Project Development Issues 9-27-11

Time Management Issues

Working two part-time jobs while being a full-time student makes finding time to work on the Capstone a high-wire act. Using history as an example, if I don't give myself time during the week to relax, I run the risk of self-destructing. I'm not too worried about burning myself out as I'm enjoying the work so far and next semester, I will be working only one of the two jobs at the most.

Required Skills

• C# Programming - I'm comfortable with this as C# is syntactically similar to ActionScript and Javascript, languages that I'm more proficient with
• Usability Design - I have a general "eye" for this type of design, but I hope to have this augmented by getting Dr. Pfaff as a secondary mentor, if things work out
• Aesthetic Design - This is probably my weakest area, but I've conscripted some help from friends of mine on Twitter who are skilled in the type of design I'm looking to use for this program

Resources

• Kinect - already acquired prior to starting the project, but I may need to get two more to have high fidelty control on the side-screens of the cave
• Nyko Zoom for Kinect (wide angle lens) - Same as above except purchased recently
• Virtual Reality Theater access - This is for the screens as their size allows for a superior sense of immersion when compared to an arrangement of three standard-sized monitors or televisions.
• A laptop capable of running the final product - My current laptop may be capable of handling this, but I will likely be upgrading later this year
• Visual Studio 2010 - already acquired through DreamSpark

Budget

• Nyko Zoom - $30
• New laptop - between $1000 - $1500
• Potential new Kinects - $300 for two
• Potential new Zooms - $60 for two
• If I somehow end up with a surplus of time and money, I may look into porting the program to become a touch-based Windows 8 app, which would require either a tablet or laptop with a touchscreen. Tablets run between $500 and $1000, but that is a high-end, spit-and-polish "feature" and not something I'm planning for

Team Issues

The biggest team issue I see is going to be working with the Twitter friends to get UI designs. I have never been on a client-esque side of a project, and being friends with the people who I'm working with will either be an incredible boon or the bane of my existence, and it's early to the point I have no idea which way it will go. I don't have any concerns about the quality of their work, I just don't know how we will work through getting content to and from each other on a timely basis.