This experience is a product development project with Dr. Soobum Lee. The project aimed to advance the mailbox delivery system used in the US, making it more secure than the traditional mailbox with the use of day and night cameras, touch screens for security input, etc.
The project involved elements of mechanical and system engineering design to improve the functions of the new mailbox. The project development coupled with the Raspberry Pi single-board computer. I signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement before taking on the project so, I am limited to the details of the project I’m allowed to share.
Realistic Vision: This experience exposed me to considering many different alternatives to solving the design problem especially when programming and designing with a Raspberry Pi.
Persistence: I faced many challenges with this project as a whole. Sometimes, solving one problem meant finding two or three new problems. Each time, I had to be persistent in reframing my challenges and taking them as new learning opportunities.
Develop strategies for recognizing opportunities and identifying the tools for quality risk assessment: This project helped to explore multiple possible solutions to a problem without the risk of copyright infringement. It was a requirement to find a unique solution without using third-party software or licenses.
Exhibit skills for communicating ideas concisely and logically: I communicated every new idea and challenge with Dr. Lee via email and in-person meetings. Most of my meetings with Dr. Lee involved demonstrating any progress made with the design project. After working on the project for several months, I provided Dr. Lee with a document that explained the set-up, and code I developed. I also provided Dr. Lee with a parts list that included prices, and a link to the online store.
Work effectively in teams focused on entrepreneurship-related projects: I worked alone for most of the project but had regular meetings with Dr. Lee to discuss any progress made.
Apply entrepreneurial thinking to social issues and social problems: This experience did not aim to solve any social issues or social problems.
This experience is moderately tied to my grand challenge. This project did not involve design for any urban infrastructure like buildings, roads, sewage canals, etc. Rather, it’s an improvement to the mailbox and delivery service system in the US.
I had a challenging time working with the raspberry pi since it was my first project with any micro computer. In spite of this, I learned to be persevere and to be persistent when faced with challenges.