In today’s academic environment, access to essential devices and tools is crucial for students to succeed. However, many students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, face challenges in obtaining necessary devices like laptops, tablets, or specialized equipment. Inspired by real stories of students at Staffordshire University struggling with this issue, Nyem was developed to provide a solution. The app offers a platform for students to share and borrow devices, ensuring that no one is left without the resources they need to excel in their studies

Objective and Goals

Objective: The primary objective of Nyem is to bridge the gap in access to essential academic tools by creating a community-driven platform where students can share and borrow devices. Nyem aims to promote educational equity by ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial situation, have access to the devices they need to succeed.

Goals:

1. Increased Accessibility: To ensure that all students have access to essential academic devices by facilitating easy sharing and borrowing within the university community.
2. Community Building: To foster a sense of community and mutual support among students by encouraging them to share resources and help each other succeed.
3. Seamless User Experience: To provide an intuitive platform that makes it simple for students to find, request, and share devices with their peers.
4. Cross-Platform Availability: To ensure that Nyem is accessible on both Android and iOS devices, offering a consistent experience across platforms.
5. Security and Trust: To build a secure and trustworthy platform where students feel confident in sharing their devices, with features that protect both lenders and borrowers.

Challenges

1. User Trust: Establishing trust among users to encourage device sharing, by implementing robust security measures and clear guidelines.
2. User Education: Ensuring that students understand how to use Nyem effectively, including how to lend and borrow devices safely.
3. Privacy Concerns: Addressing any concerns about the privacy and security of user data, particularly in relation to device-sharing activities.
4. Market Penetration: Encouraging widespread adoption of Nyem within the university community, and potentially expanding to other institutions.
5. Device Compatibility: Ensuring that Nyem functions smoothly across various devices and operating system versions on both Android and iOS platforms.

Product User

Nyem is designed for a broad range of users, including but not limited to:

1. Students with Limited Resources: Individuals who do not have personal access to essential academic devices and need temporary access for specific tasks or projects.
2. Students with Extra Devices: Individuals who own multiple devices or tools and are willing to share them with others in need within the university community.
3. University Administrators: Educational institutions looking to support students by encouraging resource sharing and reducing the digital divide.
4. Student Organizations: Groups that may facilitate device sharing among their members or the broader student body.
5. Tech Enthusiasts: Students who are interested in promoting the use of technology for social good and want to participate in a community-driven sharing platform.

Features and Functionality

Core Features:

1. Device Listing: Easily list devices available for borrowing, with details such as device type, condition, and availability.
2. Borrow Request: Allow students to request to borrow a device, with an integrated messaging system to coordinate pickup and return.
3. Search and Filter: Quickly find available devices using filters based on device type, location, and availability.
4. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Developed using Jetpack Compose for Android and React Native for iOS, ensuring a smooth and consistent user experience on both platforms.
5. Rating and Reviews: Implement a rating and review system to build trust within the community, allowing users to rate their borrowing and lending experiences.