Evaluation

I think that my group has worked well together both working separately, and colaborating with eachother very well. We have overcome problems such as missing members or others lacking in participation and been able to work around it, without it becoming a cause for concern which then would have haulted our progress.

We have changed our initial idea of the text to change the song device, to something which would be more beneficial to our chosen public location. We did choose a local pub, which was perhaps not an ideal place for us to base a group task on, although it was an intention that as we would probably be spending alot of time there, that it would be a good idea to maybe focus a task in there. However, socialising and work don't always work well together!

We did get alot of research and ideas done for the task but could have still done alot more, such as; taking more first-hand pictures, sketches, rough 3d models made from spare materials, mock ups of the design.

Overall, I think that we worked well in a group, however we were one member short due to one never attending, so we were more restricted to the amount of work we could do in comparison to other groups. ANother problem was how two of us were commuting to university, it also makes it more difficult to meet up in oru own time, but luckily with the hour gaps between lectures we used that time to meet up for the environment and contextual studies.

If we were to do a group task again, I would ensure that my group creates a schedule each week for tasks that we will complete, and to create blog posts more frequently, as I've found it hard to get back into the swing of blog posting everything. It's easy to forget to post any thoughts or ideas that you have along the way.

Equipment and material list

This is a list of all the things we will need to successfully deploy or installation:

Our devices ~ Small moblie devices encased in secure and waterproof containers, the containers will need to be linked to the device and the front screen much have a touch screen plastic sheet over it to allow users to interact with the device.

• Secure waterproof casing
• Touch screen sheet
• Fixture securing devices (Screws, nuts, bolts etc)

Anti theft system ~ The anti theft device will be a small gps device that is connected wirelessly too a sister device behind the bar, if the device goes our of range of the sister device an alarm will go off notifying the staff that the device is missing.

• Device itself
• Sister device with wireless accessRouter/modem

Van/Truck ~ To transport tables to and from the pub to be modified.

Power tools ~ To adjust the tables

Failure scenarios and backup plans

Within every installation there will be problems which occur, therefore we will need to have already prepared for common problems which could occur with this chosen type of technology. Our designed technology is an electronic, touch-screen ordering form, in the reach of every customer who will be located around a table.

The obvious failure scenarios would include;

1. Damage from liquid substance
2. Surface damage from objects
3. Power cut/damaged wires
4. Not enough power transferred to device

These can all be overcome, given that enough money would be funded for more features to be included to the device, otherwise the technology would cause to be more of a downgrade to the public process of making an order in the pub.

The failure scenarios can be overcome by applying the following to the technology;

1. Apply a water-proof surface to the screen, allowing visibility and touch-screen, but protection from liquids
2. Shock proof, allowing it to sustain a great deal of weight from objects such as pint glasses and plates
3. Enable a wireless version, in the case of wires becoming a hazard for customers. Although a wireless version could become worse for battery life
4. Install a stronger power supply/battery to the device, or enforce using a power plug to be used

Problems occurring is natural within technology installations, to have an installation to run smooth wouldn't be normal. Therefore you need to ensure that you have prepared for every scenario.

Backup plans?

In the case of our designed device not working, we will also need to construct a replacement, which will be quicker to install, and cost a lot less money. The reason for this is that you can test the device all you want to ensure that it works before the day, but what happens on the day can't always be expected to happen.

An ideal backup plan would be a slideshow presentation, which would include the content of the originally designed device but in briefer detail, so that customers can either; text in to a device which will record the orders (could be time consuming for a 'backup' plan), write the order onto paper and bring it up to the bar, with their table number (quick and easy to install).

Deployment overview

Time schedule for installation

1. We need to arrive early morning before the pub starts.
2. Purchase new tables a week before installation date to ensure delivery on time. This way the pub is not left without tables during the wait.
3. 7am – We get there, with touch screens in the van. Seeing as most pubs open at 12-1 that leaves us a lot of time to fit several installations. More time can be given for more installations.
4. 8am – we have made quick final checks of the area to ensure our installation can fit in and comply with rules and regulations.
5. 9am – we have installed the cables and electrical wires needed, ready for the installations.
6. 10am – the tables have been delivered with pre-cut sections for the screens and wires.
7. 10.30am – tables are positioned in correct places and wires are fed through.
8. 11am – by this time we have placed the screens within the tables, ensuring they fit with the theft and water proof devices.
9. 11am onwards (Pub/Bar Open) – time is spent testing each device works ready for the customers!

Here is a list of the things we need to carry out a successful deployment of our installation:

1. Top down Plans
2. Timetables and Schedules
3. Equipment and Materials List
4. Failure Scenarios and Backup Plans

 We have already covered the top down plans/birdseye view and the timetable so we've almost completed our list for a successful deployment and preparation.