Four students in the Department of Computer Science have teamed up to create an iOS and web app for The Atlas, the university’s student-run coffee shop on campus.
The team, composed of seniors Sophia Kist, Sophia Oliinik, Samuel Hoffmann, and Bowyn Maddocks, began thinking of this project during the spring of their junior year. All of them wanted to create something that was meaningful and could enhance life on campus in some way. One day, sitting inside The Atlas, Hoffman turned to Kist with his grand plan of an app for The Atlas to use in communicating with customers. The two then went to Oliinik, who is the current Atlas manager and has worked there as a barista since her freshman year. Oliinik was on board, and very soon, Maddocks joined too.
“It started with a simple idea,” said Hoffman. “We wanted to build something that would actually be used by the WWU community. From there, it became a way for us to apply what we’ve learned in a meaningful way.”
The team got the project approved by the department at the beginning of fall quarter, and began working tirelessly to create the code for the foundation of the application. They split into two groups—Kist and Oliinik working on the interface of the app, and Hoffman and Maddocks working on the infrastructure of the code.
Each member fell perfectly into their role. Kist, who has a background in graphic design, led the interface development, ensuring visual consistency across all platform types. Oliinik, who was able to bring her insider knowledge to the project, helped the team anticipate real user needs. Hoffman, who spent the previous summer working on a coding project for the WWU nursing simulator, brought integral experience to infrastructural development. Maddocks, who supported backend development, spearheaded project documentation and testing, a crucial step for the app’s longevity.
Because the project was going to be used by the community, there were many considerations that went into its development, including meeting the university’s legal and branding requirements and ensuring future Atlas managers from any field of study could use the app. To make this happen, the team worked with The Atlas advisory committee and ASWWU, who will maintain the app using documentation and training resources provided by the developers. The team also needed to have the app approved on the Apple app store and went through a rigorous process of multiple iterations to get it to a working state.
This project became very dear to Oliinik, combining her studies with the job she has cherished the last four years. “It has meant so much to me to have this project, which showcases the education I have received through the department, incorporating The Atlas, which has been my home away from home for these last four years,” said Oliinik. “It makes me especially thankful for the role that I have been able to have at The Atlas for all of my years at WWU and emphasizes this distinct opportunity that WWU gives to students to combine their passions in education with their hobbies.”
James Foster, associate professor of computer science and the team's advisor during this project, is proud of the work they accomplished. “We are very impressed with The Atlas website and application. I believe this is the first student project to be accepted in the iOS app store,” he said.
The Atlas app is built to last. It includes features such as announcements, a live menu, and reservation capabilities. Students who are a part of The Atlas Club can use the digital tracking feature as a punch card.
To explore these features, head over to the Apple app store and search “The Atlas coffee,” or check out The Atlas web app.
Posted June 11, 2025.
