BMEN 468 Final Reflection Assignment
Due: Friday, Dec 6, 2024
This assignment is designed to allow you to reflect on your experiences in the course.
Reflecting on your experience can help you better assess your interests and career path, and
prepare for interviews, scholarships, and employment applications.
Choose two of the following prompts to discuss. Use the DEAL framework to formulate your
ideas.
● Identify a skill you improved or developed during this course. How will this skill help you
in your future studies or career?
During BMEN 468, I significantly improved my design prototyping and iterative design skills
especially in Fusion and SolidWorks while working on the wearable real-time monitoring device
project. This experience primarily took place in the Schulich Maker Multiplex over multiple
weeks. My role involved writing functional code in Arduino IDE, soldering, circuitry and
designing, iterating and 3D Printing the pulse oximeter casing for the first project which provided
a base knowledge for the Final Project where I worked on integrating the pulse oximeter sensor
with the circuit in the chest band Sleep Apnea Monitoring Device for ensuring seamless data
communication and visualization. In the first project, I used the newly learned tools like Revolve,
Extrude Cut and Emboss to create a unique electronics housing for the circuits which ended up
being on showcase, which was a great reflection of the application of the theoretical I had
learned in class! In the Final Product Design, my team contributed by integrating the chest band
and developing the code, soldering and circuitry for the monitoring component. We
collaboratively tested and refined the prototype, communicating updates during the weekly
meetings.
The course’s emphasis on design thinking and systems integration directly applied to this
experience. For instance, the lectures on wearable technology usability and sterilization
informed our choice of lightweight materials and non-invasive sensors that can be easily
maintained by the end user. I applied engineering skills such as circuit debugging, app
development, and iterative testing to ensure functionality. Thinking from an engineering
perspective, I prioritized user-centred design developing potential personas for the device,
balancing technical performance with usability. This approach resulted in a more reliable and
user-friendly prototype.
ARTICULATE LEARNING
• I learned that teamwork and iterative prototyping is crucial for refining design
functionality and addressing unforeseen challenges.
• I learned this when Sejal had our initial 3D Printing failed during first printing due to
design sizing issues as the dimensions were in the wrong units, prompting me for a redesign
and reprint of the components to meet set goals and deadlines.
• This learning matters because teamwork, Manufacturability and iterative design is a
transferable skill applicable to biomedical engineering and other fields requiring innovation and
problem-solving.
• In light of this learning, I will adopt a structured testing process in future projects, setting
aside more time for multiple rounds of user feedback and technical refinements.
● What specific challenges did you encounter in developing your design? What lessons
will you take forward to your next project?
One major challenge was budget constraints while selecting components for our wearable
device. With only $100, we had to eliminate the Bluetooth module and develop a workaround
using wired data transfer. This challenge emerged during the early planning stages and
persisted throughout the project. To address it, I researched affordable alternatives and
collaborated with teammates to redistribute resources, prioritizing critical components like the
pulse oximeter and respiratory sensor.
The course material on Timelines and Budgeting and lectures about Risk Analysis and
Teamwork were instrumental in tackling this issue. I utilized Project Management, Research,
Problem-Solving and Teamwork skills to brainstorm innovative solutions without
compromising the prototype’s functionality. From an engineering perspective, I learned to view
constraints as opportunities for creative problem-solving, leading to the development of an
effective wired prototype.
ARTICULATE LEARNING
• I learned that resourcefulness and adaptability are essential when working with limited
budgets.
• I learned this when we successfully reallocated funds to ensure the critical
components were functional, even at the cost of some features.
• This learning matters because most real-world projects have resource constraints,
and effective prioritization can determine the success of a design.
• In light of this learning, I will develop contingency plans in future projects to manage
resources effectively and minimize risks associated with budget limitations.
Connect your discussion to specific activities that gave rise to it, making clear what happened
in the context of that experience so that someone who wasn’t there could understand it.
Grading
This reflection is worth 5% of your final grade. The rubric for this assignment will be provided on
D2L.