Automated Assessment Tool Prototype

March - May 2024
Cardiff University- Group Project

The next step in this project was the prototyping phase, where we transitioned from planning and requirements gathering to the implementation of a functional prototype for the automated assessment tool. This phase aimed to bring the concepts and designs from the requirements phase to life through an iterative development process.

During prototyping, our team divided the system into manageable modules, allowing each member to take lead responsibility for a specific feature. Collaboration was key to managing dependencies and ensuring seamless integration across different components. Regular testing and iterative feedback loops helped us refine the system, improving its functionality and alignment with user needs.

This phase not only focused on delivering a working prototype but also emphasized meeting software quality criteria such as usability, reliability, and maintainability. By creating and demonstrating a functional version of the tool, we were able to validate our ideas and identify areas for further development and improvement in future iterations.

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Key Takeaway and Reflection

This phase of the project was a crucial learning experience, offering insights into both technical development and collaborative teamwork. Through the prototyping process, I developed and strengthened several key skills, both in software engineering and team collaboration:

  • Coding in a Team Environment: Unlike solo projects, this experience required coding alongside others, maintaining consistency in style, documentation, and best practices. Using GitLab for version control was essential in tracking changes, preventing conflicts, and ensuring smooth collaboration.

  • Integrating Different Features: One of the biggest technical challenges was merging various independently developed features into a cohesive system. This required careful planning, debugging, and continuous testing to ensure all functionalities worked seamlessly together.

  • Frontend Development and UI Implementation: Using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, I worked on ensuring an intuitive user experience while integrating backend functionality. This required balancing aesthetics with usability and performance.

  • Database Management: Working with SQL/NoSQL databases, I gained experience in designing efficient data models, optimizing queries, and ensuring data consistency across different system components.