## About Us

Discord Team Channel: #team-64

omridan#1377,
dylan28#7389,
jordanbelinsky#5302,
Turja Chowdhury#6672

Domain.com domain: positivenews.space

## Inspiration

Over the last year headlines across the globe have been overflowing with negative content which clouded over any positive information. In addition everyone has been so focused on what has been going on in other corners of the world and have not been focusing on their local community. We wanted to bring some pride and positivity back into everyone's individual community by spreading positive headlines at the users users location. Our hope is that our contribution shines a light in these darkest of times and spreads a message of positivity to everyone who needs it!

## What it does

Our platform utilizes the general geolocation of the user along with a filtered API to produce positive articles about the users' local community. The page displays all the articles by showing the headlines and a brief summary and the user has the option to go directly to the source of the article or view the article on our platform.

## How we built it

The core of our project uses the Aylien news API to gather news articles from a specified country and city while reading only positive sentiments from those articles. We then used the IPStack API to gather the users location via their IP Address. To reduce latency and to maximize efficiency we used JavaScript in tandem with React opposed to a backend solution to code a filtration of the data received from the API's to display the information and imbed the links. Finally using a combination of React, HTML, CSS and Bootstrap a clean, modern and positive design for the front end was created to display the information gathered by the API's.

## Challenges we ran into

The most significant challenge we ran into while developing the website was determining the best way to filter through news articles and classify them as "positive". Due to time constraints the route we went with was to create a library of common keywords associated with negative news, filtering articles with the respective keywords out of the dictionary pulled from the API.

## Accomplishments that we're proud of

We managed to support a standard Bootstrap layout comprised of a grid consisting of rows and columns to enable both responsive design for compatibility purposes, and display more content on every device. Also utilized React functionality to enable randomized background gradients from a selection of pre-defined options to add variety to the site's appearance.

## What we learned

We learned a lot of valuable skills surrounding the aspect of remote group work. While designing this project, we were working across multiple frameworks and environments, which meant we couldn't rely on utilizing just one location for shared work. We made combined use of Repl.it for core HTML, CSS and Bootstrap and GitHub in conjunction with Visual Studio Code for the JavaScript and React workloads. While using these environments, we made use of Discord, IM Group Chats, and Zoom to allow for constant communication and breaking out into sub groups based on how work was being split up.

## What's next for The Good News

In the future, the next major feature to be incorporated is one which we titled "Travel the World". This feature will utilize Google's Places API to incorporate an embedded Google Maps window in a pop-up modal, which will allow the user to search or navigate and drop a pin anywhere around the world. The location information from the Places API will replace those provided by the IPStack API to provide positive news from the desired location. This feature aims to allow users to experience positive news from all around the world, rather than just their local community. We also want to continue iterating over our design to maximize the user experience.
## Inspiration

At the University of Toronto, accessibility services are always in demand of more volunteer note-takers for students who are unable to attend classes. Video lectures are not always available and most profs either don't post notes, or post very imprecise, or none-detailed notes. Without a doubt, the best way for students to learn is to attend in person, but what is the next best option? That is the problem we tried to tackle this weekend, with notepal. Other applications include large scale presentations such as corporate meetings, or use for regular students who learn better through visuals and audio rather than note-taking, etc.

## What it does

notepal is an automated note taking assistant that uses both computer vision as well as Speech-To-Text NLP to generate nicely typed LaTeX documents. We made a built-in file management system and everything syncs with the cloud upon command. We hope to provide users with a smooth, integrated experience that lasts from the moment they start notepal to the moment they see their notes on the cloud.

## Accomplishments that we're proud of

Being able to integrate so many different services, APIs, and command-line SDKs was the toughest part, but also the part we tackled really well. This was the hardest project in terms of the number of services/tools we had to integrate, but a rewarding one nevertheless.

## What's Next

* Better command/cue system to avoid having to use direct commands each time the "board" refreshes.
* Create our own word editor system so the user can easily edit the document, then export and share with friends.

## See For Your Self

Primary: <https://note-pal.com>
Backup: <https://danielkooeun.lib.id/notepal-api@dev/>
## Inspiration

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an astounding 86% increase in technology usage amongst senior citizens.

However, with feature rich platforms found everywhere on the internet, big walls of text and countless buttons can overwhelm those who are not familiar with technology. Senior folks who are used to face-to-face interactions are now having a difficult time adjusting to doing their everyday tasks online.

## What it does

Using genuine user activity data, the Walkthru chrome extension develops highlighted walk-throughs of the most common use cases. By either selecting an existing use case, or using the voice command feature, Walkthru immediately begins the guidance process from start to end in order to accomplish any task you may have.

## How we built it

Walkthru is built as a Chrome extension that automatically loads the appropriate common actions taken on a website. These common actions are based off user data taken from website heatmap data sources such as Hotjar.

For the voice command feature, we delegate Google Speech-to-Text to match the spoken command to a predefined use case, if one exists. Walkthru even accepts commands in foreign languages, thanks to the Speech-to-Text multilingual functionality.

## Challenges we ran into

Assuming the perspective of senior citizens without being one; often had to overcome our own biases by speaking with senior citizens firsthand.

## Accomplishments that we're proud of

A unique and unparalleled solution to simple yet intelligent guidance for senior citizens that can be scaled as an accessibility tool for other demographics and differently-abled people.

## What's next for Walkthru

Combine Machine Learning with the Hotjar heatmap data to automate the use case guidance creation process, since use cases are currently created manually.