In Advanced Computer Science, we cover a variety of topics including web design, programming through Java, and developing mobile applications. Here, we learn problem-solving and computational thinking skills through programming practices and labs and we also apply these software skills to activities like the creation of this very website as well as the Apps for Good project.
In CS, the brunt of the work that we do during class includes coding labs where we have to code with the concepts we've been learning to complete the lab's task. In my opinion, some of the most fun labs include the ones related to graphics. Take a look at the two graphics labs we've completed so far this year! One involves randomly generated star designs across a device's screen through iteration loops, while the other involves an optical illusion of curved lines created by many straight lines.
In the midst of emergencies, the first few minutes can be the difference between life and death, yet many are not sure what to do in such events. Therefore, our project presents a comprehensive first aid training app designed to ensure that life-saving skills are learned easily and conveniently. The core focus of the app is universal accessibility; it has been engineered to provide simple, intuitive lessons tailored for all learning styles.
To dismantle barriers to entry, the user interface will prioritize high-contrast visuals, auditory cues, and tactile interactive components instead of dense written information. This approach ensures the platform is inclusive for everyone, particularly individuals with cognitive or developmental disabilities or limited literacy. By prioritizing clarity and repeated engagement, the platform improves both knowledge retention and user confidence. In this way, users will become better prepared to recognize and diagnose dangers in a low-risk setting to make those same decisions “second nature” under pressure and stress. Ultimately, this app aims to empower people to step in to make an effective difference when it matters the most.
The minimum viable product of our app is to develop a gamified preparation app for common first aid scenarios. We intend to enable the user to learn about different ailments and treatments through lessons involving both questions and educational games. Primary features of this MVP include: having a home page/settings page where users can access and view their progress on a variety of training modules, and change their personal settings, respectively; having a minimum of ten “First Aid Modules” of common injuries and illnesses that are gamified educational options that include informational sections, games, videos, and assessments; and having a “review” section in our app that prompts the user to complete questions based on previously completed modules. The first feature focuses on the quality of life of our app, making the app more understandable and accessible to the general user. Then, the second feature of our MVP is the primary focus, where we prepare users for common first aid scenarios. Finally, the last feature of our MVP focuses on an amalgamation of questions from previously completed sections to help the user remain knowledgeable about topics even after they complete them. Below is a visual of our app's user flow network.
By researching and sources all questions from established First Aid sources, like the American Red Cross, our design followed a Duolingo style approach with the specific naviagation tree shown below. With a home page, saved progress, and ability to switch between and access any module at any time, the final product was created using Flutter and Dart via VSCode with SharedPreferences to store and save progress. Testing was rather arduous, as all modules and their specific questions had to be tested to make sure every intended effect worked as planned, along with other features like progress being saved, "Back" buttons working, and the module search feature staying accurate. Take a look at our poster below!