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, stakeholder communication. The best technical solution means nothing if the end users can't navigate it.