FINAL DIGITAL MEDIA RESEARCH PROJECT

The final year project is the capstone of the degree; it allows students to showcase what they have learnt. The project module is different from the other modules. Although students are monitored, it is the student's responsibility to define the issue boundaries, explore possible solutions, and report the findings in writing, verbally, and in action. There are no official lectures to attend, other from an introductory briefing session. Individual/small group sessions are held on a regular basis to discuss progress. Students submit progress and final results reports, as well as in-person presentations and demonstrations of their work, for evaluation. (Sussex, 2021) Hence, I decided to work on a project called Knock, which is a smart door lock. Below are my progress documentation of this project. 

Project Planning :

For this first week of the semester, we were given the project brief to help us understand the learning outcomes and what we needed to deliver by the end of the semester. There were almost no lectures for this semester, only workshops if students requested them. Hence, it is more of a free and easygoing work period. In order to complete the assignment effectively, we students must be responsible for our own time management. First, I began my job by creating an effective schedule for my project planning.

Gantt Chart 

I can now move on to the next phase of this project now that I have completed my entire schedule. Besides, I won't be confused about where to begin or what tasks to do next. I can just conveniently refer to the schedule. This project was a continuous one from the previous module, Research and Development in Digital Media. We are expected to continue refining and developing the overall idea in order to make it more complete. However, I was dissatisfied with my initial design for my door lock and it was no innovative that one of the existence brand in the market. I believe that there was still room for improvement. As a result, I decided to explore further and develop from there.

Reference
Sussex.ac.uk. 2021. Final year projects : Undergraduate : ... : School of Engineering and Informatics : Schools and services : University of Sussex. [online] Available at: <https://www.sussex.ac.uk/ei/internal/forstudents/informatics/undergraduate/finalyearprojects> [Accessed 6 August 2021].

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Project Development :

Sketches

I began by sketching up the design of my door lock. I'm still looking for the one that would work best for my project. I explored with various sizes and shapes, deciding between an edgy or curvaceous style. Here are some of the sketches I completed.

Fig 1 Sketch Progress

Fig 2 Sketch Progress

3D Modelling

After I finish sketching, I move on to 3D modelling. It allows me to observe the model from multiple angles and perspectives. When compared to the original vision, this can help me see more clearly if the product was built as intended. Seeing the design in this way can assist in determining whatever improvements or modifications to the product are needed.

Fig 3 3D Design Progress

Fig 4 3D Design Progress

However, after discussing with the lecturer, the 3D design falls short of expectations. The door lock is unattractive and appears to be overly common. As a result, rather than moving on, I chose to seek for more inspiration and attempt again for new design ideas.

Idea Inspiration

Fig 5 Idea References

From here, I continue sketching and 3D modelling to achieve the best design possible. These sources of inspiration have been really beneficial to my project. Inspiration widens our eyes to fresh possibilities by helping us to see beyond our ordinary experiences and limitations. Inspiration pushes a person from indifference to possibilities and alters the perception of our own strengths. (Sandu, 2021) Make no mistake: being a learner is necessary. Successful people in all industries are always learning new things. They find inspiration and motivation in other people's effort and success. (Clear, 2021) 

Sketches (Second Attempt)

My door lock design has progressed to the second draft stage. The outcome was clearly better to all previous attempts. However, there is certainly potential for growth in terms of details.

Fig 6 Sketch Progress (Second Attempt)

3D Modelling (Second Attempt)

The following is the look of 3D modelling of the second draft design:

Fig 7 3D Design Progress (Second Attempt)

Fig 8 3D Design Progress (Second Attempt)

From here, I've chosen to go for a curvaceous appearance rather than an edgy one. However, I am currently trying to enhance details such as the speaker hole, indicator, and knob. Thus, there will be a third stage of design. Similarly, I'm continuing looking for inspiration for the handle and speaker hole from other items.

Idea Inspiration (Door Knob)

DoorLockDesign_Reference by LEE SUE ANN on Scribd

I have a better concept for the door lock knob and also the speaker hole from the inspiration. So I'm going to keep improving by sketching and 3D modelling.

Sketches (Third Attempt)

Fig 9 Sketch Progress (Third Attempt)

3D Modelling (Third Attempt)

Fig 10 3D Design Progress (Third Attempt)

To finalize the design, I chose to go with a curvy appearance for the door lock's base. The choice was taken with the user's experience in mind. It's because there's a fear that sharp edges would be dangerous or uncomfortable for users, especially if they're carrying a lot of bags and goods. If the knob is excessively sharp or rough, they will struggle to grasp it. Furthermore, curvy shapes may be more comfortable and friendlier looking, especially if there are kids or the elderly in the house. Moreover, in order to make the product more innovative, I pay close attention to details on the door knob, making it more unique than a standard door lock. In terms of usage and experience., the door knob has curves that fit smoothly into the user's palm while grasping it. For the speaker hole and indication, I picked the design that best suited the shape and kept it as minimal as possible in order to achieve a sleek overall aesthetic. In everything I design and develop, human needs for comfort, security, privacy and aesthetic satisfaction are carefully considered. 

After finalising the design, I send the 3D modelling file to be printed. I contacted a printing company called Prynnworks and spoke with the person in charge to ensure that everything runs well and on schedule. Furthermore, I decided on the types of materials to be used for printing in order to produce the finest possible results. 

3D Printing

These are the photos in the file that are ready to be printed. The depth portrayed in Figure 12 is intended to store the arduino board and electronic components, so it may look thicker here.

Fig 11 3D Printing File (Front View)

Fig 12 3D Printing File (Back View)

Here is the confirmation check on the door lock dimension and information with the printing company. Because there were some size errors, some adjustments were required. The dimension on original file size appears to be too small.

Fig 13 3D Printing File (Sizing)

Fig 14 3D Printing File (Sizing)

Fig 15 3D Printing File (Sizing)

This footage captures how the parts of a door lock are splitted for a better printing result. It will be printed in numerous sections and then glued together again.

Furthermore, we explored applying two different types of printing for my door lock. The base to be printed using FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), while the knob using resin. This is due to the fact that FDM printing uses filaments and has visible layer lines, whereas resin printing is generally utilised for Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) technology, which produces higher detail and smooth printing. However, resin printing will be more expensive than FDM printing. But, when it comes to quality, resin wins since resin printing produces considerably higher quality than filament printing. 

Finally, due to the financial constraints and the fact that this would just be a working prototype, I decided to go with FDM printing for both parts. Since my door knob surface area is not very large, the outcome appears to be satisfactory. PLA and PETG are two of the most common materials among the several that belong into this category. These two materials are known for their ease of printing and are made into filaments that can be used by both beginners and specialists with FDM printers. Despite the fact that they are similar in many aspects, there are notable variances between the two. PETG, unlike PLA, is resistant to water, chemicals, and fatigue. It is also more durable and less rigid than PLA. PETG is commonly seen as a cross between ABS and PLA. That is, it combines the finest qualities of both, which is why it is utilised in so many mechanical parts and robots. (Madeleine, 2021)

Soldering

Meanwhile, as I wait for my 3D model to be printed and delivered, which should take no more than two weeks, I continue working on the project building part of this project. The soldering and coding stages. Since the design of the door lock has changed, I must carefully plan the placement of the components and wiring to ensure that it will perfectly fit inside the door lock casing. Below is the documentation of my soldering progress.

Fig 16 Soldering Progress

Coding

After that, I began looking over the code I wrote last semester to ensure everything was in order. It was done with Arduino software to test out the functionalities and see if there were any wiring or coding issues. It is critical to double-check to ensure that the soldering is not loose and that no wiring has broken off.

On week 8, we had started preparing slides for our first progress presentation. It's a presentation that explains in detail how far we've gone towards the completion of the project. It outlines the activities we've carried out, the tasks completed, and the milestones we've reached vis-à-vis your project plan. This is also to help us accumulate feedback on our project so we know where to improve them. Feedback is about listening actively, taking the time to analyze, and then thinking of the best possible solution to perform better. It provides positive criticism and allows to see what everyone can change to improve our focus and results. (Pilipenko, 2018)

After having a mock presentation with my lecturer, the slides were changed several times. The initial design of the slides appears to be a little off, and the flow isn't really good. I immediately realised that my entire project was lacking a critical component: product branding. There were no brand names or brand identities, hence no design was used on the presentations.This is when I began designing logos and brand identities for my product.

Branding

I researched and analysed the logos of multiple companies of smart door locks on the market. Here are a few of the examples found.

Fig 17 Logo Inspiration

Meanwhile, here are some logos I came up with after a few failed efforts. I'm using the word 'knock' since it best portrays a door and is also a feature of my product. And for the letter O, I went with a more digitalized illustration rather than a manual keyhole. This is to ensure that my logo fits my smart door lock concept and conveys the ideal message to the audience. I've also tested the logo in various sizes to ensure that it is visible at all sizes.

Fig 18 Logo Design

Fig 19 Logo Design

This is the final look of my logo design:

Fig 20 Logo Design

3D Model

And since the 3D model of my door lock arrived ahead of schedule, I was able to include it in the slides as well. This is the final look of my door lock.

Fig 21 Door Lock Design (Front View)

Fig 22 Door Lock Design (Side View)

Progress Presentation 01

The final version of my project progression slides is as follows:

We received useful comments and suggestions from the progress presentation, which is beneficial to us. From there, I decided to develop and expand on various parts of my project. Here are the things I wish to improve and add on :

1. User Manual

2. Microsite

3. Packaging

Project Building

I decided to focus on developing my door prototype first before moving on to the add-on items. To save cost, I intend to construct the door for my lock out of cardboard. To ensure that the door can stand on its own, I chose a 7mm thick board and stick several pieces together to have sufficient strength. While for the lock, I use acrylic paint to touch up the edges so that it looks exactly like my 3D design.

Fig 23 Door Lock Touch Up Progress

Fig 24 Door Lock Touch Up Progress

Fig 25 Door Lock Touch Up Progress

This is how the interior looks like when arduino and other electronic components are stored inside.

Fig 25 Door Lock Building Progress

This is the video documentation of door building progress :

Fig 26 Smart Door Lock 

Fig 27 Smart Door Lock

Here will be the demo video for both feature :

Knocking Sequence

Speech Recognition

The next phase is to finish the add-on items, which include the websites, packaging, and user manual. As according initial feedback from lecturers, a manual to help users in using the product is essential. By doing so, there is no necessity for an expertise to be there to guide users. However, I believe that building a website would be more ideal. 

Packaging

Before starting on the design, I searched up for some references to gain some ideas and inspiration from others. I planned to link my packaging to the website to make things easier for users. A QR code will be attached to the packaging to allow users to easily and quickly access the website. Besides, I listed down the information that needed to placed on the packaging beforehand.

Packaging_Reference by LEE SUE ANN on Scribd

Fig 28 Packaging Design Details

Fig 29 Packaging Design Progress

This is the final look of my product's packaging design.

Fig 30 Packaging Design

Websites

Website allows me to boost my brand's credibility and professionalism. It has the power to influence how customers recognise our products and services. Having a visually appealing website with informative content creates the impression that we are operating a legitimate and trustworthy brand. (Orangesoft, 2018) For example, I could provide in-depth information about the product's benefits, features, technology, and also user manual. Once visitors are convinced that the product can be trusted, it will be easier to convert them into potential clients. 

Fig 31Website Design Reference

Fig 32 Website Design Reference

After seeking for some reference, I started listing out what to include in the website and also draft on the layout design of the entire website.

Fig 33 Website Design Information Architecture

Website_Draft by LEE SUE ANN on Scribd

Below is the website walkthrough video and here's the link to the website.

User Manual

The manual created is to assist users in using our product. With this user manual, users can easily and conveniently use our product based on the guidance without any worry. There is no need for expertise to be aside to guide users too.

Fig 34 User Manual Design (Website Version)

This is the A4 printable version of the manual, which may be downloaded and printed from the website. It was decided after taking into account the users. Some users may find it inconvenient to have to refer to the website's user manual each time they want to do keyword saving. To make things easier for them, I designed a printable A4-size user manual that users may download from our website and store in their drawer for future reference.

Fig 35 User Manual Design (Printable Version)

Unique Selling Point

We are not just another door lock brand on the market. To stand out from the rest, some research has been conducted and it has been proven that customization is an excellent business strategy. It is essential for providing a personalised user experience to each user group and can boost user loyalty and satisfaction. (FreshDesk, 2019) Every user base has different demands. Keeping in mind that every user is unique, it is crucial to design a product that appeals to as many individuals as possible. As the old saying goes, if you strive to please everyone, you will please no one. Hence, instead of being generally suitable for the client, Knock allows customers to customise their door lock to be specially perfect for every user. Below are my customisation progress on the colour choices.

Customisation by LEE SUE ANN on Scribd

This is the draft of website design on customisation page :

Fig 36 Customisation Design (Website)

Here is the video walkthrough of how users access to our customisation services :

 

Reference

Sandu, B., 2021. What inspires you as a designer?. [online] Designer Daily: graphic and web design blog. Available at: <https://www.designer-daily.com/what-inspires-you-as-a-designer-62684> [Accessed 18 August 2021].

Clear, J., 2021. The Two Types of Inspiration. [online] James Clear. Available at: <https://jamesclear.com/inspiration-types> [Accessed 18 August 2021].

Madeleine P., 2021. PLA vs PETG: Which Material Should You Choose? - 3Dnatives. [online] 3Dnatives. Available at: <https://www.3dnatives.com/en/pla-vs-petg-which-material-should-you-choose-110520215/#!> [Accessed 27 August 2021].

Pilipenko, M., 2018. The Importance of Feedback in Project Management - DZone Agile. [online] dzone.com. Available at: <https://dzone.com/articles/the-importance-of-feedback-in-project-management> [Accessed 18 September 2021].
Orangesoft.com.my. 2018. Benefits of Having a Corporate Website for Your Business. [online] Available at: <https://www.orangesoft.com.my/blog/benefits-having-corporate-website-your-business> [Accessed 30 September 2021].

FreshDesk, 2019. Why Product Customization is Important for Customer Satisfaction. Available at: <https://freshdesk.com/general/product-customization-for-customer-satisfaction-blog/> [Accessed 19 November 2021].

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Usability Test :

Before I sum up my project, I carried out a usability test. It is the stage in the design process that allows me to evaluate my product with real users and produce human-centric products. This process allows me to thoroughly investigate and analyse the behaviour of my target audience when engaging with the product. Users are asked to execute tasks by trying out the products, generally while being observed and the entire process is recorded, in order to identify where they encounter problems and confusion. Users were then given questionnaires to complete in order to answer some relevant questions. Feedbacks were given on expanding more features in future development and making minor modifications in design. My initial plan was to do ten usability tests. However, due to the current pandemic, I was only able to conduct the test on three people, all of whom are members of my family, for health and safety reasons. Here is the link to my usability test

Here is the usability test video recording and result :

Usability Test (Recorded Video)

Usability Test by LEE SUE ANN on Scribd

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Slides for Mock Presentation :

I had also finalized my presentation slide for the upcoming mock presentation. My presentation slides are shown here.

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Reflective Essay :

In addition, I have begun writing for my reflective essay. The purpose of reflective writing is to assist us in learning from a particular practical experience. It will aid us in making connections between what we learn in theory and what we need to do in practise.

Reflective Essay by LEE SUE ANN on Scribd

This last week I concentrated on completing my reflective essay. I've also gathered all of the necessary files and evidence. Here is the complete reflective essay.

ReflectiveEssay by LEE SUE ANN on Scribd