Digital Platform for Combat Sports Community_
From idea to execution, discover the strategies and technologies that shaped this comprehensive digital solution for the combat sports community.
- Introduction
- Getting started
- Choosing the right tech
- The Design process
- Project management
- Database Setup
- API
- Frontend
- Next Steps
- Conclusion (+ Live Site)
Intro_
Fuelled by my passion for combat sports and software development, I recognized an unmet need for a platform that allows combat sports enthusiasts to review gyms, connect with each other, and create profiles.
Problem_
Despite the growing popularity of combat sports, there was a lack of a specialized platform for reviewing and listing combat sports gyms. This gap made it difficult for new and existing enthusiasts to find suitable training facilities and to connect with the community.
Solution_
To rectify this issue, I developed a comprehensive platform powered by Nuxt3 for front-end and API endpoints, along with Supabase for authentication and database management. The purpose was to create an efficient and centralized hub that catered to the needs of the combat sports community.
Getting started_
To effectively launch the project development, I first focused on defining the necessary requirements and features.
The initial stage involved creating a clear sitemap, outlining the needed API endpoints, and sketching out a comprehensive database structure with the corresponding models. The foundation of this process was built around the experiences of potential users, formulated as user stories.
Choosing the right tech_
Choosing the right technologies was vital for ensuring project success. The chosen combination of Nuxt3, Supabase with its relational database system, authentication and storage capabilities, and Vercel struck the perfect balance between scalability, customization, security, and cost-effectiveness.
The design process_
Recognizing my strengths in development and engineering, not UX design, I decided to partner with a skilled freelance designer. I used ClickUp to outline specific design requirements and features for our platform, creating a dynamic and detailed guide. This collaboration ensured a user-friendly, visually appealing platform that complemented its technical functionalities.
Project Management_
Maintaining a streamlined and effective project management process was critical, given the multifaceted nature of the platform. As the sole developer, managing tasks, tracking progress, and maintaining documentation posed a significant challenge.
To address this, I adopted ClickUp, a comprehensive project management tool that allowed for granular task organization and progress tracking. Additionally, meticulous documentation was maintained throughout, serving as a detailed roadmap for the project and a valuable resource for troubleshooting and future feature developments.
Database setup_
Development of Complex Data Models: With the platform needing to cater to multiple user types and functions, the creation of a comprehensive and extendable data model was essential. The model had to manage complex relationships between multiple entities - from user profiles, gym listings, reviews, to community connections.
I leveraged Prisma, an Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) tool, alongside Supabase’s PostgreSQL to handle this complexity, crafting a robust and scalable database structure that effectively represented these interrelations.
Secure API Endpoints_
Creating secure CRUD API endpoints for every data model, especially without a CMS, presented another significant challenge. This was tackled by integrating rigorous input validation and Supabase's robust authentication system. Additionally, I implemented rate limiting measures to protect against potential abuse of the endpoints, ensuring the platform's integrity and user data security.
By overcoming these challenges, the project not only tested my technical skills but also strengthened my proficiency in project management, showcasing my ability to lead a complex project from conception to completion.
Website Development_
Harnessing the power of Nuxt3 and Vue3, I developed the front-end of our platform with a keen focus on maintaining a clean and reusable codebase. By adhering to best coding practices, I ensured that the code remained modular and efficient, facilitating future scalability and maintenance.
This approach, paired with Nuxt3's robust framework and Vue3's intuitive JavaScript library, allowed for a seamless, interactive, and dynamic user experience that was in alignment with our platform's design and functionality goals.
The next steps
The next steps encompass further development and testing, followed by the platform launch and collection of user feedback. To attract early users, I plan to offer gym listings, giveaways, and engaging blog content. I am prepared to swiftly address any post-launch bugs or issues, and will thoroughly test all future updates locally before releasing them to the live site.
Conclusion
This project is a testament to my capability to identify a problem, conceive a solution, and employ suitable technologies and methodologies to realize an idea. It reflects my problem-solving acumen, technical proficiency, and project management skills, all vital attributes for any developer.