Erdős Platform (An AirBnB Competitor)

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

William Edgell

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

kirkstoneinvesting@gmail.com

Additional applicants

Cameron Milne

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

We have decided to outsource developer hours/development for our project because it offers several significant advantages, that we have already seen by utilizing our partners:

1. Access to Expertise: By partnering with external developers, we gain access to their specialized knowledge and experience in blockchain development, user experience design and other relevant areas. Their expertise ensures that our project benefits from the best practices and industry standards, enhancing its quality and success. 
2. Scalability and Resource Availability: Outsourcing development allows us to scale the development team according to our project's needs. It ensures that we have the right resources allocated at the right time, minimizing any potential bottlenecks and ensuring timely delivery. We can tap into a wider pool of developers and find the right talent to support our project's requirements.
3. Time and Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing development proves to be more time and cost-efficient compared to building and maintaining an in-house team. It eliminates the need for extensive recruitment, training, and infrastructure setup, saving us valuable time and financial resources. We can leverage the existing infrastructure, tools, and workflows of our outsourcing partner, streamlining the development process.
4. Focus on Core Competencies: By outsourcing non-core development tasks, we can focus on our organization's core competencies and strategic planning. Rather than getting involved in day-to-day development activities, we can dedicate our resources to project management, strategic decision-making, and other areas specific to our organization. This ensures a more efficient allocation of our internal resources.
5. Mitigation of Skill Gaps: Outsourcing allows us to address any skill gaps within our internal team. If we lack specific technical expertise or experience in blockchain development, partnering with external developers fills those gaps. We can leverage their skills and knowledge to ensure a higher level of competence and quality in our project implementation.
6. Risk Mitigation: Collaborating with an experienced outsourcing provider mitigates risks associated with development. They often have established development processes, quality assurance practices, and project management methodologies. This reduces the risk of project delays, cost overruns, and technical challenges, ensuring a smoother and more successful project delivery.

By outsourcing developer hours/development, we are confident that we can leverage external expertise, scale our development resources, and optimize our project delivery, ultimately leading to the successful implementation of our review system.

Our team brings extensive expertise in full stack development, with several years of experience in building robust software solutions. Additionally, we have gained valuable experience in developing on the Cardano platform for the past year. This experience has allowed us to become familiar with Cardano's unique ecosystem, tools, and development practices. With our strong technical background and in-depth knowledge of Cardano, we are well-equipped to successfully execute this project and deliver high-quality results.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

RealFi

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG goals:

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Reduce inequality within and among countries

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

SDG subgoals:

Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage

By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management

By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature

Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries

By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products

Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending

Key Performance Indicator (KPI):

Universal Human Rights Index (UHRI):

#proposertoolsdg

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Erdős is a web-based application that aspires to transform the vacation rental industry. It will set itself apart from competitors such as AirBnB and Vrbo by incorporating cutting-edge features and technologies. By leveraging cryptocurrency payment and Cardano smart contracts, Erdős will achieve lower transaction fees, ultimately benefiting customers and gaining a competitive edge.

The proposal aims to reach the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) stage for Erdos, minimizing costs for the Cardano community. By demonstrating feasibility, it increases chances of securing further funding. The PoC showcases core functionalities, user experience, and Cardano integration. User feedback and testing will refine the concept, ensuring alignment with industry needs. Achieving the PoC stage maximizes potential for future investment, leading to a robust vacation rental platform within the Cardano ecosystem.

Some draft mock-ups can be seen below of what the UI/UX may look like:

Operating within the Kirkstone ecosystem, Erdős will be part of a comprehensive platform addressing various needs in real estate and decentralized finance (DeFi). All Kirkstone products use an algorithmic stablecoin, ensuring consistent pricing. Customers load a payment smart contract with stablecoin and a small portion is sent to Kirkstone's treasury, while the remainder goes to the recipient. The accumulated stablecoin is used to purchase KIRK tokens algorithmically, increasing token value and generating profits. Options to use ADA, KIRK and other tokens directly will also be available upon launch. 

Throughout the Kirkstone Ecosystem a percentage of all fees will be donated to our own homeless charity. 

Some features:

Erdős will offer executive hosts, advanced search filters, comprehensive price comparisons, verified host validations, and an engaging gamified experience. An explore page will showcase popular places, while user profiles will provide personalized recommendations. Social media channels will foster interaction and continuous improvement. Hosts will be able to provide recommendations and tag their properties to cater to specific needs. Erdős will ensure quality through a robust audit system, ensuring a trusted and exceptional experience for users.

Current issues in the space and our solutions:

• High Prices - Competitors could not compete on price with the Kirkstone owned properties listed on Erdős. The increased efficiency and reduced fees resulting from smart contract adoption and the Kirkstone payment system will enable us to offer lower prices and still turn a profit. Either AirBnb/Vrbo decrease their prices/fees to compete and take a direct hit to their balance sheets (and the wrath of shareholders) or they pivot to a similar business model, significantly changing the relationship with their current escrow provider or terminating it. 
• Lack of Control & Transparency - Inherently linked to Web 3.0 integration and TradFi’s disadvantages, current platforms offer less transparency and control as users are reliant on third parties confirming payments. Blockchain technology allows for a user to independently verify information the platform provides via a blockchain explorer, handing control back to the users and holding businesses accountable. 
• Inconvenience of Web 2.0 - Considering the current pace of Web 3.0 technology adoption major vacation rental platforms are lagging behind the ‘crypto-curve’. Tech-savvy customers will be discouraged by AirBnb’s/Vrbo’s perceived lack of concern for TradFi’s (traditional finance’s) obsolescence and the inconvenience of deviating from their usual payment method.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKmzzWad27ghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNh0brhdZs

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Integrating Erdős with the Cardano ecosystem brings significant benefits to Cardano and its community. By utilizing Cardano's smart contract capabilities, Erdős demonstrates real-world application and adoption of the blockchain. This showcases Cardano's technological prowess and attracts more users and developers to the ecosystem.

Erdős's integration also boosts the utility and demand for Cardano's native token, ADA. Through Erdős, ADA becomes a vital medium of exchange for transactions within the vacation rental marketplace. This increased usage enhances ADA's liquidity, value, and ecosystem growth.

Furthermore, as Erdős is part of the broader Kirkstone ecosystem, its integration with Cardano extends ADA's utility to other platforms and services within Kirkstone. This expanded usage of ADA strengthens its position as a foundational token within the Cardano ecosystem.

In addition to the Cardano community, the proposal seeks to make a significant difference for the homeless community. By allocating a portion of the Erdős system fees to our dedicated homeless charity, we aim to provide substantial support and assistance to those in need.

In conclusion, the integration of Erdős with Cardano brings several advantages, including the real-world adoption of Cardano's smart contracts, increased utility and demand for ADA, and sets a positive example for future Cardano projects. Additionally, it enhances transparency within the realm of similar products, providing users with greater visibility into transactions, property details, and host validations. This contributes to the growth and strength of the Cardano ecosystem and establishes Erdős as a pioneering vacation rental platform.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

The success of the project will be measured through various key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that reflect different aspects of its performance. 

Development Phase

• CYCLE TIME: Measure the time it takes to complete a development cycle, from planning to deployment. Shorter cycle times indicate efficient development processes.
• VELOCITY: Assess the rate at which features and updates are delivered. Higher velocity indicates faster development and iteration cycles.
• CODE SIMPLICITY: Evaluate the simplicity and maintainability of the codebase. Simple and clean code promotes easier debugging, updates, and scalability.
• CODE STABILITY: Monitor the stability of the codebase, ensuring that it is reliable and free from critical bugs or issues. 
• SMART CONTRACTS OPTIMISED: Assess the efficiency and optimization of smart contracts used within Erdős, ensuring they are well-designed and perform optimally.

Short-Term Phase

• USER ENGAGEMENT: Monitoring the number of active users, frequency of app usage, time spent on the platform, and user interactions within the application. Increasing user engagement indicates a positive reception and ongoing interest in the platform.
• NUMBER OF HOST/PROPERTIES ON-BOARDED: Track the growth in the number of hosts and properties listed on Erdős, indicating the platform's expansion and attractiveness to property owners.
• HOST/CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RATE: Collect feedback from hosts and customers to gauge their satisfaction levels with the platform, addressing concerns and improving the user experience.
• HOST/CUSTOMER FEE REDUCTION COMPARED TO WEB.2 TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS: Quantify the reduction in transaction fees for hosts and customers compared to traditional web 2.0 systems, demonstrating the cost-saving advantage of using Erdős..

Long-Term Phase

• RETENTION AND REPEAT CUSTOMERS: Measure the rate of customer retention and repeat bookings, indicating the platform's ability to retain and satisfy users over an extended period.
• PERCENTAGE HOST YEARLY USAGE: Track the percentage of hosts who consistently use Erdős year after year, indicating their ongoing trust and reliance on the platform.
• WALLET ADDRESSES HOLDING $KIRK: Monitor the number of wallet addresses holding the $KIRK token, reflecting the token's adoption and distribution within the community.
• NEW CRYPTO-USERS ON-BOARDED TO THE CARDANO COMMUNITY: Evaluate the number of new users who enter the Cardano community through their interaction with Erdős, indicating the project's contribution to expanding the Cardano user base.
• MARKET SHARE AND COMPETITOR ANALYSIS: Assess Erdős's market share by analyzing its penetration and adoption in the vacation rental industry, comparing it to competitors. This analysis provides insights into Erdős's position in the market and its competitive strength.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

To ensure transparency, accountability, and robust community engagement, the project emphasizes effective communication and sharing of outputs and results. Key strategies include:

1. Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed reports and documentation will provide transparent insights into project progress, achieved milestones, key findings, repositories through GitHub, and outcomes.
2. Regular Updates: Frequent communications through monthly reports, Discord, Twitter, and Telegram will keep the community well-informed about significant milestones, new features, user statistics, and noteworthy developments.
3. Interactive Sessions: Engaging Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions will encourage direct community engagement, Q&As, and valuable feedback.
4. Success Stories and Use Cases: Examples highlighting real-world use cases, positive experiences, and user benefits will be shared via the project's website, blog, and social media channels etc. throughout.
5. Active Community Engagement: The project will actively encourage community participation through our channels (previously described), providing users with opportunities to share feedback, suggestions, and inquiries.
6. Collaborations and Partnerships: Strategic partnerships with other projects and organizations will extend the project's reach, leveraging shared resources and networks.
7. Open-Source Contribution: Contributions of relevant project components, tools, or code snippets to open-source repositories (such as GitHub) will foster knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation.

By implementing these strategies, the project aims to ensure transparency, foster community engagement, and effectively disseminate valuable knowledge and achievements within an inclusive and supportive environment.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

Our capacity to deliver projects with high levels of trust and accountability is underpinned by a combination of our robust operational measures, extensive track record, and a commitment to innovation. As an small part of the Cardano ecosystem, Kirkstone has consistently demonstrated resilience and dedication, even during challenging economic times.

One of our significant achievements, the development and implementation of the Kirkstone Rental Model (KRM), serves as a testament to our innovative approach and technical prowess. The KRM has laid a solid foundation for the majority of our front-end and back-end infrastructure, with its Cardano implementation in progress. Furthermore, our successful NFT sale, Initial Stake Pool Offering (ISPO), and token delivery have further bolstered our credibility.

Simultaneously, we prioritize and uphold trust in every project, recognizing its crucial role. To enhance this trust, we implement stringent security measures to protect user data and funds, comply with industry best practices, and perform regular security audits. Our future vetting process system will ensure that only reputable hosts and properties are featured on the Erdős platform, enhancing accountability and ensuring a high standard of service for our users.

Moreover, transparency is a key aspect of our operations; hence, we provide regular updates, financial reports, and impact assessments. Our team comprises experienced professionals with a track record of successful project delivery. We commit to upholding the highest standards of trust and accountability throughout our projects. Therefore, our blend of innovative techniques, diverse skill sets, and unwavering dedication underlines our capability to deliver with high trust and accountability.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goal of the project, within the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) stage, is to demonstrate the potential and feasibility of the Erdős web-based application as a disruptive force in the vacation rental industry. The specific goals include:

1. Proof-of-Concept Validation: Validate the concept by developing a functional PoC version of Erdős, showcasing the core features and functionalities to assess its viability and potential market reception.
2. User Feedback and Iteration: Gather user feedback through alpha testing and incorporate it into iterative improvements of the PoC. Continuously refine and enhance the user experience based on user insights and preferences.
3. Technical Feasibility Assessment: Assess the technical feasibility of implementing innovative features, such as executive hosts, advanced search filters, gamification elements, and host validations, within the PoC stage.
4. Cost-Efficient Development: Ensure cost efficiency by focusing on the PoC stage, optimizing resources, and minimizing expenses while still showcasing the potential value and impact of the Erdős application.

By pursuing the PoC stage, the project aims to validate the concept, gather user feedback, assess technical feasibility, and demonstrate the potential value of Erdős as a disruptive vacation rental platform. This limited scope allows for focused development, cost management, and validation of the project's potential before seeking further funding for subsequent stages.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1: Project Initiation and Planning (Estimated timeline: 4 weeks)

• Conduct market research and competitor analysis
• Define project goals, scope, and success criteria 
• Identify key stakeholders and establish communication channels

Milestone 2: Backend Development (Estimated timeline: 12 weeks)

• Develop the backend infrastructure and API integration

Milestone 3: Cryptocurrency Payment System and Smart Contracts (Estimated timeline: 6 weeks)

• Implement cryptocurrency payment system using Plutus framework and smart contracts 

Milestone 4: Frontend Development (Estimated timeline: 8 weeks)

• Create frontend interface and user experience design using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (with frameworks like React or Angular if desired) 

Milestone 5: Integration with the Kirkstone Ecosystem (Estimated timeline: 4 weeks)

• Integrate Erdős with the Kirkstone ecosystem and establish data flow with appropriate APIs

Milestone 6: Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Development (Estimated timeline: 10 weeks)

• Develop a PoC version of Erdős with core functionalities

Milestone 7: Testing, Feedback and Review (Estimated timeline: 8 weeks)

• Conduct alpha testing with a limited user group
• Gather feedback, refine the platform, and perform security and performance testing 
• Review the results, evaluate feasibility, address issues, and determine project viability

Regular reviews and adjustments of the timeline will be required as the project progresses to ensure realistic and achievable delivery.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Project Initiation and Planning

• Deliverables: Market research and competitor analysis report, project goals and scope document, stakeholder communication plan.
• Outputs: Comprehensive understanding of the market landscape, clearly defined project objectives, and established communication channels.
• Intended Outcome: Lay the groundwork for the project, ensuring alignment with market needs and stakeholder expectations.

Milestone 2: Backend Development

• Deliverables: Backend infrastructure developed using Haskell and Cardano SL, API documentation.
• Outputs: Functional backend system capable of supporting the desired features and interactions.
• Intended Outcome: Establish a robust and secure backend foundation to handle data processing, transactions, and integration with the Cardano blockchain.

Milestone 3: Cryptocurrency Payment System and Smart Contracts

• Deliverables: Implemented cryptocurrency payment system using the Plutus framework, functional smart contracts.
• Outputs: Secure payment system enabling cryptocurrency transactions and integration with Cardano's smart contracts.
• Intended Outcome: Enable secure and efficient cryptocurrency transactions within Erdős, ensuring transparency, reliability, and cost reduction for users.

Milestone 4: Front-end Development

• Deliverables: Front-end interface design, user experience design, interactive prototype.
• Outputs: User-friendly and visually appealing front-end interface with seamless navigation and intuitive user experience.
• Intended Outcome: Provide a visually engaging and user-friendly platform that enhances the overall experience for hosts and customers.

Milestone 5: Integration with the Kirkstone Ecosystem

• Deliverables: Integrated Erdős platform with the Kirkstone ecosystem, established data flow with appropriate APIs.
• Outputs: Seamless integration with other Kirkstone ecosystem platforms, streamlined data flow for enhanced functionality.
• Intended Outcome: Enable smooth interoperability between Erdős and other Kirkstone ecosystem products, enhancing the overall ecosystem experience for users.

Milestone 6: Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Development

• Deliverables: PoC version of Erdős with core functionalities.
• Outputs: Functional PoC demonstrating key features.
• Intended Outcome: Validate the feasibility of Erdős.

Milestone 7: Testing, Feedback and Review

• Deliverables: Alpha testing feedback report, security and performance testing report, PoC evaluation report.
• Outputs: User feedback to refine the platform, identification and resolution of security and performance issues.
• Intended Outcome: Refine the platform based on user feedback, assess security and performance, and evaluate the project's viability for further development.

By achieving these milestones and delivering the associated deliverables and outputs, the project aims to establish a solid foundation for Erdős, validate its feasibility, refine the platform based on user feedback, and evaluate its potential for future development and adoption within the Cardano ecosystem.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

The rates used in the budget are based on industry standards and average hourly rates for different skill sets and expertise levels:

1. Cardano Development ($100/h): Cardano development requires specialized knowledge of the Cardano blockchain, Plutus smart contract development, and integration with the Cardano ecosystem. These skills are in high demand and command higher rates due to their specialized nature.
2. Full Stack Development ($70/h): Full stack developers possess a combination of frontend and backend development skills, including programming languages like JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and frameworks like React or Angular. Full stack developers have a broader skill set compared to specialized roles, and their rates reflect their versatility and expertise in multiple areas of development.
3. Other Activities ($50/h): This rate is applied to activities that are less technical in nature, such as market research, competitor analysis, project planning, gathering feedback, and conducting tests. These activities typically require less specialized skills and can be performed by professionals with general project management or research skills.

The rates used in the budget reflect a balance between the expertise required for each task and the prevailing industry rates. They aim to provide a reasonable estimation of the costs associated with each milestone based on the skill sets and effort required to complete the tasks effectively.

Milestone 1: Project Initiation and Planning

• Cost = $5,000

Milestone 2: Backend Development

• Cost = $22,400

Milestone 3: Cryptocurrency Payment System and Smart Contracts

• Cost = $16,000

Milestone 4: Frontend Development

• Cost = $16,800

Milestone 5: Integration with the Kirkstone Ecosystem

• Cost = $5,600

Milestone 6: Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Development

• Cost = $22,400

Milestone 7: Testing, Feedback and Review

• Cost = $10,000

ADA price we have assumed is $0.342298 - this is an average price of ADA since the close of Fund 9. 

Total cost = $98,200 = 286,885 ADA

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

1. Technological Advancement: The project's cost covers the development and implementation of innovative features, such as the integration of cryptocurrency payment and Cardano smart contracts. These advancements contribute to the overall technological growth and progress of the Cardano ecosystem. By investing in cutting-edge technology and solutions, the project enhances the ecosystem's capabilities and sets a precedent for future projects.
2. Increased Adoption and Usage of Cardano: As the project leverages the Cardano blockchain, it promotes the adoption and usage of Cardano's native token, ADA. By providing a user-friendly platform and implementing novel payment solutions, the project encourages users to transact using ADA. This increased demand for ADA strengthens its value and utility within the Cardano ecosystem, benefitting existing token holders and attracting new users.
3. Ecosystem Expansion: The project's successful implementation expands the Cardano ecosystem by introducing a new use case and attracting users from the vacation rental industry. This expansion creates additional opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and ecosystem growth. The increased usage of Cardano within the project contributes to the overall network effect, making Cardano a more vibrant and interconnected ecosystem.
4. Economic Impact: The project's success and adoption generate economic activity within the Cardano ecosystem. As more users transact using ADA within the platform, it creates a positive economic impact by increasing the circulation and liquidity of the token. This economic activity benefits stakeholders within the Cardano ecosystem, including developers, investors, and users.
5. Competitive Advantage: By providing a platform that offers cost savings through reduced transaction fees, the project gains a competitive edge in the vacation rental industry. This competitive advantage attracts users who seek more affordable and efficient solutions. The project's success in providing value for money encourages other businesses and projects to consider building on the Cardano ecosystem, further enhancing its overall competitiveness.

Overall, the cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by driving technological advancement, increasing the adoption and usage of ADA, expanding the ecosystem, creating economic impact, and establishing a competitive advantage. These outcomes contribute to the long-term growth, sustainability, and success of the Cardano ecosystem as a whole.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept