Noter: A Multimodal Note-taking Assistant

Built at Cal Hacks 12.0 (October 24–26, 2025)
Authors: Daniel Grant, Haoming Chen, Miranda Anna Christ

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Overview

Noter is a modern iOS application built with SwiftUI and SwiftData. It organizes classes and lectures, generates study notes from recorded audio or uploaded slides, and supports AI-based learning tools such as flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and summaries.

The app was originally designed for Cal Hacks 12.0, hosted by Hack Berkeley, and focuses on simplicity, data integrity, and a clean, glass-inspired user interface consistent with iOS 17+ design language.

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Project Structure

Models/
├─ StudyClass.swift
├─ Lecture.swift
├─ LectureAttachment.swift
├─ LectureNote.swift
└─ UserProfile.swift

Views/
├─ RootTabView.swift
├─ Classes/
│ ├─ ClassesListView.swift
│ ├─ ClassCardView.swift
│ ├─ ClassDetailView.swift
│ ├─ LectureDetailView.swift
│ └─ AddEditClassView.swift
├─ Learn/
│ ├─ LearnHomeView.swift
│ ├─ FlashcardsView.swift
│ ├─ MCQPracticeView.swift
│ └─ SummariesView.swift
└─ Settings/
├─ SettingsView.swift
└─ CreateAccountView.swift

Tests/
├─ Unit tests for create/update/delete
└─ Basic UI test covering add and navigation flow

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Core Features

Data Layer

• Built on SwiftData using @Model types.
• A StudyClass owns multiple Lecture instances, each lecture containing notes and attachments.
• Lectures can include audio references or slide URLs for future AI analysis.
• Provides computed helpers such as sortedLectures and mock data factories for previews and testing.

Root Interface

• Three-tab structure: Classes, Learn, and Settings.
• Uses NavigationStack, Observation, and modern SwiftUI conventions.
• Background materials use .ultraThinMaterial for subtle glass effects.

Classes Tab

• Displays an adaptive layout (List on compact width, Grid on larger screens).
• Supports adding, editing, and deleting classes through sheets and context menus.
• Includes detailed lecture timelines, a quick note composer, and toolbar actions.
• Lecture detail pages support note editing and a stubbed “Analyze with AI” button.

Learn Tab

• Segmented interface with Flashcards, MCQ Practice, and Summaries.
• Accepts filters for the selected class or lecture.
• Uses placeholder async tasks and mock data for now.
• Ready for AI integration to generate study materials.

Settings Tab

• Profile management (name and avatar placeholder).
• AI configuration with model picker and secure API key input.
• Sync section with iCloud toggle and export button.
• Study preferences with sliders and toggles for reminders and note length.
• Inline comments mark future integration points.

Account and Profile

• Simple create-account page captures user information and persists via UserProfile.
• Data integrates with the Settings and Classes tabs.

Testing and Previews

• All previews use .modelContainer(for:inMemory:) with seeded mock data.
• Unit tests cover core model operations.
• A UI test verifies creating a class and navigating between tabs.

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Development Notes

• The “Analyze with AI” and “Regenerate” actions are stubbed to indicate where to integrate real APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, or Azure endpoints).
• Sync and export actions can later tie into CloudKit or custom JSON/Markdown share logic.
• API keys should be stored securely in the keychain when implemented.
• The architecture is ready for SwiftData + CloudKit syncing when available.

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Getting Started

1. Use Xcode 26 or newer, targeting iOS 26 or later.
2. Clone the repository and open the project in Xcode.
3. Build and run on a simulator or device.
4. Create a profile on the login screen.
5. Add a class, lectures, and notes from the Classes tab.
6. Explore the Learn tab for practice views.
7. Adjust preferences and API settings from the Settings tab.

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Future Work

• Integrate AI endpoints for note generation and flashcard creation.
• Enable file upload and in-app audio recording for lectures.
• Implement iCloud/CloudKit synchronization.
• Add data export to share notes and summaries.
• Extend authentication beyond local profiles.
• Add animations, theme support, and improved visual polish.

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Cal Hacks 12.0 Context

Noter was developed during Cal Hacks 12.0, held at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
The project was designed in the spirit of building practical educational tools within a hackathon environment, balancing clean architecture with creative flexibility.
Thanks to Hack Berkeley and the Cal Hacks organizers for hosting the event.

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License

Released under the MIT License.
You are free to use, extend, and modify this project with attribution.