When Memorial University’s Student Design Hub (SDH), managed by John Walsh, sought a better way to handle the growing complexity of equipment lending for student teams, I identified an opportunity to design a tailored solution that would not disrupt any of their existing systems. The goal: build a seamless platform that integrates naturally into their current workflows while dramatically improving tracking, accountability, and ease of use.
Why This Project?
Prior to this system, equipment borrowing at SDH relied heavily on manual records and fragmented processes, often leading to misplaced tools and uncertainty around who had checked out what. By developing a modern, automated borrowing platform, I provided SDH with a way to streamline operations without requiring a costly overhaul of their infrastructure. This solution acts as a value-adding extension — designed to fit perfectly alongside their existing practices.
Key Features & Solutions Delivered
✅ QR Code-Enabled Checkouts
To minimize manual errors and speed up tool management, I implemented a QR code system allowing students to check equipment in and out with a simple scan.
✅ Secure University-Based Sign-In
Restricting access was critical. I integrated authentication tied to Memorial University’s @mun.ca email addresses via Google OAuth — ensuring only authorized students and staff could interact with the system.
✅ Live Equipment Catalog
Students and staff can now browse a dynamic inventory, seeing which items are available, where they’re located, and how many are in circulation. This brings full transparency to the borrowing process.
✅ Personal Borrower Dashboards
Each user has a dedicated “My Equipment” page showing tools they’ve checked out and expected return dates, promoting responsibility and reducing lost assets.
✅ Automated Return Reminders
The system is designed to automatically notify students as their return dates approach, helping them avoid late returns and keeping equipment circulating efficiently.
📽 Demo Video
Here’s a quick demo showing the platform in action:
Technical Highlights
- Stack: Next.js + TypeScript for robust server-side rendering and a blazing fast client experience.
- Auth & Security: Clerk integration for OAuth sign-ins restricted to university domains.
- Real-Time Data: Instant updates to inventory states to avoid conflicts or outdated views.
- UI/UX: Built a clean, responsive dark-theme interface using modern CSS that aligns with the professional lab environment.
The Bigger Impact
This app was specifically architected to integrate alongside existing SDH processes, not replace them. It slots naturally into current operations, empowering the Student Design Hub to:
- Cut down on administrative workload
- Reduce equipment loss
- Provide students a simpler, tech-driven way to borrow tools.
Looking Forward
Future upgrades include adding detailed usage analytics for lab managers, tighter integrations with physical sign-out stations, and smarter dashboards to make managing hundreds of assets even easier.
By delivering this system to John Walsh and the SDH team, I created a solution that not only fits but elevates their equipment management — solving their problem without disruption, improving compliance with automated reminders, and setting them up for scalable growth.
It’s a perfect example of how custom software can solve practical problems in academic environments while respecting and enhancing existing workflows.