Pedro Pimentel

Google Summer of Code

I have some good news for today. I’ve got accepted to participate in Google Summer of Code. I know many of you didn’t knew i was applying, but i thought it could be better to stay quiet, as last year attempt wasn’t successful even with my proposal being well done and focused. It was a proposal do include social interaction in the Moodle software.

This year i applied to Christmas Future Organization and for those who wants to know about it here is how they described themselves on GSoC website:

“Christmas Future is an NGO using technology to help alleviate extreme poverty through integrated community development. Through our open source donation engine called DonorTrust, we connect donors with on-the-ground implementing partners to add transparency and feedback to the development process. DonorTrust helps people to see that their choices impact the world. Our technology also allows people to give what amounts to an online gift card, which recipients can use to support development projects. Because DonorTrust is open-source, the development of this engine will help many NGOs to more effectively raise money for their good causes. “

My project’s purpose is to make easier the donation process using the future versions of the DonorTrust system, using the best practices in the world of the HCI ( human computer interaction)

Initially, i plan a research about the existing share tools and gift-cards (like the ones found at facebook). The interface definition came after, because the user interaction with the system will be my main focus.

Its easy of use will ensure the best user experience, acting transparently. To achieve this, we need a clean interface and take care to not abuse of ajax interaction, ensuring a smooth interaction and with guarantee to run everywhere.

This was excerpted from my proposal’s abstract, but I thought it would be good to share it here. Now it’s time to community bonding with my organization and do some hands on with their software.

I’d like to thanks Google who is funding my participation and also James Lee from Christmas Future who is going to be my mentor during the project.

FISL 9.0 - random thoughts

After three days of intensive activities within FISL I finally got some rest. But i can complain about working that much because it was very worthwhile. It’s hard to know a better place to meet and chat with big guys like Fábio Akita, Chris Hoffman, Márcio Galli, Dennis Gilmore and Scott Ananian just to cite a few names. Besides just meetings, we’ve shared many ideas, did some ‘hacking’, knew new technologies and integrated communities. Read more »