WaitFast: Dynamically Updated Wait Time Application
January 2025 – Present
Overview
WaitFast is a mobile application designed to provide users with real-time, crowd-sourced wait times for restaurants and bars. The app empowers users to make informed decisions by offering accurate and dynamically updated information.
Key Contributions:
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Mobile Development:
Developed using Swift, integrating Google and Apple location APIs for precise user and venue tracking. -
Backend Integration:
Engineered a Flask backend connected to a PostgreSQL database, handling live data updates through optimized SQL queries and dynamically formatted JSON payloads. -
Data Crowdsourcing:
Designed a community-driven system where users can submit and verify wait times—aggregated, validated, and surfaced through the app interface. -
Security and Data Secured backend endpoints using AWS Secrets Manager for credential handling and hosted the database on AWS RDS for scalability.
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Real-Time UX: Implemented logic for displaying high-confidence, crowd-validated wait estimates based on recent submissions and historical trends.
Problem & Persona
Users often struggle to decide where to eat or drink due to long wait times and lack of accurate information.
WaitFast addresses this by offering:
- Verified, real-time data.
- A simple interface tailored to users’ immediate decision-making needs.
Tech Stack:
- Frontend: Swift (iOS)
- APIs: Google Places API, Apple Maps API
- Backend: AWS, SQL, JSON for dynamic data updates, Python
Access:
- This application is currently available for free on the appstore! View On App Store