finalsclubdev/FinalsClub — Issue #9: Improve notepad access and reliability
Author: carlgao
Created: 2011-11-24 15:03:06+00:00
State: open

Get rid of any user overhead for note-taking. Currently, users have to set up a course, then notepad, both of which require a variety of settings that slow down the user as the lecture flies by.
Any information such as date, class name, or lecture name should at best be automated and inferred, and at worst requested from the user after the note-taking. For example, the date and lecture number can be automated; the lecture name can also be inferred from the first line in the pad; the class can be picked from a drop-down menu (with the option of choosing existing classes or making a new one) at the end of class or lecture. If possible, integrate with courses.cs50.net for easier course selection. If FinalsClub recorded the time of each class, it could actually infer the class without asking. Also, validate the information given for the course so people can’t put fake emails or inaccurate/vague information like "unsure: Social Studies 10".
Bottom line: people are busy and look for convenience – FinalsClub needs to make the process of jumping into note-taking literally as simple as a (Facebook) login.