Kusot No More: An IoT-Based Flat-Iron Vending Machine for Student Convenience and Safety

This research presents a developmental-experimental study of Kusot No More, an IoT-based flat-iron vending machine designed to provide affordable and accessible ironing services for students in dormitories and shared living spaces. "Kusot," a Filipino/Cebuano term meaning "wrinkled" or "crumpled," reflects the system's purpose of addressing clothing maintenance challenges in student housing environments. The system integrates an ESP-32 microcontroller, MLX90614 infrared heat sensor, multi-coin acceptor, solid-state relay module, and LM2596 buck converter to automate flat-iron operation through a pay-per-use mechanism. A mobile application was developed using MIT App Inventor to display fabric type selection, real-time temperature monitoring, and remaining usage time, enabling users to make informed decisions about proper garment care. The hardware and software components were integrated following the Agile Development Model across five two-week sprints, addressing compatibility, safety features, and user interface requirements. The prototype was evaluated comprehensively by IT experts using the ISO/IEC 25010 Software Quality Model across four dimensions: Functional Suitability, Performance Efficiency, Compatibility, and Reliability. End-users were surveyed using the standardized USE questionnaire to assess Usefulness, Ease of Use, Ease of Learning, and Satisfaction. Results indicated an overall functionality rating of 4.73 (Moderately Functional), with the system scoring 4.75 in software quality characteristics and 4.84 in usability metrics. The exceptional Ease of Learning score of 5.00 demonstrates effective user interface design. The system demonstrated cost efficiency with total development cost of PHP 11,450 and projected cost recovery within 6-12 months of operation. This study demonstrates how IoT technology can solve everyday practical problems while promoting convenience, safety, and improved garment care for students in institutional settings.