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Project Overview

MicDots Kickoff Call​

Date: October 28, 2025 Attendees: donnavincentroa@gmail.com, droa@vincentroagroup.com, fabio.morais@miew.io, mateus.cantelmo@miew.io, matthew.johnson@miew.io, nelson.carvalho@miew.io, paulo.pinho@miew.io, telmo.martins@miew.io

Project Vision​

Core Concept​

MicDots is building the first voice QR code category platform, transforming static QR codes into accessible, authenticated voice channels with primary focus on blind and low vision communities.

Timeline​

  • Start Date: November 3rd, 2025
  • End Date: January 9th, 2026
  • Duration: 8-week MVP

Donna's Background & Vision​

  • Former USAID Project Director until program shutdown
  • Founded MicDots after investor challenge to "do a spin-off"
  • Describes concept as "unicorn idea" - creating a new QR voice category
  • Big Picture: First voiceover platform for global water sector
  • Long-term Goal: Become largest Voice 1099 employer globally
  • Create new genre for voice actors beyond generalist platforms

System Architecture​

📐 View Complete System Architecture →

The MicDots platform is built on a cloud-native architecture with the following key components:

  • Client Layer: CloudFront CDN, Frontend web application
  • Application Layer: EC2 backend server with REST API and RageAgainstThePixel SDK
  • Services Layer:
    • Database: SQL Server (Amazon RDS)
    • File Storage: AWS S3
    • External Services: ElevenLabs (TTS via RageAgainstThePixel SDK), QR Tiger (QR Generation)

View detailed architecture documentation →

Technical Requirements​

AI & Blockchain Integration​

  • Chat about networking within LinkedIn integration possibilities
  • Create a MicDot that would connect to Boardy-like service
  • Custom GPT about MicDots connected to QR codes
  • Maximize blockchain and AI throughout platform

Accessibility & Compliance​

  • 508 compliant from day 1 - accessibility is a critical requirement
  • Auto-play audio functionality essential for blind users
  • Optional closed captioning for deaf community

QR Code Research Findings​

  • Micro QR codes don't work well with blind-assisted devices or Google Pixel
  • QR code exploration complete - technical structure understood
  • Researched multiple QR generators (QR.io, Canva, Bitly, Navilens)

Future Considerations​

  • NFCs for high-value and advanced interactions (consideration list item)

User Flow & Token System​

Three-Tier Token Pricing​

  1. 30 seconds = 1 token
  2. 1 minute (31-60 seconds) = 2 tokens
  3. 3 minutes (60-180 seconds) = 3 tokens

Pricing Structure​

  • Human voices cost more tokens than AI voices
  • Dynamic vs static QR codes pricing differentiation

User Experience Features​

  • Auto-play audio functionality essential for blind users
  • Optional closed captioning for deaf community
  • User dashboard and analytics requirements defined
  • Order journey mapped out for user experience

Brand Development​

Status​

  • 90% complete brand document with messaging
  • Working with graphic designer (met yesterday) for refinements
  • Applied for trademarks globally (14 countries, $7,000 investment)
  • Verification mark concept in development

Brand Identity​

Color Palette:

  • Blue
  • Yellow
  • Purple
  • Neutral grays

Assets:

  • Fake social media posts showing color usage examples
  • Brand messaging framework complete

Design Assets & Constraints​

Required Design Deliverables​

Branding:

  • Logo (SVG, PNG formats)
  • Color palette documentation
  • Typography guide
  • Brand guidelines

UI/UX Mockups:

  • Authentication screens (login page, error states)
  • Homepage - Single-action input page (Stage 1)
  • Result page - Audio player and QR display (Stage 1)
  • Analytics dashboard (Stage 2)

Responsive Design Requirements:

  • Mobile views (320px-768px)
  • Tablet views (768px-1024px)
  • Desktop views (1024px+)

Graphics & Icons:

  • App icons and button states
  • Loading animations
  • Success/error state icons

Design Constraints​

Accessibility (508 Compliance):

  • Auto-play audio for blind users (critical requirement)
  • Optional closed captioning for deaf community
  • High contrast modes
  • Keyboard navigation support
  • Screen reader compatibility

QR Code Specifications:

  • Standard QR codes (micro QR codes ruled out)
  • Compatible with blind-assisted devices
  • Works with Google Pixel and other smartphones
  • High resolution for printing
  • Custom branding integration

User Experience Priorities:

  • Single-action homepage (minimal friction)
  • Clear loading states and feedback
  • Instant preview functionality
  • Simple download and share options

Design Tools & Resources​

  • Design system to be established
  • Figma/Adobe XD for mockups (TBD)
  • Asset organization structure needed

Voice Actor Network​

Current Status​

  • 8 voice actors already committed with signed NDAs
  • All referrals or personally known - curated approach
  • Human voice workflow will be asynchronous processing
  • Sample deliverables being refined with questionnaire

Research & Preparation​

Completed Research​

  • ✅ Studying anatomy of QR code - familiar with technical structure
  • ✅ Mapped out order journey for user experience
  • ✅ Working on personas for target users
  • ✅ User dashboard and analytics requirements defined
  • ✅ Tested multiple QR generators (QR.io, Canva, Bitly, Navilens)
  • ✅ Taking action on branding assets and social media examples

Next Steps & Deliverables​

Immediate Actions​

  • By November 7th: Donna provides brand assets, voice samples, API keys
  • Weekly status meetings (preference for Fridays)
  • Invite-only release strategy for competitive protection

Integrations to Research​

  • Fresh desk/Zendesk integration for customer support
  • Team to research captioning capabilities
  • Content moderation options exploration