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Noobly: The IMDb of Mnemonic Devices

Concept Overview​

  • Purpose: Central repository for mnemonic devices across various subjects like history, science, languages, and mathematics.
  • Audience: Students, educators, lifelong learners, and memory enthusiasts.

Status: ​

Brand Messaging​

Tagline: Noobly - Embrace the Start of Something New​

Introduction​

At Noobly, we believe that every expert was once a beginner. Our name, a playful blend of 'newbie' and a subtle nod to something more, reflects our commitment to making mnemonic based learning accessible and engaging for everyone. Whether you're taking your first steps in a new endeavor or looking to expand your horizons, Noobly is here to guide and support you on your journey.

Why 'Noobly'?​

  • New Beginnings: 'Noobly' is for those embarking on new paths. We're here to make the start of your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
  • Friendly and Approachable: Our platform is designed with the understanding that everyone starts as a 'noob'. We provide a welcoming environment where it's okay to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow.
  • Empowering Journeys: We aim to empower beginners with the tools, resources, and support they need to evolve from 'noobs' to confident and skilled individuals in their chosen areas.

Our Promise​

Noobly is more than just a name—it's our promise to you. A promise of a friendly, supportive space where beginnings are celebrated, and every step of your learning and growth is valued. Join us at Noobly, where every 'noob' is a future expert in disguise.

Key Features​

Extensive Categorization​

  • Organized by subject (e.g., Biology, History) and type (e.g., acronyms, visualizations).
  • Difficulty ratings for each mnemonic.

User Contributions and Collaboration​

  • Users can submit their own mnemonics.
  • Collaboration on refining mnemonics.

Ratings and Reviews​

  • Effectiveness ratings and reviews by users.
  • Top-rated mnemonics featured for easy access.

Educational Context and Background​

  • Explanations and historical/scientific background of mnemonics.
  • Real-world applications and use cases.

Personalization and User Accounts​

  • Personal accounts to save favorites.
  • Personalized mnemonic recommendations.

Community Engagement​

  • Forums for sharing memory techniques.
  • Challenges for creating new mnemonics.

Mobile and Web Accessibility​

  • Accessible via mobile and web interfaces.
  • User-friendly design for easy navigation.

Multimedia Integration​

  • Images, videos, and audio to enhance learning.
  • Interactive features like flashcards and quizzes.

Search and Filter Options​

  • Advanced search functionality.
  • Filters by subjects, difficulty, type, and ratings.

Educational Partnerships​

  • Collaboration with educational institutions and memory experts.
  • Resources for educators to integrate mnemonics into teaching methods.

Dev Info​

Current State:​

Pre-MVP, on indefinite hold

Stack:​

  • Front: Ionic/Angular - will potentially redo, existing UI feels uninspired
  • Back: Go

AWS​

Cloudformation, Codecommit, S3, Cloudfront, Route 53

Github

Lessons Learned​

1. Scope Creep Stalled Progress​

  • Challenge: Front-end development became bogged down due to the addition of new features without a clear process for deciding what to include or exclude.
  • Lesson: Without a strong scope management framework, even simple projects can balloon in complexity, leading to delays and frustration.
  • Takeaway: Implement a feature inclusion framework:
    • Define MVP Criteria: Establish a clear list of "must-have" features for the minimum viable product (MVP).
    • Create a Feature Filter:
      • Impact: Does this feature solve a core problem for the target user?
      • Effort: Can this be implemented without delaying the core timeline?
      • Dependency: Does this feature require other major changes to be functional?
    • Features that don’t pass the filter get shelved for future iterations.

2. Prioritize Core Functionality Over "Nice to Haves"​

  • Challenge: There was no clear process for evaluating which features were essential versus which were "nice to have."
  • Lesson: Not all features are equally important in early stages. Adding too many can dilute the user experience and slow down development.
  • Takeaway: Use tiered prioritization:
    • Tier 1: Critical for MVP (core user interactions, primary workflows).
    • Tier 2: Enhances user experience but isn’t necessary for initial launch.
    • Tier 3: Experimental or future features (only implemented after the MVP is live).
      Keep the MVP focused on delivering one exceptional experience instead of multiple half-finished ideas.

3. Decision-Making Framework Prevents Overwork​

  • Challenge: Feature decisions were often reactive, leading to a lack of structure and scope creep.
  • Lesson: Having a structured process for evaluating new ideas helps prevent reactive choices that derail the project.
  • Takeaway: Implement a decision-making cadence:
    • Set regular intervals (e.g., weekly) to review new feature ideas.
    • Add a "cool-off" period before making major changes to give time for reflection.
    • Consider using a lightweight approval process (e.g., Trello cards that must include justification for inclusion).

4. Stick to a Well-Defined Roadmap​

  • Challenge: Without a roadmap that clearly defined what was "in" or "out," it was easy to lose track of priorities.
  • Lesson: A roadmap ensures alignment and prevents the team (even if it’s just you) from getting sidetracked by new ideas.
  • Takeaway:
    • Draft a simple, actionable roadmap with clear milestones for each phase of the project.
    • Lock in the scope for each milestone and defer new ideas until after completing the current phase.

Future Project Approach:​

  • Feature Inclusion Process: Create a checklist or filter for adding new features.
  • Roadmap and Milestones: Break down the project into phases, ensuring each phase has focused, achievable goals.
  • Review Cadence: Regularly review and adjust plans while keeping the overall vision intact.
  • Ship Early: Avoid perfectionism—ship a simple MVP and gather feedback to iterate later.