Story Cube App

About

Story Cube App - The Companion App for the Tonsor Box Application for Android, iOS and Web developed with Flutter Connected Repository: https://github.com/Pleanog/story_cube_hardware

Timeline Recorded memories appear in a timeline view with a details screen that shows a summary and handy metadata about the story, including the original audio to listen to. This preserves memories and eases the management of important information because stories should not get lost.

Chronicle An overview of a person's memories, categorized by metadata to provide a clearer, more structured overview of their life. There's also an option to create a personal profile for this person to help personalize the experience.

Team & Work

This project was later used in the research initiative Nähe über Distanz, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, focused on technology for human connection across distance.

Challenges & Solutions

1. Hardware-to-Software Synchronization

• Challenge: Bridging the physical hardware box seamlessly with the companion app
• Solution: Used APIs from OpenAI to handle the audio and Firebase to sync real-time with the app
• Result: Built an end-to-end experience from hardware to backend to frontend

2. Highly Adaptive UI

• Challenge: Managing dynamic data in various stages of completion without breaking the UX
• Solution: Developed smart components and utilized state management to handle pending uploads
• Result: Delivered an adapting interface that remains logically clear to every user

3. Creating a Diary, Not a Database

• Challenge: Transforming a raw collection of audio files into a warm, personal memory archive
• Solution: Applied warm colors, inline audio playback, and quote fields for a personal touch
• Result: Implemented intimate screens where users relive memories, not just read data

Prerequisites

Before you can start with Flutter, ensure you have the following installed:

1. Flutter SDK 3.22.3: Download and install Flutter from the official Flutter website, Download MacOS ARM, Download Windows x64
2. Dart SDK: This comes bundled with the Flutter SDK.
3. Android Studio or Visual Studio Code: These are the recommended IDEs for Flutter development.
4. Android SDK: Necessary for building and running Android apps.
5. Xcode: Required for building and running iOS apps (macOS only).

Installation

Follow these steps to set up your development environment:

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/LukPle/story_cube_app.git
   cd story_cube_app
   

2. Install Dependencies: Run the following command to fetch the dependencies listed in your pubspec.yaml file.

   flutter pub get
   

3. Set Up Your Editor:

   • Visual Studio Code: Install the Flutter and Dart plugins from the extensions marketplace.
   • Android Studio: Install the Flutter and Dart plugins from the plugins section.

4. Set Up Firebase Integration:

   • Firebase CLI: Get the Firebase CLI from Google Firebase.
   • Set Up Firebase App-Integration: Follow the instructions on Firebase for Flutter Instructions.
   • Authorization: The setup requires you to be authorized in the Firebase project. You can also connect any another project.

Running the App

To run the app on an emulator or physical device:

1. Start an Emulator (if you don't have a physical device connected):

   • Android: Start the Android emulator from Android Studio or use a command line tool.
   • iOS: Start the iOS simulator from Xcode (macOS only).

2. Run the App:

   flutter run