CARE Collective
MSU Gerontology Research Platform
The Problem
Dr. Maureen Templeman's gerontology research group at Missouri State needed a platform for community members to exchange help, coordinate events, and communicate, but existing tools were too generic, too expensive, or didn't meet the accessibility needs of an older adult user base.
My Approach
Built a full-stack platform with Next.js and Supabase, focusing on accessibility and simplicity. Implemented a help exchange board where community members can post needs and offers, real-time messaging for direct coordination, an event calendar with RSVP management, and an admin dashboard for research oversight. Designed with the end users in mind: larger text, clear navigation, minimal cognitive load.
Key Results
- Grant-funded, university-backed production deployment
- Help exchange board with matching and notifications
- Real-time messaging system
- Event calendar with RSVP and admin management
- Accessibility-focused design for older adult users
What I Learned
Building for a research context means working within institutional requirements. IRB considerations, accessibility standards, and stakeholder communication all shaped the final product. The best technical solution means nothing if the end users can't navigate it. Seeing it deployed and in active use validated every accessibility decision.