Work - PRPB

A Brunei Malay dictionary website catered to the public’s need for convenient and immediate dictionary information while streamlining administrative processes.

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei
Client
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei
Year
Role
Lead developer
Service
Full-stack web app

Introduction

PRPB, which stands for "Pusat Rujukan Perkamusan Brunei", represents a pivotal project designed to address a critical need in Brunei by establishing a centralised online system for the Brunei Malay dictionary. This multifaceted initiative consisted of two primary components: a publicly accessible Brunei Malay dictionary and an exclusive administrative management system. The overarching objective of the PRPB project was twofold: to facilitate swift and convenient access to Brunei dictionary information for the public while optimising administrative efficiency for those tasked with its upkeep.

Challenges

The client brought forth a series of noteworthy challenges during the PRPB project. First and foremost was the issue of access limitations, as, prior to PRPB's inception, accessing the Brunei Malay dictionary required purchasing a printed copy from a designated shop, significantly limiting public access and introducing inconvenience into the process. Another substantial challenge was the reliance on manual data gathering methods within the existing system, which proved to be inherently inefficient and time-consuming. Lastly, the Filemaker system used for managing dictionary data supported only single-user access at a time, creating operational bottlenecks, particularly when dealing with substantial volumes of data.

Process

The PRPB project underwent a meticulous development process aimed at addressing the outlined challenges and achieving the desired outcomes.

  1. Requirement Analysis: A comprehensive analysis of the client's requirements and the existing system's limitations was conducted to outline the project's scope and objectives.
  2. Technology Stack Selection: Identified and selected the appropriate technology stack, including programming languages, databases, and frameworks, based on the project's requirements, scalability needs, and performance expectations.
  3. Database Design and Development: Created a robust and scalable database schema to accommodate the Brunei Malay dictionary's extensive collection of words and meanings. Defined data models, relationships, and indexing strategies to optimize search performance.
  4. Data Migration and Integration: Existing dictionary data from the printed copies and any electronic sources were meticulously migrated into the new PRPB system. Data integration processes such as data cleansing, transformation, and validation were employed to ensure accuracy and consistency during the transition.
  5. User-Focused Design: The user interface was meticulously designed with user-friendliness and intuitive search functionality in mind, ensuring a seamless experience for those seeking Brunei Malay words.
  6. Content Management System (CMS): Developed an intuitive content management system (CMS) for administrators to update and add new dictionary entries.
  7. User Testing and Feedback: Conducted extensive user testing with a diverse group of potential users to gather feedback on the system's usability, user interface, and search functionality. Used the feedback gathered to refine the user experience further.
  8. User Training and Documentation: To empower administrators with the knowledge and skills needed to efficiently manage the dictionary, comprehensive training sessions and documentation were provided. This included guides on data entry, system maintenance, and user support.

Stack

Here is the software stack I use

  • Laravel

    Back-end

  • Vue

    Front-end

  • Postgres

    Database

  • Redis

    Database

  • Tailwind

    Styling

  • Heroicons

    Icons

Results

The PRPB project achieved several significant results:

  • Enhanced Accessibility: The public can now readily access the Brunei Malay dictionary online, eliminating the need to purchase a physical copy. This has made dictionary information readily available to a broader audience.
  • Efficient Data Management: The introduction of the dictionary management system streamlined the process of handling Kamus Bahasa Melayu Brunei data, markedly improving efficiency for administrators in terms of maintenance and updates.
  • Improved User Experience: The user-friendly interface and robust search functionality have significantly enhanced the user experience, enabling individuals to effortlessly discover Brunei Malay words.
  • Scalability and Performance: PRPB demonstrates remarkable scalability and performance, efficiently managing substantial volumes of data and concurrent user requests without sacrificing responsiveness.

Key takeaway

The PRPB project exemplifies the transformative potential of digital solutions in addressing longstanding challenges. By carefully analysing client needs, architecting a user-focused system, and optimizing performance, PRPB has ushered in a new era of accessible and efficient Malay dictionary access in Brunei, marking a significant milestone in language preservation and accessibility.

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