Nimbus README

Welcome to Nimbus! Nimbus is a mobile-first carsharing platform designed for eco-conscious commuters to share rides, reduce emissions, and create a happier, healthier commute for both people and the planet.

Figma wireFrame is here https://www.figma.com/proto/wkrpuof3JkXUhJgm52Espc/car-pooling-app?page-id=0%3A1&node-id=36-284&node-type=canvas&viewport=-1448%2C-1378%2C1&t=PZQnByRCUAbu5FQ5-1&scaling=scale-down&content-scaling=fixed&starting-point-node-id=36%3A60

GitHub https://github.com/mdisumma/carsharing

🎮 Key Features & Gamification

Nimbus goes beyond just carpooling; we’ve built a platform centered around gamification to encourage continuous and rewarding use for drivers and passengers alike:

1. Eco-Points
   • Earn eco-points for every passenger you pick up.
   • Redeem points for real-life rewards, including family day outings, free MOTs, car washes, and discounts with partnered companies.
2. Milestone Badges
   • Drivers can earn badges for various milestones, such as:
     • Total mileage
     • Number of passengers picked up
     • Positive reviews
     • CO2 saved
3. Leaderboard & Lottery Rewards
   • Climb the leaderboard to unlock exclusive rewards.
   • Drivers at the top are entered into a monthly lottery for even bigger prizes!
4. Driver Profile Customization
   • Drivers can specify relationship status, making it easier for passengers to find compatible travel partners.
5. Passenger Subscription
   • Passengers pay a monthly subscription that contributes to the eco-point reward pool distributed to drivers.

🚗 User Journeys

Driver Journey

1. Drivers sign up, log in, and verify their ID.
2. Add commute details, which will be visible to potential passengers.
3. Receive ride requests from passengers and engage in a chat to agree on pickup time and location.
4. Accept or decline ride requests based on the agreed terms.
5. Complete the commute and redeem eco-points for rewards. Passenger Journey
6. Passengers log in and view available rides.
7. Request a ride, initiate chat with the driver to confirm pickup details.
8. Complete the commute and provide feedback or review to enhance the driver’s score.
9. Payment and eco-points distribution occur automatically at the end of the ride.

✨ Additional Features

• Google Maps & Location APIs
  Nimbus integrates the Google Maps API and location search APIs to streamline route planning, pickup location search, and navigation.
• Networking Opportunities
  Meet and network with other urban professionals sharing the same commute.
• Energy-Efficient Travel
  Shared rides lead to lower energy consumption and reduced emissions.
• Affordable Commute
  With eco-points and redeemable rewards, your commute becomes more economical and eco-friendly.

💻 Tech Stack

MVP1:

• Frontend: Next.js
  • Why: Next.js is fast, SEO-friendly, and optimized for server-side rendering, making it perfect for a platform needing high-performance and scalability.
• Hosting: Vercel
  • Why: Seamlessly integrates with Next.js and provides easy, quick deployment with global CDN coverage for improved performance.
• Design: Figma
  • Why: Figma’s collaborative design tools make it easy to prototype, iterate, and share designs with the team. MVP2:
• Mobile App: React Native
  • Why: React Native allows us to build cross-platform mobile apps for iOS and Android with one codebase, making it efficient and time-saving.
• Database: MySQL
  • Why: MySQL offers robust, secure data storage, and is well-suited for the structured data our platform needs to manage rides, users, and eco-points.
• Backend: Supabase
  • Why: Supabase offers a scalable backend that pairs well with React Native for real-time chat, notifications, and fast data access, essential for our platform.

🚀 Getting Started

1. Clone the Repository

   git clone https://github.com/YourUsername/nimbus.git

2. Install Dependencies
   Navigate to the project folder and install the necessary packages:

   npm install

3. Set Up Environment Variables
   • Add your database credentials, API keys (including Google Maps), and any other necessary environment variables.
4. Run the Development Server
   For Next.js:

   npm run dev

5. Explore the Platform
   Open the app in your browser or mobile device and start exploring Nimbus’s eco-friendly carsharing experience!

📑 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

We’re thrilled to have you on this journey to create happier, eco-friendlier commutes. Share your ride, reduce your footprint, and earn rewards while saving the planet!