The Shūchaku Anime Store project is a comprehensive full-stack web application built to support the digital transformation of a regional anime merchandise retailer. Developed as part of the 1802ICT Systems Development course at Griffith University, the project aimed to transition the business from a single physical store into a scalable, competitive online platform.
This solution was built with a focus on project management, business and data analysis, security planning, and cost-effective implementation. The development lifecycle followed structured methodologies, including feasibility analysis, stakeholder engagement, functional decomposition, and Agile iteration planning.
Key subsystems included user authentication, inventory and order management, product search, review and rating modules, customer support chat, and a loyalty-based rewards system using “Shūchaku Points.” An innovative limited-edition lottery feature was also integrated, allowing customers fair access to exclusive collectibles.
From a technical perspective, the platform utilized:
Frontend: React.js and WordPress for UI/UX
Backend: Express.js, PHP (Laravel), and MySQL
Tools: Asana, Git, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Teams, and Chrome DevTools
Business decisions were backed by a cost-benefit analysis, which projected an annual benefit of over $114,000, with ROI expected within two years. Operational costs were minimized through smart staffing, cloud hosting, license budgeting, and advertising optimization.
The system architecture followed a secure three-tier model, with HTTPS, TLS 1.2, SSL encryption, access controls, and digital certificates ensuring data protection. Version control and documentation were handled using Git and CVS, while deployment followed a parallel rollout strategy to reduce operational disruption.
Training programs, user documentation, and system evaluations were delivered to ensure smooth handover and stakeholder confidence.
Ultimately, the Shūchaku Anime Store project reflects a balanced intersection of IT system design, cybersecurity, business intelligence, and marketing strategy—successfully modernizing a traditional retail operation into a data-driven, customer-first digital enterprise.
- Objective: Digitally transform a physical anime store with e-commerce capabilities.
- Budget: AUD $100,000
- Timeline: 20 weeks
- Team: Dhruv Mehra & Hoang Minh Le
- 🛒 E-Commerce Functionality: Product browsing, add to cart, checkout, guest checkout
- 🎯 Smart Recommendations: Based on customer interest and behavior
- 🎁 Limited Edition Lottery: Randomized access to exclusive products
- 💬 Live Support: Chatbot and contact integration
- 🔐 Secure Transactions: HTTPS, SSL, TLS 1.2, encrypted credentials
- ⭐ Ratings & Reviews: Viewable by all users
- 🧾 Loyalty Program: Earn and redeem Shūchaku Points
- 📦 Admin Dashboard: Inventory, content, and user management
-
Client-Server Architecture (3-tier):
- Presentation Layer: React.js, WordPress
- Application Layer: Express.js, PHP (Laravel)
- Data Layer: MySQL, WordPress CMS
-
Security Measures:
- Access Control Lists (ACLs)
- Public/Private Key Encryption
- Digital Certificates
- TLS 1.2, HTTPS, SSL
- React.js
- WordPress
- Adobe Photoshop
- Express.js
- PHP (Laravel)
- MySQL
- Visual Studio Code
- Git & GitHub (CVS version control)
- Chrome DevTools
- Lighthouse
- Asana
- Microsoft Teams / Outlook
- OneDrive
| Module | Tool | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Tests | Custom test cases | ✅ Passed |
| Integration Testing | Chrome DevTools | ✅ Passed |
| UI Validation | Manual walkthrough | ✅ Verified |
| Security Testing | Encrypted endpoints | ✅ Validated |
| Metric | Value (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Online Revenue Growth | $87,000 |
| In-store Revenue Growth | $21,000 |
| Marketing Cost Savings | $6,000 |
| Total Annual Benefit | $114,000 |
| Payback Period | 1 year, 339 days |
- Data Migration: Excel → SQL (validated and sanitized)
- Deployment Method: Parallel deployment (old & new systems active)
- Environment Setup: Web server, app server, database, firewalls
- Training: Admin, retail, and IT staff with system/user documentation
- Version Control: CVS and Git for rollback and history
A high-level overview of how different stakeholders (Store, Bank, Customer, and Online Platform) connect to the system.
Showcases product categories, search bar, and banners.
Detailed info, variants, quantity, reviews, and cart actions.
Editable cart items, quantity, total price, and checkout link.
Displays address, cart summary, voucher field, and payment entry.
Editable form for address, name, phone, and location.
