CIP/CPS Analysis App for Data-Driven Insights

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Mahlet Amenu

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

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

5

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We'll develop an app to provide centralized access to all Cardano Improvement Proposals (CIPs) and CPSs, facilitating efficient exploration, understanding, and discussion of proposed enhancements.

[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.”

The project will depend on the official Cardano website and the Cardano Foundation's CIP GitHub repository to access detailed information about CIPs and CPSs. These dependencies are essential for gathering accurate and up-to-date information necessary for the project's success.

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

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

All project documents, code, and other outputs will be open-source under the MIT license. This includes full transparency and accessibility to all aspects of the project for collaboration and improvement within the Cardano community.

[METADATA] SDG rating

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): By fostering access to CIPs & CIPs on the app, which is a cutting-edge technology, our project contributes to building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution entails the development of an innovative application, central to our solution is the incorporation of comprehensive features, including access to Cardano Improvement Proposals (CIPs) and Cardano Problem Statements (CPSs). The app will enable Cardano developers to quickly identify CIPs relevant to their projects, leading to increased innovation and collaboration. For example, a developer working on a DeFi platform can use the app to find and contribute to finance-related CIP discussions, speeding up the integration of new features. Community members can track the progress of their favorite proposals and receive notifications when statuses change, fostering a more engaged and informed community.Key features include:

1.Comprehensive CIP and CPS Information: The application will offer a dedicated section providing access to a curated list of both Cardano Improvement Proposals (CIPs) and Cardano Problem Statements (CPSs). Each entry will include detailed information such as the proposal or problem statement title, ID, author(s) and their affiliations, creation date, current status (e.g., proposed, under review, implemented), and a succinct summary of the content.

2.Detailed CIP and CPS Pages: Users will be able to view detailed pages for each CIP and CPS within the application. These pages will contain the complete proposal or problem statement content, allowing users to delve into the specifics of each proposal or issue.

3.Search and Filter Functionality: The application will feature robust search and filter functionalities, enabling users to efficiently find relevant CIPs and CPSs based on various criteria such as keywords, categories, status, author, or creation date. This functionality enhances user experience by facilitating quick and targeted access to the desired information.

User-Friendly Interface: The application will boast a user-friendly interface designed for ease of navigation and intuitive usage. Clear categorization, informative summaries, and intuitive design elements will enhance user experience and encourage prolonged engagement with the platform.

By offering comprehensive information about CIPs and CPSs, coupled with advanced search and filter functionalities, our application empowers users to stay informed, participate actively in discussions, and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of the Cardano ecosystem. 

The uniqueness of our solution lies in its focus on enhancing accessibility and transparency within the Cardano community. By centralizing essential information such as CIPs and CPSs, our app empowers users to stay informed and engaged in discussions surrounding proposed enhancements and identified issues. This fosters a collaborative environment where stakeholders can contribute meaningfully to the evolution of the Cardano ecosystem.

The primary beneficiaries of our solution are Cardano developers, enthusiasts, and stakeholders seeking to actively engage with the platform's development and governance processes. By providing a user-friendly interface and comprehensive access to CIPs and CPSs, our app facilitates broader participation and fosters a deeper understanding of the decision-making processes within Cardano.

We will launch a beta testing program inviting community members to test early versions of the app, providing feedback directly within the platform. This will not only improve the app based on user input but also foster a sense of ownership among the community.

Ultimately, our solution aligns with Cardano's principles of transparency, community engagement, and innovation. By empowering users with the tools and information they need to participate effectively in the ecosystem, we contribute to the continued growth and success of Cardano as a leading blockchain company.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project will have a profound impact on the Cardano community by enhancing accessibility to critical information, improving governance transparency, and fostering knowledge sharing. To measure impact, we'll track metrics like downloads, active users, and engagement frequency. Feedback will be gathered to assess usability and satisfaction. We'll share updates via social media, community forums, and newsletters, collaborating with Cardano Ambassadors to maximize outreach and adoption. Through these efforts, we aim to drive positive change and create lasting value within the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our capability to deliver the project with high levels of trust and accountability is grounded in our team's collective experience, expertise, and commitment to transparency and integrity. Here's how we intend to demonstrate our capability and validate the feasibility of our approach:

1. Previous Funded Projects: “Enhancing Cardano Developer Ecosystem with Open Source Tooling”, “Cardano for 100,000+ students” and other previously proposed projects have received strong support from the Cardano community, reflecting their confidence in our team's capacity to deliver on promises and contribute meaningfully to the ecosystem's growth and development.
2. Experience and Expertise: Our team comprises experienced professionals with a proven track record in software development, project management, and blockchain technology. We have successfully delivered similar projects in the past, demonstrating our ability to execute complex initiatives effectively.
3. Transparency and Communication: We prioritize transparency and open communication throughout the project lifecycle. We will provide regular updates to stakeholders, maintain open-source documentation of our progress, and actively engage with the Cardano community to gather feedback and address concerns.
4. Financial Management Practices: We have established robust financial management practices to ensure proper handling of funds allocated for the project. This includes budgeting frameworks, expenditure tracking systems, and internal controls to prevent misuse or misallocation of funds.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: We will actively engage with the Cardano community and relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with community priorities and gather feedback on project progress. This will enhance trust and accountability by fostering collaboration and transparency in decision-making processes.
6. Feasibility Validation: We will validate the feasibility of our approach through thorough research, consultation with domain experts, and pilot testing or proof-of-concept demonstrations. This will help identify potential challenges and mitigate risks early in the project lifecycle.

In anticipation of technological hurdles, our development team will adopt agile methodologies, allowing for rapid iteration and flexibility in responding to challenges. Regular beta testing phases will help identify and resolve issues before they impact project timelines. Overall, our team's combination of experience, transparency, financial management practices, stakeholder engagement, and feasibility validation processes positions us as a trusted and accountable partner for delivering this project effectively within the Cardano ecosystem.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Backend Development and Mobile app design

Description:

Develop the backend api’s of the application to enable data retrieval from the Cardano Improvement Proposals (CIPs) and Cardano Problem Statements (CPSs) repository and/or Cardano official website and user interface design of the application to make the development process clear.

Milestone Output(s):

- Backend api developed and deployed to fetch data from the Cardano CIPs and CPSs repository.

- API endpoints created to access CIPs and CPSs data.

- Test environment set up to verify the functionality of the backend system.

- User interface designed for ease of navigation and intuitive usage.

Acceptance Criteria:

- The backend infrastructure is successfully developed and deployed.

- API endpoints are created and tested to ensure they retrieve CIPs and CPSs data accurately.

- Test environment is set up and accessible for verification of backend functionality.

- Documentation is provided outlining the API endpoints and usage instructions.

- User interface is designed according to specifications and facilitates easy navigation and interaction with the application.

Alpha Version Development - Features Implementation

Description:

Implement core features and functionalities in the alpha version of the application, building upon the backend infrastructure developed in Milestone 1. This milestone focuses on creating a usable alpha version of the application with essential features.

Milestone Output(s):

- Alpha version of the application developed with core features implemented.

- Accessible list of CIPs and CPSs within the application, retrieved from the Cardano repositories via API integration.

- Detailed pages for each CIP and CPS displaying relevant information such as title, ID, author(s), creation date, current status, and a summary.

Acceptance Criteria:

- The alpha version of the application is developed and deployed to a test environment.

- Users can access a curated list of CIPs and CPSs within the application.

- Detailed pages for CIPs and CPSs display accurate information retrieved from the backend.

Beta Version Development - Additional Features Implementation

Description:

Enhance the beta version of the application by implementing additional features and functionalities to improve user experience and engagement. This milestone focuses on refining the application based on feedback received during the alpha testing phase.

Milestone Output(s):

- Beta version of the application developed with additional features implemented.

- Basic search and filter functionality allowing users to search for CIPs and CPSs based on keywords, categories, status, author, or creation date.

- Performance optimizations and bug fixes implemented based on feedback from alpha testing.

Acceptance Criteria:

- The beta version of the application is developed and deployed to google play.

- Performance optimizations and bug fixes are implemented to enhance overall stability and usability of the application.

- Basic search and filter functionality enables users to find relevant CIPs and CPSs efficiently.

Release Candidate Testing and Refinement

Description:

Prepare the application for its final release by conducting thorough testing, refining user experience, and addressing any remaining issues or bugs. This milestone focuses on ensuring the application meets quality standards and is ready for public release on google play.

Milestone Output(s):

- Enhanced search and filter functionality allowing users to refine their search criteria and obtain more targeted results.

- Release candidate version of the application prepared for testing.

- Comprehensive testing conducted to identify and address any remaining issues or bugs.

- User feedback collected and analyzed to identify areas for improvement.

- Final refinements and optimizations implemented based on testing results and user feedback.

- Documentation updated to reflect the latest features and changes.

Acceptance Criteria:

- Advanced search and filter functionality is implemented and tested to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

- The release candidate version of the application is prepared and deployed to a test environment.

- Comprehensive testing is conducted to ensure the application functions as intended and meets quality standards.

- User feedback is collected and analyzed to identify any remaining issues or areas for improvement.

- Final refinements and optimizations are implemented to address identified issues and enhance user experience.

- Documentation is updated to reflect the latest features, changes, and instructions for users.

Public Release and Deployment

Description:

Execute the final steps to release the application to the public and deploy it for widespread use. This milestone marks the official launch of the application and ensures its availability to the Cardano community.

Milestone Output(s):

- Application officially released to the public via designated channels such as google play story and Telegram groups.

- Deployment of the application to production servers for widespread access.

- Communication plan executed to announce the availability of the application and promote its adoption within the Cardano community.

- Monitoring systems implemented to track usage metrics and gather feedback from users post-release.

- Ongoing support and maintenance plan established to address any issues or concerns raised by users.

Acceptance Criteria:

- The application is officially released to the public through designated channels.

- Deployment of the application to production servers is completed successfully, ensuring uninterrupted access for users.

- Communication plan is executed effectively, reaching the target audience and generating interest in the application.

- Monitoring systems are set up to track usage metrics and gather feedback from users post-release.

- Ongoing support and maintenance plan is established to address any issues or concerns raised by users promptly.

Final Project Completion Report and Video based on Catalyst guideline

Description: Compile a comprehensive project completion report, summarizing achievements, challenges, and the overall impact. Produce a video presentation highlighting key milestones and outcomes.

Milestone Output(s):

• Project completion report.
• Project completion video.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Comprehensive report submitted.
• Project completion video produced and shared.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Core development team

1.Tadesse D. - Telegram click here

• Project Manager/Technical Lead
• Role: Oversees the project's execution, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.
• Experience: Funded proposer on previous fund. Contributed to 3 Fund11 funded projects, demonstrating a proven track record of successful project management and delivery.
• Co-founder of Herma apps

2.Markos Muche - Content Research and Curation Specialist

• LinkedIn: click here
• Conducting research, curating educational resources, and organizing content.
• Experience - SingularityNet, iCog Labs, iCardio.io
• Certifications - 
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, Azure Data Scientist Associate, 
• Google Certified: Perform Foundational Infrastructure Tasks in Google Cloud, Migrating MySQL data to Cloud SQL using Database Migration Service, Introduction to AI and Machine Learning on Google Cloud, Google Cloud Essentials, Develop your Google Cloud Network, Create and Manage Cloud Resources, Build Infrastructure with Terraform on Google Cloud, Reliable Google Cloud Infrastructure: Design and Process, Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Foundation, Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Core Services

3.Samuel Birhanu Wada - Developer

• GitHub: click here
• Contributed on previously funded projects.
• Handles the backend blockchain development and integration of the platform.
• Proficient in server-side programming languages.
• Experience in database management and API integration.

4.Matiyas Seifu - Linkedin click here 

• Role: Responsible for developing the backend infrastructure, API integration, and database management.
• Expertise: Proficient in backend technologies and database management systems. Extensive experience in developing scalable and efficient blockchain related backend solutions.
• Development experience at iCog Labs, A RC ICT TECHNOLOGIES PLC, A2SV | Africa to Silicon Valley, WhiteHat It Solution and Eskalate technologies

5.Tensae Berhanu - Linkedin click here

• Role: UI/UX Designer
• Experience:
• Years of experience in UI/UX design, specializing in blockchain and fintech interfaces.
• Successfully designed user interfaces for multiple blockchain projects, ensuring a user-friendly and visually appealing experience.
• Proficient in creating intuitive designs that enhance overall usability.

6.Mahlet Gejo - Quality Assurance Engineer:

• Role: Conducts testing and quality assurance of both the backend APIs and the mobile app to ensure functionality and performance meet requirements.
• Expertise: Experienced in testing frameworks and methodologies, including manual and automated testing. Skilled in identifying and resolving software defects to ensure the delivery of high-quality products.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Backend Development and Mobile App Design

• Backend Developer: 20,000 ADA
• Justification: The backend development is a critical component of the project, requiring skilled developers to design and implement the infrastructure for data retrieval from Cardano Improvement Proposals (CIPs) and Cardano Problem Statements (CPSs) repositories.
• UI/UX Designer: 15,000 ADA
• Justification: A well-designed user interface is essential for user engagement and satisfaction. Hiring a UI/UX designer ensures that the mobile app is intuitive, visually appealing, and aligns with industry standards.

Milestone 2: Alpha Version Development - Features Implementation

• Mobile App Development: 20,000 ADA
• Justification: Developing the alpha version of the mobile app requires expertise in mobile app development frameworks, API integration, and feature implementation to deliver a functional prototype for testing and feedback.

Milestone 3: Beta Version Development - Additional Features Implementation

• Mobile App Development: 15,000 ADA
• Justification: Implementing additional features in the beta version requires ongoing development efforts to enhance functionality, improve user experience, and address feedback from alpha testing, ensuring a robust and polished application.

Milestone 4: Public Release Candidate Testing and Refinement

• Quality Assurance: 15,000 ADA
• Justification: Quality assurance is crucial to identify and address any issues or bugs in the application before its release. Hiring a quality assurance engineer ensures thorough testing and refinement of the release candidate version, optimizing user satisfaction and application performance.

Milestone 5: Public Release and Deployment

• Community Manager: 5,000 ADA
• Justification: A community manager plays a crucial role in executing the communication plan, announcing the application's availability, and promoting its adoption within the Cardano community. They engage with users, respond to inquiries, and foster community engagement, ensuring a successful public release and deployment.
• Marketing/Communication Expenses: 1,000 ADA
• Justification: Allocating funds for marketing and communication expenses enables the execution of promotional activities, advertising campaigns, and community outreach efforts to raise awareness and generate interest in the application. This investment enhances visibility, drives user acquisition, and facilitates widespread adoption within the Cardano community.

Final Project Completion Report and Video based on catalyst fund guideline: 1,000 ADA

• Project Completion Report Compilation:
• Details: Allocate resources for compiling a comprehensive project completion report, summarizing achievements, challenges, and overall impact.
• Video Preparation :
• Details: Engage video preparation services to create a quality and engaging project completion video, highlighting key milestones and outcomes.
• Distribution and Communication: 
• Allocate resources for distributing the report and video through various channels.

Contingency: 3,000 ADA

Total 95,000 ADA

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

Comparing the budget allocation towards backend development with similar projects, we find our costs are 20% lower due to our team's existing expertise and reuse of some of our proprietary software components. This efficiency allows us to allocate more towards user engagement and quality assurance, ensuring a superior product. Post-launch, we plan to introduce a premium version of the app, offering advanced analytics and notifications for a modest subscription fee. This revenue will fund ongoing development and maintenance, ensuring the app remains free for basic use and accessible to the broader community.

• Expertise and Quality: The costs associated with hiring skilled professionals for backend development, mobile app development, UI/UX design, quality assurance, and community engagement ensure that the project is executed with high quality and expertise. These professionals bring valuable experience and knowledge to the project, resulting in a robust and user-friendly application that meets the needs of the Cardano community.

• Efficiency and Timeliness: By investing in experienced professionals, the project can be completed more efficiently and within the specified timeline. This helps to minimize delays and ensures that the application is delivered in a timely manner, providing value to the Cardano ecosystem sooner rather than later.

• Long-Term Impact: The investment in community engagement and ongoing support ensures that the application continues to add value to the Cardano ecosystem in the long term. By actively engaging with the community, gathering feedback, and making continuous improvements, the project remains relevant and impactful over time.

• Comparative Analysis: The costs associated with the project have been carefully considered and benchmarked against industry standards and typical freelance rates. While the costs may appear high, they are proportional to the level of expertise and quality of work required to deliver a successful project. Additionally, the value provided by the project in terms of enhanced accessibility, transparency, and community engagement far outweighs the associated costs.

Overall, the cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by ensuring the delivery of a high-quality application that meets the needs of the community and contributes to the long-term success and growth of the Cardano platform.