COLLABERS Final Report
COLLABERS Final Report
INFLUENCER–BRAND COLLABORATION
A PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by
VENGADESAN G. (311821205060)
MANIKANDAN P. (311821205023)
PRAJESH RAM V. (311821205043)
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
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BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified that this project report titled "COLLABERS: A Smart Platform for
Influencer–Brand Collaboration" is the Bonafide work of VENGADESAN
G (311821205060), MANIKANDAN P (311821205023), and PRAJESH
RAM V (311821205043) who carried out the project work under my
supervision.
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
Submitted for the project viva voce examination held on: ___________________
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Divine for the unwavering guidance and strength
bestowed upon us, enabling the successful completion of this project. Our heartfelt appreciation
goes to OUR PARENTS, whose enduring support has been the cornerstone of our journey
throughout this project and our academic pursuits.
We express our profound thanks to ALHAJ JANAB S.M. YOUSUF, Chairman, and
Mr. MOHAMED SATHAK, Director of Mohamed Sathak A J College of Engineering,
Chennai, for their visionary leadership and support. Our sincere gratitude is directed towards
our esteemed Principal, Dr. K. S. SRINIVASAN, for granting us the opportunity to carry out
our project within the nurturing environment of our college.
Special thanks are due to our Head of the Department and Project Supervisor Mrs. N.
ANGAYARKANNI, M.Tech/IT, Department of Information Technology, whose mentorship
and insights have been invaluable.
We would also like to acknowledge the collective efforts of all our department Faculty
Members and staff of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Their support has
been instrumental throughout our academic journey. Lastly, we are thankful to our friends,
whose camaraderie and assistance have enriched our project experience.
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ABSTRACT
Built with a modern technology stack HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React for the
frontend, Django for the backend, and SQL with Django ORM for data handling—
Collabers offers a secure, scalable, and intuitive environment for collaboration management.
The application supports role-based login, with dedicated dashboards for brands and
influencers. Brands can post campaign opportunities, and influencers can apply to relevant
listings.
Collabers bridges the gap between marketing goals and influencer outreach by
simplifying discovery, improving campaign targeting, and encouraging meaningful digital
partnerships. This project showcases the potential of combining web technologies and data
science to build a smart, collaborative ecosystem for influencer marketing.
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LIST OF SYMBOLS
NOTATION
S.NO NOTATION DESCRIPTION
NAME
Associations
represent static
relationships
between classes.
2. Association Roles represents
the way the two
classes.
It aggregates
several classes
3. Actor into a single
class.
Interaction
between the
system and
4. Aggregation
external
environment
v
Extends
relationship is
used when one
Relation use case is
5. EXTENDS
(extends) similar to
another use case
but does a bit
more.
Communication
6. Communication between various
use cases.
Initial state of
8. Initial State the object.
Represents
decision making
11. Decision box
process from a
constraint.
Interact ion
12. Use case between the
system.
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Represents
physical modules
13. Component which is a
collection of
components.
Represents
physical modules
14. Node which are a
collection of
components.
A circle in DFD
represents a state
or process which
Data
15. has been
Process/State
triggered due to
some event or
action.
Represents
external entities
16. External entity such as
keyboard,
sensors, etc.
Represents
communication
17. Transition that occurs
between
processes.
Represents the
vertical
18. Object Lifeline dimensions that
the object
communications.
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LIST OF FIGURES
1. Architecture Diagram 21
3. UI/UX Design 24
4. Class Diagram 27
5. Sequence Diagram 28
6. State Diagram 30
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Sl.No. Title
No.
1 Introduction 1
1.1 About the Project 1
1.2 Problem Statement 2
1.3 Objectives 3
2 System Study 5
2.1 Existing System 5
2.2 Proposed System 6
3 Literature Survey 8
4 Requirement Analysis 10
4.1 Functional Requirements 10
4.2 Non-Functional
11
Requirements
5 System Analysis 13
5.1 Feasibility Study 13
5.2 Proposed System Flow 15
6 System Requirement Specification 17
6.1 Hardware Requirements 17
6.2 Software Requirements 18
7 System Design 21
7.1 Architecture Diagram 21
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Page
Sl.No. Title
No.
7.2 Data Flow Diagram 23
7.3 UI/UX Design 24
7.4 Class Diagram 27
7.5 Sequence Diagram 28
7.6 State Diagram 30
8 System Implementation 33
8.1 Modules 33
8.2 Tools Used 34
9 Testing 37
9.1 Objectives 37
9.2 Test Class 37
9.3 Testing Methods 38
9.4 Testing Types 49
10 Conclusion 41
11 Future Scope 43
12 References 45
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1. INTRODUCTION
Over the past decade, social media has transformed from a simple communication
platform into a global marketing engine. Among the most impactful outcomes of this
transformation is the rise of influencer marketing, where content creators—commonly referred
to as influencers—leverage their follower base to promote products, services, or causes. Brands
now increasingly depend on influencers to establish trust, boost engagement, and drive
conversions among niche audiences.
To solve this problem, our team has developed Collabers, a comprehensive web-based
application that streamlines influencer–brand collaborations. Collabers acts as a smart bridge,
enabling both brands and influencers to register, interact, collaborate, and track campaign
progress on a single platform.
The platform uses a role-based login system where influencers and brands are given
customized access and functionality. Brands can create and publish collaboration posts that
detail campaign requirements, timelines, deliverables, and compensation. Influencers can view
these opportunities, apply with their profiles, and receive direct communication and updates
via the platform.
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To elevate the decision-making process, Collabers incorporates a Machine Learning
(ML) model using the XGBoost algorithm. This model processes various parameters such as
an influencer’s follower count, engagement rate, category (fashion, tech, food, etc.), and
activity levels to recommend the most suitable influencers to brands for each campaign.
• Database: SQL (PostgreSQL), integrated through Django ORM for efficient querying
and data management
The platform focuses on offering a minimalistic and intuitive UI/UX, allowing users to navigate
and perform tasks easily, even with minimal technical know-how. It is responsive across
devices and supports future expansion toward features like real-time messaging, analytics
dashboards, and third-party payment integrations.
Despite the rapid growth of influencer marketing, the tools available to manage
collaborations are still basic, non-intelligent, and fragmented. Brands often rely on manual
research to identify influencers, leading to wasted time and suboptimal partnerships.
Influencers, on the other hand, do not have access to centralized, authentic campaign listings
and often miss out on opportunities due to poor visibility and communication gaps.
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Lack of Data-Driven Matching: Most collaborations happen without the help of intelligent
filtering or matching mechanisms, leading to irrelevant partnerships.
These problems collectively hinder the potential of influencer marketing as a strategic and
scalable digital channel.
The primary goal of the project is to develop a robust, user-friendly web platform
that streamlines the process of influencer–brand collaboration using technology and data
science. The system aims to benefit both influencers and brands by reducing friction, improving
visibility, and enabling data-backed decisions.
Key Objectives:
Role-Based Access Control: Allow users to register as either an influencer or a brand and
provide tailored interfaces and functionalities for both roles.
Smart Filtering Using XGBoost: Integrate an ML model (XGBoost) that helps brands
shortlist influencers based on key performance indicators like engagement rate, content niche,
and follower count.
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Secure Authentication & Data Handling: Use Django’s built-in authentication system and
ORM to ensure user security and data consistency.
Minimalistic & Responsive UI/UX: Build the front end using React.js to ensure
responsiveness across devices with a simple, clean, and engaging user experience.
Modular & Scalable Codebase: Structure the application using modular components for
future enhancements such as chat integration, performance dashboards, and external API
integrations.
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2. SYSTEM STUDY
In the current digital ecosystem, influencer marketing has emerged as a critical pillar
for brand engagement, product promotions, and consumer outreach. However, the
collaboration process between influencers and brands remains largely unstructured and
inefficient. Most partnerships are formed through informal channels such as direct messages
on social media, cold emails, or word-of-mouth referrals. These methods often lack
standardization, transparency, and scalability.
Brands often face significant challenges in discovering relevant influencers who align
with their campaign objectives. The lack of intelligent filtering or advanced search mechanisms
forces marketing teams to rely on time-consuming manual research. Even when potential
influencers are identified, there is no assurance that they are active, responsive, or genuinely
aligned with the brand's values and audience. Consequently, brands either resort to expensive
third-party agencies or settle for suboptimal partnerships, which may not yield meaningful
outcomes.
From the influencer’s perspective, opportunities are scattered and often hidden. Many
content creators struggle to find legitimate collaborations that match their niche or audience
demographics. Since there is no centralized platform where influencers can browse and apply
for brand campaigns, they are forced to rely on social media announcements, group forums, or
third-party job boards—most of which offer little in terms of quality control or direct brand
interaction.
Moreover, the absence of campaign management tools adds to the inefficiency. Brands
typically manage applications and shortlisting using spreadsheets or basic tools like Google
Forms, which are ill-suited for tracking communication, reviewing influencer profiles, or
analyzing campaign performance. Communication, too, is fragmented and slow, occurring
across emails, social media DMs, or WhatsApp, all of which are prone to miscommunication
and data loss.
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to engagement rates, category fit, or past performance. This lack of intelligent infrastructure
creates an urgent need for a robust, scalable, and smart solution.
Technologically, the platform is built using React.js on the frontend to ensure a smooth,
responsive, and interactive user experience. The backend is powered by Django, a high-level
Python web framework known for its reliability and security. Data is managed using a
relational SQL database (PostgreSQL), and Django ORM is used for safe and optimized
database interaction.
Collabers is designed not just to solve the logistical issues of collaboration, but to
enhance the entire experience for both influencers and brands. It offers a clean, minimalistic
UI that encourages ease of use and reduces the learning curve for first-time users. The system
is also built with scalability in mind, with a modular architecture that allows for the addition of
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new features such as real-time chat, analytics dashboards, payment integrations, and more in
the future.
By offering a unified platform enriched with intelligent features and thoughtful design,
Collabers seeks to redefine how influencer-brand relationships are initiated and managed. It
empowers brands to make informed decisions and helps influencers gain access to quality
opportunities, all within a trustworthy and efficient digital environment.
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3. Literature Survey
4 Role of React and GitHub & Case studies on React- Supported tech stack
Django in Full- Developer Django integration. selection—React
Stack Web Blogs frontend + Django
Development backend.
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7 Data Privacy in IEEE Trans. Explored privacy, role Guided Django-based
User-Centric on Software isolation, and secure authentication and
Web Engineering session handling. access control.
Applications
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4. REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS
Before initiating the design and development of any software system, it is essential to
clearly define what the system is expected to do and under what constraints it should operate.
The process of requirement analysis helps in identifying, understanding, and documenting the
functionalities and quality expectations of the proposed solution. For Collabers, which aims to
serve both influencers and brands, the requirements span across user interaction, data
processing, machine learning integration, and user experience.
Functional requirements define the specific behaviors and operations the system must
support. They describe what actions the system should be able to perform in response to various
inputs. In the case of Collabers, these functionalities are segregated into two primary user
roles—influencers and brands—and the administrator, who has control over platform-level
data and content.
One of the core functional modules of Collabers is user registration and authentication.
Users can register either as a brand or as an influencer. The system ensures secure login
functionality using Django’s built-in authentication mechanism. Once authenticated, users are
redirected to their respective dashboards that contain tailored features.
For brands, the system must allow campaign creation, where each collaboration post
includes details such as the campaign name, product/service overview, deliverables,
compensation model, deadline, and category. Brands should also be able to view a list of
applicants, access their influencer profiles, and accept or reject applications. The backend must
maintain a record of campaigns posted and influencers selected for each.
For influencers, the platform must display a list of available collaboration opportunities.
Influencers can browse, filter, and apply for campaigns that match their niche. Their profiles
should include key performance data such as follower count, engagement rate, category
specialization (e.g., fashion, tech, food), and a portfolio of past collaborations.
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A unique functional requirement of Collabers is the integration of a machine learning
model using the XGBoost algorithm. This model will be used to intelligently rank influencer
applications for each campaign. Based on input data such as activity level, category match, and
past engagement rates, the model generates a list of recommended influencers for the brand,
significantly improving the decision-making process.
Additional features include campaign status tracking, profile editing, and application
status updates. Influencers can view the history of campaigns they have applied to and receive
updates when selected or rejected. Similarly, brands can track the number of applicants and the
status of each selection.
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Security is a fundamental requirement, especially because the system deals with
sensitive user data such as login credentials, brand campaign details, and social media metrics.
All data transmissions must be secured using HTTPS, and passwords are encrypted using
Django’s default password hashing system. Additionally, the platform implements role-based
access control (RBAC) to prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas of the application.
In terms of availability and reliability, the system must be operational at least 99.5% of
the time to ensure uninterrupted access to users. To achieve this, the backend server should be
hosted on reliable cloud infrastructure with automatic restarts, database backups, and load
balancing features.
The system is also expected to be highly usable, with a responsive interface that works
smoothly on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. The UI should be minimal, easy to
understand, and require minimal training for users to begin navigating and performing key
tasks. Accessibility features should be considered for broader usability across different user
groups.
Lastly, maintainability and extensibility are critical. The application is developed using
a clean and modular code architecture that allows for easy debugging, patching, and the
addition of new features in future versions. Integration with external APIs, new ML models, or
real-time messaging features should be straightforward due to the system's loosely coupled
components.
In conclusion, the non-functional requirements for Collabers ensure that the application
not only functions well but also provides a robust, secure, and delightful experience to users
while remaining adaptable to future demands.
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5. SYSTEM ANALYSIS
Technical Feasibility
The technical feasibility of Collabers is high, given the availability and maturity of the
technologies chosen. The front end is built using React.js, a highly efficient and widely adopted
JavaScript library for building responsive and interactive user interfaces. For the backend,
Django, a high-level Python web framework, provides robust features for rapid development,
security, and scalability. The integration of PostgreSQL with Django ORM ensures fast and
reliable database interactions. Additionally, the machine learning component, which leverages
the XGBoost algorithm, can be developed using Python-based data science libraries and easily
integrated into the Django architecture. The selected technologies are well-documented,
supported by large communities, and are proven in industry-grade applications, making the
project technically viable.
Economic Feasibility
Collabers has a strong case for economic feasibility. The development team utilizes free
and open-source technologies, significantly reducing licensing and software procurement
costs. Tools such as Django, React, PostgreSQL, and XGBoost do not require commercial
licenses for academic or developmental use. Hosting the platform on cloud-based services such
as Heroku or AWS with free-tier plans for initial development further reduces infrastructure
costs. Given the growing demand for influencer–brand collaborations, a fully functional MVP
(Minimum Viable Product) of Collabers holds significant economic potential in real-world
applications, especially for startups and SMEs looking to leverage micro-influencers. The
projected returns, in terms of usability, adoption, and eventual monetization, outweigh the
development cost, making the project economically sound.
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Operational Feasibility
Legal Feasibility
Legal feasibility involves ensuring that the platform complies with applicable laws and
regulations, particularly regarding data privacy, digital communication, and user consent.
Collabers adheres to the core principles of data protection and user authentication. User data,
including login credentials and profile information, is stored securely and transmitted over
encrypted channels using HTTPS. While the current academic prototype does not involve
payment gateways, future iterations must comply with financial regulations such as PCI-DSS
if transaction processing is introduced. Additionally, the platform is designed with the GDPR
(General Data Protection Regulation) guidelines in mind, offering users control over their data,
with features such as account deletion and profile editing. These factors confirm that the project
is legally feasible within the scope of its intended use.
Scheduling Feasibility
Scheduling feasibility evaluates whether the proposed project can be completed within
the time available, given the resources and complexity involved. Collabers was developed over
a period of several weeks, with a daily commitment of 4 to 6 hours, following a structured
timeline broken down into phases: requirement analysis, system design, frontend and backend
implementation, ML integration, testing, and documentation. The use of agile methodologies
and version control (via Git) ensured consistent progress and timely completion of milestones.
The modular development approach also allowed parallel work on frontend and backend
components, optimizing time usage. Given the adherence to schedule and delivery of core
features within the planned timeframe, the project is considered schedule-feasible.
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In summary, the feasibility study confirms that Collabers is a practical, affordable,
technically achievable, legally sound, and well-scheduled system capable of being
implemented as both an academic project and a real-world application prototype.
The functional flow of Collabers has been carefully designed to reflect real-world
interaction patterns between influencers and brands. The system flow begins with role-based
registration and progresses through a series of user-driven and system-driven actions that
support collaboration discovery, application, recommendation, and management.
The journey begins with the user registration and login system, where users can sign up
either as an influencer or a brand. The registration process captures essential information such
as username, email, password (encrypted), role selection, and other profile-specific details.
Once authenticated, users are redirected to their respective dashboards: brands access the brand
dashboard, while influencers are taken to the influencer dashboard.
From the brand dashboard, users can create collaboration campaigns by entering
relevant details such as the campaign title, description, industry category, product or service
details, deliverables required (e.g., Instagram post, YouTube video), compensation type, and
deadline. Each campaign is saved to the database and becomes visible to influencers once
published.
Influencers, upon logging in, can view a dynamic feed of open collaboration campaigns.
This feed can be filtered by category or keyword. When influencers find a relevant campaign,
they can submit an application that includes a pitch message or supporting media. The
application is recorded and made available to the respective brand.
The most innovative part of the system flow occurs in the evaluation phase, where the
brand can access a curated list of influencer applications. Here, the XGBoost model comes into
play. The machine learning model evaluates applicants based on inputs such as their follower
count, engagement rate, content category, and activity level, producing a recommendation
score. The brand sees these ranked results and can accept, reject, or shortlist applications.
Throughout this process, both parties have access to tracking tools. Influencers can
check the status of their applications, and brands can manage their campaign’s outreach
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pipeline. The system also includes basic notification features to inform users of important
updates, such as application status changes or campaign approvals.
The flow concludes with successful collaboration matching, which can then lead to
real-world campaign execution and potential further interaction. While this current phase ends
with application approval, the system architecture is designed to support extended features in
the future, such as review systems, payment management, and chat integration.
The proposed system flow ensures that every interaction is purposeful, efficient, and
traceable, resulting in a well-organized collaboration experience for both influencers and
brands.
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6. SYSTEM REQUIREMENT SPECIFICATION
Before building any software system, it is essential to determine the required hardware and
software resources to ensure smooth development, testing, and deployment. The following
section details the system specifications needed for the development and operation of
Collabers, both from the developer's and the end user's perspective. The requirements outlined
here are optimal for the current academic version of the project, and they can be scaled further
for production-level deployment.
The hardware requirements for Collabers are categorized into three main areas:
development environment, deployment infrastructure, and end-user devices. These
specifications are aimed at ensuring reliable performance, smooth data processing, and real-
time responsiveness, especially when integrating AI-based filtering components.
Developer Machine
The hardware configuration ensures the system runs smoothly across multiple
environments—local development, remote deployment, and user devices—while offering
scalability for larger datasets or increased traffic. For developers working on the backend,
frontend, and machine learning model:
• Storage: 256 GB SSD (recommended for faster project build and I/O performance)
• GPU: Optional; NVIDIA GTX 1050 or higher (required for training XGBoost models
on large datasets)
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Deployment Server (Cloud/Local)
• Internet Speed: Minimum 100 Mbps (recommended 1 Gbps for production hosting)
Users interacting with the system (influencers/brands) require only basic hardware:
The software requirements for Collabers are structured based on different layers of the
tech stack, including frontend development, backend programming, database handling,
machine learning integration, and deployment tools.
Frontend Development
The user interface of Collabers is built using React.js, a powerful JavaScript library that
allows for the creation of dynamic and interactive web components.
• Tools: Visual Studio Code, npm (Node Package Manager), React DevTools
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React enables fast rendering through virtual DOM and promotes component reusability,
making the platform responsive and maintainable. The use of modular CSS and reusable UI
elements ensures clean and consistent user experience across pages and devices.
Backend Development
Django was chosen for its ORM capabilities, built-in admin interface, and ability to scale
easily with modular apps. API endpoints allow seamless communication between frontend and
backend.
Database Management
Collabers uses PostgreSQL as the primary relational database system. Data models are
defined using Django ORM for abstract and secure interactions with the database.
PostgreSQL supports powerful querying capabilities and ensures data integrity for multi-
table relationships, user sessions, campaign applications, and recommendation results.
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• Libraries: xgboost, pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn
• Usage: Model runs offline for now; can be containerized via REST API for production
This model analyzes influencer features like follower count, engagement rate, and category
relevance to rank applicants, enhancing brand decision-making with data science.
Deployment scripts and version control systems ensure the application can be easily
launched, tested, and maintained in cloud environments with minimal manual intervention.
This detailed specification serves as the foundation for setting up, developing, and
managing the Collabers system in both academic and real-world settings. With a robust mix of
open-source tools and scalable technologies, the system is both cost-effective and future-ready.
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7. SYSTEM DESIGN
System design is a crucial phase in software development, responsible for defining the
system’s architecture, components, modules, data flow, and user interfaces to meet the
specified requirements. For Collabers, a smart influencer–brand collaboration platform, the
design phase played a pivotal role in determining how different parts of the system—including
the frontend, backend, database, and machine learning module—interact seamlessly. This
section elaborates on the high-level system architecture, the internal data flow, the user
experience layout, and the underlying UML designs that guided the development process.
The presentation layer, also known as the frontend, is built using React.js. This
component-based JavaScript library allows for the creation of dynamic and reusable user
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interface elements. It handles the rendering of views, form validations, and dynamic updates,
such as displaying active campaigns or reflecting changes in application status. It also
facilitates smooth communication with the backend through asynchronous REST API calls,
enhancing the responsiveness of the user experience for both brands and influencers.
The application logic layer, or backend, is developed using Django, a robust Python
framework known for its security, scalability, and rapid development capabilities. Django
handles essential backend tasks such as user authentication, role-based access control,
campaign creation, application processing, and integration with the machine learning module.
APIs built using Django REST Framework allow the frontend to interact with server-side data
securely and efficiently.
The third layer, the data management layer, uses PostgreSQL as its relational database
system. This layer is responsible for storing all critical data, including user profiles, campaign
details, influencer applications, and machine learning scores. Django’s ORM (Object
Relational Mapper) is used to interact with the database using Python classes instead of raw
SQL queries, ensuring both security and ease of development.
This layered architecture ensures that Collabers remains modular, maintainable, and
scalable—qualities that are essential not only for academic success but also for potential real-
world deployment.
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7.2 Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
Understanding how data flows within the system is essential for optimizing both
performance and usability. In Collabers, the data flow is structured across two levels. The Level
0 diagram, also known as the context diagram, presents a high-level overview of how data
enters and exits the system. The two main external entities—Influencers and Brands—interact
with the platform through a web interface. Influencers register on the platform, update their
profiles, search for campaigns, and apply to those that match their niche. Brands, on the other
hand, input campaign details and retrieve applications submitted by influencers. These
interactions are mediated through the Collabers backend, which processes the data and stores
it in the corresponding databases.
Moving deeper, the Level 1 DFD provides a detailed representation of how the system
manages these inputs. When influencers log in and browse campaigns, their queries are
processed and matched against the campaign database. Upon submitting an application, their
data is stored in the application repository. Brands accessing these campaigns can then retrieve
submitted applications, which are filtered through the XGBoost module that analyzes
influencer metrics. The application list is then updated with recommendation scores, allowing
brands to efficiently review and select applicants. This data flow ensures that information is
processed and relayed in real time, enabling an interactive and reliable user experience.
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7.3 UI/UX Design
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User interface and user experience (UI/UX) design plays a fundamental role in
determining the accessibility, appeal, and effectiveness of a web application. For Collabers, the
UI/UX was designed to be minimalist, responsive, and intuitive, with separate experiences
tailored for influencers and brands.
For influencers, the journey begins with a straightforward login or registration screen
that captures essential details. Once authenticated, they are directed to a dashboard where they
can view active brand campaigns, check the status of their applications, and update their
personal profiles. Campaigns are presented in a card-style format, allowing influencers to
quickly scan through key information such as category, budget, and deadlines. They can then
open a detailed view of a campaign and apply using a pre-filled form that includes a
personalized pitch field.
For brands, the experience is similarly streamlined. After registration, brand users are
taken to a dashboard where they can create new campaigns by filling in fields such as title,
category, budget, description, and expected deliverables. They can then manage applications
received for each campaign through a dedicated review panel, which includes summary cards
for each applicant. These cards display influencer bios, follower metrics, and engagement
scores, as well as the machine learning recommendation score that helps them make informed
decisions. Brands can easily shortlist or reject applicants with just a click.
Both interfaces are built using React.js and styled with CSS3 to ensure consistency
across components. The layout is responsive, adapting smoothly to different screen sizes using
flexbox and media queries, ensuring usability across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
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7.4 Class Diagram
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The class structure of Collabers is foundational to its database schema and overall
functionality. At the heart of the system is the User class, which contains shared fields such as
username, email, and password. This base class is extended into two specific subclasses:
InfluencerProfile and BrandProfile.
The Application class serves as the bridge between influencers and campaigns. It stores
data related to the influencer’s pitch, the campaign they are applying for, the status of the
application (e.g., pending, shortlisted, accepted, rejected), and the recommendation score
generated by the ML model. These class relationships are implemented using Django ORM,
ensuring robust data integrity and relational consistency.
To visualize the dynamic interaction between system components during a specific use
case, a sequence diagram was created to model the process of an influencer applying for a
campaign. This scenario begins when an influencer logs into the platform through the frontend.
The login request is sent to the Django backend, where the user's credentials are authenticated.
Upon successful authentication, the frontend retrieves available campaigns through an API and
displays them to the user.
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When the influencer applies for a campaign, the application data is sent to the backend
and stored in the database. When the brand accesses the campaign, a request is made to fetch
all associated applications. At this point, the backend triggers the machine learning model,
which processes the influencer data and assigns a score to each applicant. These results are
then returned to the frontend for the brand to view and act upon. This interaction model ensures
asynchronous communication between frontend and backend, resulting in a seamless and
efficient user experience.
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The application lifecycle is further illustrated through a state diagram that tracks the
different stages an influencer’s application goes through. Initially, when an influencer submits
an application, it enters the "Created" state. Once the brand views the application, it
transitions to the "Under Review" state. Depending on the brand’s decision, the application
may either be moved to the "Shortlisted" state for further consideration or directly to
"Accepted" if approved. If the application does not meet the brand’s criteria, it is moved to
the "Rejected" state.
Each of these transitions is triggered by explicit actions taken by the brand on their
dashboard, such as viewing, shortlisting, accepting, or rejecting an application. These states are
reflected in both the influencer’s and brand’s dashboards to maintain transparency and real-
time tracking of collaboration status.
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8. SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
The implementation phase is the practical realization of the system design into a functional
and working product. For the Collabers platform, the development was executed in multiple
iterative cycles, following a modular architecture that separates functionality across several
logical components such as user management, campaign creation, influencer application, and
machine learning–powered recommendation. Each module was designed, developed, tested,
and integrated in stages to ensure consistent progress, clean code separation, and flexibility for
enhancements. This section details the major implementation modules that together bring the
Collabers system to life.
The user management module is the foundation of the system, as it governs the
authentication and access control processes for both influencers and brand users. Upon
registration, users are prompted to choose a role—either influencer or brand—which
determines their access privileges and the nature of the dashboard they are redirected to post-
login. The authentication process is managed securely through Django’s built-in authentication
system, which handles password hashing, session management, and role-based redirection
logic. Influencers are directed to a dashboard that showcases active brand campaigns, while
brands are taken to a dashboard from where they can post new collaborations and monitor
applications.
The campaign management module enables brand users to create and manage
collaboration opportunities. Through an intuitive form interface developed using React.js,
brands are able to specify key details such as campaign title, description, category (e.g.,
fashion, food, tech), expected deliverables, application deadline, and
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budget. Once submitted, this information is securely transmitted to the Django backend through
RESTful APIs and stored in the PostgreSQL database using Django ORM. Each campaign is
linked to the brand’s user ID, ensuring that only authorized users can edit or manage their
campaigns. Brands also have access to a campaign list view that provides real-time statistics
on applications received, pending decisions, and shortlisted profiles.
The influencer experience is centered around the collaboration discovery module. Upon
logging in, influencers are presented with a dynamic feed of available campaigns, which can
be filtered by category or keyword. Each campaign card includes a summary of requirements
and an option to view more details. Influencers interested in a campaign can submit an
application through a structured form, which includes fields for a personalized pitch, optional
portfolio links, and a brief message to the brand. These applications are routed to the backend
and linked to both the campaign and influencer IDs, making tracking and retrieval efficient.
One of the most innovative aspects of Collabers is its application review and
recommendation system, which incorporates a machine learning model built with XGBoost.
When a brand accesses the list of influencer applicants for a campaign, the backend invokes
the pre-trained model to generate recommendation scores for each application. These scores
are based on several attributes such as the influencer’s engagement rate, follower count,
category match, and activity level. The ranked results are then displayed on the brand’s
dashboard, providing a smart, data-backed mechanism for shortlisting influencers. This model-
driven approach replaces subjective or time-consuming selection with intelligent filtering that
enhances decision quality.
An admin module was also developed to ensure the overall integrity of the platform.
This module provides system administrators with tools to monitor user behavior, approve
flagged accounts, and moderate campaign content. Admin users can disable spam profiles,
delete inappropriate campaigns, and perform data integrity checks through Django’s admin
panel, thereby ensuring a safe and professional environment for collaboration.
The development of Collabers was made possible through the thoughtful selection of
tools and technologies across the frontend, backend, machine learning, database, and
deployment layers. The frontend of the platform was developed using React.js, chosen for its
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component-based structure and efficient state management capabilities. This allowed the team
to build dynamic user interfaces with reusable components such as campaign cards, profile
widgets, and responsive navigation bars. The interface is styled using standard HTML and CSS,
supplemented by responsive utilities like Flexbox and optional support from Bootstrap to
ensure mobile accessibility and visual consistency.
The backend is built using Django, a robust and secure Python framework ideal for
building scalable web applications. Django’s model–view–controller (MVC) pattern,
combined with the Django REST Framework, facilitated the creation of secure APIs for
handling frontend requests. The backend is responsible for executing authentication processes,
managing application logic, and interfacing with the machine learning model and the database.
Authentication is further strengthened by Django’s role-based access control mechanisms,
ensuring that each user accesses only the features relevant to their role.
The machine learning component uses XGBoost, a gradient boosting framework known
for its speed and accuracy. The model was trained using sample influencer data and integrated
into the Django backend using Python libraries like pandas and NumPy for preprocessing and
joblib for model serialization. When triggered by a brand reviewing applications, the backend
invokes this model to generate rankings, which are then used to enhance the decision-making
process.
Version control was managed using Git and GitHub, allowing collaborative
development and rollback functionality. REST APIs were tested using Postman, and local
development was done primarily in Visual Studio Code. The platform is hosted using Heroku
for backend services and Vercel for the frontend deployment, offering seamless integration and
continuous delivery pipelines.
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over time with the addition of new features such as chat integration, influencer analytics, or
payment systems without disrupting existing functionality.
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9. TESTING
Testing is a critical phase in the software development lifecycle that ensures the system
performs as intended and meets all functional and non-functional requirements. For Collabers,
testing was conducted systematically across various modules and components to verify core
functionalities such as registration, login, campaign creation, influencer applications, and
machine learning-based ranking. Additionally, testing was used to identify bugs, ensure proper
integration between frontend and backend, and validate data flow through the platform. This
section discusses the key testing objectives, outlines major test cases, and explains the methods
and types of testing applied during development.
The primary objective of testing in Collabers was to ensure that all system components
functioned correctly, consistently, and securely. Since the application involves role-based
features and dynamic interactions between influencers and brands, it was essential to verify
that users are correctly authenticated, redirected, and presented with accurate content based on
their roles. Other core objectives included validating campaign creation and application
workflows, ensuring that submitted data is correctly stored and retrieved from the database,
and confirming the proper functioning of the XGBoost recommendation engine.
Furthermore, the user interface was tested for responsiveness and compatibility across
different devices and browsers. The goal was to provide a smooth, bug-free user experience
with minimal response time and high usability. Security was also an important focus,
particularly in areas involving user authentication, access control, and form validation.
A variety of test scenarios were created to validate user flows and system robustness.
These scenarios were derived from user stories and system use cases identified during the
design phase.
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One of the fundamental test cases involved user authentication, where both valid and
invalid login attempts were tested to ensure appropriate feedback and secure session handling.
Password mismatches, empty fields, and role confusion (e.g., influencers trying to access
brand-only pages) were also tested thoroughly.
In the campaign management workflow, test cases were written to check whether
brands could successfully create, view, update, and delete collaboration opportunities. Form
validations were verified to ensure that all required fields (such as campaign title, deadline, and
category) were present and properly handled.
From the influencer’s perspective, the application submission process was tested to
ensure that users could view relevant campaigns, apply to them, and receive feedback on
application status. Edge cases like submitting duplicate applications or applying after the
deadline were handled and tested for appropriate alerts.
Testing in Collabers involved both manual and automated approaches. Manual testing
was carried out extensively during the early stages, particularly for user interface components,
form submissions, and user interactions. This method allowed testers to explore the application
from an end-user perspective and catch usability issues that may not be detected by automation
tools.
To evaluate performance under various user loads, basic load testing was performed
using simulated user interactions. The goal was to observe how well the application maintained
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its responsiveness under simultaneous access by multiple users, particularly during heavy API
calls such as campaign browsing or influencer application listing.
A range of testing types was applied throughout the development lifecycle of Collabers
to ensure the system's functional integrity, performance, and security.
Unit Testing was applied to isolated modules and functions, particularly in the backend where
Django models, serializers, and custom utility functions were tested independently. This helped
catch logical errors early and maintain a high level of code reliability.
Integration Testing was used to validate the interaction between different modules, such as
frontend forms connecting with backend APIs, or campaign applications being stored in the
database. This ensured that data was correctly passed and processed across components.
System Testing was carried out on the complete, integrated platform to simulate actual user
behavior. This helped verify end-to-end workflows such as registration, login, campaign
creation, application submission, and influencer ranking.
Functional Testing ensured that the application behaved in accordance with the specified
requirements. This covered all core functionalities, from form validations to API responses and
database consistency.
Security Testing focused on areas like authentication, role-based access control, and session
handling. The system was tested against common vulnerabilities such as unauthorized access
to admin pages, SQL injection attempts, and form field manipulation.
Compatibility Testing was also conducted to verify that the application works consistently
across modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and various screen sizes, including mobile
and tablet views.
In addition to these, Usability Testing was performed informally with peers and faculty
members to assess how easily users could navigate the platform and complete key tasks without
confusion. Their feedback helped refine interface design and layout choices.
In conclusion, the testing phase of Collabers played a pivotal role in ensuring the
system's quality, usability, and reliability. By combining manual inspection, automated
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validation, and systematic test planning, we were able to deliver a robust and stable product
that performs effectively under real-world conditions. The insights gained from testing were
also instrumental in refining features and improving the overall user experience.
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10 . CONCLUSION
One of the most valuable achievements of Collabers lies in its intelligent influencer filtering
system, powered by the XGBoost machine learning model. By enabling brands to make
informed choices based on quantifiable metrics such as engagement rate, follower count, and
category relevance, the system goes beyond the traditional guesswork and manual filtering
prevalent in the current ecosystem. Influencers, on the other hand, benefit from improved
visibility and access to legitimate collaboration opportunities that align with their content style
and reach.
From a technical perspective, Collabers represents a robust and scalable solution. The use
of React.js for frontend development ensured a dynamic and responsive user experience, while
Django provided a secure and reliable backend framework for managing application logic and
user data. The integration of PostgreSQL with Django ORM allowed for efficient data handling
and secure storage of user-generated content. Furthermore, the system's architecture supports
future enhancements such as real-time messaging, performance analytics, and payment
integration.
Throughout the course of this project, we encountered and resolved a variety of challenges,
from managing role-based access flows to integrating machine learning predictions within the
campaign review process. Each of these challenges contributed to a deeper understanding of
full-stack application development, user-centric design, and intelligent system engineering.
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prototype but also offers significant potential for real-world deployment and further innovation
in the digital marketing domain. This project has enriched our technical skillset, enhanced our
problem-solving capabilities, and offered valuable insights into building intelligent, purpose-
driven web platforms.
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11. FUTURE SCOPE
While the current version of Collabers fulfills its fundamental objectives of facilitating
intelligent influencer–brand collaborations, there remains significant potential for further
development, refinement, and expansion. As the landscape of digital marketing and influencer
outreach continues to evolve, Collabers can be enhanced with a variety of technical, strategic,
and user-centered features to meet emerging trends and needs.
One promising direction is the integration of real-time messaging and chat features.
While the current implementation allows brands and influencers to connect through application
status updates, the addition of a secure in-app messaging system would foster immediate
communication, enabling both parties to clarify expectations, negotiate terms, and build
professional relationships within the platform. Such a feature would significantly reduce
reliance on external platforms like email or social media direct messaging, thereby
consolidating the collaboration workflow within Collabers itself.
Another major area for improvement lies in the analytics and performance reporting
modules. In future iterations, brands could be provided with detailed dashboards that display
influencer performance metrics, campaign reach, user engagement, and return on investment
(ROI). Similarly, influencers could receive insights into their application history, acceptance
rates, and category trends, helping them adapt their content and pitching strategies. These
analytics can be powered by data visualization libraries and enriched by continuous learning
algorithms that evolve with user behavior.
In terms of influencer discovery, the current implementation uses the XGBoost model
for ranking based on static input features. This can be further evolved into a real-time
recommendation engine that continuously learns from brand preferences, past collaborations,
and platform-wide behavior. By incorporating reinforcement learning or deep learning models,
Collabers could offer predictive insights, campaign forecasting, and personalized influencer
suggestions that improve over time.
The platform can also introduce a review and rating system, where brands and
influencers can rate each other after a collaboration is complete. This system would help
establish trust, improve platform credibility, and enable new users to make informed decisions
based on community feedback.
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From an operational standpoint, multi-language support and internationalization can
open Collabers to a broader global audience. Influencer marketing is a worldwide phenomenon,
and providing support for different languages and regional preferences would make the
platform accessible to users beyond local or English-speaking regions.
Lastly, there is scope to integrate payment gateway APIs (e.g., Razorpay, Stripe, or
PayPal) into the platform, enabling brands to pay influencers directly upon campaign
completion. This would transform Collabers into a one-stop-shop for campaign initiation,
collaboration, tracking, and payment, significantly enhancing the value proposition for both
user types.
In conclusion, Collabers lays the groundwork for a new era of structured, intelligent
influencer–brand collaboration. Its current architecture supports scalability and flexibility,
making it well-suited for iterative improvements. With the integration of advanced features
such as analytics, real-time chat, automated payments, and smart contracts, Collabers has the
potential to evolve into a powerful, industry-ready platform for the influencer economy of
tomorrow.
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12. REFERENCES
10. White, K., & Yuan, Q. (2022). Machine Learning in Marketing Campaigns. Journal of
Digital Innovation, 18(2), 100–115.
11. Kaur, R. & Arora, S. (2021). Role of Influencer Marketing in Brand Building.
International Journal of Digital Marketing, 9(1), 25–32.
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