ExpertsWay - Elevate Blockchain Learning, Community Engagement, and University Collaboration

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

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

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Fikirte Gejo - Quality Assurance Engineer

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

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

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

ExpertsWay will serve as a comprehensive educational hub, integrating dynamic courses, quizzes, forums, and real-time updates tailored for the Cardano community.

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

[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 rely on professionals because:

• Expertise: Developers have in-depth knowledge of blockchain and Cardano.
• Academic Rigor: University lectures ensure high-quality, credible content.
• Research and Innovation: They tap into the latest advancements and emerging trends.
• Pedagogical Expertise: Professionals design engaging materials for effective learning.
• Validation and Endorsement: Collaboration establishes credibility and trust among users.
• Tech community: Since the platform is community-driven, users can contribute and update content to keep the platform relevant and up-to-date.

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

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

The project will be fully open source under the MIT License. All code, documentation, and associated elements will be publicly accessible, allowing the community to copy, inspect, and contribute to the development. The chosen license ensures transparency, collaboration, and adherence to open source principles.

[METADATA] SDG rating

• Quality Education: Our project provides comprehensive courses on Cardano blockchain, promoting knowledge and skills development.
• Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: ExpertsWay contributes to the development of innovative technologies in blockchain through education.
• Partnerships for the Goals: Our project fosters collaboration within the Cardano community for sustainable development.
• Decent Work and Economic Growth: Our project enhances skills for potential employment in the blockchain industry.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Bridging the Educational Gap & Open-source contributions

ExpertsWay is designed to bridge the Cardano educational gap, offering a rich, engaging platform to overcome current limitations in resource availability and community engagement.

UNIQUENESS - What makes our solution stand out?

Our platform is uniquely community-driven, enabling continuous content updates from the Cardano community. We cater to a wide range of learners, from beginners to advanced developers, with content covering fundamental concepts to in-depth technical skills. Our progress tracking and vibrant discussion forums are designed to foster a collaborative learning environment.

Mobile Accessibility

Access learning resources and engage in discussions with our mobile-friendly platform, empowering you to learn on the go.

Stand-Alone

ExpertsWay is designed to be a stand-alone platform capable of delivering a comprehensive learning experience.

Empowering the Cardano Community

By equipping individuals with in-depth knowledge of Cardano's technology and its potential applications, ExpertsWay empowers them to become active contributors to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem. Learners gain the skills necessary to build DApps and understand Cardano's interoperability, actively participating in the ADA economy.

Fueling Growth and Innovation

ExpertsWay's comprehensive learning experience enhances the skills of individuals and fosters a stronger and more knowledgeable Cardano community. This, in turn, fuels innovation, collaboration, and the overall success of the Cardano ecosystem.

IMPACT - How will we measure the project's impact?

Impact will be measured through specific metrics: user engagement rates, course completion rates, number of active contributors, and feedback quality. We will conduct regular community surveys to assess satisfaction and areas for improvement. Success will also be gauged by the growth in community-driven content updates, indicating active participation and the platform's value to the ecosystem.

Link to design click here

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

ExpertsWay directly tackles existing challenges by equipping enthusiasts with the knowledge to thrive in the ADA ecosystem, fostering a stronger, skilled Cardano community. Its impact includes:

• Educational Empowerment: Equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to excel within the Catalyst community.
• Community Engagement: Fosters vibrant discussions, collaboration, and network expansion within the Cardano community.
• Up-to-Date Knowledge Dissemination: Shares the latest developments and advancements in Cardano to encourage innovation.
• Increased Adoption: Attracts newcomers to Cardano by providing a user-friendly learning experience.
• Sustainable Growth: By addressing the educational gap and nurturing a knowledgeable community, ExpertsWay fuels sustainable growth within the Cardano ecosystem, driving adoption and innovation.

[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 team's extensive experience with blockchain technology, educational content development, and community engagement ensures the project's feasibility. We will mitigate risks through a comprehensive risk management plan, addressing potential technological challenges, engagement barriers, and content creation delays. Our detailed cost benchmarking against similar initiatives demonstrates our budget's value and efficiency. We have the capabilities to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability. Here's why we believe we are best suited:

• Previous Funded Projects: “Enhancing Cardano Developer Ecosystem with Open Source Tooling”, “Cardano for 100,000+ students” and "Universal DevTools for Real-time Tracking for 45%+ of Global Websites Support" 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.

• Microsoft collaboration: Our project has joined Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. We have access to a mix of technical benefits and business resources. (38 microsoft services benefits)

• Trustworthy Partnerships: Collaborations with Addis Ababa University - an educational Institutions

• Industry Connections: Collaborations with Ethiopia blockchain community and CodeNight team provide valuable insights and access to the Cardano community. 

• Expertise: Our experienced team in blockchain, education, and community engagement ensures the delivery of high-quality content and platforms.
• Expertise in Educational Content: Experienced educators and subject matter experts ensure high-quality resources.

• Transparent Financial Management: Clear budgeting, expense tracking, and reporting processes

• User Feedback Integration: Actively collecting and addressing user feedback for continuous improvement

• Well educated Leader: The project is owned and lead by Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)

Project Implementation Plan

1. Project Initiation: Formulate project goals, establish team roles, and gather initial resources.
2. Platform Development: Develop backend/API endpoints, design the platform's user interface, develop the mobile app, and create the initial set of educational content.
3. User Testing: Conduct user testing sessions, collect feedback on usability, identify areas for improvement.
4. Platform Enhancements: Implement user feedback and suggestions, enhance platform features, and improve educational content.
5. Community Engagement: Launch community forums, encourage user participation, and facilitate knowledge sharing among users.
6. Ongoing Maintenance: Continuously monitor and enhance the platform, manage the community forums, and update content as needed.

Overall Project Management Approach:

1. Agile Methodology: We will adopt an agile project management approach to allow for flexibility, collaboration, and iterative development.
2. Regular Progress Meetings: The project team will hold regular meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and ensure alignment with project objectives.
3. Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication channels will be established within the team and with stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, feedback sharing, and timely decision-making.
4. Project Tracking and Documentation: Project milestones, tasks, and progress will be documented and tracked using project management tools to ensure transparency and accountability.

To manage funds properly, we ensure transparent budgeting, regular reporting, and adhere to rigorous audit and governance processes.

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

Platform Development

• Tasks
• User Interface (UI) Design - Collaborate with UI/UX designers for an intuitive interface.Backend Development - Implement backend infrastructure.
• Device Compatibility Testing - Ensure seamless functionality across devices
• Integration of Programming Languages - Support Haskell, Plutus, and Python integration.
• Prototyping and Iteration - Develop iterative prototypes for user feedback.
• Documentation - Create comprehensive documentation.
• Quality Assurance (QA) - Implement rigorous QA process.
• Timeline: 2 months
• Success Criteria: Completion of platform design, functional mobile app prototype, and initial set of educational content
• Projected Cost: 30% of the total budget.

Content Creation and Platform Enhancements

• Tasks
• Content Submission System - Implement user-friendly lesson submission system.
• Content Review Process - Define and integrate content review process.
• Platform Enhancements - Improve platform features and usability.
• Educational Content Update - Review and refine existing content based on feedback.
• Timeline: 2 months
• Success Criteria: Content Submission System, Content Review Process, Platform Enhancements, Educational Content Update
• Projected Cost: 40% of the total budget.

User Testing, Feedback Collection, and Community Engagement and Growth

• Tasks
• Community Engagement - Foster a sense of community through forums and interactive features.
• Recruitment of Testers & Environment Setup - Identify and recruit diverse user group, Prepare testing environment & Conduct user testing sessions.
• Feedback Collection Mechanism - Implement efficient feedback collection system.
• Data Analysis - Analyze collected data for patterns and issues.
• Usability Improvements
• Implement necessary usability improvements.
• Iterative Testing - Conduct additional rounds of testing.
• Content Promotion - Actively promote user-generated content.
• Event Hosting - Organize and host events for community engagement.
• Knowledge Sharing Initiatives - Facilitate knowledge sharing among community members.
• User Recognition Program - Implement a user recognition program.
• Feedback Loops - Establish feedback loops for continuous improvement.
• Community Surveys - Conduct periodic surveys to gauge satisfaction.
• Timeline: 1 month
• Success Criteria: Active community forums, increased user participation, positive feedback on engagement features
• Projected Cost: 30% of the total budget (for ongoing community management).

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

Herma Labs stands out as an innovative force in the blockchain domain, dedicated to creating cutting-edge solutions that resonate with the needs of today’s digital landscape. Known for its deep dive into the complexities of blockchain technology, Herma Labs has made a name for itself with its involvement in key projects that have significantly advanced the utility and accessibility of blockchain applications. Their acclaimed work spans developing essential tools for real-time tracking support for a vast number of global websites, enriching the Cardano developer ecosystem with open-source tooling, and spearheading educational initiatives to introduce over 100,000 students to the world of Cardano.

Core development team

1.Markos Muche - Content Research and Curation Specialist

• LinkedIn: click here
• Conducting research, curating educational resources, and organizing content.
• Experience at - 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

2.Tadesse Duressa - Project Manager/Technical Lead

• Telegram address: click here
• 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
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) - Certificate Number 5353074

3.Tensae Berhanu - Programmer

• Linkedin: click here
• Handles mobile development.
• Proficient in flutter modules.
• Experience in cache, 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.Mohammed Ibrahim - UX/UI Designer

• Portfolio: Mohammed Ibrahim
• Contributed on previously funded projects.
• Responsible for creating intuitive and visually appealing user experiences.
• Proficient in user interface design principles and user-centered design methodologies.
• Experience in designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces for mobile and web applications.

6.Samuel Birhanu Wada - Developer

• GitHub: click here
• Contributed on previously funded projects.
• Handles the mobile app development and integration of the platform.
• Proficient in front-side programming languages.
• Experience in cache, database management and API integration.

7.Fikirte 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.

Engagement and Communications

The project team has engaged with relevant technical groups, including Cardano Ethiopa Group and CodeNight to communicate with the Cardano community, seek feedback, and collaborate with other developers and enthusiasts. Direct lines of communication have been established to ensure effective coordination and access to necessary resources.

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

We have carefully benchmarked our budget against similar educational and community platform projects to ensure competitiveness and efficiency. Our budget includes detailed allocations for content creation, divided by content type (introductory, intermediate, advanced), and community engagement strategies (forums, user recognition programs). Each expenditure is justified with industry standards, ensuring the best value for money for the Cardano ecosystem.

Milestone 1: Platform Development : 27,000 ADA

• Mobile App Features Development and Integration
• Backend Integration
• API Integration
• QA & Improvements
• Documentation

Total Budget for Milestone 1: 27,000 ADA

Milestone 2: Content Creation and Platform Enhancements - 30,000 ADA

• Content Submission Feature
• Community Content Review Feature
• Content creation

Total Budget for Milestone 2: 30,000 ADA

Final Milestone: User Testing, Feedback Collection, and Community Engagement and Growth - 25,000

• User Testing Sessions
• Feedback Analysis and Reporting
• Implementing User Feedback
• Usability Improvements
• Marketing, Publicity, Promotion, and User Participation
• Ongoing Community Management
• User Recognition Program

Total Budget for Final Milestone: 25,000 ADA

Additional Expenses - 8,000 ADA

• Backend hosting and infrastructure
• Report preparation based on Catalyst guideline
• Community Launch Meetup

Total Project Budget: 90,000 ADA

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

Our budget is justified by the involvement of industry experts, the creation of high-quality, diversified educational content, and the development of interactive, engaging community features. We offer detailed cost comparisons and breakdowns, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and efficiency. The project represents a strategic investment in Cardano's growth, promising significant returns in community engagement, knowledge expansion, and ecosystem innovation.

• Industry Expertise: The costs are justified as industry experts with specialized knowledge and experience in Cardano blockchain are involved in creating the educational content.
• Course Development and Curation: The investment in researching, developing, and curating high-quality courses adds value to the platform's educational materials.
• Interactive Features: Ongoing investment in technical infrastructure and community management enhances the learning experience and engagement within the Cardano community.
• Gamification Elements: The costs associated with implementing gamification features contribute to a more enjoyable and motivating learning experience.
• Meetup Events: The budget includes organizing meetup events to facilitate networking, and education among Cardano enthusiasts.
• User Engagement and Community Building: Budget allocation for community engagement, and networking activities fosters a vibrant Cardano user community.
• Skilled Project Team: Costs reflect the expertise of professionals in app development, content management, user engagement, and community building.
• Justified Cost Estimation: Our budget leverages industry expertise and high-quality content creation to offer unparalleled learning experiences on Cardano. With a focus on interactive and engaging educational tools, community-driven content updates, and partnerships with leading institutions, we ensure every ADA spent maximizes impact on learner outcomes and ecosystem growth.
• App Users Community: The project aims to build a strong community of Cardano Blockchain developers, promoting collaboration, feedback, and knowledge sharing.
• Comprehensive Educational Resources: The project delivers valuable educational materials for students, representing a cost-effective investment in knowledge acquisition.