EPS@ISEP | The European Project Semester (EPS) at ISEP

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revision		Previous revision
report [2021/06/19 21:27] – [7.3 Components] team3report [2021/07/03 20:21] (current) – [1.1 Presentation] team3
Line 63: Line 63:
 <figure flabel2> <figure flabel2>
 <caption>Team Members</caption> <caption>Team Members</caption>
-{{ :group1.jpg?400 |}}+{{ :team_picture_1.jpeg?600 |}}
 </figure> </figure>
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
Line 794: Line 794:
 ==== - Sprint Outcomes ==== ==== - Sprint Outcomes ====
 Below we present the real-time outcome for our sprints. We started to implement this methodology of working right after the course about Agile Scrum and because of this reason, the outcomes from the first 3 weeks can’t be presented in real-time.  Below we present the real-time outcome for our sprints. We started to implement this methodology of working right after the course about Agile Scrum and because of this reason, the outcomes from the first 3 weeks can’t be presented in real-time. 
 +\\
 +//For the planned effort, in case we allocate the task to more than one person, the workload and also the estimated time split between the people assigned to the task.//
 \\ \\
   * **Sprint 4**   * **Sprint 4**
Line 867: Line 869:
 ---- ----
 \\ \\
-In the next graphic, we represented our team’s velocity. During sprint 4 and sprint 5 we managed to accomplish shortly above 50% of the tasks from the sprint backlog. Because of the tasks that must be redone and the postponed decisions from previous weeks, our sprint backlog from sprints 4, 5, and 6 was overloaded. During the last sprint, we increased our velocity due to the fact that we inherited the work from the 2 previous sprints. It is important to mention that the interim report was the milestone that drove the team to do an extra mile of work.+  * **Sprint 13** 
 +<WRAP leftalign> 
 +<figure flabel1> 
 +{{:sprint13.png?500}} 
 +</figure> 
 +</WRAP> 
 +---- 
 +\\ 
 +  * **Sprint 14** 
 +<WRAP leftalign> 
 +<figure flabel1> 
 +{{:sprint14.png?500}} 
 +</figure> 
 +</WRAP> 
 +---- 
 +\\ 
 +In the next graphic, we represented our team’s velocity. Because of the tasks that had to be redone and the postponed decisions from previous weeks, some sprints' backlog was overloaded. During the last sprint, we increased our velocity due to the fact that we inherited the work from previous sprints. It is important to mention that the interim report, as well as the final report, were the milestones that drove the team to do an extra mile of work.
  
 <WRAP centeralign> <WRAP centeralign>
 <figure flabel1> <figure flabel1>
-{{:velocity.png?600}}+{{:team_s_velocity_and_real_velocity.png?600}}
 <caption>Team's Velocity</caption> <caption>Team's Velocity</caption>
 </figure> </figure>
Line 879: Line 897:
 Our team analyzed the progress that had been performed at the end of each week (which represents a sprint), and for those tasks that had not been completed, they were delayed until the next week, and so forth until reaching completion. We used Microsoft Planner and Microsoft OneNote to plan and document our sprints.\\ Our team analyzed the progress that had been performed at the end of each week (which represents a sprint), and for those tasks that had not been completed, they were delayed until the next week, and so forth until reaching completion. We used Microsoft Planner and Microsoft OneNote to plan and document our sprints.\\
    
-As a summary for the Retrospective Meetings, the positive aspects that we identified so far are the fact that we defined our product and now we have a clear goal, the journey of learning how to work as a team and the in-person meetings which went really productive. The negative aspect of our work is related to a lack of decision-making that involves delays and demotivation. Further on, we will focus on developing more detailed sketches and models that may help us turn the idea into a 3D concept. The future decisions imply the branding of our product, from the marketing perspective and the selection of materials and suppliers, according to our eco-efficiency approach, the ethical aspects, and the budget available as well.+As a summary for the Retrospective Meetings, the positive aspects that we identified so far are the fact that we defined our product and now we have a clear vision of the benefits that can provide to our target user. The journey of learning how to work as a team and the in-person meetings went really productive. The negative aspect of our work is related to a lack of decision-making that involves delays and demotivation. One hard time that we had was related to the lifting mechanism. It was hard to find the proper one and even after detailed research, we still struggled to integrate it properly. We overcome our difficult moment by focusing on finding the best solution, in this case, was providing three mechanism options from which the user can choose.  
 + 
 +We learned to work together and we shared the office in the faculty many days. This speeded up the decision process and increased our team's productivity and positive results. 
  
  
 ==== - Summary ==== ==== - Summary ====
-In this chapter we provided an overview from the project management perspective, focusing on the way we apply the Agile Scrum into our work. We defined the scope of our project and for our product as well, understanding the link between each other, followed by one of the most important aspects in project management, the timeline, represented by the Gantt chart in this case. With respect to the costs and the procurement processes, these are activities that will be completed in the next part of our project and for this reason, they are not documented in more detail. A key aspect was the communication process and identifying the tools we can use as a team to ensure a positive result. The pandemic situation and the working from home represented a challenge that we had to overcome. From the perspective of challenges, we also evaluated the risks of our project and took them into consideration in the decision-making process. Nonetheless, we came up with a plan to facilitate the management of our stakeholders, in order to assure good communication to all parties that have an impact on our project. We conclude with an analysis of our sprints and their outcome.+In this chapter we provided an overview from the project management perspective, focusing on the way we apply the Agile Scrum into our work. We defined the scope of our project and for our product as well, understanding the link between each other, followed by one of the most important aspects in project management, the timeline, represented by the Gantt chart in this case. With respect to the costs and the procurement processes, these are activities that were presented from the original product's perspective as well for the prototype that we actually built. A key aspect was the communication process and identifying the tools we can use as a team to ensure a positive result. The pandemic situation and the working from home represented a challenge that we had to overcome. From the perspective of challenges, we also evaluated the risks of our project and took them into consideration in the decision-making process. Nonetheless, we came up with a plan to facilitate the management of our stakeholders, in order to assure good communication to all parties that have an impact on our project. We conclude with an analysis of our sprints and their outcome.
 \\ \\
 \\ \\
Line 1116: Line 1137:
 ** Customer/Learning strategic objectives ** ** Customer/Learning strategic objectives **
   * Introduce a sustainable and eco-friendly furniture solution.   * Introduce a sustainable and eco-friendly furniture solution.
-  * Our goal is to educate the public, individuals, companies, and organizations about the benefits of compost and to recycle organic materials from landfills to generate soil for community-based agriculture projects. 
   * Build relationship with customers (companies) by introducing a high-quality product and service.   * Build relationship with customers (companies) by introducing a high-quality product and service.
  
Line 1366: Line 1386:
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-For the lifting mechanism, we’ll be using aluminium. The material is supplied by both primary (around 65%) and recycled (around 35%) metal sources. Aluminium can be recycled using only 5% of the original energy input, without any loss of its inherent properties. For our desk, we’ll be purchasing recycled aluminium.  “It requires up to 95% less energy to recycle aluminium than to produce primary metal and thereby avoids corresponding emissions, including greenhouse gases (bron).”  Reducing the amount of VOC’s and keeping our materials clean were the driving factors behind our material choice. +For the lifting mechanism, we’ll be using aluminium. The material is supplied by both primary (around 65%) and recycled (around 35%) metal sources. Aluminium can be recycled using only 5% of the original energy input, without any loss of its inherent properties. For our desk, we’ll be purchasing recycled aluminium.  “It requires up to 95% less energy to recycle aluminium than to produce primary metal and thereby avoids corresponding emissions, including greenhouse gases [(RECYCLING2021)].”  Reducing the amount of VOC’s and keeping our materials clean were the driving factors behind our material choice. 
  
-The first feature of eco-efficiency mentioned in the introduction, is reducing the amount of material. We need to find a way to use less material for the desk, while still producing a strong, durable product. Moving very heavy furniture is often more expensive than buying new furniture, especially furniture from fast chains. It’s important to think of ways to keep our furniture more light and flexible, also in terms of transport. Our desk, which is illustrated below in figure x (figure will follow), is made out of a table top, two storage boxes and a lifting mechanism. By choosing a solid wood for our desk, our material is quite heavy to start with. By testing our 3D model using simulation software, we can check how thick our material can be too keep it as minimal as possible, while still having a solid and safe construction. +The first feature of eco-efficiency mentioned in the introduction, is reducing the amount of material. We need to find a way to use less material for the desk, while still producing a strong, durable product. Moving very heavy furniture is often more expensive than buying new furniture, especially furniture from fast chains. It’s important to think of ways to keep our furniture more light and flexible, also in terms of transport. Our desk, which is illustrated below in Figure {{ref>flabel25}}, is made out of a table top, two storage boxes and a lifting mechanism. By choosing a solid wood for our desk, our material is quite heavy to start with. By testing our 3D model using simulation software, we can check how thick our material can be too keep it as minimal as possible, while still having a solid and safe construction. 
  
 +<WRAP centeralign>
 +<figure flabel25>
 +{{ :renderstand.jpg?400 |}}
 +<caption>Standing desk</caption>
 +</figure>
 +</WRAP>
 The user will have to assemble the boxes at home. This way the different wooden planks, out of which the storage boxes are made, can be flat-packed. By making the user assembly the desk himself, we also assure that the desk is easy to disassemble. As previously mentioned, this will result in easier repairs and better recyclability. This also makes us more efficient in terms of shipping; if the desk can be partly disassembled and flat-packed, carriers can fill their trucks to capacity and prevent additional delivery trips and fuel stops.  The user will have to assemble the boxes at home. This way the different wooden planks, out of which the storage boxes are made, can be flat-packed. By making the user assembly the desk himself, we also assure that the desk is easy to disassemble. As previously mentioned, this will result in easier repairs and better recyclability. This also makes us more efficient in terms of shipping; if the desk can be partly disassembled and flat-packed, carriers can fill their trucks to capacity and prevent additional delivery trips and fuel stops. 
 This isn’t the only thing we can do to reduce the energy intensity; we should look for more ways to produce our desk more efficiently. We can do this in multiple ways, think about using more energy efficient techniques, recycling wood waste and sawdust, insulation improvement, replacing old machines, …  This isn’t the only thing we can do to reduce the energy intensity; we should look for more ways to produce our desk more efficiently. We can do this in multiple ways, think about using more energy efficient techniques, recycling wood waste and sawdust, insulation improvement, replacing old machines, … 
Line 1747: Line 1773:
 </table> </table>
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 +\\
 ---- ----
 +\\
 **Materials**  **Materials** 
  
Line 1865: Line 1892:
  
 </table> </table>
 +\\ 
 +---- 
 +\\
 **Lifting mechanism**  **Lifting mechanism** 
  
Line 1910: Line 1939:
  
  
-**Desk lamp** +==== - Autonomous Integrations ====
  
 +**Desk Sensor-Lamp** \\
  
 We want to integrate a lamp into the desk that’s automatically switched on when the light intensity in the room is too low. The lamp needs to be foldable so it can be stored into the desk when used as a bench. We found a lamp found on the market that is 180° foldable. The lamp is operated by touch and is rotatable. In this way, the user can choose which parts of the desk are illuminated. The light source is a LED lamp and can be dimmed, according to the mood. The electrical power is 3,2 watts. The lamp works with a battery, namely a Li-ion battery (1200mAh). The battery can be charged at a voltage of 220-240V, ie mains voltage. Because we work with a battery, the user doesn't need to be connected to the main electricity when using the lamp. It just needs charging from time to time, when the user doesn't need the lamp. You can read the charactertics of this lamp below, in Table {{ref>tlabel6}}. We want to integrate a lamp into the desk that’s automatically switched on when the light intensity in the room is too low. The lamp needs to be foldable so it can be stored into the desk when used as a bench. We found a lamp found on the market that is 180° foldable. The lamp is operated by touch and is rotatable. In this way, the user can choose which parts of the desk are illuminated. The light source is a LED lamp and can be dimmed, according to the mood. The electrical power is 3,2 watts. The lamp works with a battery, namely a Li-ion battery (1200mAh). The battery can be charged at a voltage of 220-240V, ie mains voltage. Because we work with a battery, the user doesn't need to be connected to the main electricity when using the lamp. It just needs charging from time to time, when the user doesn't need the lamp. You can read the charactertics of this lamp below, in Table {{ref>tlabel6}}.
Line 1949: Line 1979:
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
 +**The Light-Sensor using Arduino**\\
 +For the proof-of-concept, we utilized a sensor called LDR (light-dependent resistor) to detect the intensity of light or darkness. When there is a high intensity of light, the LDR permits greater voltages to flow through it (low resistance), and when there is no light, it passes a low voltage (high resistance). The LDR gives out an analog voltage when connected to VCC (5V), which varies in magnitude in direct proportion to the input light intensity on it. Because the LDR produces an analog voltage, it is linked to an Arduino's analog input pin. The Arduino then translates the analog voltage (from 0 to 5V) into a digital value in the range of 0 to 255 using its built-in ADC (analog-to-digital converter) (0-1023). The translated digital values read from the LDR through the Arduino will be in the range of 800-1023, if there is enough light in its surroundings or on its surface. Furthermore, the team programmed the Arduino to activate a relay. It turns on an appliance (light bulb) when the light intensity is low, that is, when the digital values read are greater than normal.
  
-**Port charger** +**Battery**\\ 
 +We researched for batteries available on the market that can provide autonomy of work. This feature is ideal for locations where there are no wall plugs available close by. The integrated battery works as a power tank, providing power for the lamp and also multiple ports for different devices. A battery with a large capacity may provide up to 4 weeks of power on a single charge. Also, the recharging is easy, via a standard USB overnight. As the integrated lamp works with a LED light, it is safe with a 12V supply. A transformer is used, in order to convert voltages from higher to lower values. 
  
 +**Port charger**\\
 Employers are more and more embracing the use of cell phones in the modern workspace. Some even try to boost productivity through their employers devices; think of using application like Dropbox to encourage efficiency and work collaboration [(MANZOOR2018)]. Our way of working has become more and more digitalized, especially since the pandemic and our phone has transformed from a distraction to a key element during this transformation. “A surprising study by Frost & Sullivan revealed that use of cell phones adds about an hour of productivity daily. It also states that employees reported an overall increase of 34% in productivity by using their cell phones throughout their workday [(MANZOOR2018)].”  None of this would matter if employees couldn’t charge their phone.  In the context of home working, it’s very handy for the user to charge his cell phone and other devices close to him. This way, the user can have all that he needs to work within reach and won’t experience any delays by missing a phone call for example.  Employers are more and more embracing the use of cell phones in the modern workspace. Some even try to boost productivity through their employers devices; think of using application like Dropbox to encourage efficiency and work collaboration [(MANZOOR2018)]. Our way of working has become more and more digitalized, especially since the pandemic and our phone has transformed from a distraction to a key element during this transformation. “A surprising study by Frost & Sullivan revealed that use of cell phones adds about an hour of productivity daily. It also states that employees reported an overall increase of 34% in productivity by using their cell phones throughout their workday [(MANZOOR2018)].”  None of this would matter if employees couldn’t charge their phone.  In the context of home working, it’s very handy for the user to charge his cell phone and other devices close to him. This way, the user can have all that he needs to work within reach and won’t experience any delays by missing a phone call for example. 
- 
- 
  
 ** Total Power Consumption** ** Total Power Consumption**
Line 1963: Line 1995:
 |LDR|5|0.5|0,0025|1|2| |LDR|5|0.5|0,0025|1|2|
 |Led light|3|20|0,06|1|0.5| |Led light|3|20|0,06|1|0.5|
 +==== - Ergonomics ====
 +
 +Ergonomics is one of the mainsprings for this project. Research has linked sitting for long periods with health problems, including obesity and metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels [(MAYO2019)]. This is why we chose to make an adjustable desk, that allows you to switch from sitting to standing whenever you feel like it. 
 +
 +When it comes to posture, the user should make sure the head, neck, torso and legs stand in line and are vertical. The desk should allow the user to keep his wrists straight and his hands at or slightly below the level of his elbows. The elbow of the user should be close to his body. We advise the user to place the mouse and keyboard at a distance that allows him to do this. If there’s a monitor of a computer on the desk, it should be directly in front of the user, about an arm's length away. The top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level. By integrating the lamp and the charging ports in the tabletop, key objects such as a telephone can stay close to the users body to prevent excessive stretching. Illustrated in Figure {{ref>flabel1}}  is the ideal posture at both the sitting- and the standing desk. You can see there that the user stands in a straight line with his shoulders relaxed. The elbows are visibly close to the persons body and the wrists are at the level of his elbows. 
 +
 +<WRAP centeralign>
 +<figure flabel1>
 +{{ :posture.jpg?400 |}}
 +<caption>Posture</caption>
 +</figure>
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +As seen in the picture, the sitting desk should be somewhere between 25 and 30 inches. This translates to about 64 and 76 cm. The standing desk should be somewhere between 38 and 42 inches, which is about 96 cm and 110 cm. Our measurements should range between 64 and 110 cm, according to these ergonomic measurements. This is the case for each one of our mechanisms. In our desk, the user can adjust the height of the desk themselves (either electrically or manually). This results in an ideal height for everyone who uses our desk. The edges of the tabletop will be slightly rounded to prevent any harm to the user. We informed the user about the ideal ergonomic posture in the manual ({{ :ergo_manual.pdf? |}}). 
 +
 +
 +
 +
 ==== - Functionalities ==== ==== - Functionalities ====
 Using our 3D model and a real prototype of the desk, we'll illustrate our design solution. In Figures {{ref>flabel1}}, {{ref>flabel2}} and {{ref>flabel3}} you can see the three configurations of the desk.  Using our 3D model and a real prototype of the desk, we'll illustrate our design solution. In Figures {{ref>flabel1}}, {{ref>flabel2}} and {{ref>flabel3}} you can see the three configurations of the desk. 
Line 2008: Line 2058:
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
 +As for the prototype, we have constructed it from an already used adjustable desk, in which we have created the boxes out of PVC boards which were glued together and taped with duct-tape for additional support. As can be seen in Figure {{ref>flabel60}}, the left box has 3 drawers made on the same principle and the right box contains a push-to-open system for the door to be easily opened or closed. Plus, we have put the battery containing the USB ports and the lamp to illustrate all the functionalities our desk provides. Also, in Figure {{ref>flabel61}} can be seen the desk in the standing position. Although the prototype has a different system to adjust the height, the function is the same and the picture illustrates the position in which someone will work from a standing point. \\
 +
 +<WRAP centeralign>
 +<figure flabel60>
 +{{ :free_desk_prototype.jpeg?500 |}}
 +<caption>Prototype with all its functionalities</caption>
 +</figure>
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +<WRAP centeralign>
 +<figure flabel61>
 +{{ :free_desk_standing.jpeg?500 |}}
 +<caption>Prototype in standing position</caption>
 +</figure>
 +</WRAP>
  
  
Line 2170: Line 2235:
  
 ==== - Summary ==== ==== - Summary ====
-//Provide here the conclusions of this chapter and introduce the next chapter.//+In this chapter, we tried to find a solution for the problems stated in the introduction. Since this pandemic, a lot of people are working remotely. We focused on creating a more flexible and autonomous work environment for them. Our target market consists mainly of people who live in small spaces, they struggle even more with this shift to WFH due to lack of space. 
 +We started of with some initial ideas that we illustrated with some sketches and later with a wooden model. By making this model and a black box of our product, a clear vision of our product was created. After defining the target market, a comparison of different materials and components followed. We explained our decision to proceed with maple wood and aluminium with technological properties and evaluations between different materials. The strength, durability and easy recyclability of these materials convinced us that they were the best option for our desk. Further, the team looked into different lifting mechanisms and compared their advantages and disadvantages. We chose to offer the user the option to choose out of three mechanisms, according to their budget. The electrical one has the greatest range and is easy to operate, the manual one is a bit more limited in its range and has to be lifted by operating the handle. The last one, the mechanism with the lock pin, is the simplest one to produce and can reach any height but won’t be easy to handle for the user. For the 3D model and the visualisation, we focused on the manual crank lifting mechanism. The range of the crank mechanism is sufficient for our idea and given that it’s manual, we avoid our product being too expensive.  
 +Further, we discussed al the features we integrated to make our desk more autonomous. The ideal posture to ensure the desk is ergonomic is explained in chapter 7.5. Afterwards, we visualised our solution using renders. We elaborated on our packaging solution and our choice to flat pack the desk. Simulation tests were performed on the 3D model using simulation software, to ensure the safety of our FREE desk.  
 + 
 +The prototype was created using expanded PVC and a reused, transformable desk from our institution. Although the materials limited us in achieving a realistic desk, we tried our best to make it look like our model. We used our research on sustainability and ethics as a guideline for our project. In the following chapter we will conclude our work and discuss some possible future development.  
 ===== - Conclusions ===== ===== - Conclusions =====
 ==== - Discussion ==== ==== - Discussion ====

Trace:

QR Code
QR Code report (generated for current page)