===== Project Management =====
//Provide here an overview of the contents (structure) of this chapter. Explain the project management approach your group followed and justify why you think it is a good approach.//
==== Scope ====
Defining the scope of Bloem is essential for keeping our efforts focused on the project's core objectives. By mapping out exactly what is included in the project, we can prevent scope creep and make sure every team member understands the roadmap. The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in figure {{ref>fig:WBS}} below illustrates how we have divided the project into manageable phases to ensure we reach a successful final prototype.
{{ :report:bloemprojectscope.png?800 |}}
WBS
==== Time ====
**3.2 Time**
In this section, we lay out the schedule and all the major deadlines we have to hit throughout the semester. this is shown in Table {{ref>tab:milestones}}. Tracking these milestones is really important because it keeps the whole team accountable and makes sure we're actually making steady progress on Bloem. It also helps us see if we're falling behind early on, so we can fix things before they become a real problem.
Key milestones
^ Task ^ Proposed date ^
| Choose the project proposal | 2026-02-28 |
| System Diagrams & Structural Drafts | 2026-03-11 |
| List of Components and Materials | 2026-03-18 |
| Project Backlog, Global Sprint Plan, Initial Sprint Plan and Release Gantt Chart | 2026-03-21 |
| System Schematics, Structural Drawings and cardboard scale model | 2026-03-25 |
| Interim Report and Presentation | 2026-04-12 |
| Interim Presentation | 2026-04-16 |
| 3D model video | 2026-04-22 |
| Final List of Materials | 2026-04-29 |
| Refined Interim Report | 2026-05-02 |
| Packaging Solution | 2026-05-13 |
| Functional Tests | 2026-05-27 |
| Final Report, Presentation, Video, Paper, Poster and Manual | 2026-06-13 |
| Final Presentation | 2026-06-18 |
| Demonstration of the operation of the prototype | 2026-06-25 |
==== Cost ====
The cost analysis for this project considers both the physical components required to build the Bloem prototype and the estimated personnel effort needed to design, develop, and integrate the final solution. Based on the current Bill of Materials, the project cost is mainly driven by the structural elements of the capsule, while the electronic system represents a smaller but essential part of the total investment.
**3.3.1 Material Cost**
The list of materials below summarizes the components required for the construction of the Bloem capsule, including structural materials, interior elements, control hardware and electronic components.
The total material cost of the Bloem prototype is therefore **€2061.89**. Most of this value comes from the structural and interior construction materials, especially the cork insulation, plywood panels, flooring, and seating structure. The electronic system has a comparatively lower cost, with a total of **€98.11**, while still enabling the interactive lighting and sound features required by the concept.
**3.3.2 Personnel Cost**
In addition to the material cost, the development of Bloem also involves a significant personnel investment. This includes the time dedicated to concept development, structural design, 3D modelling, UI design, electronics integration, sourcing, testing, and documentation. Considering a multidisciplinary student team working on the project over a full semester, the personnel effort represents a much higher value than the prototype materials alone.
Assuming a team of six members, each contributing an average of 6 hours per day over a four-month period, excluding weekends, the total effort corresponds to approximately **3168 working hours**. Using a reference rate of **€14.00/h**, the estimated personnel cost is **€44352.00**.
When combining the physical materials with the estimated labor effort, the total project value of Bloem is **€46413.89**. Although the actual out-of-pocket prototype expense is mainly associated with the materials, this broader estimate better reflects the real cost of taking the concept from design to a fully developed engineered solution.
==== Quality ====
For the Bloem project, quality is about more than just building a nice-looking capsule. It is divided into two main areas: how well the physical product performs and how clear and professional our documentation is.
**Bloem Product Quality**
The quality metrics for the physical prototype are focused on three main points:
* **Durability and Materials:** The structure must pass load and stress simulations to ensure the egg-shaped design is stable. We are using sustainable materials like cork and hemp, which need to be high quality to ensure the capsule lasts.
* **Functionality:** Every feature we planned, like the sensor integration and the tablet interface, must work perfectly. The user needs to have a smooth experience when controlling the environment inside.
* **Environmental Impact:** To keep our footprint low, we are sourcing materials as locally as possible and focusing on a "circular" design that uses bio-based components.
**Documentation Quality**
To make sure our report and wiki are easy for the supervisors and other students to follow, we follow these rules:
* **Consistency:** All sections use the same font styles, sizes, and structure. Whether it's the IT part or the Marketing part, it should feel like one single project.
* **Clarity:** We avoid over-complicating the language. We use technical terms when necessary, but we try to keep the explanations direct and easy to read.
* **Visual Appeal:** Every page and document must include the ISEP logo and our Bloem project logo following the color scheme we chose for the brand.
==== People & Stakeholder Management ====
**3.5 People**
At the start of the project, we talked about our different backgrounds and what each of us is good at. This helped us figure out who would take the lead on things like the technical system or the structural design. However, we decided right away that these roles wouldn't be fixed. Since Bloem is a project where everything—from the sensors to the physical shell—has to work together, we stay flexible. If one person has a huge workload or gets stuck on a specific task, the rest of the team jumps in to help, regardless of our "official" focus.
We meet every week for our sprint planning to go over what we’ve done and what’s coming up next. These meetings are key for us to stay aligned and to move people around to different tasks depending on what needs the most attention that week. It keeps the project moving forward and makes sure no one is overwhelmed.
The supervising teachers also play a huge role in the project. They don't just grade us; they act as guides who give us feedback when our ideas get too complicated or when we're not sure how to solve a technical problem. Their input helps us keep the "big picture" in mind and ensures that Bloem is actually realistic and buildable.
Even though we don't have strict individual roles, we still track our main stakeholders to understand who is involved in the project's success. An overview is seen in Table {{ref>tab:stakeholders}}.
Project Stakeholders
^ Stakeholder ^ Role ^ Description ^
| **Team Bloem** | Owners | The core group responsible for the design, build, and management. |
| **Benedita Malheiro** | EPS Coordinator | Overall management and organization of the EPS program. |
| **Project Supervisors** | Advisors | Providing technical advice and feedback to guide the development. |
| **ISEP** | Main Sponsor | Providing the tools, workspace, and funding for the prototype. |
| **Office Workers** | Target Group | The end-users who provide the need and feedback for the capsule. |
| **Suppliers** | Partners | External providers for our cork, hemp, and electronics. |
==== Communications ====
**3.6 Communications**
Staying in sync is the only way we can manage all the different parts of Bloem. To keep things moving, we use a few specific tools to stay connected. Daily talk happens on **WhatsApp**, where we coordinate quickly or ask for help if someone gets stuck. For the official side, we use **Microsoft Teams** to store our report drafts and all project files. We also rely on **Jira** to manage our weekly sprints, which helps everyone see exactly what needs to be done and who is working on what.
We meet in person during class hours several times a week.
Table {{ref>tab:communication}} shows the actual communication channels we use for the project.
Communication Channels and Purpose
^ Stakeholder ^ Channel ^ Frequency ^ Purpose ^
| **Team Bloem** | WhatsApp, Teams & In-person | Daily / Whenever necessary | Quick updates, file sharing, and sprint planning. |
| **Project Supervisors & EPS Coordinator** | MS Teams & In-person | Weekly | Presenting our progress and getting feedback on the work. |
| **ISEP** | Email & MS Teams | As needed | Official university updates and program management. |
| **Suppliers / Customers** | - | - | N/A (Internal university project). |
By sticking to these channels, we make sure we don't lose any information and that everyone stays on the same page as we move toward the final build.
==== Risk ====
**3.7 Risk Management**
Risk management is essential to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential issues that may arise during the development and implementation of the Bloem capsule. Each identified risk is assessed based on its probability of occurrence and its potential impact on the project. A 5×5 risk matrix is used to classify risks and support decision-making regarding mitigation strategies. This matrix is shown in Figure {{ref>fig:risk_matrix}}.
{{ :report:zrzut_ekranu_2026-04-12_165934.png?400 |}}
Risk analysis matrix (adapted from Guevara, 2024)
The table {{ref>tab:risk}} below shows a risk assessment of the system. Here is a definition of the probability and impact levels.
The probability levels are defined as:
* 5: Almost certain
* 4: Likely
* 3: Moderate
* 2: Unlikely
* 1: Rare
The impact levels are defined as:
* 5: Severe
* 4: Major
* 3: Significant
* 2: Minor
* 1: Insignificant
Risk levels are calculated by multiplying probability by impact and are interpreted as:
* 1–4: Acceptable
* 5–9: Adequate
* 10–16: Tolerable
* 17–25: Unacceptable
Risk Analysis
^ Risk ^ Probability ^ Impact ^ Risk level ^ Response ^ Risk handling ^
| **Hardware integration issues (LEDs, sensors, ESP32 not working together)** | 3 | 4 | 12 - Tolerable | Mitigate | Perform early prototyping and incremental testing of all electronic components |
| **Tablet/app connectivity problems (communication between tablet and system fails)** | 3 | 4 | 12 - Tolerable | Mitigate | Use reliable communication protocols and test integration regularly |
| **User interface usability issues (confusing booking or controls)** | 3 | 3 | 9 - Adequate | Mitigate | Conduct user testing and iterate UI design based on feedback |
| **Structural instability of the capsule (design or assembly weaknesses)** | 2 | 5 | 10 - Tolerable | Mitigate | Validate structure through simulations and reinforce critical joints |
| **Delays in material delivery or unavailable components** | 2 | 3 | 6 - Adequate | Transfer | Identify alternative suppliers and order materials early |
| **Time management issues within the team** | 3 | 3 | 9 - Adequate | Mitigate | Establish clear deadlines and monitor progress regularly |
| **System does not provide expected relaxation experience** | 2 | 4 | 8 - Adequate | Mitigate | Test lighting and sound scenarios and adjust based on user feedback |
| **Power supply or electrical failure inside the capsule** | 2 | 5 | 10 - Tolerable | Mitigate | Ensure proper circuit design and include safety measures (fuses, regulators) |
| **Overcomplication of features leading to unfinished implementation** | 3 | 4 | 12 - Tolerable | Avoid | Prioritize core functionalities and reduce scope if necessary |
| **Legal or safety compliance issues (indoor installation, user safety)** | 2 | 4 | 8 - Adequate | Mitigate | Follow safety guidelines and ensure materials and electronics meet standards |
The risk analysis shows that most identified risks fall within the adequate and tolerable categories. These risks can be managed through proper planning, iterative testing, and continuous monitoring throughout the project lifecycle. No risks were classified as unacceptable, meaning the project is considered feasible within the defined scope, provided that mitigation strategies are effectively implemented.
==== Procurement ====
**3.8 Procurement**
Procurement is an important part of the Bloem project because the solution combines architectural materials, furniture elements, and electronic components that must be acquired from different types of suppliers. For this reason, the purchasing strategy was defined to balance cost, availability, delivery time, and reliability, while also keeping the overall concept feasible from a construction point of view. Our procurement plan is shown in tabel {{ref>tab:procurement}}.
The structural and interior elements of the capsule are mainly sourced from building-material suppliers and wood specialists. Components such as cork insulation, wooden slats, plywood boards, brackets, and adhesives are purchased from suppliers that can provide materials in the required dimensions and in relatively short lead times. Whenever possible, local or regional suppliers are preferred, since this reduces transportation effort and simplifies replacement in case of damaged or unavailable items.
The electronic subsystem follows a different procurement approach. Microcontrollers, sensors, converters, and low-cost supporting modules are acquired from specialized online suppliers, since these components are generally more affordable and easier to find through international platforms. At the same time, items such as the speaker and LED strip are sourced from retailers with faster shipping and easier purchasing conditions. Backup suppliers are also identified for the most relevant electronic elements in order to reduce the risk of delays during assembly and testing.
For the user interface, the team selected a commercial tablet that offers sufficient performance for session booking and environmental control without requiring advanced specifications. This avoids overspending on hardware while still ensuring that the interface can be demonstrated under realistic conditions.
Overall, the procurement strategy for Bloem is based on using reliable suppliers for large structural materials, specialized vendors for electronics, and alternative sources whenever delivery or stock issues may arise. This mixed approach provides flexibility during implementation and supports both the physical construction of the capsule and the integration of its interactive features.
Procurement Plan
^ Item ^ Primary Supplier ^ Backup Supplier ^ Estimated Cost (€) ^ Lead Time (Days) ^ Shipping Time (Days) ^ Notes ^
| Cork insulation GO4CORK | Leroy Merlin | Local insulation supplier | 349.79 | 2–5 | 1–3 | Main acoustic and thermal insulation material |
| Planed wooden slat WHITE CASQUINHA | Leroy Merlin | Maxmat | 65.44 | 1–3 | 0–2 | Used for the internal wooden framing |
| SPAX screws | Leroy Merlin | Maxmat | 18.99 | 1–3 | 0–2 | Fastening elements for structural assembly |
| Hemp Granules 15 | Datapixel | Local sustainable materials supplier | 28.41 | 2–5 | 1–3 | Complementary insulation material |
| Plywood Interior Poplar B/BB (wooden shell) | ToSize | Local wood supplier | 291.34 | 3–7 | 2–5 | Used for the main shell of the capsule |
| Wide Square k2 L-brackets | Leroy Merlin | Maxmat | 15.86 | 1–3 | 0–2 | Reinforcement of structural joints |
| Pattex wood glue | Leroy Merlin | Local hardware store | 36.85 | 1–3 | 0–2 | Adhesive for wood assembly |
| Birch plywood board (wooden floor) | Leroy Merlin | Local wood supplier | 429.00 | 2–5 | 1–3 | Flooring base of the capsule |
| Plywood Interior Poplar B/BB (sliding door) | ToSize | Local wood supplier | 97.10 | 3–7 | 2–5 | Material for the sliding door panel |
| Foam board | Feira dos Tecidos | Local upholstery supplier | 43.00 | 1–3 | 1–3 | Soft seating area |
| Birch plywood board (seat frame) | Leroy Merlin | Local wood supplier | 429.00 | 2–5 | 1–3 | Frame supporting the seating area |
| Galaxy Tab A9 | Worten | Local electronics retailer | 159.00 | 1–2 | 0–2 | Interface device for booking and control |
| ESP-WROOM-32 ESP32-S Development Board | AliExpress | Amazon | 5.00 | 2–5 | 5–10 | Main controller for the electronic subsystem |
| RGB 12V LED light strip | Worten | Amazon | 16.00 | 1–3 | 1–3 | Ambient lighting system |
| N-channel MOSFET transistor | Worten | Mauser | 17.90 | 1–3 | 1–3 | Switching element for LED control |
| Ohm resistor | Worten | Mauser | 11.85 | 1–3 | 1–3 | Supporting electrical component |
| BH1750FVI light sensor | AliExpress | Amazon | 6.10 | 2–5 | 5–10 | Measures light intensity |
| LM2596 adjustable buck converter | AliExpress | Amazon | 1.10 | 2–5 | 5–10 | Voltage regulation module |
| 12V power supply | AliExpress | Amazon | 5.60 | 2–5 | 5–10 | Power source for prototype electronics |
| LogiLink SP0057 speaker | Mauser | El Corte Inglés | 12.40 | 1–3 | 1–3 | Audio output for relaxation soundscapes |
^ ^ ^ ^ **Total Estimated Cost** | **2061.89** | ^ ^
==== Project Plan ====
The project is organized into one-week sprints to support an iterative and flexible development workflow. The full timeline is presented in Table {{ref>tab:gsprintplan}}, which serves as a structured reference for monitoring progress and ensuring alignment with the overall project goals.
Our project backlog works as a roadmap for the team, helping us stay on top of all the EPS milestones. We’ve arranged these tasks to make sure the workflow stays consistent and that we're hitting our deadlines as we build Bloem. The detailed list of these items and their current status is provided in Table {{ref>tab:backlog}} below.
Project Backlog
^ PBI ^ Title ^ Status ^
| A | Define project theme | Done |
| B | Upload "black box" System Diagrams & Structural Drafts | Done |
| C | Upload List of Components and Materials (draft) | Done |
| D | Define Project Backlog, Global Sprint Plan & Initial Sprint Plan | Ongoing |
| E | Release Gantt Chart of the project | Ongoing |
| F | Upload Detailed System Schematics & Structural Drawings | Planned |
| G | Cardboard scale model of the structure | Planned |
| H | Interim Report and Presentation | Planned |
| I | 3D model video | Planned |
| J | Final List of Materials | Planned |
| K | Refined Interim Report (based on feedback) | Planned |
| L | Packaging solution | Planned |
| M | Results of the Functional Tests | Planned |
| N | Final Report, Presentation, Video, Paper, Poster and Manual | Planned |
| O | Final Presentation, Individual Discussion and Assessment | Planned |
| P | MS Teams folder upload (refined deliverables + code + drawings) | Planned |
To manage our time effectively, we’ve broken the project down into one-week 'sprints.' This allows us to focus on specific tasks each week and ensures that we are making steady progress toward our final goals. Table {{ref>tab:splan}} shows our schedule, including the duration of each task and who is responsible for leading them.
Figure {{ref>fig:gantt}} provides a visual overview of our complete schedule. It allows us to track the duration of each task at a glance and see how they fit together over the semester, making it easier to manage the long-term deadlines for Bloem.
{{ :report:ganttchart.png?800 |}}
Gantt chart of our project
==== Sprint Outcomes ====
//*Include the outcomes of all sprint reviews (what was the sprint backlog, completion status, planned capacity vs. achieved velocity).*//
Table {{ref>tab:sprint1}} shows the outcome of sprint 1.
**Sprint 1 Summary:**
**Main Achievements:**
* Held our first team meetings to discuss project interests.
* Researching and ranking our top 3 project choices for the supervisors.
* Agreed on the initial vision for a dehumidifier structure.
**Progress Check:** 100% of the planned work for this week is finished.
**Workload Stats:**
* **Tasks Planned:** 1
* **Tasks Finished:** 1
Table {{ref>tab:sprint2}} shows the outcome of sprint 2.
**Sprint 2 Summary:**
**What we got done:**
* Explored different "Smart Building" ideas and officially chose the wellness capsule.
* Developed the "Black Box" diagrams to map out how the sensors and systems will interact.
* Carlota started the first structural sketches to visualize the egg-shaped design.
* Amelia and Timon began writing the Background and Related Work sections for the report to provide the research foundation for our project.
**Current Status:** All 4 tasks for this sprint were completed on time.
**Workload Summary:**
* **Planned Tasks:** 4
* **Completed Tasks:** 4
Table {{ref>tab:sprint3}} shows the outcome of sprint 3.
**Sprint 3 Summary:**
**Tasks Completed:**
* The whole team researched sustainable materials (like cork and hemp) and technical components to ensure the capsule meets our wellness goals.
* Amalie and Lena compiled the initial material list and uploaded it to the project wiki.
* Timon drafted the Marketing chapters.
* Lena refined the Black Box diagram based on the new research and feedback from our supervisors.
**Status Update:** 100% of tasks were finished by the end of the week.
**Efficiency Metrics:**
* **Tasks in the plan:** 4
* **Tasks carried out:** 4
Table {{ref>tab:sprint4}} shows the outcome of sprint 4.
Sprint 4 Overview
^ Sprint ^ Task ^ Duration ^ Responsible ^ Involved ^
| **19/03/2026 - 25/03/2026** | | | | |
| 4 | Detailed System Schematics | 5 | Amelia | Everyone |
| 4 | Structural Drawings | 5 | Carlota | Everyone |
| 4 | Cardboard scale model of Bloem | 3 | Kaiko | Everyone |
| 4 | Create a flyer draft | 3 | Kaiko | Everyone |
| 4 | Update Material List | 3 | Mohmmed | Everyone |
| 4 | Settle on a name and logo | 2 | Everyone | Everyone |
| 4 | Write Project Plan & Development chapters | 4 | Lena & Carlota | Everyone |
**Sprint 4 Summary:**
**Key Results for this period:**
* Officially rebranded the project to **Bloem** and finalized the core logo concept to match our "nature meets wellness" theme.
* Kaiko built the first physical scale model using cardboard to test the dimensions and the egg-shaped curve of the capsule.
* Amelia and Carlota produced the detailed technical schematics and structural drawings needed for the upcoming prototype phase.
* We started working on the Project Plan and Development chapters.
* Updated our material list and created a first draft of the marketing flyer to promote Bloem's benefits.
**Current Status:** Sprint successfully completed with 100% of tasks finished.
**Effort Breakdown:**
* **Tasks in the plan:** 7
* **Tasks carried out:** 7
**3.12 Sprint Evaluations**
**Sprint 1 Evaluation**
In the first sprint, the team focused on getting organized. We chose our initial topic and attended the introduction sessions. It was mostly about figuring out how we would work together and getting the basic tools ready. The reflection is shown in Table {{ref>tab:eval1}}.
Sprint 1 Reflection
^ Aspect ^ Reflection ^
| **Positive** | Good teamwork and high motivation to start the project. |
| **Negative** | More time could have been spent looking at different project ideas to avoid changing ideas in the future. |
**Sprint 2 Evaluation**
During this sprint, we did a deep dive into Smart Buildings and officially decided to create the wellness capsule. We started on the first structural drawings and the Black Box diagrams to see how it would all work. We also began the first research chapters for the report. See Table {{ref>tab:eval2}}.
Sprint 2 Reflection
^ Aspect ^ Reflection ^
| **Positive** | Settling on the wellness capsule gave the team a clear and exciting goal. |
| **Negative** | It was a bit challenging to define the technical inputs/outputs while the design was still changing. |
**Sprint 3 Evaluation**
Sprint 3 was all about research. We looked into sustainable materials to see what would work best for the shell. While the marketing chapters were being drafted, the IT side focused on refining the system logic. We also uploaded our first official list of components. See Table {{ref>tab:eval3}}.
Sprint 3 Reflection
^ Aspect ^ Reflection ^
| **Positive** | Timon did an amazing job writing an extensive marketing part of the report. |
| **Negative** | The research for the material list could have been conducted in a more detailed way. |
**Sprint 4 Evaluation**
This was a big week for us. We officially rebranded to **Bloem**, finalized the logo and built a physical cardboard model to check the scale. We also did the detailed technical drawings and worked on the **Project Plan and Development** chapters to document our progress. Shown in Table {{ref>tab:eval4}}.
Sprint 4 Reflection
^ Aspect ^ Reflection ^
| **Positive** | It felt relieving to finally settle on a name and branding decisions after a long time of debating them |
| **Negative** | The workload for the drawing part was very high and we should have planned to start it earlier. |
==== Summary ====
This chapter showed how we kept the Bloem project organized from the very first week. By using tools like Jira and a Gantt chart, we were able to map out a clear timeline and make sure everyone knew their roles. Breaking the semester into weekly sprints was really helpful because it allowed us to stay on top of the workload and adjust our plans as we moved from brainstorming to technical design.
Throughout these first four weeks, the team successfully navigated the shift from a broad "Smart Building" concept to the specific Bloem wellness capsule. We've now reached a point where we have a solid technical foundation, including detailed drawings and a physical cardboard scale model.
With the project management and initial planning now established, the following chapter will focus on our Marketing Plan and how we intend to position Bloem in the wellness market.