May 2022 - August 2022
Master Genie, AIrobotica
Full Stack Developer & UX Designer
Master Genie: A comprehensive platform to guide international students through every step of their master's journey
Project Overview
The Inspiration
I had personally seen a close friend struggle when applying for his master's degree. The information he needed was scattered across different websites, with no clear guidance or structured approach. There was no single place that covered everything—from university applications to student life and even tax filing for international students.
The Opportunity
During my internship at AIrobotica, where I was immersed in full-stack web development, I was given the opportunity to work on a project that would showcase my skills. Instead of building just any complex website, I decided to work on an idea that had been on my mind—creating a platform that consolidates all aspects of the master's journey into one place.
My Contribution
I designed and developed Master Genie as a structured blogging and community-based platform covering every key aspect of the master's experience. Beyond just an information repository, I made it interactive and community-driven, inspired by platforms like Reddit, integrating a discussion forum where users could post questions, share experiences, and get insights from actual master's students and alumni.
My Role
- •Full Stack Development
- •UI/UX Design
- •Information Architecture
- •Database Design
- •API Development
- •User Research
- •Content Strategy
Technologies
The Challenge
International students face numerous challenges when applying for and pursuing master's degrees:
- 1Information Overload: Critical information scattered across university websites, forums, and government portals
- 2Lack of Structure: No clear roadmap for navigating the complex journey from application to graduation
- 3Missing Community: Limited access to experiences and advice from current students and alumni
- 4Country-Specific Issues: Difficulty finding information relevant to specific countries and universities
Understanding User Needs
I conducted extensive research to understand the specific needs of international master's students:
- •Interviewed 12 international students at different stages of their master's journey
- •Analyzed existing platforms, forums, and university resources
- •Identified key pain points and information gaps in the current ecosystem
- •Created user personas and journey maps to visualize the master's application process
Organizing the Master's Journey
I developed a comprehensive information architecture to structure the complex master's journey:
- •Created a chronological framework that follows the natural progression of a student's journey
- •Designed intuitive navigation patterns based on key milestones and decision points
- •Developed a tagging system for country-specific and university-specific information
- •Implemented a search functionality with filters for quick access to specific topics
The Solution: Master Genie Platform
I designed and developed Master Genie as a comprehensive web platform that centralizes all aspects of the international master's journey. The platform combines structured content with community features, providing students with both information and support throughout their academic journey. The design focuses on clarity, accessibility, and fostering a sense of community among users.
University Guide
Comprehensive database of universities, programs, and admission requirements with filtering options
Application Tracker
Tools to track application deadlines, document requirements, and application status for multiple universities
Community Forum
Discussion boards where students can ask questions, share experiences, and connect with peers and alumni
Resource Library
Curated collection of guides, templates, and resources for visa applications, scholarships, and housing
Results & Impact
Active users during beta testing
Users reported finding valuable information
Reduction in time spent searching for information
"Sushmith's idea to create Master Genie was truly unexpected and new. He identified a real problem faced by international students and built a simple-to-use solution that exceeded our expectations. His technical skills combined with his user-centered approach is the speciality he has."
Manager at AIrobotica
Key Achievements
- 1Created a comprehensive platform that consolidated information from over 50 different sources
- 2Built a community forum that facilitated peer-to-peer support among international students
- 3Developed a full-stack application using modern web technologies and best practices
- 4Received recognition from my manager at AIrobotica for delivering a high-quality project that showcased both technical and entrepreneurial skills
Future Enhancements
While Master Genie successfully addressed the core needs of international students, there are several enhancements I would implement with additional time and resources:
AI-Powered Assistance
Implement an AI chatbot that could answer common questions, provide personalized recommendations, and guide students through complex processes.
Mentorship Program
Develop a structured mentorship system that connects prospective students with current students or alumni from their target universities.
Document Verification
Add a feature for document review and verification, where experienced users could provide feedback on application materials.
Long-term Vision
I've always envisioned Master Genie evolving into a startup that could impact thousands of international students. Beyond just information sharing, my vision is to build a comprehensive ecosystem that supports students throughout their entire academic journey—from initial research to post-graduation career planning. This would include partnerships with universities, integration with application portals, and expanded resources for career development and networking. The positive feedback from my manager at AIrobotica has only strengthened my resolve to pursue this vision in the future.
Related Projects
Explore more of my work in web development and user experience design: