The Challenge
Relational Complexity
Representing family structures digitally is notoriously difficult due to non-linear relationships (remarriages, adoptions, multi-parent households). Traditional flat data models fail to capture the nuance of genealogy.
Visualization Performance
Rendering hundreds of nodes with interactive lines and generational depth requires efficient DOM management and precise geometric calculations to avoid overlapping.
The Solution
Graph-Based Data Schema
Engineered a sophisticated Prisma schema using explicit join tables for Partnerships and recursive self-relations for parent-child lineages. This allows for infinitely deep and wide tree structures.
Next.js 16 Foundation
Leveraged the latest features of Next.js 16 and Tailwind CSS v4 to build a lightning-fast, type-safe interface. Used Server Components for initial tree hydration and client-side high-performance SVG rendering for the interaction layer.
Narrative Life Maps
Instead of just a static tree, the platform generates interactive timelines of life events (birth, milestones, documents) for every individual, creating a living archive of family history.
Technical Impact
100% Type Safety
End-to-end type safety from the database layer (Prisma) to the UI components, significantly reducing runtime errors in complex recursive logic.
Dynamic Rendering
Seamlessly handles dynamic resizing and branching of tree nodes without UI jank, even with large datasets.