Executive Summary

In this report, the team will be addressing the issue of distracted driving and how the addition of certain safety features to the existing Garmin NUVI 4592LM can resolve this issue. The proposal reviews secondary research such as road traffic accidents data and statistics to understand the severity of the issue and how it negatively impacts road users. Through this research, the team decided on the key features to add to to the existing Garmin Nuvi 4592LM which were deemed as necessary, to resolve the issue of distracted driving. More research was conducted on the chosen features to determine the pros and cons. The benefits and considerations were taken into account when conducting a feasibility study on the proposed modifications. The final proposed solution includes the implementation of eye tracking function, a rear-view function, and a behavioural recording device.

Letter of Transmittal

27 October 2016

Mr Brad Blackstone

Senior Lecturer

Singapore Institute of Technology

SIT @ Dover

10 Dover Drive

Singapore 138682

Dear Mr Blackstone,

Addition of Safety Functions to Garmin NUVI 4592LM

This letter is to inform you of our acknowledgement and response to your letter of authorization dated September 30, 2016. Enclosed is the design report on the proposed modifications to the existing Garmin Nuvi 4592LM. This modification will enhance the Garmin Nuvi 4592LM and transform it into a multi-functional, reliable, and state-of-the-art Global Positioning System (GPS) that incorporates safety of the driver on the road.

The main elements of the report are:

·       Proposed modifications to Garmin Nuvi 4592LM.

·       Benefits of proposed modifications.

·       Evaluation of proposed modifications.

·       Research conducted on the product and the current situation on road safety.

Diversity thanks you for the opportunity to carry out this project and your consideration of our proposed design modifications will be deeply appreciated.

Yours Sincerely,

Zakirah

Zakirah

Representative of Team Diversity

Reflection on Technical Communication 1

Technical Communication 1 is not the first communication class I have attended. Previously, I have had three core modules of business communication over three years in polytechnic. During polytechnic, I can decide on my project teams, so that the teams I chose would tie into groups similar as other modules. This allowed projects to be done more efficiently as I do not have to keep meeting different groups of people, as they all have their other assignments to commit to. This was the difficult part across all modules. Although I understand that I have to work with different groups and types of people when I head out to work in the future, this arrangement of different groups for all modules seems a little unrealistic and was unpleasant, given the short time span. Despite all these cons, it has allowed me to work with time and dynamics constraints, which is a big learning point for me.

Through this short twenty hours course, I have learnt to write a decent technical report, product summary description and analysis, and giving a persuasive sales pitch. After being exposed, I have increased confidence in these areas, even though the practice was insufficient.

The challenge for myself was the final presentation, as I previously stutter a lot, and it has been at least 2 years since the last time I gave a presentation without a script. This has pushed me out of comfort zone, as I really need to believe in my product to be able to sell it. There are also rooms for improvement after this course: reading and practicing on different types of technical report.

In the long run, I hope to be able to write different types of report when I graduate, to better prepare myself for the workforce. I will also be able to see how the skills I learnt will be applied during my IWSP, and for my future use.

Product Description Summary /Analysis Draft 3

Practicality of GPS device is dependent on its ability to guide drivers to their destinations, where Garmin stands out from its competitor, TomTom with the ability to calibrate routes based on real-time traffic conditions. Garmin's product description page (n.d.) introduces the GPS device's features and functionalities. Nuvi 4592 LM, an in-car-GPS device developed by Garmin, provides detailed maps with places of interest that comes with complimentary lifetime updates (n.d.). Voice activated navigation, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built-in to allow drivers to navigate and answer calls safely hands-free. The 4592 LM allows the driver to mention the full address before navigation, and replies interactively to remind drivers that hands can remain safely on the wheel (Garmin, n.d.). It comes with a magnetic cradle that charges device when plugged in. An integrated driving recorder backups indisputable evidence in the event of accidents which can be viewed on a laptop (Garmin, n.d.). 4592 LM also allows sorting of multiple destinations, rerouting of path on-the-go, diverting the driver away from traffic and avoiding specific routes/tolls (Garmin, n.d.). It has unique features that predict the driver’s favourite routes (myTrends) and suggest eco-friendly routes (ecoRoute) (Garmin, n.d.).

Goodwin (2011) discussed TomTom’s features and functionalities, a competitor of Garmin’s in the product review page. Goodwin has listed TomTom GO Live 1535M’s location searching applications such as Yelp, Expedia, Trip Advisor and Google. Integrated within are voice-activated navigation and Bluetooth; gas stations and speed cameras are also displayed. GO Live 1535M recommends places of interest determined either by home address, destination or any place selected. Goodwin also noted that others can be informed with tweets of the current location and estimated time of arrival. TomTom has a mobile application MyDrive, which allow drivers to access their GPS (n.d.).

Nuvi is more practical than TomTom given its features, such as rerouting on-the-go and routes avoiding heavy traffic.  Driving experience is enhanced as myTrends allow driving on routes that drivers are more comfortable with, avoiding tolls and traffic. Compared to TomTom, Nuvi plans the route for the driver whereas the driver has to plan the route based on TomTom’s preview of traffic conditions. Its competitor TomTom lacks these features, and only offers locating parking places. Even though Nuvi’s GPS cannot be used on the phone like TomTom’s, the GPS mainly supports usage of safe driving navigation, not mobility of device.  GPS already estimates trip timing prior to the trip; thus the ability to update arrival timing on Twitter for TomTom is redundant. Nuvi is also more appealing as it has a valuable feature of integrated recorder filming continuously. Thus, in the event of an accident, it eases insurance claims.

For the above reasons, Nuvi is a more practical device as it has vital features that cater to the comfort of the driver, while insuring them. With this, it provides a positive environment for the driver to get to their destinations with ease (myTrends) - the main function of GPS.

References

Garmin Corporation. (n.d.). All in one, Garmin is the ONE. Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://www.garmin.com.sg/products/ontheroad/nuvi4592lm/

Garmin Corporation. (n.d.). Nuvi 4592LM SG/MY. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from http://www.garmin.com.sg/products/ontheroad/nuvi4592lm/#specsTab

GARMIN LIVE TRAFFIC. (n.d.). Livetraffic.jpg [Online Image]. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from http://static.garmincdn.com/emea/com/sites/traffic_v2/images/livetraffic.jpg

Goodwin, A. (2011, October 13). TomTom GO Live 1535M review – Roadshow. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/auto/tomtom-go-live-1535m/review/

Roadshow. (n.d.). Tweet. [Online Image]. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://htpr.cnet.com/p/u=http://i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2011/10/13/v_tweet_441x197.jpg&h=1YdU8jDiWeEgbW2oQCfXdw

TomTom International BV. (n.d.). Navigation | TomTom. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://www.tomtom.com/en_us/drive/car/#mydriveydrive

Product Description Summary /Analysis Draft 2

In Garmin's product description page (n.d.), it introduces the GPS device's features and functionality which shows that Garmin is the product to get, "All in one, Garmin is the ONE". Nuvi 4592 LM, an in-car-GPS device developed by Garmin, provides detailed maps and places of interest that comes with complimentary lifetime updates. Voice activated navigation, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in to allow drivers to navigate and answer calls safely hands-free.

The 4592 LM allow drivers to tell them the full address before navigation, replies interactively to remind drivers that hands can remain safely on the wheel. It comes with a magnetic cradle that charges device when plugged in. An integrated driving recorder backups indisputable evidence in the event of accidents which can be viewed on a laptop. 4592 LM also allows rerouting of path on-the-go, diverting the driver away from traffic and avoiding specific routes/tolls, and sort multiple destinations. Unique features such as predicting the driver’s favourite route (myTrends) and suggesting eco-friendly routes (ecoRoute).

TomTom, a competitor of Garmin’s is also discussed from its product review page (n.d.): features and functionality. TomTom GO Live 1535M provides several location searching applications such as Yelp, Expedia, Trip Advisor and Google. Integrated within are voice-activated navigation and Bluetooth; gas stations and speed cameras are also displayed.

GO Live 1535M recommend place of interests determined either by home address, destination or any place selected. Others can be informed with tweets of the current location and estimated time of arrival. Mobile application MyDrive, allow drivers to access their GPS.

Nuvi is more practical than TomTom given its features, such as rerouting on-the-go and routes avoiding heavy traffic.  Driving experience is enhanced as myTrends allow driving on routes that drivers are more comfortable with, avoiding tolls and traffic. Compared to TomTom, Nuvi plans the route for the driver whereas the driver has to plan the route based on TomTom’s preview of traffic conditions. Its competitor TomTom lacks these features, and only offers locating parking places. Even though Nuvi’s GPS cannot be used on the phone like TomTom’s, the GPS mainly supports usage of safe driving navigation, not mobility of device.  GPS already estimates trip timing prior to the trip, thus the ability to update arrival timing on Twitter for TomTom is redundant. Nuvi is also more appealing as it has a valuable feature of integrated recorder filming continuously. Thus, in the event of an accident, it eases insurance claims.

For the above reasons, Nuvi is a more practical device as it has vital features that cater to the comfort of the driver, while insuring them. With this, it provides a positive environment for the driver to get to their destinations with ease (myTrends) - the main purpose of GPS.

References

Garmin Corporation. (n.d.). All in one, Garmin is the ONE. Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://www.garmin.com.sg/products/ontheroad/nuvi4592lm/

Garmin Corporation. (n.d.). Nuvi 4592LM SG/MY. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from http://www.garmin.com.sg/products/ontheroad/nuvi4592lm/#specsTab

GARMIN LIVE TRAFFIC. (n.d.). Livetraffic.jpg [Online Image]. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from http://static.garmincdn.com/emea/com/sites/traffic_v2/images/livetraffic.jpg

Goodwin, A. (2011, October 13). TomTom GO Live 1535M review – Roadshow. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/auto/tomtom-go-live-1535m/review/

Roadshow. (n.d.). Tweet. [Online Image]. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://htpr.cnet.com/p/u=http://i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2011/10/13/v_tweet_441x197.jpg&h=1YdU8jDiWeEgbW2oQCfXdw

TomTom International BV. (n.d.). Navigation | TomTom. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://www.tomtom.com/en_us/drive/car/#mydriveydrive

Product Description Summary /Analysis Draft 1

In Garmin's product description page (n.d.), it introduces the GPS device's features and functionality which shows that Garmin is the product to get, "All in one, Garmin is the ONE". Nuvi 4592 LM, an in-car-GPS device developed by Garmin, provides detailed maps and places of interest that comes with complimentary lifetime updates. Voice activated navigation, wifi and bluetooth are built in to allow users to navigate and answer calls safely hands-free.

The 4592 LM allow drivers to tell them the full address before navigation, replies interactively to remind users that hands can remain safely on the wheel. It comes with a magnetic cradle that charges device when plugged in. An integrated driving recorder backups indisputable evidence in the event of accidents can be viewed on a laptop. 4592 LM also allows rerouting of path on-the-go, diverting the driver away from traffic and avoiding specific routes/tolls, sorts multiple destinations. It has unique features such as predicting the driver’s favourite route “myTrends” and can even suggest eco-friendly routes “ecoRoute”.

TomTom, a competitor of Garmin’s is also discussed from its product review page (n.d.): features and functionality. TomTom GO Live 1535M, developed by TomTom provides several location searching applications such as Yelp, Expedia, Trip Advisor and Google. It is integrated with voice activated navigation and Bluetooth. Preview of traffic, fuel and speed cameras along the route are integrated in the maps.

GO Live 1535M recommend places of interests determined by home address, destination of the current route or city of choice. Setting destinations are made easier with voice commands. It is able to post tweets on Twitter, with a touch of a button, to allow others to know your location and estimated time of arrival. TomTom has a GPS mobile application “MyDrive”, which allow consumers to access their GPS.

In my opinion, Nuvi is more practical given its features, such as rerouting on-the-go and routes that avoid heavy traffic.  Driving experience is enhanced as “myTrends” allow driving on routes that drivers are more comfortable with, while avoiding tolls and traffic. Compared to TomTom, Nuvi plans the route for the driver, while the driver has to plan the route based on TomTom’s preview of traffic conditions. While its competitor lacks these features, it locates parking places. Even though Nuvi’s GPS cannot be used on the phone like TomTom’s, the GPS mainly supports the usage of safe driving while navigating, not mobility of the device.  GPS already has an estimated trip timing before the trip starts, thus the ability to update arrival timing on Twitter for TomTom is redundant. Nuvi is also more appealing as it has a valuable feature of integrated recorder filming continuously. Thus, in the event of an accident, it eases insurance claims.

In conclusion, Nuvi is a more practical device as it has important features that cater to the comfort of the driver, while insuring them. With this, it provides a positive environment for the driver to get to their destinations with ease.

References

All in one, Garmin is the ONE. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://www.garmin.com.sg/products/ontheroad/nuvi4592lm/

By: Antuan Goodwin, A. G. (2011, October 13). TomTom GO Live 1535M review - Roadshow. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/auto/tomtom-go-live-1535m/review/

Navigation | TomTom. (n.d.). Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://www.tomtom.com/en_us/drive/car/#mydrive

Nuvi 4592LM SG/MY. (n.d.). Retrieved October 06, 2016, from http://www.garmin.com.sg/products/ontheroad/nuvi4592lm/#specsTab

Product, B. (n.d.). GARMIN LIVE TRAFFIC. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from http://www.garmin.com/en-GB/traffic/

Product Description Summary - nüvi 4592LM

In Garmin's product description page, it introduces the GPS device's features and functionality which shows why Garmin is the product to get, "All in one, Garmin is the ONE". NUVI, an in-car-GPS device developed by Garmin, provides detailed maps and places of interest that comes with complimentary lifetime updates. Voice activated navigation, wifi and bluetooth are built in to allow users to navigate and answer calls safely hands-free. NUVI allow users to tell them the full address before navigation, replies interactively to remind users that their hands can remain safely on the wheel. It also comes with a "magnetic cradle" that charges device when plugged in. An integrated driving recorder backups indisputable evidence in the event of accidents that can be viewed on a laptop.

I think that this is an excellent product as it has technology that emphasizes on hands-free navigation whilst driving, which makes it safer for the driver and other road users. It also has a comprehensive backup system in the event that if an accident happens, the driver can claim his insurance with less hassle given the evidence.

All in one, Garmin is the ONE. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://www.garmin.com.sg/products/ontheroad/nuvi4592lm/

Formal Letter Writing

To: Brad Blackstone
From: Heng Sze Dee
Date: 20 September 2016
Subject: Introducing Myself: Educational Background, Interests, Goals & Aims for the Future

Dear Brad,

My name is Heng Sze Dee, 22, a student from your TLM1010 Technical Communication class, in Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). I am writing this email to introduce more about myself to you. Prior to admission in SIT, I graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), with a Diploma in Business Studies, specialising in Human Capital Management and Psychology. I chose to specialise in these two areas as I was interested in how to better mange human captial in an organisation and the psychology behind it.

During my leisure time, I like to spend time practicing martial arts (Aikido) and enjoying sports, which include badminton, basketball, and rock climbing. Besides all these cardiovascular activities, I also like to watch documentaries on History channel, and a variety of programmes on National Geographic.

My goal for studying Telematics (Intelligent Transportation Systems Engineering) is that I hope to be able to contribute to better improve Singapore's transport industry, by learning the knowledge and skills required. Thus, I will be able to design smoother and safer vehicular systems, for road users and commuters.

My aims for the future are to be able to improve the transportation system, so that it will be easier and less of a hassle to commute around Singapore.

I hope that you will know more about me after reading this introduction about myself. Thank you.


Yours Sincerely,

Heng Sze Dee


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Revised on 30 Sep 2016