I began by meeting with my team members and the project advisor to define roles and responsibilities. Following this, we engaged in a discussion to outline the project’s objectives, scope, and expected deliverables. As a follow-up task, each team member was assigned to propose two project ideas to present at the next meeting.

Lastly, we established communication channels and set up project management tools to ensure smooth and efficient collaboration.

During this week, we presented our ideas to the team. My idea for the proposal was:

Solar-Powered Water Purification System

The Solar-Powered Water Purification System project focuses on developing a low-cost system that harnesses solar energy to provide clean drinking water to communities. This system employs solar panels to power water filtration processes, ensuring that water is free from contaminants and safe for consumption. 

Each team member presented their concepts, emphasizing the details and potential impact of their proposals. With these ideas in mind, we discussed which concept best aligned with the project’s goals and effectively integrated various engineering disciplines. After thoughtful deliberation, the team selected the Arduino-Powered Air Quality Monitoring System as the primary project. We also identified a secondary idea as a backup, ensuring flexibility in case the main project encountered any obstacles.

The team successfully finalized the project idea, selecting energy-generating sidewalks after evaluating its feasibility and alignment with sustainable development goals. Roles and responsibilities were divided among team members to efficiently draft the proposal, ensuring all aspects of the project Each member was assigned specific sections based on their expertise, such as research, design, and cost analysis. Regular meetings were scheduled to discuss progress and integrate the sections into a cohesive proposal.  

The team successfully completed and submitted the project proposal for the Arduino-Powered Air Quality Monitoring System. Each member's contributions were compiled into a detailed document addressing key elements such as objectives, methodology, necessary resources, and anticipated outcomes. Submission was made within the deadline, ensuring adherence to all guidelines and requirements. We are now awaiting feedback from evaluators to proceed with the next stages of the project.

During Week 5, we conducted an online meeting to review the progress made so far and plan the next steps for the Arduino-Powered Air Quality Monitoring System project. Key discussion points included refining the project timeline and brainstorming potential improvements based on preliminary feedback. The team also assigned tasks for the upcoming phases, such as prototyping the system and sourcing necessary components. We contributed updates and ideas, ensuring clear communication to sustain project momentum and align on our shared objectives.

During Week 6, the team proceeded to buy the essential materials, including air quality sensors, Arduino microcontrollers, resistors, capacitors, and connecting wires. A comprehensive work plan was created to effectively guide the implementation process.

We completed the diagram sketches and model design, outlining the system's structure and functionality.

For simulation tasks, my responsibilities include using Proteus for simulating the electrical circuitry to ensure efficient progress. And regarding the software development, initial plans were made for Arduino coding to manage sensor data and system controls, as well as for designing a platform to display real-time air quality data collected by the system.

We held a meeting to discuss progress and outline the next steps for the Arduino-Powered Air Quality Monitoring System project. Key updates included:

• Procurement Status: Several essential components, such as sensors and microcontrollers, were successfully acquired, while the remaining items were scheduled for procurement in the following week to ensure all materials are available for prototyping.

• Work Plan Adjustments: Based on the acquired materials and feedback from discussions, the team made modifications to the initial work plan to optimize resource usage and timelines.

• Task Reallocation: Responsibilities were updated to align with the revised work plan and ensure continuous progress.

This week marked a shift from the planning phase to procurement and design refinement. Following the release of the project budget, I waited for my teammates to check the cost data by contacting suppliers and researching market prices for all necessary components, such as sensors, microcontrollers, and other electronic parts. This hands-on effort provided realistic pricing insights, enabling us to assess our budget allocation effectively.

With this data, my teammates and I critically analyzed the current design layouts. We reviewed component specifications, explored alternatives that could reduce costs without compromising functionality or performance, and revised our plans to optimize material choices.

By carefully balancing cost-effectiveness with quality, we ensured that our design stays within the approved budget limits. This preparation has equipped us to move confidently into the construction phase, with a strong sense of accountability for both the design and financial aspects of the project.

We focused on assembling the prototype of the system. This involved integrating all the components, such as the sensors, controllers, and other electrical parts, into a cohesive unit. The assembly process required careful attention to the connections and proper placement of each component to ensure the system would function as intended. 

Once the assembly was complete, we conducted preliminary tests to verify that all parts were working together effectively. This phase marked a significant step toward finalizing the prototype for further testing and optimization. And also showed it to our advisor.