Documentation

Backend-Documentation

The full Backend-Documentation can be accessed here.

Features of the Application

Connect-U is a web app that allows users to plan events together and connect with each other. Below are the individual features and pages of the website explained in detail.

Landing Page

When a user visits the site without being logged in, they can initially view some existing events on the landing page. However, to see these in detail, the user must register or log in. This can be done via the form on the landing page or through a popup on the event detail page.

Homepage

Once the user is registered/logged in, they will see the For-You Page, which displays events matching their interests and friends. (See algorithm here). Here, they can also see a brief overview of their upcoming events.

Filters

On the filter page, users can search for events specifically by applying the following filters:

Event title
Categories
Tags
Location
Online or on-site
Public or semi-public
Days the event is taking place
Allowed genders
Allowed age group
Whether friends created or are attending the event

They can also choose whether to sort the events alphabetically, by newest/oldest first or by event date.

On the results page, users can view events matching their search. If adjustments to the filters are needed, users can easily switch between the filter and results page.

Event Creation

Event creation is a process spread across three pages:

Page 1: Users can upload and delete an image for the event. They can choose whether the event is public (no request required, event visible to all), semi-public (request required, event visible to all), or private (not visible, attendees must be invited by the host). Users must also provide a title and up to three categories for the event. Optionally, they can add a description and tags. Tags can be selected from existing ones (filtered by frequency of use) or created as new tags.
Page 2: Users must specify the event's date, time, and location. Events can take place online or on-site. When entering the postal code, the corresponding city name is automatically filled. Users can decide whether the full address or just the city and postal code should be visible to others.
Page 3: Users can set the maximum number of participants and optional restrictions (e.g., allowed genders and age groups). After completing these steps, the event is created.

Event Detail Page

Information

Once an event is created, it can be found on the platform. Selecting it redirects users to the detail page, which includes all key information provided by the host during the creation process. Users can also view information about the host and the participants who have already joined the event.

Chat

If a user is the host or a participant of an event, they can chat with other participants in real-time in the event chat. Notifications are sent when new messages are posted, and unread messages are highlighted when entering the chat.

Lists

Hosts and participants can create lists for events. These lists include items that all participants can add or remove. Participants can assign themselves to list items in real time. When a new list is created, a system message is posted in the chat.

Surveys

Participants can also create surveys for events. These surveys allow voting on multiple options, and participants can view who voted for which option. A system message is posted in the chat whenever a survey is created.

Join Requests

To join an event:

For public events, users simply click the join button and are automatically added.
For semi-public events, users must send a join request that the host must approve. The request can be canceled by the user or declined by the host, and the user can send a new request later. Hosts receive a notification for new join requests and can manage them on the event's detail page.

Leaving Events

Users can leave events they have joined through the detail page. Once they leave, they are removed from any lists and polls they participated in.

Scheduling

When the date and time of an event arrive, it is automatically marked as "Live" and labeled on event cards. After 24 hours, the event is marked as "Past" and no longer displayed in the feed. Users cannot join past events.

Friendships

Connect-U allows users to form friendships with others. Users can generate a friendship link, displayed as a QR code or regular link. The link is valid for 5 minutes and can be scanned in person through the app. The link can also be shared. The recipient sees the user's profile and can confirm the friendship.

Invitations

Users can invite their friends to events. After creating an event, the host can send invitations to friends who meet the event's requirements. Invitations can also be sent later via the detail page. Sent invitations are visible to the host and can be revoked. Users receive a notification when they receive an invitation.

My Events

In the "My Events" section, users can view events they have created or joined. They can also manage their join requests and invitations received from other users.

My Area

The "My Area" section allows users to view and manage important information and data. It is divided into four areas:

Profile: Users can view and edit the profile visible to others. They can change or delete their profile picture, add pronouns and a description, and display tags (similar to event creation).