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Project Name: the Marauder’s Map
Group
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Members
Michael Grinich <mg@mit.edu>
Jana Yamani <jhy@mit.edu>
Salman Ahmad <saahmad@mit.edu>
Problem Statement
Knowing where other people are at a given time is usually difficult if not impossible, and because of this people have adapted their lives around searching for that information. The most commonly sent text message reads, “Where are you?”
But real-time location information is extremely private data. All existing solutions to sharing location data are either too simple (resulting in sharing location with too many people for too long), or they are overly complex (to the point of discouraging use).
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In this specific scenario, the game setup requires the users to choose to share location information, and with whom, for how long, etc.
User Analysis
Identify the characteristics of your user population. If you have multiple user classes, describe each one.
While the application is intended to be used by a more general population, logistically speaking it will initially be targeted towards MIT students as they are an accessible user population. They are smart phone-wielding students who coordinate their social activities almost entirely via technology.
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- Age: 18-25
- Language: English (speaking and reading)
- Gender: N/A
- Education: N/A (although, typically college students)
- Computer / Technical capabilities: Fluent with new technologies. Heavy users of social media. Early technology adopters.
- Physical capabilities: Physically healthy and active.
- Motivations: Have fun with friends. Stay active.
- Work environment: Typically college students at MIT
- Domain requirements: Availability of a consistent network connection
Task Analysis
Determine the tasks of the problem you've chosen, analyze their characteristics, and answer the general questions about tasks we asked in lecture. Think about other questions you should ask that might be relevant to your particular domain. You should find and analyze at least 3 high-level tasks. If you can't find 3 interesting tasks, then your problem may be too small to serve as a good project, and you should rethink it.
Forming teams
- Why is the task being done?
- Forming teams is part of Capture the Flag game mechanics. It is necessary before a game can start.
- Where is the task performed?
- It varies. It can happen on location in the game field (like pickup sports games) or it can be arranged before hand. An MIT student that often plays pick up basketball games and ultimate Frisbee often said that he typically goes to games when he knows the other players that are there. Either they go together, or he is invited by another friend. Existing social networking solutions like Facebook and mailing lists are used to announce and organize events.
- What is the environment like?
- Again, it can vary. It could happen outdoors before a game or over a SMS conversation.
- How often is the task performed?
- Once per game. Generally forming teams is very quick relative to the duration of the actual game.
- What can go wrong?
- Users may not know their teammates or have difficulty remembering who is playing and what team they are on
- Some players may not show up or be late
- Who else is involved in the task?
- All of the other players
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