PROJECT TITLE
HomeMade - Chef MarketPlace
My Role
I was responsible for designing, developing, and deploying the entire
Chef Hiring Marketplace.
This included creating the user interface,
building the back-end, implementing features like real-time chat,
search, filtering, and geolocation, and ensuring a smooth and
efficient user experience from start to finish.
What is HomeMade
HomeMade Marketplace is a web-based hiring platform
designed to improve how individuals and businesses discover and
engage professional chefs for various culinary needs.
It bridges the
gap between culinary experts and potential clients through a seamless
digital experience, enhancing accessibility, convenience, and quality
in the culinary services industry.
1. The Problem
The culinary industry has a growing demand for personalized, professional cooking services. However, finding and hiring skilled chefs remains an inefficient, fragmented, and often frustrating process.
a. User Challenges: Difficulty in finding chefs with specific skill sets or dishes they specialize in. Lack of location-based recommendations for chefs or dishes. Inability to assess chefs’ qualifications and work history before hiring.
b. Business Challenges: Need for a scalable and responsive platform for real-time interactions. Integration of robust filtering and proximity-based search functionality.
Onboarding Process
Profiles and Details
Search and Discovery
Real-Time Chat
Client Persona
Sarah, a working mother looking for chefs nearby who can prepare healthy meals for her family.
Chef Persona
Chef Alex, a freelance chef looking to expand his client base and showcase his culinary expertise.
1. Sign-Up
User signs up and sets their location.
2. Onboarding
Users provide basic information to complete their profile, ensuring they can fully utilize the platform's features.
3. Search and Discovery
Searches for chefs or dishes based on filters.
4. Profiles Visit
Visits a chef’s profile to view certifications and reviews.
5. Chat
Initiates a chat to discuss availability.
1. Registration
Chef signs up and uploads certifications and employment history.
2. Onboarding
Users provide basic information to complete their profile, ensuring they can fully utilize the platform's features.
3. Profile Completion
Adds dishes, specialties, and pricing.
4. Engagement
Interacts with users and manages bookings.
Frontend
Next.js for the web platform ensuring a responsive and intuitive user interface.
Backend
Node.js with Express.js for a scalable and efficient server-side architecture.
Database
MongoDB for its flexibility in managing dynamic chef profiles, dishes, and user data.
Real-Time Chat
Socket.IO was implemented to enable WebSocket-based instant messaging between users and chefs.
a. Onboarding Flow
- Designed dynamic onboarding forms using React Hook Form for validation and reactivity.
- Integrated geolocation features via browser APIs and GPS
b. Search and Filter Functionality
- Developed robust backend queries in MongoDB, enabling users to filter chefs by location, name, or cuisine type efficiently.
- Optimized location-based searches by indexing geospatial data, ensuring quick and accurate proximity calculations.
c. Chef Profiles
- Designed a schema to store detailed chef profiles, including certifications, employment history, and dish portfolios.
- Integrated Firebase for managing image uploads, ensuring high-quality visuals of dishes and chefs’ work.
d. Real-Time Chat
- Implemented real-time messaging with Socket.IO, allowing users and chefs to communicate seamlessly.
- Lazy Loading: Images and assets were lazy-loaded to reduce initial page load times.
- Debounced Search Inputs: Reduced the load on backend servers by debouncing search inputs, minimizing unnecessary API calls during user input.
- API Optimization: Streamlined API calls for distance calculations by leveraging optimized queries and caching mechanisms where applicable.
