This week I’ve started a new module, DM7917 Emerging Media Student Directed Project, which I’ll be using as an opportunity to improve my project management skills.
Over the next ~15 weeks, I’ll be producing a working proof-of-concept for a mobile app. The app will be designed to assist students at the University of Winchester to work safely in their TV Studios; it will feature reminders of TV Studio rules as well as health and safety prompts, culminating in a digital assessment experience, much akin to the Hazard Perception tests that learner drivers undertake.
Timekeeping for my previous two modules had been planned and managed on an Gantt chart, however this presented challenges when particular tasks overran, or when new tasks needed to be introduced. Any changes would result in a need to readdress the timing for every future task. On both occasions, this has caused the latter stages of my projects to feel like a mad rush to the finish!
This time around, my initial plans will still be made using a Gantt chart. However, at that point onwards I will be using Trello and an Agile workflow to monitor my progression across each task. A few relevant positives of using an Agile workflow on Trello are:
- An agile workflow permits me to move tasks back and forth across the workflow as they progress, stall, or need another iteration. Whereas a line model (such as a Gantt chart) would need constant revisions, which is inefficient to revise repetitively
- All collaborators with a Trello account can view and adjust their responsibilities as I do. They do not need to ask me to make adjustments on their part
- Collaborators can also see the state of the project; they can see my progression, all collaborators’ progression, and the holistic project progress
- Tasks responsibility can be passed between collaborators and myself
- I already have some working knowledge with Trello, so I know how to use its collaborative functionality and ‘power-ups’, such as labels, deadline dates, checklists etc
In the coming weeks I hope to identify some collaboration opportunities as the project progresses, and test out the benefits of an Agile workflow. I will also post some images below of my Gantt chart and Agile workflow.