Pint Pals: A Native, Cross-Platform Application for Computational Homebrewing and Sensory Evaluation

Sydney Steele (Drury University), Landry Parnell (Drury University), Noah Miles (Drury University)

DU Brew presents a native, cross-platform application designed to support both experiential learning and technical skill development in anticipation of the proposed brewing certificate program at Drury University (2027). The system is engineered to integrate mobile-first software architecture with domain-specific brewing analytics, enabling users to model, track, and evaluate beer production workflows with high granularity. The application is implemented using a native development paradigm to ensure optimal performance, responsiveness, and platform-specific user experience across iOS and Android devices, with a complementary web interface for extended accessibility. The backend leverages a scalable, service-oriented architecture, incorporating RESTful APIs, cloud-based data persistence, and authentication protocols aligned with modern security standards. Emphasis is placed on maintainability and extensibility, enabling future student cohorts to iteratively enhance the system. A core technical contribution is the structured data model for beer evaluation, which decomposes traditional scalar ratings into multidimensional sensory vectors (e.g., flavor, aroma, appearance), supporting more nuanced analysis. Additionally, the system includes process timeline tracking, integrating algorithmic calculations directly into user workflows. From a software engineering perspective, the project follows Agile methodologies, including sprint-based development, backlog prioritization, and continuous integration principles. Key challenges addressed include cross-platform consistency, horizontal scalability under increasing user load, and secure handling of user-generated content. DU Brew serves as both a functional application and a pedagogical artifact, bridging computer science concepts with applied brewing science. It demonstrates how native application development, combined with robust backend infrastructure, can support interdisciplinary education and community-driven knowledge sharing.