Collection management system for Apple Museum
About
The Apple Museum Database is a comprehensive inventory system designed to help the Apple Museum Foundation track and manage its vast collection of devices, accessories, and other items. The system allows the museum to catalog items, monitor their locations, track statuses, store photos, add notes, and more. The museum plans to open its doors in 2025, making this database a critical tool for ensuring the collection is well-organized and preserved.
As the Lead Software Engineer and Developer for the Apple Museum Foundation, I was responsible for the entire lifecycle of this project. From designing and developing the database to ensuring its user-friendliness for older volunteers, I led every aspect of the project. Collaboration was minimal but included consultation with the museum’s treasurer on database design and business-related decisions.
Tech stack
- Laravel for the back-end and front-end
- MySQL for the database
Challenges
- Migrating data from an existing FileMaker database to the new Laravel-based system. FileMaker was too limited for the museum’s requirements.
- Ensuring the system was intuitive and easy to use, especially for older, non-technical volunteers.
Design
- Item tracking with detailed fields such as location, status, photos, and notes.
- User-friendly interface tailored for volunteers with varying levels of technical experience.
The database is actively used by the Apple Museum Foundation to manage its collection efficiently. It has replaced the outdated FileMaker system, providing the flexibility and scalability needed for a growing museum.
Key Learnings
- Laravel Development: This was my first large-scale project using Laravel, where I learned about its structure and capabilities.
- Database Migration: Successfully transferred data from FileMaker to MySQL while preserving its integrity.
- User Experience Design: Focused on creating an intuitive interface for non-technical users.
- Project Ownership: Managed all aspects of the project from start to finish, showcasing leadership and initiative.