Challenge Overview
Project Overview
Sitter Etc is a mobile application that allows parents to create a network of trusted babysitters. The connections are made via Facebook, and once parents and sitters are connected the app allows a parent to see the availability of each sitter in their network, schedule their services, and then pay them via PayPal, Credit Card (Braintree), or ACH (Venmo).
The application is currently in a Beta release and the company would like to improve the application before proceeding with a wider rollout. We have completed the new Wireframes, and now we need to determine the new technology stack for the application.
Competition Task Overview
In this small competition we are NOT asking you to architect the whole system. Instead, we are simply looking for you to research the available technologies that might meet the functional needs of the application and provide your recommendation. You may use the standard Architecture template if you wish, but it is not required. This contest is unrated and the winner will be selected by the client.
One technology we are particularly interested in here is Facebook Parse, so be sure to give consideration to that and any related technologies. For example, Parse Push could be used for notifications.
Detailed Requirements
- Install the existing application and learn how it works
- Take a look at the existing source code, to understand the current technology stack
- Examine the new Wireframes to understand the functions of the new application
- Research Parse and other applicable technologies
- Describe your recommended technology stack - be sure to explain why you did or did not choose specific technologies
- A Component Diagram, or other applicable architecture diagram, is recommended to help explain how the technologies will fit together
- Sequence, Activity, and Class diagrams are not expected (though allowed, if you wish)
Open Source Library
Open Source technologies are allowed and encouraged
TC Components
We don't anticipate TC Components being useful here. Please discuss in the forums before including any in your design.
Technology Overview
The current application is built with HTML5, PHP, PhoneGap Cordova, and Genuitec MobiOne.
References
To install the current Sitter Etc application: https://app.sitteretc.com/mobile/route.php
There are two main use cases, as described here: http://www.sitteretc.com/How_It_Works.html
The basic Sitter flow looks like this:
- Login with your Sitter account
- Click Schedule and set the days and times you are available to work
- Click Connect and send network connection requests to Parents via Facebook or text message
- (Parent accepts connection request)
- (Parent views your schedule and sends an appointment request)
- Accept the Appointment Request
- (after work is complete Parent sends you a payment)
The the basic Parent flow looks like this:
- Login with your Parent account
- Click Connect and send network connection requests to Sitters via Facebook or text message
- (Sitter accepts connection request)
- Click Schedule and select the day and time you need a Sitter
- Select a Sitter from the list of those available at the chosen time
- (system sends appointment request, Sitter accepts)
- After the work is complete system alerts you that payment is due
- Click the alert, enter your credit card information, and then send the payment via PayPal (don't actually send real payments, this is a live system)
See the Wireframe contest spec for more information: https://studio.topcoder.com/?module=ViewContestDetails&ct=30034013
Documentation Provided
- Existing Source Code
- New Wireframes
Final Submission Guidelines
Submission Deliverables
- Document describing technical recommendations
- Component diagram (or equivalent)
Submission Guidelines
For each member, the final submission should be uploaded to the Online Review Tool.