Requirements
- Build a cross-platform mobile app to streamline roommate coordination and landlord-tenant communication.
- Provide features like shared expense tracking, chore scheduling, group messaging, inventory management, and landlord tools.
- Ensure role-based access for tenants and landlords.
Project Scope
- Problems to address:
- Tenants lack an all-in-one solution to manage living responsibilities collaboratively.
- Landlords find it difficult to coordinate with tenants and oversee multiple properties.
- We wanted to:
- Create a centralized app for roommates to coordinate tasks, expenses, and shopping.
- Provide landlords with tools to manage listings, communicate, and track rent.
- Integrate notifications, chat, profile customization, and secure access across roles.
Project Goal
Develop and launch a full-featured mobile app to simplify shared living management for tenants and provide tools for landlords to streamline communication and oversight.
My Role and Contributions
Role: Product Owner, Full Stack Developer
- Brainstormed and designed the app
- Built core functionality for chore management (add, assign, complete, delete chores)
- Developed UI screens for: Home, Inventory, Chores, and Shopping List
- Synced frontend with backend using ExpressJS and PostgreSQL
- Wrote backend logic for assigning tasks, storing real-time updates, and syncing group data
- My GitHub Branches: frontend_branch, chores_and_expenses, chore_track, chore_tracking2.0
- Ensured robust database performance and chore update integrity across user sessions
Technology Stack
- Frontend: React Native (Expo), Tamagui, Nativewind
- Backend: ExpressJS
- Database: PostgreSQL
- Security: JWT Authentication, TLS, AES-256
- DevOps: Docker, GitHub Actions, AWS
- Testing: Jest
Features Implemented
- Chore Scheduling
- Add, delete, assign, and complete tasks
- Rotating assignments and push notifications
- Inventory & Shopping List
- Real-time collaborative grocery list and shared inventory status
- Group Messaging
- In-app communication with roommates and landlords
- User Profiles
- Tenant and landlord customization, including sleep habits and allergy alerts
- Calendar Integration
- Track events, chores, rent due dates
- Ratings & Compatibility Matching
- Rate tenants/landlords and find compatible matches
Development Workflow
- Used Agile Scrum, two sprints
- Managed tasks in Jira, collaborated in Discord
- Daily standups, sprint retrospectives, and rigorous pull request reviews
Reflections
What I Learned:
- Building full-stack mobile features using modern frameworks
- Decomposing complex systems into manageable user stories
- Secure API design and modular architecture for maintainability
Challenges Overcome:
- Real-time updates for chore assignments and chat
- Design consistency across chore, inventory, and messaging modules
- Pairing front-end animations with responsive back-end APIs
Looking Ahead:
- Add e-transfer integration, community calendar, and map-based property view
- Enable AI-powered matching and advanced budgeting tools