The all-class end-to-end project done in the final term of the BCIT Computer Systems Technology (CST) Diploma’s Technical Programming Option is an opportunity to bring together the many skills learned throughout the two-year program. But that doesn’t mean the learning stops.

This year, the class of 16 came together to create Claim Craft, an AI-powered web and mobile application designed to help automate the insurance adjusting claims process.

Prototype success

“Our team successfully developed a prototype, implementing 24 functional requirements,” reported Project Manager Alex Gabl-Beausejour at the term-end demo.

“We’ve managed to streamline the claim management process, integrated AI-driven reporting, and ensured seamless usability for both web and mobile platforms,” he explains.

“The AI component analyzes documents, policies, images, and claim information to generate detailed reports for adjusters, allowing them to focus on high-value activities rather than repetitive administrative tasks.”

The students conducted usability studies at different project phases, and thank the participants such as Jason Harris, Owner of All Perils Claims, and Lorraine Ferns, Senior Insurance Adjuster for KC Adjusting, who contributed valuable feedback during the project stages.

Heading into the workforce, the CST students identified some key takeaways in approaching a major project.

1.  Have clear documentation and create readable code

The class identified and divided this project into seven specialized teams: Front-End Web, Back-End, Mobile, AI and Prompt Engineering, Database, DevOps, and Usability to work separately on elements of the project which ultimately had to be integrated. They had the foresight to use scalable technologies and collaborated in development of modular and reusable code. But not all issues can be foreseen in a project of this scope, so they had to deal with integration and design challenges as they brought the parts together, which was helped by clear documentation and readable code.

2.  All technologies have constraints

In hindsight the group wished they’d approached some things differently, as technical constraints of underlying technologies can become clearer as a project moves along. They wished they’d started with a relational database instead of MongoDB. They also would have further investigated the potential downsides of the technological choices they were making early on, such as utilizing a fully Microsoft tech stack instead of a mixed stack comprising technologies the team was already familiar with.

3.  Good enough can be better than perfect

The user experience – UX/UI – team learned how to conduct usability studies, how to evaluate the user experience, and how to respond to user needs. They needed to understand not just the functional requirements, but also how insurance adjusters conduct business and how they would interact with the application, both in its more detailed web form and its streamlined mobile version for use in the field.

This kind of versatility is typical of those in computing careers, who thrive on adapting. Nonetheless, the team felt that more time for mobile testing was needed to improve UX/UI, and in the absence of time they had to accept that “good enough is better than perfect” when you need to get to a functional prototype.

4.  Communication builds success

“We employed Agile methodologies and iterative development cycles to try to ensure that all components were well-integrated and aligned,” explains Alex. Nonetheless, sub teams, including Front-End development and DevOps, reported miscommunications or communication hurdles, or evolving project plans which had to be relayed in a timely manner.

Their advice? “Don’t make assumptions! Make sure everyone is on the same page. Have weekly meetings, get on the same page from the start, keep everyone updated,” says Cadan Glass of the Front-End Web Team.

Next steps?

“There are approximately 355,600 insurance adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators, and the market has a strong demand for tools that streamline report writing and claim management,” says Alex.

“We think Claim Craft is a promising solution for enhancing productivity and some of us may pursue further development.”

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Photo: BCIT Computer Systems Technology Diploma Technical Programming Option 2024 grads with Technical Programming Option Head Mirela Gutica and Web & Mobile (.NET) Option Head Medhat Elmasry