Proposal

Narrative

The Office for Undergraduate Research and Division of Research recognized that students have little ability to find research projects that are open to them to participate in or identify appropriate points of contacts or other details. Hence, our online tool, TeamSparX, was created that allows students to browse through research projects and indicate their interest in participating. What is currently missing in TeamSparX is a way for students to directly connect and chat with the project owner about the published research opportunities, without leaving the system, a need brought to our attention by our users. We are therefore proposing the development of a messaging module within the TeamSparX software that will allow students to directly and in real-time communicate with the faculty/researcher on specific projects before either commits to a collaboration. We believe that this extension will improve the usefulness and accessibility of projects and further the communication of students with project owners. Importantly, unlike other communication tools, of which there are many out there, this particular tool will be specific to and centered around research projects. We have attached the initial design of the messaging user experience to this proposal. As can be seen in the attached figure, a project owner will have the ability to exchange messages with project applicants, with access grouped by projects in the left menu panel. Both the applicant and the project owner will be able to exchange text messages, links and relevant files with notifications sent via text messages and email to corresponding parties. Approving or rejecting an applicant hence would be available directly from the chat interface. Messenger will be available both in mobile and desktop versions of TeamSparX platform. Finally, the project owner will be able to introduce assistants into each conversation, to delegate candidate review processes further.

Facilities

No renovations required. This is an upgrade to an existing software, TeamSparX.

Hardware Requirements

No hardware needed.

Software Requirements

Built out of an existing software tool, which will comply with the standards established by OIT. The current development group already works closely with OIT in the development and implementation of the existing tool.

Personnel Costs

Introduction of 1:1 chats into TeamSparX platform; ? Chats would be enabled on a project basis, between applicants and reviewers; ? Chats would incorporate text and email-based notifications; ? Chats would allow exchanging text messages, links and files (up to 20 MB each); ? The functionality would be adapted both for desktop and mobile devices. Initial design for the messenger functionality is provided together with this letter. Based on our review, we estimate this scope of work to take 7 weeks of full-time development by our regular team with our previously established hourly rate of $35/hour. In total, the scope should cost: 7 weeks x 40 hrs/week x $35/hour = $9,800. This work will be performed by the contractor (ByteOrchard) who has developed the original software.

Other Costs

N/A

Timeline

This project will be implemented within 7 weeks of start of availability of funds.

Sustainability

The Division of Research has financially supported the sustainability of the TeamSparX software and its kiosks, though limited resources require this proposal. Continued sustainability of the software through the Division of Research and the potential to license it to external entities for additional revenue creation will be pursued.

Resource Matching

Only internal resource matching through the Division of Research (please see previous tab).

Implementing Organization

Division of Research is the home of TeamSparX. Implementation will happen in collaboration with OIT and the contractor, ByteOrchard.