This project aims to develop an innovative optical passivation monitor for LightMachinery excimer lasers, integrating optical, electrical, software, and mechanical components to track fluorine depletion in real-time. By enhancing the precision and efficiency of the passivation process, this technology will reduce costs, improve laser refurbishment quality, and ensure LightMachinery’s competitive edge through proprietary advancements.
Reaction All Years
The goal of this project is to enhance Nada Dhyana by making important updates and adding new features that reflect the client’s vision.
Event management feature that enables users to view past and future events. Register for themselves and multiple others and view photo galleries of events.
This study quantifies mcrA gene copies in anaerobic digesters to determine their correlation with methane production. Using qPCR, we aim to assess whether mcrA
abundance can serve as an indicator of microbial methanogenic activity. In collaboration with CH Four Biogas,
this research contributes to optimizing anaerobic digestion for bioenergy applications.
The Algonquin Times Mobile App is Canada’s only dedicated college newspaper app, designed to transform how students, faculty, alumni, and the wider community engage with news, covering both campus updates and stories relevant to the broader community. Despite the Algonquin Times’ reputation as a trusted source of information, readership and accessibility remained low. This project set out to bridge that gap by creating an intuitive, engaging, and fully integrated digital platform that goes beyond traditional news delivery.
To ensure the app met the needs of its diverse audience, we conducted extensive user research, including surveys, interviews, and usability testing. Our goal was to understand how the community interacts with news, identify key engagement drivers, and address existing barriers to accessibility.
Using data-driven insights, we developed user personas representing different audience segments, allowing us to tailor the app’s features and design to specific user needs.
Our research revealed that users wanted a clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy to find campus news and updates. They also expressed interest in real-time updates on college events, sports, and extracurricular activities.
Beyond news, users sought interactive features such as engaging user polls, games, and practical tools such as campus mapping, weather updates, and bus timetables. The research indicated a need for a modern, visually appealing design that enhanced usability. For student journalists, the app serves as more than just a news platform, it is a professional showcase for their work. By providing a dedicated space to publish their articles, the app functions as an interactive portfolio, allowing students to gain visibility, build their credibility, and share their journalism directly with social media platforms and with potential employers.
One of the biggest challenges was engagement. Our research showed that simply displaying campus news wasn’t enough—users needed a compelling reason to open the app daily. Meanwhile, the client’s primary goal was to deliver quality journalism and promote student reporters. Balancing these two objectives required creative solutions.
To keep users engaged, we introduced interactive elements such as polls, creating discussions and lighthearted content like a “Joke of the Day”. Additionally, we implemented gamification features, including interactive campus-related games, allowing users to compete, engage in conversations and build a stronger sense of community.
Another major obstacle was integrating the app into existing journalistic workflows without adding extra workload for writers and editors.
We automated content updates, created editor-friendly tools, and ensured compatibility with existing publication processes—allowing journalists to publish content effortlessly.
Developing an accessible and budget-friendly solution was another challenge. Financial constraints meant we had to be strategic about our tech choices, ensuring high performance whilst incurring no costs. To achieve this, we built the app using React Native, which enabled cross-platform compatibility for Android and iOS, reducing development time and cost. We utilized free APIs for features like weather updates and bus schedules, eliminating the need for expensive services. Additionally, we implemented local storage – ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience without relying on costly external databases.
Additionally, integrating the app with existing college systems presented technical hurdles. Through collaboration, iterative testing, and adaptability, we overcame these compatibility issues, ensuring seamless functionality for both users and journalists.
The Algonquin Times Mobile App stands as a testament to user-centered design and problem-solving in software development. By blending journalism with interactive engagement, we created a modern, user-friendly, and impactful digital platform that not only informs but also actively involves the Algonquin College community and beyond.
This project pushed our skills in user research, UI/UX design, mobile development, and agile problem-solving, and ultimately, we delivered an app that transformed passive news consumption into an engaging and interactive experience. Through challenges, constraints, and creative solutions, we have redefined how college news is experienced—one tap at a time.
Pyralume is a dedicated space designed for film lovers and filmmakers to connect, discover, and engage with independent cinema. More than just a platform for viewing films, Pyralume is a thriving community where emerging filmmakers can showcase their work and reach passionate audiences beyond traditional film festivals. By bridging the gap between creators and viewers, we empower filmmakers to gain visibility and recognition for their artistry.
We worked closely with our client to understand their vision and goals for Pyralume. Through ongoing discussions and feedback sessions, we tailored our development approach to align with their expectations, ensuring that the platform would effectively serve both filmmakers and audiences. By maintaining open communication with our client, we were able to refine key features and make strategic design adjustments that enhanced usability and engagement, ultimately delivering a functional and compelling final product.
Building Pyralume was an ambitious endeavour that required overcoming several technical and design challenges. Initially, we planned to integrate an existing backend solution to manage user data, film uploads, and streaming. However, we encountered limitations with the APIs that hindered the scalability and functionality of our platform. These limitations ultimately led us to develop our own custom API with Node.js and PostgreSQL, ensuring full control over data management, authentication, and video streaming. This shift was a major challenge, requiring in-depth research and implementation of a thorough backend framework, database structuring, and storage solutions for media.
Our team also worked tirelessly on our UI/UX design within Figma. Early iterations of our interface lacked the intuitive navigation and visual appeal necessary for a smooth user experience, but later conducting usability testing and gathering feedback, we made significant design refinements. We improved accessibility, streamlined navigation, and enhanced the overall visual hierarchy to make content discovery and community interactions more engaging. These adjustments allowed us to create a more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing platform.
Key Features are:
Exclusive Independent Film Library – Watch unique films from local creators in your community.
Social Network for Filmmakers & Fans – Follow directors, screenwriters, and producers to discuss films and stay updated on their latest projects.
Film Events & Festivals – Discover upcoming film festivals, networking events, and exclusive screenings.
Reviews & Discussions – Share insights, rate films, and help great projects gain traction.
Through this project, our team gained invaluable experience in mobile development, UI/UX design, and problem-solving. We learned the importance of adaptability when technical roadblocks arise, and the significance of user feedback and research in refining an application. Developing an API pushed our backend development skills to new heights, and improving our UI based on user testing strengthened our design sensibilities.
This project was a lesson in collaboration, iteration, and problem-solving. By addressing each issue head-on and refining our approach, we built a strong, scalable foundation for Pyralume, ensuring it can evolve to meet the needs of filmmakers and film lovers alike.
As we move forward, we are excited about the potential growth of Pyralume and its impact on the independent film industry. This experience has solidified our passion for creating meaningful digital solutions, and we look forward to continuing our journey in technology and innovation.
Abstract:This project presents a pizza machine that automates pizza preparation using an ESP32 microcontroller. The machine consists of two stations: a topping machine and an oven. A robotic arm moves the pizza between stations, and toppings are applied using a spinning table and dispenser wheel. Additionally, a website was developed for customers to select their toppings, which include pepperoni, cheese, and tomato sauce.
Why We Created This:Our pizza machine enhances efficiency by reducing wait times, minimizing labor, and offering a customizable experience through an online interface. It seamlessly integrates technology with food service for convenience and automation.
Cloud Concierge aims to be an AI-powered web platform aimed at revolutionizing
operational efficiency in the hospitality industry. Cloud Concierge synthesizes
internal metrics (sales, inventory, labor) and external data (weather, traffic, event,
and demographic trends) to provide predictive insights, enabling restaurateurs to
proactively optimize staffing and inventory and mitigate waste. Initially, the focus
will be on restaurants in Ottawa, serving as a prototype for the first phase. Working
with the Computer Engineering student team, we would like to create a framework
for the data collection and report component of the Cloud Concierge product. This
prototype aims to validate the framework and its impact within the local market.
For internal metrics, we would like to collect sales and labour data from Point of
Sale (POS) systems. For external data, we would like to collect weather, traffic, and
events data. Finally, the product would be able to generate a report that draws
patterns in the combination of the two sets of data.
We are conducting interconnected studies related to systemic issues in sexual violence, domestic violence survivors’ experiences interacting with police, and concussion recovery in survivors of intimate partner violence.
Our goal is to promote survivor-centered policies, evidence-based interventions, and trauma-informed care through innovative research.
The Stars Orthodontics app, designed and developed by Pillar, is an AI-powered progressive web application (PWA) that enhances appointment scheduling for patients while streamlining workflows for the clinic’s reception staff. As a one-stop digital solution, the app allows patients to stay connected with Stars Ortho anytime, anywhere, and on virtually any modern device.
[ THE PROBLEM ] — Many of Stars Ortho’s patients still rely on phone calls to book appointments or inquire about clinic services, which places a heavy workload on receptionists and diverts their attention from other critical administrative tasks. The challenge was to improve communication between patients and staff without adding unnecessary complexity to the clinic’s workflow. By reducing phone call dependency, we aimed to give patients a more convenient way to access the information they need while allowing staff to focus on higher-priority responsibilities.
[ RESEARCH METHODS ] — To better understand the needs of both patients and clinic staff, we first collaborated with the clinic to conduct a patient survey, gathering insights into booking preferences and common pain points. We then interviewed clinic staff to identify workflow inefficiencies and appointment management challenges. Later in the project, usability testing played a key role in refining the app, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience. Lastly, regular communications with the client helped align our solution with their operational goals, ensuring it remained both practical and valuable.
[ OUR SOLUTION ] — The Stars Orthodontics app delivers a modern, responsive, and user-friendly experience that seamlessly adapts across devices and screen sizes. Built with Next.js and leveraging PWA technology, it functions like a website but can also be installed on devices for a native app-like experience, allowing patients to access the clinic’s services anytime with just a tap.
For patients, the app introduces a seamless appointment booking system, allowing them to schedule visits from anywhere, even beyond business hours—minimizing their reliance on phone calls. A built-in resource center provides essential clinic information and expert oral care guidance, helping patients find answers without needing to contact reception.
For clinic staff, we developed a streamlined booking request system that standardizes appointment request emails, making it easier to understand patient needs at a glance. By integrating these requests into their existing email workflow, the app enhances efficiency without introducing unnecessary complexity.
[ AI-POWERED ASSISTANCE ] — At the core of the Stars app is a custom-built AI assistant developed to provide patients with instant, accurate, and context-aware support. Unlike generic chatbots, this AI is exclusively trained on the clinic’s services, staff, operations, and a carefully curated resource center with orthodontist-approved oral care guidance. This ensures every response is precise, relevant, and free from misinformation.
This assistant leverages agentic AI technology, making it far more dynamic than traditional rule-based chatbots. As an adaptive and proactive system, it doesn’t just react to questions but actively interprets user intent, follows context, and refines its responses to provide more relevant guidance throughout the conversation. It understands natural language, allowing it to engage patients in a way that feels intuitive and conversational. Whether booking an appointment, learning about treatments, or accessing post-procedure care instructions, patients can interact with it just like they would with a human receptionist, receiving responses that are accurate, helpful, and personalized.
One of the biggest concerns with AI is its tendency to “hallucinate”—producing incorrect or made-up responses. To eliminate this risk, the AI is built using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology. Instead of generating responses from generic pre-trained knowledge, RAG ensures that the AI only provides answers based on verified information from the clinic’s database. When a patient asks a question, the AI first analyzes the input, searches the clinic’s knowledge base for a relevant answer, and retrieves only the most accurate and up-to-date information before responding. If the answer is outside its scope, it will simply inform the user instead of making assumptions. This approach guarantees that responses remain trustworthy, reliable, and easy to update whenever the clinic’s information changes.
Despite its advanced automation, the AI follows a “human-in-the-loop” approach, ensuring that users always maintain final control over key actions. Rather than acting independently, the AI prompts users to confirm suggested actions—such as sending an appointment request email—before executing them. This guarantees that patients remain in charge while still benefiting from highly efficient, accurate, and reliable AI support. By combining AI-driven intelligence with human oversight, the system enhances convenience without compromising user agency.
The AI is powered by FloWise AI, an open-source framework designed for creating customizable, workflow-driven AI experiences. By leveraging FloWise’s visual flow builder, the AI can be easily adjusted to match the clinic’s evolving needs while integrating seamlessly with popular language models. To ensure reliability, security, and scalability, the AI is deployed using Docker on DigitalOcean, allowing for continuous improvements and optimizations as clinic operations grow.
By instantly handling routine patient inquiries, this AI assistant not only enhances the patient experience but also significantly reduces the clinic’s phone call workload. With fewer interruptions, staff can focus on critical tasks, while patients receive fast, reliable, and personalized support whenever they need it.
[ CHALLENGES FACED ] — One of the main challenges we encountered was the inability to directly integrate the app with the clinic’s existing scheduling system, a closed-source software containing highly sensitive patient information. To work around this limitation, we designed a system where appointment requests are submitted through the app and then manually managed by clinic staff. This approach preserves the expertise of the staff, who have a deep understanding of patients and their treatment progress—something an app alone cannot replicate.
Another challenge was streamlining the reception team’s workflow without introducing unnecessary steps. Since clinic staff preferred to receive patient communications in a familiar format, we structured the app to send all appointment requests via email instead of introducing an entirely separate interface. By consolidating requests into their existing email workflow, we ensured that no messages would be overlooked while maintaining a seamless integration with their current systems.
[ EXPERIENCES GAINED ] — A simple app may look effortless, but achieving that level of ease requires extensive planning, testing, reworking, and attention to detail. From designing AI conversational flows to testing prototypes across multiple devices, every decision had to strike a balance between functionality and user experience. Continuous testing, technological exploration, and iterative design were essential in shaping the final product.
One key takeaway from this project was how intentional, user-driven design can lead to a more effective solution than adding unnecessary complexity. By staying focused on the core problem and user needs, rather than personal preferences or excessive features, we were able to craft a more meaningful experience.
Interestingly, the app’s simplicity also allowed for deeper exploration of novel features. By keeping the core experience streamlined and polished, we had the flexibility to experiment with AI-powered assistance and refine its role within the product.
[ LESSONS LEARNED ] — This project reinforced the importance of genuine collaboration. A major lesson learned was the need to bridge the gap between design, development, and the client’s operational needs. Even with the best intentions, differences in approach can create friction—whether internally or with the client. Open, adaptable communication across disciplines was key to resolving challenges and ensuring alignment at every step.
Constant client collaboration was just as essential as internal teamwork. Because the app was deeply tied to the clinic’s daily operations, maintaining a close feedback loop ensured the solution remained both practical and impactful. Frequent discussions helped merge our technical expertise with the clinic’s deep understanding of patient care, leading to informed decisions, refined features, and a product that truly served its users.
More than anything, this project reinforced that great digital products aren’t just built—they are co-created. The Stars Orthodontics app is a testament to the power of collaboration, intentionality, and a user-first mindset. Open communication wasn’t just a best practice—it was the pillar that kept the project aligned, ensuring that design, development, and real-world needs came together to create a truly meaningful product. This project highlights how technology can enhance human experiences rather than complicate them, delivering a solution that is as practical as it is innovative.