The first runner-up title for the iDEA Tinapa Launch Hackathon went to Team 5 with their app called Educare. Educare is a cross platform 3D game that allows users role play administering first aid to people. The team had two members — Tiamiyu Mubarak Damilare, a Certified Professional Java Programmer who was in charge of Software Design and Testing; and Uwaje Kesther a computer science and statistics graduate who was in charge of multimedia adjustments and business plan formulation.
In a little chat with them, they told us about how they got the idea for their app and what the future holds for them.
How did you come up with your app idea?
We came up with a solution that helps our own people overcome their day-to-day challenges through education and positive mental attitude. We also made sure the app centered around the theme of the event which was “Media and Entertainment”
What need does your app address?
It addresses the basic health needs of people.
What difficulties did you have in trying to build the app
Conceptualization of the whole idea through gamification. The layout and flow of the app was quite tasking in the beginning because of the pressure of the competition.
How did the iDEA centre/hackathon help?
The availability and monitoring activities of the facilitators really helped in keeping us focused and to work on target. The motivating spirit of the ISPON President also kept all the participants alive through out the competition.
What are future plans for the app? Where do you see Educare in 3 years?
The production of a pilot prototype and commercialization of the application/solution, its effective deployment and utilization to solve the problems of our people is our core objective and the goal of the application development
Any last words? Lessons learned? Advice to people in software development?
We learnt the power of dedication and focus. What could have taken months to develop, we developed within 42 hours of concerted non-stop effort — motivated by the reward and incentive expected from the hackathon. It brought out the spirit of achievement through organised team hard-work.
Our advice for the software community is for us as a people to believe in ourselves and work towards solving our problems because solutions are right around us.
