Reflections on AEC Hackathon 2024: Imprint Protocol

Oct 29, 2024

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The AEC Hackathon 2024 was an incredible experience, and I want to take a moment to thank everyone who made it possible. From the sponsors to the organizers, the event was well-structured and truly inspiring. I am especially grateful to my team for our collaborative efforts, which led us to develop something innovative and functional.

Our Project: Imprint Protocol

During the hackathon, our team worked on a groundbreaking idea called Imprint, introduced by Anthony Samaha, who drew from his rich background in architecture and technology. The concept aims to establish a new protocol that eliminates the need for traditional QR codes. Here are a few key points highlighting the advantages of our approach:

Human-Friendly: Unlike QR codes, which are not easily readable by people, Imprint allows us to utilize existing architectural drawings and design graphics as the primary data storage method.
Reduced Clutter: By removing QR codes, we simplify visuals, ensuring that the focus remains on the design rather than distracting graphics.
Efficient Data Utilization: Architectural drawings and design graphics already contain essential information, allowing us to skip the "middleman" and use the drawings directly.

Technology Stack

Our technology suite includes a comprehensive web frontend, functional on both web and mobile, and a robust data processing backend. We also introduced Viktor, a repository for 3D models linked to the data images. Additionally, we integrated a Revit plugin, connecting the widely used architectural software to our ecosystem. This integration enables us to seamlessly link architectural floor plans and blueprints.

While our primary use case focuses on architecture, the potential applications extend to various industries, including retail and healthcare. Instead of relying on QR codes, we can use aesthetically appealing images as data stores, enhancing both functionality and user experience.

For a deeper dive into our project, check out our GitHub repository: AEC Hackathon QR Killer. You can also view our presentation here. Showcase below.

A Heartfelt Thanks

In closing, I want to express my gratitude once again to the event organizers, sponsors, and all participants. The presentations and demos showcased were nothing short of spectacular. I truly enjoyed the collaborative spirit of the event, and I am proud of what my team accomplished together. The skills we developed and the technology we created have real potential, and I look forward to seeing where this journey takes us.

I would like to thank each and every one of my team members: Anthony Samaha, Travis Potter, Matthijs Beekman, Nehansh Saxena, Alan Cation, Sophie Moore, Sidharth Jain, Praneet Mathur, and our Special Guest Star: Nirvik Saha.