Project Overview
Welcome to the about page of our Ethics Tool! Our project is a dedicated effort to construct an educational resource that fosters ethical awareness among future engineers. Through the development of an interactive website featuring engaging scenarios, we aim to instill thoughtful discussions on the ethical considerations inherent in technology, preparing aspiring engineers with a critical mindset for responsible decision-making in their future endeavors.
Our ongoing project builds upon the groundwork laid in previous semesters, aiming to craft an engaging website dedicated to educating students about engineering ethics. The core of our project lies in developing interactive modules that encourage students to delve into thoughtful discussions surrounding the ethical considerations of technology. While our initial aspirations included code organization, a front-end redesign, and the integration of new features inspired by aesthetically pleasing designs found on other websites through Figma wireframes, our focus strategically shifted.
Instead of solely chasing design aesthetics, we directed our efforts towards addressing foundational issues. We diligently worked on fixing broken Google Forms, implemented a robust rating system for systematic response evaluation, and introduced modular components to enhance the project's functionality. This shift in emphasis reflects our commitment to laying a solid and functional foundation for the website.
Navigating the complexities of project development, our dedication to engineering ethics education remains unwavering. The ongoing nature of this initiative extends into the next semester, transforming into a continuous research project. This journey exemplifies the adaptability required in project development to meet the evolving needs of creating a valuable and impactful educational resource.
Project Progress
This semester, our team has made substantial progress in addressing four key components integral to our project's development.
Google Forms and Modules
Our work on Google Forms involved addressing specific issues such as form validation errors, ensuring a smoother submission process for users. Additionally, we created new forms tailored to distinct learning modules, incorporating interactive elements and scenarios to make the learning experience more dynamic. For instance, one module focused on ethical considerations in algorithmic decision-making, prompting users to engage with relevant content.
Google Apps Script
To streamline Google Forms processes, we delved into Google Apps Script development. This included scripting to automate form submission and creation, reducing manual efforts for users. For instance, we created scripts that automatically generated forms based on predefined templates, facilitating a quicker and more efficient form creation process. These scripts aimed to enhance the overall functionality of Google Forms within our project.
Rating System
The new rating system introduced a structured approach to evaluating user responses. It included specific criteria such as "Common Good of the People," "Self-Interest," "Common Good of Living Things," and "Common Good of the Environment," allowing users to gather feedback on their responses. For example, users could rate the ethical considerations presented in a module based on their decisions, to learn more about the impact of their actions. The system not only provided valuable insights for users but also contributed to the project's analytical capabilities by analyzing and visualizing these ratings.
Figma Redesign
Our Figma redesign plan involved a detailed analysis of the current front-end design and a vision for its evolution. We created wireframes and mockups outlining specific changes, such as a more intuitive navigation menu and interactive elements for user form submission and completion. For instance, the redesign included a user-friendly dashboard displaying the available modules and data visualizations of their results. This meticulous planning aimed to enhance the project's visual appeal and user experience while maintaining alignment with ethical considerations integrated into the learning scenarios.
Milestones
Our project has achieved significant milestones during its development. Here are four major milestones:
- Google Form Repairs and Creation
- Rating System Research and Implementation
- Intuitive Figma Redesign
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Code Solutions
- Implementing the rating system in Google Sheets
- Exporting Google Forms (questions) as a JSON file
- Receiving the rating system categories/scores for new forms
- Data visualization for ratings in Google Sheets
Project Impact
The project's positive impact extends to both society and users by streamlining and automating Google Forms, offering an efficient means for the intended client to manage and collect data. Through the incorporation of a metric system for response evaluation, the platform facilitates informed decision-making. Furthermore, the societal benefit lies in the ethical research application for students, fostering a culture of critical thinking among future engineers and illustrating the tangible impact of ethical considerations in technology development. This initiative not only enhances the client's workflow but also contributes to the ethical education of emerging professionals, promoting responsible and thoughtful innovation.
Reflection
Reflecting on our teamwork and project development, we identified the following:
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What Went Well: Effective teamwork
- The project's success stemmed from seamless teamwork and a commitment to regular communication among team members.
- Collaboration was evident through the sharing of insights and collective efforts, creating a cohesive working environment.
- Timely updates and open communication channels played a crucial role in keeping everyone informed, contributing to a positive and efficient workflow.
- What Worked Well: Agile development, continuous feedback
- The project's adaptability and success were attributed to the adoption of agile development methodologies.
- Agile allowed the team to respond quickly and effectively to changes in requirements, ensuring the project stayed on track.
- Continuous feedback loops, involving team members and stakeholders at various stages, facilitated ongoing improvements and refinements.
- What Didn't Work Well: Initial planning, unexpected technical challenges
- The project encountered challenges sticking to the initial plan, emphasizing the importance of a more detailed and comprehensive approach with reasonable expectations.
- While the team adapted well during development, addressing planning intricacies earlier could have potentially mitigated certain issues.
- Insights gained from this experience inform future projects, stressing the significance of understanding project requirements and setting realistic goals for overall project success.
Handover Documents
For the next team, we have prepared handover documents we hope will be helpful. Below are the links to the documents: