This document describes the capstone semester project for the course. Students should work on a project in teams of 2, 3 or 4 people. Expectations will be adjusted according to group size.

The idea of the project is to take the knowledge and background that you are learning this semester about Information Visualization and put it to good use in a new, creative effort. One option is to identify a specific domain or area with open problems, tasks, issues, etc., then design and implement an information visualization or visualizations that will assist. I expect most groups to follow this theme. We'll discuss some possible topics in class. An alternative project idea is to develop a new, more general information visualization technique or interaction methodology. Other projects topics are possible too, such as conducting a thorough evaluation of some information visualizations. Remember: stay problem driven. Find an area that needs visualization to assist people in a set of tasks, then work from there. Don't develop some visualization then search for a use for it.

No matter what topic you choose, I am expecting a high-quality project. In particular, I'm seeking creative projects in new areas. Ideally, I would like your efforts to be innovative and to result in some form of potential publication.

You will have four main milestones or deliverables. First, you must settle on a topic. Second, we will hold a poster session roughly halfway through the term in which you will present initial efforts. Third, you will make a final presentation about your project, and finally you will create a project write-up or article. Your project presentation should be professional and well prepared, and your final report should be of conference submission quality.

Important Milestones: