MVP

We ended up taking it forward and I developed a scrappy looking MVP. Based on feedback from some beta testers, I furnished the whole app and turned into a beautiful looking platform (link). I built the using NextJS (React), Vercel and Firebase. The webapp is responsive, seamless, safe and secure. The platform has features uploading images, interacting with posts, connecting and following users on the platform, guest mode and more!

I initially created Youniv as a mobile application, which I later added a web version to it. I created the mobile app using Flutter and Firebase, with responsiveness, iOS and Android compatibility, using device features and rarely crashed (I hope 😅)

Join Youniv

Since Youniv as a platform is exclusive, users can only create accounts via tokens (or single use passwords to create an account on Youniv). I developed a Join Youniv page (link) where students, colleges and companies can fill out their details to join Youniv!

Youniv Admin Panel

I also developed a dashboard/admin panel (link) for us so that we can create custom tokens, help users who are facing errors and manage unused tokens.

Marketing and Building a Business

We started off our journey as a startup with creating Youniv’s official social media accounts (Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter), preparing content and posting it on social media. From market research to creating content and, talking to students and colleges, we got our initial traction. Students liked the UI/UX, with the additional benefit of connecting with other students on the platform. Despite us being an exclusive platform (where users cannot directly create an account), we saw a good initial response.

Takeaways

Although we couldn’t sustain our operations for too long because of lack of funds and financing, I enjoyed my experience and got some amazing learnings. I will surely take these learning forward for my next venture, where I’d know what to do and what not to do!