My cohort and I were introduced to the project early on in the first week. With little idea of what to expect, I found myself imagining various scenarios regarding the project's nature, its level of difficulty, and the time required. Worrying about a project before knowing its specifics isn't the best approach. We soon learned that our task was to create an Architectural Diagram illustrating how data flows through an organization or industry. I felt a sense of relief when I discovered I could choose the topic for my presentation. I decided to focus on my favorite subject: Arsenal Football Club, a topic I’ve been passionate about for nearly two decades.
With my topic chosen, I realized there was still a lot to do and only about two and a half hours to complete it. I needed to act quickly. I began by planning my time, allocating specific periods for each part of the project. This approach helped me concentrate on different aspects at different times. I knew the diagram itself could be assembled relatively quickly, so I spent most of my time determining what to include.
I brainstormed all potential data inputs and the devices they might come from. Once I had a comprehensive list, I needed to understand how this data would move through the organization’s various steps. I initially assumed most data would flow directly into the AWS Cloud system via Wi-Fi, but I soon realized this assumption was incorrect. One key takeaway was the importance of thorough research to avoid guesswork.
I also needed to incorporate external data from other teams for a comparative analysis, but figuring out when this data would be available proved challenging. I knew most of it would be prepared data but was uncertain about its reliability. When in doubt, it’s best to consult a coach or another Data Schooler. After reaching out, I learned that including this step might be unnecessary as the data likely wouldn’t be deemed trustworthy.
As it turns out most of what I had suggested for what interesting ways to collect data already exist. Even tracking where the soccer ball is moving across the pitch. GPS tracking has also been invented to see where players are on the pitch and where they are moving. I created the architectural diagram and presented it to the coaches who provided excellent feedback and much to think about.