docs: improve README formatting and readability

README.md

@@ -1,32 +1,41 @@
-# Splitt
+# 🛺 Splitt
 
 Auto ride-sharing for IIIT Jabalpur students. Split auto fares with batchmates going the same way.
 
-## How it works
+## ⚙️ How it works
 
 Two students both heading to the railway station at 10am shouldn't each pay ₹80 for a separate auto. Splitt connects them.
 
-1. **Post a ride** — you're booking an auto and have spare seats. Set the destination, departure time, and fare per head.
-2. **Post an intent** — you need a ride but don't have one yet. Set where you want to go and your time window.
-3. **Match** — Splitt automatically finds rides that fit your intent (and intents that fit your ride). Both parties get a real-time notification.
-4. **Confirm** — both sides confirm the match. A seat is reserved atomically.
-5. **Connect** — once both confirm, each other's WhatsApp number is revealed.
+1. **Post a ride** — Add info if have spare seats.
+2. **Post an intent** — request for a ride.
+3. **Match** — Splitt finds the intended rides automatically.
+4. **Confirm** — both users approve the match.
+5. **Connect** — WhatsApp numbers are revealed after confirmation.
 
 Only `@iiitdmj.ac.in` Google accounts can sign in.
 
-## Stack
+## 🛠️ Tech Stack
 
-|           |                                                                      |
-| --------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
-| Frontend  | React 18, Vite, TailwindCSS, TanStack Query, React Router v6         |
-| Backend   | Node.js 20, Express, Prisma, PostgreSQL                              |
-| Real-time | Server-Sent Events                                                   |
-| Auth      | Google Identity Services (ID token flow — no client secret needed)   |
-| Infra     | Docker (local), Render (backend), Vercel (frontend), Neon (database) |
+|               |                                                                                      |
+| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
+| **Frontend**  | **React 18**, **Vite**, **TailwindCSS**, **TanStack Query**, **React Router v6**     |
+| **Backend**   | **Node.js 20**, **Express**, **Prisma**, **PostgreSQL**                              |
+| **Real-time** | **Server-Sent Events (SSE)**                                                         |
+| **Auth**      | **Google Identity Services** _(ID token flow — no client secret needed)_             |
+| **Infra**     | **Docker** (local), **Render** (backend), **Vercel** (frontend), **Neon** (database) |
 
-## Getting started
+## 🚀 Getting Started
 
-**Prerequisites:** Node.js 20+, Docker Desktop
+### Prerequisites
+
+Before you begin, make sure you have:
+
+- **Node.js 20+**
+- **Docker Desktop**
+
+### Setup
+
+Run the following commands in order:
 
 ```bash
 # Install all workspace dependencies
@@ -46,22 +55,23 @@ npm --workspace backend run db:seed
 # Start backend (:3000) and frontend (:5173)
 npm run dev:backend
 npm run dev:frontend
+
 ```
 
-Open [http://localhost:5173](http://localhost:5173), click **Dev Login**, and you're in.
+### Launch the App
+
+Once both the backend and frontend servers are running, open:
+
+- **http://localhost:5173**
 
-For Google OAuth setup and the full command reference see [docs/SETUP.md](docs/SETUP.md).
+Then click **Dev Login** to access the application.
 
-## Contributing
+## 🤝 Contributing
 
-Read [docs/CONTRIBUTING.md](docs/CONTRIBUTING.md) before opening a PR.
-Open issues are tracked in [CLEANUP.md](CLEANUP.md) — pick one and claim it.
+- Before opening any PR make sure to read **[docs/CONTRIBUTING.md](docs/CONTRIBUTING.md)**.
 
-## Docs
+## 📚 Docs
 
-|                                              |                                                                  |
-| -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
-| [docs/SETUP.md](docs/SETUP.md)               | Local setup, Google OAuth config, all dev commands               |
-| [docs/DATA_SHAPES.md](docs/DATA_SHAPES.md)   | Every API endpoint with request and response examples            |
-| [docs/CONTRIBUTING.md](docs/CONTRIBUTING.md) | Branch naming, commit format, PR process                         |
-| [CLEANUP.md](CLEANUP.md)                     | Features not yet built — good place to find something to work on |
+- Refer **[docs/SETUP.md](docs/SETUP.md)** — for Local setup, Google OAuth config, all dev commands
+- Refer **[docs/DATA_SHAPES.md](docs/DATA_SHAPES.md)** — for Every API endpoint with request and response examples
+- Refer **[docs/CONTRIBUTING.md](docs/CONTRIBUTING.md)** — for Branch naming, commit format, PR process