Project Overview
Hello, my name is Radwan Ahmed, and for my COMP4911 project, I am working with an LGBT based non profit, Rainbowfaithandfreedom, to implement a secure web portal called the Hurt, Hope, and Healing Portal. The goal of the portal is allow people to submit information anonymously to the organization while maintaining strict privacy protections. Because the information being shared may involve vulnerable individuals, the nonprofit wants to ensure security, anonymity, and transparency about how information is collected and stored.
Initial Requirements
I have so far met with the client who has handed over the project requirements. Based on the report I was given, some suggested requirements included:
- Users should be able to submit information anonymously.
- No third-party access to information.
- The system should not collect unnecessary personal information (cookies, ip addresses, etc).
- Users should be clearly informed about what information they are submitting.
- The organization must be able to delete submitted data.
- The hosting provider must have strong security protections.
- The solution should ideally minimize ongoing costs.
Initial Technical Direction
I am currently exploring a submission portal using a self-hosted solution rather than third-party form services.
One solution I am exploring is:
- Nextcloud Forms
- On a Canadian or European VPS server with a barebones config
- Secure storage controlled by the organization
Development Approach
The project will follow an iterative development approach. Due to possible changing requirements, an agile development model will help in accepting new feedback and allowing for implementing incremental changes throughout. I will first focus on first building a functional MVP with the core feature of secure data submission and robust data management workflows. Future iterations will improve usability, user experience, and maintainability.
Project Timeline
Project Timeline (12 Weeks)
March 1-31 – Research and Planning
During the first month, I will be combing through the project requirements, and working with the client to propose viable technical solutions. This will include 1-2 meetings with the client, reviewing the non-negotiable requirements, and researching self-hosted and open-source platforms. I will also be looking into VPS hosting providers as well, which align with the client’s security considerations. A high level diagram will be designed as well during this phase, and rather than focusing on low-level class structures, the diagram will show the major system components, their interactions, and server-client data flows.
April 1 – 30: Core features Implemented
The second month will focus on building the functional system that aligns with all of the non-negotiable functional requirements from the client.
May 1 – 31: User Experience, Visual Polish, Usability, Testing
The third month will be on improving the usability to ensure that the nonprofit staff can use the product as intended. Visual improvements will also be added to enhance visual appeal of the portal, and that vibes well with the organization’s branding, helping create a more trusting and welcoming user experience. Lastly, the system will be tested to ensure that core functional requirements are implemented correctly, and as intended.