AI-Powered Chatbot Assistant for the Project Catalyst Community and Proposers

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Anokye James Yaw

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Paa Kojo Effah Annan

Essel Jimmy Kodwo

Emmanuel Adzi-Tay

Lawrence Keklem Yevudza

[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)

Developing an AI chatbot for funded project proposers and Cardano community members, streamlining resource access and providing timely answers to enhance project efficiency and support.

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

No

[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.”

No dependencies

[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

My project will be open source throughout its entire lifecycle, with a dedicated repository on GitHub. I plan to use the MIT License, which allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute the code. This approach promotes transparency, collaboration, and community contributions. All components of the AI chatbot, including the code, documentation, and resources, will be available to ensure that users can effectively engage with and enhance the project. This commitment to open-source principles aligns with the ethos of the Cardano community and encourages innovation.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Key Areas of Support:

1. Resource Navigation:

• Functionality: Direct users to essential project-related resources such as funding guidelines, reporting tools, and best practices.
• Goal: Minimize time spent searching for documentation or policies.

1. Instant Q&A:

• Functionality: Provide instant, AI-driven responses to common queries from funded project proposers, streamlining project management.
• Goal: Reduce delays caused by waiting for human support.

1. Project Execution Assistance:

• Functionality: Offer tailored advice on project stages, deadlines, and submission processes based on each proposer’s progress.
• Goal: Improve the efficiency of proposal completion and reporting.

1. Community Collaboration:

• Functionality: Enable connections with other proposers, team members, and contributors through suggestions based on shared interests and needs.
• Goal: Promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the Cardano ecosystem.

Stages of Development:

1. Stage 1: Initial Rollout (Basic Q&A and Resource Support)

• Focus on addressing frequent questions and providing resource navigation.
• Target Audience: Funded project proposers and new Cardano community members.

1. Stage 2: Advanced Functionality (Tailored Project Assistance)

• Introduce more complex interactions, including project management tips and personalized assistance based on user activity.
• Target Audience: Proposers actively working on projects, community managers, and key stakeholders.

1. Stage 3: Community Engagement and Collaboration

• Enable user-to-user collaboration by suggesting partnerships or resources based on shared goals.
• Target Audience: Experienced project proposers, contributors, and developers seeking collaborations.

Target Audiences:

• Funded Project Proposers: Immediate beneficiaries who need assistance navigating project-related resources and support.
• Cardano Community Members: Individuals interested in proposing or supporting projects who need guidance on starting or contributing.
• Potential Contributors/Developers: People looking to engage in collaboration or offer solutions to ongoing projects, who will benefit from streamlined matchmaking.
• Community Managers and Ecosystem Stakeholders: To monitor and improve community interactions and project completion rates, aiding in resource distribution.

This staged approach ensures a focused rollout, with each phase addressing progressively more complex user needs while enhancing the overall experience for proposers and contributors within the Cardano ecosystem.

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

The AI-powered chatbot will significantly enhance access to resources and support for funded project proposers and the broader Cardano community by centralizing information, reducing the time spent searching for resources, and offering instant answers to common questions. This will lead to quicker project progress and improved communication efficiency.

To ensure effective user onboarding, the chatbot will provide an intuitive interface and interactive tutorials, enabling users to navigate easily and quickly understand how to engage with the platform. To maintain user retention, continuous improvements will be based on user feedback, and engagement metrics will be monitored to identify trends and adjust features. Community involvement will be encouraged to create a sense of belonging.

For developers, comprehensive documentation will facilitate smooth onboarding, while recognition and skill development opportunities will help retain their commitment to the project. Open communication channels will address concerns and encourage collaboration.

Impact will be measured through quantitative metrics such as user interactions, engagement levels, and average response times, alongside qualitative metrics like user feedback and case studies demonstrating effectiveness. Outputs will be shared with the Cardano community via the Cardano Milestone Platform and Cardano Spot on social media.

By enhancing resource access and support mechanisms, the project aims to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Cardano ecosystem, benefiting all stakeholders involved.

[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?

I have successfully developed AI projects such as an AI Rate My Professor platform and an AI Customer Assistant, which demonstrate my expertise in machine learning and user engagement. I also have certifications in Software Engineering and AI Career Essentials from ALX

My team also includes an experienced AI model trainer, a UI/UX designer, and a backend developer, ensuring that our AI chatbot is well-designed, functional, and scalable. To ensure success, we will develop an initial version to gather user feedback and implement iterative improvements using agile methodologies. We are prepared to adapt if challenges arise, focusing on delivering essential functionalities. Our combined expertise guarantees accountability in fund management and the delivery of a high-impact solution for the Cardano community.

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

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Architecture Design:
• Detailed backend architecture outline
• Frontend architecture specifications
• AI chatbot framework and integration plan
• UI/UX Wireframes:
• Visual representations of user interface design
• Flow diagrams illustrating user journeys
• Low-fidelity and high-fidelity wireframes for key application screens
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Finalized Design Documents:
• Completion of Figma prototypes for UI/UX design
• Finalized architecture diagrams for backend, frontend, and AI chatbot systems
• Approval of wireframes for user interface design
• C: Evidence
• Visuals:
• UI/UX prototypes created in Figma
• Architecture diagrams illustrating the system's structure
• Wireframes depicting user interface layouts and navigation

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Backend Development:
• Implementation of the database structure
• Development of server-side logic and APIs
• Frontend Development:
• Creation of a responsive user interface
• Integration of user experience enhancements
• Integration of Cardano Resources:
• Incorporation of Cardano-related data and tools
• APIs and resources connected to the Cardano ecosystem
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Functional Backend and Frontend:
• Successful deployment of backend services
• Responsive and functional frontend interface
• Successful Content Aggregation:
• Aggregation of content from various sources relevant to the Cardano community
• Verification of data accuracy and reliability
• C: Evidence
• Demo Version:
• A working demo showcasing core features of the application
• Documentation:
• GitHub link to the project repository
• Live demonstration link for user testing and feedback

A: Milestone Outputs

• AI Engine Development:
• Implementation of Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities
• Understanding and processing of Cardano documentation for context-aware responses
• Integration with the Platform:
• Development of AI-driven query handling and response generation
• Ensuring compatibility with existing platform functionalities

B: Acceptance Criteria

• AI Accuracy:
• Achieving an accuracy rate of 90% for test queries during evaluations
• Seamless UI Integration:
• Smooth incorporation of AI features within the user interface
• User-friendly design that enhances the overall experience

C: Evidence

• Live Demonstration:
• A live demo showcasing the functionality of the AI engine in real-time
• Technical Documentation:
• Comprehensive documentation detailing AI training processes and integration methods
• Guidelines on how the AI engine interacts with the platform

A: Milestone Outputs

• Beta Version Release:
• Launch of the beta version of the application to the Cardano community
• Communication plan to inform users about the release
• Feedback Collection Tools:
• Development of support resources such as FAQs and user guides
• Organization of webinars to facilitate user engagement and support

B: Acceptance Criteria

• User Engagement:
• Engagement of at least 100 beta users participating in the testing phase
• Documentation of Feedback and Issues:
• Collection and documentation of user feedback
• Systematic recording of issues identified during beta testing and their resolution processes

C: Evidence

• User Metrics:
• Metrics on user engagement, including number of active users and feedback reports
• Analysis of feedback trends and user satisfaction levels
• Issue Logs:
• Comprehensive logs detailing issues identified and their resolutions during the beta testing phase

A: Milestone Outputs

• User Documentation:
• Creation of comprehensive user guides and tutorials
• Step-by-step instructions for using the application effectively
• Project Completion Report:
• Detailed report summarizing the project outcomes and lessons learned
• Summary video highlighting key features and achievements

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Comprehensive Documentation:
• Documentation covers all essential features and functionalities of the application
• Clear and accessible information for end-users
• Adherence to Submission Guidelines:
• Compliance with Catalyst submission guidelines for documentation and reporting

C: Evidence

• Documentation Links:
• Links to user documentation, including guides and tutorials
• Access to the final project report and video summary for stakeholders

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

Team Members and Roles:

• Anokye James Yaw – Lead Developer
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesanokye/
• Role: Responsible for leading the overall project development, including backend architecture, AI integration, and ensuring smooth collaboration among team members.
• Paa Kojo Effah Annan – Frontend Developer
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paa-kojo-effah-annan-725b2717a/
• Role: Developing the frontend interface, ensuring responsiveness and user-friendly interactions across devices.
• Lawrence Keklem Yevudza – UI/UX Designer
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-yevudza/
• Role: Designing intuitive user interfaces and user experiences, creating wireframes, and ensuring the visual design aligns with the project objectives.
• Essel Jimmy Kodwo – AI Model Trainer
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmykodwoessel/
• Role: Leading the AI development, training models for natural language processing and fine-tuning the AI engine for accuracy in responses related to Cardano.
• Emmanuel Adzi-Tay – Backend Developer
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanueladzi-tay/
• Role: Implementing server-side logic, managing databases, and integrating the platform with Cardano resources and APIs.

Future Recruitment:

We may consider additional recruitment for:

• DevOps Specialist to handle deployment and scaling of the platform.
• AI/NLP Experts to further refine the AI's capabilities.
• Community Manager to engage users and collect feedback during the beta phase.

Engagement with Resources:

We have established communication with the necessary technical groups on Discord and other platforms. All team members are fully committed to the project and will engage with the Cardano community to ensure timely execution.

This team structure and collaboration demonstrate our capability to deliver the project successfully.

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

Total Budget Request:

50,000 ADA

Allocated across four key milestones to ensure structured and transparent use of resources.

Milestone 1: Project Planning and Design

Duration: 1 month

Cost: 10,000 ADA

Cost Breakdown:

• Personnel:
• Backend Developer (Emmanuel Adzi-Tay): 1 month × 1,500 ADA/month = 1,500ADA
• Frontend Developer (Paa Kojo Effah Annan): 1 month × 1,500 ADA/month = 1,500 ADA
• UI/UX Designer (Lawrence Keklem Yevudza): 1 month × 1,500 ADA/month = 1,500 ADA
• Technical Consultant (AI Integration - Jimmy Kodwo): Estimated 10 hours × 100 ADA/hour = 1,000 ADA
• Lead Developer(Anokye James Yaw): 1 month × 3,000 ADA/month = 3,000 ADA
• Operations:
• Platforms Subscriptions (eg.Figma Premium Subscription and AI APIs) : 1,000 ADA
• Contingency Fund: 500 ADA

Total for Milestone 1: 10,000 ADA

Milestone 2: Platform Core Features and AI Integration

Duration: 2 months

Cost: 20,000 ADA

Cost Breakdown:

• Personnel:
• UI/UX Designer (Lawrence Keklem Yevudza): 2 months × 2,000 ADA/month = 4,000 ADA
• Frontend Developer (Paa Kojo Effah Annan): 2 months × 1,500 ADA/month = 3,000 ADA
• Backend Developer (Emmanuel Adzi-Tay): 2 months × 1, 500 ADA/month = 3,000 ADA
• AI Developer (Jimmy Kodwo - Part-Time): 2 months × 500 ADA/month = 1,000 ADA
• Lead Developer(Anokye James Yaw): 2 months × 2,000 ADA/month = 4,000 ADA
• Infrastructure Resources:
• Web Hosting Services: 2 months × 500 ADA/month = 1,000 ADA
• AI Training and Fine-tuning Servers: 2 months × 1,500 ADA/month = 3,000 ADA
• Contingency Fund: 1,000 ADA

Total for Milestone 2: 20,000 ADA

Milestone 3: Beta Launch and Community Engagement

Duration: 1 month

Cost: 10,000 ADA

Cost Breakdown:

• Personnel:
• Community Manager (Paa Kojo Effah Annan): 1 month × 2,000 ADA/month = 2,000 ADA
• Developer (Bug Fixes and Updates - Emmanuel Adzi-Tay): 1 month × 2,000 ADA/month = 2,000 ADA
• Lead Developer(Anokye James Yaw): 1 month × 2,000 ADA/month = 2,000 ADA
• Marketing and Promotion:
• Content Creation (Tutorials, Guides): 1,500 ADA
• Community Outreach:
• Rewards for Beta Testers: 1,000 ADA
• Infrastructure Resources:
• Web Hosting Services: 1 month × 500 ADA/month = 500 ADA
• AI Inference: 1 month × 500 ADA/month = 500 ADA
• Contingency Fund: 500 ADA

Total for Milestone 3: 10,000 ADA

Milestone 4: Official Platform Launch and Post-Launch Evaluation

Duration: 1 month

Cost: 10,000 ADA

Cost Breakdown:

• Personnel:
• Developer (Ongoing Support - Emmanuel Adzi-Tay): 1 month × 2,000 ADA/month = 2,000 ADA
• Community Manager (Paa Kojo Effah Annan): 1 month × 1,000 ADA/month = 1,000 ADA
• Data Analyst (Impact Assessment - Lawrence Keklem Yevudza): 1 month × 2,000 ADA/month = 2,000 ADA
• Lead Developer(Anokye James Yaw): 1 month × 2,500 ADA/month = 2,500 ADA
• Infrastructure Resources:
• Web Hosting Services: 1,000 ADA
• AI Inference: 1 month × 500 ADA/month = 500 ADA
• Contingency Fund: 1,000 ADA

Total for Milestone 4: 10,000 ADA

Total Project Cost:

50,000 ADA

Additional Details:

Third-Party Products and Services:

• Software Licenses: Costs cover project management tools (e.g., Jira, Trello), design software (e.g., Figma), and necessary development libraries.
• Hosting Services: Includes server costs for development, testing, and deployment, ensuring platform reliability and scalability.
• AI Integration Tools: Expenses related to AI APIs or machine learning models for AI training and deployment.

Marketing and Community Engagement:

• Content Creation: Development of promotional materials, tutorials, and documentation.
• Community Outreach: Rewards for beta testers to encourage participation and feedback.

Project Management and Reporting:

• Project Manager: Oversees project execution, timeline adherence, and team coordination.
• Data Analyst: Responsible for measuring impact, analyzing user engagement, and reporting.

Contingency Funds:

• Allocated within each milestone to cover unexpected expenses, ensuring project resilience.

Budget Justification:

• Resource Allocation: Funds prioritize critical project components, such as development, AI integration, and community engagement.
• Team Expertise: Competitive compensation to attract and retain skilled professionals.
• Sustainability: Investment in marketing and community management ensures user adoption and long-term success.
• Transparency: A detailed budget breakdown ensures clarity in fund usage, reinforcing trust within the Cardano community.

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

The costs of the project are determined by industry rates of developers and fit with normal earnings in the capital city. In providing this solution as an open-source contribution, we are securing a viable long-term approach for the Cardano ecosystem. Such integration would be taken up and extended by other developers thus enhancing the return of investment very significantly.

The proposed budget of 50,000 ADA is designed to provide exceptional value for the Cardano ecosystem. Here’s a brief overview of our cost justification:

1. Personnel Costs:
2. Our compensation for team members aligns with industry standards, with developers and designers earning between 3,000 to 5,000 ADA per month. This ensures we attract skilled professionals capable of delivering high-quality results.
3. Infrastructure and Tools:
4. We allocate funds for reliable web hosting and essential AI integration tools, comparable to leading services costing 500 to 1,500 ADA per month. These investments are crucial for ensuring robust performance and user experience.
5. Marketing and Community Engagement:
6. Budgeting for content creation and community management is essential for user adoption. Engaging the Cardano community through targeted marketing increases retention and promotes platform awareness.
7. Contingency Funds:
8. A contingency fund is included to address unforeseen expenses, ensuring project resilience and adherence to best financial practices.