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Candidate number:

StudySync!
Cruzen Nar
Central sixth
Centre Number: 20906
Candidate number: ________
Qualification code: H446
Date: 11/11/2024
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Contents:

1 – Analysis
Problem
Identification .....................................................................................................
.... 3

Stakeholders......................................................................................................
.................. 5

Research...........................................................................................................
.................. 13
Essential
Features............................................................................................................
.. 23

Limitations.........................................................................................................
................. 25
System
Requirements....................................................................................................
.... 27
Success
Criteria...............................................................................................................
.. 29
2 - Design

Decomposition...................................................................................................
......................
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Structure...........................................................................................................
........................

Pseudocode.......................................................................................................
......................
User
Interface............................................................................................................
..............

Usability.............................................................................................................
.......................
Errors and
Validation..........................................................................................................
......

Variables............................................................................................................
......................

Testing...............................................................................................................
.......................
3 - Development
Project
Plan...................................................................................................................
...........
Prototype
Plan...................................................................................................................
.......
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Prototype
1........................................................................................................................
.......
Prototype
2........................................................................................................................
.......
Prototype
3........................................................................................................................
.......
Prototype
4........................................................................................................................
.......
4-
Evaluation..........................................................................................................
.......................
5-
Appendix...........................................................................................................
........................
6-
References........................................................................................................
.......................

Analysis:
Problem Identification

In recent years there has been more focus on mental health especially
among students who face a lot of academic pressure. Balancing schoolwork
activities and personal life can be overwhelming leading to a lot of stress and
anxiety. This problem is distressing for students who often struggle with
managing their time well.
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Studies show that poor time management causes high levels of stress to
students. According to a survey by The Mental Health Foundation 70% of
teens feel stressed by school pressures. Also a study by YoungMinds shows
that anxiety disorders affect 1 in 6 teenagers in the UK. These numbers show
the need for tools that can help students manage their time better to reduce
stress and improve their mental health.

Many students have trouble with putting things off which affects their ability
to finish assignments on time and get ready for exams. Having a clear plan
and regular reminders can help students get better at managing their time
and develop good study habits.

To deal with these problems students need a way to organise their time and
study. This can help them plan their daily activities making sure they have
enough time for studying and assignments. With a clear plan students will
feel more in control and less stressed. Tracking progress and seeing what
they have achieved can keep students motivated. Good study times and tips
can also help them get better grades.

Students face many distractions and sometimes don't know how to prioritise
their tasks which leads to procrastination and last-minute rushes to complete
assignments and a tool that provides regular reminders and breaks tasks
into smaller more manageable steps can be very helpful.

The solution to these problems can be built using Python SQL and Django.
Python will handle the main functions like managing what students input and
making study times and tracking progress, SQL will be used to store the data
like user info assignments and progress and Django will help build a smooth
and reliable web app. Python's simple syntax make it suitable for developing
the app's core features and SQLs data handling capabilities ensure that all
user data is securely stored and easily accessible and Djangos framework
will provide a solid structure for the app ensuring it is scalable and
maintainable.

Using computational thinking is an important part of making this app work

properly and be helpful for people. The app is going to use decomposition so
I can take the big problem of time management and split it into smaller and
more simple tasks. For example, breaking it into parts like making study
schedules keeping track of homework and assignments and suggesting good
times to study. By doing this it makes the app easier to build and use.
Abstraction is another thing I will use which means I can focus only on the
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key features and leave out all the complicated details, so everything looks
simple and clear for the users.

Concurrency is where the app will run more than one task at the same time
which is important so it can do things like update schedules while keeping
track of assignments at the same time without slowing down. Logical
thinking is also key because I need to plan out everything in advance using
pseudocode so that the app works well and has no mistakes. Writing
pseudocode helps me to see the steps clearly before I actually write the code
so I can avoid problems and make the app as good as possible.

An app like this can also provide features like setting a goal and progress
tracking. Students can set their study goals, and the app can help them stay
on track by providing regular updates on their progress and visualising their
progress can be very motivating for students and to help them stay focused
on their goals. The app can also suggest study techniques based on each
students personal learning style and needs.

Making a tool to help students manage their time is very important It will
help them plan their time better reduce stress, increase productivity and
develop better study habits Using Python SQL and Django will make sure the
app is easy to use and effective.

The process of building this app will involve several steps. First, we will
gather requirements by talking to students and understanding their needs.
Then we will design the apps user interface and plan its features. After that
we will start coding and testing the app to make sure it works as expected.

Finally, we will deploy the app and provide support to users making sure it
meets their needs and helps them improve their time management skills by
addressing the time management problems students face we can help them
reduce their stress levels and improve their academic performance. This app
will provide them with the tools they need to stay organised and manage
their time effectively. In the long run this will lead to better mental health
and higher academic achievement for students.

Students will be able to balance their schoolwork and personal life more
effectively, they will feel less stressed and more in control of their revision
time which will lead to higher productivity and better academic results. The
skills they develop in managing their time will also be valuable in their future
careers helping them achieve their goals and succeed in their lives.
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Overall, the app is to help students manage their study is a worthwhile

initiative by using Python SQL and Django we can create a powerful and
user-friendly tool that addresses the critical need for better time
management for students. This app will help them develop good study
habits, reduce stress and improve their overall well-being.

Stakeholders
Stakeholders are one of the main parts within the development of this
project because their input is key to shaping how the app is designed and
implemented. Their involvement helps to ensure the final product is effective
practical and meets the needs of the people it is intended for. Without the
feedback of stakeholders who are directly impacted by the app it would be
much harder to create a tool that solves real problems or delivers value.
Stakeholders bring unique insights and experiences that are essential to
understanding what features are necessary and how the app can best
function to address specific challenges. Their role is critical in bridging the
gap between an idea and a successful working solution that can be used by a
wider audience.

I will choose three people to be the main stakeholders for this project. This
small but focused group will act as representatives of the larger market
audience who might use the app once it is complete. By selecting these
individuals, I can gather detailed feedback and ideas at each stage of the
development process. They will play a major role in providing input on the
design functionality and usability of the app. Their insights will help to make
the app more user-friendly and effective. Stakeholders will also test the app
during its final stages ensuring that it works as intended and provides
solutions to the issues it was created to address.

The stakeholders for this project have been carefully selected because of
their experience and involvement with schedules. Each of them brings a
unique perspective that will help shape the app to be more versatile and
useful. Mr Greatwich is a teacher who has spent years helping students
organise their time and improve their academic performance. His experience
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makes him a valuable contributor because he understands the struggles

students face and has practical knowledge of the tools and strategies that
can help. Meanwhile Vikram and Sameer are students who deal with the
pressures of managing their study alongside other commitments. Their first-
hand experiences provide an honest view of what student's need in an app
like this and what would make it effective for them. Together these
stakeholders offer a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and
opportunities in designing an app that addresses time management and
organisation for students.

Once the project is completed the stakeholders will play an important role in
testing the app to ensure it functions properly and meets the needs it was
created to address. This testing phase is crucial because it provides an
opportunity to refine any features that may not work as expected or identify
areas where the app can be improved. Mr Greatwich will evaluate the app
from a teacher’s perspective focusing on how features like progress tracking
and reminders can assist him in supporting his students. On the other hand,
Vikram and Sameer will use the app as students creating and following study
times to determine how helpful and easy to use it is. Their combined
feedback will be used to make adjustments to the app ensuring it is ready for
launch and can provide real value to its users.

Stakeholder Questionnaire
I have created 3 questionnaires for my stakeholders during the early stages
of development. This questionnaire is designed to gather information about
their needs preferences and challenges to guide the creation of the app. By
asking specific questions I was able to gain insights into what features would
be most beneficial and how the app could be designed to address common
problems. Below are the questions and responses for each stakeholder which
have provided valuable data to shape the direction of the project.
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Mr Greatwich Response
Question 1 - How many hours do you think students should spend
studying each day?

Mr Greatwich - Students should aim for three to four hours of focused study
depending on their workload and upcoming deadlines. Many
of them do not dedicate enough time because they struggle to
manage their schedules effectively.

Question 2 - Do you use tools or apps to help students organise

their study schedules?
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Mr Greatwich - I usually rely on spreadsheets and printed timetables to help

students. But an app could make this process more efficient
and engaging especially if it is designed well.

Question 3 – What is the biggest time management challenge for

students?

Mr Greatwich - Procrastination is the biggest problem. A lot of students

underestimate how long tasks will take and end up rushing to
complete them.

Question 4 - How useful do you think reminders and notifications

could be for students?

Mr Greatwich - Reminders could be very helpful especially for students who

struggle with staying on track. It would give them a gentle
nudge to focus on their tasks.

Question 5 - Would a progress tracking feature benefit you as a

teacher?

Mr Greatwich - Yes absolutely. It would allow me to monitor how students are

progressing and identify who might need extra help.

Vikram’s Response
Question 1 - How many hours do you spend studying each day?

Vikram – I spend around two to three hours studying each day but
sometimes I do more if I have a lot of work to finish.

Question 2 - Do you use any tools or apps to help organise your

study schedule?

Vikram - No I just write things down in a notebook but I often forget to check
it so I end up missing tasks.
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Question 3 - What is the hardest part about managing your study

time?

Vikram - Remembering smaller tasks is really hard for me. I focus too much
on big projects and forget about the little things until it is too late.

Question 4 - Would reminders on your phone help you stay on track?

Vikram - Yes definitely. If I got notifications about my tasks it would really

help me remember what I need to do and when.

Question 5 - Would seeing your progress motivate you to study

more?

Vikram - Yes it would. Seeing how much I have done would make me feel like
I am achieving something and that would keep me motivated.

Sameer’s Response
Question 1 - How many hours do you spend studying each day?

Sameer - I study around four to five hours a day especially during exam
season when there is a lot of material to cover.

Question 2 - Do you use any tools or apps to help manage your

study schedules

Sameer - I have tried using apps but they are often too complicated or they
do not really help with what I need.

Question 3 - What do you find most difficult about managing your

study time

Sameer - Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by how much I have to do and I do

not know where to start so I end up avoiding it altogether.
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Question 4 - Would reminders and notifications help you stay

organised

Sameer - Yes they would but they need to be simple and not too frequent
otherwise I would just ignore them.

Question 5 - How important is it for the app to support mental

health

Sameer - It is really important since managing stress is a big part of studying

and if the app can help with that it would be really useful.

After doing the questionnaire I have collected a lot of information that will
help me design and build the app in a way that solves real problems and fits
the needs of the people who will use it. The responses from Mr Greatwich
Vikram and Sameer have been really helpful because they show different
views and experiences of dealing with study schedules. Each of them
highlighted issues and features that the app should address which gives me
a clear path for development. By understanding their challenges and
preferences I can make sure the app isn’t just functional but also something
that students and teachers will actually find useful and easy to adopt in their
daily routines.

The insights from Mr Greatwich stood out because of his background and
experience as a teacher who supports students with organising their time.
He said that students often underestimate how much time they need to
complete tasks which leads to procrastination and last-minute rushes. This
makes it clear that the app needs to include features like reminders and
notifications to help students manage their time better and stay on track
with their tasks. His mention of progress tracking is also important because it
would let teachers monitor how students are doing and offer extra support
where it’s needed. For example if a teacher like Mr Greatwich sees a student
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falling behind he can step in and guide them which shows how the app could
be a valuable tool for both students and teachers.

Another point Mr Greatwich made was about the tools he currently uses. He
said he uses spreadsheets and print outs to help students but these can be
time-consuming and not very flexible. This feedback tells me the app should
simplify these processes so teachers like him can save time while still giving
students the structure they need. The app could include easy-to-use
templates for creating timetables or assigning tasks which would make it
more efficient than the methods teachers use now. He also mentioned that
he is always available to give feedback or test the app during its
development which makes him a reliable and engaged stakeholder. He noted
that he can sometimes get busy which means the app should also have
features that are intuitive enough for students to use independently when
teachers aren’t available to help them.

Vikram’s input was equally valuable because he represents the type of

student who struggles with staying organised. He said he spends around two
to three hours studying each day but often forgets smaller tasks which
makes him rush to complete them at the last minute. This shows the need
for an app that can help students keep track of all their tasks big and small.
Vikram also said he doesn’t use any apps or tools right now and just writes
things down in a notebook but he admitted that this method isn’t very
effective because he forgets to check it. This feedback highlights how
important it is to design the app in a way that feels simple and approachable
even for students who aren’t used to using technology for organisation.

One of the key things Vikram said was that reminders on his phone would
help him a lot. He explained that getting notifications would make it easier to
remember what he needs to do and when he needs to do it. This reinforces
the idea that the app’s notification system should be customisable so users
like Vikram can set reminders based on their own preferences. He also
mentioned that seeing his progress would motivate him to study more which
suggests the app should include features like progress bars or graphs that
show users how much they’ve accomplished. This would not only keep them
motivated but also give them a sense of achievement which is important for
staying consistent with their studies.
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Sameer’s perspective added another layer of insight especially because he

represents students who are more experienced with studying but still face
challenges. He said he studies four to five hours a day which is more than
Vikram but he still finds managing his time difficult especially when tasks
feel overwhelming. Sameer mentioned that he has tried using other apps but
found them too complicated or not very useful. This feedback is crucial
because it shows that the app needs to strike a balance between being
simple enough for new users and powerful enough for more experienced
ones like Sameer. If the app is too complex or confusing students are likely
to stop using it which would make it ineffective.

Another thing Sameer said was that reminders and notifications could help
him stay organised but they shouldn’t come too often because that would
make them annoying. This means the app should allow users to customise
the frequency of notifications so they don’t feel overwhelmed. He also
stressed the importance of mental health support saying that studying can
be stressful and it would be good if the app could help reduce that stress.
This feedback shows that the app should include features like encouraging
users to take breaks or offering tips for managing stress. By addressing
these concerns the app could stand out as more than just a scheduling tool
and become something that genuinely improves the overall study
experience.

After conducting the questionnaire I’ve learned a lot about what would
appeal to the market and how to make the app meet the needs of its users.
The feedback has shown me that the most important features are reminders
notifications progress tracking and mental health support. These are the
areas I will focus on when designing the app because they address the real
problems faced by people like Mr Greatwich Vikram and Sameer. The app
could include a feature that tracks how long a student has been studying and
reminds them to take a break if they’ve been working for too long. This
would not only help reduce stress but also make studying more effective.

The questionnaire has also helped me understand how to make the app
accessible and appealing to a wider audience. By focusing on simplicity and
user-friendliness I can make sure the app is something that students and
teachers will want to use regularly. The insights from stakeholders have
shown me that the app needs to be flexible enough to fit different study
habits while still providing structure and support. For instance the app could
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let users choose between creating detailed times or just setting general
goals for the day depending on what works best for them.

The responses have also highlighted some challenges I’ll need to address
during development. Some students might not use the app consistently
which could make it less effective. To solve this the app could include
features that encourage regular use like sending motivational messages or
offering rewards for completing tasks. Another potential issue is that screen
fatigue could make studying on a device feel overwhelming so the app
should be designed in a way that feels calming and easy on the eyes.

By using what I’ve learned from the questionnaire I can make an app that
truly meets the needs of its users and solves the problems they face. The
feedback from Mr Greatwich Vikram and Sameer has given me a clear idea
of what to focus on and how to design features that will make the app both
useful and enjoyable. Their input has been invaluable for shaping the
direction of the project and ensuring its success.

Research
The main subject of my research is the similarities and differences between
apps that help students and teachers manage their study time. As students
face tight schedules with many assignments deadlines and exams managing
time well is essential. Over time different apps have been created to help
students and teachers with these challenges. These apps aim to help
students organise their academic tasks and meet deadlines while also
helping them plan their study sessions effectively.

For this research I have selected three apps: My Study Life Google Calendar
and Todoist. These apps are often used by students to help manage their
time but each one has different strengths. By comparing these apps I want to
explore which features work best for students and what might be missing. I
will also look at how these apps could be improved to meet students' needs
better.

My Study Life is a popular app designed specifically for students. It was

launched in 2015 and quickly became popular in the student community. My
Study Life helps students track their class timetables set reminders for
assignments and receive notifications for upcoming exams. These features
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are particularly helpful for students who might forget about important
deadlines while juggling other responsibilities. My Study Life also allows
students to set recurring tasks making it easier to plan regular study
sessions or track weekly assignments. This app is available on both Android
and iOS so it can be used by students on most devices.

Google Calendar launched in 2006 and is another app that students use to
manage their time. While it is not designed specifically for academic use it is
widely used for scheduling and organising events. It helps users manage
appointments and tasks and syncs with other Google services like Gmail and
Google Meet. This is helpful for students who already use Google services
but Google Calendar doesn’t include features like tracking assignments or
exams. Therefore it is more useful for general scheduling rather than for
academic-specific tasks.

Todoist which was launched in 2007 is a task management app used by both
students and professionals. Todoist allows users to create to-do lists set
deadlines and break tasks down into smaller subtasks. While not designed
for students Todoist is popular for its simple interface and task management
tools. Students can use it to organise their homework and study plans by
dividing tasks into manageable steps. However Todoist does not have
features for class scheduling or exam management so students have to
manage these things separately.

In conclusion these three apps each have different features that cater to
different needs. My Study Life is focused on academic use and provides
features that help students manage their study schedules assignments and
exams. Google Calendar is a more general-purpose app that is great for
managing general events and syncing with other services. Todoist is a task
management app that can help students stay organised but lacks academic-
specific features. By researching these apps I aim to create an app that
combines the best features of each while focusing on students' academic
needs.

The next part of my research will involve an in-depth look into how the apps
I’ve reviewed function what makes them popular and where they fall short.
By exploring these areas I hope to gain insights into what features are
essential for students and teachers when it comes to managing study time
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effectively. My goal is to combine the strengths of these apps into a new

solution that better addresses the specific needs of students.

One of the main aspects of time management apps is their ability to

integrate with other platforms and devices. Google Calendar is highly praised
for its integration with other Google services such as Gmail and Google Meet.
This feature makes it easier for students to manage their schoolwork and
appointments in one place. This it does not provide specific features that
help students track academic assignments or exams which is a limitation for
those who need more specialised tools.

My Study Life on the other hand is an app that focuses entirely on the
academic side of things. It helps students manage class schedules
assignments and exams all in one place. This makes it much more tailored to
students' specific needs compared to more general-purpose apps like Google
Calendar. My Study Life’s strength lies in its ability to organise academic
tasks and keep track of recurring assignments. However it lacks some of the
more advanced features such as customisable notifications or task
prioritisation that apps like Todoist offer.

Todoist excels at helping users organise their tasks and to-do lists. It has a
simple interface that lets students break their tasks into smaller subtasks
and prioritise them. While this is an effective feature for managing
homework or study tasks it does not include class scheduling or exam
tracking. Students using Todoist would have to rely on other apps for these
features which could lead to unnecessary complexity and time management
challenges.

In my project I aim to create an app that incorporates the best aspects of

these apps. The main challenge is to combine the task management features
of Todoist with the academic scheduling features of My Study Life all while
maintaining the abilities of Google Calendar. I want my app to allow students
to set their study sessions track assignments exams and deadlines and
integrate smoothly with other apps and devices they already use. This will
make it easier for students to manage all aspects of their academic life in
one place and ensure they do not miss important deadlines or appointments.

The process of developing my app will involve researching the programming

languages and frameworks needed to build a fully functional platform. For
this project I plan to use Python for the programming language Django for
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the web framework and SQL for managing data. Python is widely used for
web development and is known for being easy to learn and use. Django is a
powerful framework that simplifies the development of secure and scalable
web applications. It includes built-in tools for managing databases and user
authentication which will help speed up the development process. SQL will
be used for managing and storing data related to students assignments and
exams.

Throughout this process I will continue to refer back to the existing apps I’ve
reviewed to see how their features work and whether they could be
improved. The research I’ve conducted on apps like My Study Life Google
Calendar and Todoist will help me make decisions about which features to
include in my app and how to design the user interface. By learning from the
strengths and weaknesses of these existing apps I can create an app that is
more effective in meeting students needs and improving their academic time
management.

As I move forward with the development of my app another critical factor to

consider is how users will interact with the app. The user experience and
user interface design will play a significant role in determining whether
students will adopt and continue using the app. A clean smart design will
make it easier for students to manage their study schedules without being
overwhelmed by unnecessary complexity.

A crucial part of this will be the task management system. Students need to
be able to add assignments and deadlines quickly without distractions. The
interface will need to allow students to categorise tasks, set deadlines and
track their progress. One key feature I plan to include is the ability to set
reminders for upcoming tasks or deadlines. This will help students stay on
track and avoid forgetting important assignments or exams. he challenge will
be ensuring these reminders are not too overwhelming or intrusive. Many
students may already use other apps like Google Calendar to set reminders
so finding the right balance is key.

To address this I will design a notification system that allows students to

choose how and when they want to receive reminders. Students might prefer
to receive a notification a day before an exam or perhaps they would like to
get a reminder at the start of each study session. Giving users control over
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their reminder settings will help ensure that the app suits their individual
needs.

I will aim to improve features like a study planner that can automatically
adjust based on upcoming exams or assignment deadlines. The study
planner will allow students to plan their study sessions around their class
schedule and academic commitments. If a student has an exam in two
weeks he app will suggest study times based on their availability and the
urgency of their tasks. This feature will be helpful for students who struggle
to plan their study sessions effectively.

The app will also include features to track progress. Students should be able
to mark tasks as complete when they are finished which will give them a
sense of accomplishment and help them stay motivated. Being able to
visually track progress will help students stay focused on their goals and
encourage them to keep up with their study plans. This is an important
aspect of the app because students often struggle with staying motivated
when they have a lot of tasks to complete.

In terms of the app's technical aspects Django will help manage the back-
end development particularly for handling user data, managing
authentication and storing data such as assignments and deadlines. Django’s
built-in admin interface will allow me to manage and update the app’s
features more easily ensuring that the app is functioning smoothly.

SQL will be essential for storing structured data such as students’ schedules,
assignment deadlines and completed tasks. It will allow the app to quickly
retrieve and update this information as needed making the app responsive
and user-friendly. The combination of Django and SQL will ensure that the
app can scale to accommodate more students and their increasing academic
workloads.

The development process will also involve creating a user registration

system where students can create and manage their accounts. This will
ensure that students can securely access their personalised schedules and
tasks. I will need to implement measures to protect user data ensuring that
students information is safe and private. Django provides tools to implement
secure authentication and manage user data so I will rely on these tools to
make the app safe to use.
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As I move forward testing the apps usability will be an essential part of the
process. I will need to conduct user testing to gather feedback from students
and educators on how well the app meets their needs. This feedback will be
invaluable in improving the app and making sure it delivers value to its
users. It’s also important to ensure the app is accessible for students with
different needs so accessibility testing will also be a key part of the
development process.

Once the app’s main features are ready the next step is to make sure it
performs well and can handle more users over time. It’s important that the
app works smoothly even when lots of students are using it at once. For this I
will focus on optimising the database to handle a growing amount of data
such as deadlines. SQL will help store and manage this data effectively but
I’ll need to plan how the database is organised to make sure everything runs
quickly and without problems.

Another part of this process is making sure the app loads quickly. Slow apps
can be frustrating especially for students who need to access their schedules
and tasks quickly. I’ll work on improving the speed of the app by making the
backend code more efficient and making sure data loads as fast as possible.
This will also include testing the app regularly to find and fix any issues that
might slow it down.

The app also needs to work well on mobile devices since students will likely
use it on their phones or tablets. To do this I will make sure the app looks
good on different screen sizes. It should be easy to use whether on a phone
or a bigger screen like a tablet or computer. I’ll make sure the design is
simple with buttons and menus that are easy to navigate.

One important feature I want to include is offline access. Students may need
to use the app in places with no internet like when they’re studying in a
library. Even without a connection the app should still show their schedule
and tasks. The app will store some data on the device itself so students can
still see it. When the internet is back the app will update any changes.

I will also focus on making the app flexible so students can personalise it to
their needs. Since every student is different the app should let them set
things like study times reminders and how their study time is displayed.
Some students might prefer a list view while others might want a calendar
view. I want to make sure the app can adapt to these different preferences.
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Looking at the apps I’m comparing like Google Calendar, My Study Life and
Todoist is clear that there are things I can learn from each of them. Google
Calendar works well for basic scheduling but doesn’t include features like
tracking assignments or exams. My Study Life is designed for students and
includes things like class timetables and assignment reminders but it can be
complicated to use. Todoist is good for task management but lacks
educational features like class schedules.

My app will aim to bring the best of these features together. It will let
students control study sessions, track assignments and get reminders about
exams just like My Study Life. But unlike Google Calendar it will focus more
on academic tasks rather than general appointments. I also want the app to
be simple like Todoist so students can easily organise their tasks without
feeling overwhelmed.

As I build the app I will continue to look at what works in these other apps
and improve upon it. I want the final app to be easy to use, reliable and
perfect for managing study time. After the app is ready I will gather feedback
from users to see how it can be improved. This will help me make sure the
app is really useful to students and teachers.

After the core features and performance optimisations are in place I will start
focusing on the user experience. This is one of the most important aspects of
the app as it determines how easily students can interact with it and achieve
their goals. A user-friendly design is key to ensuring that students don’t feel
frustrated when trying to schedule their study times, track assignments or
review exam dates.

The user interface will be simple and intuitive allowing users to quickly
understand how the app works without needing to read complicated
instructions. To make it easy for students to add tasks or schedule study
sessions I will use clear icons and buttons that are easy to recognise. The
design will follow best practices such as keeping important features
accessible from the main screen and reducing the number of steps needed
to complete tasks. When adding a study session students should be able to
do it in just a few clicks without being distracted by unnecessary options.

I will also focus on making the app visually appealing. The layout should be
clean and organised with enough white space to avoid making it feel
cluttered. Students should be able to see their study sessions, deadlines and
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tasks at a glance without being overwhelmed by too much information at

once. The use of colour coding will help students quickly identify different
types of events such as exams, assignments or study sessions. Deadlines
could be marked in red exams in blue and study sessions in green allowing
students to easily differentiate between them.

Another important consideration is accessibility. It’s essential that the app

works well for all students including those with disabilities. I will make sure
the app is compatible with screen readers and includes features like
adjustable font sizes for users who have visual impairments. The colour
scheme will be chosen carefully to ensure that it’s accessible to users with
colour blindness. By focusing on accessibility I can ensure that the app is
usable by as many students as possible regardless of their specific needs.

Once the design is in place I will test it with a group of students to gather
feedback. This will help identify any parts of the app that are confusing or
difficult to use. Based on this feedback I can make improvements to the
design and functionality before the app is released to a wider audience. User
testing is crucial for understanding the real-world challenges students face
when using the app and it will help me refine the app to meet their needs
more effectively.

I will consider adding features that students may find helpful for managing
their time and tasks more effectively. The app could include a study timer to
help students focus during study sessions. This could be based on the
Pomodoro technique where students study for a set period like 25 minutes
followed by a short break. This method has been shown to improve focus and
productivity and many students may find it helpful to incorporate it into their
study routines.

I will also explore the possibility of adding a progress tracker. Students could
see how much work they’ve completed and how much is left to do which can
be motivating and help them stay on track. The app could show the
percentage of tasks completed for each subject or how much time they’ve
spent studying for each exam. This would give students a visual
representation of their progress and help them manage their time more
effectively.

The app will need to be scalable. As more students begin to use it the app
should be able to handle the increased load without slowing down. This
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means that I will need to continuously monitor the app’s performance and
make adjustments as needed. I will also keep an eye on feedback from users
to identify any new features they would like to see in future updates.

With all of these features in place the app will be ready for its final stage:
launch and marketing. This is where the focus will shift to getting the app
into the hands of students. Since there are already many time management
apps available it will be important to differentiate my app by highlighting its
academic focus and ease of use. I will create a marketing plan to spread the
word about the app and make it easy for students to find and download it.
After launching the app and promoting it the next step will be to get
feedback from the users. This is important because it helps to see where the
app can be improved or where it might not be working as expected. Students
will share their thoughts on what they like about the app and what could be
better. This feedback will guide me in making updates to the app so it can
meet their needs better.

I will gather feedback through simple surveys and by reading the reviews on
app stores. The survey will ask students what they like about the app and
what they think should be changed. This way I will know which parts of the
app are working well and which parts need fixing.

For example if students say that a certain feature is hard to use or that they
are having trouble adding assignments I will look at these points closely. It
might mean that some parts of the app need to be redesigned or made
easier to use. This will help me make the app better and more useful over
time.

It will also be important to check that the app works properly on all types of
devices. Before launching I will test it on many devices but after the launch I
will keep testing it to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Sometimes
problems may appear that weren’t noticed before like the app being slow on
certain devices. If this happens I will fix those issues quickly to keep the app
working well.

Another part of post-launch work is to see how the app is being used. I will
track which features are being used the most. For example if students are
using the feature to track assignments a lot it shows that they find it helpful.
If certain features are hardly used it might mean that they are not useful or
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easy to use. This will help me decide what features need to be improved or
removed.

Also there may be bugs or errors that appear after the app is used by more
people. These issues need to be fixed quickly. I will set up a way for users to
report problems they find like a button inside the app that lets them send
feedback. This will help me stay on top of any issues and fix them quickly.

As the app is updated I will think about adding new features. For example a
feature to help students plan group study sessions could be useful. This
would allow students to create study groups, set shared study times and
track their progress together. This kind of feature would make the app even
more helpful.

I will also continue to research ways to make the app more useful for
students. One idea is to add a goal-setting feature where students can set
long-term academic goals and break them down into smaller tasks. This
could help students stay focused on their bigger goals while still managing
their daily tasks. I will explore ways to make the app work with other tools
students use. Many students use other apps for managing tasks or calendars
so it might be useful to allow the app to sync with those tools. For example it
could sync with Google Calendar which would make it easier for students to
use all their tools in one place.

With each update I will keep the app focused on helping students manage
their study time and assignments. Listening to their feedback and making
improvements will help the app become a better tool for students to succeed
in their studies.

This brings together all of the findings from this research project and
summarises the key points discussed. Throughout the analysis of apps like
My Study Life, Google Calendar and Todoist I have explored their strengths
and weaknesses paying close attention to what features would work best for
students. From the research it is clear that while these apps help with time
management they fall short in certain areas that are essential for students to
manage their academic lives effectively. My Study Life does provide
academic specific tools but lacks flexibility in some areas. Google Calendar
although great for general scheduling doesn’t offer features for managing
assignments or exams. Todoist excels at task management but doesn’t cater
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to the needs of students who require features like class schedules or exam
tracking.

Based on this analysis I aim to create an app that combines the strengths of
these existing apps while addressing their limitations. By focusing on the
specific needs of students such as managing study schedules, tracking
assignments and setting reminders for exams I believe my app can offer a
better solution. Using Python, Django, and SQL for development will allow me
to build a solid foundation for the app ensuring that it is scalable and easy to
use. The combination of a user-friendly design strong functionality and
efficient task management will make the app a valuable tool for students.

The research into existing apps has been an important part of the
development process helping me understand what students need from a
time management tool. This has informed the design of my app making sure
it focuses on the key features that matter most to students such as
assignment tracking and exam reminders. By improving upon existing
solutions and adding the necessary academic-focused features I hope to
provide a more effective tool that meets the needs of students in a way that
other apps do not.

My app will be tested and refined based on user feedback to ensure it meets
the expectations of its users. As the app grows and evolves I plan to continue
improving it by adding new features making it with other tools and ensuring
that it remains relevant to students' needs. The goal is to create an app that
not only helps students manage their time but also reduces stress and
improves productivity.

This project has allowed me to explore the potential for an app that focuses
on students academic needs. Through research and development, I aim to
create an app that is more tailored to students than the current solutions
available. By combining the best features of existing apps and addressing
their shortcomings, I am confident that my app will be a valuable tool for
students.

My Study Life

Platform: Android, iOS, Web

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Release Date: 2015

Developer: My Study Life
Publisher: My Study Life Ltd
Features:

My Study Life is a cross platform student planner app that helps students
organise their study, track assignments and prepare for exams. It allows
students to input their class timetables to see their weekly schedule and
track assignments and exam dates. The app offers cloud syncing so
schedules can be accessed on any device. It also sends notifications for
upcoming classes, assignments and exams. My Study Life is available on
Android, iOS and the web. It offers both free and paid versions with the
premium version offering unlimited timetables and advanced notifications.
https://www.mystudylife.com/

Google Calendar
Platform: Web, Android, iOS
Release Date: April 13, 2006
Developer: Google LLC
Publisher: Google LLC
Features:

Google Calendar is a widely used scheduling and time management tool that
helps users organise personal, academic and professional activities. It allows
users to create events and set recurring appointments with notifications for
reminders. Google Calendar integrates with Google services like Gmail and
Google Meet and users can share their calendars with others. It offers daily,
weekly and monthly views of schedules. Google Calendar is free and
available on Android, iOS and any web browser. However it lacks education
specific features such as assignment tracking making it less tailored for
students. https://www.google.com/calendar

Todoist
Platform: Web, Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Browser Extensions
Release Date: November 16, 2007
Developer: Doist
Publisher: Doist
Features:
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Todoist is a task management app designed to help users manage their

personal and professional to do lists. Users can create tasks, subtasks and
projects with due dates and reminders. Tasks can be given priority levels to
help users focus on the most urgent ones. Todoist also offers filters and
labels for organising tasks and supports collaboration by allowing users to
share tasks and projects. It integrates with Google Calendar, Dropbox and
Amazon Alexa. Todoist offers both free and premium versions with the
premium version providing features like task comments, automatic backups
and more project templates. https://www.todoist.com/

Essential Features
Progress Tracking:

The progress tracking feature will be a central part of the app and will allow
users to monitor how much of their work has been completed at any given
time. This feature will make it easy for students to manage assignments
projects or study goals by providing a clear visual representation of their
progress. When students completes part of a task such as answering five out
of ten questions the app will show a percentage or progress bar reflecting
this. This helps to keep motivation high by showing how close they are to
finishing. For larger projects students can break tasks into smaller steps and
track each one separately. Teachers can also benefit from this feature as
they will be able to view the progress of their students and identify who
might need extra help. It ensures that both students and teachers can stay
organised and on top of deadlines. To measure the success of this feature
users will test its ease of use and how well the visual indicators like bars or
percentages represent the work completed. Feedback will ensure the
tracking system is intuitive and effective. It must work smoothly with no
errors when updating progress and users should feel it helps them stay
organised without adding extra stress.

Time Management:

Time management is essential for any student or teacher and the app will
provide a detailed but simple timetable system to address this. Users will be
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able to plan their week by adding events such as lessons study sessions or
deadlines with all the necessary details. For example a student might enter a
class that happens every Monday at 9 am and include extra notes about the
location or the subject being taught. This timetable will make use of colour
coding to separate different types of events for easier organisation such as
blue for classes red for exams and green for personal tasks. Users will also
have the flexibility to make changes easily if plans shift such as rescheduling
a study session or updating a deadline. The timetable will provide a clear
overview of their day week or month so they can plan their time effectively
and reduce the risk of forgetting anything important. The success of this
feature will be evaluated by how easy it is for users to create and adjust
schedules as well as how well the system displays their plans. Testing will
focus on ensuring all events are displayed clearly and that the editing
functions work without glitches. The timetable must feel straightforward to
use so students and teachers can rely on it without frustration.

Notifications:

The notification system will ensure that users never miss important tasks
events or deadlines by sending timely alerts. These reminders will appear on
the user’s device and can be tailored to their preferences. For instance a
student might choose to receive a reminder an hour before a study session
while another user may prefer a day’s notice for an exam. Notifications will
include key details such as the name of the event the time and any notes
attached to it. If the user taps on the notification they will be taken directly
to the relevant section of the app making it easy to review the task or event
in question. This feature is especially helpful for busy students and teachers
who need to stay on top of multiple responsibilities. To measure success
users will be asked to test whether the reminders appear on time and
whether the details provided are clear and useful. The notification system
must also avoid being intrusive or overwhelming so users have full control
over how many alerts they receive and when they receive them. Consistency
and reliability will be key factors in determining the effectiveness of this
feature.
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Cloud Features:

Cloud integration will be an essential aspect of the app ensuring that users
can access their data across multiple devices seamlessly. Whether a student
adds a task on their phone updates their timetable on a tablet or reviews
their progress on a laptop the app will ensure that all changes are instantly
available on every device. This means users can switch between devices
without losing any data or needing to manually transfer updates. For
example a student might input their schedule while on the go and later
check their tasks at home on a larger screen. The app will use secure storage
to protect user data from loss or unauthorised access which is especially
important when dealing with personal or academic information. To evaluate
this feature’s success users will test whether their data updates
automatically and whether it remains consistent across all devices. It must
work without delays or errors and the process of accessing information on
different platforms should feel natural and easy. Secure data handling will
also be tested to ensure privacy and reliability. If these conditions are met
the cloud feature will provide a strong foundation for the app’s functionality.

Task Customisation:

Task customisation will be an important part of the app because it lets users
control how their tasks are organised and presented. Students need a way to
personalise their study schedules so they can focus on what matters to
them. This feature will let them name tasks, assign priorities and add specific
details to ensure their goals are clear. A student preparing for an exam could
add a task called Study for Maths and include notes like focus on algebra
equations. They will also be able to group similar tasks together like linking
all assignments for a specific subject so they can manage everything in one
place. The user can pick colours or symbols for each task making it easier to
identify what needs urgent attention. To ensure this feature meets the
expectations of the users the app must allow flexible editing. A student
should be able to make changes such as extending deadlines or adding extra
notes at any time. Success will be measured by testing if users can easily
create and modify tasks, assign priorities without issues and group tasks into
categories with minimal effort. It will also ensure tasks can be visually sorted
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based on urgency or subject. Any errors that make it harder for users to
adjust tasks will need fixing during development.

Limitations
Programming Limitations:

The app relies on Django, Python, and SQL to manage and store data. If the
code is not properly optimised it could lead to slow performance or even
errors. As more tasks or events are added the app might struggle to keep up
causing delays in retrieving or updating data. SQL queries that are not well-
structured can make the app slow especially if there are a lot of tasks or
schedules to sort through. This could impact the user experience making it
harder for users to access their data quickly. Making sure the code is
efficient and optimised will be important for keeping the app running
smoothly.

Development Time:

Building this app takes a lot of time and effort. Getting everything to work
properly such as notifications, cloud syncing and managing tasks takes
testing and fixing any bugs that come up. Some features may seem simple
to start with but turn out to be more difficult to develop. This can slow down
the development process and could cause delays in launching updates or
adding new features. It will take time to get everything working without any
problems and there may be setbacks along the way as the app is tested and
improved.

Device Compatibility:

The app may not work as well on older devices or operating systems. Since
the app uses frameworks like Django and Python it needs certain software
versions to work correctly. If a user is using an outdated phone or computer
the app might not perform properly or even crash. This can limit the number
of people who can use the app especially those with older technology. The
app needs to be tested across a wide range of devices to ensure it works for
as many users as possible.
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User Interface:

While the app is designed to be user friendly it may take some time for users
to get the hang of it. For those who haven’t used a task management app
before the interface might be a bit confusing at first. The process of setting
up a study schedule or managing tasks might feel overwhelming for some
users. Making the design as simple as possible while keeping all the
important features will be key to ensuring everyone can use it without
frustration. Some users may need extra help or instructions to get started
with the app.

Offline Functionality:

The app relies on an internet connection to sync data and access all of its
features. Without internet access users won’t be able to update their tasks or
schedules across different devices. This could be an issue for users who
travel often or live in areas with poor internet connection. Without offline
functionality users will have limited access to their tasks and may not be
able to rely on the app when they need it most. Implementing offline support
is something that would need to be looked into to ensure the app is usable at
all times.

Security Issues:

Since the app stores personal information like schedules and tasks there is
always a risk that this data could be accessed by someone who shouldn't
have it. While secure cloud storage will be used no system is completely safe
from hacking or data breaches. If the app’s security is compromised because
users personal information could be exposed which could damage trust in
the app. Regular security checks and updates will be required to ensure the
app remains safe to use but there will always be some level of risk when
dealing with sensitive data.

Customisation Limits:

The app allows users to personalise their tasks and schedules but there
might not be enough options for everyone. Some users may need more
advanced features like recurring tasks or more control over how tasks are
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organised. If the app does not include these extra customisation options it
could limit its usefulness for people who need more detailed planning. As the
app develops there may be room to add these features but for now the
options available may not suit every user’s needs.

Notification Overload:

The app sends notifications to remind users about tasks, deadlines and
events. However if users don’t manage their settings properly they could be
overwhelmed by too many notifications. This could lead to users ignoring
them or feeling stressed by constant reminders. Giving users control over
how many notifications they get and when will be important to ensure they
don’t feel overwhelmed by the alerts. If not handled well this could be a
major frustration for users.

System Requirements
User Experience:

The app needs to be simple and easy to use for both students and teachers.
Success will be checked by how quickly users can set up tasks and plans
without any trouble. The layout must be clear with buttons and options that
are easy to find. If users can complete their goals like setting reminders or
checking their schedules without getting confused or annoyed then the app
will meet its user experience goal. Feedback will be collected to confirm that
users can navigate the app without needing extra help or instructions. For
example if users like Vikram can set up their study plans quickly and
smoothly it will show the app is easy to use.

Performance:

The main features like managing tasks tracking progress setting reminders
and syncing data must work smoothly. The app needs to run quickly even
when users add many tasks at once. Success will be checked by making sure
everything updates in real time and notifications are sent as planned. The
app must not crash or freeze and any problems that come up should be fixed
easily. For instance if users like Sameer can add tasks without delays or
errors and notifications arrive on time the app will meet its performance
target.
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Device Compatibility:

The app must work properly on different devices and operating systems. It
needs to run well on iOS Android Windows and macOS. Success will be
checked by testing how well it works on each platform and whether data
syncs correctly between devices. Users should be able to switch between
their phone tablet or computer without losing their information. For example
if Mr Greatwich uses the app on his laptop and then checks it on his phone
and the data matches perfectly it will show the app is reliable for different
devices.

Data Security:

Keeping user information safe is very important. Success will be checked by

how well the app protects personal details and other data. Strong security
tools will be used to protect information when it is stored or shared. Regular
tests will be done to make sure the app is secure. For example if there are no
data leaks and users like Vikram feel their information is safe it will show the
app has achieved its security goal.

Cloud Syncing:

Cloud syncing is a key feature to let users access their data from any
device. Success will be checked by how quickly changes made on one device
show up on others. For example if a user edits their study plan on a tablet
and sees the same update on their phone instantly it will prove the syncing
works correctly. Users should be able to trust the app to keep their data up
to date no matter which device they are using.

Feedback and User Satisfaction:

User satisfaction is one of the most important measures of success. The app
will meet this goal if users find it helpful for organising their study schedules.
Feedback will be collected during testing to check if users think the app is
easy to use and improves their organisation. If students say the app helps
them stay on track and complete their tasks on time it will show the app has
achieved its purpose. Any suggestions for improvements will also be used to
make future versions better.

Scalability and Growth:

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The app should handle more users as it becomes more popular without
slowing down. Success will be checked by how well it performs as the
number of users and the amount of data increase. For example if the app
works just as smoothly with thousands of users as it does with a few then it
will show it is scalable. It must remain fast and reliable even as more people
start using it.

Limitations of the Proposed Solution:

The app has some limits that need to be considered. One issue is that it
depends on users opening it regularly to get the most out of it. If users forget
to use the app or update their tasks they might miss important reminders or
notifications. Another issue is that spending too much time on screens can
be tiring so the app will include tips to encourage regular breaks. Some
people might prefer other methods like notebooks instead of using a digital
app. To overcome this the app will be designed to be very simple and
welcoming so even people who are not used to apps can use it easily.

References:

 My Study Life: https://www.mystudylife.com/

 Google Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar
 Todoist: https://www.todoist.com/