Building a Social Platform for the d/Deaf Community: A Technical Journey
Project Overview
As the sole engineer on the project, I developed Tive, a platform initially conceived to connect members of the d/Deaf community with ASL interpreters on-demand. The concept was similar to Uber's model, but instead of connecting users with drivers, we aimed to provide immediate access to ASL interpretation services.
Technical Implementation
Phase 1: Video Chat Integration
The first technical challenge was identifying and implementing suitable video chat technology. After evaluating several options, I initially selected Agora, a Real-Time Voice and Video platform, for the proof of concept. The platform offered straightforward implementation with minimal code required for room connectivity.
While the initial demos proved successful, as we moved toward production, we encountered limitations with Agora's customization capabilities. Specifically, we needed:
Custom message integration within chat rooms
Video chat status notifications
Server-side event handling
Webhook support
These requirements led us to migrate to Twilio's Video API, which provided:
Enhanced customization options
High-level WebRTC abstraction
Comprehensive webhook support
Scalable infrastructure without the need for managing custom WebRTC signaling servers
Phase 2: Interpreter Integration Challenges
The integration of ASL interpreter services proved more complex than initially anticipated. While we developed a preliminary system for interpreter support, we ultimately transitioned to a third-party ASL video chat solution. This migration introduced several technical challenges:
Technical Requirements:
Implementation of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) over WebRTC
Integration with STUN servers
Configuration of signaling servers
Setup of third-party Asterisk servers for interpreter video calling
Implementation Challenges:
Limited documentation for third-party integration
Complex SIP call configuration requirements
Extensive debugging of demo applications to identify necessary configuration parameters
Multiple iterations of business agreement negotiations
Lessons Learned
This project highlighted the importance of: Thorough evaluation of technical solutions before implementation
Flexibility in adapting to changing business requirements
The value of robust documentation in technical integrations
The experience provided valuable insights into both the technical and business aspects of developing specialized communication platforms for specific communities.
