Project 83: Meaningful birth data and use history for data

Background and motivation
Like astrology tells about people and creates forecasts based on their birth data, there could be birth data for virtual objects like folders, photos, avatars and basically whatever which is created with computer. Virtual objects could also have their use history visible, just like physical world objects have.

All contextual data available could be collected in the moment when the virtual object is created, as well as later when the object is used (e.g. accessed). There are good or bad places, times, weather, and such for creating virtual objects.
    - For example the folder which was created by Madonna in Venice and used by herself every day for her lyrics writing notes would look much different than the one created by your grandmother and given to you, and you have been using it together with your family for your holiday photos.

We propose the development of system that enables to collect, store and represent the birth data and evolution of a virtual object:
- over time and use (who created, when, under which circumstances);
- who has used it (e.g. male, female, kids, adults);
- how much it has been used;
- such information affects the appearance of the virtual object already in the moment of creation, but also affects its usage later

Project goal
Develop a prototype system to capture creation and use history of virtual objects (like files), and a visualization for that
    - Create a set of visualizations and have the project customer approve one for implementation
Arrange a user study (target: 10 participants, duration 2 weeks)

Desired student skills/competencies/team size
Visualization skills and good programming skills are essential in the project team
Ability to arrange a user study
System testing skills

Development tools, environments and standards
Appropriate development environment of client application (mobile phone or PC)
Graphics creation tool
Deliverables and time period
Finalized concept, demo and user evaluation report by end of April 2010

Main contact person
Erika Reponen: erika.reponen(at)nokia.com

Please also inform Demola Staff when you contact the company contact person.