1. Introduction
This document outlines the technical specifications for the development of Nika, an integrated platform for wedding planning. The platform will offer RSVP and guest list management, a wedding website builder, customizable invitation templates, video integration, and registry options. The focus is on utilizing cost-effective or free services for development and deployment.
2. System Architecture
The architecture will be a multi-tiered system consisting of the following layers:
- Presentation Layer: Frontend application (web interface)
- Application Layer: Backend services and APIs
- Data Layer: Database and storage solutions
3. Technology Stack
Frontend
- Framework: React.js (Free and open-source)
- Styling: Tailwind CSS (Free and open-source)
- State Management: Redux or Context API (Free and open-source)
- Build Tools: Vite or Create React App (Free and open-source)
Backend
- Framework: Node.js with Express.js (Free and open-source)
- Authentication: Firebase Authentication (Free tier available)
- Payments: Stripe (Transaction-based fees, no upfront cost)
- Video Hosting: Vimeo (Free tier with limited features) or YouTube API (Free)
Database
- Primary Database: PostgreSQL via Heroku Postgres (Free tier available)
- NoSQL Option: Firebase Firestore (Free tier available)
- Object Storage: Backblaze B2 (Low-cost alternative to AWS S3)
Deployment and Hosting
- Web Hosting: Netlify (Free tier available)
- Backend Hosting: Heroku (Free tier available)
- Domain Management: Namecheap (Affordable domain registration)
4. Functional Modules
4.1. RSVP and Guest List Management
Requirements:
- Guest List Creation: Import from CSV/Excel, add manually.
- RSVP System: Send RSVPs via email, track responses, automated reminders.
- Real-Time Updates: Display RSVP status, guest counts.
Technical Specifications:
- API Endpoints:
- `POST /guests`: Add guests
- `GET /guests`: Retrieve guest list
- `POST /rsvp`: Send RSVP emails
- `GET /rsvp/status`: Get RSVP status
- Database Schema:
- Guests Table: `id`, `name`, `email`, `status`
- RSVPs Table: `id`, `guest_id`, `response`, `timestamp`
4.2. Wedding Website Builder
Requirements:
- Prompt-Based Generation: Users enter a prompt to generate a website.
- Template Selection: Choose from various templates based on user preferences.
- Customization: Change colors, fonts, images; add/remove sections.
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: Rearrange sections, WYSIWYG editor.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure site looks good on all devices.
- Preview and Publish: Preview site before publishing, unique URL for published site.
Technical Specifications:
- API Endpoints:
- `POST /website/generate`: Generate website based on prompt
- `GET /templates`: Retrieve available templates
- `POST /website/customize`: Save customizations
- `GET /website/preview`: Preview website
- `POST /website/publish`: Publish website
- Database Schema:
- Websites Table: `id`, `user_id`, `template_id`, `customizations`, `status`
- Templates Table: `id`, `name`, `description`, `layout`
4.3. Invitation Templates
Requirements:
- Template Library: Categorized templates by themes.
- Customization: Personalize text, colors, fonts, images.
- Digital Distribution: Send via email/social media, track delivery/open rates.
- Downloadable Formats: PDF, image formats for printing or digital use.
Technical Specifications:
- API Endpoints:
- `GET /invitations/templates`: Retrieve available templates
- `POST /invitations/customize`: Customize invitation
- `POST /invitations/send`: Send invitations
- `GET /invitations/download`: Download invitation
- Database Schema:
- Invitations Table: `id`, `user_id`, `template_id`, `customizations`, `status`
- Templates Table: `id`, `name`, `description`, `category`
4.4. Video Integration
Requirements:
- Embedding Videos: Embed videos in the wedding website.
- Video Invitations: Create and send video invitations.
- Format Support: Support for various video formats (MP4, AVI, etc.).
Technical Specifications:
- API Endpoints:
- `POST /video/upload`: Upload video
- `GET /video/embed`: Embed video in website
- `POST /video/invitation/create`: Create video invitation
- `POST /video/invitation/send`: Send video invitation
- **Database Schema**:
- Videos Table: `id`, `user_id`, `url`, `title`, `description`
- Video Invitations Table: `id`, `user_id`, `video_id`, `status`
4.5. Registry Option
Requirements:
- Monetary Contributions: Allow guests to transfer money.
- Payment Integration: Integrate with payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe).
- Tracking: Track contributions and manage thank-you notes.
Technical Specifications:
- API Endpoints:
- `POST /registry/create`: Create registry entry
- `POST /registry/contribute`: Make a contribution
- `GET /registry/contributions`: Retrieve contributions
- Database Schema:
- Registry Table: `id`, `user_id`, `description`, `goal_amount`, `received_amount`
- Contributions Table: `id`, `registry_id`, `contributor_name`, `amount`, `timestamp`
5. Security Considerations
- Authentication: Use Firebase Authentication for secure user login and registration.
- Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit.
- Compliance: Ensure compliance with local regulations such as GDPR.
6. Performance and Scalability
- Load Balancing: Use free tiers of services like Heroku and Netlify for basic load balancing.
- Caching: Implement caching strategies using Redis or similar free caching solutions.
- Monitoring: Use free tiers of monitoring tools like New Relic or Grafana for performance tracking.
7. Usability and Accessibility
- User Interface: Design a user-friendly and intuitive interface using React.js and Tailwind CSS.
- Accessibility: Follow WCAG 2.1 guidelines to ensure accessibility for all users.
8. Deployment and Maintenance
- CI/CD Pipeline: Use GitHub Actions (free for public repositories) for continuous integration and deployment.
- Hosting: Deploy frontend on Netlify and backend on Heroku (both have free tiers).
- Domain Management: Use Namecheap for affordable domain registration.
9. Conclusion
This technical specification document provides a comprehensive guide for developing Nika using cost-effective or free services. By leveraging these resources, Nika can be developed and deployed efficiently, ensuring high-quality service while minimizing costs.