Standardized On-Chain Poll for Global Users

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Mahlet Duressa

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

75000

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

6

[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 will integrate blockchain into the polling system, enabling wallet sign-in, ADA-powered voting, and on-chain result storage to ensure transparency, security, and decentralized poll management.

[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 an existing MIT-licensed public repository for the poll app. This allows us to freely build upon and modify the code without licensing issues, ensuring compliance and project continuity.

[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

The project will be fully open source under the MIT License. All code, including modifications to the existing poll app and newly added blockchain features, will be made available in a public github repository.

[METADATA] Horizons

Standards

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We aim to address the issues of transparency, security, and decentralization in traditional polling systems by integrating blockchain technology into a Django-based polling app. Our solution involves:

• Blockchain Integration: By enabling wallet-based sign-ins, ADA-powered voting, and on-chain result storage, we ensure that voting is secure, transparent, and tamper-proof. This approach leverages Cardano’s blockchain to enhance the integrity of poll outcomes and make the voting process more transparent.

• Enhanced Security and Transparency: Blockchain will record votes and poll results in an immutable ledger, which prevents tampering and manipulation. On-chain storage of results guarantees that poll outcomes are verifiable and accessible to all stakeholders.

• Decentralized Poll Management: The use of blockchain will automate poll lifecycles, including opening, closing, and managing polls. This decentralization removes reliance on a single entity and reduces potential biases or errors.

• Broader Engagement: The project will engage a wide range of users, including poll creators, voters, and the Cardano community. By utilizing blockchain technology, we will attract developers interested in innovative voting solutions and users who value transparency and security in polling.

• Impact Demonstration: We will demonstrate the impact through the successful implementation and use of the blockchain-enhanced poll app. Metrics such as user adoption, voting activity, and the reliability of on-chain results will serve as indicators of success.

• Uniqueness and Benefits: This solution uniquely combines blockchain with traditional polling systems to create a more secure, transparent, and decentralized voting mechanism. It addresses critical issues in current polling systems and offers an innovative approach that aligns with Cardano’s values of decentralization and transparency.

This project is important to Cardano as it showcases the practical application of blockchain technology in enhancing trust and security in democratic processes, contributing to the broader adoption of blockchain in diverse sectors.

Current Status

• Ready/Completed Non-Blockchain Pages/Features:
• User registration and authentication
• Poll creation, management, and deletion by owners
• Voting mechanism with restrictions on multiple votes
• Search and filter options for polls
• Pagination for poll results

Please take a look at all implemented features, code, and screenshots here. https://github.com/devmahmud/Django-Poll-App

This project is important to Cardano as it showcases the practical application of blockchain technology in enhancing trust and security in democratic processes, contributing to the broader adoption of blockchain in diverse sectors.

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

Our project will positively impact the Cardano community by showcasing the practical use of blockchain in voting systems. By integrating wallet sign-ins, ADA-powered voting, and on-chain result storage, we will demonstrate how blockchain can enhance transparency and security in everyday processes.

Measuring Impact:

We will track quantitative metrics such as the number of users registering with wallets, the number of polls created, and the total ADA votes cast. These indicators will help us assess user adoption and engagement.

Qualitative feedback will be gathered from users regarding the app’s security, transparency, and usability. This feedback will provide insights into the effectiveness of the solution.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

All project outputs will be open-sourced under the MIT License, available on GitHub. We will also share updates and progress on social media and the Cardano Forum.

Community engagement will be fostered through meetups, educational content, and open discussions to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing. This approach will highlight the potential of Cardano’s technology and promote community growth.

[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?

Capability to Deliver:

Our team has extensive experience with previous Cardano Catalyst Fund rounds and has successfully completed funded projects. This experience underscores our capability to deliver high-quality solutions in alignment with Cardano’s standards. Our expertise includes integrating blockchain technology into various applications, demonstrating our proficiency in both development and project management.

Current Project Status:

The project blockchain related features are currently in the planning and initial development phase. We have established the necessary infrastructure and are preparing for the integration of blockchain features. The existing Django app’s core functionalities are ready and operational, setting a solid foundation for the upcoming enhancements.

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

Blockchain Integration Prototype (Wallet and ADA-Powered Voting) (1 Month)

• Description: Develop a prototype with wallet-based sign-in and ADA-powered voting features.
• Acceptance Criteria: Working prototype allowing users to sign in with a wallet and vote using ADA. Initial testing to ensure functionality and security.

On-Chain Result Storage and Pilot Testing (2 Month)

• Description: Implement on-chain result storage and conduct pilot testing with a group of users. Gather feedback and refine the system.
• Acceptance Criteria: Secure on-chain result storage, successful pilot testing, and feedback incorporated to resolve issues.

Full Deployment and Community Engagement (2 Month)

• Description: Deploy the complete solution with blockchain features and begin promoting it to the community. Track user engagement and gather continuous feedback.
• Acceptance Criteria: Full deployment of the app, measurable community engagement, and feedback loops established.

Project Close-Out Report and Video (1 Month)

• Description: Prepare a project close-out report detailing results, impact, and financials, along with a final video summarizing the project.
• Acceptance Criteria: Submission of a comprehensive report and video highlighting the project’s key achievements and impact.

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

1.Faizur Reshid (PhD) - Blockchain Advisor

• Role: Provide expert advice on blockchain integration, ensuring secure and efficient implementation of the on-chain features.
• LinkedIn Profile: Faizur Reshid
• Assistant professor at Haramaya University
• Experience: Contributed on previously funded projects. Check here Project 1, Project 2, Project 3

2.Markos Muche - Project Lead

• Role: Overall project management, coordinating team efforts, managing timelines, and ensuring milestones are met. Responsible for community engagement and communication with stakeholders.
• LinkedIn Profile: Markos Muche
• Experience - SingularityNet, iCog Labs, iCardio.io

3.Tadesse D - Lead Blockchain Developer

• Role: Lead the blockchain integration, focusing on wallet-based sign-in, ADA-powered voting, and on-chain result storage features.
• Telegram:Tadesse
• Experience: Funded proposer on previous fund. Check here Project 1, Project 2, Project 3. Co-founder of Herma apps
• Certification: Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) - Certificate Number 5353074

4.Samuel Birhanu - Backend Developer

• Role: Blockchain integration, focusing on wallet-based sign-in, ADA-powered voting, and on-chain result storage features.
• Github:Samuel Birhanu
• Experience: Contributed on previously funded projects. Check here Project 1, Project 2, Project 3

5.Tensae Berhanu - Backend Developer

• Responsibilities: Implement backend services, handle data management, and ensure efficient server operations.
• LinkedIn:Tensae Berhanu
• Experience in cache, database management and API integration, Proficient in server-side programming languages.

6.Mohammed Ibrahim - Frontend Developer

• Role: Responsible for implementing the user interface for blockchain features and ensuring a smooth user experience during sign-in, voting, and result viewing.
• Portfolio:Mohammed Ibrahim
• Experience: Contributed on previously funded projects. Check here Project 1, Project 2, Project 3. Experience in designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces for mobile and web applications.

7.Mahlet Duressa - Quality Assurance

• Role: Perform testing during pilot phases, identifying and resolving bugs in the blockchain integration and user interface.
• 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 Communication:

We have engaged with relevant technical groups, including Ethiopian Blockchain Network 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

All team members are aware of their roles and have agreed to participate in the project. We will disclose their roles and scope of services across any other proposals as required by Catalyst funding guidelines.

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

Milestone 1: Blockchain Integration Prototype (Wallet and ADA-Powered Voting)

• Backend Developer (Blockchain integration): 12,000 ADA
• Frontend Developer (UI implementation for voting): 8,000 ADA
• Blockchain Advisor (Consultation): 3,000 ADA
• Testing and QA: 2,000 ADA
• Total for Milestone 1: 25,000 ADA

Milestone 2: On-Chain Result Storage and Pilot Testing

• Backend Developer (On-chain result storage): 10,000 ADA
• Frontend Developer (UI updates for result display): 7,000 ADA
• Pilot Testing (Feedback & iteration): 3,000 ADA
• QA Specialist: 2,000 ADA
• Total for Milestone 2: 22,000 ADA

Milestone 3: Full Deployment and Community Engagement

• Deployment and Final Testing: 6,000 ADA
• Community Engagement & Marketing: 5,000 ADA
• Documentation & Reporting: 3,000 ADA
• Project Management: 4,000 ADA
• Total for Milestone 3: 18,000 ADA

Final Milestone: Project Close-Out Report and Video

• Video Production: 2,000 ADA
• Close-out Report and Documentation: 3,000 ADA
• Total for Final Milestone: 5,000 ADA

Contingency: 5000 ADA

Total Budget: 75,000 ADA

This budget covers the complete development, testing, and launch of the platform, as well as the creation of documentation and community engagement necessary for a successful deployment.

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

The project's cost represents strong value for money by directly addressing key gaps in transparency, security, and decentralization in polling systems, aligned with Cardano’s mission of decentralization.

• Cost Justification: The budget reflects fair compensation for experienced developers and blockchain experts. These rates align with industry standards and freelance rates for Cardano blockchain projects.
• Impact: By integrating wallet sign-in, ADA-powered voting, and on-chain result storage, the project adds unique blockchain features to a widely-used app model. This will increase Cardano adoption through real-world use cases.
• Community Engagement: Our marketing and community outreach budget ensures that the project not only serves technical users but also engages a broader audience, maximizing the ecosystem's growth.