For Assignment 1 of the Embedded Systems module, we are tasked with creating a visual research infographic on embedded systems in spatial design fields that interest us. I spent considerable time determining which topic intrigued me most for research. Among various possibilities, smart homes did not appeal to me, and I leaned more toward traffic systems. Initially, I considered embedded systems in traffic lights, inspired by a friend studying computer science who had worked on a related project. I thought I could seek his help and advice. However, after some contemplation, my interest gravitated toward railway systems like MRTs and LRTs. ChatGPT informed me that these are not classified as road traffic systems, as they operate on separate infrastructure and often have their own dedicated control and management systems. 

Thus, I decided to delve deeper into researching the automatic doors of railways, feeling that Malaysia's transit system had significant room for improvement in safety features and door systems. Non-functional doors are a common sight and can negatively impact passengers' experiences and safety. During a conversation with my elder sister, where I used automated doors to illustrate my current challenges, and tried pointing out the notable differences between mall doors and train doors. She suggested that a comparison of the two could be an insightful angle for my assignment, an idea that resonated with me, this could be a good approach!

Having chosen the topic "Embedded Systems in Automated Doors - Train vs. Mall," my next step was to understand how automated doors function and how those in trains and malls differ. My findings revealed substantial differences in their usage and functions. Mall doors must manage constant heavy traffic, incessantly opening and closing upon detecting someone's approach. In contrast, train doors are programmed to open only at stations and close before departure, not responding to passengers' immediate needs but incorporating safety features to prevent injury from closing doors.

As I was initially uncertain about my direction, I began creating my visual infographic concurrently with my research. The introduction and comparison sections, focusing on reliability, validity, feasibility, and ethics, were my starting points. Then I found it challenging to find directly related references on the Internet, especially comparisons between the two types of doors. Fortunately, as my research progressed, more relevant information emerged. I discovered that although train and mall doors serve similar purposes, they are fundamentally different. The Internet and some AI tools broadened my understanding of the embedded systems in both, revealing that they use different sensors for different situations. This prompted me to add more sections to my infographic to showcase my findings. My observations, becoming a key part of my research methodology, were also added into it.

For the compilation of my visual research, I initially used Adobe Illustrator, but technical issues with my laptop hindered my progress. Out of frustration, I switched to Canva and started from scratch, as no suitable templates were available. I experimented with various paper sizes, settling on the one that best suited the growing amount of research information. As a result, the font size became progressively smaller. Finding appropriate illustrations was challenging, so I turned to AI tools for assistance. The arrangement of the infographic components took several attempts to refine, resulting in the final presentation as it stands now. 

In conclusion, the journey of creating this infographic for my Embedded Systems module assignment was as much about personal growth as it was about academic achievement. Navigating through the initial uncertainty to a topic that sparked genuine interest was a lesson in itself, showing the value of perseverance and exploration. The research and design process, with its challenges and triumphs, not only resulted in a comprehensive visual document but also provided a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This experience has left me with a greater appreciation for the meticulous nature of research and the power of visual communication in translating complex data into accessible knowledge. It also gives me better insights of what this module, Embedded Systems, is all about.