Project Proposal
This is a component of the Project assignment. Be sure you have reviewed that larger context.
Your proposal will define your initial plan for this project. You can and should revise your plan based on feedback, progress, and findings. The proposal therefore needs to demonstrate a robust initial plan for your project, but your project is expected to evolve as appropriate and necessary.
You are welcome and even encouraged to align your project with research goals outside this course. However, it is critical to define what you will specifically accomplish in the course project. The course project must stand on its own, even if drawn from a larger research context.
Proposals consist of a short document, prepared with feedback prior to the due date.
Document
Within the provided document, using the provided template, prepare a proposal addressing the following points:
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Abstract:
Summarize the proposal using up to 150 words.
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Problem Statement:
What makes the project interesting? What is the problem or research question?
What is the challenge you want to address, the capability you want to enable, or the question you want to explore?
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Background and Related Work:
What existing understanding of the problem have you developed?
For a proposal focused on an empirical study, this could cover the most important related work that sets a context for the question you want to explore. For example, this might summarize the most relevant related work and highlight what questions remain important to explore.
For a proposal focused on artifact design or development, this could introduce what you intend to develop and why this requires or could enable research. For example, this might introduce a need, existing solutions, why they fall short, an insight that suggests a potential opportunity.
For a proposal based within a larger project outside the context of this course, this will also provide key context regarding that outside project.
In all cases, ensure your proposed activities are informed by prior research.
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Proposed Milestones:
What milestones will the group plan to accomplish?
There are two milestone reports in the quarter. These are opportunities for feedback and guidance. Explain what your group will plan to accomplish by each milestone. You will be asked to revisit these plans during those milestone reports.
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Scope, Limitations, and Contingencies:
What might the group explicitly decide to omit, and how will you ensure a successful project?
Progress requires focus, as you cannot accomplish everything. Explain what aspects of the project you might choose to defer in this course project. This is your opportunity to scope the project appropriately for this course.
Identify potential major barriers to accomplishing your proposed work in the timeline of the course and your plans for a successful project if those potential barriers undermine your current plans. Proposals are effectively a contract on what you aim to accomplish, but they are also an opportunity for feedback. Be appropriately candid and thoughtful so as to receive maximum benefit from feedback.
Format
Proposals should be 2 pages, using the same format as the provided template (i.e., an 11-point Arial format).
The page limit does not apply to figures or images. To ensure the text of your proposal remains within the page limit, place all figures or images after the 2 pages of proposal text (e.g., referencing them from text as "Figure 1").
The page limit does not apply to references, which may be an additional page.
Preparation and Early Feedback
Prepare your proposal in this shared document:
Link TBD.
The use of a shared document for proposal preparation is intended to support both early feedback (e.g., because staff can see and comment on in-progress drafts) and group formation (e.g., because students can use the space to explore possible groups and projects). Feel free to use comments to tag staff and classmates with questions.
We have also dedicated time for in-class office hours around proposal preparation and review. Proposals that are already well-developed will receive maximum benefit from feedback in this time.
Project Ideas
Projects can take many forms. For example, you might choose to:
- Design and implement a new piece of HCI technology.
- Design and execute a study with HCI research implications.
- Perform a feasibility analysis or pilot study to inform future research plans.
- Replicate an existing study or technology to gain experience or enable future research.
- Execute a design or development effort in the context of an established research project.
You are welcome and even encouraged to align your project with research goals outside this course. This can be helpful in providing background to help motivate a proposal.
Some sample project ideas will be made available here:
https://canvas.uw.edu/courses/1881189/discussion_topics/10393806
Samples
Sample project proposals from prior offerings have been made available here:
https://canvas.uw.edu/courses/1881189/files/folder/project_samples
Note that prior proposals may have been based on different format guidance (e.g., sometimes lacked an expected structure, sometimes had a different page count, sometimes paired with in-class presentations). Be sure to engage with the guidance on desired proposal format and process in this offering.
Submission
Due: Sunday, April 19, 8:00pm.
Submit your proposal document in PDF format: