Pochacco's List

I have always been fascinated by programming. It is interesting how ideas can turn into applications, websites and many more possibilities with programming. Furthermore, technology is continuously growing in this very world and has risen in importance over the years.

My goal is connected to my interest as it allows me to practice the programming language and better my programming skills by using my skills to develop an app  prototype which can decrease people’s procrastination. It helps people organize their tasks in a clear and simple way which is effective in keeping track of what needs to be done as well as make us users feel good when we tick off an item from our to-do list. This app prototype will have a cute and bright design to give  the user a positive outlook.

Designed by Sanrio, Pochacco is a sporty puppy which was first introduced in 1989. Pochacco is the most suitable character as it is a cutely designed dog which certainly and easily fits into the theme of cute and bright. 

A University of Oxford study found that cuteness and bright colors activates the orbitofrontal cortex and other areas of the brain that are associated with emotion and pleasure. It moreover draws our attention in a biased way.

I had to use my critical thinking skills which I had applied to fulfill the goal by looking for inspirations for the concept, features and styles of the computer app:

• Using my critical thinking skills, I analyzed similar apps and other forms of to-do lists made by those who are more experienced and are successful, I can evaluate what made their app effective and up to the goal of reducing the procrastination of the users and how they have done so.

• I  combined my critical thinking skills with my organization skills by listing the intended features to have a clear plan of what I should have in the app.

• I had combined both skills by using both these skills to search for resources which I have used throughout the process of making this app.  (I have found the GeeksforGeeks and DataFlair websites to be of great help)

• Organization skills assisted me in planning my steps and sort data in a way that is efficient yet effective.

Designing:

I used Pinterest to find and save cute pngs, wallpapers and pictures of Pochacco  to then edit and design with Canva.

Gathering Information:

Amongst all these websites and forums, I have found the GeeksforGeeks and DataFlair websites to be of great help. Most of their comments and discussions are filled with positive responses and upvotes, suggesting that these are websites which are trustworthy and truly work. These websites also provide explanations about the function of each code. The simple explanations which made it easier for me to understand as they are simple and concise, making it easy to remember as well.

Planning and Documentating:

I have used a notebook as a planner to keep track of my progress and write down what I have done that day. This allows me to see what I can do while still following the timeline.

It is important to reflect at the end to further develop all of the skills, not just the ATL skills, as reflection allows us to evaluate and see what we can improve.

• From this project, I have achieved quite a lot of understanding about one of the most commonly used programming languages which is also a language for beginners, equipping me for later on learning about programming.

• This project has also been extremely helpful in assisting me  in improving my time management skill. Plans may not always go as intended and sometimes we need to make adjustments, and indeed several parts of my timetable did not go as planned.

• Accessibility did not also go according to the success criteria. I had intended the app to be accessible to fellow students by placing it in the app store. This was until I found out that Legal requirements are needed and that we have to undergo a legal process to publish the app in the App store.

• I also became more balanced in managing my personal time, other academic activities along with this project.