Stepping into the forefront of any discipline involves navigating the unknown. In my field, Computer Science, we continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible, often developing solutions to problems we never knew existed. My research project, centred on developing an allergen filter for online recipes, reflects one such endeavour.

Project Planning

Planning is vital in any research project. However, when researching a novel area, the plan needs to be particularly flexible. In such projects, the goals might be clear (for instance, a tool that can filter out allergens from online recipes), but the path to those goals can be full of unexpected challenges and opportunities.

For this reason, I’ll employ an agile project management approach. Agile is characterised by iterative cycles of development and feedback, enabling the project to adapt as we learn more about the problem space and possible solutions (Sutherland & Schwaber, 2017).

Research Evaluation

Evaluating research outcomes at the forefront of a discipline can be challenging, as there might not be established metrics or benchmarks. However, a few strategies can help:

User-centric Evaluation: In projects like mine, the ultimate measure of success is whether the tool helps its intended users. Thus, qualitative measures, like user feedback and usability testing, will be crucial (Nielsen, 1994).

Process-oriented Evaluation: When outcomes are uncertain, focusing on the research process becomes even more critical. Regularly reviewing the project’s progress against milestones, even if those milestones shift, can provide a sense of direction and measure of achievement.

Peer Feedback: Engaging with the wider research community, presenting interim findings at seminars or conferences, and actively seeking feedback can be invaluable for evaluating and guiding the project.

Risk Management

Projects at the forefront of a discipline carry inherent risks. To manage this, I’ll have a risk management plan, identifying potential challenges (like technical limitations or unanticipated user behaviours) and contingency plans for each.

Moreover, constant communication within the project team and with stakeholders will help identify risks early, so they can be mitigated before they become significant issues.

Venturing into the unknown might be daunting, but it’s also where the magic happens. With a flexible project plan, a user-centric and process-oriented evaluation approach, and proactive risk management, I’m confident I can navigate the uncertainties and contribute something meaningful to my field. After all, that’s what research is all about!

References

Sutherland, J., & Schwaber, K. (2017). A Guide to the Scrum Body of Knowledge (SBOK GUIDE). Scrum.org.

Nielsen, J. (1994) Usability engineering. [Updated ed.]. San Francisco, Calif.: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers.