Core Functionality
- Live Study Feed: Students post short study prompts (e.g., “Need help on calculus problem 3”) that appear in a real‑time scrolling feed.
- Instant Chat Rooms: Clicking a prompt opens a group chat where classmates can share notes, ask questions and get quick answers.
- Resource Library: Users can pin PDFs, slides or links to the chat for collective reference.
- Study Timer & Pomodoro: Integrated timer that syncs across participants to keep study sessions focused.
Problem It Solves
Students often struggle to find peers who are studying the same material at the same time. Traditional forums are slow and lack real‑time collaboration, leading to missed opportunities for immediate help and shared learning.
Technical Requirements
- Real‑time Backend: Firebase Realtime Database or Firestore with Cloud Functions.
- Chat Service: WebSocket via Socket.IO or Firebase’s Realtime DB listeners.
- Frontend: React Native (cross‑platform) using Expo for quick setup.
- Authentication: Google/University OAuth for easy sign‑in.
Monetization Strategy
- Premium Study Packs: Small monthly fee unlocks advanced analytics, custom study rooms and ad‑free experience.
- Sponsored Resources: Partnerships with textbook publishers to feature their materials in the resource library.
- Marketplace: Students can sell or trade notes (with moderation).
Implementation Approach
- Week 1–2: Set up Firebase project, create basic authentication and a simple feed page.
- Week 3–4: Add real‑time chat rooms using Socket.IO; implement message persistence.
- Week 5: Build the resource pinning feature and integrate file upload to Firebase Storage.
- Week 6: Implement Pomodoro timer component and sync logic.
- Week 7: Polish UI, add user profiles and push notifications.
- Week 8: Deploy to Expo, test on iOS/Android, gather beta feedback.
Potential Challenges
- Scalability of Real‑time Data: Use Firebase’s built‑in scaling; limit write operations by debouncing.
- Moderation of Shared Content: Implement a simple flagging system and review queue for user uploads.
Future Expansion
- AI‑powered study suggestions based on chat topics.
- Integration with university LMS APIs to auto‑import assignments.
- Gamification: badges, streaks, and leaderboards for active participation.