HablaBA: Language Exchange Platform
A full-stack web and mobile platform connecting language learners in Buenos Aires through small, intentional group exchanges. Built to solve the dating-app problem in language learning with neighborhood-based discovery and real-time coordination.
- Client
- Personal Project
- Role
- Solo Full-stack Engineer & Product Designer
- Service
- Full-stack Product Development (Web & Mobile)
- Technologies
- Laravel Vue TypeScript Flutter PostgreSQL Redis Tailwind CSS
The Challenge
Language exchange platforms either feel like dating apps with endless profile swiping, or massive party events where meaningful conversation is impossible.
Learners want focused practice with real people, but existing solutions prioritize profiles over practice and quantity over quality.
The Approach
Built HablaBA as a local-first platform that limits exchanges to 6 people maximum, enables neighborhood-based discovery across 48 Buenos Aires neighborhoods, and facilitates coordination through real-time group chat.
Developed both web (Laravel + Vue) and mobile (Flutter) applications sharing the same backend API, with WebSocket-powered real-time features and comprehensive authentication including 2FA.
The Outcome
Created a production-ready platform with sophisticated features including AI-powered compatibility scoring (90% interest match + 10% time availability), real-time chat with optimistic UI updates, multi-step profile onboarding with draft persistence, and comprehensive push notification system.
The platform demonstrates advanced full-stack capabilities across web and mobile, with emphasis on user-centric product decisions and scalable architecture.
