Making decision about implementing a website or downloadable software

[racheldijkstra]

For this task, it has to be decided whether a website or downloadable software will be build for this project. To decide this, pros and cons for each will be documented, and based on those a decision will be made.

[racheldijkstra]

Website

Pros

• Accessibility: Users can access the tool from any device with internet connectivity, making it more versatile and user-friendly. This also allows the users to be able to access their weekly menu from anywhere they need to.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on different operating systems and devices without the need for specific installations.
• Real-Time Updates: Easier to push updates and improvements to the tool without requiring users to download and install new versions.
• Scalability: Easier to scale as your user base grows, and you can leverage cloud services for better performance.

  Cons

• Dependence on Internet: Users need an internet connection to access the tool.
• Security Concerns: Requires robust security measures to protect user data, especially if it involves personal information and dietary preferences.
• Browser Compatibility: Ensuring compatibility across various browsers can be challenging.
• Costs: A domain name and cloud services are generally not free.

[racheldijkstra]

Downloadable software

Pros

• Offline Access: Users can use the tool without an internet connection once it's downloaded.
• Data Privacy: User data is stored locally, potentially reducing security concerns associated with online databases.
• Customization: More flexibility in terms of UI/UX customization and integration with the user's local environment.
• No Browser Dependency: Users don't need to rely on specific browsers, which might be beneficial if they have preferences or restrictions.
• Costs: This project could be implemented and published for free on github.

  Cons

• Installation Process: Users need to go through an installation process, which can be a barrier for some.
• Updates: Users might need to manually update the software, and ensuring everyone is using the latest version can be challenging.
• Platform Specific: Different versions may be needed for different operating systems, leading to additional development efforts.

[racheldijkstra]

As a website like this requires robust security measures which are rather hard to be implemented by just one person, the decision was made to make the tool downloadable software. For now, this will be a Windows tool only, but that could always be changed in the future. Furthermore, when the tool works there is always the possibility to transfer it to a website when there is more knowledge about security measures. The tool could also be expanded with a mobile phone app later on.