Client Hand-off Plan

Overview

RespiLens is a web-based platform that aggregates and visualizes respiratory disease forecast data, providing users with an intuitive, “weather-style” interface for understanding trends in diseases such as COVID-19, RSV, and influenza.

This project builds upon the existing RespiLens system by introducing a series of user interface and usability improvements aimed at making the platform more intuitive, consistent, and easier to navigate.

GitHub Repo: https://github.com/rithwik-mishra/RespiLens

Expansion Points

The client will receive:

• Updated RespiLens codebase with UI and functionality improvements

• Access to the GitHub repository

• Documentation for setup and local development

• Description of implemented changes and system behavior

• Video walkthroughs showing setup and changes in functionality/design

Summary of Changes

UI Improvements

• Redesigned sidebar to better distinguish between different forecast/model types

• Improved grouping and labeling for enhanced clarity

• Designed Landing page for optimal first-time user experience

Location Selector Fixes

• Fixed inconsistencies between:

  • Metrocast (city-level forecasts)

  • State-level forecasts

• Ensured correct switching and behavior between location types

• Improved indexing system for locations

• Reduced errors when switching between datasets

General Usability Enhancements

• Improved navigation across views

• More consistent UI behavior across datasets

• Minor bug fixes and polish

System Architecture

RespiLens follows a client-side web architecture:

• Frontend:

  • JavaScript-based web application using React/Mantine

  • Handles UI rendering, user interaction, and dataset selection

• Data Sources:

  • External APIs and datasets (e.g., CDC forecasting data)

• Hosting:

  • Deployed web application through GitHub Pages (respilens.com)

Setup and Local Development

The RespiLens project can be run locally for development or testing.

Prerequisites

• MacOS / Linux operating system or WSL for Windows

• Node.js (recommended latest LTS version)

• npm (comes with Node)

Steps to Run Locally

1. Clone the Repo:  git clone https://github.com/rithwik-mishra/RespiLens.git

2. Activate virtual environment: source venv/bin/activate

3. Run data processing pipeline: ./update_all_data_source.sh

4. Navigate to frontend: cd RespiLens/app

5. Install Frontend Dependancies: npm install

6. Run Frontend Server: npm run dev

Ownership

Upon handoff:

• The client retains full ownership of:

  • The codebase

  • Deployment and hosting

  • Any associated data integrations

• Future updates can be made directly through the GitHub repository