Ililli Juhar
Creative Developer
Creative Developer
Hello, my name is Ililli Juhar, a 4th year software engineering student at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU). An entry level Software Engineer and Data Analyst with a solid foundation in programming, data analysis, and introductory AI concepts. Currently involved in different projects to gain hands-on experience. Passionate about learning and applying new technologies to solve real-world problems and create impactful solutions. This portfolio highlights my weekly progress and contributions to the Eco-Wise Smart Solutions Kiosk for Plastic Waste and Recycling project, with a focus on integrating Arduino hardware with backend systems.
The Eco-Wise project addresses the growing challenge of urban plastic waste while promoting sustainability through innovative recycling solutions. It aligns closely with my aspirations, combining technical development with environmental impact to create meaningful change. Throughout the project, my primary responsibility was Arduino integration, from writing and refining code to ensuring seamless hardware-software interaction. By focusing on the technical backbone of the kiosk, I played a key role in delivering a functional and innovative solution for plastic waste management and recycling.
Thank you for visiting my portfolio! I invite you to explore my journey through this project, where each week brought new challenges, achievements, and learnings that have shaped my growth as a software engineer.
Weekly Progress
Week 1: Team Formation and Initial Research
During the first week, I collaborated with team members to form a cohesive group. The team began by brainstorming project ideas aligned with selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Some of the top suggested ideas included Eco-Wise: Smart Waste and Recycling, Automated Hand-Washing Device, and Smart Irrigation System. My contributions included conducting in-depth research on the proposed project to make it align with my department. I shared these insights with the team, helping shape the project’s foundation. Additionally, I actively participated in our initial advisor meeting, contributing ideas to align the project’s direction with course objectives and ensure it addressed real-world sustainability challenges effectively.
Week 2: Project Idea Selection and Refinement
In the second week, the team analyzed the suggested project ideas based on various criteria, including time, budget, feasibility, and the ability to allow every team member to contribute meaningfully in their respective departments. After careful evaluation, we selected Eco-Wise Smart Solutions Kiosk for Plastic Waste and Recycling as the final project idea. I played a key role in drafting a detailed project description, emphasizing the kiosk’s functionalities, such as user engagement features, recycling incentives, backend integration, and Arduino-based hardware interactions. To strengthen team collaboration, I took IETP Lecture 1: Team Dynamics and Communication, applying new strategies to improve our workflow and communication processes.
Week 3: Design Process and Proposal Development
During the third week, I contributed significantly to drafting the project proposal by defining the system architecture, backend functionalities, and integration points with the Arduino-based hardware. I also designed and documented the functional and non-functional requirements, ensuring alignment with user needs and technical feasibility. The structured methodologies learned from IETP Lecture 2: Design Process were applied to improve the clarity and quality of our proposal.
Week 4: Project Planning and Methodology
This week focused on project planning and methodology development. My teammates and I from software department created a detailed timeline outlining key deliverables and milestones, particularly for backend development, Arduino integration, and frontend alignment. Taking the IETP Lecture 3: Project Methodology provided insights that I used to refine our development workflow and task management strategies. I also began planning specific backend development tasks, including API design and database integration, which would later support seamless system operations and hardware communication.
Week 5: System Requirements and Proposal Submission
In Week 5, the team finalized the project proposal by incorporating feedback from our advisor. I created detailed system diagrams, including system architecture and ER diagrams, to visualize backend structures, database schema, and Arduino integration points. I also participated in regular team meetings to align individual contributions, particularly those related to backend development and hardware interfacing, with the overall project goals.
Week 6: Backend Development Kickoff
Week 6 marked the kickoff of backend development and Arduino integration. I set up the server, database, and initial API endpoints to facilitate communication between the kiosk’s hardware and software components. I also began writing Arduino code to control the kiosk’s hardware components, ensuring compatibility with backend systems. Collaboration with frontend developers was crucial to maintaining consistency across all system components. Additionally, I took the IETP Lecture 4: Fabrication Process and Lab Safety, applying safety practices during hardware prototyping and testing.
Week 7: Backend and Arduino Feature Development and Procurement Planning
During this week, my teammate from software department and I enhanced backend functionalities by implementing key features such as user authentication, data management, and reward system APIs. Concurrently, I worked on refining the Arduino code to control sensors and actuators for the kiosk’s operation. Rigorous testing was conducted to ensure seamless integration between the backend and hardware.
Week 8: System Integration and Progress Reporting
In the final week, I documented the progress of backend development and Arduino integration in a detailed progress report, highlighting completed tasks and addressing challenges. I worked on integrating backend services with both the frontend interface and Arduino-controlled hardware, ensuring a seamless user experience and robust system operation. Initial functional testing of the kiosk prototype was conducted, focusing on end-to-end performance and identifying areas for further refinement.