BackUW Blueprint
Building technology solutions for social impact
Overview
Building technology solutions for social impact
Website
Tools
React.js, TypeScript, Express.js, PostgreSQL, AWS, Terraform
Timeframe
2024.4.01 — present
Team
Solo
Excerpt
I was passionate about using technology to help animal shelters improve their operations and animal welfare. Traditional shelter management systems are outdated and don't provide the tools needed for effective volunteer coordination and animal care. Decided to build a modern, tablet-first platform that streamlines shelter operations and improves animal outcomes.
Features
Animal Profile Management
Comprehensive animal profiles with medical history, behavioral notes, and adoption status tracking. Features photo galleries, health records, and personality assessments to help match animals with suitable adopters.
Volunteer Coordination System
Advanced scheduling system that matches volunteers with available shifts based on skills, availability, and preferences. Includes training tracking, performance metrics, and automated communication for volunteer management.
Adoption Matching Algorithm
Intelligent matching system that connects potential adopters with compatible animals based on lifestyle, experience, and preferences. Uses machine learning to improve match success rates over time.
Medical Records Integration
Integrated medical records system that tracks vaccinations, treatments, and health checkups. Features automated reminders for medical appointments and medication schedules to ensure optimal animal care.
Building tablet-first user experience
Designed and developed a responsive, touch-optimized interface specifically for tablet use in shelter environments. Implemented intuitive navigation, large touch targets, and offline capabilities to ensure reliable operation even in areas with poor internet connectivity.
Implementing real-time communication features
Built comprehensive communication tools including instant messaging, notification systems, and emergency alerts. Features include volunteer check-in/check-out tracking, shift handoff notes, and automated reminders for critical tasks and appointments.
Creating comprehensive analytics and reporting system
Developed detailed analytics dashboard that tracks animal outcomes, volunteer engagement, and operational efficiency. Features include adoption success rates, volunteer retention metrics, and resource utilization reports to help shelters optimize their operations.
Optimizing for accessibility and usability
Implemented comprehensive accessibility features including screen reader support, high contrast modes, and voice navigation. Designed intuitive workflows that minimize training time for volunteers and staff, ensuring the platform can be used effectively by people of all technical skill levels.
Building secure data management and privacy protection
Implemented robust security measures to protect sensitive animal and adopter information. Features include role-based access controls, data encryption, and compliance with privacy regulations. Built comprehensive audit trails to track all system activities and ensure data integrity.
Code Implementation
Here's a sample of the AnimalProfileService that manages animal data and adoption matching algorithms: