor, including clear roles and responsibilities

Christian Vargas will be the lead back-end developer for the web application, which will

include everything from designing and implementing server-side logic to implementing the

MongoDB database. Tiffany and Deniz will work together on the front-end of the project to

develop a user interface that maximizes the ease and enjoyability of the user experience. All

three group members will conduct testing and quality assurance to ensure all aspects of the

project are thoroughly tested and meet quality standards. Tiffany will also serve as the project

manager, ensuring we meet all deadlines and deliverables of the project.

CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: OpenRecHub 14

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Adult Physical Inactivity Prevalence Maps

by Race/Ethnicity. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/data/inactivity-prevalence-maps/index.html

Craigslist. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://sacramento.craigslist.org

Eventbrite. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://eventbrite.com

Facebook. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://www.facebook.com/groups/feed/

Meetup. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://www.meetup.com

Park, J. H., Moon, J. H., Kim, H. J., Kong, M. H., & Oh, Y. H. (2020). Sedentary Lifestyle:

Overview of Updated Evidence of Potential Health Risks. Korean journal of family

medicine, 41(6), 365–373. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.20.0165

Strava. (n.d.) Strava. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://strava.com