Project Overview

The Philadelphia Maker Space is a community of technology enthusiasts and learners who regularly present projects at events like DEFCON. They needed a modern website to showcase their projects, manage events, and improve their online presence, including e-commerce capabilities for their equipment.

Challenge

The existing site was outdated and lacked:

• A clear way to showcase projects and articles
• A contact page for new members and inquiries
• A dedicated events page for both community and external tech events
• A streamlined shop experience integrated with their Shopify store
• Inventory and checkout management for equipment

Solution

I rebuilt the site with a focus on usability, scalability, and community engagement:

1. Project Showcase – Articles and project pages to highlight member creations

2. Events Page – Upcoming technology events, not limited to the Maker Space itself

3. Shop Integration – Shopify API integration for seamless product browsing and checkout

4. Equipment Database – Track, manage, and process equipment checkouts efficiently

5. Responsive Design – Accessible across desktop and mobile devices

6. Contact Page – Easy-to-use form for new member inquiries and collaboration

Key Features

• Article and project showcase with rich media support
• Upcoming events calendar and registration links
• Full Shopify store integration for selling Maker Space products
• Internal equipment database with inventory tracking and checkout system
• Mobile-first, responsive UI
• Clean navigation and modern design

Results

• Increased community engagement with project showcases and events
• Streamlined shop and checkout experience
• Improved inventory management for Maker Space equipment
• Positive feedback from both members and organizers
• Easier onboarding and outreach for new members

Technologies Used

• React with TypeScript
• Shopify API for shop integration
• Node.js and Express for backend API
• PostgreSQL for equipment database and inventory management
• Tailwind CSS for styling and responsive design
• React Router for navigation
• Formik & Yup for form handling and validation