Challenge
Developing Thinkswap required building a scalable system capable of ingesting, storing, processing, and indexing a large, diverse volume of user-generated content (UGC) in various formats (PDFs, DOCX, etc.). A key challenge was implementing a performant and accurate search functionality across hundreds of thousands of documents, filterable by specific metadata like institution, subject code, and document type. Architecting a secure and reliable digital currency system ("Exchange Credits") for microtransactions (uploads, downloads, purchases) was essential. Furthermore, technical solutions were needed to support content moderation workflows and integrate plagiarism detection tools to maintain academic integrity, alongside building an architecture that could scale internationally.
Developing Thinkswap required building a scalable system capable of ingesting, storing, processing, and indexing a large, diverse volume of user-generated content (UGC) in various formats (PDFs, DOCX, etc.). A key challenge was implementing a performant and accurate search functionality across hundreds of thousands of documents, filterable by specific metadata like institution, subject code, and document type. Architecting a secure and reliable digital currency system ("Exchange Credits") for microtransactions (uploads, downloads, purchases) was essential. Furthermore, technical solutions were needed to support content moderation workflows and integrate plagiarism detection tools to maintain academic integrity, alongside building an architecture that could scale internationally.
Solution
The web platform was developed using Drupal, a leading open-source Content Management System at the time, chosen for its robustness and flexibility in handling content-heavy applications and managing user roles. It featured strong backend capabilities for User-Generated Content (UGC) handling, including file validation, storage hosted on Amazon cloud (AWS) infrastructure (utilizing services like S3), and processing. To enable indexing and searching of text within uploaded documents, especially scanned notes or images, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology was implemented – a key approach for text extraction available at that time, predating widespread AI-based methods. A structured database schema stored document metadata effectively. Advanced search functionality was implemented using both Elasticsearch and Solr index platforms, enabling faceted search based on educational metadata. A custom transaction engine, potentially built as a Drupal module or a separate microservice, managed the Exchange Credits system, tracking user balances and facilitating swaps or purchases via integrated payment gateways, specifically Authorize.net and PayPal. Backend administrative tools, leveraging Drupal's user management and workflow capabilities, supported manual content review queues. APIs for plagiarism detection services were also integrated to scan submitted documents. The platform's architecture, built on Drupal and hosted on AWS, was designed for scalability using cloud resources to accommodate significant user growth internationally.
The web platform was developed using Drupal, a leading open-source Content Management System at the time, chosen for its robustness and flexibility in handling content-heavy applications and managing user roles. It featured strong backend capabilities for User-Generated Content (UGC) handling, including file validation, storage hosted on Amazon cloud (AWS) infrastructure (utilizing services like S3), and processing. To enable indexing and searching of text within uploaded documents, especially scanned notes or images, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology was implemented – a key approach for text extraction available at that time, predating widespread AI-based methods. A structured database schema stored document metadata effectively. Advanced search functionality was implemented using both Elasticsearch and Solr index platforms, enabling faceted search based on educational metadata. A custom transaction engine, potentially built as a Drupal module or a separate microservice, managed the Exchange Credits system, tracking user balances and facilitating swaps or purchases via integrated payment gateways, specifically Authorize.net and PayPal. Backend administrative tools, leveraging Drupal's user management and workflow capabilities, supported manual content review queues. APIs for plagiarism detection services were also integrated to scan submitted documents. The platform's architecture, built on Drupal and hosted on AWS, was designed for scalability using cloud resources to accommodate significant user growth internationally.
Results
The development resulted in a functional, large-scale platform built on Drupal and hosted on AWS, capable of managing over 200,000 user-submitted documents. The search system, powered by Elasticsearch and Solr and enhanced by OCR processing, effectively allowed users to find relevant study materials. The custom-built Exchange Credits system, integrated with Authorize.net and PayPal, successfully facilitated the platform's unique barter/purchase economy. Technical integrations for plagiarism checking and content moderation workflows were operational, helping to address academic integrity concerns. The platform demonstrated technical scalability by expanding its user base globally.
The development resulted in a functional, large-scale platform built on Drupal and hosted on AWS, capable of managing over 200,000 user-submitted documents. The search system, powered by Elasticsearch and Solr and enhanced by OCR processing, effectively allowed users to find relevant study materials. The custom-built Exchange Credits system, integrated with Authorize.net and PayPal, successfully facilitated the platform's unique barter/purchase economy. Technical integrations for plagiarism checking and content moderation workflows were operational, helping to address academic integrity concerns. The platform demonstrated technical scalability by expanding its user base globally.
