Beta testing is a software development methodology where a group of users or testers tests a product, application, or service before it is released to the general public. The goal of beta testing is to identify and address any issues or bugs in the product and gather feedback from real users to improve the user experience.
Beta testing is typically conducted after the product has undergone alpha testing, an earlier stage of testing conducted by the development team, and typically focuses on internal testing and bug fixing. Once the product has undergone alpha testing, it is typically deemed stable enough to be released to a limited group of external users for beta testing.
Users are encouraged to use the product firsthand during beta testing and provide feedback on their experience. This feedback can include everything from general usability and user interface design to bugs and issues they encounter while using the product. The development team then uses this information to improve the product and ensure that it meets the needs of its intended users.
Following the successful completion of the alpha testing of MARVEL Technologies, the development team worked closely with the alpha test results to address any identified issues or bugs and make necessary improvements to the system in preparation for the beta testing phase. The beta testing of MARVEL Technologies was conducted at Saint Louis University, Baguio City; Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Office, Diliman Quezon City; University of the Philippines Diliman DMMME, Diliman Quezon City; Taganito Mining Corporation, Surigao del Norte; Saint Paul University, Surigao City; Apex Mining Company Incorporated (AMCI), Davao de Oro; and Mindanao State University, Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, started April 17, 2023, and concluded on April 28, 2023.
On April 17, 2023, the project team departed from Bancasi Airport at 06:45 AM and arrived at Manila International Airport at 08:25 AM. After breakfast, the team then traveled from Pasay City to Baguio City and arrived at 4:00 PM.
MARVEL Technologies Beta Testing at Saint Louis University, Baguio City.
On April 18, 2023, the MARVEL Technologies project team visited Saint Louis University (SLU) in Baguio City to conduct a beta testing of their (AR/VR) technology for the anatomy and stages of mine. The team was welcomed by Engr. Melissa May Boado, the Department Head of the Department of Chemical and Mining Engineering, facilitated the participation of BS Mining Engineering students and faculty members.
During the visit, the participants had the opportunity to use AR/VR technology to visualize and simulate mining processes, which gave them a better understanding of the concepts and procedures involved.
The feedback received from the participants was positive, with many highlighting the potential of the technology to enhance the learning experience. They found that AR/VR technology made learning more engaging, interactive, and immersive, allowing them to experience mining more realistically. The participants appreciated the opportunity to learn through hands-on experience.
Engr. Melissa May Boado expressed her gratitude towards the MARVEL Technologies project team for letting their students try the technology firsthand. She realized that AR/VR has limitless applications in education, not only in mining education but also in the chemical field. Following her speech, Dr. Jaymer Jayoma, the project leader of MARVEL Technologies, led the awarding ceremony and presented the certificate of appreciation to Engr. Melissa May Boado, on behalf of Saint Louis University, to recognize their valuable support for the successful beta testing of MARVEL Technologies. Afterward, all the participants from SLU and the MARVEL Tech team gathered for a photo opportunity.
MARVEL Technologies Beta Testing at Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office, Diliman, Quezon City.
On April 19, 2023, the project team conducted beta testing of MARVEL Technologies at Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office, Diliman, Quezon City. The team was received and welcomed by Engr. Apolinario J. Katipunan and MGB personnel from various departments.
While using the technology, MGB personnel expressed their appreciation for the technology and were even more excited about the project’s future. The team gathered feedback and insights from the MGB to ensure that the technology met their standards.
Engr. Gilbert Aquino, Supervising SRS of MGB, commended that MARVEL Technologies is more comprehensive than the same technology he experiences in Australia. He said that the project has great potential to ensure mine safety in mining operations. He enjoyed his experience and congratulated Caraga State University and the project team for initiating state-of-the-art technology in the country—additionally, Engr. Reshme Jay Gonzaga of the MGB-Central Office describes the technology as impressive and commendable.
After the testing, the MARVEL Technologies project team awarded MGB Central Office a certificate of appreciation and a token of recognition for their support. The beta testing was concluded with a small talk from Engr. Apolinario Katipunan. In his speech, expressed his gratitude for the team’s visit and pledged that MGB Central Office has their full support in achieving the deliverables of the project and being part of its future success.
MARVEL Technologies Beta Testing at University of The Philippine-Diliman Campus, Quezon City.
MARVEL Technologies conducted beta testing at the University of the Philippines, Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (DMMME), Diliman, Quezon City, on April 20, 2023. Engr. Christian Arranz, Program Coordinator of Mining Engineering, received the project team at the OSTREA Auditorium. After setting up the equipment, the team immediately commenced the program; the program started with a prayer followed by the welcome address from Engr. Arranz. Following that, Engr. Adrain Melana, a Project Staff of MARVEL Technologies, then gave an overview of the project.
The testing activity started with basic training on the functionalities of the VR Head gear. Students were provided a consent form that contained an agreement that they voluntarily participated in the beta testing activity. During the testing, the students were amazed by their experience; most had yet to be in the actual mining site due to the strict protocols brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. After each student completed the AR/VR for the anatomy and stages of mine, both surface and underground, comments and feedback were then gathered through the evaluation form.
After the successful testing activity, Students were asked to share their insights. Most comments received were to provide references of the definitions of terms, improve the textures of the objects to make them more realistic, simulation of the equipment, and the development of the multi-player system. Engr. Arranz was enthusiastic about how the technology will revolutionize the students’ learning experience and expressed his interest in having access to the technology as soon it is available.
The half-day beta testing activity concluded with a closing remark from Dr. Jaymer M. Jayoma. He thanked DMMME for the support and expressed interest in future collaboration and partnership with the University of the Philippines. A token and certificate of appreciation were then awarded to UPD-DMMME to recognize their participation in the successful beta testing of MARVEL Technologies. After the program in the OSTREA Auditorium, the team was guided by the DMMME faculty members to visit their facilities. The team also conducted a courtesy visit with Dr. Candy Mercado, Department Chair of DMMME. During the conversation, Dr. Mercado invited the project team to present MARVEL Technologies at MetCon 2023 on October 19-21, 2023, at Boracay.
Beta Testing of MARVEL Technologies at Taganito Mining Corporation, Surigao del Norte
The project team conducted beta testing of MARVEL Technologies at Taganito Mining Company (TMC) on April 24, 2023, at Claver, Surigao del Norte. Arriving at TMC, the team was directly sent to the clinic to undergo a temperature check and sign the health declaration form. Safety measures were taken seriously to ensure the well-being of everyone. After the necessary procedures, the team proceeded to the old conference room to prepare the equipment for the testing. Mining Engineers and Geologists from TMC were invited to test the technology.
During the testing, participants were provided basic training and assistance while trying out the AR/VR for the anatomy and stages of mine. The project team noted all of the comments and suggestions provided by the engineers to ensure that the technology met their standards. After completing the testing process, the participants proceeded to evaluation, where they provided valuable insights which will be the basis for the final enhancement of the developed system.
After the lunch break, the testing activity continues. The awarding ceremony follows after completing the beta testing. Engr. Vince Libao, the MEPEO Head of TMC, was present to receive the token and certificate of appreciation to recognize the invaluable support of the company in the successful conduct of beta testing. Following the awarding ceremony, the one-day beta testing activity concluded, and the project team and TMC personnel gathered for a photograph.
Beta Testing of MARVEL Technologies at Saint Paul University, Surigao City
On April 25, 2023, the project team visited Saint Paul University Surigao (SPUS) to conduct beta testing of MARVEL Technologies. The team was received by Mr. Ron Clark Oposa, College Secretary of SLU College of Engineering (COE), and the team was moved to St. Nicholas building for the testing venue.
Fourteen participants from BSEM faculty and students were present during the activity. The activity aimed to provide the attendees with a hands-on experience of using AR/VR technology to visualize and simulate mining processes, thus enhancing their understanding of the related concepts and procedures. The project overview was then provided by Engr. Melana to introduce the project to the participants.
The activity involved using AR/VR technology to simulate and visualize mining processes, allowing the participants to understand the concepts and procedures involved. The feedback received from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many acknowledging the potential of the technology in enhancing the learning experience. They noted that the technology made the learning process more interactive and engaging, providing a more immersive experience that allowed them to gain a more realistic understanding of mining.
The half-day activity concluded with a small talk from Engr. Kristine Georgia Po, Faculty Member of College of Engineering. She thanked the project team for choosing SPUS to be part of the testing process and allowing their students to experience the technology firsthand. The technology represents a step forward in mining education, and they are privileged to be part of the success. In her speech, she shared that the president of SPUS, Sr. Marie Rossane Mallillin, SPC, was excited about the developed technology since the safety of their students is their top priority.
Beta testing of MARVEL Technologies at Apex Mining Company Incorporated (AMCI), Davao de Oro.
On April 26, 2023, the project team conducted beta testing of MARVEL Technologies at Apex Mining Company Incorporated (AMCI) in Maco, Davao de Oro. Upon arrival at the mining site, the team was welcomed by Engr. who invited them to have breakfast at the mess hall. After breakfast, the team proceeded to the safety department for a safety orientation before heading to the conference room where the beta testing would take place. The team immediately set up all the equipment and began the testing with the three mining engineers present in the opening program. Over the course of the testing, additional engineers from the safety, planning, and environmental departments arrived to participate. The team provided training and assistance to all the engineers throughout the activity.
After completing the testing process, the project team and engineers from AMCI had a thorough discussion regarding the year two plan of the project. During the discussion, they also tackled drafting a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the project’s year two deliverables. After the discussion, Engr. Was invited to deliver a message sharing their insights about the developing technologies. Overall, AMCI provided positive feedback and pledged their support, working closely with the project team to ensure the project’s success. The closing program included an awarding ceremony where AMCI was given a token and a certificate of appreciation for their invaluable support for the successful beta testing.
MARVEL Technologies Beta Testing at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (IIT).
On April 28, 2023, the project team conducted beta testing of MARVEL Technologies at MSU-IIT, Iligan City. The team was received by Engr. Algen Secula, Faculty of DMRET who guide the team to the auditorium for the venue. The team was overwhelmed with the numbers of participants that filled the auditorium. More or less 200 students from mining engineering and senior high school of MSU-IIT were present to witness the event. During the testing, students got the opportunity to experience the virtual mine tour for the anatomy and stages of mines firsthand. Two projectors were also provided to allow students see what’s inside the VR head gear and they were amazed and amused with the technology.
Two students from mining engineering were invited to share their experience with the technology. Students were grateful for the opportunity since most of them have not yet been into the actual mining site. Overall, the project team was commended and received positive comments from the students. Dr. Leaniel Silva, the Program Chair of DMRET, graced the final event. He delivers his closing remarks thanking the MARVEL Technologies project team for the opportunity to be part of the testing of the developed technology. He pledged his support to the project in its future endeavors. The awarding ceremonies marked the conclusion of the program, a certificate of appreciation was given to MSU-IIT for its invaluable support for the success of the beta testing.
During beta testing, 92 participants from Mining Industry and Academic Institutions were surveyed. The team conducted beta test at Saint Louis University of Baguio, Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Office, University of the Philippines, Taganito Mining Corporation, Saint Paul University Surigao, Apex Mining Company Inc., and Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology. Based on the results, 8.43% out of 10 respondents were satisfied with the use of AR/VR stages of mines technology. Additionally, 8.70% out of 10, are more likely to recommend MARVEL Technologies. Overall, the respondents’ average rating falls between 8.71% to 10, which is considered satisfactory.