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Hafita - Aquarium Maintenance Assistant Application :: Behance

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Report 1: CP Proposal
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Name of Capstone Project
1.1.2 Problem Abstraction
1.1.3 Define the Problem
1.2 Project Overview
1.2.1 Design Process & Methodology
1.2.2 Role & Responsibility
1.2.3 Project Timeline
1.2.4 Project Communication & Meeting Plan
1.2.5 Document Management & Sharing Tools
1.2.6 Project Management Tools
1.2.7 Project Backlog
1.3 Project Research
1.3.1 Research Plan
1.3.2 Desk Research
1.3.2.1 Subject Overview
1.3.2.2 Benefits of having an aquarium
1.3.2.3 The steps to set up a freshwater aquarium and things to note.
1.3.2.4 Aquascaping style
1.3.2.5 Choosing and introducing fish
1.3.2.6 Nitrogen cycle in aquarium
1.3.2.7 Water quality tracking at aquarium stores
1.3.2.8 Consequences of improper brightness level
1.3.2.9 Importance of Routine tasks
1.3.2.10 The importance of water change
1.3.2.11 Causes of fish disease
1.3.2.12 Fish disease treatments
1.3.3 Field Research
1.3.4 Market Research
1.3.4.1 Global Market
1.3.4.2 U.S Market
1.3.4.3 Asia Market
1.3.4.4 Vietnam Market
1.3.5 User Research
1.3.5.1 Observation
1.3.5.2 Qualitative Research - In-depth Interviews
1.3.5.3 Quantitative Research - Survey
1.3.5.3.1 The First Survey
1.3.5.3.2 The Second Survey
1.3.5.4 User Persona

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 1.3.5.5 Empathy Map
1.3.5.6 Customer Journey Map
1.3.6 Technology Research
1.3.6.1 Image Processing Technology
1.3.6.2 Image Enhancement Technology
1.3.6.3 Fish detection using YOLO and DeepSORT technology
1.3.6.4 Augmented Reality (AR) technology in measuring objects
1.3.6.5 Cloud computing technology for monitoring water quality
1.3.6.6 Light sensor to measure brightness level
1.3.7 Another Web/App
1.3.7.1 Aquarium Forum & Communities
1.3.7.2 Aquarium Manager & Aquahome & Aquarium Log
1.3.7.3 Aquareka
1.4 Specify Requirements
1.4.1 Problem Statements
1.4.2 Solution Statements
Report 2: Interaction Design
2.1 User Requirement Specifications
2.1.1 Brainstorming
2.1.2 User Requirements
2.1.3 Function List
2.2 Building the Fist Information Architecture
2.2.1 Sitemap
2.2.2 Information Architecture
2.3 Tasks and Task Flows
2.3.1 Stage of setting up an aquarium
2.3.2 Stage of cleaning & maintaining the health of the aquarium
2.3.3 Stage of dealing with arising issues
2.4. Building the Low-Fi Prototype
2.4.1 Providing needs to see suitable aquarium layout options
2.4.2 AR scan to visualize aquarium shape
2.4.3 Suggested aquarium layouts
2.4.4 View aquarium layout details
2.4.5 Create shopping lists
2.4.6 Change & delete items in Create shopping lists
2.4.7 Shopping checklist
2.4.8 Change & delete items in Create shopping lists
2.4.9 Setup tutorial
2.4.10 Home
2.4.11 Handbook
2.4.12 Routine tasks

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 2.4.13 Reschedule tasks
2.4.14 Water quality control (Automatic)
2.4.15 Water quality control (Manual)
2.4.16 Taking picture to detect diseases
2.4.17 Clear & focused picture guide
2.4.18 Detect diseases through abnormal behaviors
2.4.19 Disease diagnosis result
2.4.20 Ask aquarium store’s staff.
2.4.21 Disease treatment routine task
2.4.22 Reschedule treatment routine tasks
2.4.23 Update fish & plants health condition
Report 3: Interaction Design & Evaluation
3.1 First Usability Testing
3.1.1 Overview
3.1.2 Testing scenarios
3.1.2.1 Stage of setting up an aquarium
3.1.2.2 Stage of cleaning & maintaining the health of the aquarium
3.1.2.3 Stage of dealing with arising issues
3.1.3 Testing deployment
3.1.3.1 Testing with newbie aquarists
3.1.3.2 Testing with aquarium store staff
3.1.3.3 Data Analysis
3.1.4 Testing results
3.1.4.1 Find suitable aquarium layout based on provided needs
3.1.4.2 Explore the suggested aquarium layout and edit items
3.1.4.3 Create shopping checklist
3.1.4.4 Routine tasks
3.1.4.5 Save and view treatment solution for fish & plants disease
3.1.4.6 Track the disease treatment process
3.1.4.7 Reschedule curing process
3.2 Building a second Information Architecture
3.2.1 New Sitemap
3.2.2 New Information Architecture
3.3 Building the second Prototype
3.4 Second Usability Testing
3.4.1 Overview
3.4.2 Testing scenarios
3.4.2.1 Stage of setting up an aquarium
3.4.2.2 Stage of cleaning & maintaining the health of the aquarium
3.4.2.3 Stage of dealing with arising issues
3.4.3 Testing deployment

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 3.4.3.1 Testing with aquarium hobbyists
3.4.3.2 Data Analysis
3.4.4 Testing results
3.4.4.1 Notification icon number
3.4.4.2 Reschedule all daily task
3.5 User Interface Design
3.5.1 Onboarding
3.5.2 Register
3.5.3 Providing needs to see suitable aquarium layout options
3.5.4 Using AR scan to visualize aquarium shape and calculate volume
3.5.5 Suggested aquarium layouts
3.5.6 View layout detail
3.5.7 Save favourite layouts
3.5.8 Create shopping checklist
3.5.9 Change & delete items in Create shopping lists
3.5.10 Shopping checklist
3.5.11 Edit items in Shopping checklist
3.5.12 Aquarium setup tutorial
3.5.13 Create personal aquarium profile
3.5.14 Animals and plants detection by using AR scan
3.5.15 Personal aquarium profile
3.5.16 Light meter measurement
3.5.17 Home
3.5.18 Handbook
3.5.19 Routine tasks
3.5.20 Reschedule routine tasks
3.5.21 Connect with automatic water quality control device with PublicAPI
3.5.22 Water quality control
3.5.23 Disease detection using image scanning technology
3.5.24 Detect disease through abnormal behavior
3.5.25 Disease diagnosis result
3.5.26 Ask aquarium store’s staff
3.5.27 Disease treatment routine task tracking
3.5.28 Reschedule treatment routine tasks
3.5.29 Update fish & plants health condition
Report 4: Project Finalization
4.1 Heuristic Evaluation
4.2 Design Finalization
4.2.1 Branding
4.2.1.1 Brand Vision
4.2.1.2 Brand Personality

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 4.2.1.3 Moodboard
4.2.1.4 Logo
4.2.2 Style Guideline
4.2.2.1 Color
4.2.2.1.1 Primary
4.2.2.1.2 Secondary
4.2.2.1.3 Neutrals
4.2.2.1.4 Semantic
4.2.2.2 Typography
4.2.2.3 Grid & Spacing
4.2.2.4 Button
4.2.2.5 Component
4.2.2.5.1 Icon
4.2.2.5.2 Selection
4.2.2.5.3 Text Field & Area
4.2.2.5.4 Popup
4.2.2.5.5 Card info
4.2.2.5.6 Tooltip
4.2.2.5.7 Header
4.2.2.5.8 Navigationbar
4.2.2.5.9 Search Bar
4.2.2.5.10 Status
4.2.2.5.11 Bottom sheet
4.2.2.6 Illustration
4.2.3 Final User Interface
4.2.3.1 Onboarding
4.2.3.2 Sign in/sign up
4.2.3.3 Providing needs to see suitable aquarium layouts
4.2.3.4 AR measure
4.2.3.5 Suggested aquarium layouts
4.2.3.6 Aquarium layout details
4.2.3.7 Save aquarium layouts
4.2.3.8 Create shopping checklist
4.2.3.9 Edit items in Create shopping checklist
4.2.3.10 Shopping checklist
4.2.3.11 Edit items in Shopping checklist
4.2.3.12 Aquarium setup tutorial
4.2.3.13 Create aquarium profile
4.2.3.14 Aquarium profile
4.2.3.15 Fish detection using AR scan
4.2.3.16 Light measure

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 4.2.3.17 Introduce new fish to tank instruction
4,2.3.18 Home & Side menu & Notification
4.2.3.19 Routine tasks
4.2.3.20 Edit routine tasks
4.2.3.21 Reschedule routine tasks
4.2.3.22 Water quality tracking (Automatic)
4,2.3.23 Water quality tracking (Manual)
4.2.3.24 Handbook
4.2.3.25 Diseases detection by abnormal appearance
4.2.3.26 Diseases detection by abnormal behavior
4.2.3.27 Contact aquarium stores
4.2.3.28 Disease diagnosis result
4.2.3.29 Disease treatment tasks
4.2.3.30 Reschedule disease treatment tasks
4.2.3.31 Recovery diary
4.2.3.32 Evaluate treatment effectiveness
4.2.3.33 Profile
4.2.3.34 Pop-up, warning & other
4.3. Simulation
Summary
References

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Report 1: CP Proposal
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Name of Capstone Project
HaFiTa is short for Happy Fish Tank, implying our team’s vision when starting this project.
We want to become a helpful companion and assist new aquarists in maintaining their
aquarium as best as possible. As a result, they will have a tank with wonderful aquatic life,
meaning that the fish will be happy living there, and the aquarists will also be satisfied to
admire the aquarium’s beauty.

Figure: Image from Petpost Australia

1.1.2 Problem Abstraction

The aquarium hobby is a popular and growing activity in today's society. It fulfills personal
entertainment needs, beautifying the home space, enhancing happiness, and reducing stress.

With an increasing number of newcomers, the demand for support and maintaining
knowledge is also rising. Being inexperienced, they need guidance on every stage of keeping
the aquarium. However, aquarists' hastiness, inability to access to quality source of
knowledge, and proper instructions make their aquarium maintenance experience
troublesome.

Seeing that opportunity, our team have decided to start this project with a vision to become a
supportive companion that could provide proper suggestion and helpful information, track

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maintaining progress, and recommend solutions to address problems. As a result, they could
spend time enjoying their aquarium hobby as best possible.

Within the scope of the project, our team will research and develop a mobile application.

1.1.3 Define the Problem

1. Beginners tend to act on their instincts. Beginner aquarists often purchase what they
think is eye-pleasing but unsuitable for their tanks. They are ignorant of whether they
are maintaining their tanks correctly and that their actions negatively affect the
aquarium's health.
2. They are hasty and impatient. They want everything to be perfect and balanced as
quickly as possible, which leads to many false actions to address things.
3. Being inexperienced and lacking proper guidance from experienced ones, they are
overloaded with too much information from too many sources, making it time-
consuming to get the correct answer. It increases the risk of diseases spreading to the
whole tank and killing the creatures there.

1.2 Project Overview

1.2.1 Design Process & Methodology
We follow the Design Thinking approach, which consists of five steps: Empathize,
Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.

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Empathize
We spent two weeks researching, analyzing, listening, learning, and surveying (interviewing
and interacting with) users and aquarium shops to understand the problems and needs of a
new group of players and to gain real experience in their situation. We looked for problems
that they may or may not be aware of. We considered how to guide innovation efforts and
how to identify and understand users for design. We investigated the emotions that motivate
their actions.

Define
The data and information collected during the Empathy step will be combined and linked to
analyze and identify the core of the problem, focusing on identifying and analyzing the core
issue. Users have a need and desire for a beautiful aquarium but do not know how to set up
and care for it properly, and when problems arise they do not know how to handle them. The
problems that the target users face require a simple and quick solution so that they can easily
recognize and take better care of their aquariums.

Ideate
Ideate is the third step in Design Thinking, following the empathize and define stages. During
ideation, the goal is to generate a broad range of possible solutions to the problem that has
been identified. This stage involves brainstorming and divergent thinking to come up with as
many potential ideas as possible.
The ideation process typically involves group collaboration, where participants build on each
other's ideas and come up with new ones through a process of iteration and refinement. The
key is to suspend judgment and keep an open mind during this phase, allowing for unusual or
seemingly impractical ideas to emerge.

Prototype
Our team will turn our ideas into models or prototypes that we can use to conduct research
and testing with users to discover the best solutions for each challenge. The aquarium care
support application provides a time-saving solution, helping users quickly identify the type of
tank they want to play, know how to take care of the tank daily, quickly detect diseases for
fish and plants, and monitor water parameters quickly. We will be aware of the limitations of
the application and existing problems, and we will continue to experiment and add to the
program to make it better.

Testing
The application should be tested and feedback should be regularly received from users and
experts to keep the application and service improving. It is important to receive feedback to
improve and develop the solution. Because an effective solution today may not be effective

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tomorrow. Therefore, we must stay close to reality and ensure that necessary changes are
made to create high-quality applications and address user concerns.

Why do we use this process?

We provide features such as tank setup suggestions and guidance, tank care, disease scanning
for fish and plants, and measurement and display of water parameters that users care about.
Design thinking is an iterative process that requires us to thoroughly research the problem,
come up with different possibilities, and then choose the best one. Therefore, we chose this
process to approach the problem holistically and to explore solutions to improve the user
experience with the application while taking care of their aquariums.

1.2.2 Role & Responsibility

Figure: Team structure & roles

1.2.3 Project Timeline

We created 14 sections according to 14 weeks of this capstone project in chronological order,
which lets the whole team view the entirety of the project plan in one place.

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 Figure: A screenshot of our team’s overview timeline

1.2.4 Project Communication & Meeting Plan

Throughout the capstone project, we employed these online platforms to facilitate

communication and organize our meetings:

● Facebook Messenger: Utilized for daily communication and urgent exchanges.

● Google Meet: Employed for our weekly meetings and sharing ideas through screen
presentations.
● Notion: Employed for scheduling gatherings, coordinating sessions with our
supervisor, and conducting interviews.

1.2.5 Document Management & Sharing Tools

To enhance our workflow efficiency in document handling and collaboration, the following
websites/apps were employed:
● Figma: Utilized for work management and sharing.
● Google Drive: Used to store documents and submit assignments to the supervisor.
● Google Docs: Managed references and essential documents.

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 ● Google Sheets: Organized plans and recorded notes from interviews, surveys, and
usability tests.
● Google Forms: Created and managed survey results.

1.2.6 Project Management Tools

To strategize our tasks within each sprint, we blend the use of Notion and Google Docs to
provide accurate information and guidelines for team members to monitor their progress.
● Notion: Used to outline the general tasks and their respective deadlines for each team
member.
● Google Docs: Employed to provide more detailed explanations of the tasks and their
associated requirements.

Figure: Task assigned for each member and working status updated

1.2.7 Project Backlog

Our team follow Agile-Scrum methodologies, and we have created a Figjam file and divided
this project into 14 smaller sprints (See 1.2.3). In each sprint, we arrange prioritized list of
tasks, features, and requirements that need to be addressed and completed during the course
of a project. By maintaining a project backlog, our teams can maintain focus, plan effectively,

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and ensure that the most valuable work items are being addressed in alignment with project
goals. The backlog serves as a roadmap for the project, guiding the team's efforts and
ensuring that we are working on the most important tasks at any given time.

1.3 Project Research

1.3.1 Research Plan
Research Goals
This study aims to understand the process of setting up and caring for an aquarium by new
aquarium hobbyists in order to identify their problems, behaviors, psychology, and emotions
throughout the process and how they approach and solve problems that arise during the setup

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and care of the tank. Based on the research results, the team will propose appropriate
solutions to address the issues.
Research Goal 1: What are the problems that the target user encounters in the process of
making and taking care of the aquarium?
Research Goal 2: Understand and empathize with users' behavior and feelings when trying to
solve problems.

Research Focus & Research Question & Methodology

User research

Aspects Research Question Methodology

Human need to ● When does the need to play with an Secondary
play aquarium aquarium arise? research
● At what age do people care most about this Survey
hobby? In-depth
● What are the needs and behaviors of users Interview
with phones in this field?
● What are the desires of new aquarium
hobbyists?
● What does a beautiful tank look like in the
eyes of a new hobbyist?
● How much are hobbyists/new hobbyists
willing to spend on an aquarium?
● What kind of fish do new hobbyists like?

Psychological ● Why do people like to play with aquariums? Secondary

benefits of ● Benefits of watching an aquarium. research
playing with an ● How do the creatures/plants in the aquarium Survey
aquarium. that we play with connect with our In-depth
psychology? Interview

The process of ● Where do they buy? Observation

buying ● Why do they choose those places? In-depth
equipment to set ● When they first come to the store, what do Interview
up an aquarium. they ask? Survey
● What issues do new buyers usually need staff
advice on?
● Does the staff’s advice always meet the
customer’s expectations?
● If not, what are the mismatches between the
two sides?
● When buying equipment to set up an
aquarium, what do new hobbyists usually
buy?
● How much do hobbyists usually spend
initially?
● What factors influence the spending level of

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 new hobbyists?

The impact of ● How important is the water environment in Secondary

the water taking care of an aquarium? research
environment on ● How concerned are beginners about water In-depth
the creatures in quality? Interview
the aquarium. ● What problems can arise from poor water
quality? What is considered good and bad
water quality?

Diseases of ● What are the common diseases of ornamental Secondary

ornamental fish fish research
● What are the causes of these diseases? Survey
● How are these diseases treated? In-depth
● hat are the symptoms of sick fish? (In terms Interview
of behavior, appearance, etc.)
● When are fish more susceptible to disease?
● Can fish diseases spread? If so, to what
extent, how long, and how dangerous is it?

Factors for the ● When their fish get sick, how do hobbyists Secondary
growth of handle it? How effective is it? research
aquatic plants ● Can beginners recognize when their fish are Survey
sick? In-depth
● If not, why not? Interview
● f so, how do they recognize it?
● Who or what sources do beginners turn to for
help in handling the situation?
● How effective is it?

Aquarium ● How often do beginners take care of their Secondary

maintenance and aquariums? What are the daily aquarium research
care behaviors maintenance behaviors of beginners? Survey
● How does not regularly maintaining an In-depth
aquarium affect its health? Interview
● How often do people use their phones to
share and post pictures of their aquariums on
social media and interact with others in
groups?
● What causes an imbalance in the biological
environment of an aquarium?

Market Research

Aspects Research Question Methodology

The global market What is the potential for the aquarium market Secondary research
in the future?

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 Vietnam market What is the potential for the aquarium market Secondary research
in the future?

Social Media ● How attractive is it in terms of Observation

followers, views, likes, shares, and In-depth Interview
comments?
● What are the common content patterns
of these channels?
● What do users care about in terms of
aquariums on social media?
● What are the common types of
comments on these channels?
● What types of content receive the
most attention from viewers?

E-commerce ● What is the current market for Secondary research

aquarium accessories like?
● What are the best selling items?
● What is a familiar consumer brand?
● How many shops on the floor?

Technology Research

Aspects Research Question Methodology

Image Based ● What is the cost of this technology? Secondary research

Machine Learning ● To what extent is this technology In-depth Interview
Technique being applied today?
● Are there any solutions similar to
Computer Vision ours that have applied this
technology? How do they apply that
technology?
● How will this technology be applied
to our solution?
● Do our users already know about this
technology? If so, to what extent?

Competitor Research

Aspects Research Question Methodology

Aquarium Log - Tank ● MyAquarium Fish tank manager Secondary research

management ● What problem does their app
Aquarium Manager solve for that Target Audience?
MyAquarium ● What solutions does the app
Fish tank manager provide for their Target
Audience?
● What can I improve over that

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 app?
● What is the user navigation like?
● How is the visual of the
application?

Figure: Discussion for research plan

Our team has discussed the issues and areas of focus for our research to avoid being scattered
and quickly identify the problems. It’s important to have a clear direction and focus in
research to ensure that the results are relevant and useful.
Link Figma: Brainstorming for research plan

1.3.2 Desk Research

1.3.2.1 Subject Overview
What is an aquarium?

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An aquarium, a fish tank, is a contained habitat with at least one transparent side designed to
house and showcase aquatic plants or animals. Fish enthusiasts utilize aquariums to care for
and display various marine life forms, including fish, invertebrates, amphibians, marine
reptiles like turtles, and aquatic plants.

Why do people possess an aquarium in the first place?

According to Diep and Nguyen (2011), the majority of people who raise aquarium fish do so
for the purpose of decorating their living space (98.33%) as well as satisfying their personal
entertainment preferences (88.33%). On the contrary, people who keep fish for business or
spiritual reasons are quite limited, with less than a quarter of them agreeing. To their belief,
owning a beautiful aquarium in their business space is also an effective marketing strategy, as
a beautiful aquarium helps their customers feel more relaxed and leaves a lasting impression,
leading to more customers. [1]

Figure: The purpose of owning pet fish

Certainly, during periods of robust national economic growth and steadily improving living
standards, most material requirements are more or less met. It is during these times that our
actions often shift towards fulfilling the subsequent tier of needs that remain unaddressed.
These become our focal needs. In the context of keeping pet fish, this translates to catering to
the rising desire for leisure pursuits and emotional gratification. [2]

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 Figure: Maslow's hierarchy of needs

1.3.2.2 Benefits of having an aquarium

Benefits of exposure to natural environments
The American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that engaging with nature connects
to cognitive enhancements and positive shifts in mood, mental health, and emotional well-
being. Establishing a sense of connection to nature can yield well-being advantages,
irrespective of the time spent outdoors. Both natural green spaces and aquatic environments
(blue areas) contribute to well-being. This impact is particularly notable when contrasted with
being in constructed environments. [3]

In addition, exposure to the natural environment is associated with psychological health, such
as reducing negative emotions and fatigue, increasing energy, improving attention, and
increasing satisfaction and enjoyment. [9]

Restorative experiences of aquaria to natural settings

The inquiry into the reasons behind human attraction to natural surroundings has prompted
researchers to investigate the potential advantages of visiting public aquariums for human
well-being and rejuvenation. Cracknell et al. have noted that, for certain individuals, aquaria
might provide restorative experiences comparable to certain natural settings, thus presenting
convenient and frequent access to environments that promote restoration. The findings
indicated that a trip to the aquarium correlated with heightened positive emotions, a sense of
rejuvenation, and reduced negative feelings and perceived stress. The authors propose that
public aquariums hold promise as restorative venues and should be recognized as a resource
for promoting health and well-being. [13]

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Ornamental fish is often considered necessary components that complete a lively aquarium.
Watching ornamental fish is a popular hobby enjoyed by many people around the world.
Apart from the aesthetic appeal of colorful and diverse fish species, there are also many
benefits to observing these aquatic creatures, some of them could be listed below:

● Reducing anxiety levels

A study investigated the anxiety-reducing abilities of different animals and a plant
demonstrated that engaging in contact with a dog, a fish or a plant for an intervention time of
no longer than 5 minutes can result in anxiety alleviation in a non-clinical setting. However,
there was no significant difference in anxiety reduction between the three interaction groups.
This suggests that even brief interactions with animals or plants can have a positive effect on
reducing anxiety levels. The authors suggest that these findings have implications for the use
of animals and plants in therapeutic settings, as well as in everyday life for individuals
looking to manage their anxiety levels. [10]

Another research paper investigates the impact of a touch tank experience on human health
parameters showed that there were significant positive changes in several of these health
parameters following the touch tank experience. Specifically, visitors had lower blood
pressure and heart rates, and reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Additionally, the
researchers found that the longer visitors spent at the touch tank, the greater the positive
effect on their health parameters. A survey conducted by Diep and Nguyen (2011) also
strengthens that statement. In that survey, almost 90% of the participants have self-reported
that the aquarium has significantly reduce their stress level. These findings suggest that
interactive experiences with nature, like the touch tank exhibit, may have health benefits for
humans. [1][8]

● Calming effect and relaxation

A pilot study in which the researchers investigated whether watching fish in an aquarium can
reduce pain perception in adults suggested that the movement of the fish in the aquarium may
have a calming effect on the brain and reducing pain perception. It is then concluded that
watching fish in a tank with a moving background may have potential as a non-
pharmacological pain management strategy. [11]

Similarly, a study exploring the ownership of fish as pets to understand the benefits of
owning fish as pets discovered that pet fish ownership is a meaningful occupation that
provides purpose and enjoyment in life, besides providing relaxation and entertainment. The
findings of this study suggest that pet fish may be an alternative to interactive pets, and one
that therapists can recommend to clients who wish to own a pet. [12]

Moreover, according to the results of two experiments conducted by Gee et al (2019), it is

evident that viewing live fish in an aquarium, as compared to the other two viewing

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conditions (plants and water, or empty tank) and participants’ condition upon arrival,
enhances self-reported relaxation and mood. The reason is that the fish may provide a form of
social support via companionship, an implied opportunity to nurture or provide care, a
reduction in loneliness, or a distraction from perceived stressors. [14]

● Increase concentration
One of the environmental stimuli that people find very soothing is the sound of running
water. The sound of flowing water is considered to be white noise and it is one of the best
versions of Mother Nature provided yet. In 2017, the University of Sussex conducted a study
to investigate the impact of listening to natural sounds on the human mind and body. The
study found that when participants listened to natural sounds, their brain connectivity showed
a focus on external stimuli, while artificial sounds resulted in an internal focus similar to
those observed in individuals with anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Additionally, listening to
natural sounds increased activity in the rest-digest nervous system associated with body
relaxation and improved the ability to concentrate on tasks. [15]

● Too much focus prevention

Concentrating (a type of internal focus) on a task can increase your productivity, but
excessive focus can have negative consequences. It can exhaust you and lead to a loss of self-
discipline. This exhaustion can also cause you to become impulsive and less cooperative.
Being overly fixated on one thing to the point of being unaware of anything else can be
harmful. Therefore, consider shifting mode of attention from internal to external by watching
aquarium for a short period of time during work can bring about beneficial effect on our
cognitive. These will promotes a more automatic mode of functioning, decreases the feeling
of effort-related fatigue, and place less of a strain on your brain. In summary, while internal
focus is important for productivity, excessive concentration can have negative consequences.
By taking breaks to shift our attention externally to watch an aquarium or engage in other
restorative activities, we can improve our well-being and cognitive function, and reduce the
risk of burnout. [16]

Conclusion

As the economy improves and people's standard of living increases, their material needs
become more or less satisfied, leading to a focus on meeting new needs. Keeping pet fish is
one such example, meeting the demand for recreational activities and spiritual
entertainment. Studies from various sources have shown many positive effects of
aquariums on human psychology, including reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Other benefits or having ornamental fish as pet is improving mood, lower blood pressure
and heart rate, help people feel that life has meaning/purpose and reduce (perceived) pain.

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1.3.2.3 The steps to set up a freshwater aquarium and things to note.
Preparation
According to Farmer, G and Gay, J, authors of two books on aquascaping, namely
Aquascaping: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planting, Styling, and Maintaining Beautiful
Aquariums and The Perfect Aquarium: The Complete Guide to Setting Up and Maintaining
an Aquarium, there are four main steps to prepare before creating an aquatic landscape. They
are choosing the tank, choosing the equipment (lights, filters, heaters), picking the materials
for the layout, and deciding on the plants.

Choosing the tank:

● The factors to consider when choosing an aquarium size, such as cost, space, and
biology. It argues that bigger tanks are better because they can hold more water and
fish, and keep the water conditions more stable. It also mentions that the fish’s body
shape affects the tank choice, with deep tanks for tall-bodied fish and large tanks for
shoaling fish. Knowing the volume of your aquarium is important for choosing the
right size equipment and determining the correct dosage of treatments and
medications. The volume can be calculated using metric or imperial measurements
and should be recorded for future reference.[4][5]

Figure: Type of tank [4]

Choosing the equipment (lights, filters, heaters):

● Lighting serves the purpose of enabling aquarium observation and significantly
influences plant growth. Standard aquarium kits typically include a light unit suitable
for cultivating uncomplicated plants. However, seasoned aquarium enthusiasts might

23
 opt to enhance their lighting setup for more challenging species. While lighting in
aquariums is intricate, grasping the fundamentals can aid in selecting an appropriate
lighting configuration. Fish within the aquarium rely on light for locating food and
communication. Moreover, light is significant for promoting healthy plant growth
within the tank and showcasing fish at their finest.[4][5]
● Filtration is crucial for aquariums as it mirrors the natural nitrogen cycle, eliminating
waste materials from the water. This process is vital for maintaining the health of fish,
as it rids the water of harmful pollutants. Every aquarium fish necessitates filtered
water, and unfiltered tanks pose risks to live fish unless water changes are performed
frequently to prevent toxicity caused by their waste.. [4][7]

Choosing plants
● Aquarium plants are vital, offering fish shade, shelter, and herbivore food. Thriving
plants curb algae and enhance water quality by absorbing nitrates and emitting
oxygen. Pick plants matching fish needs, considering behavior too. Opt for dense
plants for nervous fish seeking cover and broadleaf plants for shade-loving bottom
dwellers. [7]

Setup tank
According to research from Farmer, G; Gay, J, Roberts, H. E, aquatic experts said, the steps
to make a complete aquarium will only need to go through 5 steps including:
Step 1: Preparatory task
Step 2: Make layout
Step 3: Spread the fertilizer
Step 4: Plant trees

24
Step 5: Enter the water
Step 6: Install the device.

Step 1: Preparatory task

● According to Staff, D. K. P. (2019), when setting up an aquarium, carefully consider
the location of the tank and plan the layout in advance to have an attractive aquarium
that allows fish to display their natural behavior.[7]

Figure: Cleaning the glass tank and the place where the tank is located [7]

Step 2: Make layout

● Depending on the style, there are different types of layouts, and players need to
understand the characteristics and arrangement of each type. However, one should not
rely too much on the principles and characteristics of each style, but rather create
according to the beauty perceived by oneself.
● Pro tips: use a notebook - It is a great idea to have a notebook dedicated to your
aquarium. Use it to sketch out aquascape designs or write down names of plants that
you may come across when researching or seeking inspiration. [4]
● To create a balanced and beautiful layout, Farmer, G suggests using the rule of thirds
when designing a layout, especially for natural-style layouts. The rule of thirds is a

25
 basic principle of composition that can be applied to create a visually appealing
arrangement.[4]

Figure: Rule of thirds in aquascaping [4]

Step 3: Spread the fertilizer

After constructing and shaping the layout, proceed to pour the foundation and
subgrade into the tank, use specialized tools to shape the background, create a slope
from the back to the front to create depth for the tank. layout.

Step 4: Plant trees

After completing the rough layout, continue planting trees in the tank. Depending on
the layout, different types of trees will be planted in different positions, but basically,
they should be planted within 2/3 of the inner tank. The rest is the swimming space
for fish. For trees attached to driftwood, you can use aquatic plant glue to attach them
directly to driftwood and rocks.[4][7]

26
 Figure: Planting trees with specialized tweezers

Step 5: Pouring water

● Before adding water to the tank, check the tightness of the tank. Once the above tasks
are completed, start pouring water but proceed carefully. Place one or two sheets of
fine paper or a plastic bag on the soil, above the plants. These objects are carefully
placed on the bottom, with a size usually larger than the bottom of the tank, which
will help prevent the pressure of water pouring down.
● Add water by turning on a tap connected to a soft rubber hose, letting water flow into
a fine stream to avoid disturbing the bottom. We can let water flow faster when the
water level is up to 1/2 of the tank.
● If there is no tap above the tank, arrange as follows: above the height of the tank,
place a board on which to place a bucket of water. Dip a thin rubber tube into a bucket
of water with one end placed on paper or plastic bag that has been spread out on the
bottom of the tank, connect it into a siphon tube to transfer water from the bucket
down, while using another bucket to pour more water into the bucket when the water
level in the bucket is low.
● When the tank is full of water, gently remove the hose and newspaper or plastic bag,
avoiding cloudy water. If this operation is performed well, the water must be
absolutely clear. You can add biological microbial solutions to support initiating
water environment into the tank according to manufacturer’s instructions. [4][7]

27
 Figure: The process of pouring water into the aquarium

Step 6: Install the device

As a final step, install the equipment purchased according to the manufacturer's instructions
into the tank, turn on the power to filter, and the lights work. Then add a sufficient amount of
aquatic microorganisms to the volume of your tank into the tank to initiate the cycle. This can
also be useful in a tank without an under gravel filter but still on biological filtration. [4][7]

28
Figure: Put bacteria in the tank

The above summarizes the steps for a person to complete an aquarium according to the
knowledge standard from aquatic experts.

1.3.2.4 Aquascaping style

Dutch style:
The Dutch style of aquascaping, which started in the 1930s, follows a strict set of rules
outlined by the Dutch Society for Aquarists (NBAT) in 1956. The focus is on formal groups
of plants, with attention paid to their colors, textures, and positioning. The style is similar to
formal landscape gardens and flowerbeds. While some admire the technical skill and
attention to detail required, others find it too formal and lacking in room for more loosely
expressing nature. [4]

Figure: The dutch style aquarium

Biotope Style:

29
Biotope aquascapes mimic a fish’s natural habitat, with research carried out on the specific
region, including water chemistry, temperature, flow rate, and depth. Substrate types and
natural materials such as leaf litter, wood, or rocks are replicated, and correct plant species
are used. Blackwater biotopes, with tannin-stained water from decomposing materials, are
becoming popular. These aquascapes can enhance fish colors and encourage breeding
behaviors. Biotope aquascapes can also serve as an educational tool to raise awareness of
deforestation and habitat destruction.[4]

Figure: The biotop style aquarium

Jungle style:
The jungle style of aquascaping has no strict rules, but common themes include dense
planting and the use of broader leaf plants. Little or no open space is kept, and chaos is the
order of the day. This style is popular with beginners and can be a great way for aquascapers
to understand what plants work well in their setup. Fish thrive in jungle aquascapes due to the
amount of shade, shelter, and security provided by the plants. Algae issues are less common
due to the large nutrient uptake from so many plants, and liquid fertilizer dosing is important.
Floating plants can enhance the jungle theme and provide breeding grounds for fish. Jungle
aquascapes can look good even with neglectful trimming, but care must be taken to ensure
lower plants are not starved of light. [4]

30
 Figure: A jungle style aquarium

Nature style:
The Nature Aquarium style, created by Japanese aquarist Takashi Amano, is the most popular
aquascaping style in the world. Amano revolutionized the way we think about aquariums by
skillfully blending natural materials such as wood, rocks, and live plants to replicate slices of
nature. He set up his own aquascaping brand, Aqua Design Amano (ADA), which still thrives
today and is highly regarded as the world’s premium aquascape brand. ADA hosts the
world’s largest aquascaping contest, the International Aquatic Plant Layout Contest (IAPLC),
which is entered by thousands of people from over sixty countries and has a top prize of
1,000,000 Yen.[4]

Figure: A nature-style aquarium

The Nature Aquarium style can be broken down into three different substyles:
1. Ryoboku Style (Wood-Based)

31
2. Iwagumi Style (Rock-Based)

3. Diorama Style

With the gravel bed in place, you can begin to decorate the tank. Rockwork not only looks
attractive but also provides egg-laying sites for a number of tropical species - especially
cichlids, which favor slate. In addition, rockwork provides shelter for fish, and more
aggressive species may use it to mark their territories.[7]

32
 Figure: Fish use driftwood as a place to hide.

1.3.2.5 Choosing and introducing fish

Once the aquarium is fully prepared and functioning properly, you can introduce the fish. It is
best to visit a local store, especially when starting out, to see the fish firsthand. Ask
experienced aquarists to recommend a store that belongs to a recognized trade association,
where staff receive specialized training and can provide genuine, professional advice.[6]

Checking for problems

When choosing fish, inspect them to ensure they are healthy. Familiarize yourself with the
signs of disease and view the fish from both sides. Plump fish without a hollow-bellied
appearance are likely healthy. [6]

How to buy your fish

After creating a shortlist of potential species for an aquarium, it is time to visit a local aquatic
retailer. A new tank will need time to mature before it can be fully stocked with fish, and it is
important to be patient and stock slowly to avoid stressing or losing fish.[5]

Avoiding impulse buying

When visiting an aquatic retailer, it is important to avoid buying unknown species on a whim.
Instead, gain as much knowledge as possible from the assistant, including the full scientific
name, and do your own research. Buying an unknown species can result in problems if it
turns out to be predatory or aggressive, or if it grows too large for the tank and needs new
living quarters.[5]

Hardy fish first

33
From a shortlist of potential species for an aquarium, it is important to find out which are the
hardiest and best suited to being introduced first. If they are not immediately available, ask
when they will be and if it is possible to order them in advance. Many species sold at aquatic
retailers are young fish and may not look exactly like their pictures. If the fish are alert and
healthy, it can be a good idea to buy them when they are small, as they will be cheaper and
can be conditioned and watched as they mature into adults.[5]

Questions for the retailer

Figure: Questions you should ask when buying fish at the aquatic store [5]

Introducing new fish

Being moved can be traumatic for fish, and it takes several days for them to acclimate to their
new home. Provide a vitamin C rich diet at first, to boost the immune systems of the fish and
help them avoid stress-related illness.
Before introducing fish to a tank, it is important to check the water chemistry to ensure it is
suitable for the fish. It is advisable not to fully stock the tank at first to avoid straining the
filtration system, which will not yet have a fully established colony of beneficial bacteria.
The fish should be closely observed in the early stages to ensure they are settling in
peacefully. [7]

34
 Figure: Introducing a new fish process

1.3.2.6 Nitrogen cycle in aquarium

Fish produce ammonia through their respiration and bodily functions. However, ammonia is
very toxic to fish and, if left untreated, can cause them to die prematurely. Nature can lend us
a hand because a strain of bacteria called Nitrosomonas breaks down ammonia and converts
it to nitrite. However, nitrite is also toxic to fish, but another strain of bacteria called
Nitrobacter converts nitrite to less harmful nitrate. [7]

35
 Figure: The aquarium nitrogen cycle

The cyclic conversion of bacterial wastes is a continuous and necessary process in any mature
aquarium, and fish would not be able to survive in such a limited artificial space without it.
What ties nitrate to fish is that living aquatic plants consume nitrates as part of their life
cycle. Some fish, in turn, feed on these plants, so the whole process begins again.[7]

When a new tank is set up, it takes time to stabilize; in Vietnam, this process is called a
"cycle tank." Ammonia, a chemical toxic to aquatic life, is high during this time. You add
fish to an aquarium during the "tank cycle." In this case, they can quickly get sick or even die
because their waste will contaminate the water.

1.3.2.7 Water quality tracking at aquarium stores

According to a research from Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry, a
survey of 27 stores showed that they pay great attention to water quality factors, with 76.92%
of stores checking pH levels and 62.23% checking temperature. As for the regular water
change method, it is widely applied by them.

The importance of water testing for the modern aquarist cannot be underestimated. Where
knowledge was once gained through trial and error, science can now give us answers to
questions such as Why has my fish died? and Why aren’t my fish looking happy? Poor water
quality is the single biggest killer of aquarium fish and also contributes to illness and poor
condition, so the regular use of a test kit can save the lives of aquarium fish.[5]

pH and hardness
The pH of the water and its importance in fishkeeping. It’s interesting to learn that the
toxicity of ammonia is affected by pH, with ammonia being less toxic at a low pH and more
toxic at a high pH. This means that fish living in waters with a high pH, such as marine fish,
will be more affected by low ammonia levels than if it were present in a tank containing acid
water and soft water, freshwater species. The pH of water can also affect the condition and
breeding potential of fish, with very few species breeding at a pH that is very different from
the one to which their bodies have adapted through evolution in the wild. To lower the pH of
freshwater, one can replace it with purified water, such as water purified by a reverse osmosis
(RO) unit, or use water-softening resins in the aquarium. Another natural way of lowering pH
is to use peat. [5]

Ammonia
Ammonia and nitrite can pose problems in a tank housing fish, invertebrates, or corals,
particularly in newly established tanks with developing filters. These substances, though
invisible, can have harmful effects and are responsible for many fish fatalities in aquariums..

36
Ammonia, originating from fish waste, leftover food, and decaying fish, can be highly
detrimental. It stands out as one of the most dangerous pollutants routinely assessed in
aquariums, and its toxicity escalates in water with elevated pH levels. Any quantity above
zero is deemed hazardous for the inhabitants.

Managing ammonia involves addressing high levels by carrying out a 50 percent water
change daily until the levels decrease. Temporarily suspending fish feeding is advisable, as it
could exacerbate the issue. Introducing additional filter bacteria is helpful, but it's important
not to overly clean the filter, which might result in the loss of beneficial bacteria. Regularly
checking for uneaten food or deceased fish and removing them is essential. While aquatic
plants can utilize ammonia as fertilizer, relying solely on it isn't recommended.[5]

Pollutant problem diagnosis and treatment checklist

Figure: Pollutant problem diagnosis and treatment checklist [5]

1.3.2.8 Consequences of improper brightness level

According to Alderton (2008), aquarium lighting is essential in fish health and psychology. It
can also be the key to turning your tank into a beautiful and inviting environment. But if the
lighting in the tank is not suitable, it will cause:

37
 ● Stress on fish because it is not suitable for their behavior.
● Inadequate light also affects aquatic plants in photosynthesis (deficiency or excess of
light; Even plants can get sick and die).
● Too much light is also the leading cause of the excessive growth of algae, affecting
the beauty of the tank.
● Uneven light every day will affect the fish's eating schedule.
● The low light also affects the viewing of the aquarium. [6][7]

1.3.2.9 Importance of Routine tasks

According to research from the Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish and Aquascaping:
Step-by-step tank care and cleaning should be done regularly to ensure that harmful
chemicals do not accumulate in the tank, causing harm for the fish and the ecosystem.

The tank cleaning tasks will be divided into three categories: daily, weekly, and monthly:
● Daily tasks occur, such as Checking the water level in the tank, checking the
temperature, and feeding the fish….
● Weekly jobs include: cleaning the tank's glass, sucking waste from the background,
changing the water,...
● Monthly tasks include cleaning filters and pruning trees,...[7][4]

With regular checks and a few simple “housekeeping” tasks, such as partial water changes,
your aquarium will look its best and your fish will stay healthy and content.

Daily Weekly Monthly

Check the thermometer; if Carry out water tests to Carry out a partial water
the water temperature has monitor levels of change— approximately 25
changed, the heater or the nitrogenous waste. Keep a percent of the functional
thermostat may be faulty. [6] check on the pH as well, tank volume—using a gravel
using either test kits or a cleaner as well. [7]
meter. [6]

Feed the aquarium occupants In a newly established Trim dead stalks and leaves
in the morning and evening, aquarium, carry out a partial from plants. Add aquarium
as required, taking care not water change of up to 20 plant fertilizer to the water.
to overfeed them. [6] percent every week, since [6]
the filtration system will not
yet be fully functional. [6]

Watch the fish feed, because Check for any change in the Remove any buildup of
a loss of appetite may be a appearance or behavior of algae in the tank by
sign of illness or declining the fish that may indicate cleaning, and then adjust the
water conditions. [7] that they will soon be period of light exposure

38
 breeding. [6] within the aquarium. [7]

Make sure the filter is Siphon out any mulm Where an internal power
working effectively; if it is accumulating on the filter or an external filter are
not, there may be a blockage substrate. This will reduce being used, strip down,
in the system or even a the burden on the filtration check, and clean the
power failure.[7] system. [7] filtration system. [7]

Reposition any substrate Clean Aquarium Glass: Use

plants that have become an algae sponge or magnet.
uprooted and floated to the A toothbrush and credit card
surface.[7] (or similar) are also useful to
clean in any hard-to-reach
areas, such as the corners
and area near the substrate.
[4]

Check CO2 is Operational if Trim Excess Plant Growth:

CO2 Injection is Being Use sharp aquascaping
Used: A visual check of the scissors to trim any
bubble counter or diffuser is overgrown plants. Re-plant
usually sufficient. Also trimmings, give them away,
check contents of cylinder if or dispose of carefully. Note:
you are running a Do not allow them to enter
pressurized system [4] natural waterways! [7]

Check Aquarium Water Top off the aquarium with

Level: Ensure that there is dechlorinated tap water, to
no leaking or excessive replace evaporative loss. [7]
evaporation, which can
cause a build-up of mineral
content in the aquarium
water. [4]

1.3.2.10 The importance of water change

Water changes are the most critical maintenance measure for most aquariums. The aquarium
is a closed system where any waste is accumulated. We usually have filters and plant growth
to prevent debris from becoming acutely toxic to living animals. Still, over time waste
organic matter and “bad” oxygen-consuming bacteria will undoubtedly increase. This can
eventually lead to many problems, from reduced fish growth to algae. Water changes are a
simple and effective way to help prevent this by diluting old water containing waste organic
matter with new water. Periodic dilution of waste and new water additions keep your
aquarium healthy, yielding more vibrant fish, shrimp, and plants and less algae. Frequent
partial water changes ensure that the Toxic substances do not accumulate in the tank and

39
harm the fish. They should be conducted once a month or as indicated by water test results.
[4]
A water change is the simplest way to deal with contamination, but it also benefits fish health
in other ways. Some species of Carp, including goldfish, secrete growth-inhibiting hormones
into the water to prevent them and their young from outgrowing their habitat. In an aquarium,
periodic water changes dilute these hormones, allowing the fish to develop to their full
potential. [5]

How to change water

1. Place the excess external filter inlet into the aquarium so that the filter inlet is at least
in the middle of the water line in the aquarium.
2. Attach one end of the hose to the external filter inlet and let the other end run out (or
another location) to allow the aquarium wastewater to drain. I usually water the plants
in my garden with my sewage.
3. Start suction by sucking on the free end of the tube. A deep and determined suction
will initiate easy suction without the risk of swallowing aquarium wastewater!
4. Change your aquarium water as required. I recommend a 50% change for most cases.
During this process, you should use the opportunity to perform other maintenance
tasks, such as cleaning the glass and sucking organic waste from the quality. The idea
is that any debris that is shaken out will be removed during the water change, thus
helping to reduce the risk of algae and giving you cleaner water. [4]

1.3.2.11 Causes of fish disease

According to the manual for breeding and raising ornamental fish of the College of Fisheries
Economics and Technology, it is necessary to meet three factors for infected fish:
1. Unstable water environment: Temperature, pH, TDS, O2, CO2, NH3,... These
factors change abnormally, making aquatic organisms susceptible to disease. This is
the most important factor causing illness in fish. Therefore, managing and caring for
stable water quality in the tank is the best way to prevent diseases for ornamental fish.
2. Pathogens: Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, and Parasites available in the aquatic
environment or from newly purchased fish. Just wait for the right opportunity, and
they will develop the disease.
3. Host (fish): When fish have weak resistance or sensitivity to pathogens, aquatic
organisms are susceptible to disease.
For the disease to occur, three factors must be met simultaneously. Aquatic animals will not
get sick if one of the three elements is missing.

40
 Figure: 3 factors that cause fish disease

Signs of sick fish

According to Roberts (2009), fish diseases are mostly noticed through abnormal appearance
signal such as eyes, skin, fins, color, shape, etc.
Abnormal behaviors are another ways to recognize if fish are sick. Some symptoms could be
flashing, gasping for air, lethargy, etc. [7]

41
 Figure: External signs and behavioral signs of fish diseases

Diseases of ornamental fish

The signs of the disease will be divided into four groups, including:
● Diseases from bacteria
● Infections from viruses and fungi
● Diseases from parasites
● Conditions from outside the environment
Since then, there will be different drugs for each disease, and they need to be treated
according to the correct dosage and course from the manufacturer.[6]

Figure: Diseases of ornamental fish per category

Corresponding behaviors for fish disease

Besides, abnormal behavior is another way to tell if the fish is sick. Some symptoms might be
lying on the bottom, yawning gas above the water, moving slowly, lethargy, etc. [4]

42
 Figure: Fish behavior when infected, followed by treatment description and comment

Risk factors
A fish housed alone is less likely to become ill than one in a community aquarium, as it is not
subject to bullying by tankmates, which can cause injuries that may become infected.
Aggression usually increases during spawning, so fish should be closely monitored at this
time. New fish should be held in an isolation tank for two weeks before being transferred to
the main tank to allow any health problems to emerge. Rearranging the tank decor and
introducing new fish together with previous occupants can reduce bullying.[7]

1.3.2.12 Fish disease treatments

According to documents from 2 books Fundamental of Ornamental Fish Health and The
Perfect Aquarium, two things are needed to treat fish diseases effectively: hospital tanks and
medicines. [7][6]

Hospital tank
About the hospital tank, it is recommended to be one tank with a small size, easy to control
the amount of water in the tank, from which to use the correct dose according to the

43
manufacturer, and isolate sick fish from healthy fish in the tank to avoid cross-infection. , as
well as creating a narrow space to help fish feel safe, stress-free, and recover faster.

On the other hand, the hospital tank is also used to keep the fish healthy and completely free
of pathogens when bought from the store. [5]

Figure: Example of hospital tank - a mini version of aquarium tank

Using medications properly

As well as drugs for humans or animals. Fish medicine must also be appropriately used, with
the right course and dose. According to documents from 2 books Fundamental of Ornamental
Fish Health and The Perfect Aquarium, aquarists need to know the volume of the aquarium to
use the correct dosage recommended by the manufacturer. If used, under dosage can make
the drug less effective, and overdosing can pose a risk to the health of the fish and deplete the
filter microflora if used directly in the tank, so do not pour the medicine right away.
Aquarium. Finally, it is necessary to use the correct course of treatment. Otherwise, the fish
will become resistant to the drug and risk getting the disease again. [5]

44
 Figure: Medicines with instructions for use printed on the packaging

1.3.3 Field Research

After researching literature on books from aquatic experts and university textbooks, the group
went to marine shops in Hanoi, including Purple Aquatic, Sun Aqua, King Aqua, and Sen
Aqua. The team interviewed store owners, employees, and customers to re-determine the
appropriate methods and information from the textbooks and further identify the problems
faced by the target audience. As a result, the knowledge in the study on the topic is correct.
User problems are also solidified.

45
 Figure: Team members go to aquatic shops to interview and to verify database from the Western
books.

1.3.4 Market Research

1.3.4.1 Global Market
In general, the global market for ornamental fish had a value of USD 5.88 billion and is
projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2023 to 2030,
which is expected to reach USD 11.30 billion. Millennials' desire to showcase luxury through
vibrant and colorful ornamental fish in aquariums is projected to play a significant role in
driving the industry's growth. Additionally, the demand for advanced aquarium designs that
serve as decorative elements for rooms is leading to an expansion of the market. [17]

46
 Figure: Global Ornamental Fish Market Forcast

The report also reveals the fact that the household application sector claimed a significant
portion of revenue share, at around 71.2%. This is due to the increasing use of ornamental
fish in households, as they enhance the visual appeal of residential spaces. Furthermore, the
growth in household income resulting from economic progress is also contributing to the
rising demand for ornamental fish worldwide, particularly in emerging economies such as
India, China, and Brazil. Additionally, advancements in smart technology are encouraging
more people to take up aquarium hobbies, which is leading to an increase in the number of
households that adopt ornamental fish. [17]

Figure: Global Ornamental Fish Market, Share by Application

47
1.3.4.2 U.S Market
Pet Fish Ownership by Household
According to Pet Ownership Statistics conducted in 2022, of the 393.3 million pets in the
United States, most are dogs, cats, and fish, with fish considered the top 3 favorites. About
139.3 million freshwater fish are kept as pets in the United States. This makes freshwater fish
the most popular pet category in the United States based on the total number. 11.5 million or
9.6% of households own freshwater fish. 1.6 million or 1.3% of households keep saltwater
fish. [18]

Figure: Number of U.S. Households Keeping Pets

Pet Ownership by Generation

Result from an online survey conducted by Forbes Advisor of 2,000 adults in the U.S. has
shown that the majority of people who currently own pets are from the millennial generation,
making up 33% of all pet owners. Following closely behind are Generation X with 25% and
baby boomers with 24%. [19]

48
 Figure: Share of Current Pet Ownership by Generation

Another report called Pet Ownership Statistics 2023 dived deeper into the percentage of pets
raised by each generation. In comparison to other age groups, Generation Z pet owners
(between the ages of 18 to 25) are more inclined to have different types of pets, with fish
being the most popular comprising 26% of their pet ownership. [19]

Figure: Pet Ownership by Generation and Pet Type

1.3.4.3 Asia Market

Rakuten Insight has examined twelve markets in Asia with an online survey and found that
dogs were considered man's best friend by 32% of the population. Cats were a close second
with 26% of people owning them as pets except in Indonesia and Malaysia where cats were
more popular than dogs (with ownership rates of 47% and 34%, respectively). Fish came in
third place with a 15% ownership rate. [20]

49
1.3.4.4 Vietnam Market
Continue with the previous report, Vietnam has the highest percentage of pet goldfish
ownership at 15%, which is more than any other country in the Asia-Pacific region. The
explanation for this case is that goldfish are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity
in Vietnamese culture, which may contribute to their popularity as pets. Another reason for
their popularity is that goldfish are relatively low maintenance and do not require as much
space or resources as other pets. [20]

Figure: Which pet do you raise at home?

Besides that, according to Pet Care in Vietnam, nearly 19% of people living in urban areas in
Vietnam had a dog, while about 15% had a cat and 10% owned a fish. The data also indicated
that roughly 23% of respondents reported having a pet. [21]

50
 Figure: Pet types owned among urban citizens in Vietenam in 2019

In conclusion, though dogs and cats are the two most favorite home pets, ornamental still
make it up to be in the top 3, with approximately an average of 10% households owning pet
fish at home. The trend of keeping fish as pet is estimated to be lead by the younger
generation, especially by Millennial generation with the desire to showcase luxury through
vibrant and colorful ornamental fish.

1.3.5 User Research

1.3.5.1 Observation
Initially, when we were not having many information or clear insights of our target users, we
had decided to visit the direct store to meet the real users to get more valuable information.
When arrived to the store, we have observed what people were paying attention to, what
attract at the store, what they need the staffs to assist with, etc. We also conducted quick
interviews with them to have a general view on the aquarium maintenance topic. We also had
a chat with some staffs to learn about what they often advise the customer, and what
problems the customers need their advisory. etc. A key finding we leasrned from those
interviews was that the new aquarists usually don’t have so much experience and have to deal
with loads of fish and plants diseases. Their needs is to have advice on how to cure those
diseases, as well as the need to know the basic tips and tricks to help grow a healthy
aquarium.

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 Figure: Observe and quick interview aquarists at the aquarium stores

1.3.5.2 Qualitative Research - In-depth Interviews

We conducted in-depth interviews with 9 aquarists living in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City,
between the ages of 23 and 34, which 6 people considered themselves as beginners and 3
people considered experienced hobbyists. The average duration of each interview was 60
minutes.

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 Figure: Interviewees from our in-depth interview procecess

Before conducting the interview, we have brainstormed and planned an interview questions
board on Google Sheet. We divided the interview questions into 3 parts:
1. Introduction: At the beginning of each user interview, we would take about 5 minutes
to introduce ourselves. We explain who we are, why we are here today, and the
context around what we are working on. We set the expectations around how much
time it will take and the types of questions we will ask.
2. Warm-up: These questions get the interview started. They are just easy questions to
answer and easy to follow. The reason that we have this section is to get the
interviewee comfortable and ready to think about the topics we want to discuss.
3. Substantive: This part is when we ask the questions we need to know to better
empathize and design. The questions are structured around some criteria that our team
wanted to clarify: first experience with an aquarium, behavior involving taking care of
their aquarium, how they track the aquarium health, their pains, and gains when
curing ornamental fish and aquatic plants diseases, their behavior using smart
solutions to automatically monitoring the aquarium, etc.
4. Closing: We don’t include this section to our Interview Question Plan because it is
just that we ask our interviewee for any information we haven’t yet to discover. When
everything seems to be wrapped up, we thank users for their time, and take some time

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 later with the whole team to discuss any observations that stood out in our minds
during the interview.

Link to the full-size Interview Question Plan: Here

Transcript and Highlight

The speech data from 9 participants were transcribed into words and highlighted using
Google Docs and Highlight Tool Extension from Chrome Store Extension. The method we
use to highlight is to divided into 4 categories that exist in Empathy Mapping: Say, Does,
Feel, Think.

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 Link to the full-size Transcript and Highlight: Transcript - Google Drive

Data Analysis
After having done highlighting all the necessary information from 9 interviewees, we
transferred the highlight notes to Figma and started analyzing the data. We grouped the data
based on Persona segments: Demographic, context, behavior, goal, motivation, and pain
point.

Link to the full-size Data Analysis: Here

Conclusion

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 Setting up an aquarium stage
● Everyone wants to have a healthy and well-developed aquarium so they can relax
and reduce stress whenever they look at the tank
● Aquarists are unaware they must buy the proper items for their tank but only
purchase eye-pleasing things
● They don’t know how to set up the tank correctly and beautifully.
● Beginners tend to be hasty/impatient and often add fish to the tank before the cycle
is complete, leading to sick and dead fish.
● Though what aquarists have done wrong didn’t have any immediate consequences
for the aquarium, it built up over time. It bursts out when proper conditions are met.

Cleaning & maintaining the health of the aquarium stage

● They are ignorant of what needs to be done and how to perform it correctly to care
for the tank.
● Thus, they follow their instinct and are unaware they are doing it wrong. It
negatively affects the whole aquarium ecosystem.
● They track water quality but don’t apply the right long-lasting solutions to stabilize
aquariums.

Dealing with arising issues stage

● They agree this stage is the most challenging of all maintenance stages
● Prevention is better than cure, but they do the opposite.
● They do not recognize problems until the situation becomes severe.
● Upset, uncomfortable, discouraged, anxious are some of the most common
emotions
● They often panic when they recognize the problem, ask everyone possible, and try
every solution possible.
● Google and Facebook groups are are the two most frequent places they seek for
solutions.
● Medicine is often not correctly used, thus negatively affecting the whole tank.
● They stop treatment immediately after symptoms have resolved, which causes the
relapse of infection and the development of antibiotic resistance.

1.3.5.3 Quantitative Research - Survey

1.3.5.3.1 The First Survey
Our team conducted a quantitative survey with the target user group of new aquarists. We
choose Google Form as our tool. Personal information, the behavior during aquarium
maintenance, what matters to them in keeping a healthy aquarium, their problems when
curing fish and aquatic plants diseases are among the 21 questions in the survey question
sheet, which were organized into 3 parts. We used a three-step surveying procedure:
1. Prepare questions

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 2. Conduct a survey
3. Analyze and summarize the data

Figure: (Left) Our survey poster and (Right) our survey result screen

Data Analysis
After conducting the survey for more than two days, our team collected 142 responses from
both newbie and experienced aquarium hobbyists. We use the pre-existing tool of Google
Form to evaluate those data.

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The survey was conducted with 142 participants including ages 15-20 (14.1%), 21-30
(52.8%), 31-40 (24.6%), 41-50 (7.7%) and over 50 (0.8%). The age group of 21-30 years old
currently accounts for the majority of aquarists with 52.8% of the 142 survey participants.
The top 3 reasons that led them to this hobby are personal interest (78.2%), followed by
decorating their space more beautifully (68.3%), and finally because of friends’ persuasion
(16.2%). The survey also shows that the number of new aquarists who rate themselves as
inexperienced (69%) is higher than those who have been playing for a long time and have
more experience (31%).

New aquarists

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The survey shows that tasks such as feeding fish and turning lights on/off are being
performed daily by aquarists. The remaining tasks are usually performed 2-3 times per month
or 2-3 times per week by aquarists.

In the process of taking care of their aquariums, the issue of fish getting sick (71.4%) is the
most common problem among new aquarists. Followed by issues such as harmful algae
(60.2%), plant diseases (58.2%), etc

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The survey also shows that among new aquarists, recognizing that their fish are sick through
their appearance is the biggest sign with 80.6%, followed by unusual fish behavior with
78.6%. A small number of remaining respondents said that they only knew their fish were
sick when they saw them die with 23.5%, while the rest did not know what sick fish looked
like.

Among new aquarists, the most common way they use to treat their sick fish is by using
medication with 73.5%, followed by soaking in saltwater with 39.8%, while the rest said they
did not know how to treat them (24.5%).

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86.7% of the total 98 new aquarists said they have planted plants in their tanks. The rest
either do not or will plant in the future.

When asked about the difficulties in planting in an aquarium, the two most common
difficulties among new aquarists are not knowing the diseases of plants and not knowing the
factors affecting plant growth, both with 54.1%. Followed by not knowing how to take care
of them with 40%

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56.5% of new aquarists believe that the symptoms of plant diseases are easy to recognize
externally, followed by 22.4% who said they did not know what sick plants looked like.
18.8% of new aquarists believe that the symptoms are difficult to recognize.

Regarding the question of how new aquarists treat plant diseases, it can be seen that up to
72.9% choose to cut off the damaged part, 34.1% do not know what the disease is, and the
remaining 23.5% use medication to treat their plants.

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Among the ways new aquarists search for solutions to treat their fish/aquatic plants in their
tanks, asking store staff directly is rated as quite effective with 31 votes. The remaining
methods such as searching for information on the internet, asking friends and relatives,
posting questions in Facebook groups, forums, Tiktok are all ineffective and do not help them
find a suitable solution.

Experienced aquarists

Among the group of 44 experienced people, 29.5% said that taking care of their aquariums
does not affect their time budget, while 18.2% said it has a significant impact on their time
budget. The rest are scattered among other answers.

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Regarding the problems encountered in taking care of aquariums with experienced people.
The issue of harmful algae is the biggest problem for them with 56.8%, followed by the issue
of fish diseases with 54.5%. The rest are plant diseases (38.6%), forgetting to feed fish
(22.7%), and forgetting to turn on/off aquarium equipment (20.5%).

When asked how to recognize that their fish are sick, 90.9% of experienced people said that
fish diseases can be recognized through their appearance, and 84.1% said that they can be
recognized through unusual fish behavior. From this, it can be concluded that fish diseases
can be easily recognized through their appearance and behavior.

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Up to 86.4% of experienced people are using medication to treat sick fish. Followed by the
method of soaking in saltwater with 52.3%.

97.7% of the group of 44 experienced people said they have planted plants in their tanks.

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With the question about the symptoms of plant diseases, up to 83.7% of experienced people
said that the signs are easy to recognize externally, 9.3% said it is difficult to recognize and
7% said they did not know what sick plants looked like.

Regarding the treatment of plant diseases, 90.7% of experienced people choose to cut off the
damaged part to solve the problem. 46.5% will use medication to treat, and 7% said they did
not know what sick plants looked like.

Conclusion

● The regular tasks that 85% aquarists do are feeding fish and turning on/off light
equipment, while other tasks such as changing water, scraping algae, pruning
plants, etc. are performed 2-3 times per month for 80% of the respondent
● The problems they encounter the most while taking care of their tanks are fish
diseases (71,4%), overgrow algae (60,2%), and plant diseases (58,2%).
● Three quarter of the respondent (78,6% to 80,6%) said that fish diseases can be
recognized through their appearance and behavior.
● Most new aquarists used to have the habit of searching for solutions on the internet,

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 but a quarter of them said that the information they found was not useful or suitable.
During the treatment process for fish/plants, users often have to learn more from
groups and forums but also do not achieve effectiveness with just slightly over one
third of the respondent feedback that it is effective. In addition, users also search for
information and treatment methods from friends and store staff, but only asking
store staff is rated as quite effective, with more than half of the survey results agree
it to be quite effective to very effective.

1.3.5.3.2 The Second Survey

Our team conducted a second quantitative survey with a target group of users who were new
to aquarium hobby. We choose Google Form as our tool. Total of 6 - 8 sections (depending
on the user's answer - some sections can be skipped if they don't have problems). We used a
three-step surveying procedure:
1. Prepare questions
2. Conduct a survey
3. Analyze and summarize the data

Figure: Example of our post on Facebook groups of aquatic hobbyists and was supported by posting
from a famous fan page about aquatic store in Hanoi - KingAqua.

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 Figure: Facebook poster at KingAqua - a relatively huge and famous aquatic store in Hanoi

Our team conducted a second quantitative survey with the target user group being new
aquarium hobbyists. Although our first survey has yielded valuable data on user behavior,
deeper data such as their emotions, thoughts, expectations, motivations, etc. have not been
clearly understood. Therefore, we conducted a second survey to obtain bigger user voice
regarding those aspects. This time we continued to choose Google Forms as our tool. We also
asked KingAqua (a large aquarium store in Hanoi) to help us find someone to fill out the
survey. Personal information, their incomes, behavior during shopping, setup new aquarium,
difficulty in maintaining the aquarium, what is important to them in keeping a healthy
aquarium, their problems when treating fish and aquatic plants diseases, and their need for
proper solutions are some of the highlight questions in our survey. Below are the results of
our second survey:

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The second survey was conducted with 152 participants including ages 15-20 (5.9%), 21-30
(63.8%), 31-40 (27.6%), 41-50 (2.6%) and over 50 (0%). The age group of 21-30 years old
currently accounts for the majority of aquarists with 63.8% of the 152 survey participants.
Aquarists are usually male with 91.4%, and female with 7.2%.

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Through the data in the pie chart, we can see that more than half of people have an income of
10 - 15 million VND (51.3%). We can see that it is very reasonable because most of them are
21-40 years old, they will have a job as well as a stable income.

The top 2 greatest meanings of aquarists are to reduce stress, relax and decorate their space
more dangerous.

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Aquarium hobbyists with less than six months of experience account for 27% of the total,
while those with six months to one year of experience make up 43.4%. From one to three
years, the percentage is 18.4%, and the remaining percentage represents those with over three
years of experience. Among them, over 80% consider themselves beginners with little
experience. This indicates that aquarium hobbyists with less than one year of experience
acknowledge that they still have limited expertise in the hobby.

During the setup process, over 80% of participants said they had difficulty shopping.

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The two biggest difficulties for new people in the process of buying aquarium setup items are
not knowing which items/accessories are suitable for their tank with nearly 80% and not
knowing which fish/plants to buy that are suitable for their tank with over 60%.

Most survey participants rated the difficulty of buying setup items from very difficult
(33.7%) to difficult (35.6%) and normal (20.8%).

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Participants said that not knowing which items/accessories are necessary and suitable for
their tank is the biggest difficulty with 46.5%, followed by not knowing which fish/plants are
suitable for the tank (29.7%).

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After setting up the tank layout, over half of survey participants immediately poured water
and released fish (54%), causing their tank water to become cloudy (53.3%) and fish to
become weak and gradually die (66.7%). This concludes that new players are not yet familiar
with the steps to properly set up water and release fish.

The difficulties in setting up the tank are not knowing how to pour water (53.8%), not
knowing how to release fish (54%), and not knowing how to make a beautiful layout
(55.5%).

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With an emotional scale from very uncomfortable to very comfortable corresponding to 1 - 5,
participants said they felt uncomfortable (1- 32.8%; 2- 38.7%) when encountering problems
such as cloudy water and an ugly tank.

In the process of taking care of a newly set up tank with a scale of 1-5 corresponding to
knowing nothing - knowing very well, most participants said they knew little or nothing
about the tasks that needed to be done and how to do them correctly to take care of their tank.

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While playing with an aquarium, over 95% of participants said they had encountered their
fish/plants getting sick/dying. They noticed it after a while when the signs became clear.

Over half of the participants said they felt anxious and worried (53.3%) when their fish/plants
got sick, and discouraged (34.2%).

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When encountering a problem, 82.5% of survey participants said they chose to search for
information on Google. The rest are methods such as asking friends, posting on Facebook, or
asking staff, which are less common.

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When dealing with sick fish/plants, on a scale of 1-6 corresponding to extremely difficult -
not difficult at all, participants said they felt extremely difficult with the highest rate of 35%,
followed by feeling difficult with 30%.

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When actively seeking information to solve their problems, survey participants said that the
common difficulty is spending a lot of time researching and comparing different sources of
information (85.8%). Other difficulties are superficial information and not relevant to the
problem they are facing.

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More than half of the participants said they would try to find ways to treat sick fish/plants if
previous methods were ineffective, while 28.3% chose to start over by emptying the tank.

Among the suggested functions, the 3 functions most chosen by participants are disease
detection support (78.2%), disease treatment guidance (68.5%), and a handbook for beginners
(81.5%).

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 Conclusion

Setting up an aquarium stage

● 82% poller face troubles during setup preparation, with 78% don’t know what items
(animal, plant, device) would fit their aquarium. As a result, 70% aate that
experiences as challenging or very challenging
● Right after setting up the aquarium, 56% of the survey result introduce fish to new
tank right after set up is done. Because of that improper action, 67% experienced
fish weakening/dying because they don’t introduce the fish to the new tank right. As
a result, 72% rate that experiences as annoying or very annoying

Cleaning & maintaining the health of the aquarium stage

● 75% answered they don’t know what technique and how to do it correctly to clean
and maintain their aquarium

Dealing with arising issues stage

● Almost 100% have experience sick/death fish. When it happens, 87% feel anxious
or discouraged.
● Self-research for treatment solution on Google is the most common methods , with
83% people have selected

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 ● 78% reported that they find it difficult to very difficult when addressing fish
diseases
● 64% find it time-consuming to research and compare multiple sources of
information

3 most expected solutions to assist newbie

● Top 1 with 81% people agree is newbie guidance (aquarium explore, set up, and
maintain), followed by Fish/plants diseases detection assistance with 78% people
selected, and finally is Instruction on how to cure the diseases with 68% agreed

1.3.5.4 User Persona

Based on the survey results as well as the in-depth interview, we came out with one persona:

Link to full-size Persona: Here

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1.3.5.5 Empathy Map

Link to full-size Empathy Map: Here

1.3.5.6 Customer Journey Map

Our Customer Journey Map is created based on 3 user scenarios in sequential order.

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84
Since the Customer Journey Map contains too many contents, it would be too hard to be read
on this report. We have put a Figjam link below so the readers can access the full-size one.

Link to full-size Scenario and CJM: Here

1.3.6 Technology Research

1.3.6.1 Image Processing Technology
Image processing technology, which is also called image-based machine learning techniques,
involves training algorithms to recognize and classify images using large datasets of labeled
images. These techniques use mathematical models and algorithms to analyze patterns in
images and learn how to interpret them. Some common image-based machine-learning
techniques include convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and deep learning algorithms.
These techniques are particularly useful for tasks such as object recognition, face detection,
and image segmentation.

In order to train these algorithms, large datasets of labeled images are required. For example,
a dataset of thousands of labeled images of cats and dogs could be used to train an algorithm
to recognize and classify images of cats and dogs. Once trained, image-based machine
learning algorithms can be used for a wide variety of applications, from self-driving cars to
medical imaging analysis.

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How it Works in Aquaculture
The operation in aquaculture functions through two main stages: the construction phase and
the implementation phase.
● During the construction phase, labeled images are processed to serve as training data.
● In the deployment phase, there are two distinct segments:
○ In the initial segment, image pre-processing reduces noise, while segmentation
enhances image details.
○ In the subsequent segment, the technology extracts relevant features for
disease classification using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm,
which utilizes a kernel function in machine learning. The images from the
initial segment undergo analysis using this SVM model. [22]

Figure: Diagram demonstrating the entire process from data acquisition to model training and
prediction of classes

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 Figure: Thoroughly organized visual representation illustrating the complete sequence, from
gathering data to training a model and making predictions for different categories.

According to the data from the research paper: “Fish Disease Detection Using Image-Based
Machine Learning Technique in Aquaculture”, the researchers have created a dataset
containing images of fresh and infected salmon fish. They collect a total of 266 images that
are used to train and validate our model. For training and testing, they split their dataset with
a ratio of train and test data. The total number of training and testing images are 231 and 35,
respectively. The result is extraordinary with the accuracy of disease detection of 91.42% in
terms of without augmentation. Furthermore, 94.12% in terms of augmentation, which is
reliable for detecting an infected fish. [22]

Figure: Metric evaluation of SVM classifier

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Recent discoveries in the realm of image processing technology also show promising
potential. Medina et al. (2023) emphasize that the failure to identify fish ailments like fish
lice, fungi, and white spots in their initial stages can result in their propagation throughout the
aquarium or even lead to fish casualties. By utilizing CNN and YOLO, they effectively
tackled this issue by diagnosing common goldfish diseases. The researchers gathered a
training dataset from reputable veterinary websites and e-books, consisting of approximately
100 images for each category of goldfish disease. Their dataset encompassed 25 images of
Goldfish with Fish Lice, 25 with Fungus, 25 with White Spots, and 25 without any disease
indications. [23]

In terms of methodology, the system introduces a swift computer vision approach for
detecting Goldfish Diseases based on image processing.
1. The system focuses on examining the external aspect of the goldfish, primarily its
body, to identify marks or flaws in the image.
2. YOLO is employed to extract relevant features.
3. Ultimately, CNN classifies the type of disease present in the goldfish.

Figure: Original Image (left) Image divided into grids (right).

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 Figure: Objects detected the Goldfish (left) and the fungi disease (right).

Figure: Predicting class probability and bounding box highlighted of an object

Figure: YOLO’s combination of the three techniques

Speaking of the result, out of 35 goldfish samples, 32 were accurately detected and classified
by the system totaling 91.4286% accuracy, which indicates that this technology were able to
detect and classify the goldfish samples accurately. [23]

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Figure: Data sampling table classified by fish experts and the system. H is for healthy, FL is for Fish
Lice, WS is for white spot, and F is for Fungus.

1.3.6.2 Image Enhancement Technology

Underwater Image Enhancement refers to a technology that improves the quality of images
captured underwater by emulating the adaptive mechanisms found in the human retina. This
approach aims to enhance underwater images by mimicking the way the human eye adjusts to
different lighting conditions, color shifts, and other visual challenges present in underwater
environments. The goal is to achieve more visually appealing, better resolution, and
informative images that are closer to what the human eye perceives, even in challenging
underwater conditions. [24]

According to Gao et al. (2019), the method of Underwater Image Enhancement using
Adaptive Retinal Mechanisms outperforms these methods in terms of visual quality and
objective measures such as peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index. Overall,
the study demonstrates the potential of using adaptive retinal mechanisms for enhancing
underwater images. [24]

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 Figure: The flowchart of the proposed model inspired by the fish retinal mechanisms.

Figure: Contrast of the CC outcomes using varied techniques on complex underwater settings.
Progressing from left to right: the initial underwater visuals, the outcomes from Peng et al.'s 2015
approach [29], Drews et al.'s 2013 method [27], Ancuti et al.'s 2017 technique [76], Ancuti et al.'s
2018 strategy [9], Berman et al.'s 2018 approach [15], Emberton et al.'s 2018 method [77], and the
findings from the suggested approach.

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 Figure: The results on seven underwater images with various hazes and color bias obtained by the
proposed method and the existing outdoor

Figure: The measure of UIQM*, CM, SM, CONM on multiple images for each method in the figure A,
larger is better

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Figure: The measure of UCIQE** on multiple underwater images for each method in figure A, larger
is better

*UIQM stands for Underwater Image Quality Measure, which is another image quality metric that is
used to evaluate the quality of images captured in underwater environments. Similar to UCIQE,
UIQM considers factors such as color, contrast, and sharpness to provide a single numerical score
that represents the overall quality of an underwater image. However, UIQM has been designed
specifically for underwater image quality assessment, and incorporates additional features such as
edge similarity, texture correlation, and noise level estimation that are particularly relevant in this
context. Overall, both UCIQE and UIQM are useful tools for evaluating and optimizing the
performance of underwater imaging systems.

**Underwater Color Image Quality Evaluation (UCIQE) is a metric used to evaluate the quality of
color images captured underwater. It was developed specifically to address the challenges associated
with imaging in an underwater environment, such as attenuation and scattering of light. The UCIQE
metric takes into account factors such as color correction, contrast, and saturation, and provides a
single numerical score that reflects overall image quality. This can be useful for evaluating and
comparing different underwater imaging systems, or for assessing the effectiveness of different
processing techniques for improving image quality.

1.3.6.3 Fish detection using YOLO and DeepSORT technology

YOLO (You Only Look Once)
YOLO is an object detection technology that has become popular in computer vision and
deep learning. It's designed to efficiently and accurately detect objects within images or video
frames. Unlike traditional object detection algorithms that require multiple passes over an
image, YOLO processes the entire image in a single forward pass through a convolutional
neural network (CNN), making it much faster. [25]

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 Figure: YOLO Architecture

Figure: Visual example of how YOLO work

Here's how YOLO works:

● Grid Generation: The input image is divided into a grid of cells. Each cell is
responsible for predicting objects that are centered within it.
● Bounding Box Prediction: For each cell, YOLO predicts bounding boxes that
represent the location of objects. Each bounding box is characterized by its
coordinates (x, y) of the box's center within the cell, width (w), and height (h) of the
box relative to the cell size.
● Objectness Score: Each bounding box prediction also includes an "objectness" score
that indicates the likelihood of the box containing an object. This helps filter out low-
confidence detections.
● Class Prediction: YOLO predicts the probability distribution over predefined classes
for each cell. This means that for every grid cell, the algorithm estimates the
likelihood of the object belonging to different classes. This allows YOLO to handle
multi-class object detection.
● Detection: After the predictions are made for each cell, the algorithm performs non-
maximum suppression (NMS) to remove duplicate or overlapping detections. This

94
 results in a final set of high-confidence bounding boxes with associated class labels.
[25]

Figure: Apply YOLO in Aquaculture to detect fish and counting.

The key advantage of YOLO is its speed. Since it processes the entire image in one go, it can
achieve real-time object detection, making it suitable for applications such as video
surveillance, autonomous driving, and more. However, YOLO might struggle with detecting
very small objects close together, as the grid cells might not capture them effectively. Newer
versions of YOLO, like YOLOv3 and YOLOv4, have addressed some of these limitations
and improved accuracy.

DeepSORT (Simple Online and Realtime Tracking)

DeepSORT, short for "Deep Learning for Real-Time Object Tracking with SORT," is an
extension of the SORT (Simple Online and Realtime Tracking) algorithm that integrates deep
learning techniques to improve the tracking performance. It is designed to track objects
across multiple frames in real-time video streams using both appearance information and
motion patterns. [26]

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 Figure: Implementation of DeepSORT in transportation. Source: Pysource.com

Figure: Implementation of DeepSORT in football. Source: Reddit.com

Here's how DeepSORT works:

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- Detection and Feature Extraction: Similar to other object tracking algorithms,
DeepSORT relies on an object detection model (such as YOLO or Faster R-CNN) to
identify objects in each frame of a video. For each detected object, DeepSORT
extracts appearance features using a deep neural network (commonly a CNN). These
appearance features encode the visual characteristics of the object, helping to
distinguish between different objects.
- Matching and Data Association: DeepSORT employs the SORT algorithm's
methodology for data association. It uses a combination of motion information (such
as predicted object locations based on previous frames) and appearance features to
match detected objects across frames. The goal is to establish correspondences
between objects in consecutive frames to create object tracks.
- Kalman Filtering and Smoothing: DeepSORT employs a Kalman filter to predict
the future state of each tracked object based on its past trajectory and expected motion
patterns. This helps to handle noisy or missing detections and make the tracking more
robust. Additionally, a smoother is applied to further refine the object trajectories by
considering both past and future predictions.
- Deep Re-identification: One of the key features of DeepSORT is its use of deep
learning-based re-identification. Re-identification involves recognizing an object
across different camera views or frames, even if the object's appearance changes
significantly. DeepSORT maintains a track-specific appearance model and uses it to
compare detected objects with existing tracks. If a new detection closely matches a
track's appearance model, it is associated with that track.
- Track Management: DeepSORT manages the creation, deletion, and merging of
tracks as objects enter and exit the scene or merge with other objects. It uses a
combination of confidence scores, motion patterns, and appearance information to
make decisions about track management. [26]

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 Figure: Fish Detection, Classification, Tracking and Counting by using DeepSORT. Source:
Fish(object) Detection, Classification, Tracking and Counting - YouTube

The integration of deep learning techniques, particularly deep feature extraction and re-
identification, significantly improves the robustness and accuracy of object tracking with
DeepSORT. It is particularly useful in scenarios where objects might be occluded, change
appearance, or exhibit complex motion patterns.[26]

In summary, DeepSORT is an object tracking algorithm that combines the SORT tracking
framework with deep learning techniques for appearance feature extraction and re-
identification. It leverages these capabilities to track objects across frames in real-time video
streams, making it suitable for applications such as surveillance, autonomous driving, and
more.

1.3.6.4 Augmented Reality (AR) technology in measuring objects

Augmented reality (AR) technology is applied to create a virtual measuring tool that overlays
measurement lines and markers onto the real-world environment captured by your device's
camera. Here's how AR technology is used in measuring object and 3D reconstruction app
[27]
1. Camera Access: It accesses your device's camera to provide a live video feed of the
physical environment.
2. Marker Placement: When you start the app, it uses AR tracking technology to detect
and understand the surfaces and objects within the camera's view. It identifies flat
surfaces like tabletops, floors, or walls where measurements can be made.
3. Calibration: Before measurements can be taken, the app often requires calibration.
This involves setting a reference distance using a known-size object (such as a credit

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 card) placed within the camera view. The app uses this reference to establish a scale
for measurements.
4. Measurement Markers: The app places virtual measurement markers or points on
the surfaces as you move the camera around. These markers define the starting and
ending points for the measurement.
5. Virtual Lines and Grids: The app uses the known scale from calibration to overlay
virtual measurement lines, grids, or rulers onto the camera feed. These virtual
elements represent the measurement units (such as inches or centimeters) and allow
you to visualize the measurement process.
6. Distance Calculation: As you position the measurement markers on the screen, the
app calculates the distance between them based on the established scale. The
measured distance is then displayed on the screen in real time.
7. Accuracy and Alignment: Many AR Ruler apps use advanced AR tracking and
computer vision techniques to ensure accurate marker placement and alignment with
real-world objects. This helps prevent distortions and errors in measurements.
8. Additional Features: Some AR Ruler apps offer features beyond basic
measurements, such as area calculations, volume measurements, switching between
different measurement units, capturing screenshots with overlaid measurements, and
saving or sharing measurement results.
9. Real-Time Interaction: AR Ruler apps provide a real-time interaction experience,
where the measurement markers and virtual elements adjust as you move the camera
or adjust the placement of the markers.

Figure: 3D construction of rectangle box using AR technnology

1.3.6.5 Cloud computing technology for monitoring water quality

Cloud computing technology for monitoring water quality refers to the use of cloud
computing platforms to collect, store, analyze, and manage data related to the quality of water
in various environments such as aquaculture, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and
even home aquariums. This technology enables real-time monitoring and analysis of water
parameters through the use of sensors, data loggers, and internet connectivity.
Here's how cloud technology is utilized for monitoring water quality:

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 ● Sensors and Data Collection: Various sensors are deployed to measure different
water parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite,
nitrate, turbidity, and more. These sensors continuously collect data from the water.
● Data Transmission: The data collected by the sensors is transmitted to a central data
hub or cloud-based server. This is typically done via the internet using wireless
technologies like Wi-Fi, cellular networks, or other data communication protocols.
● Cloud Storage: The data is stored on cloud servers hosted by cloud service providers
like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, etc. Cloud
storage offers scalability, reliability, and accessibility from anywhere with an internet
connection.
● Data Analysis: Advanced analytical tools and algorithms can process the collected
data to provide insights into water quality trends, anomalies, and potential issues. This
analysis can help detect changes in water conditions that might affect the health of
aquatic life.
● Remote Monitoring: Users can access the cloud-based interface or application from
their computers or mobile devices to monitor the water quality parameters in real
time. Notifications and alerts can be set up to inform users of any significant
deviations from the desired water conditions.
● Historical Data and Reporting: Cloud-based systems store historical data, allowing
users to track trends and make informed decisions about managing water quality.
Reports and visualizations can also be generated for analysis and record-keeping. [28]

From our research of the Tuya IoT platform, there are smart water quality monitoring devices
(YIERYI Smart Bluetooth Water Quality Tester) that connect to the Tuya platform. These
devices could incorporate various sensors to measure parameters such as pH, temperature,
dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and more. The data collected by these sensors would be
transmitted to the Tuya cloud using Wi-Fi or other communication protocols. [28]

We also find out that Tuya do accept PublicAPI. It means that HaFiTa can request water
quality tracking data from the YIERYI device via Tuya. That being the case, we can offer our
users an automatic way of tracking the water quality, thus making their tracking experience
much easier. [28]

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Figure: Tuya Smart Home PaaS Solution Flow Chart

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Figure: YIERYI Smart Bluetooth Water Quality Tester 6 in 1 devices can track water quality 24/7 and
connect through Tuya IoT platform

Figure: Method to get PublicAPI from Tuya Development Platform. Link to the webpage: Get Real-
Time Data-Cloud Services API Reference-Tuya Developer

1.3.6.6 Light sensor to measure brightness level

A light meter sensor in a mobile camera is a component that measures the intensity of light in
the camera's surroundings. It helps the camera make informed decisions about exposure
settings, white balance, and other parameters to capture well-balanced and properly exposed
images in different lighting conditions. This sensor is often referred to as an "ambient light
sensor" or "light sensor." [29]

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Here's a bit more detail on how it works:
● Light Measurement: The light meter sensor detects the amount of light that is
present in the environment.
● Exposure Adjustment: One of the primary functions of the light meter sensor is to
assist the camera in determining the appropriate exposure settings. Exposure refers to
the amount of light that reaches the camera's image sensor. The sensor measures the
intensity of light and provides feedback to the camera's exposure control system.
○ In bright environments, the sensor might recommend shorter exposure times
(faster shutter speed) or a narrower aperture to prevent overexposure (washing
out details due to too much light).
○ In low-light conditions, the sensor might suggest longer exposure times
(slower shutter speed) or a wider aperture to prevent underexposure (loss of
details due to too little light).
● User Interface Information: Some camera apps provide users with information
about the current lighting conditions based on the light meter sensor's measurements.
This can be displayed through icons or indicators to help users understand the
environment's lighting level. [29]
Apply light meter sensor to HaFiTa, we can let user measure their tank’s brightness and get
to know whether their tanks have any trouble with lighting level.

1.3.7 Another Web/App

In the realm of competitor application analysis, our objective is to conduct thorough research
on competitors in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of our product. We evaluate
various aspects such as product features, customer reviews, and user perception. This

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knowledge is then utilized to enhance ‌ our own product offerings. During our research, we
have explored numerous applications that assist users in managing their expenses effectively.
However, our focus lies on investigating applications that demonstrate high popularity,
positive reviews, and exceptional functionality as recognized by the user community. Some
of the applications and Forum we have examined include:

1.3.7.1 Aquarium Forum & Communities

Strength Weakness
● Suitable for Vietnamese aquarists ● Too much advice from too many
● Have diverse members with varying people
expertise levels. ● Advice content is often
● Users can upload photos/videos for neglected/overshadowed by trading
precise community support with posts/showing off posts
aquarium issues. ● It takes time for the questions to be
● Those who have faced similar issues answered.
can offer users useful advice. ● There are chances that their question
is not answered
● People’s advice doesn’t always work
because each one’s aquarium is in
different conditions.

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1.3.7.2 Aquarium Manager & Aquahome & Aquarium Log

Strength Weakness
● Help track water quality over time ● Required filling in too much
● Inform users of the aquarium’s information when users create
current conditions about whether it is aquarium profile for the first time
proper or not but it doesn't make much sense.
● Recommend users on what they can ● Allows uploading pictures of tank
do to restore the aquarium to its ideal condition but doesn’t have any
condition practical meaning
● Users can create tasks for reminders ● The illustrations on the homepage
and notifications. are very confusing, difficult to
understand.

1.3.7.3 Aquareka

Strength Weakness
● Guide users to set up their aquarium ● Water parameters are manual-filled
according to a well-organized plan and self-evaluated
● Suggest suitable animals and plants ● Does not assist in identifying
for the tank, with personalization problems users are having with their
● Full of basic information about tanks
aquatic creatures and plants ● The steps to set up the tank are
confusing, many words, lack of
illustrations.

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1.4 Specify Requirements
1.4.1 Problem Statements
According to our Customer Journey Map, we have grouped the smaller parts into 3 main
journey stages in a linear sequence:
● Stage of setting up an aquarium
● Stage of cleaning & maintaining aquarium health
● Stage of dealing with arising issues
In each stage, the user would have his/her own needs and goals based on their contemporary
circumstances.

Stage Problem statement

Stage of As a newbie aquarist, Tuan Anh wants to set up a complete aquarium

setting up an according to his own preferences in order to serve the need for relaxation,
aquarium stress relief, and decoration. However, Tuan Anh encountered many
difficulties when setting up his first aquarium. Being new to the hobby and
lacking experience, Tuan Anh did not know what equipment/creatures to
buy that would be suitable for his aquarium. After buying everything, he
did not know how to set them up to be aesthetically pleasing and also did
not know the correct techniques to set them up in the tank. As a result, the
aquarium did not turn out as beautiful as Tuấn Anh expected after setting
up. Incorrect setup also made the ecosystem in the tank unstable, leading to
many consequences later on. Those things have made him so disappointed
and uncomfortable because he could not achieve the aquarium he desired.

Therefore, Tuan Anh needs to be advised on what equipment/creatures to

buy that are suitable for his tank and then be guided on how to set them up
in the tank correctly and beautifully because he wants to personally
complete an aquarium that is true to his personal interests.

Stage of As a newbie aquarist, Tuan Anh wants to have a healthy and thriving so
cleaning & that he can relax and relieve stress whenever he looks at the aquarium, as
maintaining well as decorate his living space. However, Tuan Anh encountered many
aquarium difficulties in taking care of and cleaning the aquarium. As a beginner with
health little experience, Tuan Anh did not know what tasks needed to be done
when cleaning the aquarium and how to do them correctly. Therefore, he
followed his instincts without realizing whether he was doing it right or
wrong. As a result, after cleaning, the aquarium was not as clear and
beautiful as he expected, affecting his enjoyment of watching it. In
addition, Tuan Anh’s incorrect care/cleaning of the aquarium caused
adverse effects, resulting in the health of the aquarium deteriorating day by

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 day and leading to many other problems later on. Consequently, Tuan Anh
had to spend more time and effort to deal with the consequences he caused.

Therefore, Tuan Anh needs to be guided on what tasks need to be done and
how to perform them correctly during the care/cleaning process because he
wants the aquarium to always be healthy and thriving.

Stage of As a newbie aquarist, Tuan Anh wants to have a healthy and thriving so
dealing with that he can relax and relieve stress whenever he looks at the aquarium, as
arising well as decorate his living space. However, in the process of caring for the
issues aquarium, Tuan Anh encounters many difficulties related to the diseases of
the fish and plants. A lack of knowledge and too many sources of
information make him confused and waste a lot of time identifying the
exact problems he is facing. Even when the problem is identified, Tuan
Anh does not know how to treat the disease correctly, causing the fish and
plants to become weaker and even. These things frustrated Tuan Anh so
much, which lead to impatience in the process of taking care of the
aquarium.

As a result, Tuan Anh needs a solution for aquarium maintenance that can
identify problems and provide solutions quickly, accurately, and
personalized so that he can promptly handle any issues that arise in the
aquarium and prevent the entire ecosystem in the aquarium from being
irreversibly damaged.

1.4.2 Solution Statements

With 3 problem statements of 3 sequence stages presented above, our team has also defined 3
corresponding solution statements:

Stage Solution statement

Stage of An application to help new aquarists to:

setting up an - Find the aquarium design that meets their personal needs and
aquarium desires.
- Suggest appropriate items (devices, animals, plants, etc.).
- Provide helpful information at the right moments to limit users
from making mistakes.
- Provide guidance on how to set up the aquarium correctly and
beautifully.
- Intuitively visualize their intended aquarium in their own space.

Stage of An application to help new aquarists to:

cleaning & - Know exactly what/when/how daily care tasks need to be done for
maintaining their aquariums.
the health of
the aquarium

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 Stage of An application to help new aquarists to:
dealing with - Quickly and correctly Identify issues of the aquarium.
arising issues - Receive guidance on how to address them.
- Tracking the recovery process to advise if any issue happen
midway.

Report 2: Interaction Design

2.1 User Requirement Specifications
2.1.1 Brainstorming
Solution Ideation
In Report 1, we have divided the aquarium hobby journey into 3 main stages. Currently, after
proposing all the Problem Statements and Solution Statements, we continued to brainstorm
according to those 3 stages to come up with the most appropriate solutions.
Our first brainstorming session goal is to come up with some ideas on how our app will solve
the user’s problems. Our brainstorming templates utilized previous work of our Customer
Journey Map: “Pain points, User needs, How might we” and incorporate the 2 new sections:
Idea (which describes as many idea as possible that could serve users’ needs) and Function
(which describes our assumption functions that our app will inherit). Every section are linked
together in a logical way to form tight relationships. This image below are the result:

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 Link to original brainstorming file: Here

Customer Journey Map To-be

After having some assumption functions, we continued brainstorming by using Customer
Journey Map To-be. It is different than the usual Customer Journey Map, which is often
called Customer Journey Map As-is. Customer Journey Map To-be is used when we want to
visualize the scenario when our target users use our solutions. This method is to validify if
our solutions would fit our users’ needs, and desires, bring them positive emotions, etc.
Therefore, it will be easier for the whole team to discuss and evaluate the most suitable
functions for HaFiTa applications. Our CJM To-be structure is based on our CJM As-is to
easily follow user’s journey. It is also divided into 3 stages that I have mentioned in Report 1.
The picture below are our final version of CJM To-be:

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 Link to original CJM To-be file: Here

Value Proposition Canvas

As to our understanding, the "Value Proposition Canvas" is a tool commonly used in business
and product development to understand and visualize the relationship between a product or
service and its target customers. It helps organizations identify and design a value proposition
that effectively addresses customer needs and pains. We have executed 3 "Value Proposition
Canvas" for 3 stages of fish tank maintenance. The image below shows our result in Figjam
tool.

Link to original Value Proposition Canvas: Here

2.1.2 User Requirements

After the brainstorming session, our team have come up with the final User Requirement
according to 3 linear stages from our Customer Journey Map

Stage User Need

Setting up an Users want to find a beautiful tank model that suits their needs
aquarium
Users want to know the basic aquatic knowledge in order to serve the
aquarium setup process

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 Users want to know how to set up new tank correctly and aesthetically
pleasing

Users seek device compatibility for their aquarium.

Users want to know what items is in an aquarium and how much they cost
to balance spending

Users want to visualize their intended aquarium in their space

Cleaning & Users want to know exactly what/when/how daily care tasks need to be
maintaining done for their aquariums.
aquarium
health Users want to know what tasks need to be done to take care of the
aquarium

Users want to learn more aquatic knowledge to take care better their tanks

Users seek guidance on adjusting water parameters for aquarium health.

Users want to be alerted if there are any issues arising in the aquarium

Dealing with Users want to quickly identify their problems

arising issues.
Users want guidance on how to apply the treatment to their sick creatures
correctly

Users want guidance if the original solution doesn't work

Users want to be able to recognize the recovery signs of their sick

fish/plants
Link to the original file with User Requirements and Function List combined: Here

2.1.3 Function List

Title Function Description

Setting up Personalized Help new aquarists explore and clearly define their needs.
an suggestions Specifically, it is to help them discover various styles,
aquarium equipment, aquatic creatures, and plants that are most
suitable for them. As a result, they would have needed
knowledge and can easily purchase the necessary items to
complete their own aquarium.

AR measure The system first requires users to provide information about

their aquariums (size, type of fish and plants, water quality
indices, etc.). After that, based on the provided information
and existing issues, the system will analyze and provide the
most appropriate information for the user's situation.

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 Aquascaping Based on the selected tank model, HaFiTa will suggest the
guide appropriate setup steps for the tank model and note until the
setup process is complete.

Light meter Based on Light meter technology, the application will scan
to measure the brightness of the aquarium lights to check if
the amount of light is suitable for the tank.

Cleaning & Aquarium Acting as an encyclopedia, the handbook function provides

maintaining profile necessary aquatic knowledge in general, as well as
aquarium information and instruction on daily aquarium care tasks.
health
Personalized In each circumstance, to-do list function would serve
routine tasks different purposes:
● When setting up the aquarium, it provide users with
detailed steps (including illustrated instructions) on
how to set up the tank.
● When maintaining and cleaning the aquarium, it
guides users step-by-step on how to perform for
daily tasks correctly.
● When solving problems, based on existing problem
information, the system will create a to-do list that
guides users step-by-step.

Water Users track water parameters manually or automatically.

quality After that, they provide the results for HaFiTa and receive a
tracking guide to solve problems if the water quality is abnormal.
This function enables better management of aquatic
environments and contributes to the well-being of aquatic
life.

Handbook Acting as an encyclopedia, the handbook function provides

necessary aquatic knowledge in general, as well as
information and instruction on daily aquarium care tasks.

Dealing Image scan 1. Users will take photos or record videos of fish/plants
with arising disease when they notice any abnormalities in appearance or
issues. detection behavior.
2. The AI system will automatically analyze the images
Behavioral and diagnose the condition of the fish/plant (whether
disease they are sick or normal, what kind of disease they
detection have, the severity, etc.).
3. The information will be provided to users and serve
for further treatment steps.

Treatment After detecting the disease, the application will suggest

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 tasks solutions to the problem encountered; when the user has
finished selecting the solution, the application will
automatically create a daily treatment schedule according to
the course of the solution. include specific tasks in a day so
that users can grasp and follow them easily.

Aquarium In case, the user is not satisfied with the recommendations

store lists from the application and wants a place that can solve their
problem, the application will suggest the user to a list of
aquatic shops. for direct consultation.

Recovery For this feature, users can take pictures of sick fish/plants
diary daily and store them on the app so that users can compare
and know if their fish/plants have recovered or not based on
suggestions from HaFiTa.
Link to the original file with User Requirements and Function List combined: Here

2.2 Building the Fist Information Architecture

2.2.1 Sitemap

Link to our original Sitemap: Here

2.2.2 Information Architecture

Based on our needs and requirements, we have created the Information architecture with the
purpose of planning out the overall app functions.

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Figure: Chart explain

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Link to our original information architecture: Here

2.3 Tasks and Task Flows

2.3.1 Stage of setting up an aquarium
Goal: Complete an aquarium according to your preferences

Link to full-size task flows: Here

2.3.2 Stage of cleaning & maintaining the health of the

aquarium
Goal 1: When taking care/cleaning the aquarium, what do I need to do and how can I
do it correctly.

Link to full-size task flows: Here

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Goal 2: Measure and improve water quality.

Link to full-size task flows: Here

2.3.3 Stage of dealing with arising issues

Goal: Successfully treat the diseases of fish/plants when they encounter problems

Link to full-size task flows: Here

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2.4. Building the Low-Fi Prototype
2.4.1 Providing needs to see suitable aquarium layout options

2.4.2 AR scan to visualize aquarium shape

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2.4.3 Suggested aquarium layouts

2.4.4 View aquarium layout details

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2.4.5 Create shopping lists

2.4.6 Change & delete items in Create shopping lists

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2.4.7 Shopping checklist

2.4.8 Change & delete items in Create shopping lists

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2.4.9 Setup tutorial

121
2.4.10 Home

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2.4.11 Handbook

2.4.12 Routine tasks

123
2.4.13 Reschedule tasks

2.4.14 Water quality control (Automatic)

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2.4.15 Water quality control (Manual)

2.4.16 Taking picture to detect diseases

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2.4.17 Clear & focused picture guide

2.4.18 Detect diseases through abnormal behaviors

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2.4.19 Disease diagnosis result

2.4.20 Ask aquarium store’s staff.

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2.4.21 Disease treatment routine task

2.4.22 Reschedule treatment routine tasks

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2.4.23 Update fish & plants health condition

Report 3: Interaction Design & Evaluation

3.1 First Usability Testing
3.1.1 Overview
For the first usability test, we have used our rough prototype to gain feedback and opinion
from 5 newbie aquarists. This process will help us to understand their behavior better, thus
efficient flow for the app. The test was approximately 1 hours and 30 minutes per participant
and was conducted in-person.

The plan revolves around the main functions of the app, which included:
● Aquarium setup guide
● Quick scan to identify fish/plant diseases
● Tracking routine task (disease treatment included)

Testing Format
- Qualitative: Aims to understand our users' motivations, thoughts, and attitudes.
- Moderated testing: Researchers will be present during testing
- In-person: Have a user physically present

Tools

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 - Open Broadcaster Software (OBS Studio): To record testing sessions
- Figma Mirror: To present prototype on mobile devices

Participants

User Name Age Time being an aquarium hobbyist

1 Hoàng Thị Huyền 21 1 month

2 Phạm Viết Tùng 22 1 year

3 Nguyễn Mạnh Cường 25 2 years

4 Hà Trung Kiên 27 9 months

5 Phạm Hoàng Tâm 35 9 months

Testing duration
- Average of 1h30m per participant

Criteria

When to use? Criteria Measurement

After each Success Rate Percent (0% - 100%)
scenario
Time on Task Minute and Second

Single Ease Question (SEQ) 7-Point Likert Scale

(1 - Very difficult, 7 - Very easy)

Intuitive Design 5-Point Likert Scale

(1 - Very difficult, 5 - Very easy)
Ease of learning

Efficiency of use

Memorability

Error frequency and severity

Subjective satisfaction

After all scenarios System Usability Scale (SUS) 10 item questionnaire with 5-Point
Likert scale
(1 - Strongly agree, 5 - Strongly
disagree

Prototype

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For the initial usability test, 192 screens were created:

Click here to view prototype part 1

Click here to view prototype part 2

Interview script
START
Hello [respondent's name]

I'm [Name], a member of group GPD493_G3 of the graduation project of FPT University
Digital Art Design, will be your facilitator in the meeting today. Joining today's session will
be [Name], who is in charge of observing and taking notes. We are currently conducting
prototype testing results for the purpose of developing an application to assist new aquarists
in maintaining the aquarium.

Thank you, [Participant’s Name], for taking the time to the testing phase. During the test, I
will give you the scenario paper. You might read that out loud and then complete the task.
You might go through each activity one at a time and must finish each one before moving on
to the next. The comments of [Participant’s name] will help us evaluate the effectiveness of
the very first screens. Please feel free to reply, your comments are precious.

The testing session will take place within [xxx minutes], [Participant’s name] can stop
whenever you want. Today's session will be recorded content. If you have any questions, you
can note them down and I will answer them all at the end of the interview. Is that possible?

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Before the interview begins, do you have any other questions to clarify for today's session?

END
Those are the tasks I want to test in today's talk. Would you like to add something that I
haven't mentioned?

Also, do you have any other questions that you need me to answer?

After all, thank you so much for participating in the talk; this talk will help us research and
build better products to improve women's menstrual health.

If you have any questions or anything else you want to share, you can contact me via email
[details] or Facebook [detail]

In addition, we will contact you and ask more questions if we need to collect more data for
our project. Do you find this possible?

Thank you so much!

3.1.2 Testing scenarios

3.1.2.1 Stage of setting up an aquarium
SCENARIO 1 - FIND SUITABLE AQUARIUM LAYOUT BASED ON PROVIDED
NEEDS.

Sub-scenario 1.1

Context You are new to aquarium hobby and want to buy an aquarium to
decorate your workspace at home. Your requirements include:
● An aquarium that fits in a space of 40x40x40 cm
● A cost of 750,000 VND
● Able to be maintained twice a week
However, as a beginner, you are not sure which aquarium layout are
suitable for these requirements.

Task How will you find suitable aquarium layout that meet your
requirements on the app?

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Sub-scenario 1.2

Context In the list of suggested aquarium layout, you like the two layout “Bể
Gốc Xưa - Bonsai” and “Bể Núi Đá - Iwagumi”. You want to save them
to review later.

Task How will you save those two aquarium layout?

SCENARIO 2 - EXPLORE THE SUGGESTED AQUARIUM LAYOUT

Sub-scenario 2.1

Context After saving the aquarium layout, you were busy and exited the app.
Later, you returned to the app and wanted to continue learning about the
saved aquarium layout.

Task How will you find where you saved those aquarium layout?

Sub-scenario 2.2

Context Of the two saved aquarium samples, you like the “Bể gốc xưa - Bonsai”
the most and want to learn more about it.

Task Please learn more about this aquarium and share your thoughts on this
experience.

SCENARIO 3 - EDIT THE SUGGESTION LIST

Context You don’t like the “Cá mún đỏ” in the “Bể gốc xưa - Bonsai” and want
to change it to “Cá bảy màu”

Task How would you go about changing that fish species?

SCENARIO 4 - USE THE CREATED LIST AND GO SHOPPING

Sub-scenario 4.1

Context After being satisfied with the suggested list in the “Bể gốc xưa -
Bonsai”, you decide to go to the store and start shopping for items to set

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 up the aquarium. Since you have to buy a lot of new items, you can’t
remember all the items you need to buy, and don’t remember if you
missed buying anything.

Task How would you keep track of what items you have bought?

Sub-scenario 4.2

Context You have bought many items but still don’t have enough to set up, and
now you have to go home.

Task How would you handle this?

Sub-scenario 4.3

Context The next day, you continue to go to the store to buy the missing items
from the previous time.

Task How do you complete your shopping process on the app?

SCENARIO 5 - SETUP GUIDE

Context After finishing shopping, you go home. When you get home, you start
the aquarium setup process.

Task Please use the app to view the setup guide and share your thoughts on
this experience.

3.1.2.2 Stage of cleaning & maintaining the health of the aquarium

SCENARIO 6 - VIEW DAILY TASKS

Context Today you have a schedule to take care of/clean the aquarium, but you
don’t know what tasks need to be done and where to track them.

Task How do you view and complete the necessary care/cleaning tasks for
the aquarium today?

3.1.2.3 Stage of dealing with arising issues

SCENARIO 7 - IDENTIFY THE DISEASE OF THE FISH AND CHOOSE THE
APPROPRIATE SOLUTION.

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Sub-scenario 7.1

Context You notice that your Neon fish have white spots but don’t know what’s
wrong with them.

Task How would you identify the disease of the fish?

Sub-scenario 7.2

Context You are taking pictures to detect the disease of the fish but the fish
pictures are constantly blurry.

Task How would you take clearer pictures?

Sub-scenario 7.3

Context After identifying the disease of the fish, you want to find a solution to
treat the fish.

Task How would you find and choose the most suitable solution for yourself?

SCENARIO 8 - TRACK THE TREATMENT SCHEDULE FOR SICK FISH

Sub-scenario 8.1

Context After identifying the disease of the fish, you want to find a solution to
treat the fish.

Task How would you find and choose the most suitable solution for yourself?

Sub-scenario 8.2

Context You see that there is a task to change the water when treating the
disease, but you are not sure how to change the water correctly.

Task How would you learn and know how to change the water correctly?

Sub-scenario 8.3

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 Context You have a treatment schedule for today but have an unexpected event
and cannot do it. You want to postpone the schedule until the next day.

Task How would you be able to postpone the schedule until the next day?

Sub-scenario 8.4

Context The treatment course has reached its last day, although the fish’s
disease has decreased, it has not completely healed.

Task Please see how the app will respond to you and share your thoughts on
that.

3.1.3 Testing deployment

3.1.3.1 Testing with newbie aquarists
To conduct successful Usability Testing, we have followed the basic principles of this UX
research methodology developed by NNGroup. Specifically, a Usability Testing session will
contain 3 core elements:
- The facilitator
- The tasks
- The participant

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 Figure: Core Elements of Usability Testing and theirs flow of information

So how do we perform the Usability Testing? First, we (as the facilitator) administers tasks
to the participant. Then, as the participant performs these tasks, we observe the participant’s
behavior and listen for feedback. We may also ask follow-up questions to elicit detail from
the participant. The photos below reveal our execution with different participants

137
Figure: Photo of a usability testing session our team conducted last week and its necessary
components to record the testing session.

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Figure: Other views of our testing setup

Figure: View from the record video

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 Figure: 5 participants in First Usability Testing

3.1.3.2 Testing with aquarium store staff

Though testing the aquarium hobbyists is our focus goal, we have also conducted testing with
aquarium store staffs. The reason behind is that is is their expertise to consult, guide and
recommend customers to get their wanted things, especially when the aquarists want to setup
an aquarium.

We do not execute the same Usability Testing with them as we have done with the aquarists,
but strongly focus only on how well our flows and interactions of assisting beginners setting
up their new aquarium is doing, as well as the flows of diseases treatment for fish & plants. It
is good opportunities for us to explore new point of view and collect helpful insight for us to
make modifications for our app.

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 Figure: Usability Testing with staffs from KingAqua and SunAqua

3.1.3.3 Data Analysis

Transcript
During testing session, whereas the facilitator guides the participants through the scenarios,
the note-taker observes and as his/her name has said it all, write down important note about
the participants and their experience with the app. The tool we use is Google Docs.

Figure: Example of a transcript note on Google Docs

Click here to view original transcripts

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After we have done transcribed note from participants, we will move all the note to FigJam
and start brainstorming to define and catergorize issues/suggestions our participants have
made during the test.

Figure: We use Figjam as a brainstorming tool to identify and catergorize issues from participants

Click here to view the Figjam file

When everything is clear, we summarized our findings and testing criteria on Google Sheet to
have an overview look of how well our app have performed during the first test to impose
proper modification for better test the second time.

Figure: Example of data synthesize on Excel

Click here to view detailed data synthesize

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3.1.4 Testing results
The table below show how well our app have performed during in the initial test.
Scenario Success Rate* Time on CEQ* 6 UT Criteria* SUS Score
Task*

1 1.1 80% 01:31 4,8 4,1

1.2 100% 00:10 6,0 4,7

2 2.1 100% 00:12 6,0 4,8
2.2 5,2 2,9
3 20% 01:11 3,2 1,8
4 4.1 60% 01:05 5,4 3,8
4.2 100% 00:14 6,8 4,9
4.3 100% 00:55 6,8 4,9
5 6,4 4,3
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6 100% 00:46 6,2 4,2
7 7.1 100% 00:51 6,4 4,8
7.2 100% 01:33 6,6 4,6
7.3 100% 00:30 6,8 4,4
8 8.1 100% 00:20 6,2 4,2
8.2 100% 00:15 6,2 4,5
8.3 100% 00:41 6,6 4,2
8.4 6,6 4,8
*Average result

Click here to view detailed testing results

Five participants gave us thorough and comprehensive responses. We have categorized every
issues based on Heuristic Evaluation severity scale. These ratings are are a combination of
frequency, impact and persistent of the problem. Each heuristic evaluation criteria is scored
from the medium of the score per relevant screen on a scale of 0 to 4 as defined in the table
below.

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 Figure: Heuristic severity rating scale

The picture below shows how we rate our issues. As we only transcribe the issues of our app
in the first place, the scale of 0 is excluded from our severity rating and left only the other 4
scale.

Figure: Example of our severity rating file

Click here to view detailed issue list and their severity rated

Following is a list of various screens and flows that need editing with high priority (Severity
scale of 4 or 3):

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3.1.4.1 Find suitable aquarium layout based on provided needs

Users can not diffirentiate the meaning between “Tạo hồ sơ bể” and “Setup bể mới” so they
do not know what they should choose to proceed to the next step

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146
● The question “Bạn muốn đặt bể trong không gian như thế nào?” really confuses users.
They misunderstood the term “Không gian” as the enviroment instead of aquarium
size, which is what we actually want to ask them.
● In reality, the question is straight to the point: “What is the size of the aquarium you
want to setup?”

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3.1.4.2 Explore the suggested aquarium layout and edit items

The design of aquarium layout overview screen, especially the bottom red stroked area in the
photo contains the total price, as well as the price on every single item card resemblance
shopping checklist screens on the E-commerce platform such as Shopee, Lazada, etc. This
confuses users to think between 2 possible purposes of this overview screen:
1 - This screen is simply to suggest items presented in the aquarium layout
2 - They can order those items on this screen.

With the first way of thinking, they do not think these items can be edited

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Bearing the second way of thought in mind, the users want to edit the items list to cater their
needs. They try to tap on the item card, hoping to open the detailed screen and find the edit
button in it. However, we hide the edit function inside the “3 dots” button at the top right,
which is not familiar to users. As the result, the users find it extremely hard to edit the items.
(Picture below)

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The current steps of this flow are to view Animals => Plants => Devices => Layout material
=> Extra products => Bioproducts. These steps are wrong in both the placement of the steps
and the way we divide sub-items. In reality, the steps should be from the overall to specific
elements. The placement should be The tank itself => Layout => Plants => Devices =>
Extra products => Animals.

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3.1.4.3 Create shopping checklist

Users think they can already track the shopping checklist right on the overview screen. As a
result, they do not aware that they could create a shopping checklist from this screen

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In shopping checklist screen, though users want to edit the items, they can not do it because
the edit function is hidden deep inside the 3 dot button. That is not familiar to the user at all.
They are familiar with the concept that “Edit” button are placed on the most right of the title.

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3.1.4.4 Routine tasks

In routine task screen, when users want to see how to correctly carry out a task, they do not
know where to see that information. In fact, they can tap on the card to view the detailed
screen. However, it lacks visual cues to inform the users that they can open the detailed
screen that way. The users think when they tap on the card, it would only mark the checkbox

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3.1.4.5 Save and view treatment solution for fish & plants disease

● After successfully detect fish & plants disease, if users want to save the treatment
solution for later use, they have no idea whether it will be saved in “Chăm sóc -
Takecare” or “Chẩn đoán - Detect”.
● When we design the disease curing function, we put that function inside “Takecare”.
However, the mental model of users tells them to find anything related to disease in
Detect. As a result, they really confuse when they can not find that in Detect but in
Takecare instead

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After scanning fish & plants to detect disease, a history file of that scanning is created.
However, it is hard for users to find where that scanning history is saved because the
placement of that function on the top right corner is not familiar with them.

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3.1.4.6 Track the disease treatment process

The current routine for “Maintaining the aquarium” and “Curing the disease” are separated
into two different areas. To be more specific, if there are both maintaining and Curing tasks
today, they are not shown together on a single screen, but users have to view them in 2
separate areas. This is contradicted by users’ thoughts because they believe any task
presented today should be viewed in the same place regardless of Maintaining or Curing.

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3.1.4.7 Reschedule curing process

When user want to reschedule the treatment task into the future, they find it difficult to find
the reschedule function. This problem that the function is hidden deep inside the 3 dot button,
is similar to those problems we have mentioned above.

3.2 Building a second Information Architecture

3.2.1 New Sitemap

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 Click here to view detailed Screen map

3.2.2 New Information Architecture

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 Click here to view detailed Information architechture

3.3 Building the second Prototype

After the first test result, the team realized many points that needed to be corrected. As a
result, the team built the 2nd Prototype to prepare for the 2nd test.

Figure: 2nd Prototype

3.4 Second Usability Testing

3.4.1 Overview
For the second usability test, we have used our modified prototype and continue to gain
feedback and opinion from the same 4 aquarists we tested the first time and 1 new
participant. This time, our goal will be primarily how better how the app has become after
modification. The test was still approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes per participant and was
conducted online instead of in-person.

The plan still revolves around the previous functions of the app, which included:
● Aquarium setup guide
● Tracking routine task
● And a new function, which is create personal aquarium profile
●
Testing Format
- Qualitative: Aims to understand our users' motivations, thoughts, and attitudes.
- Moderated testing: Researchers will be present during testing
- Remoted testing

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Tools
- Google Meet
- Figma Present
- Open Broadcaster Software (OBS Studio)

Participants

User Name Age Time being an Participant from first

aquarium hobbyist usability testing?
1 Hoàng Thị Huyền 21 1 month Yes

2 Phạm Viết Tùng 22 1 year Yes

3 Nguyễn Mạnh Cường 25 2 years Yes

4 Hà Trung Kiên 27 9 months Yes

5 Đặng Duy Khang 23 3 years No

Testing duration
- Average of 1 hour and 30 minutes per participant
-
Criteria
(Same as First Usability Testing)

Prototype
In this second usability test, almost 200 screens were created:

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 Figure: Example of our prototype file

Click here to view the prototype

3.4.2 Testing scenarios

3.4.2.1 Stage of setting up an aquarium
SCENARIO 1 - LEARN ABOUT SUITABLE AQUARIUM LAYOUT BASED ON
YOUR NEED.

Sub-scenario 1.1

Context You are new to aquascaping and want to buy an aquarium to serve your
personal hobby. Your needs include:
● No desired aquarium image yet
● Square aquarium, size 30x30x30 (cm)
● The cost is 2,900,000 VND
● Have little time to take care of, need an easy-to-care, easy-to-
play aquarium
● Want to set up the aquarium yourself
● Like 2 styles Iwagumi and Biotop

Task With the above needs, please see which aquarium Layout the app will
suggest that are suitable for you?

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Sub-scenario 1.2

Context In the list of proposed aquarium Layout, you like the ‘Bể núi đôi’ the
most and want to learn more about that model.

Task Can you learn more about this aquarium model and share your
thoughts?

Sub-scenario 1.3

Context After reviewing the proposed aquarium layout, you like the ‘Bể núi đôi’
and the ‘Bể đồi ngang’ and want to save them for later viewing.

Task How can you save these two aquarium layout?

SCENARIO 2 - FIND SUITABLE AQUARIUM LAYOUT BASED ON YOUR NEEDS

Context After viewing and saving the two aquarium layout, you were busy and
exited the app. Later, you re-entered the app and wanted to continue
learning about the saved aquarium layout.

Task How can you find where you saved those aquarium layout?

SCENARIO 3 - CREATE AND EDIT shopping checklist

Sub-scenario 3.1

Context You really like the ‘Twin Mountain Aquarium’ model and want to set
up a similar aquarium.

Task How can you know what you need:

- Buy to set up an aquarium like the ‘Twin Mountain Aquarium’?
- How much will it cost to buy those items?
- Then create a shopping checklist to start shopping.

Sub-scenario 3.2

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Context When choosing items in the aquarium model, you don’t like the ‘Hồng
liễu đỏ’ plant and want to change it to the ‘Huyết tâm lan’ plant.

Task How can you change that plant?

SCENARIO 4 - EDIT shopping checklist

Context After creating the shopping checklist, you go to the store to buy items.
When buying plants, the store clerk informs you that they are out of
‘Huyết tâm lan’ and suggests that you switch to the ‘Rau má hương’
plant.

Task How can you add the ‘Rau má hương’ plant to your shopping checklist?

SCENARIO 5 - CREATE AN AQUARIUM PROFILE

Context You have an aquarium and want to create an aquarium profile so that
the app can suggest aquarium maintenance tasks.

Task How can you create your own aquarium profile?

3.4.2.2 Stage of cleaning & maintaining the health of the aquarium

SCENARIO 6 - RESCHEDULE TASKS

Sub-scenario 6.1

Context Today you have a schedule to take care of/clean the aquarium, but you
are on a business trip for 3 days and cannot do it.

Task How can you reschedule all of today’s tasks for the next 3 days?

Sub-scenario 6.2

Context Today you have a schedule to feed the fish, but you ran out of food and
can only buy more in 3 days.

Task How can you reschedule feeding the fish for the next 3 days?

3.4.2.3 Stage of dealing with arising issues

SCENARIO 7 - TREATMENT AND RESCHEDULING TREATMENT FOR FISH

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 Sub-scenario 7.1

Context You just entered the app and remembered that you had discovered a fish
disease the day before and saved a solution for easy viewing and
treatment later. You want to review that solution to start treating the
fish.

Task How can you find where you saved that solution and start the fish
treatment process?

Sub-scenario 7.2

Context You have a treatment schedule for today but something unexpected
came up and you can’t do it. You want to reschedule for the next day.

Task How can you reschedule for the next day?

3.4.3 Testing deployment

3.4.3.1 Testing with aquarium hobbyists
Here are the screenshot from our testing sessions with 5 participants

Figure: 5 participants in Second Usability Testing

3.4.3.2 Data Analysis

(Same processes as First Usability Testing)

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3.4.4 Testing results
The table below show how well our app have performed during in the initial test.
Scenario Success Time on CEQ* 6 UT SUS
Rate* Task* Criteria* Score

1 1.1 100% 01:29 6,8 4,9

1.2 100% 01:25 6,8 4,9

1.3 100% 00:09 7,0 5,0

2 100% 00:07 7,0 5,0
3 3.1 80% 01:07 6,2 4,4
3.2 100% 00:15 7,0 5,0
4 100% 00:28 6,8 4,9 92
5 100% 02:04 6,6 4,8
6 6.1 100% 00:51 6,2 4,4
6.2 100% 00:25 6,0 4,4
7 7.1 100% 00:33 6,8 4,9
7.2 100% 00:20 6,4 4,8
*Average result

Click here to view detailed testing result

Following is a list of various screens and flows that need editing with high priority:

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3.4.4.1 Notification icon number

Users wish to see notification icon number on the function icon if there is any new thing, so
that they would not miss important information.

166
3.4.4.2 Reschedule all daily task

Users find it hard to find where they can reschedule today’s tasks. They expect the reschedule
functions are shown clearly right on this screen. However, it is hidden inside the floating icon
ar the right bottom, which is not in their first thought.

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3.5 User Interface Design
3.5.1 Onboarding

3.5.2 Register

168
3.5.3 Providing needs to see suitable aquarium layout options

3.5.4 Using AR scan to visualize aquarium shape and

calculate volume

169
3.5.5 Suggested aquarium layouts

3.5.6 View layout detail

170
3.5.7 Save favourite layouts

3.5.8 Create shopping checklist

171
3.5.9 Change & delete items in Create shopping lists

3.5.10 Shopping checklist

172
3.5.11 Edit items in Shopping checklist

3.5.12 Aquarium setup tutorial

173
3.5.13 Create personal aquarium profile

174
3.5.14 Animals and plants detection by using AR scan

3.5.15 Personal aquarium profile

175
3.5.16 Light meter measurement

3.5.17 Home

176
3.5.18 Handbook

3.5.19 Routine tasks

177
3.5.20 Reschedule routine tasks

3.5.21 Connect with automatic water quality control device

with PublicAPI

178
3.5.22 Water quality control

179
3.5.23 Disease detection using image scanning technology

180
3.5.24 Detect disease through abnormal behavior

3.5.25 Disease diagnosis result

181
3.5.26 Ask aquarium store’s staff

182
3.5.27 Disease treatment routine task tracking

3.5.28 Reschedule treatment routine tasks

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3.5.29 Update fish & plants health condition

Report 4: Project Finalization

4.1 Heuristic Evaluation
After completing the wireframe build processes, we continued to refine based on feedback
and finalize the final UI design. However, making designs with colors and related images and
illustrations will have problems related to aesthetics and vision. We did an interface
evaluation called Heuristic Evaluation and interviewed 3 specialists:
● Number of participants: 3 people
● Job title: Senior/Junior UX/UI/Product Designer
● Test time: average of 1.5 hour/person
● Test method: Remote moderated testing
● Platform: Figma Prototype and Google Meet

Tester Name Job title

1 Trần Đan Thanh UX/UI Designer - BitScreener

2 Nguyễn Mạnh Cường UI Designer - FPT Software

3 Hà Trung Kiên Product Designer - FPT Software

184
Figure: General page of Heuristic Evaluation, including 10 heuristic criterias and 5-point severity
rating scale

Figure: Problem detail screen with its screen location, detail comments and severity scale rated

185
 Figure: 3 specialists in our Heuristic Evaluation sessions

What is rated as good What need more attention

● Clean and modern aesthetic ● Overall visuals need to be in higher
● Flexible, allowing users many contrast and contains warms colors
options not to be dull and cold
● Excellent tutorials and instructions ● Disclaimers at diseases curing
● UX writing are fine functions placement
● Clear user flow, even with non- ● Buttons and clickable cards need
aquarists more highlight
● User freedom at shopping checklist
● Need more illustrations in treatment
stage
● Spacing between cards and texts
Link: Heuristic Evaluation Result

4.2 Design Finalization

4.2.1 Branding
4.2.1.1 Brand Vision
HaFiTa was created to assist new aquarists in their aquarium maintenance. We want HaFiTa
to be a trustful and supportive companion for each person by advising them on suitable
aquarium styles that fit their need, recommending routine maintenance tasks, detecting
arising issues, and suggesting proper treatments. As a result, they would have an aquarium
that is always healthy and thriving.

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4.2.1.2 Brand Personality
● Brand identity: Sophistication, Sincerity
● Language: Informative, Friendly
● Tone-of-voice: Positive
● Characteristic: Caring, Supportive, Reliable

4.2.1.3 Moodboard
Of color choices, we take inspiration from real-life in-house aquariums' color variations and
moods. The prominent colors combinations are:
● Green to jade green for aquatics plants
● Blue for the water
● Yellow-orange to orange from aquatic animals

Regarding UI style, we tend towards those that have a realistic, clean, and mature design
style. Specifically, those are the ones that:
● Utilize many real images instead of mascots or cartoony illustrations
● Dark theme is preferable
● Glassmorphism inspired

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4.2.1.4 Logo
First, we defined some keywords relevant to aquarium hobby and our app’s name - HaFiTa:
- Fish
- Happy face/emotion
- Aquarium tank
Then, we started to sketch ideas on paper. Here are some of our initial ideas of the app logo:

188
Out of many ideas, we chose 4 of the most feasible ideas and developed them more:

Figure: 4 initial logo options

189
However, we realized all those 4 options does not match our app’s style and mood. It didn’t
have a clear meaning either. So we started sketching again and these are our later ideas:

After some drawings, we realized that we could combine the fish and hand symbol to form a
negative area with the shape of the heart. This idea matched our app’s name and vision, so we
decided to finalize this logo.

190
And these are our final results:
Logo & Grid & Meaning

191
Safe space & Logo on different backgrounds

192
4.2.2 Style Guideline
4.2.2.1 Color
4.2.2.1.1 Primary
Primary Color is the main action color across all products and experiences of the application.
Complementary colors are used for interactive elements such as: Button, Link, Tag, Tooltip,
etc. and points that require user attention.

193
4.2.2.1.2 Secondary
Primary Color is the primary action color across all app products and experiences. Additional
colors are used for interactive elements such as: Button, Link, Tag, Tooltip, ... and the points
that need user attention.

4.2.2.1.3 Neutrals
Gray is a neutral color and the foundation of the color system. It is used for text, borders,
dividers, forms, backgrounds, empty states, etc.

194
4.2.2.1.4 Semantic
Red: Emotion [Tension]: displays dangerous content.
Orange: Emotion [Careful]: displays warning content.
Green: Emotion [Positive]: displays successful content.
Blur: Emotion[Serenity]: displays reliability content

4.2.2.2 Typography
Official font for HaFiTa:

HaFiTa uses 4 font-weight for SF Pro Text

- Regular
- Medium
- Semibold
- Bold

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Application style: The content structure is hierarchically differentiated through differences in
font weight, font size, line height, and letter spacing. The font scale is divided into five
named roles to describe their purpose: Title, Heading, Body, Label, Caption.

4.2.2.3 Grid & Spacing

HaFiTa utilized the grid systems of Material Design guideline

196
4.2.2.4 Button
● 4 button types:
○ Primary
○ Secondary
○ Text
○ Icon
● 3 status:
○ Default
○ Pressed
○ Disable
● 3 sizes:
○ 48px
○ 40px
○ 36px

197
Button Components:

Button emphasis

Button size and spacing

Primary Button, Secondary Button, Icon Button have a minimum width of 128px or can be
adjusted depending on the text label.

198
4.2.2.5 Component
4.2.2.5.1 Icon

From Vuesax icons

199
Icons on Homescreen

4.2.2.5.2 Selection

200
4.2.2.5.3 Text Field & Area

201
4.2.2.5.4 Popup

4.2.2.5.5 Card info

202
4.2.2.5.6 Tooltip

203
4.2.2.5.7 Header

204
4.2.2.5.8 Navigationbar

205
4.2.2.5.9 Search Bar

4.2.2.5.10 Status

206
4.2.2.5.11 Bottom sheet

4.2.2.6 Illustration
The process of creating illustrations involves 3 main steps. First, we quickly sketch the draft
version on paper to define the visual we want to use.

207
Then, we refined the sketches and upload them to Adobe Illustrator. In there, we trace the
sketch with Pentool and refined the second time to form the digital version. Finally, we
transfer the outline version to Figma and add color to them.

208
Here are list of outline version illustrations:

Here are our final illustrations:

209
210
4.2.3 Final User Interface
Click here to view prototype for HaFiTa Application

4.2.3.1 Onboarding

211
4.2.3.2 Sign in/sign up

4.2.3.3 Providing needs to see suitable aquarium layouts

212
4.2.3.4 AR measure

213
4.2.3.5 Suggested aquarium layouts

214
4.2.3.6 Aquarium layout details

4.2.3.7 Save aquarium layouts

215
4.2.3.8 Create shopping checklist

4.2.3.9 Edit items in Create shopping checklist

216
4.2.3.10 Shopping checklist

4.2.3.11 Edit items in Shopping checklist

217
4.2.3.12 Aquarium setup tutorial

4.2.3.13 Create aquarium profile

218
4.2.3.14 Aquarium profile

219
4.2.3.15 Fish detection using AR scan

220
4.2.3.16 Light measure

221
4.2.3.17 Introduce new fish to tank instruction

222
4,2.3.18 Home & Side menu & Notification

223
4.2.3.19 Routine tasks

4.2.3.20 Edit routine tasks

224
4.2.3.21 Reschedule routine tasks

4.2.3.22 Water quality tracking (Automatic)

225
4,2.3.23 Water quality tracking (Manual)

226
4.2.3.24 Handbook

227
4.2.3.25 Diseases detection by abnormal appearance

228
4.2.3.26 Diseases detection by abnormal behavior

4.2.3.27 Contact aquarium stores

229
4.2.3.28 Disease diagnosis result

230
231
4.2.3.29 Disease treatment tasks

232
4.2.3.30 Reschedule disease treatment tasks

233
4.2.3.31 Recovery diary

234
4.2.3.32 Evaluate treatment effectiveness

235
236
4.2.3.33 Profile

237
4.2.3.34 Pop-up, warning & other

238
4.3. Simulation
Simulation for HaFiTa Application

Summary
What we have successfully achieve
We have created a product that aims to solve our users' problems in 3 stages: Explore and set
up new aquariums, Clean & maintain aquarium health, and Deal with arising issues. The
result is positive, with all the solutions reviewed as feasible and helpful by real users from the
2 Usability Testing sessions.

Our limitations
First, aquascaping is a niche topic, making it challenging to find interviewees. Additionally,
there is limited desk research material. Finally, the user segmentation we focus on research is
mainly in the 20s. All those three factors could lead to biased conclusions.

Project Potential
The team recognizes HaFiTa has development potential in the business aspect. First, HaFiTa
could collaborate with aquarium stores to offer in-app shopping services, such as buying
aquatics products or even pre-setup aquarium tanks. Secondly, HaFiTa could develop a
"Connect with expert" function. This function can allow users more options to address arising
problems. The experts can also gain access to potential customers.

239
Lessons learned
Continuous user research is crucial. In the beginning, the team conducted research and
interviewed nine users. However, there were still issues that needed to be fully understood. It
was only in subsequent interviews that the team discovered valuable insights to enhance the
product.

Interviewing multiple user groups with diverse perspectives is essential. Initially, the team
only interviewed newbie aquarists, leading to a biased view. Subsequently, by interviewing
aquascaping stores and experienced ones, the team gained different viewpoints and creative
ideas to address challenges better.

Last words, we hope that HaFiTa could someday be a released product and can be a helpful
companion that assist new aquarists in every stages of aquarium maintenance.

240
References
1. Diệp, T. Q. N., & Nguyễn, M. Đ. (n.d.). HIỆN TRẠNG NUÔI CÁ CẢNH GIẢI TRÍ
CỦA NGƯỜI DÂN THÀNH PHỐ HỒ CHÍ MINH: THE STATUS OF
ORNAMEMTAL FISH KEEPING IN HOCHIMINH CITY [Research Journal].
Nghiên Cứu Hội Thảo Của ĐH Nông Lâm TPHCM 2011, Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam.
2. Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4),
370–396. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0054346
3. Nurtured by nature. (n.d.). https://www.apa.org.
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
4. Farmer, G. (2020). Aquascaping: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planting, Styling, and
Maintaining Beautiful Aquariums. Skyhorse.
5. Gay, J. (2005). The Perfect Aquarium: The Complete Guide to Setting Up and
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