To design a product fostering dorm friendships, I'd focus on a mobile app facilitating shared interests and proximity-based connections. The architecture would be a standard client-server model. The client (mobile app) would handle user interface and local storage. The server would manage user data, matching algorithms, and real-time communication. Key components include:
- User Authentication & Profiles: Secure login and profiles detailing interests, major, year, and dorm building.
- Interest Matching: Algorithms to suggest potential friends based on shared hobbies, classes, or activities.
- Proximity Features: Opt-in features to see which friends are currently in common areas (e.g., lounge, study room) or available to hang out.
- Event Creation & Discovery: Tools for students to create and join dorm-specific or floor-specific events (e.g., movie nights, study groups, floor dinners).
- Group Chats: Integrated chat functionality for floors, dorms, or interest-based groups.
Database Schema:
- Users Table:
user_id (PK), username, email, password_hash, dorm_id (FK), floor_number, major, year, bio, profile_picture_url.
- Interests Table:
interest_id (PK), interest_name.
- UserInterests Table:
user_id (FK), interest_id (FK) (Composite PK).
- Dorms Table:
dorm_id (PK), dorm_name, address.
- Events Table:
event_id (PK), creator_user_id (FK), dorm_id (FK), event_name, description, start_time, end_time, location.
- EventAttendees Table:
event_id (FK), user_id (FK) (Composite PK).
- FloorChats Table:
chat_id (PK), dorm_id (FK), floor_number, chat_name.
- ChatMessages Table:
message_id (PK), chat_id (FK), sender_user_id (FK), message_text, timestamp.
This design prioritizes privacy by making proximity features opt-in and focuses on organic connections through shared experiences and interests.
Microsoft