Week 1 (16-20 Oct 17)

On the first week of our MDP, we attended a briefing on multi-disciplinary project conducted by Mr Leong Fai Choy. We are brief on the Means of Assessment (CDI), Deliverables & Timeline, administrative matters on register of our project group.

The next day, we attended a briefing on the Design Odyssey Programme conducted by Mr Chew Choon Seng. We have gotten more information on the retreat workshop held at Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD). 

For the remaining days until SUTD retreat workshop, we did research on the area of topics on social issues that we are interested in. Some topics we are interested in are Health Living, Blood Donation, Smoking, Elderly, Recycling, Lack of Social Interaction. We also come up with some ideas that could tackle the problems above such as an app for blood donation, an app to quit smoking and a vending machine for recycling.

Week 2 (23-27 Oct 17)

On the area of topic that we chose to focus on is the topic "Smoking". It is because smoking is harmful to health, the most common case is lung cancers which eventually lead to death. Non-smokers inhaling the second-hand smoke, which bring worse health problem then active smoker themselves. Non-smokers that has long term exposure to second-hand smoke results in increasing risk of heart disease and lung cancer.

Our solutions were creating a mobile app which could keep track of the person's smoking time and there will be rewards such as vouchers for them if they successfully quit smoking. We presented our ideas to the design odyssey team, the feedback we received was that smoking is more of a human habit that requires smoker's perseverance and a lot have been done to reduce the number of smokers, for example the packaging on cigarette and smoking area, smoking is prohibited in bus stop, shopping mall, school premises and many more locations.

Next, is the introduction to SUTD student mentor on their backgrounds, the type of help they could offer and past projects that they had done. Our student mentor is Luo Qi who is currently a freshmore undergraduate at SUTD.

After discussions, we decided on our topic Healthy Living. We are introduced to design innovation also known as design thinking in SP. There are four phases in the design innovation, Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver. Begin with the first phase, Discover, we need look at things with an empathy mindset and think of user need, next was creating our hypothesis persona, Aipao. Lastly, the workshop ended with interview tips and we are given homework which is to interview our target audience (Hivelocity staff).

On the second day, starting with the second phase, Define. From the interview with Hivelocity staff, we are asked to write each clue on a post stick note then clustering the clues into different category such as organizers and participants perspective. And writing down the possible solutions that could solve the problems that is faced by our interviewee. We learned that a good insight uses 'But' or 'Actually' in a sentence. Hence, from the clustered clues and using 'But', 'Actually' in the sentence we came up with our key insight. Next, looking at the insights we must identify what are needs of our user, be it a type of functional, social or emotional need. Moving on, by making use of the needs of the user and 'How Might We' we came up with our problem statement.

During the lessons, we have breaks which is led by a design odyssey mentor to practice mindfulness, which helps us in relaxing from the heavy schedule, by closing our eyes and standing up on our feet to walk around the lab.

Here are some of the photos of what we have done:

Problems and Possible Solutions

Needs

The next phase is Develop, each of us is supposed to think of 5 ideas per 'How Might We' statement. We then take turns to share the ideas we drew on the post stick. While listening and sharing, we stick the ideas under the 'How Might We' statement to cluster similar ideas and also building upon our member's idea immediately. Lastly, we are also asked to use SCAMPER to create ideas before team voting of the many idea. So, we have to consider the three different aspects which includes, the technology angle, user perspective and what is practical for our final year project. Thus, our final idea is to develop a mobile application and vending machine. Our 'homework for the day was to complete the concept poster and creating a storyboard.

Below are the photos we have taken during the develop phase:

How Might We Statement

 Brainstorming for Ideas

Today is the last day of Design Odyssey Retreat. We presented the concept poster and story board that we have done yesterday and received feedback. The feedback we received was there is only a small amount of people who are marathon participants, thus, we should take a step back to look on other types of queuing problems, such as the queue at polyclinics, food and also research more on other solutions that is out in the market to see why they were or were not successful.

The last phase of the Design Innovation is Delivery. Given one minute and using play-doh, we are asked to create something that best describes us. Firstly, each of us gets to share the story behind our creation. Secondly, we exchanged our creation with one another. Thirdly, we are asked to destroy the creation and said each other that 'you are this, and you could do better'. The lesson behind this was to not hold on tightly to your own ideas, we need to be open minded and willing to let go.

After the lessons by Angela & Keith, We learned about the different types of prototyping which consist of role play, storyboard and mock up prototype. By making use of the materials we could get from out surroundings, mock up prototype is the easiest way to improve on our prototype because more functions could be thought of with a physical product and the materials used are low cost. Ending of with everyone sharing one of the biggest take away they took from Design Odyssey 2.0 the past three days.

In the afternoon, we get to listen to the pitching done by the SUTD (drive) students to better prepare us for our presentation.

Week 3 (30 Oct-3 Nov 17)

For this week, we met with our supervisors to clarify our doubts on the project deliverable, dateline and update them on our progress. We research more on the different type of social issues for example healthy living, elderly, environment, etc.

In the end, we decided to work on the area of healthy living. The reason is because healthy living is a huge topic that has a lot of different area that we could focus on. We then crafted the survey questions and using google form to create the online survey. The purpose online survey was to target user on the topic exercising, what would encourage them to exercise more and so on. The survey was send out using WhatsApp to family, friends, colleagues and we also posted on social media such as Facebook and Instagram.

The survey ended with 203 respondents. After analysing the results, we decided to build just the mobile app for marathon participants to register for different races and to shorten the queuing time for race pack entitlements. We decided not to incorporate the mobile app with the vending machine due to time constraint, as we felt that it is unrealistic to build a vending machine over the short period of time. Moving on, we planned our working timeline, started on the website design and working on our app prototypes.
Below is pictures of our app prototype:

App Prototype 2

App Prototype 3

Week 4 (6-10 Nov 17)

We had a weekly meeting with our supervisor to update them on our progress. The feedback we received was that organisers could just send a message to the participants to notify their allocated slot for collecting of race pack, so 'what makes our idea unique?' Hence, instead of just mobile app, we should also explore other idea/solutions in the market for example web app/ courier service/ vending machines and 'how can we value add to the existing solutions?'.

Actually, at the ideation process, we thought of creating an app to incorporate with the vending machine. However, due to time constraints and lacking the skills required (mechanical work) to build a vending machine, we decided to focus on the mobile app.

We met with Luo Qi to update her on our progress (PowerPoint slides, website design) and the problems we are facing. She guided us on the area we can further improve on.

With the feedback received, we begin to research on other solutions out in the market and we are preparing the presentation slides for weekly update and inter team co-creation (17 Nov) held at SUTD.

GenieAgent is currently the one and only company that uses vending machine to dispense race pack entitlements. we managed to secure an interview with the boss of GenieAgent. Thus, the purpose of the interview is to understand more about the limitations of the vending machine and the problems whereby the company is facing so that we could have a better solution that cater to their needs.

Week 5 (13-17 Nov 17)

For this week, we presented the pitching slide to our supervisors. Our supervisors suggested that we should improve on the flow of our presentation to let the story flow smoothly so that our audience could understand and preparing a short skit to explain the problem. Day before the pitch, we practiced and rehearsed until we are satisfied.

At the day of Inter-Team Co-Creation, each group is given 15 minutes to present on their project. While a group is presenting each audience could use a post stick notes to write down suggestion/ideas on the areas where the group can make improvements on. Overall our presentation went well, and we also made a strong impression on the audience as we are the only group that have a small skit. We received many interesting ideas/suggestions that we could do more research on.

Week 6 (20-24 Nov 17)

With ideas & suggestion we received from the inter-team co-creation, we begin to research on the existing delivery service, current number of race pack vending machine, improving our persona, the areas where we need to improve on. We prepared a PowerPoint slides for meeting with our supervisors.

There is currently 4 race pack vending machines located at different shopping malls in Singapore. Our team went to do a field trip to learn more about how the vending machine works. We went to Velocity@Novena as it's the closest location from SP. As there was no signboard, we walk around to see if we could locate the vending machine ourselves, only until we decided to ask the information desk. We found the vending machine located near the information desk. The machine was user friendly with the 3 steps stated on the middle top of the interactive screen. There is a bell which user could press for assistance and a scanner for scanning of NRIC or Confirmation Slip.

Using the photos of race pack vending machine we took, we created another PowerPoint slides to show our supervisors how it works. We are also asked to prepared a list of interview questions before visiting GenieAgent. Showing our supervisors the list of interview questions, we are guided on the types of questions that we could ask.

On 24 Nov, we went down to One North to interview GenieAgent Founder, Mr Huang Ren Zhi. The interview went well, and we have better understanding on how the race pack vending machine operates. In the future, there will be more meetings to confirm on the collaboration details.

Week 7 (27 Nov-1 Dec 17)

This week we are busy preparing the PowerPoint Slides for Project Mentoring Session 2 with JP Morgan mentors this Friday (1 Dec).

We met with our SUTD mentor (Luo Qi) at National Library, discussing about our PowerPoint Slides. Due to the limited time to present, we are not sure of which information are required for the presentation. Luo Qi guided us on the type of information in which the JP Mentors would be more interested in and tips on preparing for Q&A.

We also discussed about the social angle of the project because we find that healthy living was a little farfetched, so, we thought of changing project. Luo Qi recommend us that we should change the project now before it’s too late. We researched on the different types of vending machine and our target audience whom we could do something for them, to achieve the ‘Social Innovation Project’ part. It's like a backup plan for our Aipao project.

After making some improvements to the slides, we presented to our supervisors. The feedback we received is PowerPoint slides was not as good as the slides for Inter-Team Co-Creation as some parts of the slides was unclear and we should Insert pictorials to show how the process work rather than using words to explain. Therefore, we stay back with one of our supervisor to make improvements to the slides.

On the day of the Project Mentoring Session 2, JP mentors introduced themselves and their job title and the help they could offer. Then the 6 SP teams started on the Project Presentations to mentors. The 2 JP mentor that will be working with us are Ms Vidya (Executive Director of JP Morgan Cloud Services Team) and Mr Sasha (Vice-President of JP Morgan Cloud Services Team).

Within the team, the mentors start to introduce themselves, the reason why they choose our team is because they are marathon runners, hence they could relate to the problem of registering and race pack collections. For the project, they suggested us to first, list out the functions of the app and the minimum target we hope to achieve at the end of this project. We shared the problems that we are facing currently. One of the problem was finding the possible solutions to maximise the use of vending machine during lull period. Ms Vidya shared that she has connections with shirt vendors and the idea was to sell shirt/water bottles during lull period. Mr Sasha provided us with the website links for us to learn more about app programming. We also planned the date of the next meeting.

Week 8 (4-8 Dec 17)

This week, we will be focus on learning to code mobile app. With the Suggestions by the JP Morgan mentors, we discussed and finalised on which are the functions that we hope to see in the mobile applications.

We prepared for the weekly update to our supervisors. Our supervisor then suggests us to use PHP & SQL which is much simple to programme, yet users are able to use on the different types of operating systems for example iPhone (iOS) & Samsung (Android), while the results will be the same as creating a mobile app.

Below is pictures showing the different types of operating system:

We prepared presentation slides for Mr Huang (GenieAgent Founder) for the second meeting. We visited GenieAgent together with our supervisors to propose our ideas. The meeting was overall a success as we confirmed on the features of the app and value add to the race pack vending machine.
Feature of the Mobile App: 1) Registration
                                              2) Shirt Size Recommendation
                                              3) Check Stock Status
We created an account on AWS educate, while waiting for the account to be verified, we begin to create the database for registration and list of inventories.

Week 9 (11-15 Dec 17)

For week 9, we begin to work on the program code for Account Registration, Shirt Size Recommendation and Adobe XD.

For Account Registration, users have to enter their particulars which is similar to how the current registration process works, however, instead of entering their particulars repeatedly for each event, users could now register for an account which keep their particulars in the database. Hence, users just have to enter their particulars once and for all.

The measurements of the shirt size differ for each event, thus, user needs to look at the size chart to confirm on their shirt size. Instead of looking at the size chart, by following the 3 simple steps below, users will be recommended a shirt size.
3 Simple Steps: 1) Select an Event
                           2) Enter Chest Width
                           3) Click Submit

Adobe XD is an app prototype which will gives users a feel of how our app works.

Week 11 (26-29 Dec 17)

For week 11, we continue to work on the program code for Account Registration, Shirt Size Recommendation, Monitor Stock Status, Restock and Adobe XD.

Monitor Stock Status allow user to check the amount of stock left in the vending machine. This feature provide the user convenience as they would not meet the situation whereby they personally make a trip down but to find that there was no stock left in the vending machine. Hence, user would not waste a trip down. Checking the stock status is simple. Firstly, select an event, click display and then the system will display the different locations with the amount of stock left in each vending machines.

Organiser will be able to monitor the stock status and also update the stock status in the database.

We had a mentoring session with our JP Mentor, Mr Sasha. The purpose of the meeting was to update him on our progress. We also showed him our app prototype to ask him for feedback.

Week 12 (2-5 Jan 18)

We are working on the feedbacks received from our Mr Sasha: 1) Add hyperlink for Terms & Conditions on Registration Page
                                                                                                            2) Create more fields for participants, example blood type on Registration Page
                                                                                                            3) Add hyperlink for participants to view the shirt size chart for a specific event
                                                                                                            4) Create a select shirt size options for participants to confirm their shirt size

We are focusing on the powerpoint slides and initial report for the Conceive, Design and Implementation (CDI) Presentation. We also had a trial presentation with our supervisors, and our supervisors suggested us to use the slides from the earlier Inter-Team Co-Creation and JP Morgan Mentoring Session. However, we are still required to add in the block diagrams, flowcharts and demonstrations of how our mobile app works.

Week 13 (8-12 Jan 18)

We attended the Leadership & Presentation with Impact Workshop at SUTD which aims to prepare us for the pitch to panelist confidently with impact on 2nd February. The biggest giveaway we took back was to learn about was to connect with our audience using vocal range and body language.

Besides the workshop, our team went out for a field work by asking Singapore Poly Students. As the app was not completed yet, hence, we recorded a video to show them. Some of the questions we asked was about how they felt about the app and what they think we should improve on. The feedback we received was that the app still need to improve aesthetically and they video was not very clear in showing who is our audience(participant/organiser).

Week 14 (15-19 Jan 18)

Our team had a mentoring session with our JP Mentor, Ms Vidya. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss about the slides that we will be use for pitching on 2nd February. Some of the feedback she gave was to compare the use of plastic bags at the manual collection and vending machines. And to create impact, we could bring the real race pack to show the audience. Ms Vidya also suggested that collection via vending machine could reduce carbon footprint as the vending machines will be located at flexible locations while for manual collection were fixed locations with a limited time period.

Week 15 (22-26 Jan 18)

Our team hope to complete the mobile application by the end of this week. We are left with creating a login/logout session for users, linking the web page together by using a navigation bar and also changing the css style of the php file to make the whole mobile application look more aesthetically pleasing.

Login Page

Home Page

Beside working on the mobile application, the team is also working on the feedback received from Ms Vidya, brochure for the pitching on 2nd Feb and also we are working on the final report.

Week 16 (29 Jan-2 Feb 18)

The team went done to JP Mentor's Office at Changi Business Park to have a trial run for our presentation on 2nd Feb.

We recorded a short video to showcase how does our mobile application works.

Below is the video to show the features and functions of the mobile application from an organiser point of view.

Below is the Adobe XD Prototype to give our audience a feel of how the mobile application will be like in the future.

We faced some problems while setting up amazon EC2, which is use to host our web page. However, after asking our supervisor Mr Joe for help, we managed to set the the EC2. User will be able to try out the mobile application with the following URL: http://54.214.111.137/MDP/PartOrgLink.php

After meeting Mr Joe, he suggest that we should add in a profile update for users as certain information such as their handphone/email address might change. And also, using Android Studio to grab the webview to become a mobile application on our mobile phone.

Week 17 (5-9 Feb 18)

We are coming to the end of our project, tidying up the report. The team will be having a poster session on 12 Feb, hence we are preparing the poster. In order to engage the audience, we created several short videos to explain about the problems, user research, brainstorming and our solution. We have to make changes to the poster by adding in more information about the project rather then just videos.