ODR Session Platform — Turn-Based Video Session Orchestration

Product Engineer — Real-Time Orchestration & Access Control

Context

Designed and implemented a session orchestration layer to solve turn-based access control for online arbitration and mediation workflows within an existing ODR platform. Based on a product-level direction defined by the CTO to avoid building a custom video conferencing system, I designed a real-time orchestration solution that integrates with existing tools like Google Meet and Zoom. The system manages participant sequencing, access control, and session lifecycle through a FIFO waiting lobby, controlled meeting-link reveal, and automated notifications, enabling structured virtual proceedings without additional video infrastructure.

Problem Statement

In the existing ODR platform, arbitrators and mediators were manually sharing public video conference links, making it difficult to enforce turn-based participation, prevent early entry, and manage large scheduled sessions. While building a custom video system could address this, it would significantly increase complexity and maintenance cost.

Architecture Overview

Architecture Diagram for ODR Session Platform — Turn-Based Video Session Orchestration

System Flow / Design Decisions

  • Designed a FIFO-based waiting lobby to manage fair, turn-based participant sequencing
  • Implemented controlled reveal of existing video meeting links instead of building a custom video layer
  • Used WebSockets (Socket.IO) to synchronize lobby state, queue position, and chat in real time
  • Implemented OTP-based authentication with unique invite tokens for low-friction public access
  • Handled disconnect and rejoin scenarios while preserving queue position and session state
  • Automated invitations, reminders, and session lifecycle transitions using cron-based background jobs

Impact & Outcomes

  • Supported 50+ participants per session with real-time queue visibility and orderly turn management
  • Enabled multiple concurrent arbitration and mediation sessions
  • Significantly reduced manual coordination and moderation effort for arbitrators
  • Delivered a focused, low-maintenance orchestration layer without custom video infrastructure