Process

Embarking on a ThinkQuest project is a quest that is not only harrowing but also enjoyable. Along the way, our team has learned much about the frontiers of information technology and its aid in furthering research and humankind’s thirst for knowledge. In fact, our topic of study is closely related to the expanding field of computer software. Instant Messaging is heralded as an effective and convenient means of communication through the Internet.

Consolidating our gathered knowledge into a website, however, is a truly different experience. Besides familiarising ourselves with the intricacies of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), we also had to understand the fundamentals, basics and requirements of an online site, and how to cater to our target audience.

We first started by drafting a proposal that would form the basis of our directed research. From that, we specified our research boundaries and proceeded to gather data from a diversified range of sources, such as the Internet, the library, paper and e-surveys and interviews. This was the infancy of our website.

After whittling down a myriad of data to a well-presented research piece, the challenge was to visualise our website, plan for every detail meticulously and code in accordance to our design. This was a painstaking process as time was needed to check for browser compatibility. Ensuring that the site content would appear flawless was no mean feat. Furthermore, we prepared little extras to serve as a takeaway for our site visitors.

The completion of our website does not herald the end of this spectacular journey. We had to review and make last-minute adjustments to our website before our deadline to correct any factual hiccups or errors in the code. We were exhilarated when the fruits of our labour were screened and accepted by our teacher mentor.

All in all, the process of creating this site from start to finish was one that could never be substituted by traditional research work. By taking ourselves through the actual process in creating a website to showcase our research, we have not only learnt more about the potential of web design and its significance to information technology, we have also learnt to function as a cohesive research team and unearth more knowledge about Instant Messaging.

In the process of completing this project, we have also done many unusual things to relieve stress, such as taking pictures or screenshots of things we have typed, and three such pictures are shown below:

©The Probl(IM)s Group 2008