This is a project-based course, which means that a substantial portion of your grade will be derived from a large semester project. This assignment is the first step in preparing for that large project. You are to develop a project proposal that could be worked on by 3 to 4 people over the course of the semester.
In two weeks, we'll form teams of 3 to 4 people to work on a few of the projects proposed by you and your classmates. However, the first step toward our semester project is to identify potential problems to work on. Your proposal should meet all of the requirements listed below.
You are each expected to submit your own individual proposal. At least 24 hours before class on the due date, post your proposal to Piazza for the class to review. You'll also need to present your ideas to your classmates. We'll form teams after those presentations, which will allow you to choose a project you are excited about tackling.
Please note that this process means that not all proposals will be selected. However, the selection (or not) of your proposal does not impact your grade in any way. Your grade will not be helped (nor hurt) by having your proposal selected (or passed over) when teams are formed.
Your proposed project must describe an (1) interactive visualization of a (2) sufficiently complex data set to (3) solve a problem or answer a question. The project must make use of at least basic (4) statistical methods and include at least some derived values that are computed from the raw, original data. You must also develop some of your own software. (6) You cannot simply apply an existing software package without modification or extension.
Other than that, you are free to propose any sort of project you wish. Choose a topic that interests you, look for some data, and think about what you would find fun to visually analyze! Having trouble thinking of a topic? Look at the green box below for some suggestions.
To summarize, the minimum requirements are as follows:
Need some ideas? Ask around to see who has data and with unanswered questions. It could be data from a research project, or a local non-profit, or a campus organization. Can't find a 'real' problem? Take a look at this list of open and free datasets that are easily available for download on the web.
I usually have one or two "real" projects to suggest for those that are stuck. However, don't wait until the last minute to talk with me or you may run out of time!Your proposal should be about 1 page in length. Under no circumstances should you have more more than 2 pages.
Your proposal document should follow the IEEE TVCG Formatting Guidelines. The same format will be used for your final paper. They have a template for Microsoft Word linked from the top of that page. Or you can get the Microsoft Word template directly via this link.
The structure of your proposal is up to you. However, at a minimum it should have the following:
Remember the page limit! Your proposal should only be 1 or 2 pages long. Don't write too much at this stage. If your proposal is chosen by one of our project teams, your plans will surely change as you learn more about the problem.
In addition to your written proposal, you'll need to give an "Elevator Pitch" in class on the due date. You'll have a maximum of 2 minutes to tell the class all about your proposal: What is the main idea? What data do you have? Why is it fun and exciting? How will it change the world?
Two minutes isn't much time. You can just get up and talk. Or you can use slides, web pages, a video... whatever support material you wish to employ. But you only have 2 minutes to make your pitch. Plan how you will spend your time! Your elevator pitch will contribute to your grade for this assignment.
Once everyone in the class has had a chance to present, we'll spend the rest of the class period choosing proposals, forming groups, and having our first team meetings.