Week 18: Applications and Implications, Project Development
This week focuses on the final project development and its real-world applications and implications.
Final Project Overview
Zakkerni: A smart organizer that helps users avoid forgetting their everyday essentials. It checks whether designated items are placed on the organizer, sends notifications when a user leaves home without an important belonging, and encourages better organization through home-return reminders.
Here is my final project video: Watch Video
And Here is my final project poster: View Poster
Who Has Done What Beforehand?
Several existing solutions address the problem of forgetting personal belongings.
Bluetooth tracking devices such as Apple AirTag and Tile help users locate lost items after they have been misplaced.
Smart home reminder applications can send notifications based on location.
However, these solutions often require users to attach tracking devices to every item, rely on expensive hardware, or focus on finding lost objects rather than preventing users from forgetting them in the first place.
Zakkerni takes a different approach by acting as a smart organizer that checks whether essential items are placed in their designated spots before the user leaves home. Instead of tracking lost objects, the system aims to prevent forgetting by providing timely reminders and encouraging better organization habits.
Project Planning and Resources
The development of Zakkerni is guided by the ESP32-C3 datasheet, Blynk documentation, and online tutorials on IoT systems and mobile notifications.
The organizer structure is designed and manufactured in the fabrication laboratory using CNC machining, laser cutting, 3D printing, and other fabrication techniques. The electronics components are sourced from the laboratory inventory and local electronics stores. The project is developed using Arduino IDE for programming the ESP32-C3 microcontroller, and Blynk platform for mobile notifications.Here is a Gantt chart that outlines the project timeline and milestones:
Project Scope
Zakkerni integrates multiple digital fabrication and engineering disciplines. The project includes 2D and 3D design of the organizer structure, additive manufacturing through 3D printing, and subtractive manufacturing using CNC machining and laser cutting. It also involves electronics design and production, embedded programming of the Seeed XIAO ESP32-C3 microcontroller, and the integration of sensors, hardware, and mobile notifications into a complete and independently operable system. Wherever possible, the project components are designed and fabricated rather than purchased.
Materials
The system is built with a Seeed XIAO ESP32-C3 microcontroller, ultrasonic sensors, IR sensors, push buttons, LEDs, jumper wires, a power adapter, and 3D-printed components for the organizer structure. Most of the required components are available in the laboratory, while any additional parts can be purchased from local electronics stores.
Final Project - Zakkerni
Assembly & Testing
After completing the design and manufacturing phases, we will focus on assembling the components and testing the final product's functionality.
Materials
The system is built using a Seeed XIAO ESP32-C3 microcontroller, ultrasonic sensors, IR sensors, push buttons, LEDs, jumper wires, a power adapter, and 3D-printed components for the organizer structure. Most required components are available in the laboratory; any additional parts can be purchased from local electronics stores.
Bill of Materials — Zakkerni
Smart organizer · ESP32-C3 based
| # | Component | Description | Category | Source | Price per Unit | Qty | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seeed XIAO ESP32-C3 | Main microcontroller with Wi-Fi & BLE | MCU | Fab Inventory | $5.00 | 1 | $5.00 |
| 2 | Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04) | Item presence detection | Sensor | local store | $3.53 | 2 | $7.06 |
| 3 | IR Sensor | Secondary item detection | Sensor | local store | $2.82 | 1 | $2.82 |
| 4 | Push Button | User input / manual trigger | Input | local store | $0.21 | 2 | $0.42 |
| 5 | NeoPixel strip | Light Effects | Output | lab storage (available on Amazon) | $13.00 | 1 | $13.00 |
| 6 | OLED Display 1.3 inch | Visual feedback on organizer | Output | local store | $8.46 | 1 | $8.46 |
| 7 | XH2.54mm Bend Pin Header Connector | connections | Misc | local store | $0.28 | 8 | $2.24 |
| 8 | JST XH 2.54mm | connections | Misc | local store | $0.63 | 8 | $5.04 |
| 9 | USB cable and adapter | Main power supply | Power | lab storage (available on Amazon) | $10.00 | 1 | $10.00 |
| 10 | ON/OFF Power Switch | Power control | Power | local store | $0.85 | 1 | $0.85 |
| 11 | DC Power Supply Plug Connector + Female Jack | Power connection | Power | local store | $0.92 | 1 | $0.92 |
| 12 | Walnut 62cm | Manufacturer | Manufacturer | Lab Storage | 1 | $42.31 | |
| TOTAL | $107.54 |
Manufacturing
The manufacturing process for Zakkerni involves designing the organizer structure using CAD software and fabricating the parts with 3D printing and CNC machining. After fabrication, the electronic components—including the ESP32-C3 microcontroller, sensors, buttons, and LEDs—are assembled and integrated into the organizer. Finally, the system is tested and calibrated to ensure accurate item detection and reliable notification functionality.
Research Questions
The project aims to answer several questions, including how to reliably detect whether an item is present on the organizer, how to send timely notifications, and how to design a system that is easy to use and encourages better organization habits.
Evaluation
The system will be evaluated by testing the accuracy of item detection, the reliability of notifications, and the overall user experience. The project will be considered successful if it can consistently remind users of forgotten items before they leave home.
Design files
Here are the design files for Zakkerni: