- Role: Full-Stack Developer (Solo)
- Technologies: PHP, CodeIgniter, Node.js, React, Fabric.js, MySQL, Electron, Ionic, Digital Ocean, Digital Ocean Spaces, Long Polling
- Team Size: Solo Developer (except design)
- Industry: Educational Technology / Digital Signage
- User Base: Educational Institutions, Corporate Communications
Overview
Developed a comprehensive web-based digital signage management system that enables users to create, distribute, and manage digital content across multiple displays through a cloud-based platform. The solution combines a PHP CodeIgniter web control panel with cross-platform playback applications built using Electron (desktop), Ionic (Android), and React (Chrome extension). Built entirely solo using a hybrid tech stack, the platform serves primarily the education market and corporate environments, offering an intuitive Fabric.js-powered drag-and-drop interface that eliminates the need for graphic design expertise.
Key Responsibilities & Achievements
- Built WYSIWYG drag-and-drop editor enabling non-technical users to create professional signage
- Developed multi-platform playback applications (Electron, Ionic, React Chrome Extension)
- Integrated 2 million+ searchable images in comprehensive media gallery
- Implemented real-time device management with GPS tracking and remote control
- Created emergency messaging system for crisis communication across all displays
- Achieved per-school licensing with unlimited screens and no monthly subscriptions
Technical Implementation
The platform leverages a hybrid architecture with PHP CodeIgniter as the main web application backend, complemented by Node.js utilities for specific functions. The web control panel utilizes Fabric.js for canvas-based layout editing and React components for interactive UI elements. MySQL database handles all persistent data storage while Digital Ocean Spaces manages media file storage and delivery. Real-time communication between the web panel and playback devices is achieved through long polling, ensuring instant updates without WebSocket complexity. The multi-platform playback ecosystem consists of Electron-based desktop applications for Windows, Mac, and Linux, an Ionic-based Android application, and a React-powered Chrome extension, all communicating with the central PHP/MySQL backend.
Impact & Results
- Democratized digital signage creation by eliminating graphic design skill requirements through intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Enabled scalable deployment with per-school licensing allowing unlimited screens without per-device costs
- Reduced operational complexity through centralized web-based management accessible from any device
- Improved emergency communication capabilities in educational environments with instant crisis messaging
- Provided cost-effective solution with no monthly subscriptions and free 15-day unlimited trials
- Supported diverse hardware ecosystems through multi-platform playback applications
- Enhanced content flexibility with integrated media gallery and support for dynamic widgets
- Streamlined device management with automated status monitoring and GPS-based location tracking
Key Features Delivered
- WYSIWYG drag-and-drop editor - Browser-based layout creation with real-time preview
- Multi-platform playback apps - Electron (Windows/Mac/Linux), Ionic (Android), React (Chrome Extension)
- 2 million+ media gallery - Integrated searchable image library
- Advanced scheduling system - Time-based content deployment and automation
- Device management dashboard - Real-time status, GPS tracking, and remote control
- Channel and group organization - Logical device grouping for targeted content distribution
- Emergency messaging system - Instant crisis communication across all displays
- Touch layout support - Interactive signage capabilities for kiosks and displays
- User access controls - Granular permissions with unlimited user accounts
- Widget integration - Weather, Twitter feeds, clocks, and custom widgets
- Cloud-based architecture - No software installation required for management
- Multiple content formats - Images, videos, and dynamic content support
- Per-school licensing - Unlimited screens with no monthly subscription model
- 15-day free trial - No credit card required for full platform access
Key Metrics
- Platform Support: Multi-platform - Desktop and mobile applications
- Content Formats: Universal - Images, videos, documents, web content
- Media Gallery: 2M+ Images - Integrated searchable image library
- Development Stack: Full-stack - PHP backend, React frontend, mobile apps
