SlotParking — Real-Time Parking for Detroit

A SwiftUI-based parking management app that bridges the gap between lot owners and drivers, providing real-time inventory and trusted access to parking in high-traffic urban areas.

Solo · 2026 · SwiftUI · Firebase · iOS · Pilot Phase · Field Testing

Demo Video

Demo video: SlotParking walkthrough coming soon.

Problem

Finding parking in Detroit is a challenge for both drivers and lot owners. Real-time information about available spots is rarely accessible, leading to frustration, congestion, and missed revenue. SlotParking aims to solve this by providing a live, trusted platform for parking management and discovery.

Challenge-Based Learning

Challenge: Bridge the gap between lot owners and drivers with real-time, trusted parking data.
Approach: Developed a SwiftUI app with Firebase sync, error-resistant UI, and offline support for reliability.
Outcome: Built a pilot-ready MVP that addresses real urban parking challenges and supports both attendants and drivers.

Project Snapshot

  • Platform: iOS (SwiftUI)
  • Type: Parking management and discovery
  • Focus: Real-time inventory, accessibility, local branding
  • Team: Solo
  • Role: Product designer and iOS developer
  • Timeline: 2026 (Pilot phase)

Role

Solo product designer and iOS developer responsible for concept, design, implementation, and field testing with Detroit lot owners.

My Contributions

  • Designed and implemented the end-to-end product flow for both drivers and attendants
  • Built modular SwiftUI feature surfaces for slot tracking, reservations, and analytics
  • Developed real-time sync with Firebase and local persistence for offline support
  • Created onboarding, map, and admin dashboard screens
  • Led outreach and pilot testing with Detroit lot owners

Constraints

Deliver a robust MVP in a short timeline, ensure usability for non-technical attendants, and support both online and offline operation in urban environments.

Key Decisions

  • Designed a simple, error-resistant UI for attendants with large, high-contrast controls
  • Used Firebase for real-time updates and CoreData for offline fallback
  • Prioritized local branding and Detroit-specific UI/UX
  • Implemented live inventory broadcast to drivers citywide

Core Features

  • Real-time slot reservation and availability tracking
  • Parking history and analytics for users
  • Admin dashboard for lot managers
  • SwiftUI interface with accessibility support
  • Push notifications for reservation reminders
  • Integration with Apple Maps for navigation

Accessibility Decisions

  • High-contrast color palette for visibility in outdoor/bright conditions
  • Large tap targets and workman fonts for attendants
  • VoiceOver and dynamic type support
  • Offline mode for unreliable connectivity

Technical Highlights

  • MVVM architecture for scalable codebase
  • SwiftUI for UI and user interaction
  • CoreData for local storage
  • Firebase for real-time updates and syncing spot counts across devices
  • Custom animations for slot selection and feedback

Key Screens

SlotParking onboarding screen
Onboarding Screen
Quick intro to app features and benefits.
SlotParking map view screen
Map View Screen
Shows available parking slots and lets users reserve a spot.

Challenges & Solutions

  • Challenge: Convincing private lot owners to adopt a new digital system.
    Solution: In-person demos, easy onboarding materials, and direct support during pilot rollout.
  • Challenge: Preventing inaccurate spot counts due to manual entry errors.
    Solution: Simple, error-resistant UI with confirmation prompts and real-time sync to minimize mistakes.
  • Challenge: Handling unreliable cellular connectivity in downtown Detroit.
    Solution: Offline mode with local caching and automatic sync when connection is restored.
  • Challenge: Building trust with drivers and preventing parking scams.
    Solution: “Verified Lot” badges and live inventory updates to ensure transparency and reliability.

Outcome

SlotParking is not yet built. Soon, I will begin outreach to Detroit lot owners to gauge interest and gather feedback for the app's pilot launch.

Code Highlights

Selected snippets from SlotParking showing real-time spot tracking, Firebase sync, and attendant UI logic.

SPOT COUNT MANAGER Swift class for tracking and updating available parking spots. 
class SpotCountManager: ObservableObject {
    @Published var availableSpots: Int = 0

    func increment() {
        availableSpots += 1
        syncWithFirebase()
    }

    func decrement() {
        if availableSpots > 0 {
            availableSpots -= 1
            syncWithFirebase()
        }
    }

    private func syncWithFirebase() {
        // Firebase update logic here
    }
}

FIREBASE REAL-TIME SYNC

Swift function for listening to spot count changes in Firebase.

func listenForSpotUpdates() {
    let ref = Database.database().reference(withPath: "lots/detroitLot1/spots")
    ref.observe(.value) { snapshot in
        if let count = snapshot.value as? Int {
            self.availableSpots = count
        }
    }
}

ATTENDANT UI BUTTONS

SwiftUI view for attendant controls with large, high-contrast buttons.

struct AttendantControls: View {
    @ObservedObject var manager: SpotCountManager

    var body: some View {
        HStack(spacing: 32) {
            Button(action: { manager.increment() }) {
                Text("+")
                    .font(.system(size: 48, weight: .bold, design: .monospaced))
                    .frame(width: 80, height: 80)
                    .background(Color.orange)
                    .foregroundColor(.white)
                    .cornerRadius(16)
            }
            Button(action: { manager.decrement() }) {
                Text("-")
                    .font(.system(size: 48, weight: .bold, design: .monospaced))
                    .frame(width: 80, height: 80)
                    .background(Color.gray)
                    .foregroundColor(.white)
                    .cornerRadius(16)
            }
        }
        .padding()
    }
}