Yoftahea Tenessa 

The Initial Phase of the project included socializing with my partners and the assigned advisor befor kick starting the project. I collaborated closely with our advisor and team members to define the scope and objectives of our endeavor.

As an architectural student, my focus was to ensure that the design principles we discussed would align with our overarching project goals. We laid the foundation for effective collaboration, established clear roles, and articulated expectations, setting the stage for a productive working relationship. 

After extensive discussions, we honed our ideas down to three promising concepts: a smart parking system, shelter relief, and a smart door lock system. We evaluated these options based on their feasibility and potential impact, ultimately leading to our advisor selecting the smart parking system 

However, we faced a setback when we discovered that our project’s title closely mirrored that of a previous year's project. In response, we pivoted to a new concept: the Smart Bicycle Parking System, refining this idea further through discussions with our advisor. I took an active role in drafting a detailed project proposal that outlined our vision, objectives, and methodology, which was then submitted for approval. 

We were fortunate to secure funding for the project, which enabled us to source the necessary devices, including the ESP32, servomotors, IR sensors, and essential components for building our prototype. I took the lead in researching and selecting materials that would not only meet our technical requirements but also reflect aesthetic considerations, integral to my architectural education. 

During the prototype testing phase, I played a pivotal role in validating the functionality of the ESP32 and backend systems. This involved troubleshooting issues and ensuring that all components operated as intended. My problem-solving skills, honed through my architectural training, were crucial in this phase. 

initial inspiration gathered and case studies done alongside literature review in order to gather all the necessary information before proposing the initial design and form to be reviewed by the team.

As we entered the physical production phase, my responsibility was to oversee the cutting and assembly of materials for the bike rack. This included preparing the wooden frame and integrating the electronic components, all while ensuring that our design principles were upheld in the construction process. 

In subsequent iterations, we made further refinements to the prototype, focusing on optimizing assembly, addressing minor design flaws, and enhancing the system's overall reliability. My architectural perspective played a significant role in ensuring that our design was not only functional but also aesthetically appealing. 

The nearly finalized version of the smart bike rack was presented to our advisor for feedback. I actively sought constructive criticism and made adjustments based on recommendations, ensuring alignment with our project’s goals and enhancing its architectural integrity. 

In the final week, we completed all remaining tasks, polished the prototype, and prepared for our final presentation. The culmination of our efforts resulted in a successfully delivered smart bike rack system, showcasing a functional design ready for deployment.