Software Requirements Specification (SRS) for NeighbourLink (Neighborhood Focus)

Version: 1.1
Date: April 20, 2025

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

NeighbourLink is a hyperlocal platform connecting neighbors to share resources (e.g., tools, medical equipment) and provide urgent assistance within their immediate community.

1.2 Scope

• Target Users: Residents within a defined neighborhood (1–15 km radius).
• Key Features:
  • Connect with nearby people
  • Post and search for resources.
  • Emergency alerts for critical needs.
  • Ability to add upcoming events in the locality to update the local people.
  • Ability to promote business and ideas (for commercial use).
  • Ability to update the locality about any issues or construction updates.
  • Trust-building tools (user verification through Govt ID).
  • Secure in-app communication.
  • Community skill exchange to make more reliable bondings by utilising the skills of the local people.
  • Community of local volunteers for quick and direct communication with the needy.
  • Local language support.
  • Location (meeting) support.
  • In-app notification support.
  • Update and commenting system for continuous local updates.

1.3 Out of Scope (Future)

• School/college or workplace-specific hubs.
• Event-based temporary communities.
• Connecting local police stations and NGO's.

1.4 Business Scope

1.4.1 Core Business Opportunity

NeighbourLink builds a distinct community-driven digital marketplace that bridges residents and local businesses in ways that classic platforms do not. By prioritizing proximity-based relationships within a 1-15 km range, the site allows businesses to reach exactly the right customers that count most - those directly within physical proximity.

1.4.2 Business Promotion Features

1. Hyperlocal Marketing System

• Targeted Visibility: Businesses are able to craft promotion posts viewed by users in their specified area (1-15 km)
• Media-Rich Presentations: Multi-image and video support to represent products or services effectively
• Duration Control: Businesses can specify specific time frames for promotions (for example, 7 days, 30 days) to coincide with business cycles

2. Creation of Business Profiles

• Verified Business Credentials: "Verified Business" badges build consumer trust
• Complete Contact Management: Organized presentation of business name, contact details, and email
• Location Integration: Map-based business discovery with accurate location services

3. Direct Consumer Engagement

• Secure Business Chat: End-to-end encrypted messaging between businesses and prospective customers
• Privacy-Preserving Communication: No phone number exposure while still having direct contact
• Media Sharing: Ability to share more product/service information in conversations

4. Analytics & Performance Metrics

• Promotion Tracking: Businesses are able to track saved/shared counts
• Visibility Analytics: Data on promotion reach among neighborhood demographics

1.4.3 Monetization Strategy

The platform follows a multi-level business model:

Freemium Structure:

• Free basic business listings within 5km radius
• Promotional reach in extended radius (5-15km) attracts charges
• Premium placement features for increased visibility

Duration-Based Pricing:

• Short-term promotions (less than 7 days) at discounted rates
• Extended promotional periods with higher pricing
• Featured promotion features for maximum visibility

Value-Added Services:

• Advanced media display features (multiple images, videos)
• Business verification services
• Analytics and reporting tools

1.4.4 Additional Commercial Opportunities

Local Event Monetization

• Event Sponsorship: Companies sponsor community events for greater exposure
• Ticketed Events: Support for paid community events with built-in payment processing
• Event-Promotion Packages: Integrated promotional and event hosting features

Skill Exchange Marketplace

• Service Provider Listings: Local experts promote specialized skills
• Commission Structure: Platform share on successful service transactions
• Featured Skill Promotion: Greater exposure for premium skill providers

Community-Commercial Integration

• Reputation-Based Promotion: Greater exposure for businesses with high community participation
• Cross-Promotion Opportunities: Between commercial offerings and resource sharing
• Collaborative Marketing: Complementary local businesses coming together for joint promotions

1.4.5 Competitive Business Advantage

NeighbourLink generates one-of-a-kind business value by:

• Trust-First Approach: Verification systems generate a more qualified audience for businesses
• Genuine Local Focus: Authentic hyperlocal reach in contrast to broad-based platforms
• Community Context: Businesses interact with consumers within a community-focused context
• Emergency Response Integration: Business visibility at times of urgent neighborhood needs
• Multi-Language Support: Engage with diverse neighborhood demographics through translation support

The business scope effectively balances commercial interests with community needs, creating sustainable revenue opportunities while maintaining the platform's core neighborhood assistance mission.

2. Overall Description

2.1 User Needs

• Quickly locate nearby resources during emergencies (e.g., oxygen cylinders).
• Share underutilized items (e.g., tools, books) with trusted neighbours.
• Maintain privacy while requesting/receiving help by keeping their contact details hidden.
• Get upcoming event updates happening in the locality.
• Get local issue and construction updates of the locality.
• Find and offer specialized skills within the neighborhood.
• Communicate in preferred local language.
• Coordinate meeting locations for resource exchanges.
• Stay updated through notifications.

2.2 System Features

Core Features:

1. User Authentication & Verification

   • Sign-up via email.
   • Optional ID verification for "Trusted Neighbor" badges.
   • User profile management.

2. Resource Sharing

   • Post requests/offers with categories (Medical, Tools, Books).
   • Post requests and offers with photos and categories.
   • Search within customizable neighbourhood radius.

3. Emergency Alerts

   • Broadcast urgent needs to neighbours within 5km area.
   • Send notifications via push alerts.
   • Priority system for critical needs.

4. In-App Communication

   • Encrypted chat (no phone number sharing).
   • Photo uploads for item verification.
   • In-chat access to MAP for scheduling location for meetup/resource exchange.

5. Trust & Safety

   • Anonymous posting for sensitive requests.
   • User verification by Govt. ID.

6. Local Events

   • Post upcoming events in the locality.
   • Calendar view of neighborhood events.
   • Event reminders and RSVPs.

7. Business Promotion

   • Create business promotion posts within the locality.
   • Option for paid and unpaid promotion.

8. Community Updates

   • Post construction updates and infrastructure changes.
   • Report and track local issues.
   • Status updates on reported issues.

9. Skill Exchange

   • Profile section for listing skills.
   • Search for specific skills in the neighborhood.
   • Request and offer skill-based services.

10. Volunteer Management

    • Coordinate volunteer activities.
    • Direct communication channel with volunteers.

11. Language Support

    • Interface in multiple local languages.
    • Translation capabilities for posts.
    • Language preference settings.

12. Location Services

    • Set up meeting points for exchanges.
    • Map integration for precise meeting point fixing.

13. Notification System

    • Customizable notification preferences.
    • Push notifications for relevant updates.

3. Functional Requirements

3.1 User Management

ID	Requirement	Description
FR1	Registration	Sign up via email with basic profile information.
FR2	Verification	Optional ID scan for "Trusted Neighbor" badge.
FR3	Profile Management	Edit profile details, interests, and skills.
FR4	Language Settings	Set preferred language for interface and communications.

3.2 Resource Sharing

ID	Requirement	Description
FR5	Post Creation	Users can post requests/offers with photos, categories, and urgency levels.
FR6	Search	Search by keyword, category, or distance (1–5 km).
FR7	Emergency Broadcast	Critical posts trigger push alerts to users within 2 km.
FR8	Resource Categories	Organize posts by categories (Medical, Tools, Books, etc.).
FR9	Resource Timeline	Set availability duration for offered resources.

3.3 Communication

ID	Requirement	Description
FR10	In-App Chat	Encrypted messaging between users.
FR11	Notifications	Push/SMS alerts for matches or messages.
FR12	Message Translation	Translate messages between users' preferred languages.
FR13	Group Messaging	Create group chats for community discussions.

3.4 Events Management

ID	Requirement	Description
FR14	Event Creation	Post community events with details, time, and location.
FR15	Event Calendar	View events in calendar format with filters.
FR16	Event Reminders	Get notifications for upcoming events.
FR17	Event RSVP	Indicate attendance and see guest list.

3.5 Business Promotion

ID	Requirement	Description
FR18	Promotion Posts	Create special promotional offers for neighbors.
FR19	Business Categories	Filter businesses by type of service.

3.6 Community Updates

ID	Requirement	Description
FR20	Issue Reporting	Report local issues with photos and descriptions.
FR21	Infrastructure Updates	Post updates about construction or maintenance work.
FR22	Status Tracking	Track status of reported issues (New, In Progress, Resolved).

3.7 Skill Exchange

ID	Requirement	Description
FR23	Skill Listing	Add skills to profile
FR24	Skill Search	Find neighbors with specific skills.
FR25	Skill Request	Request skill-based assistance from neighbors.

3.8 Volunteer Management

ID	Requirement	Description
FR26	Priority Communication	Direct channel between volunteers and those in need.

3.9 Location Services

ID	Requirement	Description
FR27	Meeting Setup	Coordinate meeting locations for exchanges.

3.10 Notification System

ID	Requirement	Description
FR28	Notification Preferences	Customize notification types and frequency.
FR29	Push Notifications	Receive immediate alerts for important updates.
FR30	In-app Notifications	View notification history within app.

4. Non-Functional Requirements

Category	Requirement
Performance	Load search results within 2 seconds for 95% of queries.
	Process emergency alerts within 30 seconds of posting.
	Support concurrent usage of up to 1000 users per neighborhood.
Security	End-to-end encryption for chats; anonymize location data.
	Government ID verification with secure data storage compliant with local regulations.
	Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
Usability	90% of test users can post a request within 3 minutes.
	Interface accessibility compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
	Support for local languages with complete translations.
Compatibility	Optimized for various screen sizes and resolutions.
Reliability	99.9% uptime for core services.
	Automatic data backup every 24 hours.
	Disaster recovery plan with 2-hour recovery time objective.
Scalability	Ability to scale to 100+ users across multiple neighborhoods.
	Dynamic resource allocation based on user activity patterns.
Maintainability	Modular architecture for feature updates without system-wide impacts.
	Comprehensive logging for troubleshooting.

5. System Architecture

5.1 High-Level Design

• Frontend: Fully responsive website.
• Backend & Database: Firebase (for real-time updates).
• Cloud: AWS S3 for image storage.
• Push Notification Service: Firebase Cloud Messaging.
• Translation API: Google Cloud Translation API.
• Geolocation Service: Integrated with OLA map APIs.

5.2 External Interfaces

• Maps: OLA Maps API for location filtering and navigation.

6. Use Case Diagrams

6.1 Primary Use Cases

1. Post a Resource Request

   • Actor: Resident
   • Flow: Post request → System notifies nearby users → Match found → Chat to coordinate pickup → Set meeting location → Complete exchange.

2. Respond to Emergency Alert

   • Actor: Resident
   • Flow: Receive SMS alert → View details → Accept/decline assistance → Coordinate through secure chat → Provide help.

3. Organize Local Event

   • Actor: Resident or Business Owner
   • Flow: Create event → Set details and location → Publish to neighborhood → Manage RSVPs → Send reminders → Host event.

4. Report Local Issue

   • Actor: Resident
   • Flow: Document issue with photo → Submit report → Neighbors can confirm/comment → Relevant authorities notified → Track resolution status.

5. Offer Professional Skill

   • Actor: Resident
   • Flow: Update profile with skill → Set availability → Neighbors search and find → Receive request → Negotiate terms → Provide service.

7. User Instructions

7.1 Getting Started

1. Download and Install

   • Access via web browser at https://main.d3raf20hzd0dfa.amplifyapp.com/

2. Create Your Account

   • Sign up using email address.
   • Complete your profile with basic information.

3. Verify Your Identity (Optional but Recommended)

   • Go to Profile > Verification.
   • Upload government-issued ID.
   • Receive "Trusted Neighbor" badge upon verification.

4. Set Your Neighborhood

   • Allow location access or manually enter your address.
   • Set your preferred radius (1-20 km).

7.2 Using Core Features

Sharing Resources

1. Post a Resource

   • Tap "+" button on home screen.
   • Select "Offer Resource" or "Request Resource."
   • Fill in details: title, description, category, duration available.
   • Add photos (optional but recommended).
   • Set urgency level if relevant.
   • Publish your post.

2. Find Resources

   • Use search bar with keywords.
   • Apply filters: category, distance, availability.
   • Browse the resource feed.
   • Save searches for regular needs.

3. Emergency Requests

   • Select "Emergency" when creating a request.
   • Provide critical details concisely.
   • Your request will be prioritized and sent as alerts.

Communication

1. Messaging

   • Tap on a post to express interest.
   • Use the in-app messaging to discuss details.
   • Share additional photos if needed.
   • Arrange meeting through the secure chat.

2. Set Meeting Location

   • Use "Suggest Meeting Point" feature in chat.
   • Select from safe public locations or suggest custom spot.
   • Confirm meeting time and location.
   • Get directions when needed.

Community Engagement

1. Local Events

   • Browse Events tab for neighborhood activities.
   • Create new events with details, time, location.
   • RSVP to events you're interested in.
   • Set reminders for upcoming events.

2. Reporting Issues

   • Go to Updates tab > Report Issue.
   • Categorize the issue (infrastructure, safety, etc.).
   • Add description and photos.
   • Track status of your reports.

3. Business Promotion

   • Create business profile through Settings.
   • Verify business credentials.
   • Post special offers for neighbors.
   • Respond to inquiries through business chat.

Skill Exchange

1. Offering Skills

   • Update profile with skills and expertise.
   • Set availability and terms.
   • Respond to skill requests.
   • Build reputation through reviews.

2. Finding Skills

   • Search by skill type in Skills tab.
   • View profiles and reviews of skilled neighbors.
   • Request assistance with specific projects.
   • Arrange details through messaging.

Volunteering

1. Become a Volunteer

   • Register through Volunteer tab.
   • Select areas of interest.
   • Set availability and radius.
   • Receive alerts for relevant needs.

2. Request Volunteer Help

   • Create request specifying need for volunteer.
   • Describe assistance needed.
   • System matches with available volunteers.
   • Coordinate through dedicated channel.

7.3 Settings and Preferences

1. Notification Settings

   • Customize by type: Resources, Events, Updates, Messages.
   • Set quiet hours.
   • Choose between push, email, or both.

2. Privacy Controls

   • Manage profile visibility.
   • Control location precision.
   • Set anonymous mode for sensitive requests.

3. Language Preferences

   • Select interface language.
   • Set translation preferences for communications.
   • Add secondary languages if multilingual.

8. Risks & Mitigation

Risk	Mitigation
Low adoption in neighborhoods.	Partner with local NGOs and community leaders for grassroots promotion.
Safety during exchanges.	Integrate safe pickup zones (e.g., local police stations) and in-app safety features.
Spam/fake requests.	Require phone verification for posting and implement community reporting system.
Privacy concerns.	Clear privacy policies, granular controls for users, and regular data handling audits.
Language barriers.	Robust translation features and culturally sensitive localization.
Digital divide.	Simple UI/UX with accessibility features and offline capabilities where possible.
Resource coordination failures.	Clear communication protocols and backup contact methods for critical exchanges.

9. Glossary

• Trusted Neighbor: Verified user with ID proof.
• Emergency Alert: Priority broadcast for critical needs.
• Safe Exchange Zone: Designated public locations for resource exchanges.
• Skill Exchange: Service bartering system between neighbors.
• Community Update: Information about infrastructure changes or local issues.
• Volunteer Network: Connected group of residents offering assistance.

10. Next Steps

1. Prioritize MVP Features:
   • Core: Resource posting, search, in-app chat, emergency alerts.
   • Secondary: Events, business promotion, community updates.
   • Tertiary: Skill exchange, volunteer network, advanced location services.
2. Wireframing: Map user flows for all core and secondary features.
3. Pilot Testing: Launch in 1–2 neighborhoods to gather feedback.
4. Phased Rollout: Implement features in stages based on user adoption and feedback.
5. Community Building: Establish neighborhood ambassadors to promote usage.