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report:eth [2026/04/30 11:22] – [6.2.3 Safety of the system] team1report:eth [2026/05/20 03:12] (current) – [6.5 Summary] team1
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-===== 6. Ethical and Deontological Concerns ===== +===== 6. Ethical and Deontological Concerns ===== 
- +
-==== 6.1 Introduction ==== +
  
 This chapter explains the role of ethics in engineering and briefly introduces deontological ethics as a way to understand moral responsibility in decision-making. It also discusses engineering ethics and the standards that guide professional behavior, including codes created by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). These principles affect engineering decisions, design processes, and professional actions [(NSPE)]. This chapter explains the role of ethics in engineering and briefly introduces deontological ethics as a way to understand moral responsibility in decision-making. It also discusses engineering ethics and the standards that guide professional behavior, including codes created by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). These principles affect engineering decisions, design processes, and professional actions [(NSPE)].
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-==== 6.2 Engineering Ethics ====+==== 6.1 Engineering Ethics ====
  
 Engineering ethics refers to the principles and responsibilities that engineers are expected to follow in their professional work. These principles are important because engineering decisions can directly affect people’s safety, daily lives, and the environment. Following ethical standards helps ensure that projects are designed and carried out in a safe, reliable, and responsible way. Engineering ethics refers to the principles and responsibilities that engineers are expected to follow in their professional work. These principles are important because engineering decisions can directly affect people’s safety, daily lives, and the environment. Following ethical standards helps ensure that projects are designed and carried out in a safe, reliable, and responsible way.
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-=== 6.2.1 Understanding the Engineering Code of Ethics ===+=== 6.1.1 Understanding the Engineering Code of Ethics ===
  
 A well-known example of engineering ethics is the code of ethics developed by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). This code outlines the main responsibilities that engineers are expected to follow in their professional work. A well-known example of engineering ethics is the code of ethics developed by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). This code outlines the main responsibilities that engineers are expected to follow in their professional work.
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-=== 6.2.2 The Importance of Ethics in Engineering ===+=== 6.1.2 The Importance of Ethics in Engineering ===
  
 Ethics plays an important role in engineering because engineering decisions can directly affect people, organizations, and the environment. One of the main reasons ethics is important is safety. Engineers are responsible for making sure that the systems they design and develop do not create unnecessary risks for users or the public. Following ethical standards helps prevent accidents, reduce harm, and create safer working environments. Ethics plays an important role in engineering because engineering decisions can directly affect people, organizations, and the environment. One of the main reasons ethics is important is safety. Engineers are responsible for making sure that the systems they design and develop do not create unnecessary risks for users or the public. Following ethical standards helps prevent accidents, reduce harm, and create safer working environments.
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-=== 6.2.3 Safety of the system ===+=== 6.1.3 Safety of the system ===
  
 Safety is one of the most important considerations in engineering design. This system combines electronics, water, and plant care, which creates possible risks such as water leakage, electrical faults, or damage to nearby objects. To reduce these risks, the design needs to include proper water containment and reliable components. Safe operation is important not only for the user, but also for the environment where the system is used. Safety is one of the most important considerations in engineering design. This system combines electronics, water, and plant care, which creates possible risks such as water leakage, electrical faults, or damage to nearby objects. To reduce these risks, the design needs to include proper water containment and reliable components. Safe operation is important not only for the user, but also for the environment where the system is used.
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-== 6.2.3.1 System Characteristics and Safety Risks ==+== 6.1.3.1 System Characteristics and Safety Risks ==
  
 The system uses sensors, microcontrollers, and water supply devices to control irrigation automatically based on real-time data [(laura2020)]. This improves efficiency, but it also introduces some important risks. The system uses sensors, microcontrollers, and water supply devices to control irrigation automatically based on real-time data [(laura2020)]. This improves efficiency, but it also introduces some important risks.
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-== 6.2.3.2 Safety Design Strategies ==+== 6.1.3.2 Safety Design Strategies ==
  
 To reduce these risks, several safety measures should be included in the design. To reduce these risks, several safety measures should be included in the design.
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-=== 6.2.4 Responsible behaviour design ===+=== 6.1.4 Responsible behavior design ===
  
-Responsible behaviour design means creating systems that can influence user actions while still respecting important ethical values such as autonomy and well-being. As digital technologies become more involved in daily life, it is important to make sure that these systems encourage positive habits without limiting users’ freedom to make their own choices.+Responsible behavior design means creating systems that can influence user actions while still respecting important ethical values such as autonomy and well-being. As digital technologies become more involved in daily life, it is important to make sure that these systems encourage positive habits without limiting users’ freedom to make their own choices.
  
  
-== 6.2.4.1 Ethical Persuasion and User Well-being ==+== 6.1.4.1 Ethical Persuasion and User Well-being ==
  
-Since this system is designed to influence user behaviour, it should avoid persuasive methods that feel manipulative or harmful. Research on persuasive technology shows that systems can raise ethical concerns when they create pressure, exploit users’ weaknesses, or reduce their sense of control [(naomi2020)].+Since this system is designed to influence user behavior, it should avoid persuasive methods that feel manipulative or harmful. Research on persuasive technology shows that systems can raise ethical concerns when they create pressure, exploit users’ weaknesses, or reduce their sense of control [(naomi2020)].
  
 For this reason, the goal of Screen2Green should be to support healthier digital habits in a positive way, rather than making users feel guilty or stressed when they exceed their screen-time limits. A design that creates too much pressure could reduce users’ sense of autonomy and make the system less ethical. For this reason, the goal of Screen2Green should be to support healthier digital habits in a positive way, rather than making users feel guilty or stressed when they exceed their screen-time limits. A design that creates too much pressure could reduce users’ sense of autonomy and make the system less ethical.
  
  
-== 6.2.4.2 Motivation and Behaviour Change ==+== 6.1.4.2 Motivation and Behavior Change ==
  
 This idea is also supported by motivation research. According to the Self-Determination Theory, autonomy is an important psychological need, and people are more likely to stay motivated when they feel that their actions are self-directed [(CSDT)]. This idea is also supported by motivation research. According to the Self-Determination Theory, autonomy is an important psychological need, and people are more likely to stay motivated when they feel that their actions are self-directed [(CSDT)].
  
-This suggests that the system should help users make healthier choices by encouraging awareness and reflection, rather than using strict or controlling methods. Supporting users’ sense of choice can lead to more meaningful and lasting behaviour change.+This suggests that the system should help users make healthier choices by encouraging awareness and reflection, rather than using strict or controlling methods. Supporting users’ sense of choice can lead to more meaningful and lasting behavior change.
  
  
-== 6.2.4.3 System Design Considerations ==+== 6.1.4.3 System Design Considerations ==
  
-In addition, the system should make sure that any effects on the plant stay within safe biological limits. The plant should never be harmed as part of the behaviour change process. Even if the system is designed to motivate users, plant health must remain a priority.+In addition, the system should make sure that any effects on the plant stay within safe biological limits. The plant should never be harmed as part of the behavior change process. Even if the system is designed to motivate users, plant health must remain a priority.
  
 Although most persuasive technology research focuses on users, designers also have a responsibility to consider the wider effects of the system. In this project, that means making sure that any interaction linked to the plant still allows it to grow in healthy and safe conditions. Although most persuasive technology research focuses on users, designers also have a responsibility to consider the wider effects of the system. In this project, that means making sure that any interaction linked to the plant still allows it to grow in healthy and safe conditions.
  
  
-=== 6.2.5 Data privacy ===+=== 6.1.5 Data privacy ===
  
 The system collects screen-time data through an associated application. Because this information is linked to users’ daily habits, ethical data management is an important part of the design. Users should clearly understand what data is being collected, how it will be stored, and how it will be used. Data collection should only begin after informed consent is given, and the system should avoid collecting sensitive personal information unless it is necessary for the system to work properly. The system collects screen-time data through an associated application. Because this information is linked to users’ daily habits, ethical data management is an important part of the design. Users should clearly understand what data is being collected, how it will be stored, and how it will be used. Data collection should only begin after informed consent is given, and the system should avoid collecting sensitive personal information unless it is necessary for the system to work properly.
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-== 6.2.5.1 Threats ==+== 6.1.5.1 Threats ==
  
 One of the main concerns is the sensitivity of screen-time data. If this information is accessed without permission, it may reveal users’ routines, habits, and daily schedules. In addition, the system also collects environmental data such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light levels to support plant growth. One of the main concerns is the sensitivity of screen-time data. If this information is accessed without permission, it may reveal users’ routines, habits, and daily schedules. In addition, the system also collects environmental data such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light levels to support plant growth.
  
-Although this environmental data may seem less sensitive, it can still reveal patterns about user behaviour or home occupancy when collected over time. Because of this, the system may be exposed to risks such as unauthorized access, data interception, or manipulation of sensor readings. For example, false soil moisture data could cause incorrect irrigation, which may harm plant health and reduce system reliability [(rodrigo2013)][(luis2019)].+Although this environmental data may seem less sensitive, it can still reveal patterns about user behavior or home occupancy when collected over time. Because of this, the system may be exposed to risks such as unauthorized access, data interception, or manipulation of sensor readings. For example, false soil moisture data could cause incorrect irrigation, which may harm plant health and reduce system reliability [(rodrigo2013)][(luis2019)].
  
 At the same time, improving security in IoT systems is not always simple. Strong encryption can improve protection, but in low-power devices it may also increase energy use and reduce system efficiency. This creates an important trade-off between security and energy consumption, which needs to be considered carefully [(jaewook2017)]. At the same time, improving security in IoT systems is not always simple. Strong encryption can improve protection, but in low-power devices it may also increase energy use and reduce system efficiency. This creates an important trade-off between security and energy consumption, which needs to be considered carefully [(jaewook2017)].
  
  
-== 6.2.5.2 Strategies ==+== 6.1.5.2 Strategies ==
  
 To reduce these risks, several practical strategies can be applied. To reduce these risks, several practical strategies can be applied.
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-=== 6.2.6 Professional competence ===+=== 6.1.6 Professional competence ===
  
 Professional competence means that engineers have the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their work safely, responsibly, and effectively. In engineering projects, this also means following professional standards and ethical principles throughout the design process. Professional competence means that engineers have the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their work safely, responsibly, and effectively. In engineering projects, this also means following professional standards and ethical principles throughout the design process.
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-==== 6.3 Sales and Marketing Ethics ====+==== 6.2 Sales and Marketing Ethics ====
  
 Sales and marketing ethics are important because the way a product is presented can affect how users understand it and how they use it. This is especially important for Screen2Green, since the product is meant to help users build healthier screen-time habits. Because Screen2Green uses technology, user feedback, and behavior change features, it is important to present the product in a clear and honest way. Users should understand what the system does, what its limits are, and what they can expect from using it. Sales and marketing ethics are important because the way a product is presented can affect how users understand it and how they use it. This is especially important for Screen2Green, since the product is meant to help users build healthier screen-time habits. Because Screen2Green uses technology, user feedback, and behavior change features, it is important to present the product in a clear and honest way. Users should understand what the system does, what its limits are, and what they can expect from using it.
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-=== 6.3.1 Honest communication ===+=== 6.2.1 Honest communication ===
  
 The product should be marketed with clear and honest communication about its functionality and purpose. Marketing materials should accurately describe what the device does, how it influences user behavior, and what benefits users can realistically expect. Clear communication is especially important in digital well-being products, as users need to understand both the purpose and the limits of the system in order to trust it and use it properly [(merlijn2022)]. The product should be marketed with clear and honest communication about its functionality and purpose. Marketing materials should accurately describe what the device does, how it influences user behavior, and what benefits users can realistically expect. Clear communication is especially important in digital well-being products, as users need to understand both the purpose and the limits of the system in order to trust it and use it properly [(merlijn2022)].
  
  
-=== 6.3.2 Avoiding manipulative marketing ===+=== 6.2.2 Avoiding manipulative marketing ===
  
 Since the product focuses on digital well-being and screen-time awareness, it is important to avoid marketing strategies that create anxiety, guilt, or fear about technology use. The aim of Screen2Green is to support healthier habits in a positive way, not to pressure users or make them feel bad about their behavior. Research on persuasive technologies shows that overly controlling designs can reduce user autonomy and may even cause stress [(abdul2024)]. Since the product focuses on digital well-being and screen-time awareness, it is important to avoid marketing strategies that create anxiety, guilt, or fear about technology use. The aim of Screen2Green is to support healthier habits in a positive way, not to pressure users or make them feel bad about their behavior. Research on persuasive technologies shows that overly controlling designs can reduce user autonomy and may even cause stress [(abdul2024)].
  
  
-=== 6.3.3 Transparency about functionality ===+=== 6.2.3 Transparency about functionality ===
  
 Users should clearly understand how the system works before using it. This includes how screen time is monitored, how the plant responds to user behavior, and what type of data is collected. Providing this information clearly helps users make informed decisions and increases trust in the product [(merlijn2022)]. Users should clearly understand how the system works before using it. This includes how screen time is monitored, how the plant responds to user behavior, and what type of data is collected. Providing this information clearly helps users make informed decisions and increases trust in the product [(merlijn2022)].
  
  
-=== 6.3.4 Target users ===+=== 6.2.4 Target users ===
  
 If the product is used by children or teenagers, additional ethical considerations are needed. Younger users are generally more vulnerable to persuasive technologies and may be more easily influenced by digital feedback systems. For this reason, the system should avoid strong behavioral pressure and include suitable safeguards if designed for younger users [(diana2025)]. If the product is used by children or teenagers, additional ethical considerations are needed. Younger users are generally more vulnerable to persuasive technologies and may be more easily influenced by digital feedback systems. For this reason, the system should avoid strong behavioral pressure and include suitable safeguards if designed for younger users [(diana2025)].
  
  
-==== 6.4 Environmental Ethics ====+==== 6.3 Environmental Ethics ====
  
 Environmental ethics is an important part of the Screen2Green project because the system is not only a digital product, but also something that directly interacts with a living plant. Since the project uses electronic parts, sensors, and a watering system, it is important to think about how the design may affect the environment. This is not only about reducing the electricity used by the device, but also about choosing suitable materials, making the product last longer, and making sure the plant is cared for properly. A good design should avoid creating unnecessary waste and should allow parts to be repaired or replaced when needed. Because the project is meant to encourage better daily habits, it should also reflect responsible choices in its own design. For this reason, environmental ethics in Screen2Green focuses on energy use, material selection, and plant welfare to make sure the system is practical, sustainable, and respectful of the environment. Environmental ethics is an important part of the Screen2Green project because the system is not only a digital product, but also something that directly interacts with a living plant. Since the project uses electronic parts, sensors, and a watering system, it is important to think about how the design may affect the environment. This is not only about reducing the electricity used by the device, but also about choosing suitable materials, making the product last longer, and making sure the plant is cared for properly. A good design should avoid creating unnecessary waste and should allow parts to be repaired or replaced when needed. Because the project is meant to encourage better daily habits, it should also reflect responsible choices in its own design. For this reason, environmental ethics in Screen2Green focuses on energy use, material selection, and plant welfare to make sure the system is practical, sustainable, and respectful of the environment.
  
  
-=== 6.4.1 Energy use ===+=== 6.3.1 Energy use ===
  
 Modern digital technologies consume significant amounts of energy. Smartphones, applications and online services all depend on servers and data centers that operate continuously and contribute to carbon emissions because they require constant electricity. Moreover, Modern digital technologies consume significant amounts of energy. Smartphones, applications and online services all depend on servers and data centers that operate continuously and contribute to carbon emissions because they require constant electricity. Moreover,
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-=== 6.4.2 Materials ===+=== 6.3.2 Materials ===
  
 Ethical product design also includes thinking about the materials used in the device, how long they last, and whether they can be repaired or recycled. A modular design with replaceable parts can make the product last longer and reduce environmental impact. Ethical product design also includes thinking about the materials used in the device, how long they last, and whether they can be repaired or recycled. A modular design with replaceable parts can make the product last longer and reduce environmental impact.
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-=== 6.4.3 Plant welfare ===+=== 6.3.3 Plant welfare ===
  
 Since the plant plays a role in the behavior feedback system, ethical considerations must also include plant welfare. The plant should not be exposed to harmful conditions as part of the system. Any changes to watering or light levels must stay within safe biological limits to make sure the plant remains healthy. Since the plant plays a role in the behavior feedback system, ethical considerations must also include plant welfare. The plant should not be exposed to harmful conditions as part of the system. Any changes to watering or light levels must stay within safe biological limits to make sure the plant remains healthy.
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-==== 6.5 Liability ==== +==== 6.4 Liability ====  
 + 
 +Liability is an important issue in the Screen2Green project because the product combines electronics, water, a physical plant, an app, and digital monitoring. If one part does not work correctly, it may affect the user, nearby objects, the plant, or the user’s data. For example, sensor errors, water leakage, software problems, or wrong irrigation decisions could damage the plant or make the product less reliable. 
 + 
 +Regarding the physical product, the main risks are related to water and electronics. The watering system depends on sensor data, such as soil moisture, to decide when the plant needs water. Soil moisture sensors are commonly used in smart irrigation technology to help decide when irrigation is needed. Therefore, possible failures should be considered from the early design stage. The product should use reliable components, proper testing, waterproof protection, safe watering limits, alerts for abnormal conditions, and a manual override function. These features can help reduce risks and make sure that the plant’s health is not fully dependent on automatic feedback [(justin2017)]. 
 + 
 +Liability also includes privacy and data protection. Since Screen2Green may collect screen-time and behavior-related data, users should clearly know what data is collected, why it is needed, how long it is stored, and whether it is shared with third parties. The system should follow GDPR principles such as transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, and secure processing. Users should also be able to control their data, including requesting deletion when needed [(EC_GDPR)]. If the app uses tracking, analytics, cookies, or similar technologies, the European Union (EU) ePrivacy Directive should also be considered. This is because these tools may store or read information on the user’s device. Therefore, users should be clearly informed and asked for consent when this kind of tracking is used [(eprivacy2002)].
  
-Liability is an important issue in the Screen2Green project because the system combines electronics, water, and digital monitoring. Since these parts work together, problems such as sensor errors, water leakage, software malfunction, or wrong irrigation decisions could affect the user, nearby objects, or the plant itself.+Another important responsibility is the user’s mental well-being. Screen2Green should help users build healthier screen habits, but it should not do this by making them feel guilty or ashamed. The app should avoid stressful notifications, dark patterns, addictive reward loops, and strong failure messages. Dark patterns are a problem because they can steer, deceive, coerce, or manipulate users into choices that are not in their best interest. For example, if the user does not reduce their screen time, the app should not punish the user or make the plant look like it is suffering. A better approach would be to recognize small efforts, suggest a smaller goal, and encourage the user to try again [(OECD_dark)].
  
-Studies on smart irrigation systems show that faults in sensors or control systems can lead to overwatering or underwatering, which may damage plant health and reduce system reliability [(khaled2022)]. For this reason, possible risks should be considered from the early design stage. The team should use reliable components, test the system properly, and include safety measures such as waterproof protection, safe watering limits, and alerts for abnormal conditions.+The product should also keep a clear boundary from medical devices. Screen2Green should be presented as a well-being or lifestyle tool, not as a medical treatment. Claims such as “treats Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder”, “cures phone addiction”, “improves depression”, or “diagnoses mental health issues” should be avoided because they could make the product seem like a medical solution. Under the EU Medical Device Regulation, software can be included in the definition of a medical device when it is intended for a medical purpose. Safer wording would be “supports mindful phone use”, “encourages healthier screen habits”, or “well-being-oriented focus tool” [(EU_medical2017)].
  
-Liability also includes user data. Because the system may collect screen-time information through the app, users should clearly understand what data is collected, why it is needed, and how it is stored. Research on smart home IoT systems shows that users are often not fully aware of privacy risks, so clear information and transparency are important [(julie2020)].+Cybersecurity is also part of liability because the app is connected to a digital device. The system should protect communication between the app and the product, store user data securely, and provide software updates if problems are found. It should also consider possible unauthorized access or security vulnerabilities. The EU Cyber Resilience Act focuses on cybersecurity for hardware and software products with digital elements, including issues such as weak security and lack of timely security updates. This is important because poor cybersecurity could affect both user privacy and the safe operation of the product [(EC_cyber)].
  
-In addition, because the plant is part of the feedback system, responsibility also includes protecting plant welfare. The system should not use behaviour feedback in a way that harms the plant. Features such as manual override and safe watering limits should be included so that plant health is always more important than the feedback mechanism.+Because the plant is part of the feedback system, the team also has responsibility for plant welfare. The system should not use behavior feedback in a way that harms the plant. Manual override and safe watering limits are important because the plant’s health should always be more important than the feedback mechanism.
  
-Overall, liability in this project means reducing risks as much as possible through safe design, clear communication, and responsible system use.+Sustainability and accessibility should also be considered as part of responsible product design. Since Screen2Green connects technology with nature, the product should consider repairability, long product lifespan, energy-efficient components, and reduced electronic waste. EU repair policy also supports more sustainable consumption by increasing the repair and reuse of goods [(EC_repair)]. The app should also be easy to use for different users. This includes readable text, enough color contrast, simple onboarding, a calm interface, and not using color as the only way to show important information. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines explain that color should not be the only visual way to communicate information [(WAI2025)].
  
 +Overall, liability in Screen2Green means reducing possible risks through safe design, clear communication, responsible data handling, cybersecurity, and ethical feedback. The product should support healthier screen habits without manipulation or punishment, while also protecting the user, the plant, and the product itself.
  
-==== 6.6 Summary ====+==== 6.5 Summary ====
  
-This chapter looked at the main ethical and deontological issues related to Screen2Green, such as safety, user privacy, behaviour design, environmental impact, plant welfare, and liability. Through this analysis, the team understood that the system should not only work properly, but also be safe, clear to users, and responsible in the way it affects both people and plants.+This chapter looked at the main ethical and deontological issues related to Screen2Green, such as safety, user privacy, behavior design, environmental impact, plant welfare, and liability. Through this analysis, the team understood that the system should not only work properly, but also be safe, clear to users, and responsible in the way it affects both people and plants.
  
 Based on this ethical and deontological analysis, the team chose a modular design with simple monitoring components, a soil moisture sensor, an ESP32 microcontroller, a controlled watering system, waterproof protection, and low-cost recyclable materials. These choices were made to reduce possible risks, protect plant health, support responsible data use, and make the product easier to maintain. Based on this ethical and deontological analysis, the team chose a modular design with simple monitoring components, a soil moisture sensor, an ESP32 microcontroller, a controlled watering system, waterproof protection, and low-cost recyclable materials. These choices were made to reduce possible risks, protect plant health, support responsible data use, and make the product easier to maintain.
  
-Consequently, the team decided to include features such as safe watering limits, basic fail-safe protection, clear user information, modular parts, and behaviour feedback that supports users without creating pressure. These features help make the system safer, easier to use, and more suitable for daily use.+Consequently, the team decided to include features such as safe watering limits, basic fail-safe protection, clear user information, modular parts, and behavior feedback that supports users without creating pressure. These features help make the system safer, easier to use, and more suitable for daily use.
  
 This chapter also helped guide the team’s technical decisions and gives a clear basis for the next chapter, which explains how these ideas were applied in the system design and development process. This chapter also helped guide the team’s technical decisions and gives a clear basis for the next chapter, which explains how these ideas were applied in the system design and development process.
  
  
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  • Last modified: 2026/04/30 11:22
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