Zooseeker
An Android app to enhance the San Diego Zoo visitor experience by creating custom exhibit plans and optimizing routes for minimal walking distance.
Role
Software Developer
- Timeline
- March 2022
Technologies
- Java
- Android
Tools
- Git
- GitHub
- Android Studio
- JUnit
- Espresso
- Robolectric
- Zenhub
- Github Actions CI
Background
The official San Diego Zoo mobile app was reported as cumbersome and difficult to use, causing visitor frustration and a reliance on paper maps for navigation.
Solution
Zooseeker enhances visitor experience with superior navigation. Users can create a custom plan of exhibits, and the app calculates the shortest path to see them all, automatically re-routing if the plan changes.
Process
- Followed an Agile methodology, creating user stories and BDD scenarios while managing the project with ZenHub and GitHub.
- Applied key object-oriented design principles and the MVC pattern to ensure the code was modular, maintainable, and scalable.
- Developed a robust testing suite using JUnit, Robolectric, and Espresso, automated with GitHub Actions for continuous integration.
Final Product
Impact
- Built a comprehensive, automated testing pipeline with unit, integration, and UI tests to ensure app quality.
- Defined clear project scope and requirements by creating detailed user stories and BDD scenarios.
- Effectively managed the project backlog and tracked progress using ZenHub and GitHub Issues to keep the team aligned.
Reflection
- Gained invaluable experience in Agile software development, from planning iterations to collaborating effectively in a cross-functional team.
- Developed strong project management skills and technical familiarity with continuous integration and Android testing frameworks.