From an idea
to something usable.
I use AI-assisted prototyping to explore practical problems, alongside the tools I use for school and everyday work.
See it in practice →Connor Rodes · Information Systems & AI
Real-world experience.
Useful digital tools.
I’m Connor Rodes, an Information Systems student exploring how AI, business, and thoughtful technology can make everyday work better.
- Studying
- Information Systems
- Grounded in
- Restaurant operations
- Based in
- Rogers & Fayetteville, AR
01 / Skills
What I bring to the work.
From an idea
Understand the workflow.
Customer service, financial reconciliation, inventory control, and hands-on problem-solving.
Experience from busy restaurant environments.
Keep people connected.
Team training and customer communication, with leadership experience as a DECA officer and soccer team captain.
02 / About Me
Good tools start with real experience.
Proud Razorback.
Learning and building at Arkansas.
Working in busy restaurants has taught me to notice the small things that keep a team moving: a clear handoff, an accurate order, and information that’s easy to find.
I’m bringing that perspective to my Information Systems studies at the University of Arkansas—and to projects like Ember Log, KEWP, and KnowTheHouse.CR. I’m still learning, but I like starting with a real problem and building something I can test.
More about meFocusInformation Systems, AI, and Marketing
ApproachPractical, people-centered problem-solving
GoalBuild technology that improves real workflows
Beyond Work and School
Fresh air, good food, my dog, and time at the lake.
Usually outside with my dog, trying something on the grill, or spending time at the lake. And yes, probably testing a new AI tool along the way.
A little more off the clock →03 / Experience
Built around people, pace, and precision.
Wright’s BBQ
Front of House, Online Orders & Catering
- Support high-volume front-of-house service and order fulfillment.
- Help coordinate concessions staffing and logistics for University of Arkansas sporting events.
- Contribute to inventory accuracy, cash reconciliation, and team training.
Local Lime
Front End Host
- Managed transactions and investigated financial discrepancies.
- Coordinated reservations, seating, guest needs, and front-of-house flow.
Topgolf
Maintenance Worker & Porter
- Diagnosed facility equipment issues and supported safe, guest-ready operations.
04 / Selected Project
Ember Log
A kitchen workflow, rethought.
A temperature-logging prototype inspired by working in a busy barbecue kitchen. Built with AI assistance to explore a simpler, touch-friendly workflow.
Explore the prototype Interactive class prototype
01The context
Busy kitchens depend on clear records and consistent routines. My restaurant experience inspired me to explore a more straightforward way to record temperature checks.
02The build
I used AI assistance to develop a touch-friendly web prototype, connecting what I’m learning in Information Systems with a workflow I know from work.
03Where it stands
This is an interactive design experiment, not a validated food-safety system. Real kitchen testing and verification would be needed before operational use.
05 / Selected Project
KEWP
Keep Expenses Within Plan.
A budget-first shopping concept that helps people think through prices, coupons, and used options in one place. I built a public prototype to test the experience before connecting live retailer data.
Explore KEWP Public concept preview · No live deal search yet
01The idea
Finding a good deal often means checking several sites, comparing fees, and figuring out whether a coupon really applies. KEWP explores a simpler starting point: what do you need, and what can you spend?
02The prototype
The current site shows shopping strategies, a scripted guide, saved ideas, and a link to search Facebook Marketplace. Its example cards are not current offers.
03What comes next
I’m working toward approved retailer connections so KEWP can show real products, prices, and source checks. The next planned integration is Best Buy.
06 / Selected Project
KnowTheHouse.CR
Learn the games. Understand the odds.
An interactive learning platform that pairs casino lessons with virtual-chip practice. I’m building it for my AI Infrastructure final project, using feedback to improve how people learn rules, make decisions, and understand probability.
View live site Public educational prototype · In development
01The problem
Learning a casino game often means reading rules in one place and practicing somewhere else. KnowTheHouse brings the two together, using virtual chips so learners can explore decisions and see the math behind the outcome.
02My role & the build
I defined the concept, directed the experience, gathered feedback, and used AI assistance to develop and refine the prototype. A friend’s request for practice alongside lessons helped shape the game flow; further feedback led to clearer dealing animations and a redesigned Sports Lab.
The site includes blackjack learning challenges, playable practice rounds, baccarat hand history, a house-edge simulator, and a pregame sports research demo.
03Progress & next steps
The public prototype is available to explore, with automated checks for game logic and key interactions. It uses virtual chips and includes simplified game formats. The Sports Lab currently uses labeled example data, and a live AI coach is not connected yet.
Next: test local AI models, connect verified sports data, and document what I learn through user testing.