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Week 15: Final Defense – Refining the UI and Manuscript Based on Expert Insights

This week marked another major milestone in our capstone journey—the final defense of our User Interface (UI) design and manuscript for Pet Connect. We presented our project in front of two esteemed panelists: Engr. Clandestine Jatico and Engr. Shirly A. Dahan.

The focus of this defense was to receive expert feedback on both the functionality and usability of our UI, as well as the structure and clarity of our technical paper. During our presentation, the panelists provided valuable insights on the correct formatting and color schemes to ensure a more polished and professional design. More importantly, they emphasized the importance of designing with our target users in mind—especially those who are "non-techy". With their input, we recognized the need to simplify navigation and enhance the overall user experience for ease and accessibility.

In addition to the UI, our manuscript also came under review. The panel suggested revising our use of the Waterfall Model and improving the flowcharts and graphical representations to better reflect our system's actual processes. Their suggestions will help us align our documentation more closely with industry standards and academic expectations.

The final defense experience was both enlightening and motivating. While it challenged us to re-evaluate parts of our work, it also opened doors for refinement and improvement. We are grateful for the constructive feedback and will use it to further enhance both the system and our documentation.

With this final defense completed, Pet Connect is one step closer to becoming a fully realized and user-friendly platform.

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Week 14: Partial Defense – Presenting the GUI and Manuscript

This week was a crucial milestone in our academic and project journey—the partial defense. We had the opportunity to present our Graphical User Interface (GUI) and the current draft of our manuscript in front of our Instructor. 👩‍🏫

The partial defense was a platform to showcase the progress we have made so far. Presenting the GUI allowed us to walk through the design elements, user navigation, and the core functionalities we have developed based on the objectives of Pet Connect. We explained how each feature supports a seamless experience for pet owners and veterinarians, from profile management to appointment scheduling and secure messaging. 🐾

At the same time, defending the manuscript challenged us to clearly articulate our research rationale, project scope, methodology, and the technical decisions underpinning the development process. 📄

The experience was both nerve-wracking and rewarding. It pushed us to think critically about our work, prepare thoughtful explanations, and accept constructive criticism gracefully. Most importantly, it gave us a clearer understanding of what areas require further improvement.

We are thankful for the insightful feedback provided by our evaluator. Their comments will guide us in polishing both the system and the manuscript, ensuring a quality final output.

This partial defense has brought us one step closer to completing Pet Connect.

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Week 13: Oral Recitation Round Two – From Planning to Practice

This week, we participated in another round of oral recitation, this time focusing on Modules 10 to 12—each essential to shaping and managing the development of Pet Connect. The session followed the same module roulette format as before, which challenged us to stay alert and ready, though we were allowed to use notes for support.

🔧 Module 10 – System Architecture We explained the fundamental structure of a system, including how components like databases, user interfaces, and servers interact. In the context of Pet Connect, we highlighted how pet owners and veterinarians connect through a centralized platform, supported by seamless data flow between the back-end and front-end.

🖥️ Module 11 – User Interface (UI) Design This module focused on the importance of designing interfaces that are user-friendly and accessible. We discussed UI principles like clarity, consistency, and responsiveness, and how we’re applying them to ensure Pet Connect provides a smooth experience for both pet owners and veterinarians.

📈 Module 12 – Project Management We demonstrated our understanding of project planning tools like Gantt Charts and PERT Charts. These help us track progress, meet deadlines, and identify critical paths in our system development. We also reflected on how we’re applying these tools to manage tasks and timelines effectively for Pet Connect.

I’m proud to have confidently answered the questions and passed the recitation. It’s rewarding to see how our understanding is growing—not only in theory but in how we apply it to our actual project. With each step, Pet Connect is becoming more concrete, moving closer from concept to a fully functional system.

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Week 12: Laying the Foundation – Architecture, UI, and Project Planning

This week, we focused on key structural elements of our system development for Pet Connect: System Architecture, UI Design, and Project Planning. These components are essential to shaping how the platform will operate, how users will interact with it, and how we’ll manage the project efficiently through to completion.

🧠 System Architecture We designed the system's architecture to clearly define how the different parts of Pet Connect interact—such as pet owner and veterinarian accounts, appointment scheduling, and secure messaging. This helped us visualize how back-end processes like database management will connect with the front-end user experience.

🎨 User Interface (UI) Design The UI planning phase centered on ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience for both pet owners and vets. We applied principles like accessibility, consistency, and simplicity while sketching wireframes for key features, including profile pages, appointment calendars, and inboxes.

📊 Project Planning To stay organized and ensure timely delivery, we created planning tools that track our tasks and development progress:

📌 Appendix A – Gantt Chart Our Gantt Chart outlines a timeline of our milestones, helping us manage when features like appointment scheduling, pet profile creation, and messaging are developed and tested.

📌 Appendix B – PERT Chart This chart helped us identify the sequence of dependent tasks, such as database design before user login integration. It allowed us to plan around bottlenecks and manage time more effectively.

The activity from our instructor gave us the opportunity to apply these concepts directly to Pet Connect. It was satisfying to see how these planning and design tools bring clarity to our next steps. As the system takes shape, we're confident in the structure we’re building—both technically and strategically.

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Week 11: Back to Work – Oral Recitation with Sir Earl

After the Holy Week break, we returned to our research project with fresh focus. This week, we had an in-person oral recitation with Sir Earl, covering Modules 7, 8, and 9—each playing a vital role in shaping the technical foundation of our study.

🔷 Module 7: Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) We revisited the basics of ERDs, which are essential for visualizing the overall structure of a database. These diagrams help identify entities, their attributes, and how they relate to one another—forming the backbone of a well-structured database design.

🟢 Module 8: Database Normalization This module focused on organizing data to minimize redundancy and maintain data integrity. We reviewed the progression from 1NF to 3NF, understanding how each stage contributes to a more efficient and reliable database system.

🟡 Module 9: Data Dictionary We explored the role of a data dictionary—a comprehensive reference that outlines data types, constraints, and relationships. It ensures clarity for both developers and users, supporting consistency throughout the project.

The oral recitation was both a test of our understanding and a learning experience. It clarified key concepts and helped us identify areas where we can improve. With this feedback in mind, we’re ready to refine our work and move ahead with greater confidence.

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Week 10: A Sacred Pause – Observing Holy Week

This week, we paused our research activities to observe Holy Week, a time of deep spiritual and cultural importance in the Philippines. In recognition of its significance, we took a break from our academic work to fully engage in traditional practices and moments of reflection.

Our participation included attending church services, joining the Pabasa ng Pasyon, and taking part in Visita Iglesia—visiting several churches to reflect on the Stations of the Cross. These experiences allowed us to reconnect with our faith and appreciate the sense of community that Holy Week fosters.

Stepping away from research, even briefly, helped us regain clarity and perspective. We now return to our project with renewed energy and focus, ready to move forward with a deeper sense of purpose.

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Week 9: Halfway Point – Preparing for Holy Week

We've now reached the halfway mark of our Pet Connect research project, with approximately 50% of the work completed. It’s been a productive journey so far, marked by steady progress and valuable insights that continue to guide our study.

As Holy Week approaches, we’re mindful of its cultural and spiritual significance here in Cagayan de Oro. Traditions like Visita Iglesia, where participants visit seven churches to reflect on the Stations of the Cross, and the Pabasa ng Pasyon, a devotional chant of Christ’s Passion, are deeply rooted practices that foster reflection and community.

In light of these observances, we’ve adjusted our schedule to allow for both continued work and time for personal and communal reflection. While our pace may slow slightly, this pause is a chance to recharge and return with fresh focus.

Balancing our academic responsibilities with cultural and spiritual practices is important. As we head into Holy Week, we’re reminded of the value of rest and perspective—both of which contribute to our growth not just as students, but as individuals.

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Week 8: Embracing Feedback – Refining Our Research

This week centered on revising our Pet Connect research based on our instructor’s feedback. The comments pointed out key areas for improvement, particularly in our analysis and presentation, which encouraged us to take a closer look at our data and strengthen our arguments.

We carefully reviewed each suggestion and discussed how to apply the changes. This process led us to re-evaluate parts of our methodology and consider different perspectives in interpreting our results. These adjustments not only improved the overall quality of our research but also gave us a deeper understanding of the topic.

While revisions can be challenging, they’re also valuable. They push us to think more critically, refine our ideas, and aim for clarity in both our writing and presentation. The feedback has been instrumental in helping us improve, and we’re committed to applying it as we work toward a more polished and effective final report.

This experience reinforced the importance of feedback as a tool for growth—not just for the project, but for us as researchers.

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Week 7: Moving Forward After Finals – Refocusing on Pet Connect

With final exams completed, I took time to reflect on the time management and discipline developed during that period. These skills are now helping me transition smoothly back into our ongoing research project, Pet Connect.

To re-align with our goals, I reviewed our objectives and assessed the current progress. This included checking the collected data, analyzing initial findings, and identifying areas that still need attention. It was important to make sure we’re still on track and that our efforts remain purposeful.

I also outlined a clear plan for the next steps—setting timelines for data analysis, drafting our findings, and preparing for upcoming presentations. Having this structure helps prevent last-minute stress and keeps the workload manageable.

To stay motivated, especially after the intense academic workload, I set smaller, short-term goals that are easier to accomplish and help maintain momentum.

Shifting from finals to research required a renewed focus, but by staying organized and committed, I’m continuing to make steady progress on the project.

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Week 6: Ready, Set, Exam!

As examination day approached, preparation went beyond just reviewing notes—it became about setting the right mindset and creating a routine that would carry me through the challenge with confidence.

The night before, I made it a priority to get a full eight hours of sleep. I knew that rest would be just as important as anything I had studied, and waking up refreshed gave me the energy and clarity I needed.

On the morning of the exam, I stuck to a simple but nourishing breakfast—whole grains, fresh fruits, and plenty of water. It wasn’t just about filling up; it was about fueling my brain to stay sharp and focused. Arriving at the exam venue early was another key part of the plan. It gave me a moment to breathe, get organized, and mentally prepare without any rush or pressure.

Once the exam began, I took my time reading through the instructions and questions. Managing the clock became part of the strategy—I divided the time carefully across each section to make sure nothing was rushed or overlooked. And when I faced a tough question, I didn’t panic. I paused, took a deep breath, and moved forward with what I could answer confidently, knowing I could always circle back later.

This week reminded me that success in exams isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about composure, self-care, and trusting the process. With preparation and a clear head, I walked into the exam ready to give it my best.

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Week 5: Turning Stories Into Insights

After days of heartfelt conversations and on-site interviews, this week was all about reflection and discovery. We shifted gears from collecting stories to making sense of them—diving deep into the data to uncover what truly matters to the people we spoke with.

Laying the Groundwork

We started by carefully transcribing every interview. It was a meticulous and time-consuming task, but also one of the most rewarding. Reading each word as it was spoken allowed us to reconnect with the voices and emotions behind them. This step wasn’t just about accuracy—it was about honoring every experience shared with us.

Finding the Common Threads

With transcripts in hand, we moved into the heart of analysis: coding. We read through the text line by line, tagging recurring ideas, emotions, and key statements. Slowly but surely, patterns began to surface.

One of the most consistent insights was the importance of communication. Pet owners deeply valued honest, compassionate conversations with their veterinarians, noting that clear dialogue often made stressful situations more manageable. Empathy also emerged as a powerful theme; participants described how even small acts of kindness from clinic staff significantly improved their overall experience. Finally, accessibility was a recurring concern. Many interviewees spoke about the challenges they faced in obtaining affordable and timely veterinary care, which highlighted the pressing need for more inclusive service options.

Making Meaning

Our analysis revealed a simple but powerful truth: the pet care experience isn’t just about treatment—it’s about connection. Communication and empathy weren’t just mentioned once or twice—they echoed across nearly every interview. And just as loudly, we heard concerns about access, reminding us that even the best care means little if it’s out of reach.

This week helped us see our project in a new light. We weren’t just gathering information—we were uncovering the heart of a community’s needs. And that perspective will guide our next steps as we begin shaping our solution.

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Week 4: Stories from the Heart of the Clinic

This week, we took our research beyond the paper and into the real world. Instead of hosting interviews in a neutral setting, we stepped directly into the heartbeat of pet care—a local veterinary clinic. This decision brought our study to life, allowing us to witness the environment where compassion, science, and service meet every day.

Inside the Clinic Walls

Rather than rearranging the world to fit our schedule, we adapted to the clinic’s rhythm. We coordinated closely with the staff to find quieter hours that wouldn’t disrupt their workflow, and we were given access to a private space where meaningful, uninterrupted conversations could happen. That quiet room quickly became a space of trust and storytelling.

Voices that Mattered

Each interview offered something new. Maria spoke warmly about her aging cat, Whiskers, and how small gestures of empathy from the vet staff made a world of difference. Dr. Santos, one of the clinic’s trusted veterinarians, shared his perspective on the delicate balance between medical expertise and emotional intelligence—how trust, built over time, can lead to better outcomes for both pets and their owners.

What We Saw, What We Felt

Being on-site gave us more than just answers to our questions—it gave us context. We saw the small details: a receptionist’s smile, a pet owner’s nervous fidgeting, a vet kneeling to meet a dog at eye level. These moments reinforced the importance of a warm atmosphere, open communication, and the human side of veterinary care.

This week reminded us that research isn’t just about data—it’s about people, emotions, and real-life interactions. And from that, we gathered more than just information; we gained perspective.

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Week 3: Gearing Up for Meaningful Conversations

With our initial findings in hand, our attention turned to what felt like the heart of our research—interview day. We knew this wasn’t just another task on our to-do list; it was our chance to hear real experiences, connect with people, and gather stories that would shape the direction of our project.

Throughout the week, our team focused on the finer details. In each meeting, we carefully walked through our game plan. From how we’d welcome our interviewees to how we’d steer the conversation, everything was mapped out with intention. We wanted our guests to feel comfortable, so we planned to open with light, friendly questions—just enough to ease into the deeper topics naturally. Most importantly, we wanted them to know that their voices truly mattered.

We outlined the main themes we hoped to explore, but we also left room for spontaneity. We understood that the most powerful insights often come from unplanned moments, so we prepared ourselves to listen—really listen—and let the conversation flow.

As the day drew closer, we did one last sweep of our tools and setup: checking our recorders, confirming schedules, and making sure the environment felt welcoming. There was a quiet buzz of excitement mixed with nerves, but above all, we were ready—to learn, to connect, and to grow from every story we’d hear.

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Week 2: Building Bridges Through Thoughtful Questions

This week marked a pivotal step in our project as we delved into the art of question design. We started by sharpening our research focus, asking ourselves, “What insights do we truly seek?” That one question steered our direction as we worked on identifying the most relevant topics—from pet owners' everyday struggles to the operational hurdles faced by veterinarians.

Our mission was to create a questionnaire that wouldn’t just gather data, but spark meaningful responses. Instead of sticking to cold, formal formats, we leaned into crafting questions that felt more like a genuine conversation—something that could encourage openness and honesty. The process wasn’t easy; we went through multiple drafts, tweaking the tone, clarity, and flow until each item felt just right.

This week was a mix of strategy and empathy. We weren’t just writing questions—we were laying the groundwork for understanding people’s stories and needs. It’s only Week 2, but already we’re seeing how much heart goes into building a project that listens before it acts.

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The Journey PetConnect: Connecting Pets and Vets

It all started with a simple goal: how can we improve access to veterinary care, making it more convenient, efficient, and user-friendly for both pet owners and vets? With this question in mind, we explored several ideas. One was PetCare Hub, a platform for tracking pet health. Another was PetLink, an app designed to connect pet owners with local veterinary services. After thorough discussion, we decided on PetConnect: Connecting Pets and Vets, a system designed to transform how pets receive medical care.

Selecting the best concept was a challenge, but after careful consideration, PetConnect proved to be the most impactful choice. This platform focuses on bridging the gap between pet owners and veterinarians through a seamless digital system, simplifying appointment scheduling, health monitoring, and emergency care. With easy access to medical records, pet owners can stay on top of routine checkups and respond quickly to urgent health concerns.

When we presented PetConnect to our instructor, the response was incredibly positive. It was chosen as our final project, giving us the opportunity to develop a system that leverages modern technology to enhance pet healthcare and improve the experience for both veterinarians and pet owners.

The strength of PetConnect lies in its ability to integrate traditional veterinary care with innovative digital solutions. With features like teleconsultations, real-time vet communication, and automated reminders, PetConnect makes managing pet health more accessible, ensuring that pets receive timely and high-quality care.

#yourpetourpriority