GauchoClass
Best AI • SBHacks XI
Best AI • SBHacks XI
Partners
Partners
Course selection at UCSB shouldn't require hours of research across multiple platforms, so we built a unified dashboard that gives students all the data they need in one place.
Course selection at UCSB shouldn't require hours of research across multiple platforms, so we built a unified dashboard that gives students all the data they need in one place.
Problem
Problem
UCSB students struggle with course selection, spending hours cross-referencing RateMyProfessor reviews, grade distributions, and course catalogs to make informed decisions. The information exists but is scattered across multiple platforms, making it difficult to get a complete picture of any course.
UCSB students struggle with course selection, spending hours cross-referencing RateMyProfessor reviews, grade distributions, and course catalogs to make informed decisions. The information exists but is scattered across multiple platforms, making it difficult to get a complete picture of any course.
Solution
Solution
GauchoCourse consolidates all essential course information into a single, intelligent dashboard with an AI chatbot (Oviya) for personalized course and transcript guidance.
GauchoCourse consolidates all essential course information into a single, intelligent dashboard with an AI chatbot (Oviya) for personalized course and transcript guidance.
Design Inspiration
Design
Inspiration
I drew inspiration from Apple's iconic bento grid layout used in their product presentations, a design pattern that presents complex information as digestible, organized modules. This approach was perfect for course data because it allows students to quickly scan all relevant metrics without cognitive overload.
I drew inspiration from Apple's iconic bento grid layout used in their product presentations, a design pattern that presents complex information as digestible, organized modules. This approach was perfect for course data because it allows students to quickly scan all relevant metrics without cognitive overload.
Information Architecture*
Information
Architecture*
Primary stats (Credits, avg GPA, Difficulty) prominently displayed with large numbers
Grade distribution chart as the largest visual element
Course name highlighted in the center
AI chatbot integration easily accessible without disrupting the data view
*This did change in post production during our hackathon, but the information is still clear and easy for the user to digest.
Primary stats (Credits, avg GPA, Difficulty) prominently displayed with large numbers
Grade distribution chart as the largest visual element
Course name highlighted in the center
AI chatbot integration easily accessible without disrupting the data view
*This did change in post production during our hackathon, but the information is still clear and easy for the user to digest.
Visual Design
Visual
Design
Dark theme to reduce eye strain during long course planning sessions
High contrast for data legibility
Consistent spacing following bento grid principles
Color coding for quick pattern recognition in grade distributions
Dark theme to reduce eye strain during long course planning sessions
High contrast for data legibility
Consistent spacing following bento grid principles
Color coding for quick pattern recognition in grade distributions
Interaction Design
Interaction
Design
One-page dashboard eliminates navigation between different data sources
Scannable and consistent layout allows quick comparison between course metrics
One-page dashboard eliminates navigation between different data sources
Scannable and consistent layout allows quick comparison between course metrics
Technical Integration
Technical
Integration
The design needed to accommodate complex RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) technology that processes:
Official UCSB course catalogs
RateMyProfessor reviews
Historical grade distributions via FERPA
Intelligent transcript analysis
I designed the interface to make this technical complexity invisible to users, they should see clean, organized information, not the sophisticated data pipeline running behind it.
The design needed to accommodate complex RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) technology that processes:
Official UCSB course catalogs
RateMyProfessor reviews
Historical grade distributions via FERPA
Intelligent transcript analysis
I designed the interface to make this technical complexity invisible to users, they should see clean, organized information, not the sophisticated data pipeline running behind it.
Result
Result
Won Best AI Award for innovative use of RAG technology and intelligent course recommendations.
User Experience:
Single source of truth for course decision-making
Reduced research time from hours to minutes
Data-driven decisions with comprehensive grade and review analysis
Who was your designer? … You have a real gift, this looks amazing, keep it up.
Won Best AI Award for innovative use of RAG technology and intelligent course recommendations.
User Experience:
Single source of truth for course decision-making
Reduced research time from hours to minutes
Data-driven decisions with comprehensive grade and review analysis
Who was your designer? … You have a real gift, this looks amazing, keep it up.
SBHacks XI Judge
SBHacks XI Judge