When Darrius Taylor came up with the idea for his website, intelligood.com, in February, he knew he was going to need some help. Taylor envisioned a Mississippi State University version of Craigslist.com, in which students can get involved and learn about new activities, organizations, events and opportunities all based on the individual student’s personal preferences.
After speaking to Gerald Nelson, director of the Entrepreneurship Center on campus, and placing second in the E-Commerce competition, Taylor began to actualize his vision. Taylor could not have done it alone (though he tried, unsuccessfully, for the first seven months). With the help of two programmers, Joe Buza and Trey Gaines, and from Funmibi Fashina with graphics, Taylor was able to start the project.
Taylor said the process behind getting a website up and running involves many steps. To start a website, one must acquire a hosting site, a domain name, some web design, programming knowledge and, in Taylor’s case, a considerable amount of information about MSU.
After Buzza, Gaines and Fashina helped lessen the work load, Taylor faced the challenge of time management. Taylor had to learn to balance school, work and the website, efficiently.
“There were a lot of nights I didn’t get much, if any, sleep because I had a new idea I wanted to try out,” Taylor said.
It is exactly that sleepless and excited spirit that has allowed Intelligood to become a success. The website is receiving positive feedback from students and non-students, alike. Taylor is not satisfied yet, though. Although the feedback thus far is a great beginning, he said he knows there is still room for improvement and growth, and the students who use the site will be able to play a role in potential success.
“Intelligood has the potential to be an amazing service for MSU, and it won’t be because of the programmers but from the content that the users take from and give to the site,” Taylor said.
The website aims to create an individual online experience for each student. The site is devised of a series of “topic boxes” pertaining to individual subjects, such as live entertainment, sports, events, technology and business. The site even includes a topic box for The Reflector. With features such as a blog in which anyone can comment, students can interact and learn more about each other and MSU. The site is well designed and efficient, with a user-friendly interface and creative use of campus information.
Taylor plans to expand the site, adding even more topic boxes and blogs individualized to students. For example, there could be sections of the site geared toward students from specific majors in which they can communicate and discuss classes, challenges and goals.
“Art students might get an ‘art topic’ to post their designs and get feedback on their paintings or a ‘programming topic’ where students can post code and get input on their work,” Taylor said.
Through his website, Taylor hopes he can give back to the university he loves. Building the site has allowed Taylor to learn not only about the world of programming but also of business and life in general. Taylor said he believes all students should take initiative to apply what they are learning in school to a real life project, something they feel passionate about.
“Some students come to college to learn and grow as individuals or because they were beaten over the head with it since high school, but while here, students should know that what they are doing and learning is helping them to become better people,” Taylor said.
Students interested in learning more about the website are encouraged to register online at intelligood.com.