Download pdf - Open Wonderland: A Tool for Collaborative Software Development

A Tool forCollaborative Software Development

Nicole YankelovichOpen Wonderland FoundationWonderBuilders, [email protected]

2Copyright 2013, Open Wonderland Foundation

What is Open Wonderland (OWL)?100% Java, free, open-source toolkit for

creating 3D immersive virtual worlds


Build Worlds for...

Collaboration with Live DocsCollaboration with Live Docs

3D Data Visualization and Analysis3D Data Visualization and Analysis

SimulationSimulation

Mixed-Reality InteractionsMixed-Reality Interactions

Integrating with Real WorldIntegrating with Real World


Education and TrainingEducation and Training


Modules for Extensibility

• Modules akin to “plug-ins” for addingapps and other functionality to OWL

• Mechanism for packaging & sharing OWL extensions written in Java> Can contain code, artwork, audio,

scripts, web management and web services> Also world configurations for sharing whole worlds> Deliver art assets via embedded HTTP server> Packaged as archive (jar) files

• Modules can depend on other modules

ModuleModule

CodeArtworkScripts

Assembled worldsOther resources


Modules can add Apps

• Multi-user, interactive 2D apps

• Interactive 3D apps

Mic Twitter Feed PortalAudio Recorder

Whiteboard Screen SharerFirefox Webcam Viewer

2D + 3D Combined

Comp Sci Lesson


Modules can add Capabilities

• Capabilities are functionality that can be applied to any in-world object

• Each can optionally include a property sheet


Capability Examples• Audio: Add recorded audio or audio stream

• Container: Group objects; inherit properties

• Portal: Teleport to new location

• EZScript: Add scripting to any object

2


Modules can add Menu items

• New functionality appears in menu hierarchy


Wonderland Module Warehouse

• Browseapps &features

• Share• Comment• Rate


Web-based Admin Console

• Add / remove modules from web UI


Case Studies, Activities, and Tools

• Look at two case studies of OWL use for collaborative software development> Subsnapshots Project

• Export objects> Postcards Code-a-thon

• In-world screenshots

• Used a wide range of collaboration tools to support full range of software development activities> Planning, coding, debugging, testing, documenting, ...


Case Study – “Subsnapshot” Project

• Collaborative module development project

• Any developer in the opensource community wasinvited to participate in liveweekly meetings

• All meetings held in OWL• Main purpose

> Help educate developers so more could contribute to project, help fix bugs, and add new features


SubSnapshot Sessions• Logistics

> All participants remote> 2-3 times per month; 1 hour> Averages 8-12 participants> September 2010 – May 2011

• Learning Community> No formal instructor> OWL architect defacto leader> Participants take turns driving> Focus on understanding, good

coding practices, not speed


Case Study - “Postcard” Code-a-thon

• Intensive three-day event to create a module• Participants came from US, Canada, and several

European countries• Run by a small organizing committee


Postcards

• New feature that allowsvirtual world users totake and send pictures.

• Uses a virtual camera to set up shot; simple UI to compose a message and specify how to share

• Differences:> Intensive sessions> Involved more UI design> Non-developers involved


Project Space Setup


Activities & Tools• Before/between sessions

> Live in-world planning mtgs.> Asynchronous collaboration

• Google Wave, GoogleDrive, OWL Forum, Facebook

> Setting up the environment> Installing new code on

community server> Testing

• During the live sessions> Synchronous collaboration with high fidelity audio> Suite of collaboration tools support variety of activities


Activity: BrainstormingTool: Drag-and-drop Images


Activity: Organizing / User StoriesTool: Card Wall


Activity: Planning & DesignTool: Multi-user Whiteboard


Activity: Planning Poker & VotingTool: Voting Tool


Activity: Consulting the WebTool: Firefox


Activity: Collaborative CodingTool: NetBeans


Activity: Collaborative DebuggingTool: Shared Terminal


Activity: Note TakingTool: Sticky Notes


Activity: Doc & Desktop SharingTools: DropBox, VNC Viewer


Activity: DocumentationTools: PDF Viewer / Google Drive


Activity: Unit TestingTools: NetBeans, Image Viewer


Activity: Testing the CodeTool: SubSnapshot Module


Activity: Testing on Remote ServerTools: VNC, Screen Sharer


Activity: Documenting the ProjectTools: Facebook, Screen Sharer


Lessons Learned

• Benefits:> Real work accomplished in

the virtual world> Multiple simultaneous activities> Participants highly engaged> Strong relationships developed> Agile techniques worked

remotely

• Challenges:> Time zones> Doing sufficient pre-work to set up the necessary tools


For More Information• WonderBuilders

> http://WonderBuilders.com> Custom worlds, consulting

• Open Wonderland> http://OpenWonderland.org

• WonderBlog> http://blogs.openwonderland.org

• Facebook> http://facebook.com/openwonderland

• Twitter> http://twitter.com/openwonderland> use hashtag: #openwonderland

[email protected]

http://WonderBuilders.com/

http://blogs.openwonderland.org/

http://facebook.com/openwonderland

http://twitter.com/openwonderland